Migrants in human smuggling case facing deportation hearings

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — Seven Indian nationals accused of illegally entering the United States in an alleged human smuggling case that left four dead have been released pending deportation hearings in front of an immigration judge. U.S. Customs and Border Patrol officials said Thursday that six of the migrants were placed under supervision and one was released for humanitarian purposes. All of them have been ordered to report to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, at a later date. The seven migrants were part of a group of 11 people attempting to cross into the U.S. near the Minnesota-North Dakota border last week during a blizzard. The frozen bodies of four family members who became separated from the group were found just inside the Canadian border.

MISSING SIDNEY WOMAN-REMAINS FOUND

Human remains found in search for missing Sidney woman

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The search for an eastern Montana woman reported missing in late December was suspended after human remains were found near her residence. Richland County Sheriff John Dynneson says he can’t confirm that the body was that of 26-year-old Katelynn Jane Berry of Sidney. However, her family has run an obituary and scheduled memorial services for Friday. Dynneson says Berry was last seen on Dec. 21 and was reported missing 10 days later. The remains were found during a search for Berry on Jan. 20. Dynneson says officials are still waiting to learn the cause and manner of death. Berry’s mother is Carmell Mattison, a prosecutor in Grand Forks County, North Dakota.

NORTH DAKOTA-DATA CENTER

$1.9 billion data center planned in northwest North Dakota

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Gov. Doug Burgum has announced construction of a $1.9 billion data center located near Willison. Burgum hailed the facility to be built by Missoula, Montana-based FX Solutions Inc. as one of the biggest such centers in the world. Burgum says it will help diversify the economy in the region that has suffered oil boom-bust cycles for decades. Uses for data centers include the mining of bitcoin and other digital currencies. Officials say the project is scheduled for completion in two years and would will create more than 30 permanent jobs.

FARGO FIRE-TWO DEAD

Early morning house fire near downtown Fargo leaves 2 dead

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — Authorities say two people are dead after a house fire near downtown Fargo. Firefighters responded shortly after 5 a.m. Wednesday to a report of smoke coming from the house. One person was taken from the house during the fire and died later at a local hospital. Later, while searching the house, firefighters found the body of another victim. Authorities say “content within the house” made it difficult for crews to battle the blaze. At one point two firefighters fell into a hole in the floor and were able to safely crawl out. The search was slowed by a partial collapse of the building. The cause of the fire and damage estimate were not immediately available. Officials say the investigation is ongoing.

ADULT ENDANGERMENT

Bismarck man charged with endangering quadriplegic brother

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Prosecutors say a Bismarck man has been charged with endangering his disabled brother by leaving him dehydrated and hungry in a soiled bed. Thirty-three-year-old Dondarro Watts made an initial appearance in court Tuesday on a felony charge of adult endangerment, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison upon conviction. Court documents don’t list an attorney who could speak on his behalf. Bismarck police executed a search warrant at a residence rented by Tony Watts because they suspected Dondarro was dealing drugs there. He was arrested but failed to tell law enforcement officers his quadriplegic brother was unattended or needed care.

EMERGENCY MILK DISTRIBUTION

Burgum signs order to help recruit truckers to deliver milk

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum has signed an emergency order meant to ease a shortage of truck drivers to deliver milk to schools, businesses and other customers. The edict waives hours of service requirements for drivers for 30 days, which follows a decision by the state’s milk marketing board to waive enforcement of certain licensing requirements until April 1. The measures come after a major milk distributor in North Dakota went out of business, due in part to a lack of certified drivers. More than 50 school districts were at risk of losing milk deliveries. Burgum and Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring are spearheading an effort to recruit truckers who have allowed their commercial driver’s licenses to expire. The state has lost 3,000 certified drivers since 2017.