Latest North Dakota news, sports, business and entertainment:

PIPELINE-SINKHOLES Sinkholes appear along pipeline route Walhalla, N.D. (AP) Sinkholes have developed in the Pembina Gorge of northeastern North Dakota along the route of TransCanada Corp.'s Keystone pipeline, and some of them have swallowed pine trees.

The first sinkhole was discovered in March on the pipeline right of way along the Cavalier-Pembina County line.

State Forester Larry Kotchman says an assessment team is working on an environmental restoration plan for the area, which includes the Tetrault (TEH'-trult) Woods State Forest.

Officials have identified seven sinkhole areas where Keystone Pipeline crews used horizontal drilling to bury pipe. Kotchman says the sinkholes are not surprising because of the sandy soils in the area.

Information from: Grand Forks Herald, http://www.grandforksherald.com Forest Service Career forester named US Forest Service chief Washington (AP) Montana forester Tom Tidwell is the new head of the U.S. Forest Service.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said Wednesday that Tidwell will replace Gail Kimbell, who had led the Forest Service since 2007.

Tidwell is a 32-year Forest Service employ and now supervises national forests through northern Idaho, Montana and the Dakotas.

He began his career on the Boise National Forest, and has since worked in eight different national forests across three regions.

He has worked at all levels of the agency, from district ranger to forest supervisor and legislative affairs specialist in the Washington headquarters.

Fargo FIRE Charges expected in Fargo fire FARGO, N.D. (AP) Fargo investigators say the Cass County state's attorney's office is reviewing investigative reports from a large fire south of Fargo earlier this month.

Cass County officials believe the blaze was sparked by a methamphetamine lab, and they expect criminal charges.

The flames destroyed several vehicles, a semitrailer and caught a shelter belt on fire.

Information from: KFGO-AM, http://kfgo.com HEAVY RAIN-ABERCROMBIE Nearly 8 inches of rain reported in Abercrombie ABERCROMBIE, N.D. (AP) The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for the Wild Rice River in southeastern North Dakota.

Residents of Abercrombie, about 30 miles south of Fargo, are reporting about 8 inches of rain since Tuesday afternoon.

Other rainfall amounts in the area include nearly 4 inches in Wahpeton.

The weather service says rivers in the southern Red River Valley have been rising overnight. The agency has posted a flood warning for small streams in Cass and Richland counties, as well as the neighboring Minnesota counties of Clay and Wilkin.

RELEASE DENIED Judge denies release in drug case FARGO, N.D. (AP) A federal judge has refused to release a man who said he wanted to get out of prison to see his mother for the last time.

Jared James Nikle (NYE'-kul) has pleaded guilty in Fargo to conspiracy to possess with intent to deliver at least 500 grams of methamphetamine. He faces the possibility of life in prison when he's sentenced July 15.

Nikle asked to be released under supervision for a few days before sentencing to see his family and put his affairs in order.

He said his mother will not be alive when he is released from prison and asked to see her for the last time.

U.S. District Judge Ralph Erickson denied the request. He said Nikle has a history of chemical dependancy and said it's too big of a risk to let him out of jail.

GUARD UNIT ND Guard officials say unit mobilizing in October Bismarck, N.D. (AP) The commander of the North Dakota National Guard says about 50 soldiers with an aviation unit have been ordered to mobilize for duty in Iraq.

Maj. Gen. Dave Sprynczynatyk says the Bismarck-based members Company C of the 2nd Battalion's 285th Aviation Regiment are expected to mobilize in October.

The Guard says they will join members of the Utah Army National Guard, based in West Jordan, Utah, to form one company during mobilization.

The unit's mission is expected to involve transporting service members and equipment. The Guard says each state will mobilize with five UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters.

COLLEGE OF SCIENCE-RENOVATION NDSCS launches building renovation WAHPETON, N.D. (AP) The North Dakota State College of Science on Wednesday is beginning the $5.7 million renovation of Horton Hall.

The project was at the top of a list of 14 building projects the state Board of Higher education presented to state lawmakers earlier this year for possible funding.

The 81-year-old Horton Hall is home to three of the Wahpeton school's programs. It needs repairs and does not meet safety codes.

Information from: The Forum, http://www.in-forum.com (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 06-17-09 1601CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list