The Bismarck Fire Department battled an early morning structure fire in the Manhattan Building located at 1022 East Divide Avenue. The fire was reported at 12:36 a.m. by a passerby. Five fire engines responded and upon arrival encountered fire, heavy smoke, and heat. An interior fire attack controlled the spread of the fire to a limited area in the lower level of the building.

No persons were injured during the fire. Six businesses have been temporarily displaced due to the fire and smoke damage. The fire loss is estimated at approximately $ 500,000.

Fire units remained on scene removing smoke and heat from the building until 5:30 a.m. The fire appears to be accidental and originated in a lower level office area. The possible cause involves electrical components used to power office equipment.

Bismarck Police are warning residents to be aware of a telephone sweepstakes scam where callers are pretending to be representatives from Publishers Clearing House.  The scammers are telling the victims that they have won a large amount of money and a car.  In order to claim their “prize”, the victims are instructed to wire payment for taxes on the winnings, often to foreign destinations.  They are directed to obtain pre-paid money cards or send Western Union or MoneyGram payments.

The Publishers Clearing House website states that they will, “NEVER ask you to send money to enter a sweepstakes, claim a prize, or to pay a fee, tax or deposit. If someone contacts you about winning a prize and requests that you send money back in return for any reason – STOP – you have not heard from the real Publishers Clearing House. There is no legitimate reason for someone who is giving you money to ask you to wire money back.”

If you believe you are the victim of a scam using the Publishers Clearing House name, please contact their fraud division at 1-800-392-4190.  Consumers are also advised to contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at www.ag.nd.gov or 1-800-472-2600.

RCC Western has been a staple at Kirkwood Mall for decades and opened a second Bismarck location, across from north Dan’s Supermarket, in 2010.

At the time of its acquisition, RCC had a total of 29 locations in 12 states. The new combined company now operates 116 stores in 21 states with plans for new stores, including one in Dickinson.

RCC was founded in 1948 as Rapid City Clothiers.

The agreement is for three years.

Read more:

• http://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/bismarck-park-board-approves-bike-rental-deal/article_d5503e5a-a8b9-11e2-87b5-001a4bcf887a.html
  

The Bismarck Police Department has cited five juveniles in connection with 16 commercial burglaries that occurred in Bismarck between July and December, 2012.

Ninety juvenile citations for Conspiracy to Commit Burglary and Conspiracy to Commit Criminal Mischief were issued on April 5, 2013 in connection with these crimes.

It is alleged that the juveniles caused $16,600 in cumulative damages and stole $53,986 worth of items and merchandise.

After formal charges are filed, hearings will be held to determine if the juveniles will be charged as adults for the crimes.

The crimes occurred between July and December 2012 at the following locations:

• Loaf and Jug – 2600 E Rosser Ave
• Rock 30 Games – 2008 N 12th St
• Sports Cards 4 U – 1308 E Ave F
• 1931 E Ave E (Private)
• Rock 30 Games – 2008 N 12th St
• Jays Pawn Shop – 1037 E Interstate Ave
• Runway Express – 1740 Airport Rd
• Chips Casino – 1014 S 12th St
• Lil Caesers – 2930 N 14th St
• Money Lenders – 913 Burlington Dr
• Nightlife Limousine – 1235 S 12th St
• Box Office Video – 3100 N 11th St
• Subway – 2006 N 12th St
• Chips Casino – 1014 S 12th St
• Jays Pawn Shop – 1037 E Interstate Ave
• *American Family Ins – 2110 E Thayer Ave
• *Animal Kingdom – 1525 E Broadway Ave
• Polar Package – 2150 E Thayer Ave
• *Lucky’s Bar – 2150 E Thayer Ave

*Criminal Mischief Cases

Bismarck Roads and Street crews finished plowing residential streets at 3:00 A.M. this morning. They are now working on the turning lanes and widening out Snow Emergency routes. Crews started hauling out snow from the Downtown Avenues at midnight last night. They will continue hauling snow during night-time hours until the downtown is cleared.

