Putney Murder Trial

NORTH DAKOTA OIL What is
ND NORTHERN AREA
$56.00, UP $0.50
PROF IL E 2018 hypertension
ND LIGHT SWEET CELEBRATE THE BASIN MICHELLE YELVERTON
myelverton@willistonherald.com
(high blood
$56.00 UP $0.50 and its progress by contacting your
WEST TEXAS INTERMEDIATE
Kristi Schwartz Agency
701-713-4240
account executive today to advertise
in Profile 2018!
LINLEY VANACORE
lvanacore@willistonherald.com
pressure)?
$66.14, UP $0.63 schwartz@allstate.com
ND ACTIVE CALL 701-572-2165 SAMANTHA BINDER
sbinder@willistonherald.com
p. A8
BRENT CRUDE
$70.52, UP $0.10 RIG COUNT: 57
TUESDAY
January 30, 2018
$1.00
Williams County’s Newspaper of Record 118th Year Number 125 Williston, ND www.willistonherald.com
Opening arguments today in Putney trial

BY JAMIE KELLY ate use of force. Just after 4 p.m. Putney was briefly detained after
EDITOR@WILLISTONHERALD.COM Monday, Northwest District Judge he told police he shot and killed Jamie Kelly •
Kirsten Sjue swore in a panel of Donzell Washington and Diandre Williston Herald
The second day of the murder Attorney Jeff
trial of Lamar Putney will begin 14 — 12 jurors and two alternates Lott at his Williston apartment on
— and gave them preliminary in- May 17, 2016. He claimed he had Nehring, cen-
with opening statements by the ter, standing,
prosecution and defense, after structions. The jury, made up of an shot the men in self-defense when
equal number of men and women, they tried to rob him, and he was questions
the court spent nearly six hours potential ju-
Monday selecting a jury. will start hearing evidence today released later that day. Putney
after opening arguments. The trial was arrested in September 2016 rors during the
A pool of about 60 potential first day of the
jurors were questioned about their is scheduled to last two weeks. and charged with two counts of
The question the jury will need murder. murder trial
relationships to the victims, possi- of his client,
ble witnesses, the defendant and to decide is not whether Putney In court filings, Putney’s attor-
shot two men in May 2016, but ney, Jeff Nehring, has laid out the Lamar Putney,
others, as well as their thoughts left, seated.
on self-defense and the appropri- why. SEE TRIAL PAGE A9
STATE OF THE UNION
Guests part
of legislative
agenda
(mostly)
Congressional delegates bringing
Miss America, border wall
builder, pension advocate
BY RENÉE JEAN
RJEAN@WILLISTONHERALD.COM
The MonDak’s Congressional dele-

gates have all brought guests for today’s
State of the Union Address by President
Donald Trump, and the choices reflect,
in most cases, some of their legislative
priorities for the coming year.
Guests of legislators generally get
to attend a dinner at the Capitol,
after which they attend the State of
the Union, which is a joint session of
Congress.
Congressman Kevin Cramer, R-N.D.,
Lee Zion • Williston Herald is taking Tommy Fisher, President of
Tom Dickey and Adaire Smith look over the items available at an auction to benefit Aryan Williams, a 2-year-old battling leukemia. Photos of Williams can Fisher Industries as his guest. Fisher’s
be seen on the wall next to the dartboard. Dickinson-based Fisher Sand & Gravel
Co., is one of the six companies with
Benefit assists local

a contract to develop a prototype for
How you building a wall along the U.S.-Mexican
border, awarded by the U.S. Customs
can help and Border Protections Agency.
“I am honored Tommy accepted my
toddler with leukemia

To assist the invitation to attend the State of the
family, money Union,” Cramer said. “As Congress
can be donated develops comprehensive immigrant
to a account enforcement legislation, I am proud
set up at First to know a North Dakota company is a
BY LEE ZION with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. silent and live auctions and live mu- International
LZION@WILLISTONHERALD.COM Although he is largely free of sic. Even before the fundraiser began, finalist to construct the border wall be-
Bank under tween our nation and Mexico. Fisher’s
Hundreds of people turned out cancer now, his battle isn’t over yet. efforts to assist Williams brought in Sheila Hollen/
He still needs to go to the hospital in $8,000. reputation for quality construction will
this weekend to help a little boy with Aryan Williams. be an asset for the nation’s security and
leukemia. Fargo periodically for treatment — Sheila Hollen, the boy’s grand-
and this will go on for the next three mother, said after the event that a great deal for the American taxpay-
A party Saturday at Midway Junc- er.”
tion filled the large back room to years. That means a lot of medical this one day alone brought in about
expenses and travel expenses for his $50,000. Tommy is the eldest son of Gene Fish-
overflowing as the city of Williston er, who started Fisher Sand & Gravel
came out to support Aryan Williams. mother, Krista Wegley.
The day featured a free-will feed, SEE BENEFIT PAGE A9 Co. began in 1952. He has expanded op-
The 2-year-old was diagnosed Dec. 7 erations of the company beyond North
Dakota, and it is one of the top sand
Warm weather predicted for today, but cold coming

and gravel companies in the nation. It
employs about 1,200 people in heavy
civil construction in 12 states, includ-
ing North and South Dakota, Arizona,
Arctic blast means dangerous wind chills expected later this week into next Montana, Nevada, New Mexico and
Wyoming.
BY JAMIE KELLY the late morning and last throughout the The NWS is predicting life-threatening Fisher also owns two manufacturing
EDITOR@WILLISTONHERALD.COM day, he said. wind chills starting Sunday and lasting businesses. First is General Steel and
Temperatures could reach the upper 40s Wednesday’s high will be in the teens, through Feb. 8 across western and central Supply Company, also started by Gene
today in Williston, but don’t count on the which is close to average for January, but North Dakota. There are several chances Fisher, which manufactures construc-
warmth lasting long. still a substantial drop from the day before. for light snowfall but the big danger is the tion-related equipment in Dickinson,
The National Weather Service says the “That’s quite the swing,” Ayd said. cold and the wind. Wind chills could dip as and supplies the United States and nine
brief warmup is going to be followed by a Thursday’s temperatures will be even low as minus 50 during that period, which foreign countries. The other is Steel
period of frigid cold lasting into next week. colder, with highs in the single digits and can lead to frostbite on exposed skin within Girder LLC, which Fisher acquired in
Today is forecast to be nice but windy, that’s going to be followed by a push of minutes. Hypothermia is also possible, and 2013. It manufactures large steel bridge
according to Patrick Ayd, a meteorologist arctic air for the weekend. the snow could make travel dicey. girders and related products from a
with the NWS in Bismarck. Wind gusts of “It’s not the coldest arctic outbreak we’ve The NWS suggests that everyone who facility in Coolidge, Arizona.
between 40 to 50 mph are going to start in seen this season,” Ayd said, but it will bring
the potential for dangerous wind chills. SEE COLD PAGE A9 SEE GUESTS PAGE A9
• Olethea and Michael • Steven Hexom • Barbara “Barb” Lee A2 Obituaries A7 Sports
42º
DEATHS
BIRTHS
INSIDE
Martin • Mabel Erickson • Doug “Chez” Stevens A4 Opinion A8 Health

• Tatyana Gentry and • Carolyn Sue (Lundby) • Ervin Walk A5 Community A10 Classifieds
Theodore Hedtke Graupe A6 Comics 16º
News TUESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2018 WILLISTON HERALD A9 A9
GUESTS: Who’s taking who? BENEFIT: Great generosity shown

FROM PAGE A1 wonderful example of the FROM PAGE A1 double tragedy of the loss of her son
bright young people we and a fire that burned down her home,
Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, SUPPORT OVERWHELMING
have in our state. Cara, within a few days of each other.
D-N.D., meanwhile, is tak- Mark Hollen, the boy’s grandfather,
who served as an intern “The community sure helped us
ing Dennis Kooren, retired said the support from the community
in my office, has a long when we needed help, and now it’s just
UPS driver from Fargo, is overwhelming.
history of community and our way of giving back to the commu-
as her guest. Heitkamp “I work out at the gym. Even the
public service and has nity and helping families that need to
said he has been a leader 80-year-old friends of mine down there
raised over $78,500 for the be helped,” she said.
in efforts to protect the are donating money. On fixed incomes,
Make a Wish Foundation. Kristi Bartlett, who owns Midway
pensions of North Dakota because it make them feel good,” he
She does a wonderful Junction, is also a longtime friend of
workers and retirees. said.
job representing North the family and helped organize the
Kooren was a UPS driver He also has gotten to a lot of the cus-
Dakota and our nation as event along with Pankowski. She, too,
in Fargo for 30 years, a job tomers at his body shop. Meanwhile,
Miss America, and we are is grateful to the community.
that requires lifting heavy Krista’s father works in the oil fields, so
glad she has accepted our “The community of Williston has
packages often, some the oil companies have donated gener-
invitation to the State of always been so amazing in helping
weighing more than 100 ously, Hollen said.
the Union.” one another out,” she said. “It’s been
pounds. This took a toll on And the generosity is not limited to
Lee Zion • Williston Herald
As Miss America, Cara overwhelming. The community has Next up for bid. ... People at the benefit for
his body, and was a con- cash donations. Hollen looked over the
is traveling the country, gotten together for this little boy, and Aryan Williams focus on a bin of goodies
tributing factor in subse- auction items and noted that two guns
speaking on the im- I don’t even know how any of us can donated Red Rock Ford.
quent knee and shoulder were donated — one worth $1,400 and
portance of education thank everybody for everything they’ve
surgeries. another worth $1,600.
and encouraging young done.”
Kooren is leading efforts Mike Walters echoed that theme.
women to use their voice Williams was thankful.
in North Dakota and He’s a member of the motorcycle group
to make an impact and HOW IS HE DOING? “We’re very appreciative for the
Washington to ensure Fire and Iron, which raises money for
become leaders. Mund The guest of honor, meanwhile, community for helping, for stepping
2,000 North Dakotans and good causes. His fellow motorcycle rid-
grew up in Bismarck, couldn’t be there. Aryan’s immune sys- up. It was very difficult,” he said.
400,000 retirees nation- ers were there to help out, and so were
and she is a graduate of tem is so compromised that all it takes “We’re growing a lot, and everyone
wide who paid into Cen- other charity groups, such as Bras for a
Brown University, where is one person with a cold to give him an has been there to help us. It’s been
tral States Pension Fund Cause. Friendly Faces of Williston also
she earned a degree in infection that could do serious damage, wonderful.”
can keep the pensions donated money for the event, Walters
business, entrepreneur- said his father, Melton Williams. Wegley, speaking after the event, was
they earned. said.
ship and organizations. Wegley could be at the event for also impressed.
The Central States Pen- “There’s many organizations in this
She served as an intern only a short while, and immediately “It was pretty awesome, amazing,”
sion Fund is a multi-em- town, like Bras for a Cause,” he said.
in Hoeven’s Washington, afterward she and Williams had to get she said. “I’m just thankful for the
ployer fund that covered a “We’re all together, and still separate
D.C. office from August to in the car and drive to Fargo for another everybody and everything that they’ve
range of fields, including in different organizations, but we all
December 2016. round of treatment for Aryan. done for him and his whole family.”
trucking, UPS package de- come together.”
Sen. Steve Daines, Williams described his son’s journey Wegley said that Aryan is still being
livery and grocery supply Marti Pankowski, with Bras for a
R-Mont., is taking 9-year- back to health since Dec. 7. treated every week. Eventually, as his
industries. It is insolvent, Cause, was also at the event. Since the
old Danielle (Dani) HIgh- “Aryan has made a lot of progress, health improves, that will go down to
and has sought to reduce Bras organization helps families deal
ley from Deer Lodge, Mon- but he still has a long way to go. When once a month.
pension payments by up to with cancer, she provided a financial
tana, who is one of the he was first diagnosed 75 percent of his Chris Wegley, also a grandfather to
60 percent in some cases. contribution. But the support didn’t
24,000 Montana children blood was contaminated with leukemia Aryan, said the boy is returning to his
“When we took our jobs, stop there, because she has been long-
who benefitted from the — and in the marrow, it was 97 percent cheerful personality.
we knew they would be hard time friends with Aryan’s family.
six-year reauthorization in the marrow. “It was three weeks ago, “He’s getting back to how he was nor-
on our bodies, but we also “My son and Aryan’s uncle were
of the Children’s Health I believe, he hit remission,” Williams mally, anyways. He was changed when
knew we’d be able to provide best friends. And sadly, they have both
Insurance Program. said. “Now he needs to continue the he was on the steroids. He’s getting
a good living for our families passed away,” she said.
“Dani and the other treatment — his (ANC) counts are back to his normal self now — a little
and earn a solid retirement,” Aryan reminds her so much of his
24,000 Montana children really low. When they’re low, it kind of more enjoyable, anyway,” he said.
Kooren said. “But now, uncle Dylan, Pankowski added.
who depend on CHIP are limits him from doing things. He gets Hollen agreed.
through no fault of our own, Pankoski is glad to help out in the
the reason I fought so hard easy infectIons — viruses or colds or “It’s coming back, his little personal-
those retirement savings community, adding that the commu-
for the longest reauthoriza- things like that.” ity. He’s coming back through, and it’s
could be ripped away, and I nity was there for her. She faced the
tion in the program’s histo- just wonderful,” she said.
refuse to stand by without
ry,” Daines said. “I couldn’t
a fight, because this is just
think of anyone better to
plain wrong.”
Heitkamp said she
hoped meeting Kooren
bring as my one guest to
the President’s State of the
Union Address.”
TRIAL: Jury selection took most of Monday
would motivate mem- FROM PAGE A1 leg shackles when the jury thoughts on self-defense. been convicted of robbery in
The five counties with is present, a standard condi- Madden, who is the lead 2014, to handle a gun, despite
bers of Congress to act to
the most children in CHIP basics of what Putney says tion to prevent prejudicing prosecutor on the case, also the fact Putney was aware of
pass the Butch Lewis Act,
are Yellowstone, Flathead, happened that day. the jurors. used questions to set up the Lott’s criminal record.
which she helped write
Gallatin, Missoula and In one motion, Nehring Monday was taken up state’s case. He asked the “If you knew someone
and introduce. It would
Cascade. wrote that on May 17, 2016, almost entirely with jury pool about how believable to have a violent past or a
provide financing to put
Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., Washington and Lott selection. Nehring used his they found someone who criminal past, how many
failing pension plans back
meanwhile, is bringing came to see Putney about questions to help lay the offered up changing stories would invite them into your
on solid ground, to ensure
the National Border Patrol a car Putney had for sale, foundation for Putney’s or explanations, what they home?” Madden asked.
they meet their commit-
Council President Bran- and that the conversation defense. thought constituted reason- Only one hand went up.
ments to retirees today
don Judd, of Malta, Mon- turned to Putney’s collec- He asked potential jurors able doubt and about what After a follow-up question,
and workers in the future.
tana, a 20-year veteran of tion of guns. Nehring wrote about whether they’d ever they had done in situations the man who had raised
It would also include
the Border Patrol. that Putney allowed Lott to had to make a split-second where a gun they were his hand admitted that he
protections to ensure the
“Brandon Judd has been hold one of his pistols and decision, whether they’d ever using jammed. would not give a person
fund remains strong in the
on the front line securing that Lott pointed the gun had to use force to defend He also set up a rebuttal to like that a gun. He was not
future.
our border and keeping at Putney and said the pair themselves, whether they’d the defense claim that Putney among those selected for
“(Kooren) is selfless,
Montanans safe,” Tester were going to take the guns. ever been robbed and their had allowed Lott, who had the jury.
determined, and honest
said. “He is a Montana boy Washington then said they
in his effort to protect
who climbed the ranks didn’t want to kill Putney
the retirees he is fight-
from an agent on our and reached toward his
ing for,” Heitkamp said.
GET DELIVERED.
northern border to the very waistband, Nehring wrote.
“If meeting him can’t
top of the National Border Putney retrieved one of
motivate members of
Patrol Council. Brandon’s his guns and shot the pair
Congress to pass our bill to
input will play a critical to death, then had a woman
safeguard the retirements
role as we work towards a who was in the apartment
of hard-working pension-
tough, bipartisan solution with him call 911, according
ers who did everything
to a stronger border.” to Nehring’s explanation.
right, I don’t know what
Tester said he is taking In charging documents,
can. Dennis is in this fight
the lead on bipartisan bor- police and prosecutors have
not just for himself, but
der security negotiations claimed that Putney was
because he cares so much
in the Senate, and he has arrested after the North
about the hundreds of
worked closely with Judd, Dakota State Crime Lab
thousands of UPS drivers,
who represents nearly examined the guns found
grocery supply workers,
18,000 U.S. Border Patrol in Putney’s apartment and
and others who worked
agents along America’s didn’t find Lott or Washing-
hard to pay the bills and
northern and southern ton’s fingerprints or DNA on
earned their retirements
borders. any of them.
for themselves and their
“For the Border patrol Police also said that Put-
families. He knows how
Agents protecting our ney’s story changed multi-
they will be left in the cold
borders, Sen. Tester is one ple times during question-
if Congress doesn’t act,
of the first calls we make in ing, raising questions about
and Congress could learn
Washington when we need whether he was telling the
a great deal from him.”
help,” Judd said. “Wheth- truth.
Heitkamp said if the
er it is ensuring we have Putney has been held
Central States Teamsters
adequate manpower or the on $2 million bond since
Pension Plan and other
equipment we need to do his arrest, and during that
pension plans are allowed
our job he has been there time his communications
to fail, not only will em-
for us more times than I can have often been restricted.
ployers no longer be able to
count. I especially want to Nathan Madden, assistant
pay promised benefits, but
thank him for inviting me state’s attorney for Wil-
there’s a risk that taxpayers
to the State of the Union. It liams County, has argued
would have to pay billions,
is truly an honor, and one that Putney has tried to
because the Pension Bene-
that I was not expecting.” reach out to witnesses and
fit Guarantee Corporation
Judd has been stationed claimed Putney’s associates
has a $59 billion exposure
in California, Arizona, have threatened potential
and is projected to be insol-
Maine and Montana. His witnesses.
vent by 2025.
lives in Malta. On Friday, Sjue, who is
The cost of backstop-
Tester, as the ranking presiding over the trial,
ping PBGC is more than
member of the Senate ordered that the only people
$101 billion over 20 years,
Homeland Security appro- Putney could speak with
according to the Congres-
priations Subcommittee, until the trial was over were
sional Budget Office.
has advocated for addition- his legal team, his wife and
Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D.,
al manpower, new technol- his young son.
meanwhile, is taking Miss
America, Cara Mund.
ogies and upgraded port On Monday, Putney sat Your Voice. Your News. Get Seen.
“Cara made history
becoming the first Miss
facilities for both the north
and south borders. These
at the defense table with
his attorneys dressed in a Because community matters.
provisions have also been suit and tie. Sjue has given
North Dakota to be
endorsed by the National permission for Putney to ap-
crowned Miss America,”
Border Patrol Council. pear without handcuffs or
Hoeven said. “She is a
COLD: Watch for signs of hypothermia

