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Historic storms pummel central and southern parts of the US

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Historic storms pummel central and southern parts of the US


Historic storms have pummeled Central and Southern U.S. with blizzards, record-breaking hail and tornadoes, inflicting widespread harm – and a few states are set to face much more snowfall. 

A 20-year-old Arkansas lady was killed on Wednesday when a tree fell on her dwelling as extreme storms swept by way of the state and a attainable twister ripped roofs off properties in Alabama.  

A blizzard warning remained in impact Thursday for Montana and North Dakota because the states are set to be hit with extra snow this Easter Weekend after a ‘one-in-a-century blizzard’ spring snowstorm Wednesday, which featured 60mph winds and whiteout situations with as much as 47 inches of snow. 

In North Dakota, the state Capitol, faculties, authorities workplaces and a few companies remained closed for a 3rd day Thursday.

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‘For the month of April it isn’t unusual to get the snow. Now, snow of this magnitude – that is one thing that is a bit bit extra distinctive,’ mentioned Rick Krolak, a Nationwide Climate Service (NWS) supervisor. 

File chilly temperatures within the 20s and 30s, snowy climate and slick situations will proceed into the Easter Weekend, KTVH reported.  

In Kentucky, Louisville’s Mayor Greg Fischer declared a state of emergency within the metropolis and Jefferson County Public Colleges cancelled lessons in response to storm harm. 

In the meantime, a attainable twister tore roofs off properties in a public housing neighborhood and peppered vehicles with particles Wednesday night time in rural Greene County, Alabama, situated about 90 miles southwest of Birmingham. 

Billy Hicks, who lives within the space, instructed WBMA-TV he was mendacity down when he heard a rush of wind that lasted just a few seconds. 

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‘I jumped up and put my garments on, put my footwear on when every little thing was over with. I come to the facet door and appeared throughout the road. I knew that one thing had hit all these homes,’ mentioned Hicks, who received in his automobile to go examine on neighbors.    

‘Most people we talked to as we have been doing a house-to-house search defined that they have been of their lavatory or an inside hallway, so that they have been listening to these warnings and with out that I feel we might have been taking a look at a a lot totally different scenario,’ he mentioned. 

Authorities swarmed the world however did not discover anybody who was damage, mentioned Zac Bolding of Greene County Emergency Medical Providers.

 A blizzard warning remained in impact Thursday for Montana and North Dakota because the states are set to be hit with extra snow this Easter Weekend after a ‘one-in-a-century blizzard’ spring snowstorm Wednesday, which featured 60mph winds and whiteout situations with as much as 47 inches of snow

Tornadoes were also reported Tuesday in parts of Iowa and Minnesota

 Tornadoes have been additionally reported Tuesday in elements of Iowa and Minnesota

Residents in the small southeastern Minnesota farming community of Taopi were cleaning up after a devastating tornado destroyed half of the town's homes, toppled tall trees and left piles of debris

Residents within the small southeastern Minnesota farming neighborhood of Taopi have been cleansing up after a devastating twister destroyed half of the city’s properties, toppled tall bushes and left piles of particles

In Kentucky, Louisville's Mayor Greg Fischer declared a state of emergency

In Kentucky, Louisville’s Mayor Greg Fischer declared a state of emergency

In an aerial view, a heavily damaged home is seen in the Glenmary subdivision on April 14, 2022 in Louisville, Kentucky

In an aerial view, a closely broken house is seen within the Glenmary subdivision on April 14, 2022 in Louisville, Kentucky

Janet Berry walks down the stairs of her heavily damaged home in the Glenmary subdivision

Janet Berry walks down the steps of her closely broken dwelling within the Glenmary subdivision

The entirety of Interstate 94 was closed for nearly a day, however the North Dakota Department of Transportation has reopened the highway between Bismarck to Jamestown

The remainder of the interstate is expected to remain closed for the foreseeable future

 The whole thing of Interstate 94 was closed for almost a day, nonetheless the North Dakota Division of Transportation has reopened the freeway between Bismarck to Jamestown. The rest of the interstate is predicted to stay closed for the foreseeable future

