A former elementary school teacher in Jamestown, North Dakota, has pleaded guilty to a charge of corruption or solicitation of minors. On January 21, 2026, **Michael Paul Romans**, 45, entered his plea in **Southeast District Court**. He was accused of engaging in a sexual relationship with a minor, leading to his resignation from **Gussner Elementary School** on January 15. Romans has been in custody since December 29, 2025, and is currently held on a **$50,000 bond**. Sentencing is scheduled for **April 8, 2026**.
Community members also gathered on January 16 to voice concerns regarding the proposed **JETx transmission line project**. The North Dakota Public Service Commission held a public hearing, attracting around **100 attendees** at the **Baymont by Wyndham Jamestown Conference Center**. Residents expressed fears about potential environmental and health impacts, property value declines, and the adequacy of the developers’ public engagement process. The **JETx project** involves approximately **92 miles** of new transmission line and is estimated to cost **$406 million**.
Library Services Agreement and Solar Facility Development
On January 20, the **Jamestown Finance and Legal Committee** recommended approval of a revised memorandum of agreement for joint library services with **Stutsman County**. This agreement, which the **Jamestown City Council** is expected to approve in March, outlines a new funding mechanism based on population distribution from the latest U.S. Census. Under the proposed terms, the city will contribute **73.4%** and the county **26.6%** of the library system’s budget.
In another significant development, **Fried Township** plans to collaborate with Stutsman County to create an ordinance for solar facilities. **New Leaf Energy** aims to develop a **247 megawatt solar project** north of Jamestown, known as the **Buffalo solar project**, with an estimated cost of **$370 million**. A meeting on January 20 saw around **40 participants**, where project developers discussed concerns and addressed questions from community members.
Tragedy Strikes and Infrastructure Improvements
Tragedy struck Jamestown on January 21 when a **16-year-old boy**, identified as **Jake Stiles**, was killed in a pedestrian accident involving a semi-truck. The incident occurred at **4:35 PM** at the intersection of **4th Street and 5th Avenue Northeast**. The North Dakota Highway Patrol reported that Stiles was crossing the street when the truck, driven by a 36-year-old man from Lehr, struck him. The boy was a freshman at **Jamestown High School**.
Meanwhile, the **Jamestown Public Works Committee** has moved forward with plans to replace lead water service lines throughout the city. On January 22, they unanimously recommended a **$5.7 million** budget for this initiative. The project is mandated by the **U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead and Copper Rule** and must be completed by **2037**. Affected property owners will receive notifications about potential loan forgiveness for the replacement of lead service lines.
In community recognition, **Don and Sharon Caine** were honored as the **Outstanding Citizens of the Year** at the **Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce** awards banquet on January 22. Their longstanding commitment to community service was acknowledged, alongside awards presented to various individuals and organizations for their contributions to Jamestown’s development and well-being.
These stories reflect a community grappling with serious challenges while also making strides in important local initiatives.
