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GRAND FORKS FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDS TO APARTMENT FIRE

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At approximately 3:11 am on December 22, 2023, the Grand Forks Fire Department responded to a report of a house fire at 1111 22nd Ave S.

Fire crews arrived on the scene and found heavy smoke and flames coming from a four-plex apartment building. Fire crews pulled attack lines and began extinguishing efforts on both the exterior and interior of the structure. The apartment building sustained heavy fire damage. Three residents and one pet were displaced. The American Red Cross is assisting with their immediate needs. There were no injuries to any residents or fire personnel. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

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GRAND FORKS FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDS TO APARTMENT FIRE

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At approximately 3:11 am on December 22, 2023, the Grand Forks Fire Department responded to a report of a house fire at 1111 22nd Ave S.

Fire crews arrived on the scene and found heavy smoke and flames coming from a four-plex apartment building. Fire crews pulled attack lines and began extinguishing efforts on both the exterior and interior of the structure. The apartment building sustained heavy fire damage. Three residents and one pet were displaced. The American Red Cross is assisting with their immediate needs. There were no injuries to any residents or fire personnel. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

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RIVERVIEW RECOVERY CENTER OFFERS HELP TO DWI OFFENDERS

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December is a month of celebration, including family gatherings, get-togethers with friends, and work parties. It is also one of the deadliest months due to spikes in drinking and drugged driving, and the reason the month is designated as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month.

Did you know that one out of seven Minnesota citizens has at least one Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charge on their record, according to the Minnesota Department of Safety? A DWI is a public record.

“Research shows that by the time most drivers are charged, they have driven intoxicated at least 75 times; some research shows significantly more often,’’ shared Curtis Hamre, director of the RiverView Recovery Center (RRC). “Each time you drive after only two or three drinks, you may not blow over the legal limit, but your mental function and reaction time decrease. This means you could be responsible for harming someone or their property; this is called victimizing someone.’’

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-

-In 2020, 11,654 people were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes in the US – a 14% increase from 2019. That is about 32 people every day or one person every 45 minutes.

-7 million Americans reported driving under the influence of marijuana or other illicit drugs in 2020.

The RiverView Recovery Center offers services to those charged with DWI and participates in DWI Courts in Marshall, Polk, Red Lake, Pennington, and Roseau Counties.

“RiverView Recovery is dedicated to changing DWI behavior,’’ Hamre stated. Chemical Health Assessment If you drive impaired and receive a DWI, a Chemical Health Assessment is generally required. This assessment, based on Minnesota statutes, is a clinical tool used to screen for substance use disorders (alcoholism, addiction, substance abuse, or chemical dependency).

The assessment is a process for defining the nature of the problem, determining a diagnosis, and developing specific treatment recommendations for addressing the issue or diagnosis. 

RRC offers in-person or telehealth assessments by qualified, licensed alcohol and drug addiction counselors.

Driving with Care Education

Driving with Care is a cognitive-based drinking and driving program for DWI offenders. The course is comprehensive and covers a range of topics, including alcohol education, blood alcohol content levels, Minnesota state laws, alcohol consumption patterns, and techniques to reduce the risk of reoffending. 

Driving with Care is the gold standard for DWI education in Minnesota. 

Level 1 is for the first-time DWI offender with a blood alcohol content level of less than 0.15 at the time of arrest. This education can be combined with treatment services (Relapse Prevention or Structured Outpatient). The central purposes of this education are to prevent re-arrest and to prevent future alcohol and other drug-related issues by providing alcohol awareness education.

Level 2 is also for the first-time DWI offender but with a blood alcohol content level of 0.15 or greater or for the multiple DWI offender. This education can be combined with treatment services (Relapse Prevention, Structured Outpatient, or Intensive Outpatient). This program expands upon the foundational information offered in Level 1 education, with time dedicated to helping repeat DWI offenders reduce the risk of falling back into problematic drinking.