The Street Department will be removing snow in the Bismarck downtown “No-Parking – Street Cleaning” areas. Cars in these areas will be towed.

Businesses along these signed street cleaning areas, that have not already been cleaned, should have their sidewalks cleaned before midnight on their designated day. Please move vehicles off the street and keep them off the streets until snow plows are finished in your area.

The Snow Emergency Declaration has ceased.

We ask residents for their continued patience as we carry-out clean-up operations and thank them for their cooperation.

For more information visit www.bismarck.org

The Bismarck Tribune is reporting on the development, called Sunrise Town Centre, which will be located on the busy northeast corner of Centennial Road and Century Avenue near the site of the new high school.

The plans include a new 45,000-square foot Dan’s store, which is expected to open by the end of 2014. This will be the fourth Dan’s location in Bismarck and fifth in the region. This new Dan’s location will only be about 2 miles from the company’s State Street location (pictured), but it is an area seeing rapid and continued growth.

Joining Dan’s, Sunrise Town will also feature office space, restaurants, a bank, a gas station, and additional retail space. Sunrise Town Centre will also compliment other planned single- and multi-family residential being constructed in the immediate area.

Read more:

• http://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/new-commercial-center-planned-in-ne-bismarck/article_a2631a5c-a716-11e2-ad0d-0019bb2963f4.html
  

The Street Department will be removing snow in the Bismarck downtown “No-Parking – Street Cleaning” areas.  Cars in these areas will be towed.

Businesses along these signed street cleaning areas, that have not already been cleaned, should have their sidewalks cleaned before midnight on their designated day.  Please move vehicles off the street and keep them off the streets until snow plows are finished in your area.

Downtown Snow Removal:

12:01 a.m., Wednesday, April 17^th

North – South streets and alleys in the downtown signed areas.

12:01 a.m., Thursday, April 18^th

East – West streets and alleys in the downtown signed areas.

The City of Bismarck Roads and Streets Department crews have completed snow emergency routes and are currently working on major arterial streets and school emergency routes. They will  move into residential areas later this evening.

When City crews move into the residential areas later this evening, they will make one pass with the snow plow in each direction through the center of the road for now, to provide for emergency vehicle access to residential areas and to allow residents to get out as soon as possible.  Their priority is to provide residents with access to be able to travel on residential streets. Citizens are advised that City crews will come back later to plow the road all the way to the curb.

Please view the Snow Emergency Route map at http://www.bismarck.org/DocumentCenter/View/193

We ask the citizens work with their neighbors to open up driveways and mailboxes.  We want to thank the citizens and business for their cooperation during this spring blizzard.

A reminder to businesses and residents: Please move vehicles off streets to aid in snow removal operations.

According to City Ordinance a person may not move, dump or deposit by any means any snow or ice accumulated on private property onto any public street, alley, or public right-of-way.  The fine for this violation is up to $1,000.

It is the property owner’s responsibility to clear snow around their mailbox.  For cluster boxes, it is the responsibility of all the mail recipients to clear the snow from around the box.

Please visit www.bismarck.org for more information.

Officially, yesterday’s snowstorm brought 17.3 inches of wet, heavy snow to the Bismarck-Mandan area. This easily shattered the old single-day snowfall record of 15.5 inches that was set during the infamous 1966 blizzard. The record had been broken as early as 7:00pm while heavy snow continued. The now-third highest single-day snowfall occurred during the equally impressive April 1997 blizzard.

The April 14 snowstorm also pushed Bismarck beyond the all-time snow record for month of April, beating the 18.7-inch record set in 1984.

Unofficial reports indicate as much 23+ inches fell on the capital city. By comparison, the official snow totals from the 1966 blizzard was 22 inches.

Between yesterday and today, the April 14 snowstorm closed shopping centers, public venues, clinics, government offices, and schools across the region. I-94 was also been shut down statewide, as well as large portions of I-29 and US Highway 83.

Just prior to this record-breaking snowstorm, Bismarck’s snowfall was about 10 inches below normal for this season. The rather mild winter season has definitely gone out roaring.

