Latest news with #GrandForks
Fox News
3 days ago
- Business
- Fox News
After Ukraine's surprise drone assault on Russia, new attention drawn to sensitive sites stateside
After Ukraine launched a sudden drone assault on Russian installations, it brought new attention to the U.S.' own vulnerabilities, regardless of which side the U.S. stood on Kyiv's attack. In recent years, Chinese Communist Party-linked entities have commercially targeted land around the U.S., including in the vicinity of sensitive installations like the Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota. The Fufeng Group's 300-acre farmland purchase in 2021 first raised the collective antennae of Congress to such under-the-radar transactions – and even Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis swiftly banned them in his state as a result, among other efforts around the country. On Tuesday, North Dakota's senators agreed that the U.S. must remain vigilant for any malign activity, whether it be from relatively novel drone assaults to potential espionage through real estate transactions. "When adversaries can buy our land, attend our universities, photograph silos in our prairies, perform aerial surveillance, park their ships near our military bases, or even just join our PTAs, they have more opportunities to be nefarious," Republican Sen. Kevin Cramer told Fox News Digital. "Our posture must always be vigilant, never assuming foreign actors are benign or have the best intentions," he said. "Whether it's directly spying, indirectly influencing, or sending drones to blow up aircraft, the ability of the enemy increases when we allow them easy access near our national interests." Cramer's Flickertail State counterpart, Sen. John Hoeven, joined an effort to prevent such land-buys and has worked with federal partners to update the process in which foreign investment is analyzed for approval and decided upon. "We need to remain vigilant against China and other adversaries," said Hoeven, who is co-sponsoring South Dakota Sen. Mike Rounds' bill banning individuals and entities controlled by China, Russia, Iran and North Korea from purchasing farmland or commercial land near sensitive federal sites. "At the same time, we're working to update the CFIUS process [which governs federal approval of foreign investments] to ensure proper reviews are taking place as well," Hoeven said. "We also are working to develop the technology we need to protect our domestic military bases from potential drone threats." Rounds' bill also has bipartisan support, including from Sen. Catherine Cortez-Masto, D-Nev., whose state also hosts sensitive government sites like Nellis Air Force Base and Area 51. "It is common sense that we should not allow our foreign adversaries to buy agricultural land next to these locations," Masto said in a statement. Rounds added in a statement that America's "near-peer adversaries… are looking for any possible opportunity to surveil our nation's capabilities and resources." Even private-sector entities have expressed concern, including the South Dakota Soybean Association, which said farmland must be protected from foreign purchase for both agricultural and national security purposes.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Yahoo
5 years after Cody Holte's death, widow says 'if it had to happen somewhere, I'm glad it happened here'
May 24—GRAND FORKS — Five years after her husband, Grand Forks Police Officer Cody Holte, was killed in the line of duty, Mandy Klostreich is still struck by the outpouring of support her family received from the community in the wake of their tragedy. "If it had to happen somewhere, I'm glad it happened here," Klostreich said. "I do believe that everyone supported us and supported the rest of the (police department) that was still there, and had to keep doing their jobs, even though they were hurting at the same time as we were." She believes Grand Forks has always supported law enforcement, but Holte's death gave them a unique opportunity to voice that support during a particularly difficult time in the country. "I am grateful for the community that we live in," she said. "If (the city) was too much bigger, it would've been different, I think, and I wouldn't have gotten the love and support that I did receive, that all of us received. I'm very grateful." Holte was murdered by Salamah Pendleton on May 27, 2020, during a standoff inside Pendleton's residence, where law enforcement had been attempting to serve an eviction notice. Pendleton shot Holte three times, fatally shot his own mother, Lola Moore, and wounded another officer — then-Cpl. Ronald Nord — during the altercation. He was sentenced in October 2021 to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Carmell Mattison, prosecutor in the case against Pendleton, said "the community response was incredible." Hundreds gathered for Holte's funeral, including community members, elected officials and law enforcement. Retired GFPD Chief Mark Nelson said he remembers that day vividly. "The streets were lined, and almost everywhere there was grass, there were people lined up," Nelson said. "There were people lined up on the interstate when we went down to his graveside service. Those things, you'll never forget. I don't know how you could, as a human being." Nearly five years later, the city hasn't forgotten either. Klostreich said that means a lot. Though Nelson has since retired, people still approach him to talk about Holte. His hope is that the young officer's death