FROM PAGE A1 First-Aid kit, non-perishable which is usually the early
food, basic hand tools, a morning, and should be
plans on traveling during
extreme cold or snow have
charged cell phone, blan- aware of the signs of hypo- Subscribe Today!
kets and adequate clothing. thermia and frostbite.
an emergency kit in their People should also avoid For more on safety during 14 W. 4th St. • Williston, ND 58801
Family-owned community
vehicle. The kit should being outside during the extreme cold, visitwww. 701.572.2165 www.willistonherald.com media company
include jumper cables,
LV351419
coldest part of the day, nws.noaa.gov/om/cold.

flashlights and batteries, a
NORTH DAKOTA OIL
ND NORTHERN AREA
$55.25 UP $0.25
PROF IL E 2018 Tech in Schools
$55.25 UP $0.25 Kristi Schwartz Agency
and its progress by contacting your
LINLEY VANACORE
Partnership for computer
education expanding
701-713-4240 lvanacore@willistonherald.com
in Profile 2018!
$64.50 DOWN $1.06 schwartz@allstate.com
SAMANTHA BINDER
BRENT CRUDE
$69.02 DOWN $0.44
ND ACTIVE
RIG COUNT: 59
CALL 701-572-2165 sbinder@willistonherald.com
in state’s schools, p. A3
THURSDAY
February, 1, 2018
$1.00
Crime lab didn’t find usable DNA on guns

State analyst says touch DNA Juror removed from trial
analysis rarely works on firearms BY JAMIE KELLY
EDITOR@WILLISTONHERALD.COM
The juror was questioned
briefly by attorneys and
BY JAMIE KELLY for the North Dakota State admitted using his phone
EDITOR@WILLISTONHERALD.COM Crime Lab, testified Wednes- A juror has been removed
from the panel hearing the both in the morning and
A state DNA analyst said no day that she tested swabs from the afternoon. A court offi-
three guns for touch DNA — a murder case against Lamar
DNA from either of the victims Putney. cial notified the judge after
in a May 2016 double slaying trace DNA left behind when she saw the man looking at
someone handles an object. Jamie Kelly • Williston Herald The man was seen using
was found on guns they al- Aariona Brown tries to ask the judge a question during his phone during testimony his phone during testimo-
legedly handled, but admitted The guns were found in the ny from Emily Hoge, who
apartment of Lamar Putney, Lamar Putney’s murder trial Wednesday. Brown, who just before 2 p.m. Wednes-
under cross-examination that dated one of the men Putney is on trial for killing, was day. The trial started works for the North Dakota
it is rare to find so-called touch who is on trial on two counts State Crime Lab.
of murder for the deaths of arrested Tuesday as a material witness after she didn’t Monday with jury selection
DNA on firearms. respond to a subpoena. She asked Northwest District and is expected to last two The man said he had been
Stephanie Maier, who works Judge Kirsten Sjue why she was forced to testify. weeks. SEE CASE PAGE A3
SEE TRIAL PAGE A3
Agriculture Bill
absent from State
of the Union
BY RENÉE JEAN
Energy heard words it wanted

to hear during President Don-
ald Trump’s State of the Union
Address, but notably absent from
a speech that ranged from im-
migration to infrastructure and
many points in between was any
specific mention of agriculture.
All of the MonDak’s Con-
gressional delegates agreed
that Trump had highlighted a
number of their priorities in his
speech Tuesday night, even the
two Democratic members. Still,
the missing agriculture element
didn’t go unnoticed, even by Rep.
Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., who has
been a vocal Trump supporter.
“One thing I was hoping to
hear him talk about would have
been a reference to the Farm Bill,”
Cramer said. “I didn’t expect him
to say a lot, of course, but it would
have been nice to have him call
on Congress to stop talking and
get the job done, like he did on
immigration.”
Cramer did like the mention Lee Zion • Williston Herald
of trade issues, which he pointed Jon Moonen, Daniel Moonen, Landen Allen, Camryn Melby and Benjamin Crosby prep a robot, made from Lego parts, to do actual work. Although the team did
Building blocks of learning

out drives right to the heart of not get to advance this year, the members are already looking to the 2018-19 school year.
North Dakota’s economy, for both
energy and agriculture.
“He reiterated that he wants
to do trade deals, and that he
remains committed to that,” Cra-
mer said. “He just wants them to
be fair and reciprocal. I thought
that was an important commit-
ment.”
Cramer was particularly
WTCS students make Lego robots up, and one of them raises his
hands in the air. They’re proud
of the work the robot has done,
their robot to Minot so they
could participate in FIRST LEGO
League, a nationwide competi-
BY LEE ZION back to the students’ corner
pleased with what the president LZION@WILLISTONHERALD.COM Later, it flicks a switch to turn because it’s THEIR robot. They tion in which youngsters build
said about energy. on a piece of machinery. For the built it, and they programmed it real robots and put them to the
“The war on American energy Eight students, ranging from to perform these three tasks. test. Teams that made it past the
grand finale, it lifts a “manhole
is over,” Trump said. “We have fourth through eighth grade, The students — all boys — are qualifying round in Minot could
cover” — about the size of Mor-
ended the war on beautiful clean watch as a softball-sized robot on the robotics team at Willis- go on to participate at the state
gan silver dollar coin from the
coal. We are now an exporter of goes through its list of tasks. ton Trinity Christian School. level, said Sheri Moonen, the
early 1920s — and flips it out of
energy to the world.” First, it travels across the table They built their robot, nick- team advisor.
the way.
Cramer said the roll back of to a “construction site.” An arm named R.J., out of parts sup- Sadly, the team didn’t make
The students cheer as the
comes out of the robot to lift a plied by Lego.
manhole cover lands blue side
SEE FARM PAGE A9 broken sewer pipe and carry it On Jan. 20, the students took SEE LEARNING PAGE A9
North Dakota, Montana lawmakers were on train that derailed

BY RENÉE JEAN North Dakota Rep. Kevin Cram- Sen. John Hoeven is also attend- to a local hospital with minor occurred.
RJEAN@WILLISTONHERALD.COM er and Montana Sen. Steve Daines ing the retreat, but did not take injuries, according to Amtrak. “It didn’t sound nearly as bad as
A train that derailed while were among passengers on the the train. No members of the Congressio- it was,” Cramer said. “It suddenly
carrying a number of House and train, which collided with a gar- Authorities said one person was nal delegates or their staff were felt like the engineer had hit the
Senate Republicans to a policy bage truck at 11:20 a.m. in Crozet, killed in the train accident and injured, according to the White brakes real hard, then let them
retreat in West Virginia included Virginia, about an hour outside of another was seriously injured. House. go. We then rolled to what I
two members of the MonDak’s white Sulphur Springs. Neither of Two Amtrak crew members and Cramer was doing a live radio
Congressional delegation. the legislators were injured. three passengers were also taken interview when the accident SEE DERAIL PAGE A9
News online 24/7

• Barbara “Barb” Lee, 57
A2
A4
Obituaries
Opinion
A7 Sports
A8 Oil & Ag 5º
DEATHS
INSIDE
• Carolyn Sue (Lundby) Graupe
-4º
at willistonherald.com • Avis Louise (Lukins) Monroe, 81 A5 Community A10 Classifieds
A6 Comics
MIGHTY Home of the Pleasant Buying Experience.