New classes begin quarterly, as needed.

According to Hamre, research shows that DWI education reduces repeat offenses. DWI Court Hamre shared that RRC is a proud partner in DWI Court, a special court dedicated to changing the behavior of the alcohol-dependent offender arrested for DWI. Participants include the offender, treatment providers, probation services, law enforcement, and the courts. An eligible defendant who enters a guilty plea or is convicted of a DWI can participate in the program, which is an alternative to traditional criminal probation.

The goals of the DWI Court are to increase public safety by addressing alcoholism as a root cause of impaired driving, helping participants remain clean and sober, reducing alcohol and drug-related crime, and reducing expensive incarceration costs. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, repeat DWI offenders graduating from DWI Courts were up to 65% less likely to be rearrested for a new DWI offense.

RiverView Recovery also provides Intensive Outpatient treatment and Relapse Prevention for those needing a higher level of Care.

RiverView has recovery locations in Crookston (218.281.9511), East Grand Forks (218.230.0787), Thief River Falls (218.681.8019), and Roseau (218.463.3447). For information on specific services in each location, go to www.riverviewhealth.org and look under the Chemical Dependency tab.

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Czech officials confirm 14 killed, dozens injured in university shooting in Prague

The homepage of the official website for Charles University^ known also as Charles University in Prague^ the oldest and largest university in the Czech Republic.

Authorities said on Thursday that the gunman involved in the mass shooting at Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic is dead, after killing fourteen people and injuring dozens more.

According to police, notification was received shortly after noon local time that a 24-year-old man was on his way to Prague, saying that he wanted to take his own life. The first call about the shooting at the university came in at 2:59 p.m. local time, with responding to the scene within minutes, according to Police President Martin Vondrášek, who aded that the shooter’s body was found around 3:20 p.m. local time.

Vondrášek said that of the approximately 25 people injured, ten were in serious condition, with Prague Emergency Services sharing that at least eight were “moderately seriously injured.” Five others were “slightly” injured, according to the agency, noting that the number of victims may change. The identities of the victims and shooter have not been released.

Vondrášek said at the press conference: “From the checks so far, it follows that (the suspect) is a blank slate for us. We also found out from that check that he is a legal holder of several firearms.” Vondrášek could not confirm reports that the shooter was also armed with explosives, but said the gunman was capable of even more bloodshed: “Right now I can’t confirm the presence of explosives, but there was a large quantity of munitions and if the police hadn’t entered the building in time, the perpetrator wouldn’t have been dead at (3:20) and there would be a lot more victims.”

A motive for the shooting Thursday at Charles University in Prague remains unclear; however, it is believed that the suspect was a student at the school who traveled there from the town of Hostouň, according to authorities, with police sharing that evidence indicates that the shooter killed himself.

Charles University, one of the oldest universities in Europe, posted on its website: “We mourn the loss of life of members of our university community, express our deepest condolences to all the bereaved and our thoughts are with all those affected by the tragedy. We now ask everyone to try to remain calm and composed, and we again extend our condolences to all those whose hearts have been broken by the loss of loved ones.”

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said in a post on X: “Due to the tragic events at the Faculty of Philosophy in Prague, I have canceled the work program in Olomouc and am going back to Prague. I am in contact with the Minister of the Interior and the PČR. I ask all citizens to respect the recommendations of the IZS components.”

Editorial credit: Stanislau Palaukou / Shutterstock.com

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Rudy Giuliani files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy citing debt of nearly $500 million

Former New York CIty Mayor and ex-Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani during visit to Kyiv^ Ukraine. November 2017

Former attorney for Donald Trump Rudy Giuliani filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Thursday, listing debts of nearly $500 million. Giuliani, 79, listed losses stemming from tax liabilities and money he owes his attorneys as deals with ongoing lawsuits, as well as millions owed in legal judgments.

