Patrick Springer
(He/Him)
Fargo
As seen in:
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Post-Bulletin,
Prairie Business,
West Central Tribune
and
Covers:
I range widely, covering health care, energy and environment, demographics and trends
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Sports.
Citizen, former journalist, dog lover, photo enthusiast, history buff.
Articles by Patrick Springer
Federal bill to protect wild horses in North Dakota park faces no opposition in House hearing
One of the names etched into the 9/11 Memorial in New York City is Stanley native Ann Nicole Nelson, whose legacy is remembered and honored th…
Federal bill to protect wild horses in North Dakota park faces no opposition in House hearing
WASHINGTON — A House subcommittee heard testimony in support of a bill to protect the wild horse herd at Theodore Roosevelt National Park as the legislation winds its way through Congress. The House Natural Resources Committee’s Subcommittee on Federal Lands took testimony on the bill, introduced by Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., on Wednesday, Sept. 16.
Federal bill to protect wild horses in North Dakota park faced no opposition in House hearing
WASHINGTON — A House subcommittee heard testimony in support of a bill to protect the wild horse herd at Theodore Roosevelt National Park as the legislation winds its way through Congress. The House Natural Resources Committee’s Subcommittee on Federal Lands took testimony on the bill, introduced by Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., on Wednesday, Sept. 16.
ND judge vacates 30-year-old murder conviction over suppressed evidence
DEVILS LAKE — A judge has overturned the conviction of a man who has served more than 30 years in prison for murder in a case tainted by witness evidence prosecutors suppressed from the defense. The decision by District Judge Daniel Narum on Friday, Feb. 27, vacates the 1995 conviction of Werner Kunkel, who is serving a life sentence for the 1986 murder of Gilbert Fassett of Devils Lake. Fassett's decomposing body was found riddled with stab wounds on the Spirit Lake Nation in August 1986.
ND judge vacates 30-year-old murder conviction over suppressed evidence
DEVILS LAKE — A judge has overturned the conviction of a man who has served more than 30 years in prison for murder in a case tainted by witness evidence prosecutors suppressed from the defense. The decision by District Judge Daniel Narum on Friday, Feb. 27, vacates the 1995 conviction of Werner Kunkel, who is serving a life sentence for the 1986 murder of Gilbert Fassett of Devils Lake. Fassett's decomposing body was found riddled with stab wounds on the Spirit Lake Nation in August 1986.
Lawyers to argue that suppressed evidence shows North Dakota man convicted of 1986 murder is innocent Original
DEVILS LAKE, N.D. — A North Dakota man's lawyers will present evidence they say will show that he could not have committed the murder he was convicted of more than 30 years ago — and the proof is found in the files of the prosecution. Werner Kunkel was convicted of the brutal stabbing murder of Gilbert Fassett, whose body was found on Ski Jump Hill on Spirit Lake Nation. Witnesses said the two men were seen together drinking at two bars in Devils Lake the last night Fassett was seen alive.
America at 250: The Dakotas were far removed from the tumult of the Revolutionary War in 1776, but there were ties Original
Forum Communications kicks off a yearlong celebration of America’s 250th birthday with this historic look back. FARGO — The Lakota Sioux were pushing west, expanding their territory and power at the expense of rival tribes, when they discovered a prize: The pine-covered prominence of the Black Hills rising above the grassland. The milestone happened in 1776, roughly coinciding with the colonies’ break with England when they adopted the Declaration of Independence half a continent away.
Giants in the earth: How Garrison Dam and the Fargo-Moorhead diversion project compare Original
FARGO — The earthen embankment of Garrison Dam that controls the flow of the mighty Missouri River has fused with the prairie landscape through its elongated bulk stretching across a wide valley. More than 2 miles long and a half-mile wide at its base, it’s the world’s fifth-largest earthen dam. Garrison holds back Lake Sakakawea, a body of water almost 600 miles square, the nation’s third-largest reservoir.