will not be in vain, and people will never stop talking about him. "Just never forget," he said. "Keep his memory alive." Cody Holte and Klostreich's son, Gunnar Holte, was just 10 months old when his father died. Now 5 years old, it's difficult for his mother to discern how much he understands, but she believes he knows how important his father's work was. Their family remembers Cody Holte by attending events like the annual Northern Valley Law Enforcement Memorial, visiting officers at the police department — who have become an extension of their family, Klostreich said — and pointing out different symbols throughout the city and beyond that honor Holte. "Just the other day, I think we were in Fargo, and Gunny's like, 'I see a Daddy Cody sticker! I see a Daddy Cody sticker!'" Klostreich said. "And he pointed out three cars that had a 'Daddy Cody' sticker on them. That made me smile, and it was a good thing. All of us were pointing out 'Daddy Cody' stickers." Sgt. Kelly McLean, of the Grand Forks County Sheriff's Office, and Nord, at the time with the sheriff's office and now of the UND Police Department, were both at the scene May 27, 2020. They, too, said they noticed the surge of support from community members in the aftermath of the fatal shooting — particularly the "thin blue line" flags and blue porch lights. It can be hard to be surrounded by so many reminders of the loss of her husband, but Klostreich tries to appreciate them while they last. People may not forget, but moving forward is a natural part of life. "... People move. Signs fade, and they're not always going to be there in the same way that they were," she said. "It's not a bad thing, it's just life. (So) it's good for us to see that, because it is less than it was — but it's still there." Despite what McLean and Nord experienced that day, it never led them to question whether law enforcement was still the right path for them. For McLean, it was a career he'd always wanted, and he remains with the sheriff's office to this day. Nord was 34 years into his law enforcement career at the time of the shooting. Despite his injuries, he returned to work after less than two months, carrying out an eviction on his second day back. That one, like most others, did not end in tragedy, but that's why police train, practice and otherwise prepare themselves. "Because you don't know," he said. He retired from the sheriff's office a year and a half after Holte's death, but returned to the force part-time with the UND PD in 2022. Mattison said the video evidence in the case, which showed the deaths and injuries unfold in real time, will forever be part of her memories. Nord and McLean said they, too, relive the shooting through their memories. But despite the trauma, law enforcement is a calling, and it's hard to step away, they say. "You want to make a difference in the world," Nord said. "You want to help out. You want to stop somebody's hurt, or be there for somebody, whether a domestic or an accident." Mattison said handling the case against Pendleton, and the highly-publicized trial, was a heavy responsibility. She felt like the entire community watched it unfold. "This case was a defining moment in my career," she said. "For years, I simply went through the motions of calling law enforcement witnesses to the stand to bring out facts to prove the case, not giving much thought that any of these situations could have resulted in the death of this officer. Now, this is the first thing I think about." McLean said he did not know Holte well, but Nord worked with him on the water rescue team. He said Holte had a promising future ahead of him; his death was a loss not only for the police department, but for the North Dakota Army National Guard. "We had our trainings on the first and third Wednesday of every month, and I got to see his bright, beautiful face smile," Nord said. "He was always energetic, and eager to learn and a very nice young man." Though Holte is known primarily for his role as an officer and his death in the line of duty, he was only in the field for about three and a half years. "Cody was more than just an officer," Klostreich said. "He was a husband, and a dad and a son." Her memories of him go far beyond the loss and tragedy. Just a couple of weeks ago, while her family was eating hamburgers and curly fries, her son found a perfectly curled fry and she instantly thought of his father. "Cody's favorite place to go eat was Hardee's, and he would get the curly fries," Klostreich said. "I smiled, and I said, 'Gunny, oh, Daddy Cody would be jealous. We used to fight over these: the perfect curly fry.'" Her son was confused at first, wondering what his mother meant by "fight." She clarified that no, they didn't actually fight over the fries. His father was just jealous of whoever got the best fries of the bunch. "Those are the things that mean the most to me," she said, though the good memories can sometimes be the hardest to remember. "Honestly, sometimes Gunny is the one who helps me to get through the hard times," she said. "He goes, 'Mom, but he's in heaven and he's OK,' and it's like, 'You know what, Gunny? You're right. He is.'" Recalling the months before their son came into their lives, Klostreich said Holte could not wait to become a father, and was so excited when he found out their baby was a boy. "He was a great father, and he would have been there for Gunny — and future kids — every day, which is hard to think about," Klostreich said. "But he will be, in a different way."