LIKE A PRO GIVE US A TRY!
Best Prices & Selection!
ALL-NEW TERRAIN New Owner & Management!
Certified GMC Techicians! 1801 2ND AVENUE WEST, WILLISTON, ND
GMC Parts & Accessories! 800.888.2927 | 701.577.2927
News
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2018 WILLISTON HERALD A3 A3
Partnership for computer education expanding in state’s schools

STAFF REPORTS for starting this program creative,” Baesler said. “It program, will help our stu- going to. They see how this computer science, math and
and investing additional teaches our students to dents unlock exciting career relates to the future occupa- English for free. The tests
A new partnership staff resources to support think rigorously and sys- opportunities and thrive tions that they want, and the normally cost almost $100
announced recently with it,” Baesler said. “In North tematically. It helps to teach in an increasingly digital doors this class is opening each. Baesler said.
Microsoft could help expand Dakota, we are used to the North Dakota values of economy,” Spelhaug said. up for them.” In December, Baesler
technology in North Dakota planting crops and doing persistence, tenacity and “Gov. Doug Burgum and encouraged North Dakota
schools. what is needed to bring in a self-reliance.” state school Superintendent OTHER EFFORTS schools to take part in the
State School Superin- bountiful harvest. Microsoft Baesler added that TEALS Kirsten Baesler’s leadership Baesler noted that this is “Hour of Code” national
tendent Kirsten Baesler is offering some top-quality is much more than helping made possible this oppor- one of several initiatives by event during Computer
said Microsoft is looking to engineering and computer students become familiar tunity for North Dakota the Department of Public Science Education Week.
expand TEALS, or Technol- science education seeds with technology. students to learn computer Instruction to encourage According to Code.org, a
ogy Education and Literacy for our schools, and I look “Computer science is science.” computer science programs nonprofit organization that
in Schools, to North Dakota. forward to continue working about creating technology, Baesler said Hillsboro and instruction in North Da- is supported by the technol-
The company plans to hire with them to support these rather than just using it,” she High School in the Red River kota. She mentioned a new ogy industry, North Dakota
a full-time, North Dako- types of programs.” said. “To use one analogy, Valley is the only North law, that went into effect in has more than 600 open
ta-based coordinator. She is it is not about driving a car. Dakota high school with a August, that allows a high computing jobs, which have
gauging interest from local HOW IT WORKS It is about designing and Microsoft TEALS program. school student to substitute an average annual salary of
superintendents and high Under TEALS, a volunteer building a car.” She hopes it will catch on a rigorous computer science more than $70,000.
schools in this computer sci- from Microsoft or a similar Taya Spelhaug, Micro- with many others. course for a mathematics Baesler cited statistics
ence instruction program. industry partner would team soft’s TechSpark manager “I’ve met some of their class. The computer science showing that 93 percent of
The company will also up with a classroom instruc- for North Dakota, said students at Hillsboro. I’ve class will allow students parents want their child’s
provide some of its own em- tor to team-teach computer high schools need to teach met their teacher and their to meet North Dakota’s school to teach computer
ployees and expert instruc- science courses. Teachers computer science, given that principal,” Baesler said. requirement to have three science, but only 40 percent
tors as classroom teachers, can use TEALS to learn both technology affects almost “It’s a program that these units of math to graduate. of schools teach it. Students
and look into other efforts computer science concepts every element of our daily students are excited about Another effort allows who learn computer science
to expand this program for and how to teach them. lives. learning. It’s a class that the students to take students to in high school are six times
North Dakota high school “This program is about “Learning to code, students who are involved take some Advanced Place- more likely to major in com
students, Baesler said. problem solving and being through Microsoft’s TEALS in it are really excited about ment courses in science, puter science in college.
“I want to thank Microsoft
TRIAL: State analyst says touch DNA analysis rarely works on firearms
FROM PAGE A1 subpoena. Northwest Dis- about the rest of the money
trict Judge Kirsten Sjue and she’d promised him.
Diandre Lott and Donzell
Williams County Assistant An audio recording of the
Washington.
State’s Attorney Nathan interview was played for the
Jeff Nehring, Putney’s
Madden both agreed to jury Wednesday, and in it,
lawyer, told the jury during
have her testify out of order Brown repeatedly expresses
opening statements that
so she could be released disbelief about Lott’s death,
Lott and Washington were
from jail. even nearly a year later.
in Putney’s apartment to
On the stand Wednesday, “I know he wouldn’t go
buy a car when the con-
Nehring asked Brown about nowhere he wasn’t comfort-
versation turned to guns.
her relationship with Lott. able, because he’d already
Putney allowed each one to
The pair were dating and lost his gun,” she said.
hold a gun, at which point
Lott called her moments be- She painted a picture of
the pair tried to rob him.
fore he went to see Putney Lott as a conflicted per-
Nehring said Putney shot
on May 17, 2016. son. He pleaded guilty to
the two in self-defense.
“Would it be fair to say robbing the McDonald’s in
Maier testified that she
you don’t want to be here Williston in 2013 and his
found DNA on swabs taken
today?” Nehring asked. probation on that charge
from three guns, but that
Brown said yes. was revoked shortly before
there wasn’t enough to
Nehring asked for and he was killed.
analyze to determine who
received permission to treat He sold pills that he had
the DNA belonged to. Touch
her as a hostile witness, shipped to him, sometimes
DNA comes from skin cells
which means he was for as much as $70 per pill.
left behind when someone
allowed to ask leading ques- The money he was mak-
holds something. It is new-
tions and request yes or no ing from selling drugs was
er than other kinds of DNA
answers from her. the only thing keeping him
analysis.
Most of Nehring’s ques- in Williston, she said, and Jamie Kelly • Williston Herald
“These items did not
tions revolved around a he had enough money that Emily Hoge, a biological screener at the North Dakota State Crime Lab, examines evidence during
meet our minimum thresh-
phone interview Brown robbery didn’t make sense. Lamar Putney’s murder trial Wednesday. Hoge tested blood and took samples from three firearms
old,” she said.
had with Williston police Putney claims that he killed and their respective magazines during the investigation.
Emily Hoge, another state
Detective Jacob Gregory in Lott and Washington after
crime lab employee, testi-
April 2017. they tried to rob him.
fied that a number of fac-
Nehring asked whether “Lott had money,” Brown
tors, including how much
on their last phone call, Lott said. “He don’t need to rob
someone was sweating,
had said he was going to nobody.”
can affect whether there is
“hit a stain.” Lott had been having
enough touch DNA left on
“No, he told me he would problems in the weeks
an item to analyze.
call me right back,” Brown leading up to his death,
During cross-examina-
said. including fights with an
tion, Nehring asked Maier
In a recording of the ex-girlfriend and a feud
whether it was rare to find
interview with Gregory with another drug dealer.
a usable amount of DNA on
played for the jury, Brown As his problems mounted,
firearms.
did say Lott told her he was he started drinking heavily,
“From my own personal
going to “hit a stain,” which Brown said.
experience, that is what I
she told Gregory meant sell But, in the recording,
have seen,” Maier said.
drugs. Brown also described Lott
Nehring also asked about
Nehring also asked her as “God-fearing.”
the possibility that touch
about the woman Lott was He would wake up every
DNA could be removed by
married to. In his opening morning and read the Bible,
handling.
argument Tuesday, Nehring she said, and the two of
“There is no guarantee
said Lott had married a them had made arrange-
there will be any touch DNA
woman from Jamaica as a ments to be baptized on
left?” Nehring asked.
sham marriage to help the March 22, five days after he
“Correct,” Maier said.
woman become a U.S. cit- was killed.
The jury also heard from
izen. According to county Lott had brought Wash-
the girlfriend of one of the
records, Lott and the wom- ington, his childhood best
men Putney is accused of
an married in November friend, out to Williston and
killing.
2015. Nehring asked Brown bought him a car, Brown
Aariona Brown, who
whether she’d told Gregory said.
was dating Lott, testified
that the woman had paid While on the stand
Wednesday morning and
Lott to marry her. Wednesday morning,
early afternoon. In an
“I had nothing to do with Brown wanted to know why
unusual move, Brown was
his marriage,” Brown said. she had been arrested and
called by the defense, even
In the recording, Brown brought to court.
though the prosecution’s
did mention that the wom- “How you going to use
case is not finished.
an had given Lott a couple me as a material witness?”
Brown was arrested by
thousand dollars as part of she asked. “I was just his
the Williams County Sher-
their arrangement, but she girlfriend. I’ve never even
iff’s Office on Tuesday as a
also told Gregory that Lott met (Putney). You guys just
material witness after she
had told the woman that made me sit in jail for 24
didn’t respond to a defense
she didn’t need to worry hours.”
CASE: Juror removed from trial

FROM PAGE A1 Putney to have someone whose attention is
divided,” Madden said. Your Voice. Your News. Get Seen.
checking on something related to his job Defense attorney Jeff Nehring opposed
and that he hadn’t been looking at anything removing the juror. Because community matters.
about the trial. After a short break, Sjue told the rest of the
Nathan Madden, assistant state’s attorney jurors that the man had been removed.
for Williams County, asked the man if he “I didn’t believe I could leave someone
would agree that a juror not giving his full on the jury panel who wasn’t giving his full
attention to testimony was unfair to both the attention,” she said. “Ultimately, it was my
prosecution and defense. decision.”
“That’s probably true,” the man agreed. There are 13 jurors remaining — 12 regular
Juror names are not public record in North jurors and one alternate. For the rest of
Dakota. the trial, jurors will have to leave their cell
Putney is on trial on two counts of murder. phones in the jury room.
He is accused of killing two men, Diandre
Lott and Donzell Washington, in his apart-
After excusing the juror after questioning,
Sjue said trials often brought up unexpected
Subscribe Today!
ment in May 2016. situations. 14 W. 4th St. • Williston, ND 58801
Madden asked Northwest District Judge “I guess there’s always somebody who Family-owned community
701.572.2165 www.willistonherald.com
Kirsten Sjue to remove the man. creates a new rule that I need to deal with,”
media company
LV351419
“I don’t think it’s fair to the state or Mr. she said.

NORTH DAKOTA OIL
PROF IL E 2018
Chili cookoff
ND NORTHERN AREA
$54.50 DOWN $0.75
Oil teams vie to be the 2018
$54.50 DOWN $0.75 Kristi Schwartz Agency
account executive today to advertise LINLEY VANACORE
WEST TEXAS INTERMEDIATE 701-713-4240
champion, while raising money
in Profile 2018! lvanacore@willistonherald.com
$64.73 UP $0.23 schwartz@allstate.com
SAMANTHA BINDER
CALL 701-572-2165
BRENT CRUDE ND ACTIVE
for a good cause, p. A3
$69.05 UP $0.03 RIG COUNT: 58
FRIDAY
February 2, 2018
$1.00
Jury in murder trial sees crime scene photos

Prosecution continues case Witness stopped from
on Putney trial’s fourth day testifying in murder trial
BY JAMIE KELLY about the search of Lamar BY JAMIE KELLY friend in 2016. She was in
EDITOR@WILLISTONHERALD.COM Putney’s apartment in Willis- EDITOR@WILLISTONHERALD.COM the apartment when two
ton after police responded to a A witness in Lamar men, Diandre Lott and
Two Williston detectives tes- Donzell Washington, were
tified Thursday about the 20 or 911 call and found Diandre Lott Putney’s murder trial was
and Donzell Washington dead stopped from testifying shot and killed.
so guns they found in an apart- Putney claims he shot
ment where two men were shot inside. Putney is on trial on Thursday after the prose-
two counts of murder for their cution told the court she Lott and Washington in
and killed in May 2016, as well Jamie Kelly • Williston Herald
self-defense when they
as other evidence found in the deaths. Nathan Madden, assistant state’s attorney for Williams had been seen reading
Putney’s defense team claim County, shows a blind taken from Lamar Putney’s apart- news accounts of the trial. tried to rob him. His trial
apartment. on two counts of murder
Detective Sam Aide and Sgt. Lott and Washington came to ment to Williston police Sgt. Detective Dan Dery during The witness was Regina
Detective Dan Dery both spoke SEE PUTNEY PAGE A2 the fourth day of Putney’s trial on two counts of murder. Mallard, Putney’s girl- SEE TRIAL PAGE A2
Emineth
will enter
Heitkamp
race
BY RENÉE JEAN
Another Republican chal-

lenger has stepped into North
Dakota’s high-profile Senate
race, and this time it is a party
insider, well-known in Republi-
can circles.
The new challenger is Gary
Emineth, who formerly served
as North Dakota Republican
Party Chairman from 2007 to
2010 and founded the North
Dakota Tea party Caucus in
2011. He resigned from the
latter in 2012 to manage Kevin
Cramer’s winning primary
campaign for the U.S. House of
Representatives.
Emineth was one of President
Donald Trump’s early support-
ers in North Dakota, and served
as a national delegate for him.
In 2016, he was among those Photos by Lee Zion • Williston Herald
tapped to speak on national Left; It’s NOT just water under the bridge! Kaitlyn Barbarick, Samantha Grasser, Alaina Martin, Cailey Seymour gaze on in fear and amazement as a bucket, hanging
television in support of Trump’s from the bridge they built, is slowly filled with water. The idea, explained teacher Zuri Rye, is to see how much weight the bridge can support. This bridge, made
energy policy. entirely out of toothpicks and Elmer’s glue, weighs 89 grams — about 3 ounces. But will the students’ research hold water? Right, Crash! Zuri Rye had to pour 21
Students try to pick a winner

Emineth had been float- pounds of water before the students’ bridge snapped. That’s roughly 112 times the weight of the bridge itself.
ing the idea of his candidacy
against Heitkamp at Republi-
SEE EMINETH PAGE A8
GNCC has a new Bridges made out of toothpicks are a lesson in engineering at Stony Creek most water divided by the weight
of the bridge, she explained.
exec director, but an BYLZION@WILLISTONHERALD.COM
LEE ZION One team, for example, built
A closer look at the lesson a bridge that held 21 pounds of
old face in Williston The students spent weeks Note: The key to this part of the lesson is the weight of the water was
water, more than any other. But
that bridge, at 89 grams (about 3
building their bridges, only to see not enough. It’s how much water each bridge was able to support when
BY RENÉE JEAN
their teacher destroy them. ounces) weighed more than other
compared to the actual weight of the bridge. Please note that 1 ounce =
She’s not being mean, however. bridges in the competition, so in
about 28.35 grams, and 1 pound = about 454 grams
It’s a test to see how much weight the end, it took fourth place.
North Dakota lies along two
each bridge can hold. The winning bridge was 25
proposed super corridors. One TEAM BRIDGE WT. WATER WT. RATIO
The students are part of the grams — about an ounce — but
would run from Canada to Texas, • Jalyn & Ashlyn 184g 5¼ lbs. (2,383g) 12.95
“Genius Hour” class at Stony it withstood 15 pounds of water.
and is called the Theodore Roos- • Kadrian & Sadie 26g 9¼ lbs. (4,199.5g) 161.52
Creek Middle School. Zuri Rye, That means it supported more
evelt Expressway. The other runs • Brian & Landon 25g 15 lbs. (6,810g) 272.4
teacher at the school, said the than 270 times the weight than
between Chicago and ports on • Alaina, Samantha & Cailey 89g 21 lbs. (9,534g) 107.12
idea was to build a bridge entirely the weight of the bridge itself.
the west coast — a strong jump- • Cadence & Quentin 8g 2½ lbs. (1,135g) 141
out of toothpicks and see how Students gasped as they
ing off point for Asian markets. ful, until the weight of the water built it dropped it, and it broke.
much weight it could hold. watched the water being poured
The latter is called the Great destroyed the bridge. All the other bridges were
Five bridges were put to the — and screamed when the bridge
Northern Corridor Coalition, and Bridges ranged in weight from broken as part of the competi-
test, one by one. Each bridge was collapsed.
it is a multi-modal corridor con- 8 grams (about one third of an tion. Once a bridge collapsed, Rye
placed between two desks, placed They also were amazed as more
sisting of highways and railways ounce) to 184 grams (about 6 weighed the bucket to see how
10 inches apart. A bucket was and more water was added to the
along an east-west artery that is ounces). There was also a 417- much water that bridge had been
placed underneath each bridge — bucket.
home to more than 38 million gram bridge (almost 15 ounces), able to support.
suspended from the bridge by a “How the heck is this not
Americans in eight U.S. states. but that one was sadly disquali- The winner wasn’t necessarily
bungee cord. Then Rye filled that broke?” one student gasped.
fied five minutes before the com- the one that held the most water
SEE GNCC PAGE A2 bucket with water, cupful by cup-
petition began. The student who — it was the one that held the SEE PICK PAGE A8
• Harriet Rhoda Myers, 78 A2 Obituaries A7 Sports

