BC-ND--North Dakota News Digest 6 pm, ND

Here's a look at AP's general news coverage in North Dakota at 6 p.m. Questions about coverage plans go to News Editor Carson Walker at (605) 332-3111 or cwalker@ap.org. James MacPherson is on the desk.

This information is not for publication or broadcast, and these plans are subject to change. Expected stories may not develop, or late-breaking and more newsworthy events may take precedence. Advisories, digests and digest advisories will keep you up to date.

Some TV and radio stations will receive shorter APNewsNow versions of the stories below, along with all updates.

TOP STORY:

DAKOTAS WEATHER

BISMARCK, N.D. - Bone-chilling cold blanketed the Dakotas as the workweek began, though a brief warmup was in store for the New Year's holiday later in the week. Temperatures early Monday dropped well below zero in North Dakota, with wind chills as cold as 30 below across the northern part of the state. The wind chills weren't quite as bad in South Dakota, but up to 4 inches of snow was expected in the southern part of the state. By Blake Nicholson. SENT: 385 words. Photo requested.

AROUND THE STATE:

OBIT-NELSON

BISMARCK, N.D. - Rodeo cowboy legend Alvin Nelson is being remembered as one of the best of his generation, an influence on younger riders and an innovator in the sport. Nelson, of Grassy Butte, a member of half a dozen halls of fame and North Dakota's only world champion saddle bronc rider for 24 years, died Dec. 23 at a hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, at the age of 80. His funeral is scheduled for Wednesday in Watford City. By Blake Nicholson. SENT: 445 words, on news and sports lines. Pursuing photo.

PREFILED BILLS-ND

BISMARCK, N.D. - The number of bills filed before the Legislature's kickoff next month is well below average, but the head of the Legislature's research arm said he expects a quick catch-up once the session starts. Around the halls of the Capitol leading up to the session's start, most lawmakers expect the sharpest debate to center on Gov. Jack Dalrymple's proposal to send more oil and gas tax money to oil-producing counties. By James MacPherson. SENT: 400 words.

SEX TRAFFICKING-SUPPORTING VICTIMS

As awareness of America's sex-trafficking industry increases, state after state has enacted new laws to combat it. But while a few have backed those get-tough laws with significant funding to support trafficking victims, many have not. North Dakota is one state where sex trafficking is in the spotlight. By David Crary. SENT: 1,590 words, photos.

PIPELINE PROJECT

PIERRE, S.D. - South Dakota regulators have scheduled public meetings next month on a proposed pipeline that would carry oil from western North Dakota to eastern refineries. The $3.8 million Dakota Access Pipeline would stretch from the Bakken formation to Patoka, Illinois. Energy Transfer Partners wants to have it operating by the end of 2016. SENT: 260 words.

IN BRIEF:

FOUNDATION PRESIDENT - The head of the North Dakota State University Development Foundation and Alumni Association is stepping down.

STUDENTS ATTACKED-BAIL - A judge has set bail at $500,000 for a man accused in a sexual assault case involving three North Dakota State University students.

DRUG BUST - Authorities say three Mexican nationals are accused of trafficking methamphetamine in western North Dakota.

ND GAS PRICES - A spokesman for North Dakota AAA says gasoline prices continue to drop but they still are higher than the national average. Automobile club spokesman Gene LaDoucer says the statewide average price for regular unleaded gasoline was $2.39 per gallon on Monday. He says the national average was $2.28 per gallon.

AG OPINION-WATER - Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem (STEHN'-juhm) says Ward County doesn't have to pay a $2,500 disconnect permit fee to a water district. Stenehjem says in a written opinion issued Monday that Ward County acquired some properties to restore "green space" following the massive 2011 Souris River flood.

NEW TOWN FATAL - The Highway Patrol has identified a New Town man who died in a weekend crash north of the city.

WENDY'S OF MONTANA SOLD - Wendy's of Montana has been sold to another franchisee, Wenspok Resources of Spokane, Washington. The sale affects a Dickinson restaurant.

NORTH DAKOTA HOGS - North Dakota's hog and pig inventory stood at 139,000 head on Dec. 1, up 3 percent over the year.

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If you have stories of regional or statewide interest, please email them to apbismarck@ap.org. If you have photos of regional or statewide interest, please send them to AP in New York via FTP or email (statephotos@ap.org). Be sure to call to follow up on emailed photos: (877) 273-6867. If you have questions about the North Dakota AP report, contact News Editor Carson Walker at (605) 332-3111 or (800) 952-9911 or cwalker@ap.org.

MARKETPLACE: Calling your attention to the Marketplace in AP Exchange, where you can find member-contributed content from North Dakota and other states. The Marketplace is accessible on the left navigation pane of the AP Exchange home page, near the bottom. For both national and state, you can click "All" or search for content by topics such as education, politics and business.

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