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Columbia Road overpass closure begins May 19
May 17—GRAND FORKS — The Columbia Road overpass will be closed to all traffic beginning May 19 until October, with additional lane closures expected later this summer at 11th Avenue South. The structure needs to be closed to allow the city to replace the bearings that support the bridge deck , according to information provided by the city. During the rehabilitation, the entire deck will be lifted so crews can access the bearings and replace them. The structure is around 30 years old and this is the first time that they've been replaced. For most of the summer, Columbia Road will be closed from the DeMers Avenue ramps to Second Avenue North. Beginning in September, additional lane closures will come as the city connects a new stormwater sewer under the road. That connection is part of the Vail Circle storm sewer improvement project. Work to improve the area's stormwater capacity began in 2018 when a forcemain was relocated as part of the new Altru Hospital. The project has received $7.7 million in federal funding for the building of a new pump station and expansion of existing pump stations along 11th Avenue South. The city is also building a parallel sewer to expand capacity. Work has already begun along 11th Avenue South with lane closures expected throughout the summer. For most of the summer, traffic will still continue on Columbia Road until the final connection is made. When that connection is made will be reduced to one lane in each direction according to WFW Engineers, the company working on the project. The bridge rehabilitation project in total costs $12 million, $4.9 million of which the city is paying, according to the city. The project began last year when the bridge was repainted. The Vail Circle project will cost $11.2 million total.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Grand Forks lawmakers heard a menagerie of issues from constituents
May 17—EDITOR'S NOTE — The following is part of an ongoing series of Herald stories about the recently completed session of the North Dakota Legislature. GRAND FORKS — The 2025 legislative session hit a number of topics and issues affecting all of North Dakota. In Grand Forks, local lawmakers had their own differing concerns brought to them by constituents. The biennial session ended earlier this month after more than 1,000 bills and resolutions were introduced. Throughout their four months in Bismarck, lawmakers say they typically receive a number of emails and calls from the people they represent. Sen. Claire Cory, R-Grand Forks, experienced a buzz about blackout license plates and alternative energy sources, such as geothermal and nuclear. About the latter, she said she is "optimistic about the future application moving towards long term energy needs, jobs and opportunities this will create for North Dakota." Blackout license plates, gaining popularity in Minnesota and other states, were introduced to North Dakota via Senate Bill 2133 . Rather than the typical state plate design — a bison silhouetted before a setting sun over the Badlands — the new plates will simply be black with white lettering. Cory said she's heard a lot of excitement about them. Purchasing the plates will also put money into North Dakota's highway system. The bill, according to Sen. Kristin Roers, R-Fargo, was filed on a constituent's request. Rep. Steve Vetter, R-Grand Forks, said a number of his own bills were based on constituent issues he heard. Some of the bills of which he was a primary sponsor involved false reports to law enforcement, edible medical marijuana and motor vehicle window tints. Property tax was a hot topic for constituents of at least four Grand Forks legislators: Cory, Vetter, Rep. Mark Sanford and Sen. Scott Meyer. Sanford, R-Grand Forks, said it was what he received the most comments about. Meyer, R-Grand Forks, said it might show up again in the next session following the passing of House Bill 1176 this session. "The goal was to not only bring relief to homeowners, but to also bring tax reform in the form of caps," he said. "When massive policy like this is enacted, there will be feelings that we could do more. With that said, we'll have an opportunity to address any unintended consequences in Bismarck next session." Sanford said he also heard frequently from the higher education community because he carries that budget. Rep. Zac