13º
DEATHS
INSIDE
BIRTHS
• Mickel Bond and Brady Howe • Robert Larsen, 88 A4 Opinion A9 Classifieds

• Jessica and Nick Hun •
•
Robert Moore, age 77
Elise V. Renbarger, 86
A5
A6
Community
Comics
A10 Church directory
0º
A2 WILLISTON HERALD FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2018 News
— Death Notices —
Robert Larsen, 88 Jamie Kelly • Williston Herald
Defense attorney Jeff
Robert Larsen, 88, of Culbertson, MT, passed away Wednesday, January 31, 2018 at Nehring shows the jury
Deaconess Medical Center in Billings, MT. His funeral arrangements are pending with one of the handguns
Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home of Williston, ND. Friends may sign the online register found in the apartment
and give their condolences at www.fulkersons.com where his client, Lamar
Putney, is accused of
Robert Moore, 77 killing two men in May
2016.
Robert Moore, age 77, of Tioga, ND passed away January 31, 2018 in Trinity Hospital
in Minot, ND. His funeral arrangements are pending with Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral
Home of Tioga, ND. Friends may sign the online register and give their condolences at
www.fulkersons.com
Harriet Rhoda Myers, 78

PUTNEY: Testimony resumes today
FROM PAGE A1 whether blood would have top of a closet under cloth-
Harriet Rhoda Myers, age 78, of Tioga, ND passed away January 30, 2018 in Maysville, been transferred to the gun ing, Dery said.
Washington. Her funeral arrangements are pending with Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Putney’s apartment on May if Lott had held a gun in Madden asked Dery
Home of Tioga, ND. Friends may sign the online register and give their condolences at 17, 2016 on the pretext of that hand. about the proper way to
www.fulkersons.com buying a car and tried to rob Nehring, however, asked hand someone a pistol.
him. Putney told police he if Aide knew when the In his opening statement,
had shot the pair in self-de- blood got onto Lott’s hand. Nehring said Putney al-
— Funeral Notice — fense.

Aide testified for more
than two hours about the
“You can’t testify when
that blood came (to be)
upon his hand?” he asked.
lowed Lott and Washington
to hold handguns, and that
Lott pointed the gun he was
Elise V. Renbarger, 86 photos he took after he ar-
rived at the scene. Among
“That is correct,” Aide
said.
holding at Putney and tried
to rob him.
Elise V. Renbarger, 86, of Watford City, ND, passed away, Wednesday, January 31, 2018 the photos were one of the Dery, who is certified Dery told the jury that
at the Sanford Medical Center in Bismarck, ND. Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home of body of Lott laying face as a firearms instructor, the safe way to hand over a
Watford City, ND is assisting the family. Friends may sign the online register and give down on the floor between testified that he collect- pistol is to remove the mag-
their condolences at www.fulkersons.com the kitchen and the lived all of the guns in the azine, pull back the slide,
Her funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM, Saturday, February 3, 2018 at First Lutheran ing room, surrounded by apartment, made sure they check to make sure the
Church in Watford City. Pastor Rob Favorite and Mark Honstein will co-officiate. Inter- a pool of blood. Next to were unloaded and safe, chamber is clear and then
ment will be in the Banks Cemetery, Watford City. A Family Service will be held at 7 pm him is a brightly colored and prepared them for the give it to the other person
on Friday, February 2, 2018 at the Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home Chapel, Watford umbrella-style stroller and department’s evidence with the handgrip facing to-
City. Friends may call at the church on Saturday, one hour prior to services. between his body and the technician. ward them and the muzzle
couch is a child’s bicycle. Guns were found on the pointing toward the floor.
Putney’s young son and kitchen counter, on the During cross-examina-
— Birth Annoucements —
his girlfriend were in the floor of the area between tion, Nehring asked about
apartment when the shoot- the kitchen and the living giving someone a loaded
ing took place. room and in all three of firearm with the safety
During cross-examina- the apartment’s bedrooms, engaged, even though
Mickel Bond and Brady Howe, of Williston, welcomed a 6-pound, 15-ounce baby girl at tion, defense attorney Jeff Dery said. Among the guns that isn’t what Dery would
5:50 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018. Nehring asked Aide about were two .45-caliber pistols recommend.
Jessica and Nick Hunt, of Williston, welcomed a 7-pound, 5-ounce baby boy at 3:16 whether some photos — a Ruger and a Sig Sauer “That would not be a safe
p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2018. showed blood smears, and — that were used in the condition,” Dery said.
whether that would indi- shooting. “I wouldn’t be breaking
cate that the person who Another gun, a Desert any laws, though, would I?”
was bleeding had moved. Eagle 1911 .45-caliber pistol, Nehring asked.
Corrections Aide said that was pos-
sible.
was found in the bedroom
that belonged to Regina
Dery said he would not.
When the trial recon-
Nehring also asked about Mallard, Putney’s girlfriend. venes this morning, the
The Herald welcomes readers to contact us about errors that require a correction. blood found on Lott’s hand. It was one of several pistols defense will continue its
To report an error, contact editor@willistonherald.com or call 701-572-2165. Madden had asked Aide found there, and was at the cross-examination of Dery.
TRIAL: Security tightened in courthouse for Putney trial

FROM PAGE A1 naed by both the prosecu- parameters of it,” Mallard nesses, identified in court before Mallard was brought another officer, Sgt. De-
started Monday and is tion and the defense. said. “I thought he meant it documents only as Source in. She entered the court- tective Dan Dery with the
expected to last until Feb. 9. Nehring also asked that might upset me.” 1 and Source 2, was issued room before the jury and Williston police, had been
Mallard was preparing to the defense be allowed to She also told Nehring in August that sealed some came in through a door followed and that the car
testify Thursday afternoon bring up that Mallard had that she hadn’t sent anyone documents and prevented usually reserved for jurors possibly belonged to some-
when Nathan Madden, been reading about the trial text messages about her either side from discussing and the judge. one Lamar Putney knew.
assistant state’s attorney during its questioning. testimony. them. Security was an issue Madden said he was
for Williams County, asked Sjue agreed to that, but Nehring requested that Sjue said she wasn’t will- multiple times on Thurs- concerned that when the
Northwest District Judge demurred on holding the defense get a copy of ing to order the report on day. Before the jury entered prosecution was asked
Kirsten Sjue to address Mallard. the information on Mal- the contents be kept secret court Thursday morning, who it planned to call, that
something with the jury “I’m generally not lard’s phone in order to without knowing what was Madden said a witness had information was being
out of the courtroom. Mad- looking to hold people in see what she had read and on it. been approached the night used to possibly intimidate
den said an ATF agent who custody any longer than I whether she had commu- It was not clear when before. witnesses.
arranged Mallard’s travel have to,” Sjue said. nicated with anyone about Mallard would testify. He claimed that Robert Nehring suggested that
saw Mallard reading news Under questioning, the case. Mallard’s appearance Putney, Lamar Putney’s instead of giving the list
stories about Putney’s trial Mallard said that she had Nehring and Madden was unusual compared to brother, came up to Wil- in open court, Madden
on Thursday morning. read stories from the first agreed to have the Wil- other witnesses, even in liston detective Sam Aide could give him a written
Defense attorney Jeff several days of the trial. liston Police Department a trial that has featured while Aide was exercising list, which neither he nor
Nehring asked Sjue to Nehring asked if she research Mallard’s phone and heavier than usual security. and mentioned the fact he co-counsel Hernando Perez
detain Mallard. membered Madden telling give both sides a report Jurors and members of the was scheduled to testify would give to anyone else.
“The defense would ask her that she wasn’t to do about the sites she had vis- public have been screened Thursday. Sjue agreed that would be
that Ms. Mallard be held research about the case or ited and text messages she for weapons before being After court finished the best solution.
in the Williams County jail speak to anyone about her had sent in the previous allowed in the courtroom, a Thursday afternoon, Neh- “This case has had more
without access to commu- testimony. two days. departure from the normal ring said Robert Putney security concerns brought
nication devices until she’s She said she did, but that Madden asked Sjue that procedure.. had told him that Aide was to my attention than I think
released from her subpoe- she wasn’t sure exactly the report not be made Law enforcement secured the one who approached any other case I’ve been
na,” he said. what Madden had meant. public. A protective order the perimeter of the Wil- him. personally involved in,” she
Mallard has been subpoe- “I really didn’t know the covering two potential wit- liams County Courthouse He also claimed that said.
GNCC: Shuck leading 8-state coalition to bolster east-west artery

FROM PAGE A1 Shuck, Jr., formerly the CEO “This really started from changed, a big part of his consin, Idaho, Washington to travel. You cannot have
of Red River, is now serving when I was with the Port of mission will continue. and Illinois. a robust transcontinental
The corridor is not new, as executive director for Vancouver, USA and some “Looking at the projects “What is important about railway without a robust
though it has been quiet GNCC. Williston will be of the other Washington we have in front of us, this is this is that will then allow highway system that sup-
of late. It does have a new serving as the home base ports, looking at working super exciting,” Shuck said. us to work with our federal ports it, because you have to
executive director, however. for the corridor Shuck said, with the railroad to develop “This is an opportunity to delegation across all of the get the cargo off the railway
And he will be a familiar because it is geographically more traffic into the Pacific really build up the coalition eight states, to say here is to a truck or out of a farmers
face to many. Curtis E. central. Northwest,” Shuck said. to be effective for things like what we have coming in the field to an elevator and onto
A long-standing grain securing federal grant mon- future on a corridor-wide a train.”
trade had already given ey for specific projects.” basis,” Shuck said. In addition to its strate-
North Dakota a strong con- Shuck said the coalition These projects will be gic plan, the corridor will
nection to the west coast, is developing a strategic evaluated for return in also continue to work on
Shuck said, but oil and gas plan for the eight states in benefits back to the com- building its membership, to
activity helped expand on the corridor and the other munities, regions and states bring more stakeholders to
that. Shuck has been at the stakeholders involved. In that are participating, Shuck the table.
forefront of such efforts addition to North Dakota, added, and will be unveiled “We want to look at how
while he’s been in Willis- the states include Montana, soon. we can help individual
ton, so while his job has Minnesota, Oregon, Wis- “Politicians, as you know, communities and business-
Thanks to everyone who made want to see jobs and eco- es within those communi-
nomic vitality,” Shuck said. ties,” Shuck said. “How can
T my 85th Birthday celebration such
a wonderful day. I was honored
COYOTE
COYOTE
CONTEST
CONTEST $100/team
- 2 person team
“Where is the bang for the
buck, right?”
we help their current supply
chain? How can we make
FEBRUARY
FEBRUARY
3, 2018 3, 2018
Among projects that GNC them more effective, more
to see so many dear friends, and Old SchoolOld
Center
School
Fortuna,
CenterND
Fortuna, ND
Coalition is supporting are competitive? And that is
family. Thanks also to everyone
that sent cards, warm wishes, or 100% PAYOUT
$100 / Team
$100
- 2/person
Team -team
2 person team
Slushburger
the Lewis and Clark ND
1804 Corridor Improvement
one of the areas where I get
excited. That’s real benefit,
BIGGEST SMALLEST
DOG - DOG
Supper. project, and the Highway 85 real jobs that are here today
kind thoughts. It was a day I will 100% PAYOUT
100% PAYOUT Lodging LongX Bridge. that are relying on the trans-
never forget and so appreciated the
XNLV367839
available. “This is about more than portation infrastructure

BIGGEST BIGGEST
SMALLEST SMALLEST
Birthday wishes I received. Many just railroad and ports, that we have in place. So
DOG DOG DOG DOG
INDIVIDUAL PRIZE INDIVIDUAL PRIZE
though,” Shuck said. “We how can we help to create
thanks and God Bless!
SLUSH SLUSH
MUST BE PRE-REGISTER
INDIVIDUAL PRIZE
by contacting Paige:
INDIVIDUAL PRIZE
INDIVIDUAL PRIZE BURGER
INDIVIDUAL PRIZE BURGER or call
want to make sure we are these improved opportu-
REGISTERED (701)641-8582
SUPPER -SUPPER
Cell or The OSC
BY 8 A.M. paigesimonson@yahoo.com (701)834-2260
focusing on the first and last nities over what they are
XNLV370200
mile that all the freight has doing today.”