Historic storms have pummeled parts of the U.S. with blizzards, record-breaking hail and tornadoes, causing widespread damage across the central and southern states

Historic storms have pummeled elements of the U.S. with blizzards, record-breaking hail and tornadoes, inflicting widespread harm throughout the central and southern states

In Arkansas, a lady died when a tree toppled on her dwelling in Rison shortly after 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, pinning her to the sofa, mentioned Stephen McClellan, Cleveland County´s emergency administration coordinator. Rison is about 55 miles south of Little Rock. 

A day earlier, 23 folks have been injured within the central Texas city of Salado. The Nationwide Climate Service in Fort Price mentioned Wednesday that the tornado was rated an EF3 with peak wind speeds of 165 mph.

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Tornadoes have been additionally reported Tuesday in elements of Iowa and Minnesota. Residents within the small southeastern Minnesota farming neighborhood of Taopi have been cleansing up after a devastating twister destroyed half of the city’s properties, toppled tall bushes and left piles of particles.

In Montana and North Dakota, a lot of the area reported a minimum of one foot of snow. At the least one mountain neighborhood had already reported almost 4 ft of snow Wednesday morning. 

The whole thing of Interstate 94 was closed for almost a day, nonetheless the North Dakota Division of Transportation has reopened the freeway between Bismarck to Jamestown. The rest of the interstate is predicted to stay closed for the foreseeable future.

A No-Journey Advisory stays in impact for the state as meteorologists predict the spring snowstorm might develop into one of many largest in 1 / 4 century. 

A separate climate system introduced thunderstorms, excessive winds, heavy rain and hail throughout the midwest and into the south.  

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A twister that was rated EF2 with peak wind speeds of 130 mph struck Taopi close to the Iowa border late Tuesday night time, tearing the roofs off homes, overturning autos and bringing down energy strains. There have been no reviews of great accidents.

Volunteers arrived Wednesday to assist residents clear up the particles in the neighborhood of about 80 folks. Members of the family sifted by way of rubble in search of keepsakes.

‘Half the city is gone,’ Metropolis Clerk Jim Kiefer mentioned. Of Taopi’s 22 properties, a minimum of 10 are past restore, with roofs and partitions lacking, he mentioned. Kiefer mentioned his home is OK, however his mom’s house is a complete loss.

‘She will not be going dwelling,’ he mentioned. 

Baron Climate forecasters declare the severity of the a number of storm methods stays unsure, noting that some communities stay underneath ‘enhanced threat’ of tornadoes and fires.

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Jim Gross searches through a bedroom for recoverable items in a heavily damaged home in the Glenmary subdivision on April 14, 2022 in Louisville

Jim Gross searches by way of a bed room for recoverable gadgets in a closely broken dwelling within the Glenmary subdivision on April 14, 2022 in Louisville

Louisville's Mayor Greg Fischer declared a state of emergency in the city

Louisville’s Mayor Greg Fischer declared a state of emergency within the metropolis

A heavily damaged home is seen in the Glenmary subdivision on April 14, 2022 in Louisville, Kentucky

A closely broken house is seen within the Glenmary subdivision on April 14, 2022 in Louisville, Kentucky

Much of the central US region has already reported at least one foot of snow, while forecasters predict most areas will see two feet of accumulation by the time the system passes

A lot of the central US area has already reported a minimum of one foot of snow, whereas forecasters predict most areas will see two ft of accumulation by the point the system passes

The identical storm system chargeable for tornadoes within the south is chargeable for record-setting snow within the northern Plains.

Billings, Montana reported 13.9 inches of snow Tuesday, making it one of many snowiest days the neighborhood has seen in a long time, AccuWeather reported.

The final time Billings noticed that a lot snow collected in in the future was Could 11, 1981 when 15 inches piled up. 

Different areas of Montana reported three to 4 ft of accumulation. Albro Lake, situated within the mountains of southwestern Montana, reported 47 inches of snow. Close by Pony, Montana file 36 inches.  

