Too busy enjoying last week’s 40-degree weather to keep up with the news? Catch up on all of the stories you missed here:
“Moral obligation”: The day before he addresses an enraptured Congress (minus about 50 Democrats who opted to skip the non-protocol visit), Israeli Prime Minister speaks Monday at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee policy conference in Washington to warn the U.S. that a planned arms deal it has with Iran is a direct threat to Israel’s survival.
Not a bad deal: The Dickinson City Commission approves funding for the long-awaited permanent Exit 56 bypass Monday. A total of $5 million will go toward the final phase of the expansion project.
Saying goodbye: Family and friends of the three teens killed in a car accident last month gather in Dickinson Monday for Dalen Dorval’s funeral and a moving tribute to the Ray basketball players.
Bond, revenue bond: The state Board of Higher Education on Tuesday approves Dickinson State University’s proposal to seek revenue bonds and purchase three apartment buildings from the beleaguered DSU Foundation at the recommendation of foundation receiver Sean Smith. The sale, the parties say, will benefit the cash-strapped foundation and allow the university to offer more diverse student housing. “We need this institution to be in a position to be attractive to students,” retiring university president D.C. Coston said.
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Safe return: Four Devils Lake missionaries held captive by Venezuelan authorities for four days while on a church trip to Ocumare de la Costa return to North Dakota Tuesday . Cue waterworks and a possible future Lifetime Original Movie.
Crime, and lots of it: Between the three adults charged with corruption of a minor , the Texas man who turned himself in to police for his alleged involvement in a Watford City shooting, and the two California men found with 136 pounds of marijuana in their vehicle, North Dakota authorities had their hands full last week.
Going to court: Mississippi-based developer Morgan Chase Management files an appeal Thursday against Billings County over the commission’s inaction on a proposed man camp to be built in the former Fryburg School. The lawsuit is just the latest development in the 3-plus-year saga for the possible project. “At this point, I think we just want to get this thing worked out that is amicable with all parties,” said project manager Richard Brown.
Finishing strong: Dickinson Trinity girls move forward over Thompson Thursday on their way to their first-ever state basketball semifinals; they ultimately take fourth place Friday in the tournament. Not too shabby, ladies. *tips hat*
We’re rich!: State treasurer Kelly Schmidt announces Friday the first $298 million of the $1.1 billion ‘surge’ funding package has been distributed to cities and counties around North Dakota, with an emphasis on cities most impacted by the oil boom. Dickinson is set to receive $44 million total, which: http://gph.is/1whPwiA
Rough week for oil: Just weeks after a fiery train derailment in West Virginia, two more derailments -- one in Galena, Ill. , Thursday and a second in northern Ontario Saturday, neither with any reported injuries -- draw attention to the potential volatility of oil-by-rail. Locally, three oil tanks north of Killdeer explode early Saturday morning, sending a shock felt by houses five miles away, and an oil well disposal site near Alexander explodes and catches fire Sunday.