Joan Bekkedahl & Family
MUST BE MUSTPRE-REGISTER
BE PRE-REGISTER OR CALL OR CALL
Contact Paige: Contact Paige:
REGISTERED REGISTERED
All dogs must
(701) be checked
641-8582 in byOSC
(701) 641-8582
OSC
7 PM (no exceptions)
0 BY 8 A.M. BYpaigesimonson@yahoo.com
8 A.M. (701) 834-2260(701) 834-2260
paigesimonson@yahoo.com
NORTH DAKOTA OIL
Hoop dreams
ND NORTHERN AREA It’s TV but better!
$54.25 DOWN $0.25
87.00
250+
ND LIGHT SWEET Channels + 50 Mbps
+ =
= $
$54.25 DOWN $0.25
701-713-4240
TV Internet
All With No Contract
Phone
Former Williston standout Brian
Qvale is enjoying basketball play
XNLV369095
$65.80 UP $1.07 schwartz@allstate.com Call for details
701.572.2002 | nemont.com
BRENT CRUDE ND ACTIVE
in Russia, p. A3
1135 2nd Ave. West, Suite 206, Williston
$69.08 UP $0.03 RIG COUNT: 58 Internet | Wireless | Video | Land Line | Long Distance
SUNDAY
February 4, 2018
$1.50
Defense raises questions about testimony

At Putney murder trial, girlfriend changes she and Putney
told police imme-
said she was in the living room
with Putney’s young son while
and that she didn’t hear any of
the conversation between the
story on the May 2016 double shooting

diately after the Lott, Washington and Putney two men and Putney.
shooting. were talking about a car Putney When she heard gunshots, she
She told had for sale. The talk eventually got on the ground between the
about things she’d said. Williams County turned to guns, and after Putney window and her bed and laid on
BY JAMIE KELLY Regina Mallard, who was Assistant State’s let Lott handle a gun, Lott asked top of Putney’s son. She said after
EDITOR@WILLISTONHERALD.COM the girlfriend of Lamar Putney, Attorney Nathan to buy it. When Putney refused, the shooting stopped she didn’t
The woman who was dating a testified she was in her bedroom Putney Madden that Lott threatened him. want to get up.
man accused of murder in a May when Diandre Lott and Donzell she had based Mallard told Gregory that she “I was hearing shots, but I don’t
2016 double shooting changed Washington were shot on May what she told police on the story then went to the bedroom with know what’s going on,” she said.
her story from what she’d told 17, 2016. Putney’s trial on two Putney told her. Putney’s son. Madden asked Mallard about a
police, but during cross examina- charges of murder entered its In an interview with Williston On the stand Friday, she said detail defense attorney Jeff Neh-
tion, the defense raised questions fifth day Friday. Mallard’s testi- police Detective Jacob Gregory that she went in her bedroom
mony differs from stories both that was played in court, Mallard with the boy almost immediately SEE PUTNEY PAGE A2
Point, click
and learn
about oil
production
BY LEE ZION
LZION@WILLISTONHERALD.COM
An important program at
Williston State College has
expanded to online, and a stu-
dent at Williston High School
is one of the first to have gone
through.
Amir Ajbar, a high school
senior, took Tech 101 as a
dual-credit course for both the
high school and the college. He
also got the highest grade in
the class, which he didn’t want
to stress too much.
“He was worried about my
grade in that class. And he
encouraged me to try hard and
actually do the work. At first I
blew that off. When I actually
did receive that grade, he was
very, very enthusiastic,” Ajbar
said.
Two things got Ajbar in the
door to that classroom. First, he
has long had a strong interest
Jamie Kelly • Williston Herald in the hard sciences.
Firefighters cut into a door on a business on Second Street East Friday morning. The fire was reported shortly before 7:45 a.m. Around 1 p.m., while firefighters And second, it didn’t hurt
were still on the scene of that fire, another call came in for a house fire on 20th Avenue West.
Williston’s blazing stress test

SEE OIL PAGE A4
Fires test city’s new houses, equipment, training ple know how to safely handle
these fires and they were able to
contain the fire to one side of the
BY RENÉE JEAN the time firefighters arrived, Fire to the door,” Catrambone added. building,” he said.
RJEAN@WILLISTONHERALD.COM Chief Jason Catrambone said. The commercial fire, which Around 54 firefighters were
Two fires put Williston’s new “The first person on the scene was at a hydrovac shop that used on scene for that fire, which
firefighting equipment and facil- saw flames 20 feet high coming to be Craig’s Engine Repair, like took eight hours to secure. In
ities to the test on Friday. out of the garage door,” Ca- many commercial facilities had the midst of that battle, how-
One was an early-morning trambone said, and added the several hazards to consider. ever, a call came in for a house
commercial fire at an oilfield person also saw the second floor There were multiple vehicles fire on 20th Avenue West, fully
company’s shop, from which a collapse. inside, welding supplies, tires, involved.
dog was rescued, and the other No people were injured in the flammable liquids and com- A family escaped that, but
a house fire, from which family fire, but a medium-sized dog was pressed gases to contend with. unfortunately with no shoes on
members escaped, but without rescued from the structure. Training, which Williston is the children’s feet.
Submitted
shoes for their children. The dog had to have CPR and now able to offer through its The house fire call went out
oxygen. own academy, was a very import- Petroleum technology instructor Al-
The first fire was called in just over 911 dispatch at about 1 p.m.,
“They were able to (do) that ant part of safely fighting the berto Bellini poses with student Amir
before 8 a.m. Friday morning, and it requested help from any
within minutes of arrival and fire, Catrambone indicated. Ajbar and Williston High School’s vice
and was already well-involved by SEE FIRES PAGE A4 principal, Audrey Larson.
getting the hose on the fire and “With PPE and tactics, our peo-
Classifieds on the Cover Classifieds on the Cover Classifieds on the Cover Classifieds on the Cover Classifieds on the Cover Classifieds on the Cover
4 14X40 2 bedroom OVER THE RAINBOW Daycare LARGE VARIETY OF New and
buildings,comes with stove and PITT CONSTRUCTION WESTERN ULTRA- MOUNT
is now accepting Drop-Ins for 3, Used Tires. Great Prices. WINDSHIELDS FOR MOST Plow 7ʼ 6”
fridge, move them or rent the lots 4, & 5 year olds! Please call Magrum LOOKING for Side/Belly Dump makes and modles $220.00
$ 10,000 each Call 406-270-3194 and Lowboy Drivers with our early Ford Super Duty 1999-2004
701-774-1234 to check for Motors, 701-572-0114 Installed. $3,800 OBO Call- 701-580-2283
availability. Rates are $30/day. company in Ray ND. If interested Magrum Motors, 572-0114
Come by and check out our new in more information please call
building at 223 2nd Ave. West. Steve Whatley at 701-818-9716.
Need part and full time drivers.
• Audrey Jones
3º
BIRTHS
DEATHS
A2 Obituaries A8 Service Directory

INSIDE
• Shannon Mouser and Seth Paskin • Alvin Kuschel A5 Community B1 Sports
-8º
• Karla and Stephen Mogus • Daniel Aaron Chamness A6 Opinion B4 Classifieds
A7 Business

A2 WILLISTON HERALD SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2018 News
— Obituary — — Briefs —
Audrey Jones, 74 Saturday is Take Your The event is free, and a
library card is not required.
a successful bid for presi-
dent of the National Farmers
Child to the Library Day Though it might also be the Union.
Audrey Jones, 74, died Monday, January living alone in a 5 bedroom house. Lyle and Williston Public Library is perfect time to get one for In addition to overseeing
29, 2018 in the Mountrail Bethel Home in LeRoy had been friends in the 1970s when among libraries participat- you and your children if you the state’s agricultural inter-
Stanley, ND. Lyle worked in the Sherwood area oil fields. ing this year in the National don’t already have them. ests and markets for farm
Audrey was born January 24, 1944 to Audrey, LeRoy, and Lyle remained good Take your Child to the products, Goehring is also
Pete and Caroline (Voltin) Hamers in the friends, until Lyle’s death in 2002. Library Day. a member of the Industrial
Williston, ND hospital. She grew up in Ray In 1998, Audrey and LeRoy moved back to Goehring seeking
The event is 2:30 to 4:30 Commission, which over-
and attended the Ray Public Schools. In her Sherwood and in 2003, they moved to Mo- p.m. on Saturday. Tours will re-election bid sees the oil industry, and
teen years she worked on the weekends at hall. In February 2009, Audrey moved into be given from 2:30 to 3 p.m., North Dakota Agricul- he is a member of several
the Midway Drive-In Theater, which her the Mohall Good Samaritan Home, follow- then special guest reader ture Commissioner Doug committees including one
brother, Cecil, owned and operated. She ing a stroke. In November 2009, she moved Miss Andrew will read to the Goehring is going to run for that is involved with the
graduated from Ray High School in 1962. to the Minot Trinity Nursing Home and in children until 3:30 p.m. re-election to the position he Great Northern Corridor
She married Lyle “David” Aho on August August 2013, she moved to the Mountrail Goody bags will be avail- was appointed to in 2009 by Coalition.
14, 1962. They lived in Velva and Tioga Bethel Home in Stanley and resided there able for the event, as well as former Gov. John Hoeven. Goehring also still farms
for a short time following until her death. a photo prop area, library Goehring was appointed and ranches in a rural area
their marriage. They then Before her stroke, Audrey enjoyed cook- activities and fun games for after Democrat Roger John- about 15 miles west of Bis-
moved to Ray to take care ing, baking, candy making, and cake deco- the whole family. son resigned the position, in marck.
of Audrey’s father, who was rating. She made many kinds of candy and
in poor health and passed baked goods for bake sales, bazaars, and
away in 1963. In May 1964, craft shows. She also baked and decorated
they moved to Stanley before birthday, anniversary, and wedding cakes.
moving to Crosby in January She also enjoyed writing poetry.
Jones
— Birth Annoucements —
of 1967 where Lyle was hired Audrey is survived by her and Lyle’s sons,
as a mechanic by the Crosby International Joseph (Kim), Stanley, Jerome (Lorraine),
Harvester dealer. Audrey’s mother moved Kannapolis, NC, James (Patricia), Stanley;
in with them to help take care of their chil- granddaughters, Shalene (fiancée, Norman
dren. Following the death of Lyle’s mother, Ogden), White Earth, Elizabeth, Minot, Shannon Mouser and Seth Paskin, of Austin, Texas, welcomed a 6-pound, 10-ounce baby
they moved their family and Caroline back Kristal (fiancée, Isaac James), West Fargo; girl at 6:54 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2018.
to Stanley, in April 1969, to be closer to Lyle’s step grandchildren, Tyler (Stephanie) Get- Karla and Stephen Mogus, of Alamo, welcomed a 6-pound, 11-ounce baby girl at 3:42
family. They purchased a house in Stanley zlaff, Mandan, Brandon Getzlaff, Stanley, p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2018.
and raised their family there. Audrey’s Desiree Getzlaff (companion, Andrew
marriage to Lyle ended in October 1984. She Weidmer), Minot; step great grandchildren,
then moved to Devils Lake and worked as a Courtney Getzlaff, Aiden Getzlaff, and
desk clerk at the Davis Motel. She moved to Abel Weidmer; foster sister, Linda (Oliver)
PUTNEY: Girlfriend changes

Minot in September of 1985. Due to some Garrison, Cincinnati, OH; several nieces
health issues resulting from injuries she and nephews.
sustained in a car accident in 1977, she was Audrey is preceded in death by her
no longer able to work a regular job. In May parents; brothers, Charles, Chester, Cecil,
story on May 2016 double shooting

1986, Audrey moved back to Stanley to be and Lester “Eugene”; sisters, Lucille “Hap”
close to her family. Weber, and LaVonne “Bonnie” Garaas.
In 1987, Audrey met LeRoy Jones of The funeral service will be held at 2:00
Sherwood, through the Minot Singles Club. pm on Monday, February 5, 2018 at Our
They got married on November 21, 1987 Saviors Free Lutheran Church in Stanley. FROM PAGE A1 Police have said that 12 buy the car, and brought
and lived in Sherwood. LeRoy owned and Visitation will be held on Sunday from shots were fired during the Washington, who Putney
operated a gas station/auto repair shop, 12:00 until 4:00 p.m. at Springan Stevenson ring had brought up during shooting — three from a Ru- had never met before.
which his father started in the 1950s and Funeral Home, Stanley. Interment will be at his opening argument, that ger .45 caliber pistol, eight Lott asked Putney to show
in 1997, LeRoy closed the business. Audrey Belden Cemetery, rural Belden, ND, in the she had shot a gun. from a Sig Sauer .45 pistol Washington one of his guns
and LeRoy then moved to Stanley when spring. “At any point did you exit and one from a Desert Eagle and while Lott was holding
LeRoy was hired as a mechanic by Ander- Online condolences may be shared at the bedroom and fire a shot 1911 .45 pistol. Madden it he asked Putney if he
son Equipment in Ross. They lived with www.springanfuneralhome.com and www. at Diandre Lott or Donzell asked Mallard whether she could buy it.
Lyle for 14 months in Stanley, since he was fulkersons.com Washington?” Madden owned the Desert Eagle, and Putney refused.
asked. she said she did not. “I’m not selling you no
— Death Notices — “No,” Mallard said.
She also testified that she
didn’t see Lott or Wash-
Nehring, however, pro-
duced a photo of a similar
gun so you can go shoot
somebody and the police
gun that was found on come to my house,” Putney
Alvin Kuschel, 94 ington try to rob Putney,
but said she did hear some
Mallard’s phone. told Remus he said to Lott.
“Isn’t it true that the gun He said at that point, the
Alvin Kuschel, 94, of Minot, formerly of Williston, passed away at the Brookdale Senior conversation from inside in the picture and the exhib- pair tried to rob him. He said
Living Center in Minot on Thursday evening, February 1, 2018. her bedroom. it are, in fact, one and the he pretended to cooperate
In accordance with his wishes, Cremation has taken place. There will be a celebration She testified she heard same gun?” Nehring asked. while Mallard went to her
of his life at 10:30 at Brookdale Brentmoor at 10:30 on Monday, February 5. A graveside Putney say, “You’re trying to Mallard said yes. bedroom with his young
service at Riverview Cemetery in Williston will take place at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, February rob me.” The cross-examination son, who was also in the
6, 2018. Rev. Nicole Martin will officiate. Madden asked if she heard of Mallard stopped shortly apartment, then retrieved a
anyone else say anything. after 5 p.m. and will resume gun he’d hidden away and
Daniel Aaron Chamness, 35 “All I heard was ‘What you Monday.In the video of Mal- shot the pair.
on? What you on Put?’” she lard’s interview with police, During his questioning of
Daniel Aaron Chamness, 35, of Bismarck, formerly of Williston, ND, passed away
said, explaining she took her story mostly lines up Remus, Madden asked her
Wednesday, January 31, 2018 at the Sanford Health in Bismarck, ND. Fulkerson Stevenson
that to mean someone was with the story Putney was whether Putney’s story was
Funeral Home of Williston is assisting the family. Friends may sign the online register
asking what he was doing. telling another investigator inconsistent. She said he
and give their condolences at www.fulkersons.com
During cross-examina- about the same time. had changed several details,
In accordance with Daniel’s wishes cremation has taken place. His memorial service
tion, Nehring pointed out Putney was interviewed including whether Lott or
will be held at the First Lutheran Church in Williston at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, February 7,
that during the video of on the day of the shooting Washington had threatened
2018. Pastor Brian Knutson will officiate.
her interview, she can be by Special Agent Charissa him and who he was most
Friends may call at First Lutheran Church in Williston one hour prior to services.
heard saying “Uh-oh, what Remus from the North concerned about.
is that?” after Gregory tested Dakota Bureau of Criminal Remus also noted that
Williston Senior
Food Menu 2/5-2/9
Center her hands for gunshot resi-
due. He asked her whether
any spots showed up on
her hands, something that
Investigation.
In a video of that interview
played Friday morning,
Putney explained that he
Putney only mentioned
using one gun during his
interview and that he never
told her that Mallard had
could indicate that she had and Mallard were trying to fired a shot.
recently fired a gun. sell the car and that Lott had During his cross-examina-
Monday 2/5 Tuesday 2/6 Wednesday 2/7 Thursday 2/8 Friday 2/9 She said they had. reached out to him through tion, Nehring asked Remus
He also raised a question a mutual friend. Lott came whether someone who just
Chili/crackers Turkey/dressing/ Beef Stroganoff Chicken noodle soup Sliced beef on bread about whether she owned a over on May 17, 2016, to went through a stressful sit-
Coleslaw mashed potato/gray Buttered noodles Cheese burger deluxe Vegetable soup particular gun. uation might confuse details
Peaches Chuck wagon corn Baby carrots Cherry Dessert Fruit salad jello or make mistakes, and she
Jello Pumpkin pie Mandarin Oranges 24th ANNUAL AREA LIONS CLUBS agreed that was possible.
“Would you consider
PANCAKE & SAUSAGE BREAKFAST someone who had a gun
GET
pointed at them as a stress-
8:30 A.M. TO 1:00 P.M. ful situation?” he asked
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4 “Yes,” Remus said.