Residents throughout the state have ready to be snowed in for the subsequent few days and a number of other faculty districts have already opted to shut faculties till the storm system passes.

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‘It is a bit windy, it is a bit chilly. I do not know, it isn’t that dangerous in case you have your earbuds in or one thing, simply kinda jam out, take it a minute at a time, and have at it,’ Gus Lindegren of Bismarck instructed the television station, noting he was making an attempt to get forward of the snow. 

‘I grew up on a farm in North Dakota, and I do not get too enthusiastic about blizzards. You simply put together for them, do not do something dumb,’ echoed Mike Deisz, additionally of Bismarck.

Rick Krolak of the Nationwide Climate Service workplace in Bismarck mentioned the storm  delivered to thoughts the blizzard of 1997 that hit on April 4 of that 12 months, dumping as much as two ft of snow in some areas, knocking out energy to 1000’s of residents and leaving motorists stranded on main highways.

‘It is undoubtedly wanting like it’ll pack a punch,’ he mentioned of the storm.

Workers were plowing the roads throughout North Dakota on Wednesday

Staff have been plowing the roads all through North Dakota on Wednesday

The entirety of Interstate 94 was closed for nearly a day, however the North Dakota Department of Transportation has reopened the highway between Bismarck to Jamestown. A ND road is pictured amid whiteout conditions

The whole thing of Interstate 94 was closed for almost a day, nonetheless the North Dakota Division of Transportation has reopened the freeway between Bismarck to Jamestown. A ND highway is pictured amid whiteout situations

A homeowner on Northview Lane in northeast Bismarck, N.D., struggles to maneuver a snowblower as he clears his driveway of deep snowdrifts on Wednesday

A house owner on Northview Lane in northeast Bismarck, N.D., struggles to maneuver a snowblower as he clears his driveway of deep snowdrifts on Wednesday

North Dakota Dept. of Transportation workers are pictured plowing snow covered streets

North Dakota Dept. of Transportation staff are pictured plowing snow coated streets

Areas of Montana reported three to four feet of accumulation. Albro Lake, located in the mountains of southwestern Montana, reported 47 inches of snow. Nearby Pony, Montana record 36 inches. However, forecasters claim the worst of the storm is lingering over the central part of North Dakota, where visibility remains low

Areas of Montana reported three to 4 ft of accumulation. Albro Lake, situated within the mountains of southwestern Montana, reported 47 inches of snow. Close by Pony, Montana file 36 inches. Nevertheless, forecasters declare the worst of the storm is lingering over the central a part of North Dakota, the place visibility stays low

After the snowstorm wraps up, meteorologists warn temperatures in Montana, Wyoming and the Dakotas might plunge to as little as -20 levels Fahrenheit. 

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Sturdy winds reaching speeds of 60 mph will comply with the pounding snow, reaching so far as south and east because the central Plains, Nice Lakes and Ohio Valley.

The core of the deep freeze will come Thursday and into Friday, AccuWeather reported, largely impacting the north-central U.S.

Communities within the epicenter – Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota and South Dakota – will probably attain sub-zero temperatures whereas neighboring states will see temps within the single digits.

The deep freeze follows what was already a file chilly morning for a lot of areas all through the Rocky Mountains.

Yellowstone Nationwide Park, in Montana, recorded temperatures of -15 levels Fahrenheit Wednesday, a brand new every day file. That was reportedly the bottom temperature within the area.

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Denver, the capital metropolis of Colorado, set a file for the date with a low of 11 levels Fahrenheit.

Throughout the state, close to Akron, Colorado, a regional airport reported a drastic drop from 57 levels Fahrenheit on Tuesday to 7 levels on Wednesday. 

Low temperature data have been additionally damaged all through Montana, together with in Chinook, which noticed a 113-year-old every day file fall with a low of 21 levels Fahrenheit.

