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Low Water Levels on Lake Sakakawea Challenge Access for Resorts and Boaters

Low Water Levels on Lake Sakakawea Challenge Access for Resorts and Boaters

Lake Sakakawea is experiencing significantly low water levels, standing at 1,827.3 feet, about 12 feet below average. This situation is attributed to reduced snowfall in the Rocky Mountains, leading to decreased runoff into the Missouri River basin. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, responsible for managing the Garrison Dam and the lake, reports that while the lake is not expected to reach its historic low of 1,807.1 feet set in 2007, the current levels are causing access issues. Many boat ramps and marinas are closed, increasing traffic and wait times at the few that remain open. The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is preparing to utilize low-water ramps, which have been submerged since the lake's recovery from its previous low.

North Dakota's First National Truck Driving Champion Prepares for Title Defense

North Dakota's First National Truck Driving Champion Prepares for Title Defense

David Comings, a FedEx Freight driver from Fargo, North Dakota, is preparing to defend his title as National Grand Champion at the upcoming National Truck Driving Championships. Comings, who has over 3.2 million accident-free miles, was crowned champion last year in Minneapolis, becoming the first winner from North Dakota. The competition, organized by the American Trucking Associations, tests drivers on safety, knowledge, and skill. Comings, a father of six, will also deliver a speech at this year's event, encouraging more drivers from North Dakota to participate.

New Salem Fire Department Responds to Three Grass Fires Amidst Heatwave

New Salem Fire Department Responds to Three Grass Fires Amidst Heatwave

The New Salem Volunteer Fire Department in North Dakota has been actively combating a series of grass fires over the past three days. The fires, fueled by hot and dry weather, have posed significant challenges to the all-volunteer department. The first fire, sparked by harvesting equipment near Sweet Briar Lake, consumed 30 acres. A second fire, caused by lightning, burned 20 acres within New Salem. The third and largest fire, stretching over a mile and a half, occurred in neighboring Oliver County. Despite the intensity of the fires, no structures were lost, and no injuries were reported, thanks to the swift response of local firefighters and community members.

Disney Seeks Animal Keeper for Savannah Team at Kilimanjaro Safari

Disney Seeks Animal Keeper for Savannah Team at Kilimanjaro Safari

The Walt Disney Company is hiring an Animal Keeper Associate for its Savannah team at the Kilimanjaro Safari in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. This role involves the care, management, and enrichment of various African species, including ungulates, carnivores, and birds. The position requires physical labor in outdoor conditions and involves tasks such as animal husbandry, enrichment, and operant conditioning. The role is full-time and requires a flexible schedule to support safari operations. Candidates need a minimum of one year of paid animal husbandry experience or equivalent college coursework, with a preference for those with a background in zoology.

BLM Begins Helicopter Roundup of Wild Horses in Northwestern Colorado

BLM Begins Helicopter Roundup of Wild Horses in Northwestern Colorado

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has initiated a helicopter roundup of wild horses in the Piceance-East Douglas area of northwestern Colorado. The operation aims to remove over 900 mustangs from nearly 200,000 acres of public land, where drought has reduced water and forage availability. The BLM plans to relocate the horses to holding facilities or make them available for adoption. The roundup, which began as temperatures neared 100 degrees, is part of efforts to manage the wild horse population and maintain ecological balance on the rangeland.

Bismarck Responds to Storm Damage with Tree Branch Disposal Services

Bismarck Responds to Storm Damage with Tree Branch Disposal Services

In response to a recent storm that caused significant damage in Bismarck, North Dakota, the city's Public Works Service Operations is offering multiple options for residents to dispose of fallen tree branches. From August 3 to August 15, residents can drop off branches at the landfill for free. Additionally, branches can be placed on the boulevard for pickup during the week of August 10-13, coinciding with regular garbage collection days. Roll-off dumpsters have also been placed at two locations in north and south Bismarck for branch collection, with specific guidelines for branch size and usage.