Records offically broke:

• Highest snowfall ever received during any single calendar day
• Highest single-day snowfall received in April
• Highest snowfall ever received during April
• Daily snowfall record for April 14

• Bismarck and Mandan public & catholic schools
• Bismarck State College
• Bismarck Public Library
• Bismarck garbage collection will also not take place; picked up Tuesday instead
• Bismarck Parks & Recreation Facilities: Fore Seasons, VFW Sports Center, Capital Racquet & Fitness Center and BCS Aquatic & Wellness Center
• Bismarck YMCA
• Federal Building on Broadway
• Morton County offices and courthouse
• State Capitol and other state government offices closed until noon Monday

Legislature sessions and committees for tomorrow have also been cancelled.

Click here to view current road conditions.

The City of Bismarck has declared a “Snow Emergency” and all snow emergency routes are included in this emergency declaration.  Parking is prohibited and all vehicles must be removed from snow emergency routes effective immediately.

The City Roads and Streets Department have been plowing the snow emergency routes since 4:00 a.m.  Crews will be working 24 hours a day, on emergency routes and major arterial streets to keep them open.  We anticipate that the City will continue to plow the emergency and major arterial streets all day Sunday and into Monday morning until the snow and wind subside.

Once the blizzard is over and emergency routes and major arterial streets are open, residential streets will begin to be plowed.  Snow gates are still being used, when possible, but due to the already accumulated ten inches of snow, it is difficult to plow and keep the snow in the gate.

We ask the citizens work with their neighbors to open up driveways and mailboxes.

We want to thank the citizens and business for their cooperation during this spring blizzard.

To view the snow emergency routes and snow removal map go to the City’s website, www.bismarck.org.  Under Departments, click on Public Works.  On the right side of the Public Works page are Quick Links to these items.

The forum will be on April 29 at 7:00pm at Mandan Middle School.

Bobcat has unveiled its $6.5 million renovation project to the Bismarck factory located off 26th Street. After shuttering the plant in 2009, laying off over 400 workers, Bobcat has since pumped new life into the long-term factory, bringing in over 600 jobs to the capital city.

The company insists that these renovations and new jobs are evidence that the company is here to stay.

Founded in Gwinner, North Dakota, Bobcat has maintained a Bismarck presence since 1974. It was purchased by Doosan Infrastructure in 2007.

Read more:

• http://kfyrtv.com/News_Stories.asp?news=63144
  
• http://www.kxnet.com/story/21925275/bobcat-back-in-bismarck

The Arc is a nonprofit that offers services for disabled individuals, including education, advocacy, and support. They also operate a local thrift store at 1211 Park Ave, off of South 12th Street.

Read more:

• http://www.kxnet.com/story/21919639/former-bismarck-nonprofit-director-faces-felonies
  
• http://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/former-bismarck-nonprofit-director-accused-of-stealing-from-organization/article_9fa2c314-a084-11e2-8de0-0019bb2963f4.html

External Link:

• https://www.facebook.com/pages/Annex-208/351495378291773?ref=nf
  

BISMARCK, N.D. – The City of Bismarck announced today that they’ve received a response from Waste Management with the cost of the fee to provide residential single sort curbside recycling services. Waste Management is the contracted vendor selected to provide the service to Bismarck residents.

“We are pleased that Waste Management responded within the timeline set forth at the March 26, City Commission meeting and we’re happy that we can now move forward with notifying residents of the residential curbside recycling fee of $3.81 per month for the first year of service,” said Commissioner Mike Seminary.

Bismarck property owners will receive an insert in their April water bill notifying them of the $3.81 residential curbside recycling fee per month, which will go into effect late this fall. The water bill insert will also provide residents with the option to opt-out of the residential curbside recycling service for financial hardship or space constraints.

For more information visit www.bismarck.org

Ferderer has been previously arrested multiple times for similar activities. His first arrested relating to stalking was back in 2011 after a two-year investigation, involving at least 19 different women. According to KX News, Ferderer had racked up five related misdemeanor convictions at the time, including stalking, harassment, and delivery of alcohol to a minor. As part of his sentence, Federer was banned from using the Internet and placed on supervised probation, which was later revoked for violating the conditions.