Matt Mittelstaedt, a driver for Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center, pushes as a Good Samaritan tows the large passenger van he was driving when it got stuck in the snow at the intersection of State Street and Divide in Bismarck, ND on Tuesday

Matt Mittelstaedt, a driver for Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Heart, pushes as a Good Samaritan tows the massive passenger van he was driving when it received caught within the snow on the intersection of State Avenue and Divide in Bismarck, ND on Tuesday

A woman tries to push a stuck car in the snow at the intersection of State Street and Divide Avenue in Bismarck ND on Tuesday

A girl tries to push a caught automobile within the snow on the intersection of State Avenue and Divide Avenue in Bismarck ND on Tuesday

A chocolate lab is seen playing in the deep snow in Dickinson, North Dakota on Wednesday

A chocolate lab is seen taking part in within the deep snow in Dickinson, North Dakota on Wednesday

Brothers Elisa Flanagan, 15, left, and Solomon, 16, back, shovel the wet snow from their driveway in northeast Bismarck, ND on Wednesday

Brothers Elisa Flanagan, 15, left, and Solomon, 16, again, shovel the moist snow from their driveway in northeast Bismarck, ND on Wednesday

Snow is pictured outside a North Dakota resident's home on Tuesday

Snow is pictured outdoors a North Dakota resident’s dwelling on Tuesday 

Twister watches and warnings remained in impact for northern Iowa, a bit of central Texas and elements of Louisiana Tuesday night time as the damaging storm system is predicted to proceed by way of Thursday. 

The Nationwide Climate Service Storm Prediction Heart issued stage 4 out of 5 ‘reasonable threat’ of extreme climate and for a big a part of the Mississippi Valley on Wednesday, citing ‘the potential for sturdy tornadoes and really giant hail. 

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A number of tornadoes touched down in Central Texas and Iowa Tuesday, inflicting widespread harm, the Nationwide Climate Service reported. At the least 23 folks have been injured within the tornado.

‘The harm, whereas vital, it definitely might have been worse,’ Bell County Decide David Blackburn instructed NBC Information Tuesday, noting he was grateful no lives have been misplaced.

Scroll for video 

A tornado touches down in Iowa Tuesday. Watches and warnings remained in effect for northern Iowa, a section of central Texas and parts of Louisiana into Wednesday as the dangerous storm system is expected to continue

A twister touches down in Iowa Tuesday. Watches and warnings remained in impact for northern Iowa, a bit of central Texas and elements of Louisiana into Wednesday as the damaging storm system is predicted to proceed

The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center issued level 4 out of 5 'moderate risk' of severe weather on Wednesday, citing 'the potential for strong tornadoes and very large hail'

The Nationwide Climate Service Storm Prediction Heart issued stage 4 out of 5 ‘reasonable threat’ of extreme climate on Wednesday, citing ‘the potential for sturdy tornadoes and really giant hail’

One tornado swept through the Texas town of Salado, damaging homes in Bell County, and produced massive hail, some nearly six inches in length

One twister swept by way of the Texas city of Salado, damaging properties in Bell County, and produced huge hail, some almost six inches in size 

The twister swept by way of the Texas city of Salado, damaging properties in Bell County, and produced huge file breaking hail, almost six inches in size, based on images posted to social media. 

Blackburn mentioned the twister was on the bottom for an estimated 7 miles.

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Twenty-three folks have been damage within the Bell County storm with 12 folks taken to the hospital, and one was reported to be in vital situation Tuesday night time. Officers had not offered an replace on their situations as of Wednesday afternoon.

Rotating thunderstorms additionally churned over Iowa and Louisiana on Tuesday. There have been reviews of individuals trapped within the properties in Bossier Metropolis, Louisiana, based on KSLA. 1000’s of SWEPCO prospects briefly misplaced electrical service. 

Greater than 100,000 prospects in Texas remained with out energy late Wednesday afternoon, About 10,000 folks have been experiencing outages in in Iowa and 72,000-plus prospects in Louisiana, based on a utility monitoring web site. 

Storms are anticipated to proceed in a single day and into Thursday with damaging winds and attainable tornadoes.  