Ista, D-Grand Forks, also mentioned education, said protecting public education was the top concern he heard from constituents. "There was a large public outcry against voucher and educational savings account proposals that would have diverted public tax dollars to paying for private school tuition," he said. "Simply put, the public was strongly against this plan." Rep. Eric Murphy, R-Grand Forks, said House Bill 1318 was something for which he received a number of "thank you" notes. The approved bill's goal is to provide legal protections for pesticide manufacturers, specifying that a label approved by the Environmental Protection Agency is sufficient in warning users about hazardous chemicals. The bill received protest from some legislators and North Dakota residents. Prior to the vote by the Senate to approve the bill, about two dozen people stood outside the Capitol building voicing concerns about it. Among concerns about health risks, people also worried about keeping companies liable for health issues caused by the chemicals. "This does not remove responsibility for unknown health risks when using a product nor known health risks, but it does relieve them from failure to warn the consumer," Murphy, R-Grand Forks said. "(It's) an important bill for agriculture producers." Sen. Jonathan Sickler, R-Grand Forks, said his constituent comments were about time — literally. "By far, I received the most individual communications from constituents who were opposed to the bill to switch to standard time year-round," he said. "The Legislature heard the opposition and handily defeated the proposed change."
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
UND celebrates spring commencement, capping a year of momentum
May 17—GRAND FORKS — More than 1,000 UND students celebrated commencement during festivities Saturday at the Alerus Center. "You join an alumni family that is over 150,000 strong — a family that cares deeply about the university and, most importantly, has cared about each of you as you prepare to step into the next chapter of your lives," Mike Mannausau, of the UND Alumni Association and Foundation, told graduates. "This momentum is fueled by your hard work, the dedication of our faculty and staff and the amazing support of alumni who believe in the transformative power of a UND degree." In total this spring, more than 1,100 undergraduates and 600 graduate students received their degrees. Earlier in May, nearly 60 students graduated from UND's School of Medicine and Health Services and 73 students graduated from the School of Law. UND Hall of Fame member Jim Kleinsasser spoke at both the graduate and undergraduate ceremonies for the commencement speech. Kleinsasser is a North Dakota native who spent 13 years playing for the Minnesota Vikings and was recently inducted into the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame. "UND isn't just a university, it's a community," Kleinsasser said. "It's a community that will positively impact you throughout your life if you let it." Kleinsasser also received the President's Medal, the highest honor UND President Andrew Armacost can give. Kleinsasser gave advice to UND graduates. He urged them to stay connected and show up, adding that adversity will make them stronger. "From this day forward, I hope that you all show up every day, meet adversity with an attitude of growth and change, and stay connected to this university so you have a support system behind you when facing that adversity," Kleinsasser said. During proceedings, UND also awarded an honorary degree to Noren Pan. The Grand Forks native is co-founder and president of MicroLink Devices. Pan's work focused on research into microwave and solar cell devices and he also helped establish UND's Stratospheric Operations and Research Symposium. The undergraduate ceremony was accompanied by performances by UND's wind ensemble and vocal performances of "America the Beautiful" and "Alma Mater" by Ella Henry. The graduate ceremony included performances by Henry and by pianist Roxanne Gessley. North Dakota State Board of Higher Education student member Maxwell Eriksud, a current UND student, reminded graduates that UND is always a place to call home. "UND is more than a campus — it's a home and like all homes, there comes a time where we must all leave," Eriskrud said. "The beauty of UND is that while we may leave today, it will always be a home to come back to."
