701 Rundown: April 15, 2024

Here’s your weekly rundown of some of the most interesting headlines from newspapers across North Dakota.

Three rural residents injured in railroad crossing crash

Three rural Cass County residents were injured in a two vehicle crash on March 20.

The crash occurred at approximately 9:35 a.m., when a BNSF Ford 250 High Rail pickup was westbound traveling on the BNSF mail line track.

The vehicle entered the crossing on the railroad tracks and collided with a southbound 2017 GMC Acadia, driven by 72-year-old Patty Hoag, of Hunter, N.D.

The BNSF vehicle struck the driver’s side of Hoag’s vehicle.

According to a N.D. Highway Patrol report, the stop arms and lights at the crossing were not deployed. Typically, BNSF high rail vehicles do not trigger the automatic deployment traffic safety systems.

Hoag, along with two passengers and the driver of the BNSF vehicle, were all transported to the Sanford Hospital in Fargo with minor injuries.

(Story by Angela Kolden, Cass County Reporter)

Two men charged for making threats in terrorizing

A pair of allegedly unruly customers were charged with terrorizing Carrington businesses in March.

Most recently, a man from Tuttle, N.D. was charged with Class C felony terrorizing after threatening to kill a Runnings employee on Tuesday, March 26.

Court documents say the heated exchange occurred over the phone when an employee from the Runnings in Carrington called Walter Albert Leno to inform him that a box of ammunition he’d special ordered was at the store.

Upon picking up the phone, court documents say Leno answered immediately with a profanity-laced attack and a threat to shoot the employee in the head.

The employee then stated who they were and that they’re with Runnings, and informed him of the ammunition. But court documents say the employee was again berated and had their life threatened.

Carrington police were called, who later coordinated with the Kidder County Sheriff’s Office to have Leno arrested and booked into the Stutsman County Correctional Center for terrorizing.

Meanwhile, another court appearance will take place on Tuesday, April 9 for a second individual charged with terrorizing last month.

Hunter Waylon Shortbear of Carrington was charged with terrorizing and aggravated assault, both Class C felonies, as well as refusal to halt, a Class B misdemeanor, for an incident that occurred at the Chieftain hotel in Carrington on March 1.

According to court documents, police were called in the early morning hours of that day after Shortbear had allegedly brandished a hunting-style knife and made threats towards staff and patrons of the Chieftain hotel.

Court documents say one individual reported that Shortbear had held a knife to their throat, while another person said they were attacked.

Shortbear was arrested and later released after posting $750 bail. His initial appearance is scheduled for April 9.

Both Leno and Shortbear are considered innocent unless proven guilty.

(Story by Nathan Price, The Foster County Independent)

Setbacks at state hospital delay murder case

A status conference was held in late March for the case of North Dakota vs. Scott Beane.

Beane was charged with the murder of his partially-paralyzed mother, Lois Beane, on Nov. 16, 2023, after he allegedly set a fire in his mother’s home and allowed her to burn to death by barricading her escape.

During his preliminary hearing on Jan. 4, 2024, The McKenzie County State’s Attorney, Ty Skarda, moved for an order directing the completion of evaluation regarding the defendant’s mental fitness to proceed.

The presiding judge, Judge El-Dweek, ordered the commitment of Beane to the North Dakota State Hospital in order to complete a competency evaluation to stand trial, as well as a criminal responsibility evaluation.

On Jan. 22, 2024, Beane was assigned counsel to represent him by the court.

At the status conference held on Thursday, March 28, Beane’s attorney, Stormy Vickers, stated, “all of the discovery was transferred to the state hospital on March 8.”

Vickers indicated that a representative from the state hospital would reach out for scheduling. He also stated that the hospital is “delayed.” However, he had not heard back on the matter.

A new status conference date was set for May 10, 2024.

(Story by Patrice Bumstead, The McKenzie County Farmer)

Crosby, Lignite grocery stores close indefinitely

Both the Crosby and Lignite location of Jason’s Super Foods have closed indefinitely as of Thursday, following several months of low inventory and meager supply deliveries.

The Crosby location announced its closure via its Facebook page.

Store manager Devin Lindsey said in a message to The Journal that low sales numbers “made it difficult to remain open.”

“I am hopeful a solution will be made in the near future but am uncertain to an exact timeline,” he said. “I want to thank the community for all of the support that they have given myself and the employees during this challenging time.”

Kat Neubauer, manager of the Lignite location, mentioned that store’s closing on Facebook as well.

Several businesses around Crosby, including those that have been supplying produce in the wake of the inventory shortage, are expecting to feel the impact of the closures.

Josh Bummer, owner of The Depot, said his business will continue to supply products to help cover for the shortage.

“We’ll continue to try and fill the void,” he said. “We’ve been getting some produce and breads and stuff, and we’ll keep trying to do that.”

(Story by Jordan Rusche and Jody Michael, The Journal)