Meteorologists in Tennessee, in addition to a number of different southern states, together with Texas, are making ready for potent storms.

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Meteorologist Reed Timmer described the system as ‘one of many extra excessive, unstable occasions that we have seen thus far this 12 months for long-tracked, doubtlessly sturdy to violent twister potential,’ based on AccuWeather. 

Timmer added that Wednesday was ‘one of the crucial harmful days we have had right here in just a few years throughout the mid-South.’ 

Two feet of snow were predicted across much of the state and northern cities such could see up to 30 inches by Thursday, when the weather system was expected to move northeast

Two ft of snow have been predicted throughout a lot of the state and northern cities such might see as much as 30 inches by Thursday, when the climate system was anticipated to maneuver northeast



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North Dakota

Montana State defeats South Dakota 31-17 in FCS semifinals to advance to Frisco

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Montana State defeats South Dakota 31-17 in FCS semifinals to advance to Frisco


11:34 pm, December 21, 2024

Montana State defeated South Dakota, 31-17, to advance to the national title game.

The Bobcat defense stepped up big in the second half, holding South Dakota to only three points. In the fourth quarter, Montana State came up with two fourth down stops and a key fumble recovery on the final defensive possession.

Quarterback Tommy Mellot led the way offensively with 134 passing yards and a touchdown plus 125 rushing yards and two touchdowns. 

It’s the first title appearance for Montana State since 2021. Fittingly enough, Montana State played — and lost to — North Dakota State in the title game that year, the first for head coach Brent Vigen and quarterback Tommy Mellott. The Bobcats and Bison will meet in Frisco, Texas to play in the FCS National Championship Game on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025 at 7 p.m. ET.

Click or tap here for stats from the game

11:26 pm, December 21, 2024

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11:19 pm, December 21, 2024

After Montana State stopped South Dakota in the redzone on fourth down, the Coyote defense forced a punt to get the ball back. South Dakota will get the ball down 31-17 with 4:46 remaining and two timeouts.

11:00 pm, December 21, 2024

One quarter remains until we find out who the second FCS title game participant is. Montana State has a 14-point lead over South Dakota, 31-17 entering the fourth quarter. The Coyotes added a field goal with 2:11 to play in the third quarter to cut the deficit.

When play resumes, South Dakota will have the ball facing second-and-three at its own 40-yard line.

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See stats through three quarters below

stats

10:31 pm, December 21, 2024

Tommy Mellott showed off why he’s one of the most electrifying players in the FCS. Mellott dropped the snap, made a defender miss, hurdled another defender and darted 41 yards into the endzone. Montana State leads 31-14

9:57 pm, December 21, 2024

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A field goal lat in the second quarter gave Montana State a 10-point lead entering halftime. The score was another addition to an explosive first half.

South Dakota scored two touchdowns of 55 and 45 yards on the ground. However, the pass game hasn’t been as explosive as Aidan Bouman only has 76 yards through the air going 0-2 on third down. 

Montana State’s offense has been powered by Tommy Mellott. He’s 8-15 passing for 134 yards and a touchdown while rushing 13 times for 69 yards and a score. Mellott and the Bobcat offense have run 44 plays to South Dakota’s 16, while possessing the football for 20:28 to 9:24 for the Coyotes.

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When play resumes, South Dakota will receive the second half kickoff.

stats

9:30 pm, December 21, 2024

9:19 pm, December 21, 2024

It took just one play into the second quarter for South Dakota to tie the game up. Running back Charles Pierre Jr. rushed 45 yards to the house on the second big run for the Coyotes today.

9:15 pm, December 21, 2024

It’s been an explosive first quarter as both Montana State and South Dakota are moving the ball with ease for the most part. While both teams punted on their second possession, they scored quickly on their first.

Montana State’s third possession put them in front shortly before the first quarter expired as Tommy Mellott has two touchdowns, passing and rushing, for 90 yards passing and 29 yards rushing.

When play resumes, South Dakota will have the ball facing first-and-10 at the Montana State 45-yard line.

