judge

Phony Arrest Call Scams Valley City Woman Out of $7,000

Police say if you receive these types of calls, hang up and contact them or another family member for help

  VALLEY CITY, ND — Valley City Police want to warn the public about a scam in the area after at least two people have lost thousands of dollars. Police say the scammer is calling victims and saying they have arrested a family member and are demanding bond money in order to release the person. One woman was called twice,…

North Dakota Supreme Court Justice Makes it Official

Jensen had been the presiding judge of the Northeast Central District

BISMARCK, ND — North Dakota’s newest state Supreme Court justice is officially on the job. An investiture ceremony was held Wednesday to install Justice Jon Jensen, who has been hearing cases since August. In July, Gov. Burgum appointed Jensen to replace Justice Carol Kapsner who resigned in April after nearly 18 years on the bench. Jensen had been the presiding…

Fargo Judge on the Final Step to U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals

All Judge Ralph Erickson needs now is a vote in the full U.S. Senate

FARGO, ND — A Fargo based judge is closer to serving on the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. The U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary unanimously approved Judge Ralph Erickson to serve on the court. It is the final step before Erickson’s nomination receives a vote in the full U.S. Senate. Judge Erickson currently serves on…

ND Judicial District to Swear in First Female Judge

Cherie Clark has been a prosecutor in Fargo since 2006

BISMARCK, ND — History will be made when a new judge takes the oath in the Southeast Judicial District on Friday. Cherie Clark will be sworn in as the first female judge in the district. Clark was appointed by Gov. Burgum. She has been a prosecutor in Fargo since 2006 and previously worked in the Otter Tail County, Minnesota attorney’s…

Governor Dayton, Republican Leaders Working with Mediator

The Minnesota Supreme Court ruled Friday that Dayton acted constitutionally when he vetoed the funding

  ST. PAUL, Minn. — Gov. Dayton and top Republicans have chosen a mediator to try to help them out of a constitutional battle. The two sides have been locked in a legal battle for months over Dayton’s decision to veto the Legislature’s budget. The Minnesota Supreme Court ruled Friday that Dayton acted constitutionally when he vetoed the funding. But…

Wahpeton Man Sentenced for Child Pornography

Wylie pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography in November 2016

ST. PAUL, Minn. — A Wahpeton man is sentenced to 15 years in prison for producing child porn. The U.S. States Attorney’s Office says 28-year-old Justin Wylie appeared before a judge in U.S. District Court in St. Paul. Wylie pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography in November 2016. According to court documents, Wylie forced three minors…

Judge Blocks North Dakota Law in Question Over Farm Equipment

The judge's order directs Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem not to enforce the measure until the issue can be resolved

  NORTH DAKOTA — A federal judge has blocked a North Dakota law designed to protect farm equipment dealers. The law permits implement dealers to sell generic rather than name-brand replacement parts. Four major manufacturers of farm implements filed a lawsuit that claims the law is unconstitutional. The judge’s order directs Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem not to enforce the measure…

North Dakota’s Judge Erickson Appears Before Senate Judiciary Committee

Erickson was nominated by President Trump to serve on the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A North Dakota judge appears before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Senators Heitkamp and Hoeven introduced U.S. District Judge Ralph Erickson to the panel. Erickson was nominated by President Trump to serve on the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals. Both senators encouraged the committee to approve Judge Erickson’s nomination and move it to the Senate for confirmation. “Judge…

Minnesota Judge To Hear Diversion Arguments Tuesday

Could Decide To Halt Construction of F-M Diversion

Both sides in the legal battle over the Red River diversion could get some clarity soon. A federal judge in Minnesota will hear arguments Tuesday on whether construction of the project should be halted until developers receive the necessary permits from the Minnesota DNR. The 36-mile channel is envisioned as the solution to the frequent flooding threat to Fargo-Moorhead. But…

Gladstone Rancher Accused of Neglect Allowed to Keep Animals

Two horses were severely crippled and were euthanized

STARK COUNTY, ND — A judge says Stark County can’t seize about 70 horses and 20 cattle from a Gladstone rancher accused of abusing and neglecting them. Southwest District Judge Rhonda Ehlis says Gary Dassinger should be able to keep his animals since their condition has improved. In April, a veterinarian found some of Dassinger’s animals to be in poor…