Giuliani’s bankruptcy filing came nearly one week after a Washington, D.C., jury awarded $148 million to two Georgia election workers who Giuliani defamed following the 2020 election. The $148 million debt owed for defaming Ruby Freeman and Wandrea Shaye Moss was included in the filing, along with $2 million owed to lawyer Ronald Kuby, $1.36 million owed to Davidoff Hurtcher & Citron LLP for lawsuit expenses and $989,918 in “taxes and other debts owed to government.”

Freeman and her daughter, Shaye Moss sued Giuliani after he publicized a video that claimed to show them rigging the election in Joe Biden’s favor, following Donald Trump’s loss in the 2020 presidential election. The women were awarded $20 million each for emotional distress and a total of $75 million in punitive damages. Freeman was awarded $16 million for claims of defamation, while Moss was awarded nearly $17 million.

Giuliani spokesman Ted Goodman said in a statement: “No person could have reasonably believed that Mayor Giuliani would be able to pay such a high punitive amount. Chapter 11 will afford Mayor Giuliani the opportunity and time to pursue an appeal while providing transparency for his finances under the supervision of the bankruptcy court to ensure all creditors are treated equally and fairly throughout the process.”

In addition to his civil suit troubles, Giuliani faces 13 state criminal charges, including a Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations charge for his part in an alleged conspiracy to overturn the lawful results of the 2020 presidential election in Georgia.

Editorial credit: paparazzza / Shutterstock.com

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HBO’s ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ to officially end with Season 12

Larry David at the ArcLight Hollywood Theaters on July 31^ 2013 in Los Angeles^ CA

Curb Your Enthusiasm will officially end with Season 12 on HBO.

Said David: “As Curb comes to an end, I will now have the opportunity to finally shed this ‘Larry David’ persona and become the person God intended me to be – the thoughtful, kind, caring, considerate human being I was until I got derailed by portraying this malignant character. And so ‘Larry David,’ I bid you farewell. Your misanthropy will not be missed. And for those of you who would like to get in touch with me, you can reach me at Doctors Without Borders.”

Curb stars David as an exaggerated version of himself living in L.A., along with Jeff Garlin as his manager and best friend; Susie Essman as Jeff’s wife; Cheryl Hines as his ex-wife; J.B. Smoove as his roommate; Richard Lewis as his oldest pal; Ted Danson as himself; Vince Vaughn; and Tracey Ullman. The show has earned 51 Emmy nominations and two wins for Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series, as well as Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Comedy Series. It has also received 10 nominations for Outstanding Comedy Series, and has five Golden Globe nominations and one win.

Season 12 of Curb Your Enthusiasm will premiere February 4 and the 10-part series will air its finale April 7.

Editorial credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com

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Vin Diesel sued for alleged sexual battery by former assistant

Vin Diesel attends the 'Fast and Furious Live' premiere at The O2 Arena in London^ England 2018

Vin Diesel (born Mark Sinclair) has been accused of sexual battery by his former assistant. According to Vanity Fair, who first reported the lawsuit, court documents state that Diesel’s former assistant alleges the actor assaulted her in 2010 while he was filming The Fast and the Furious sequel, Fast Five.

The assistant, Asta Jonasson, said she was hired by Diesel’s ‘One Race’ company to assist the actor on location in Atlanta when he was filming Fast Five. Jonasson alleged that one night she was asked to wait in Diesel’s hotel suite, where the alleged assault happened.

Jonasson claimed she attempted to “disassociate” from the assault to “avoid angering” Diesel out of fear for her job security, and further alleged that Diesel’s sister, Samantha Vincent, fired her several hours later. In addition to the sexual battery allegation, the suit also states claims of gender discrimination, wrongful termination, retaliation and negligent supervision.

Diesel, 56, is best known for playing Dominic Toretto in the Fast and Furious franchise, which released its 10th installment in May. Diesel has been with his longtime partner Paloma Jiménez since 2007, with whom he shares three children: Hania, Vincent and Pauline.