North Dakota investment officials can withhold specifics about billions in Legacy Fund investments, AG says
BISMARCK — The stewards of the North Dakota Legacy Fund can continue to keep secret billions of dollars invested in funds that are commingled with other investors' money under a new opinion issued by Attorney General Drew Wrigley.
Marcile Ellingson
Sep. 29, 1933 - Nov. 23, 2025 FARGO, N.D. - Marcile Ellingson, 92, Breckenridge, Minn. died Sunday, Nov. 23. Funeral Services were held on Monday, December 1, 2025, at 11 am at Doran Presbyterian Church, Doran, MN. Interment took place at Riverside Cemetery, Breckenridge, MN. Arrangements by Joseph-Vertin and Sons Funeral Home, Breckenridge.
Linda L. Anderson
Aug. 10, 1951 - Nov. 30, 2025 FARGO, N.D. - Linda L. Anderson, 74, Moorhead, Minn. died Sunday, Nov. 30, in Sanford on Broadway. A Gathering of Family and Friends for Linda will begin at 12:00 PM, Tuesday, December 9, 2025, followed by a Celebration of Her Life at 1:00 PM in the Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Services, Moorhead. Arrangements by Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service, Moorhead, MN.
Dale E. Wold
Mar. 18, 1933 - Dec. 01, 2025 FARGO, Minn. - Dale E. Wold, 92, Moorhead, Minn. died Monday, Dec. 1, in HIA - Heather's House. A memorial service will be held on Friday, December 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation one hour before service at Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN.
Ronald Peterson
Jan. 15, 1942 - Dec. 02, 2025 FARGO, N.D. - Ronald Peterson, 83, Fargo, N.D. died Tuesday, Dec. 2, in Bethany on University under the care of Ethos Home Care and Hospice. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, December 5, 2025 at Hope Lutheran Church - North Campus, Fargo, with a visitation one hour prior. Interment will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Fargo. Arrangements by Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home – Fargo, ND.
Audrey Wieland
Oct. 20, 1960 - Dec. 02, 2025 VALLEY CITY, N.D. - Audrey Wieland, 65, Dazey, N.D. died Tuesday, Dec. 2, in Mercy Hospital. There will be visitation from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Tuesday, December 9 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Dazey. A prayer service will begin at 7:00 Tuesday evening. The funeral Mass will be celebrated in the church at 10:30 AM, Wednesday, December 10. She will be laid to rest in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Fraser makes final fundraising push to complete Stepping Stones Resource Center
FARGO — Fraser Ltd. launched fundraising for its Stepping Stones Resource Center five years ago. The timing proved unfortunate: it coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of the upheaval from the pandemic, fundraising was suspended. Fraser is now renewing a push to raise the $3 million needed to complete the project at Fraser Youth Campus, 721 S. University Drive. “The thing that derailed us was the pandemic,” said Sandra Leyland, president and CEO of Fraser Ltd.
Sinking West Fargo house abandoned as uninhabitable, once targeted for burning down, is for sale
WEST FARGO — Amanda DeLaPointe escaped with deep financial scars from the dream house that turned into a monetary nightmare. Only two months after buying the three-bedroom home in West Fargo's Meadowridge neighborhood, she discovered cracks forming in a wall. Then she noticed that the ceiling and walls in the room were coming apart. That was the beginning of a yearslong ordeal. She ended up paying $30,000 with borrowed money to have a contractor shore up her foundation.
‘Sitting Bull’s War' book chronicles fight for buffalo and freedom on the Great Plains Original
FARGO — Paul Hedren grew up in a part of Minnesota where the Dakota War of 1862 was ignited when starving Dakota renegades raided the Lower Sioux Agency and white settlements along the Minnesota River. Born in New Ulm, his family later moved to Olivia. Those surroundings kindled his interest in Sioux history, which led to a lifelong obsession about the Great Sioux War that followed the Minnesota uprising, a bloody conflict that culminated in Lt. Col.