“Would you agree with
MONEY
First Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall me that someone merely
pointing a gun at someone
9th & Main - Williston ND is a life-threatening situa-
Adults $6.00 Children (Ages 6-12) $4.00 tion?” he asked.
Family $17.00 Children (Ages 5 & Under) Free
XNLV368916
“Yes,” Remus said.

Bring Your Old Eyeglasses for Recycling He also asked how she
would handle a jammed
weapon during a gun
battle, especially if she had
FAST!
another gun. Putney has
File your taxes & apply said he fired three rounds
for an Easy Advance* loan. from the Ruger before it
Most within 24 hours. jammed, then picked up
No Fees or Interest. the Sig Sauer and fired
eight more times.
Remus said there wasn’t
a simple answer.
“That’s hard to answer,”
she said. “We’re trained
XNLV367620
118 14th St W to work through our jam,

Across from Simonsons Developing your business is but if I had a backup gun
I would probably go with
Williston, ND 58801 mission-critical. that one.”
We know what it takes to grow a company. That’s why we
(701) 572-8000 use our impressive powers of design and development to
During his follow-up
help your business achieve market domination. From the
questions, Madden asked
super speed with which we deploy engaging websites, to Remus if Putney had ever
the telepathy to know exactly what a prospect is thinking. described what happened
as a gun battle, or claimed
866-871-1040 LibertyTax.com libertytax
®
Contact us today to find out how we can take your that Lott or Washington
business to new heights. had fired a shot at him. She
said he had not.
Websites “Does that sound like a
Logo Design
*An Easy Advance (EA) is a loan secured by your tax refund and is offered by Republic Bank & Content Management Systems
gun battle to you?” Madden
Trust Company, member FDIC, to eligible taxpayers. There are no fees or interest associated with Social Media Management asked.
the EA. Loan is subject to underwriting and approval. EA proceeds are typically available within Brochures “No,” Remus said.
24 hours of IRS acceptance of tax return or within 24 hours for those filing before the IRS start
SEO & More Putney’s trial, which is
scheduled to last two weeks,
date; however, if direct deposit is selected, it may take additional time for your financial institu-
is scheduled to continue
tion to post the funds to your account. Visit your Liberty Tax office to learn about the cost and VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO LEARN MORE WWW.DAWASG.COM Monday.
timing of all filing and product options. Valid at participating locations. Valid Jan. 2-Feb. 28, 2018.
NORTH DAKOTA OIL Williston
ND NORTHERN AREA
$52.75, DOWN $1.50
State College
ND LIGHT SWEET
$52.75, DOWN $1.50 Kristi Schwartz Agency Maintain offers new
$65.45, DOWN $0.35
701-713-4240
schwartz@allstate.com
indoor air scholarship,
ND ACTIVE
BRENT CRUDE p. A3
$65.45, DOWN $1.07 RIG COUNT: 59 quality, p. A8
TUESDAY
February 6, 2018
$1.00
Gunshot residue test wasn’t sent to lab

Detective said preliminary test was police said he did a presumptive gunshot trying to rob him. up dozens or even hundreds of dark blue
residue on Regina Mallard, the girlfriend During cross-examination, Jeff Nehring, spots.
negative, defense questions interpretation of Lamar Putney, who is now on trial on Putney’s defense attorney, asked Gregory Nehring asked him about the instruc-
two counts of murder. Putney is accused about the results of the preliminary test tions for the test, and whether he might
BY JAMIE KELLY of shooting and killing Diandre Lott and and why he didn’t send the test in for fur- have been misinterpreting them. On the
EDITOR@WILLISTONHERALD.COM Donzell Washington on May 17, 2016. ther analysis. instruction sheet, it says that spots might
Gunshot residue tests done on a woman Gregory testified that the preliminary test The test involves swabbing someone’s appear brown or black if the hands of the
who was present at the shooting deaths of for gunshot residue came back negative hands with a cotton pad and then submerg- person being tested are dirty.
two men in May 2016 weren’t sent to the and that there was no indication anyone ing that pad in a chemical. Gregory said the Gregory, however, said the instructions
lab, a detective testified Monday. other than Putney had fired a gun in the preliminary results from the test of Mal- also showed more than just two spots
Detective Jacob Gregory of the Williston incident. Putney told police that he shot the lard showed only one or two brown spots,
SEE PUTNEY PAGE A9
two men in self-defense while they were while a positive result would have brought
Winners box Weeds changing

Torcsill walked away with
three trophies from this
year’s annual API Chili Cook-
crop selections
off, and MDU took two. Keene will talk about situation during Best
The event raised a total of
$101,000. of the Best Wheat Research and Marketing
Best Chili went to MDU.
Best games went to BY RENÉE JEAN
Torcsill, as did best- RJEAN@WILLISTONHERALD.COM
decorated booth, and the Time was, a farmer sat down with com-
team won second place in modity price projections and a pencil to
the chili competition. figure out what would be most profitable
Bakken Bread Winner, for to grow. However, weeds are changing that
most money raised the day paradigm, and it could soon have a dramatic
of the event, went to Secure effect on how farmers select which crops
Energy/RDO, who raised they are going to grow.
$1,930. Cropping specialist Dr. Claire Keene, with
The Fan Favorite Chili
Williston Research Extension Center, will
went to Schlumberger/
talk about how weeds are changing cropping
Cameron.
The top six teams raised
decisions in the Best of the Best in Wheat
more than $66,000 of Research and Marketing, which this year is
the $101,000 raised. The being held in conjunction with Williston’s
six teams were from MDU, annual Hard Spring Wheat Show Tuesday
Liberty Oilfield Services, through Thursday at the Grand Williston
Torcsill, Weatherford, All In Hotel.
Oilfield Services, and JMAC It has been four or five years since Willis-
Resources. ton hosted the Best of the Best, but the show
There were three is back now. It annually collects the most
newcomers to this year’s cutting-edge wheat research and marketing
event: Summit ESP, Williston information and puts it all in a one-day semi-
Fire and Safety and G-Style nar. It is Wednesday’s wheat show program.
Transport.
SEE WHEAT PAGE A9
Pasta will help

A Liberty Oilfield worker
takes a turn on a test of woman with
spine problems
strength at Torcsill’s API
Chili Cookoff booth. The
game involved twisting the
handle around, applying
BY LEE ZION
torque to it. The highest
torque for men and for
women each won several She’s only 36, but already her health has
prizes, including a gift card deteriorated to the point that she is bedrid-
to Sportsman’s Warehouse. den. She can barely
All participants also had an walk, and just two
opportunity to win a $1,000 hours of activity means
gift card to Sportsmans she’ll be so exhausted
Renée Jean • Williston Herald
Warehouse. that she can’t move for
the next two days. Even
something as simple as
What a great chili can do going to the bathroom

is difficult for her.
A pasta fundraiser
Saturday at Midway
Junction will raise mon-
Submitted photo
ey for Jessie Burling,