Editorial credit: Fred Duval / Shutterstock.com

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BULLETIN BOARD-DECEMBER 22, 2023

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The Golden Link Senior Center will be closed today.

The Crookston Eagles Club will have Bar Bingo tonight starting at 6:30 p.m. This is a $500 must-go jackpot, and the kitchen will serve baskets.

The Crookston Eagles Club will have the Johnny Holm Band on Saturday, December 23, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Admission requires a $10 cover charge, and you must be 21 or over to attend.

The Crookston Eagles Club will have Bar Bingo on Saturday, December 23, starting at 2:00 p.m. This is a $400 must-go jackpot.

Crookston City Hall will be closed on Monday, December 25, in observance of the Christmas holiday.

The Crookston Eagles Club will be closed on Monday, December 25, in observance of the Christmas holiday.

The Golden Link Senior Center will be closed on Monday, December 25, in observance of the Christmas holiday.

The Fisher American Legion will be closed on Monday, December 25, in observance of the Christmas holiday.

The Polk County Transfer Station will be closed on Monday, December 25, in observance of the Christmas Holiday.

All clinics at Riverview will be closed on Monday, December 25, in observance of the Christmas Holiday.

Garbage collection for Monday, December 25 (Christmas Day) will be collected on Tuesday, December 26.

The Golden Link Senior Center will have Pinochle on Tuesday, December 26, starting at 1:00 p.m., followed by SAIL at 2:30 p.m.

The Golden Link Senior Center will have Men’s Cards on Wednesday, December 27, beginning at 8:00 a.m., followed by Cribbage at 10:00 a.m.

The Crookston Eagles Club will host Dart League on Wednesday, December 27, starting at 7:00 p.m.

The Fisher American Legion will have Wednesday Burger Night on Wednesday, December 27.

The Golden Link Senior Center will have SAIL on Thursday, December 28, starting at 2:30 p.m.

The Crookston Eagles Club will have Bar Bingo on Thursday, December 28, starting at 6:30 p.m. The kitchen will serve baskets.

The Golden Link Senior Center will have Friday Morning Rolls on Friday, December 29, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

The Crookston Eagles Club will have Jackpot Bingo on Friday, December 29, starting at 6:30 p.m. There will be a $1,000 must-go jackpot. The kitchen will serve baskets, there will also be horse races and pull tabs between games.

The Crookston Eagles Club will have Bar Bingo on Saturday, December 30, starting at 2:30 p.m. There will be a $400 must-go jackpot.

The Crookston Eagles Club will be closed on Monday, January 1, in observance of New Year’s.

The Polk County Transfer Station will be closed on Monday, January 1, in observance of New Year’s.

All Clinics at Riverview Health will be closed on Monday, January 1, for the New Year’s holiday. As a reminder, the Emergency Department is always open. 

On Saturday, January 6, the Friends of Rydell and Glacial Ridge Refuges Association will host a Snowshoe Lacing Workshop at the Rydell NWR Visitor Center. The one-day workshop will run from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Class participants will learn how to lace their pair of Ojibwa-style snowshoes. This is a fun, hands-on class. You’ll be able to work at your own pace with provided instructions and friendly presenters to assist you along the way. Snacks and lunch will be provided, courtesy of the Friends of Rydell and Glacial Ridge Refuges Association. Pre-registration is required, and class size is limited to 20 participants. The deadline for registration is December 15. For more information and to get a registration form, contact Bill Peterson at 218-280-1109 or bpeterso@umn.edu

The Care and Share in Crookston will have an Open Heart Open Doors Dinner and Silent Auction on Saturday, January 20, at the Crookston Eagles Hall. Social hour will be at 5:00, dinner of walleye or prime rib at 6:00, and Silent Auction and games at 7:00. Cost is $50 per ticket; call the Care and Share at 218-281-2644 for ticket information. Proceeds will go towards a cargo van.

