Joel Vettel Archives - KVRR Local News

Former Law Enforcement Officials React To Federal Government's Move To Shut Minnesota Bca Out Of Shooting Investigation

Former law enforcement officials say traditional protocols are not being followed in ICE shooting probe

Both retired officials say they depended on cooperation with federal agencies to investigate sensitive cases and disregarding the resources of the Minnesota BCA is unprecedented

January 8, 2026

Gabriel Ostler,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – Former Fargo Police Department Detective Lieutenant Joel Vettel is no stranger to typical procedure when it comes to how law enforcement handles an officer-involved shooting. “We’ve had protocols in place that are very specific on how we handle these types of situations. They’re proven to work. Deviating from those for any reason – there has to…

Fargo City Commissioner Michelle Turnberg considering a run for mayor

January 6, 2026

KVRR Staff,

FARGO, N.D. (KFGO/KVRR) — Fargo City Commissioner Michelle Turnberg says she is considering running for mayor. In a post on Facebook, Turnberg says she’s discussing running with family and others. She says a decision whether or not to run will be made soon. Commissioner Denise Kolpack announced her candidacy for mayor Monday. She’s the second person to announce their intentions…

State Sen. Josh Boschee to announce Fargo mayor candidacy

January 6, 2026

KVRR Staff,

FARGO (KFGO/KVRR) – Democratic State Sen. Josh Boschee is running for Fargo mayor. Boschee had been considering a run for some time and will officially launch his campaign Tuesday night. Boschee has served in the state Legislature since 2013. He says his campaign will be rooted in collaboration, listening, and shared problem-solving. City Commissioner Denise Kolpack and Army National Guard…

Cass County Commissioner considers mayoral run in Fargo

August 25, 2025

KVRR Staff,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR/KFGO) — Cass County Commissioner Joel Vettel says several people have asked him to consider a run for mayor of Fargo, and he’s thinking about the race. He doesn’t have a firm timetable for making a decision, but says it would likely be fairly soon. Vettel spent 17 years with Fargo Police and is now with Sanford Health….

Former police officer defends actions taken in viral video

June 10, 2025

Alex Bertsch,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – By now, you’ve likely seen our viral video of three police officers being assaulted at this street corner behind me here in downtown Fargo. Viewers are questioning the response by Fargo Police that led to 37-year-old Joseph Manitowabi fleeing for several blocks before being apprehended. “Obviously it was a very dynamic situation that involved a number…

Joel Vettel and Keith Gohdes Advance in Cass County Commissioner Race

June 11, 2024

Alison Voorhees,

CASS COUNTY, N.D. (KVRR) — In the race for Cass County Commission, Tim Flakoll in District 1 and James Kapitan in District 3 ran unopposed. That leaves a three person race for the sole seat in District 5. Joel Vettel was the top primary vote getter with with 10,274 followed by Keith Gohdes with 3,976 and Marty Johnson with 3,115….

Joel Vettel running for Cass County Commission

January 31, 2024

TJ Nelson,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — The former Fargo Park District executive director is running for Cass County Commission. Joel Vettel is seeking the District 5 seat which is now held by Commissioner Mary Scherling. She has served the maximum of three, 4-year terms. Chad Peterson in District 1 is also completing the maximum three terms on the county commission. County Commissioner…

Former FPD officer says to have a plan just in case of critical incidents

July 21, 2023

Site Staff,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Former Fargo Police Lieutenant Joel Vettel is an instructor in what to do if you find yourself in a potential mass shooting or similar situation. While he says he doesn’t want our community to live in fear, Vettel explains there are ways to prevent and protect yourself during these situations. He says the most important tip…

Fargo Park Board Releases More Information On Departure of Executive Director

The information was released after it was determined the park board violated North Dakota's open meeting laws

August 21, 2019

TJ Nelson,

FARGO, N.D. — Fargo Park Board has released minutes of a special meeting last month involving the departure of former park district executive director Joel Vettel. The information was released after it was determined the park board violated North Dakota’s open meeting laws. The board failed to give adequate and detailed notice about the special meeting. The amended minutes indicate…

Fargo Park Board Violated State’s Open Meetings Laws During Vettel Departure

North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem says notice of the July 2 meeting was insufficient

August 14, 2019

TJ Nelson,

FARGO, N.D. — North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem says the Fargo Park Board violated the state’s open meetings laws. He says the board failed to give adequate notice about a special meeting regarding the departure of Park District Executive Director Joel Vettel. Stenehjem says notice of the July 2 meeting was insufficient to adequately inform the public of the…