See first quarter stats below

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stats

9:10 pm, December 21, 2024

8:47 pm, December 21, 2024

South Dakota responded to a quick Montana State touchdown on its opening drive with a quick touchdown of its own. The Coyotes found the endzone in just five plays as running back Travis Theis ran 55 yards for a touchdown. 

8:41 pm, December 21, 2024

It took just six plays and a little over three minutes for Montana State to find the endzone in the FCS semifinals. Quarterback Tommy Mellott found wide receiver Taco Dowler for a 34-yard score to put the Bobcats up 7-0. It was the second time the duo connected on the drive as they connected for 20 yards on the first play of the game.

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8:38 pm, December 21, 2024

The second FCS semifinal game is underway as No. 4 South Dakota battles No. 1 Montana State. The Bobcats received the opening kickoff.

8:12 pm, December 15, 2024

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Here’s how to watch the 2024 FCS semifinal game between South Dakota and Montana State:

8:11 pm, December 15, 2024

Here are some of the top storylines and players to watch entering this year’s FCS semifinal game between South Dakota and Montana State.

Storylines

  • How they got here
    • South Dakota ended the regular season with plenty of momentum after knocking off North Dakota State in a top-five matchup. Once the postseason started, the Coyotes rallied past Tarleton State in an explosive second-round win before beating UC Davis without ever trailing in the quarterfinals.
    • Montana State has dominated the competition all season long as the only undefeated team remaining in the FCS. The Bobcats haven’t played a close game in the playoffs after averaging 50.5 points scored and a 32.5 margin of victory in two games.
  • Past matchups
    • Montana State and South Dakota have only met once in the two program’s histories. The Bobcats won the lone matchup in 2008, 37-18.
  • Coaching
    • Two Coaches of the Year will meet in the semifinals. Big Sky Coach of the Year Brent Vigen will face MVFC Coach of the Year Bob Nielson. Vigen was also named the Eddie Robinson Award winner as the FCS coach of the year.
  • What’s at stake
    • South Dakota is in uncharted territory making its first-ever semifinal appearance. It’s only the fourth FCS playoff season in Coyote history. Meanwhile, Montana State is still chasing its 1984 FCS championship. The Bobcats have only made one return to the title game since (2021), the first year of the Brent Vigen-Tommy Mellott era.

Players to Watch

Here are some players to watch from South Dakota

  • MVFC Offensive Player of the Year: DL Mi’Quise Grace

South Dakota All-MVFC Players

  • 1st Team | RB Charles Pierre Jr.
  • 1st Team | FB Travis Theis
  • 1st Team | OL Joey Lombard
  • 1st Team | TE JJ Galbreath
  • 1st Team | DL Nick Gaes
  • 1st Team | DL Mi’Quise Grace
  • 1st Team | DB Dennis Shorter
  • 2nd Team | OL Joe Cotton
  • 2nd Team | OL Bryce Henderson
  • 2nd Team | DL Blake Holden
  • 2nd Team | LB Gary Bryant III
  • 2nd Team | DB Mike Reid

Here are some players to watch from Montana State

  • Big Sky Offensive Player of the Year: QB Tommy Mellott
  • Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year: DL Brody Grebe
  • Big Sky Freshman of the Year: RB Adam Jones

Montana State All-Big Sky Players

  • 1st Team | QB Tommy Mellott
  • 1st Team | RB Scottre Humphrey
  • 1st Team | FB Rohan Jones
  • 1st Team | OL Marcus Wehr (unanimous)
  • 1st Team | OL Conner Moore
  • 1st Team | DL Brody Grebe (unanimous)
  • 1st Team | LB McCade O’Reilly
  • 1st Team | DB Rylan Ortt
  • 1st Team | PR Taco Dowler
  • 2nd Team | OL Titan Fleischmann
  • 2nd Team | OL Cole Sain
  • 2nd Team | DL Paul Brott
  • 2nd Team | LB Danny Uluilakep
  • 2nd Team | DB Andrew Powdrell
  • 2nd Team | P Brendan Hall





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North Dakota State defeats South Dakota State 28-21 in FCS semifinals to advance to Frisco

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North Dakota State defeats South Dakota State 28-21 in FCS semifinals to advance to Frisco


North Dakota State and South Dakota State are tied at 14 apiece after the first half. It’s been a tightly-contested battle as most battles between the two rivals are.

