The Official Newspaper for Foster County
The counties and cities within the state of North Dakota hold many interesting news stories.
Here are just a few of the feature stories that others are reading in communities around the state.
Arrest made in cold case
Almost 15 years after the death of Anita Knutson of Butte, her roommate was arrested and charged last week with her murder.
Recently, the Minot Police Department held an impromptu press conference where they announced that 34-year-old Nichole Rice was arrested “without incident” for her role in the death of 18-year-old Knutson and charged with murder, a Class AA felony.
Knutson’s body was found in their northwest Minot apartment on June 4, 2007. She had been stabbed twice; the murder weapon, a pocketknife with dried blood on it, was found on the bed.
Knutson, who graduated from Velva High School in 2006, was attending Minot State University, where she majored in elementary education.
A person of interest: Rice, then known as Nichole Thomas, was “always a person of interest” in the case, but there was never enough to arrest her.
Over the years, law enforcement received numerous tips about Knutson’s murder, including information from a party the affidavit noted, Rice was “belligerently drunk” and had admitted to someone that she “did it,” in reference to Knutson’s death. This month, law enforcement was able to identify the person to whom Rice admitted this to.
Rice was detained at Ward County Jail and was held for a $120,000 bond. A preliminary hearing/arraignment will be held April 21 at 3 p.m.
(Story by James C. Falcon, taken from the McLean County Independent)
Thunder recognized by USA Today
USA Today has named Erica (Wondrasek) Thunder as one of its Women of the Year due to her ability to lead and inspire, promote and fight for equity and to give others a place to find help and grant hope.
“I was incredibly surprised and honored,” Thunder said.
USA Today honored Thunder with the recognition because of the person she is and work she has conducted, which focuses on assisting others.
Thunder is a Native American and is enrolled as a member of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation (MHA Nation) of Fort Berthold, N.D. She was raised in the Turtle Mountains and is a Bottineau High School graduate. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Dakota and a law degree and an Indian law certificate from the University of North Dakota Law School.
Thunder is the commissioner for the North Dakota Department of Labor and Human Rights. She made history when she became the youngest and first Indigenous person to ever hold a state cabinet position outside of the Indian Affairs Commission.
(Story by Scott Wagar, the Bottineau Courant)
Suspicious call leads to arrest
A young man’s heated conversation with his female partner recently landed him in hot water, when the speaker call was overheard by a concerned citizen, who tipped off Garrison PD on the exchange. In communicating with authorities, the witness also reported a visible bruise on the side of the woman’s head.
The responding officer proceeded to collar Seth Michael Thomas Oster, 26, on March 15 based on probable cause for aggravated assault/domestic violence.
Prior to the arrest, the city lawman visited with the victim to monitor her physical condition at her place of employment. When he asked if she was “okay,” the retail employee shrugged her shoulders and “reluctantly” stated that Oster had struck her several times earlier that morning with children present, as detailed in a court affidavit.
An examination at Garrison Memorial Hospital further revealed more bruising, as the victim cited chest pain. A doctor later notified police that the woman had actually suffered a fractured sternum.
(Story by Ralph Mancini, nordaknorth.com)
Robinson finishes Jr. Iditarod
Eva Robinson of Cavalier, N.D., along with her sled dogs of Diva Dogs Racing, completed a lifelong dream by racing in the Junior Iditarod Sled Dog Race in Cantwell, Alaska, on February 26 and 27. She finished in 14th place with 15 teams competing.
The race took place over two days with each day consisting of a 64-mile run.
Eva’s main lead dog, Frost, was awarded the Blue Harness Award. This award is voted on by all the competing mushers and is awarded to the best dog in the race. Typically, this award is given to the winning team, but Frost did such an extraordinary job that the mushers voted for her.
(Story taken from the Cavalier Chronicle)
Teen found deceased
An 18-year-old Stanley man was recently found dead following an extensive search by law enforcement and citizen volunteers.
Harley Frueh’s body was discovered by searchers on horseback, in a slough six miles east of Crosby.
According to Divide County Sheriff Zach Schroeder, Frueh had been at a party held at a Crosby residence, where Schroeder said alcohol was being consumed.
Frueh’s vehicle, a 2013 Nissan Rogue, was discovered in a ditch at the intersection of 112th Street Northwest and ND 5 at about 3 a.m.
Frueh was not in the vehicle. Schroeder said another person, Chance Shaw, 27, Noonan, was passed out in the front passenger seat.
When deputies went to the house party to seek information, Schroeder said the occupants were “less than cooperative.”
The remains have been transported to the Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s lab in Bismarck, where an autopsy will be performed.
(Story by Brad Nygaard, the Journal, Crosby)
South Dakota kidnapping ends at Edgeley
A Minnesota man kidnapped a woman in South Dakota and was later captured in North Dakota.
On the evening of March 18, local authorities were made aware of an abduction that occurred in Brown County, South Dakota. A 41-year-old female was taken from her mother’s residence in South Dakota by Ryan Degroat age 35.
Law enforcement used cell phone triangulation to locate the suspect vehicle. The vehicle was located at the rest area on Highway 281, eight miles north of Edgeley.
The male suspect was taken into custody and was transported to Stutsman County Correction pending felony charges.
The victim was transported to Jamestown Regional Medical Center and treated for injuries sustained throughout the incident.
(Story taken from the New Town News)