North Dakota Man Sentenced for Theft of 130 Cattle, Ordered to Pay Restitution

North Dakota Man Sentenced for Theft of 130 Cattle, Ordered to Pay Restitution

Daniel Wayne Dockter, a resident of Colfax, North Dakota, has been sentenced for the theft of over 130 head of cattle. Dockter pleaded guilty to two Class A felonies for theft over $50,000 and two Class A misdemeanors for the unlawful transport of livestock. He received a 10-year sentence, with eight years suspended, and will serve two years in prison followed by three years of supervised probation. Additionally, Dockter must pay $341,000 in restitution to two victims. The theft involved cattle that Dockter was supposed to be feeding under share agreements, but the animals were reported missing. Dockter falsely claimed the cattle were at a South Dakota feedlot, which was later found to be non-existent. The investigation was led by the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association with support from local law enforcement and the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

U.S. Drought Monitor: A Key Tool for Agricultural Relief

U.S. Drought Monitor: A Key Tool for Agricultural Relief

The U.S. Drought Monitor, a weekly color-coded map, plays a critical role in assessing drought conditions across the United States. According to Dr. Mark Svoboda, co-founder of the monitor, the map integrates data on soil moisture, snowpack, groundwater, streamflow, and reservoir levels, alongside precipitation data. Analysts rely on localized networks like the North Dakota Agricultural Weather Network (NDAWN) to validate automated weather data. The map's classifications influence billions of dollars in federal aid, including livestock disaster relief programs and tax deferral eligibility for drought-affected farmers. Updates are published every Thursday, with data collected through Tuesday morning. Severe drought conditions (D2) have been reported in parts of North Dakota, while regions east of the Mississippi River have largely avoided such conditions this season. Source time: not specified.

Severe Storms and Flash Flooding Threaten Northern Plains and Midwest

Severe Storms and Flash Flooding Threaten Northern Plains and Midwest

Severe thunderstorms are expected to impact the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest starting Monday, with large hail and damaging winds as the primary threats (FOX Weather). The Storm Prediction Center has issued a Level 2 out of 5 risk for severe storms in eastern North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota. Storms are anticipated to develop in the morning, with additional storms forming along a cold front in the afternoon as warm, humid air moves into the region. By midweek, the cold front will slow down, leading to rounds of heavy rain and flash flooding across parts of the Midwest, including southern Iowa, northern Missouri, northern Illinois, and southern Wisconsin. Rainfall rates could reach 1-2 inches per hour in some areas, increasing the risk of localized flash flooding (FOX Weather).

LaBagh Woods Offers Urban Retreat with Scenic Trails and Birdwatching

LaBagh Woods Offers Urban Retreat with Scenic Trails and Birdwatching

LaBagh Woods Offers Urban Retreat with Scenic Trails and Birdwatching

North Dakota Geological Survey Uncovers Rare Mammoth Skeleton Beneath Garage

North Dakota Geological Survey Uncovers Rare Mammoth Skeleton Beneath Garage

In Burke County, North Dakota, a significant paleontological discovery is underway as the North Dakota Geological Survey excavates a rare mammoth skeleton beneath a garage. The excavation, which began in June 2026, is revealing a more complete prehistoric mammoth than initially anticipated. The discovery dates back to 1988 when the bones were first found during the construction of a garage. The current excavation is led by State Geologist Clint Boyd and involves a team of summer interns and geology students from the University of North Dakota. The team has so far uncovered parts of the skull, lower jaw, and ribs, with hopes of finding the tusks. The project is funded by a $150,000 allocation from state lawmakers, and the excavation is expected to conclude in September 2026, with plans to return in 2027 to explore areas outside the garage.

Gov. Armstrong Declares Public Health Emergency to Ban Kratom in North Dakota

Gov. Armstrong Declares Public Health Emergency to Ban Kratom in North Dakota

North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong has declared a public health emergency to ban the sale, use, and possession of kratom and related products in the state. This executive order, effective for 30 days starting Wednesday, aims to address the rising health concerns associated with kratom, a substance derived from a Southeast Asian tree. The decision follows reports of overdoses and deaths linked to kratom, which is often sold in gas stations and smoke shops without regulation. The governor has also called for a special legislative session on September 2 to establish a permanent ban. The session is expected to last three days, coinciding with the expiration of the emergency order. Armstrong emphasized the urgency of the issue, stating that waiting for the regular legislative session in January is not an option.