Seniors must pick replacement for discontinued Medicare Advantage plans Original
FARGO — This year’s open enrollment period for seniors covered by Medicare Advantage plans is causing turmoil for those whose plans are being discontinued — and failure to choose a replacement plan can result in a loss of coverage. Faced with skyrocketing claims costs, many health insurers are eliminating some of their Medicare Advantage plans. Those affected must select a new health insurance plan during the annual open enrollment period, which started Oct. 15 and ends Dec. 7.
Seniors must pick replacement for discontinued Medicare Advantage plans
FARGO — This year’s open enrollment period for seniors covered by Medicare Advantage plans is causing turmoil for those whose plans are being discontinued — and failure to choose a replacement plan can result in a loss of coverage. Faced with skyrocketing claims costs, many health insurers are eliminating some of their Medicare Advantage plans. Those affected must select a new health insurance plan during the annual open enrollment period, which started Oct. 15 and ends Dec. 7.
Convicted murderer asks North Dakota parole board to release him for deportation Original
DEVILS LAKE, N.D. — Werner Rümmer has an unusual request for the North Dakota Parole Board: He wants to be released from prison and immediately taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers pending deportation to Germany. Rümmer is serving a life sentence in the James River Correctional Center in Jamestown for the 1986 murder of Gilbert Fassett, a Devils Lake man whose body was found on the Spirit Lake Indian Reservation with more than 100 stab wounds.
Medora plans for ND’s biggest bash in years, the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library opening
MEDORA, N.D. — Planners are making preparations for what likely will be the biggest celebration North Dakota has seen in years: the dedication of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. Thousands of spectators will join dignitaries — all living presidents have been invited — to a gala celebration that is a signature event of the nation’s 250th birthday celebration. Preliminary guesses of the number of people who could turn out for several days of events reach as high as 20,000 to 40,000.
Dickinson horse ranch named after a famous barrel racing horse for sale for $7 million Original
DICKINSON, N.D. — Alan Woodbury’s lifelong love of horses has taken many forms over a varied career that includes the establishment of North Dakota’s most prestigious horse ranch. Rosas Cantina Ranch is on 60 acres of land along the winding Heart River on the edge of Dickinson, secluded by mature cottonwood, fir and ash trees. Inside the ranch gates stands a nearly life-sized statue of Woodbury’s prize horse, Rosas Cantina.
Aggressive birth control of wild horse herd continues with Burgum overseeing national parks department Original
MEDORA, N.D. — Rangers are not backing away from their extensive use of a birth control drug that has kept all but a few mares in the wild horse herd at Theodore Roosevelt National Park from giving birth. The park’s aggressive use of GonaCon, an immunocontraceptive drug, at levels far exceeding research parameters has been an ongoing concern among wild horse advocates for several years.
Outlook predicts ‘more active’ winter, with colder and snowier than normal conditions
FARGO — Winter appears to be poised for a comeback as forecasters say a colder and snowier winter than normal appears likely. Water in the equatorial Pacific Ocean is expected to cool, forming what meteorologists call La Niña, a weather pattern that often results in colder and snowier winters along the northern tier of states, including North Dakota and Minnesota. National Weather Service meteorologists released their winter outlook Friday, Oct.
Reversal of North Dakota land management plan reopens millions of acres to energy development Original
FARGO — A recently adopted plan for managing federal lands in North Dakota that drew fiery opposition from the state’s congressional delegation has been undone, opening the way for oil and coal development on millions of acres. The U.S. Senate passed a joint resolution of disapproval, a move that overturned the Biden administration’s resource management plan for Bureau of Land Management lands in North Dakota.
Could a Moorhead woman have been saved if police acted sooner? Original
Editor’s note: If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. MOORHEAD — Friends and family of Niloofar “Niloo” Khazrabakht were preparing to celebrate her wedding. Instead, they’re planning her funeral. Niloo was hoping to fulfill her longtime dream of going to medical school and was engaged to be married when her life took a turn.
