Charged man can't represent himself
DICKINSON -- A judge has ruled that a man charged in a 2008 Dickinson shooting cannot represent himself at trial.
Joel Wetzel, 61, is accused of breaking into a Dickinson home, firing a rifle at a bedroom door and injuring a man and aiming his rifle at a police officer before being shot in the side by another officer. Wetzel claims he was shot in the back without provocation.
He earlier was deemed competent to stand trial after three mental evaluations and was seeking to represent himself. Judge William Herauf this week ruled that Wetzel was not competent to act as his own attorney.
Wetzel's trial begins June 7.
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Airport remodeling project completed
MINOT -- Workers have completed a $712,000 remodeling project at the Minot airport terminal.
Airport director Andrew Solsvig said it means more space and better traffic flow for visitors, airlines and staff.
The project includes more space in the main terminal lobby and baggage claim areas and more seating in the airline gate area. Workers moved security equipment, enlarged bathrooms, shifted car rental agencies and provided a larger area for the snack shop in the airport's secured area. Wireless Internet now is available throughout the terminal.
The project that started in September was mostly funded by the Federal Aviation Administration. The state and Minot each contributed 2.5 percent.
Rain hampers work in fields
FARGO -- The latest weekly crop report for North Dakota said rain last week was much needed but hampered fieldwork.
The report released this week by a state office of the U.S. Department of Agriculture said drier conditions will be required to continue fieldwork in most areas. Statewide, an average of nearly four days was suitable last week for fieldwork.
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Topsoil moisture supplies rated 3 percent short, 83 percent adequate and 14 percent surplus, compared with the five-year average of 23 percent short or very short, 63 percent adequate and 14 percent surplus.
Going into this week, spring wheat planting was 45 percent complete, compared with 37 percent average. Soybeans and dry edible beans were 4 percent and 6 percent planted, respectively. At 44 percent, corn planting remained ahead of the average.