South Dakota State has been able to lean on its running attack, gaining 111 yards to NDSU’s 53. Amar Johnson and Mark Gronowski have scored on the ground.

Meanwhile, Cam Miller has accounted for both North Dakota State touchdowns, scoring once with his legs and once with his arm. Miller also has been efficient, completing six of seven passes.

The biggest play of the first half was the lone turnover, a fumble by Amar Johnson that gave North Dakota State the ball in Jackrabbit territory. 

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When play resumes, North Dakota State will receive the second half kick. See first half stats below.





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Port: Tribal sovereignty is a two-way street

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Port: Tribal sovereignty is a two-way street


MINOT — The activists pushing for President Joe Biden to sign, in the closing days of his administration, a sweeping executive order creating a new national monument out of roughly 140,000 acres of western North Dakota tell us their initiative

is led by our state’s tribes.

They also talk a lot about the importance of tribal sovereignty.

Let’s explore this.

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I’m not sure all of the tribes knew they were leading this project. That’s certainly not the impression I got after a discussion with Chairman Mark Fox of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation. “When the entities came before to request support for a national monument, we just thought that would be nice without considering any possible impacts in terms of policy,”

he told me.

“We’re going to reconsider,” he added.

Fox stressed that he and his fellow tribal leaders aren’t necessarily against the national monument concept. He expressed enthusiasm for the new opportunities for preservation and tourism. Fox is concerned about the possibility that the monument could inhibit land use in the area — specifically, energy development, which is of vital importance to the MHA Nation.

“Depending on how large the designation is, it could impact some of our drilling. That’s where we lack clarity,” Fox told me. “We really didn’t have any of that information.”

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That’s not a great look for a coalition that has marketed this proposal as a tribal initiative.

What’s also unseemly are aspersions cast at Fox because of his diligence. State Rep. Lisa Finley-DeVille, a Democrat from Mandaree, a member of the MHA Nation, and a spokesperson for the national monument campaign,

told reporter Jeff Beach

“that misinformation is undermining the monument effort, including among tribal leaders.”

“They need to read the proposal,” Finley-DeVille said. “We’re not trying to take anybody’s rights away. We’re not trying to stop oil and gas.”

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That’s a tough claim to swallow when your coalition includes the Sierra Club, an organization committed to stopping oil and gas production, but the jab at Fox is what’s notable.

Finley-DeVille often talks about the importance of tribal sovereignty, and I agree with the sentiment, but I’d note that sovereignty is a two-way street. If you only respect tribal sovereignty when tribal leaders take positions you agree with, you’re not respecting tribal sovereignty.

I don’t think Chairman Fox is misinformed. I think his concerns are valid.

“Some entities have used this national monument declaration to stop drilling and stop energy production,” he said, and he’s right. The Biden administration has used these declarations to block or inhibit development around Spirit Mountain, in Nevada, and Bear Ears National Monument in Utah. “We don’t want it stopped at all either for ourselves or the state,” Fox told me.

Finley-Deville says Fox has been misled, but who has been misleading him? Finley-Deville is pursuing a new land declaration of the sort that has been used to block energy development elsewhere while working side-by-side with a deep-pocketed national organization that sees blocking oil and gas development as its mission but expects us to believe that she and her partners are “not trying to stop oil and gas.”

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Fox is skeptical. Can we blame him?

Rob Port is a news reporter, columnist, and podcast host for the Forum News Service with an extensive background in investigations and public records. He covers politics and government in North Dakota and the upper Midwest. Reach him at rport@forumcomm.com. Click here to subscribe to his Plain Talk podcast.





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