Horse at Theodore Roosevelt National Park infected with West Nile virus euthanized
MEDORA, N.D. — A 2-year-old female horse infected with West Nile virus at Theodore Roosevelt National Park developed serious neurological symptoms and was euthanized. Park visitors reported Saturday, Aug. 30, that a horse was “lying down, unable to get up,” Superintendent Rachel Daniels said Wednesday, Sept. 17. Rangers helped the horse get up twice that day, and monitored its behavior into the evening hours.
Today in History: Locals share their stories of combat as the U.S. enters Operation Iraqi Freedom
On this date in 2003, The Forum carried front-page news of fighting on the tenth day of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Elsewhere in the paper, The Forum carried the recollections of area veterans who had served in armed conflict. There was also an account from the family of a Fargo man deployed to Iraq. Both stories are reprinted in their entirety below.
North Dakota legislative resolution marks first step toward federal protection for wild horses Original
MEDORA, N.D. — A resolution passed by the North Dakota Legislature is the first step in seeking federal protection to ensure the future of the wild horse herd at Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Legislators this week overwhelmingly passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 4006, which urges Congress to pass legislation protecting the herd.
Hoeven: No wild horses will be removed after roundup of herd at Theodore Roosevelt National Park Original
FARGO — The wild horses at Theodore Roosevelt National Park have been given a partial reprieve. A senior park official told Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., the park will not remove any horses, Hoeven told The Forum on Wednesday, Oct. 9. But he said the official informed his staff that at least some mares will be given a birth-control drug as previously planned. The roundup of the almost 200 horses roaming the park’s south unit, originally planned to begin Thursday, will be held this weekend, Hoeven said.
Medora leaders urge officials to halt birth control, removal of Theodore Roosevelt National Park wild horses Original
MEDORA, N.D. — City leaders in this gateway community to Theodore Roosevelt National Park are adding their voices to those asking park officials to suspend birth control and removal of up to 15 wild horses. The Medora City Council unanimously passed a resolution Tuesday, Oct.
Wild horse roundup is likely the beginning of a smaller herd. What will that mean for their future? Original
MEDORA, N.D. — The first major roundup of wild horses at Theodore Roosevelt National Park in more than a decade will mark the beginning of a new era of managing the historic herd. The National Park Service has announced plans to round up all 200 of the horses roaming the park’s south unit. It will record information about each horse’s gender and age and collect blood samples that will provide genetic information that will guide management decisions.
At issue in a Billings County bridge dispute: When is a written promise not a promise? Original
MEDORA, N.D. — Dave Short stood on a high bluff and pointed down below to a stake driven into the ground on his family’s ranch along the Little Missouri River — a guidepost for bulldozers. The stake on the valley floor marks the path of a proposed road that would lead to a bridge Billings County wants to build over the river deep in the heart of the Badlands.
Was justice served? Eddie Peltier's mother questions conviction of two in son's death
FORT TOTTEN, N.D. — Gladys Peltier sat at her kitchen table to write the letter. Sixteen years of her life, years spent trying to learn the truth about her son's murder, led up to this moment. But she didn't hesitate before signing the letter asking that her son's convicted killer be set free. The man a jury said ran over Eddie Peltier while others held him down. Gladys doesn't remember much about Richard LaFuente. They met just once, at the funeral, but she has no recollection of it.
Two corpses, two tortured investigations, and the many questions they left behind
DEVILS LAKE, N.D. — Two murders committed in the 1980s haunt Spirit Lake Nation. The body of Eddie Peltier, a former police officer in nearby Devils Lake, was found on a highway on Aug. 28, 1983 near Ski Jump Hill, a landmark on the reservation. Three years later, on Aug. 10, 1986, berry pickers found the badly decomposed body of Gilbert Fassett on Ski Jump Hill, not far from where Peltier’s body had been found. The two murder cases have more than geography in common.
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