Oilfield workers gather to give back to a community that many now call home who is suffering from
If you go …
Benefit for Jessie
cauda equina syn- Burling
drome. Brenda Wollan, The event starts
BY RENÉE JEAN Saturday, G-style was among a handful That made him happy, as did the
RJEAN@WILLISTONHERALD.COM a longtime family at 4 p.m. Feb. 10.
of newcomers to an event that has be- chance to give back to a community he
friend, is organizing the There will be a
Tiffany Woodward, with G-style Trans- come so popular, it has a waiting list for feels has done so much for him.
fundraiser and cooking silent auction, a
port, had a condition for the oilfield com- participants to get in, as well as members Girolamo came to Williston in the
the food. pasta dinner, live
pany before she would agree to take a job who can say they’ve participated since Spring of 2010 for a 10- to 12-week job
Wollan explained auction and a live
with them as their office manager. the first one three or so decades ago. managing a road construction project.
Burling’s situation. band.
That condition was that they partic- G-style’s booth not only offered chili, His two businesses went bust in the
“She injured her back
ipate in the API chili cook-off as soon but sliders, coleslaw, potato salad, cup- Great Recession, and he was so broke, he
quite a few years ago, and had been dealing
as they could get a spot in the popular cakes and floats, with an old-fashioned had to borrow a fuel card to get here.
with the repercussions through yoga, chiro-
fundraiser. diner theme. “My wife gave me $200, and we put a
practic,” Burling said.
Troy Girolamo, owner of the company, “So far everyone likes our chili,” Girol-
agreed, and Woodward took the job. amo said. SEE CHILI PAGE A3 SEE PASTA PAGE A3
• Enice and Jeffrey Wheeler • Daniel Aaron Chamness • LaVern Charles Miller A2 Obituaries A7 Sports
10º
DEATHS
BIRTHS
INSIDE
• Jamie and Beau Soiseth • Alvin Theodore Kuschel • John “Hec Jack” A4 Opinion A8 Health
• Donald Sinness Ramsey Sr. A5 Community A10 Classifieds
• Christopher Fox • Tillie Fay Walker A6 Comics -13º
Certified GMC Techicians! 1801 2ND AVENUE WEST, WILLISTON, ND
News TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2018 WILLISTON HERALD A9 A9
Jury finds former police chief guilty of sexual abuse of a child WHEAT: Not good
BY SYDNEY MOOK
FORUM NEWS SERVICE
charges in June 2017, appeared Monday
in the Golden Valley County courtroom
with his attorney, Kevin McCabe, for the
identify the marker because she had
to perform sex on the defendant in the
past. The small marking was visible in
news for farmers
BEACH — The former LaMoure police FROM PAGE A1
chief accused of continuously sexual- fourth and final day of the trial. photos which were shown by the state
The trial included testimony from the earlier in the case. Keene is a researcher with the Williston
ly abusing a child under the age of 15 Research Extension Center, and was among
in multiple southwest North Dakota victim, North Dakota Bureau of Investi- Watson denied the allegations made
gations Special Agent Timothy Helmer, against him, saying that he never sexu- those chosen to speak during the Best of the
counties was found guilty Monday at Best program.
the Golden Valley County Courthouse in Watson’s wife and others. Watson testi- ally abused the victim. He also claimed
fied on Monday morning. he never sent lewd photos of himself to “Most farmers currently select the crops
Beach. they will grow based on economics,” Keene
After spending nearly three hours The victim in the case testified last the victim.
week about three separate occasions Watson’s attorney, Kevin McCabe, said said. “How profitable is a given crop likely to
deliberating, the 12-person jury found be in that year? And that certainly makes a lot
James G. Watson, 52, guilty of continu- where she distinctly remembered the state had “failed miserably” in pro-
having to have sexual intercourse with viding corroborating evidence in their of sense. Farming is a business. You need to
ous sexual abuse of a child, a Class AA be profitable. But the approach relies on the
felony. A presentence investigation was Watson in order to be able to go and do case and again pointed to differences in
various things. the victim’s story. At the beginning of his assumption you can grow that crop. That you
ordered by Southwest District Judge Wil- have the fertilizer and herbicides and other
liam Herauf and must be completed in “She had to pay to go,” Golden Valley closing argument McCabe played a video
State’s Attorney Christina Wenko said of the victim saying nothing happened pesticides to make it work.”
60 days. A Class AA felony faces a maxi- With the rise of herbicide-resistant Kochia,
mum of life in prison without parole. during her closing argument. at Buffalo Gap Guest Ranch in her first
This occurred between the fall of 2011 interview with Helmer. He also pointed marestail and many other difficult-to-control
Forum News Service typically does not weeds, such as narrow-leaved hawksbeard,
identify accusers or victims in sexual and January 2012, according to court to other inconsistencies in her story and
documents. spoke of the lack of reporting by the however, that assumption is being challenged.
assault cases. “It’s not good news,” Keene acknowledged,
Charges are still pending against Wat- The victim also testified that Watson victim in the case.
had a small “mole” or skin marking on In Wenko’s response, she said that “but it’s news farmers need to keep in mind.
son in Stark and Hettinger counties. Are we getting close to the place where we
Watson, who was serving as chief left side of his pelvic region which was sexual assault is a “horrific” crime and
not visible when the defendant was noted it would be difficult for someone cannot pick the crop based on how profitable
of police for the LaMoure Police De- it is, but have to choose based on whether we
partment when he was arrested on the wearing underwear. She said she could to come forward and report the crime.
can control the weeds? I think that is a seri-
ous question, and one we don’t like to think
about.”
PUTNEY: The trial is set to last through Friday Weed specialist Dr. Bryan Jenks, with NDSU,
has been conducting research into weed re-
sistance and is among researchers developing
FROM PAGE A1 Mallard’s answers to police
on the day of the shooting new protocols to deal with the situation. Keene
showing up for a positive will talk about that research, as well as addi-
result. came up during Gregory’s
testimony. tional tools farmers can use to clobber difficult
Nehring asked why the weeds that don’t require herbicides.
test hadn’t been sent in to be Nehring asked about the
similarities between the sto- Sequencing of crops is among those tools.
analyzed. By choosing certain sequences, farmers can
Gregory said the North ries Mallard and Putney told
police. He contrasted Mal- prevent many weed problems from happening
Dakota State Crime Lab didn’t at all — and that’s ultimately worth a lot of
lard’s demeanor during her
handle the kind of test used, herbicide cure.
first interview, when she was
and there was difficulty find- The schedule of topics and demonstrations
distraught and crying but an-
ing a private lab that would. during the Best of the Best Wheat Research
swered quickly with how she
“Would you agree in this and Marketing are as follows:
acted on the stand Friday and
particular case, it would have • Update on Sawfly and Midge, Janet Knodel,
Monday, when she paused
been prudent to send the NDSU Extension Fargo, at 9 a.m.
for long stretches in between
results off to a lab that could • A Fungicide Update on Scab and DON, An-
being asked a question and
have tested this properly?” drew Friskop, NDSU Extension , at 9:30 a.m.
Jamie Kelly • Williston Herald giving her answer.
Nerhing asked. Gregory said she was able • Transitioning to Precision Agriculture Us-
Williston police Detective Jacob Gregory, left, examines a piece of
“Yes, it could have been evidence taken from the scene of a double shooting in May 2016. to give quick answers to some ing Yield Maps, John Nowatzki, NDSU Exten-
important information,” questions, but not to others. sion, Fargo, at 11 a.m.
Gregory said. “I was sure we had gotten handgun at Washington • Impact of Wheat Herbicide Residues on
that over to them,” he said because you were as scared “There’s questions in there
The gunshot residue test where she’s using the words Fall-Seeded Cover Crops, Greg Endres, NDSU
was an issue even before and went on to say his office as Lamar?” Nehring asked Extension, Carrington REC, at 11:30 a.m.
hadn’t seen the message Mallard. ‘I’m guessing’ or ‘it’s possi-
Gregory testified about it. ble,’” Gregory said. “If you’re • Hands-on demonstrations including weed
Before the jury returned about the order. “No,” she said. identification, crop sensitivity to Dicamba and
Sjue said the order, which Nehring also questioned telling me this, you should
to the courtroom Monday know this. She shouldn’t 2,4-D, drift reduction strategies, DON testing
morning, Nehring and she issued in court on Jan. Mallard about her call to 911 and impacts of High DON on seedling estab-
25, as well as in writing the after the shooting. During a be guessing, she should be
Nathan Madden, assistant knowing what happened, if lishment, at 1:10 p.m.
state’s attorney for William next day, was clear and that tape played for the jury last • N Fertilization Following a Drought and
the State’s Attorney’s Office week, Mallard can be heard she was there.”
County, clashed over whether Nehring also questioned What does the Clay Chemistry Map Mean For
evidence had been turned should have been checking. crying as she tells a police dis- Me, Dave Franzen, NDSU Extension, at 2:45
Gregory about Lott and
over properly. “I think there should be patcher that she and Putney p.m.
Washington and why they
The defense requested the sanctions against the state,” were being robbed. At one • Moving the Yield Potential of Wheat Up-
were at Putney’s apartment
results of the test done on Nehring said. point she says that there were ward: What we Learned in 2017, Joel Ransom,
that day.
Mallard, but Nehring said Normally, in such cases, the two black men on the floor in NDSU Extension, Fargo, at 3:15 p.m.
Lott had reached out to a
he never received it. Shortly sanction would be excluding the living room. • Weeds are Changing, So Should Your Ap-
mutual friend to get in touch
before trial, he filed a request the results of the test, Sjue Nehring asked how, if she proach to Control them, Claire Keene, Willis-
with Putney the day before
asking to have the prosecu- said, but Nehring said he had been in her bedroom ton REC, 3:45 p.m.
the shooting, and Putney
tion ordered to turn that over. didn’t want that, because he the whole time, like she had Wednesday night, there will also be a
texted Mallard that Lott was
Northwest District Judge thought the results might previously testified, she could banquet and program with the Peterson Farm
going to buy a 2002 Audi A6
Kirsten Sjue ordered the assist his case. have known that. Bros. at 6 p.m. The trio have made themselves
they had for sale.
prosecution to do so by 5 p.m. In the end, both sides She said she opened her an Internet sensation with a variety of parody
Last week, Aariona Brown,
on Jan. 26. agreed that Nehring would be door and was able to see Lott’s videos that showcase farm life. Their mission
who was Lott’s girlfriend, tes-
Nehring said he got an allowed to ask Gregory about body from the doorway. is to educate people about agriculture in a fun
tified that she spoke with Lott
email with photos of the test the delay in sending the “Not only did you say where and entertaining way.
about 10 minutes before the
and the results from Wil- results to the defense. He did they’re located, you said Keene said she hoped the trio would draw
shooting and that he had said
liams County State’s Attorney ask Gregory a few questions they’re down, right?” Nehring in a more general audience, as well as young
he was going to “hit a stain”
Marlyce Wilder on Saturday, about the timing before mov- asked. people in 4H and FFA. The show the Peterson
and would call her back.
but hadn’t gotten anything ing on to the results. “They sure wasn’t up,” brothers plan is meant to have broad appeal.
Brown testified that meant “We hope people who aren’t interested in
before that. During his opening argu- Mallard said. sell someone drugs, but Neh-
ment, Nehring claimed that Nehring also questioned farming will also want to come check them
“As I sit here today, I don’t ring asked Gregory if it could
Mallard had fired a shot after when Putney came into the out,” Keene said. “The Peterson Farm Broth-
even know the extent of the mean robbing someone, and
bedroom and when Mallard ers are pretty funny, and they have definitely
gunshot residue test,” Neh- Putney had already shot Lott produced an entry from the made a national name for themselves. We look
ring said. and Washington. She denied ended her 911 call. website Urban Dictionary forward to having them.”
Madden at first said his of- that on the stand Friday and “So when Lamar walked in, that defined it that way. Thursday, the Wheat Show will continue
fice had handed over the tests again during cross-examina- you hung up phone?” Neh- The prosecution’s case is with topics like intercropping grains, the
on Jan. 26, but after checking tion Monday morning. ring asked. tentatively scheduled to wrap weather outlook for 2018, efforts to develop
with the staff, admitted that “Would you admit you “I’m confused,” Mallard up today. The trial is set to last perennial wheat and more.
hadn’t been done. fired your Desert Eagle 1911 said. “You’re confusing me.” through Friday.
Classified
Ambulance Operations Manager
A& A
XNLV370408
Landscape and
Mohall Ambulance Service has an opening for an
Mainenance Ambulance Operations Manager. This is a ¾ - full time
position with salary based on experience. Individual is
MOVE
OF ND, WILLISTON, ND, responsible for the oversight of daily operations of the
ambulance service system to ensure we are being efficient
NEEDS 25 TEMPORARY (04/01/18 - 10/31/18) AND FULL-TIME and effective in meeting our customers as well as the
community’s needs through adequate staffing, availability
YOUR HOUSE
landscapers
of vehicles, and adequate provisions of supplies and
equipment. As a minimum, individual must be a National WITH THE CLASSIFIEDS
Registry EMT. Applications due February 16, 2018. For a
complete list of Duties, Responsibilities, and Skills call 701-
to work at various job sites in Williams, Dunn and McKenzie counties of North Dakota. 756-6183 or email mohallambulance@srt.com.
Landscape or maintain grounds of property using hand or power tools or equipment. When it comes to moving
Sod laying, mowing, trimming, planting, watering, fertilizing, digging, raking, sprinkler For application, send resume to Mohall Ambulance real estate, the Classifieds
installation, spreading and/or spraying fertilizer/insecticides. No experience require- Service, P.O. Box 685, Mohall, ND 58761.
ments. No education requirements. OJT provided. $14.60/p/h, overtime wage rate of XNLV369180
is one hot property!
$21.90, overtime including weekend work may be available but is not guaranteed, gen- Get things done by calling
NURSE
eral schedule of 40h/w, 8am-5pm, Mon-Fri. Applicants may be offered higher than the us today.
advertised wage rate due to experience or merit. The employer will provide optional
housing accommodations from a third-party if relocating for the position and not with- REAL ESTATE CLASSIFIEDS
in reasonable transport to jobsite. If employer-arranged housing is utilized the worker PRACTITIONER CALL 572-2165
will be deducted approximately $60 per week. If relocating for the position, the cost of
transportation and subsistence to the place of employment will be reimbursed, if half of • Houses For Sale
the employment period is completed. This reimbursement will be calculated by the ex- Daniels Memorial Healthcare Center of Scobey, MT
act cost of the transportation expense by airplane or bus fare, as well as subsistence ex- is looking for the following; • Apartments For Rent
penses calculated at the at the minimum amount of $12.07 per 24-hour period of travel Nurse Practitioner - Full Time w/ Benefits • Roommates Wanted
and the maximum amount of $51.00 per day. Return transportation and subsistence
will be provided if the employment period is completed, or if dismissed early. The em-
• Office Shares
Contact Human Resources, 406-487-2296 OR
ployer will provide daily transportation to and from the jobsite. All tools, supplies, and
equipment required to perform the job will be provided to workers at no charge. Inquire
Edith Huda - hudae@dmha.net or Stori Anderberg Sell It In
- Sanderberg6@dmha.net for additional information.
XNLV368356
about or apply for the position at Job Service North Dakota’s Williston Office, 422 1st
Avenue W., Williston, ND 58801, Tel: 701-774-7900. A&A Landscape and Maintenance of
ND may be contacted via telephone number: 701-577-6052, refer to job order #521500. Williston Herald
NORTH DAKOTA OIL
PROF IL E 2018
ND NORTHERN AREA
$52.00 DOWN $0.75
Education
$52.00 DOWN $0.75
LINLEY VANACORE
A closer at those who
make a difference
701-713-4240 lvanacore@willistonherald.com
in Profile 2018!
SAMANTHA BINDER
CALL 701-572-2165
BRENT CRUDE
$67.62 DOWN $0.96
ND ACTIVE
RIG COUNT: 58
in our community, p. A9
WEDNESDAY
February 7, 2018
$1.00
Defense case to start today in murder trial

BY JAMIE KELLY four months after the shooting, and to present any evidence to show that
EDITOR@WILLISTONHERALD.COM police said the North Dakota State wasn’t reasonable.”
The defense is scheduled to start its Crime Lab didn’t find DNA or finger- Nathan Madden, assistant state’s
case today in the trial of a man on two prints from Lott and Washington on attorney for Williams County, argued
murder charges. the guns that were used. that the prosecution had presented
The prosecution in the Lamar Put- After the prosecution rested its evidence that Putney planned for the
ney murder trial rested its main case case, defense attorney Jeff Nehring shooting in advance and disputed
Tuesday afternoon, bringing to a close asked Northwest District Judge Nehring’s contention there was a
six days of testimony from police Kirsten Sjue for a judgment of acquit- robbery.
officers and crime scene analysts. tal. Such requests are common before “I believe, your honor, there is more
Putney, 33, is accused of murder in the the defense starts its case, but are than sufficient evidence to prove guilt
shooting deaths of Diandre Lott and rarely granted. at this point,” Madden said.
Donzell Washington, who were killed Nehring said the evidence the state Sjue denied the defense motion,
Jamie Kelly • Williston Herald on May 17, 2016. Putney has claimed had presented supported the defense’s saying that the case came down to a
Dr. William Nassello, state medical examiner for North Dakota, since the day of the shooting that the contention that the shooting was in question of self-defense versus the
testifies Tuesday about wounds he found on the body of Donzell pair tried to rob him and that he shot self-defense. intent to commit murder.
Washington. Nassello’s testimony came on the last day of the them in self-defense. “(Putney) made a split-second de- “Those are both intensely fact-based
prosecution’s case against Lamar Putney, who is on trial on two Putney was charged with two cision to protect his family,” Nehring
counts of murder in the deaths of Washington and Diandre Lott. counts of murder in September 2016, said. “We believe the state has failed SEE TRIAL PAGE A8
‘The question
is, who do you
want to be?’
Williston students learn cyber
safety when posting online
BY LEE ZION
The students already knew

the basics of the lesson, but
even so, there were a few sur-
prises in store for them.
“When you post something
online it stays there for how
long?” Joe Fingerhut asked
them.
“Forever!” the students
shouted.
“And it can be seen by who?”
“Everyone!” they shouted.
Fingerhut with My Life
Online, told the students to be
careful before posting anything
to the internet. Make sure that
it’s true, that it’s kind, and that
it’s about you and not someone
else. If it doesn’t meet all three
tests, don’t post it.
He spoke to the students in
Renée Jean • Williston Herald
fourth through eighth grade
Angela Nible, center, shows Carter Ruffie and Johnny Jiang the secrets of kneading and then shaping a loaf of bread.
These students are the breadwinners

from Williston Public School
District No. 1 and from Willis-
ton Trinity Christian School.
It took three hour-long assem-
blies in the Bakken Elementary
School auditorium to accom-
modate that many students.
BY RENÉE JEAN ic began with a “sponge.” No, will be, from the yeast’s perspec- ingredients that were about to go
Dakota Family Solutions
RJEAN@WILLISTONHERALD.COM not the kitchen sink variety. In tive, a great, big, scrumptious into their batch of dough.
of Williston helped sponsor Most nights, Carter Ruffie bread-making, a sponge generally breakfast. Sugar goes into the dough as
the event. Bakken Principal doesn’t have any idea what his looks like a mess. It’s part flour, Sponges remain popular for food for the yeast, the children
Jeremy Mehlhoff introduced mom is planning for dinner. part water, part yeast, all mixed bread-making for one main learned. The yeast will eat most
Fingerhut, saying the program “She surprises us,” he said. together. reason: taste. The longer yeast is of that sugar, but the residual that
instructs students how to Tuesday night, however, it was After making their sponges in allowed to work, the more time remains helps sweeten the bread
make the most of the internet. his turn to surprise. a resealable plastic bag, the stu- it has to develop the complex and helps it brown.
He said 2.3 billion people — Ruffie was one of 500 Willis- dents let their sponges “rest.” flavors that make bread taste so Milk, meanwhile, also helps the
roughly one third of all the ton-area fifth-graders making Rest is misleading, however, good. bread to brown, a little bit. The
people on the planet — use their very own loaf of bread to because that’s the last thing live While their sponges were busy sugar in milk is called lactose,
social media. take home and bake that night. yeast in a sponge is doing. It’s working, the students were also and is not consumed by the yeast.
For these children the mag- not resting at all. It’s waking up. working. They watched a video
SEE TALK PAGE A9 Getting ready to go full tilt at what and learned more about all the SEE STUDENTS PAGE A3
Water depot request becomes contentious at county meeting