CONTINUING ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Salvation Army Bell Ringing has begun and runs through Christmas Eve. Individuals and organizations interested in ringing the bell can register online at www.registertoring.com. Shifts are available seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. outside of Walmart in Crookston. For more info,  email Cody Kill at codykill@usc.salvationarmy.org or Garett Bengtson at garett.bengtson@gmail.com or call 701-741-2329.

This holiday season, you can sponsor a bell in loving memory or honor of a special veteran or soldier through December 31. The cost to sponsor is $1, and the bell will be hung on a tree displayed at the Main Street Courtyard in downtown Crookston for the month of December. Sponsor a bell by stopping at Scott’s True Value in Crookston or contact Kim Ringdahl at 218-281-7762, Jamie Cassavant at 218-289-0865, or Pam DeLage at 218-415-1615.

Cobblestone Hotel and Suites in Crookston will have a Mitten Tree in support of Crookston Family Services through December 30 in loving memory of Kim Samuelson of R.B.J.’s local restaurant. There will be hats, gloves, and scarves for all ages, one item per person.

The Benedictine Living Community Crookston Auxiliary is accepting donations for their Light Up A Life Display. Your gift of $5 will light up a bulb in memory of a friend, loved one, or someone living whom you wish to honor. Please make checks payable to Benedictine Auxiliary, 516 Walsh, Crookston, MN. 56716. Donations will go towards the Benedictine Auxiliary Living Community in Crookston. The Light Up A Life Display will be lit from dusk to dawn until January 5. Please join them at the entrance of the Villa for the lighting on December 17 at 5:00 p.m. for cocoa and cookies.

As the Crookston Care and Share expands, its women’s dormitories are in need of twin bed frames, dressers, lamps, and end tables. Donate: call 218-281-2644.

The Crookston Squadron Civil Air Patrol meets every Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Call 218-281-3954 for more information.

Highland Elementary School is looking for new or used winter gloves and snow pants in sizes 8, 9, and 10. If you are interested in donating or have any questions, call 218-281-5600.

Parents of children are invited to register their children for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The program provides one book every month to your child for FREE from when you enroll until they turn five. Crookston Public School manages the program, and you can register at www.ImaginationLibrary.com.

The Crookston Care and Share is now accepting donations of Women’s, Men’s, and children’s clothing, toiletries, and other everyday items. Donations may be dropped off at the Care and Share Center at 220 East Third Street or call 281-2644. The Donation Room is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. and Fridays from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Every Tuesday (except for Federal Holidays), The Crookston Public Library will host New Born Baby Talk from 9:30 am. to 11:00 a.m. This is for parents with babies 0-12 weeks old. A public health nurse, parent educator, and lactation specialist will be available to answer questions about your newborn and provide support and information on your new journey of parenting.

The Crookston Public Library’s Books & Brews Book Club meets on the fourth Tuesday of every other month at 6:30 p.m. at Drafts Sports Bar and Grill. They will discuss books and enjoy beverages. Appetizers are provided by the Friends of the Crookston Public Library; participants are responsible for the cost of their food and drinks. All are welcome.

The Crookston Public Library’s Reading by the Red Book Club meets on the fourth Tuesday of every other month at 6:30 p.m. They will discuss books and enjoy beverages.

The Crookston Public Library will have StoryTime every Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

The Golden Link is serving noon lunch Monday through Friday. All are welcome to dine in between the hours of 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The Crookston Friends of the Library meet on the third Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m.

The Crookston Library Board meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 5:15 p.m.

The Cove Youth Center in Crookston is open Monday through Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Students and parents should call ahead to check the availability of the youth center at 218-470-0149.

The Crookston Care and Share Center’s Donation and New Hope Food Shelf will be open every Monday and Wednesday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. and every Friday from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. For more information or to donate, call 218-277-0000.

 

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