Ferderer’s past harassment and stalking convictions were all misdemeanors, this time, however, he faces a Class C Felony. His initial court appearance is scheduled for 3:30pm this afternoon.

Further details as the become available.

Read more about Ferderer’s prior arrests:

• http://www.kxnet.com/story/16364497/bis
• http://www.kxnet.com/story/19125870/ferderer-back-at-it-again-and-back-in-jail
  

BISMARCK, N.D. – The City of Bismarck announced today that Renae Moch has accepted the position of Bismarck Burleigh Public Health Director and will begin May 1.

“Renae emerged as the top candidate and did extremely well within all areas throughout the interview process,” said Brenda Smith, Bismarck City Commissioner. “We were fortunate to be able to draw from a pool of well qualified candidates.”  Renae is currently employed with the American Academy of Family Physicians as a Practice Management Strategist in Kansas.  She was previously employed with Medcenter One and Bismarck Burleigh Public Health.  “Renae possesses a sound base of knowledge and experience in medical practice management and healthcare administration, both assets to this key position,” said Commissioner Smith.  “We are delighted to have her on board.”

Renae holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a MBA in Healthcare, both from the University of Mary, and is Board Certified in Medical Practice Management through the American College of Medical Practice Executives.

The Public Health Director manages public health programs and is responsible for an annual budget of $1.6 million and a staff of 48.  The director also provides direction and administrative oversight to code enforcement, licensure, permitting and certification of sanitary inspection and environmental health programs.

BISMARCK, N.D. –   The Bismarck Human Relations Committee seeks nominations for an individual, business or non-profit organization that has exhibited leadership in the areas of human and civil rights with a focus upon recognizing those that educate, identify issues and address human rights issues.

The nomination form is available at www.bismarck.org. Nominations must be submitted by April 12, 2013.  Submit nominations to:

City of Bismarck
Attention: Human Relations Committee
221 N 5^th Street
Bismarck ND 58506-5503

The Humanitarian Award will be presented in late April or early May at an event to be announced.

The mission of the Bismarck Human Relations Committee is to protect and promote the personal dignity of all Bismarck citizens and eliminate any discriminatory barriers that prevent them from reaching their full human potential.  For more information please visit www.bismarck.org

Earlier in the day, David Doda, 44, had been taken into custody following a reported burglary in progress at a mobile home park on Centennial Road. Without resistance, Doda was taken into custody and questioned by police.

Police later accompanied Doda to his home, which is located in the same mobile home park as the earlier burglary, with the intent that the cooperative Doda reveal items that he had stolen. But, in the midst of searching Doda’s home, he pulled out a concealed firearm and shot himself in the head.

Doda was immediately rushed to a local hospital and was pronounced dead less than an hour later.

Read more:

• http://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/burglary-suspect-shoots-himself-in-front-of-bismarck-officers/article_dd2c64a8-956a-11e2-a44a-0019bb2963f4.html
  
• http://www.kfyrtv.com/News_Stories.asp?news=62804

Fargo-based Cass-Clay Creamery has announced the “Cass-Clay Hometown Throwdown” recipe contest to discover North Dakota’s best amateur culinary star.

North Dakotans are encouraged to submit their best recipes that feature at least one Cass-Clay product for a chance to win. 12 North Dakotans will be selected among the entries to compete in a live cook-off on June 22.

The contest will have feature entries from three categories: breakfast and brunch, appetizers and side dishes, and desserts.

One grand prize winner will receive $5,000 with two second-place winners selected from the remaining categories each receiving $500. The remaining nine finalists will each receive $100.

Entries must be postmarked by May 18, 2013 and can be submitted online at CassClay.com or Facebook.com/CassClayCreamery or by mail to Cass-Clay Cook-Off Contest, PO Box 130250, St. Paul, MN  55113-0003. The 12 finalists will be announced June 3.

External Link:

• CassClay.com
  

It was the largest single event held in the region since the Women’s International Bowling Congress Tournament in 1989.