AP-US-UNITED-STATES-UKRAINE-JAILED-FARMER

As Russia tensions boil, US farmer remains jailed in Ukraine

WASHINGTON (AP) — An American farmer is jailed in Ukraine on charges he attempted to assassinate a former business partner who is now a government minister. The family of Kurt Groszhans says the charges are bogus and designed to stifle his claims of corruption. His former partner, Roman Leshchenko, has denied that he embezzled money from the American’s company. Groszhans’s relatives and supporters are also concerned that the North Dakota man risks being left behind as the U.S. braces for a potential Russian invasion of Ukraine. The State Department says it’s closely following the case and takes seriously its responsibility to help detained Americans.

GAS PIPELINE-EXPANSION

Expansion of $260M gas pipeline completed in North Dakota

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A subsidiary of Bismarck-based MDU Resources Group Inc. says it has completed expansion of a $260 million natural gas pipeline in western North Dakota. State officials have hailed WBI Energy Inc.’s North Bakken Expansion project as a step toward curbing the wasteful flaring of excess gas, while increasing state tax revenues by allowing more oil drilling in the area. The project adds 250 million cubic feet of natural gas per day to a pipeline network. The line would connect to the Northern Border Pipeline, where the gas would be sent to Iowa, Chicago and other markets.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-HOEVEN

North Dakota senator in quarantine after positive COVID test

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — U.S. Sen. John Hoeven of North Dakota says he has tested positive for the coronavirus. Hoeven says he has not yet experienced any symptoms, but took a test after he was notified that he had been exposed to COVID-19. The Republican senator is fully vaccinated and has received his booster shot. Hoeven says he will be in quarantine through Sunday, following advice from the Senate doctor. He says he will “continue to follow the recommendations of my health care provider.”

BURGUM-AG APPOINTMENT

Burgum waiting until after AG’s funeral to discuss successor

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum won’t discuss who he will appoint to serve out the remainder of Wayne Stenehjem’s term until after the funeral of the longtime attorney general. Stenehjem died Friday at age 68, just a month after announcing his plans to retire at the end of this year. The public funeral is set for Thursday. Stenehjem was a former legislator and the state’s longest-serving attorney general. Stenehjem is the first statewide official to die in office since U.S. Sen. Quentin Burdick in 1992. Then-Gov. George Sinner appointed Burdick’s widow, Jocelyn, to fill the expired term until a special election was held.

BLIZZARD WARNING-NORTH DAKOTA

Part of Interstate 29 shut down in northeastern North Dakota

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota officials have shut down Interstate 29 from Grand Forks to the Canadian border because of blowing snow due to zero visibility and icy roads. The National Weather Service on Tuesday issued a blizzard warning for all of eastern North Dakota and western Minnesota counties that border North Dakota. The weather service said wind gusts in some areas could be as high as 65 mph. North Dakota Highway Patrol spokesman Lt. Troy Hischer said the weather was causing life-threatening weather conditions and warned motorists who drive around gates to get on the highway will be fined.

UNCLAIMED PROPERTY-NORTH DAKOTA

State is holding $104 million in unclaimed property

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The state of North Dakota is holding $104 million in unclaimed property and wants to find its owners. The North Dakota Department of Trust Lands noted the amount of abandoned property has been on the rise over the past decade and includes $29 million during the most recent two-year budget cycle. Unclaimed property can include everything from unpaid life insurance benefits to forgotten bank accounts. When companies can’t locate the owner of the property, it’s submitted to the state. Land Commissioner Jodi Smith says the amount of property returned to owners is growing. The department returned nearly $13 million over the past two years, up from $7 million the previous cycle.