701 Rundown: December 23, 2024

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

Avian flu present in Bottineau County

The N.D. Department of Agriculture (NDDA) has received confirmation from the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa, that the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is present in Bottineau County.

A press release from the NDDA stated that Bottineau was one of three counties confirmed to have HPAI – otherwise known as bird flu – along with McHenry County and Ransom County.

Bottineau County had confirmation through a backyard mixed flock, while McHenry got confirmation through a backyard chicken flock and Ransom County through a commercial turkey flock.

“The State Board of Animal Health and the North Dakota Department of Agriculture are working closely with the USDA-APHIS, other state agencies and local officials in the response,” stated the NDDA’s press release.

"All required premises have been quarantined and flocks have been depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease.”

The press release added that the detection triggers the suspension of any commingling poultry and bird events in the three counties and birds from those counties.

“If no new cases emerge in 30 days, the suspension will be automatically lifted for the counties,” states the press release. “There is no immediate public health concern due to this finding.

“The risk to people from HPAI is low despite the disease often being fatal for birds. No human infection with these viruses have been detected in the U.S.”

(Story by Scott Wagar, Bottineau Courant)

Gettin’ Sauced on 281 opens

Gettin’ Sauced BBQ and Catering, known for their delectable food truck offerings at events throughout North Dakota, now has prime real estate at what was the 281 Stop in Pingree.

After two years of existence operating in the catering world, co-owners Dustin Mittleider of Pingree and Kevin Wolsky of Carrington bought the building and its contents from previous owners Joe and Deana Uehran in August.

The result is Gettin’ Sauced on 281, the permanent location version of the eclectic barbecue menu that local customers have come to know and love.

Gettin’ Sauced’s bar and restaurant opened for business in late November, and Mittleider says that early customer enthusiasm has been strong for the return of Pingree’s local hangout spot.

“Community-wise, people are super excited to have it back,” he said. “Some of the comments I’ve seen are that it’s a breath of fresh air, that it has a nice, uplifting vibe.”

Mittleider’s expanded interest in cooking, he says, came relatively late in the last few years, and the emergence of Gettin’ Sauced’s catering reputation has allowed the business to build a loyal base since its inception in 2022.

“I cooked my first rack of ribs seven years ago,” said Mittleider. “Some of what you do is more of an art than anything, and good food just makes people happy. You’re not grumpy with a full belly.”

Wolsky also mentioned that the business plans to install fuel pumps at the location next year, which could also be an economic boon to Pingree as well.

To follow Gettin’ Sauced BBQ and Catering, visit them on Facebook. For more information, e-mail them at [email protected] or call (701) 952-0408.

(Story by Erik Gjovik, The Foster County Independent)

Drugstore thief to serve 5 years

The man accused in the 2023 theft of money and narcotics from Crosby Drug has now pleaded guilty to two of three charges and will serve five years in prison.

James McClintock, 70, who originally pleaded not guilty back in March, entered a change of plea on Friday, Dec. 6 before District Court Judge Daniel El-Dweek at the Divide County Courthouse in Crosby.

The change of plea was part of an agreement made with Divide County State’s Attorney Seymour Jordan, in which McClintock pleaded guilty to a Class B felony count of theft and a Class C felony count of burglary.

A third charge, a Class B misdemeanor for criminal mischief, was dismissed.

El-Dweek agreed to issue concurrent sentences to McClintock of 10 years with five years suspended for the theft charge and five years suspended for the burglary charge, plus $525 in mandatory court fees.

Also as part of the agreement, the judge gave McClintock credit for 333 days already served and an additional 56 days suspended for good conduct.

Jordan said approximately $20,387 worth of narcotics was taken in the burglary last November.

(Story by Jody Michael, The Journal, Crosby)

Grafton Fire Dept. called to rural house fire

A morning fire in northeast Walsh County has left the Sean and Amber Osowski family without a home this Christmas and for the foreseeable future.

According to Grafton Fire Chief Ken Popiel, the department was called out to the house fire at around 9:45 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 6.

The Osowskis and their three children – none of whom were home at the time – live approximately 10 miles east of Grafton and then a ways north. Popiel said it was about a mile south of the Drayton Fire District.

He also said the family is lucky that there is a house standing at all.

“Apparently the rural mail carrier was delivering a package and saw smoke in the house,” Popiel said.

According to Osowski the house can’t be seen from the mailbox but the carrier had a couple of packages to drop off at the house this time.

Popiel said it appeared the fire started as a result of a candle being left unattended on the living room table. And he said that firefighters were able to knock the fire down quite quickly once they arrived on scene.

“There was fire damage to the living room and the kitchen and then smoke damage to the rest of the house,” he said.

“By the time we got done overhauling it a lot of the ceiling was pulled down and the insulation was taken out. I don’t think it’s totaled but there is a lot of damage. Structurally it might be okay.”

(Story by Todd Morgan, The Walsh County Record)