BY RENÉE JEAN had requested a conditional use middle of an irrigation system, proposed. Hanson also referenced a letter
RJEAN@WILLISTONHERALD.COM permit for a water depot on 5 acres Smith told the commission. The “They’d have no problem what- sent by Winifred and Emily Smith,
A request to build a new water of a 33-parcel tract located in Blue property owner wants to use the soever if it were placed in either which he said raises concerns
depot in Blue Ridge Township Ridge Township. Darren Smith, irrigation system, so needs to corner here, because the township about the depot’s location.
became contentious, with one whose family owns the company, move the depot. road is being used to serve an “They are very concerned if a
County Commissioner accusing was present. However, Commissioner Martin oil well down there and then it water depot is put in here and fam-
another of unethical behavior. The new depot would replace Hanson said the township doesn’t wouldn’t be across the road from a
D.D. Smith Enterprises LLC an old one that is located in the really want the depot where it is farm shed,” he said. SEE WATER PAGE A8
News online 24/7

• Robert Moore A2 Obituaries A7 Sports
12º
DEATHS
A4 A9 Education
INSIDE
• Robert Larsen Opinion
-4º
• James Cozart
A5 Community A11 Classifieds
at willistonherald.com •
•
Bonnie Bennett
Virgil R. Dennis A6 Comics A12 Service Directory

A8 WILLISTON HERALD WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2018 News
TALK: Williston students learn cyber safety when posting online

FROM PAGE A1 liked what they saw in an bullying online. One year alone made some of the is personal information, Valerie Goldade, assis-
applicant’s social media later, that had grown to students gasp. Now when such as home address tant program director of
Fingerhut said social me- posts. 90 percent, Fingerhut Fingerhut reread the phone numbers and pass- Dakota Family Services,
dia is not “a big, bad, scary “Your goals are directly said. comments, the students words. Also, do not post said the organization
thing.” But there’s a catch. connected — can be direct- To illustrate that point, fell silent. After a while, things that other people brought Fingerhut in as a
“Social media is a thing ly connected — with your he showed a YouTube they applauded the kind wish to keep private, Fin- gift to the community.
that amplifies who you al- life online. Social media video of a boy, aged about words and booed the gerhut said. “We want to have a posi-
ready are. So the question has the potential to hurt 10, dancing and using a cruelest responses. The Speaking after the tive impact. This is one way
is, who do you want to be?” your chances, or help your banana as a pretend mi- reason for the different event, Fingerhut said we feel like we can certain-
he asked. chances,” he said. crophone. The students reaction is the second the students are largely ly impact students in our
For people who make Fingerhut urged stu- laughed, and laughed time, the students saw familiar with what not to community,” Goldade said.
bad decisions, the conse- dents to think critically again when Fingerhut him as a human being do online. But it helps to She added that more
quences can come back students need to hear the
about everything they see read the online respons- rather than something on have an added voice. message.
to haunt them. Fingerhut online, and everything es. The comments ranged a screen. “These kids are getting
cited several examples of “A counselor from McVay
they post online. from “OMG I love this. “You didn’t want to good messages from their School said this needs to
people who got kicked out That means staying away You sing so beautiful and be a jerk to that kid’s teachers and their parents. be shown to second and
of school, lost a scholar- from — and avoid spread- love your dancing btw face about him,” one of But I like to visualize my- third graders. We have kids
ship, or had a job offer ing — internet rumors. awesome banana” to “u the students said when self as kind of the cool un- already with the iPhone
rescinded because of an Make sure you know if suck dude” and even “Ha- Fingerhut asked for their cle. You get to come in and X in second grade. So
online post or a message what you read or write is hahaha. Go kill yourself.” feedback. Everything deliver the same message, they’re already exposed,
on Facebook. true. Then he asked the posted on the Internet but in a different voice, but they’re not having the
On the other hand, 44 He also urged the stu- students to imagine that has the potential to hurt in a way that relates to training they need. So she
percent of employers dents to be kind. He said this young boy is in the someone — or help. The them, that maybe hits was saying, please, please
made their decision to hire that in 2013, 10 percent of room and could hear last category of things them with a little more include second and third
someone because they students had witnessed them talking. Just that that shouldn’t be sent out impact,” he said. grades,” she said.
WATER: Depot request becomes contentious at a county meeting

FROM PAGE A1 speak to the matter. tions that will work perfectly “Considering the objec- purposes. The charge is Department to purchase a
He pointed out the com- well. And the township tions of the township and $300 for every 1,500 tagged pick-up.
ily or grandchildren would mission received a letter as doesn’t disapprove of them, the neighbors and the fact items. The total is anticipat- • Discussed a project
decide to live across the road well from Jerald Smith, who and it wouldn’t have the that there are two viable ed to be about $18,000. extending 51st Street to the
or if they decided to sell it, is the son and also lives on impact on the people who locations, I see no reason to • Approved a conditional bypass in Williston Town-
it’s unsellable. No one will the location. live next to it.” approve this. I am making use permit for a water depot ship. Dan Kalil, with the
buy a farmstead with a water requested by Savage-Ames township board, said the
“I talked to him yesterday,” Smith later pointed out a motion to deny,” Hanson
depot across the road. They township has some of the
Smith said, “and he said you that letters had gone out, said. Water Solutions on 10 acres funding needed, but would
are a third of a mile away.” came and talked to him and as required by the process, That was seconded by of a 160-acre parcel in the
Commissioner Wayne like to explore whether the
tried to get him to retract his asking for comments on the Ramberg, however, Aberle, Orthell Township. The prop- Bank of North Dakota can
Aberle, however, said that letter.” proposal before the county’s Commissioner Steve Kemp erty is zoned agricultural. loan them the money with
Hanson had gone to the Hanson denied that and planning and zoning meet- and County Commission • Tabled a request from the county acting as finance
township and the couple said he just asked if Jerald is ing Jan. 18, where they voted Chairman David Montgom- Arthur Anderson to rezone agent before they seek bids.
and solicited a letter from aware what would happen if to recommend approval. ery all voted against the 28 acres of agricultural land That way there isn’t a rush to
them. in the future someone wants Commissioners also motion and it failed. in Buford Township to heavy secure financing, Kalil said.
Hanson disputed that to live there. discussed a condition that Aberle made a subsequent industrial, and to include • Approved the Scenic
and said he had merely run “I told him, Jerald, you live would have set operating motion to approve the the area in an Employment Subdivision Special As-
into them and asked if they here, so it’s up to you,” Han- hours on the water depot. request, striking out both Area. Planning and Zoning sessment in the amount
had any input. “They told son said. “But you also have “When it starts, it’s on un- operating hours and a traffic has recommended deny- of $328,000 at a 3 percent
me what they felt,” he said. the neighbors to the south til they are done,” Commis- study, since the Department ing the requests, and the interest rate over a 50-year
“I didn’t tell them what to who don’t want it.” sioner Barry Ramberg said. of Transportation already applicant has asked to table period. Total construction
think.” Hanson cited cases where “You cannot stop.” determined the project them. cost is $305,000, engineer-
“That’s not very ethical the commission had made It was decided that condi- wouldn’t adversely affect • Approved a request from ing costs are $17,000 and
to go and solicit against others move a water depot tion wouldn’t make sense traffic. Steve Mortenson to rezone 8 administrative fees $5,000.
someone like that,” Aberle or an oil treatment facility for a water depot. That passed 3 to 2, with acres of residential proper- • Approved a budget
interjected. that was within a third of a A letter from the North Ramberg and Hanson vot- ty to light industrial for a amendment of $3,500 for
While the commissioners mile from people who didn’t Dakota Department of ing against. barley operation in Trenton
Township. electricity for 2018 and
were arguing about whether want to live by them. Transportation noted that In other matters commis- discussed a budget amend-
Hanson had deliberately • Tabled a request from
“It doesn’t have to be along there were no problems sioners: Tina Mulkey for a variance ment that is coming for
sought negative feedback that highway,” Hanson said. with the project from their • Approved paying 100 weather modification.
on the depot, Smith asked to from the 133-foot setback
“There are two other loca- standpoint. percent of the salary for a from a section line at a • Appointed Ken Jost to fill
Family and Community 10-acre site in Hardscrabble a vacant position on the wa-
Wellness Agent, which used Township. The property is ter board and Leon Walter to
to be called the Family and zoned agricultural. Planning
Consumer Science Agent. and zoning recommended the Park Board.
GET DELIVERED. North Dakota State Univer- denying the request, and the • Discussed a new process
sity will pay for the benefits applicant asked to table the for informing the public
for the position. A decision item. when terms are expiring
on a 4H position was de- • Approved a line that will for board positions so that
ferred until later. take water down to Little
people are aware of potential
Beaver Bay
• Approved hiring a • Approved using SRF opportunities to serve. The
company to conduct a funds for paving at McGre- county plans to post them
comprehensive inventory gor Dam as public notices on their
for the county for insurance • Authorized the Highway webpage.
TRIAL: Defense case starts today

FROM PAGE A1 to the chest Washington wound Lott had received.
received would have had a Both Jacobson’s notes and
questions,” Sjue said, and cumulative effect. the ballistics evidence he
said it should be left for the ‘It’s just really a degree presented suggested the
jury to decide. of damage.” Massello said. bullet that made the wound
On Tuesday, Dan Haak, a “One is bad, two is worse.” came from the Ruger. In his
fingerprint analyst for the During his cross-exam- report, however, Jacobson
state crime lab, testified that ination, Nehring asked wrote that he used the Sig
he tested three guns and whether Massello could tell Sauer. Nehring raised the
their corresponding mag- the sequence of the shots, inconsistency earlier in
azines. He said he couldn’t and he said he could not. the day, and Sjue agreed to
find usable fingerprints on Both men were shot in allow him to take a deposi-
any of them. the head, and that would tion from Jacobson before
Under questioning have proved fatal very he testified before the jury.
from defense attorney Jeff quickly, if not instantly, In that deposition, Jacob-
Nehring, Haak said he had Massello said. But if the son said he used the Sig
never recovered a usable other wounds were received Sauer, but on the stand, he
latent print on the 50 or first, either or both men said he used the Ruger and
more guns he has tested. He would have been able to had just written down the
also said there were parts of move for at least a short wrong gun.
fingerprints on the pistols time. “If you had used the Sig
and magazines, but not Another expert witness Sauer, the result wouldn’t
enough to make a match for the prosecution testified be scientifically accurate,
with anyone. about the bullets used in correct?” Nehring asked.
“On handguns, I don’t get the shooting. Jacobson said that was
very good results,” Haak Lamont Jacobson, a correct.
said. firearms examiner with the After Nehring’s cross-ex-
Dr. William Massello, the state crime lab, testified that amination, Madden asked
Your Voice. Your News. Get Seen. state medical examiner, the bullets that killed Lott Jacobson whether the gun
testified Tuesday morning and Washington came from used would have affected
Because community matters. about the injuries Lott and two .45-caliber handguns his conclusions.
Washington received. Lott — a Sig Sauer P220 and a “Does that affect the actu-
was shot three times, and Ruger SR45. Lott was shot al data regarding the range
Washington was shot eight twice with the Ruger and of the shot?” he asked.
times. All three of Lott’s once with the Sig Sauer, Jacobson said it would
wounds — one bullet was while Washington was shot not have and that his con-
found in his skull and two once with the Ruger and six clusion remained the same.
were found in his chest times with the Sig Sauer. After court Tuesday,
— would have been fatal, The eighth bullet found in Nehring said he believed
Massello testified. Five of Washington’s body couldn’t that everything Putney had
the eight shots to Washing- be matched to a gun, Jacob- said in interviews had been
Subscribe Today! ton would have been fatal,
as well, he said.
son said.
In his cross-examina-
corroborated by evidence.
He said he expected to call
Nathan Madden, assis- tion, Nehring questioned a crime scene expert this
14 W. 4th St. • Williston, ND 58801
Family-owned community tant state’s attorney for Jacobson about a test he’d morning and that Putney
701.572.2165 www.willistonherald.com media company Williams County, asked conducted. In that test, himself will likely take the
LV351419
whether the multiple shots he tried to reproduce a stand later in the day.
NORTH DAKOTA OIL
ND NORTHERN AREA
$50.50 DOWN $1.50
PROF IL E 2018 Investigation
$50.50 DOWN $1.50
701-713-4240
LINLEY VANACORE
lvanacore@willistonherald.com
Bismarck jail cleared in
in Profile 2018!
$63.39 DOWN $0.76
BRENT CRUDE
schwartz@allstate.com
ND ACTIVE CALL 701-572-2165 SAMANTHA BINDER
sbinder@willistonherald.com inmate’s death review, p. A2
$66.86 DOWN $0.76 RIG COUNT: 58
THURSDAY
February 8, 2018
$1.00
‘If I could go back, I wouldn’t have given them a gun’

Lott told him the day before the shooting any round in the chamber and removing Aariona Brown, who was Lott’s girlfriend,
Defendant in murder that he was interested in buying a car
Putney and his girlfriend had for sale. On
the magazine before giving someone a
firearm.
and Williston police Detective both said
Lott had lost the .40-caliber Smith and
case takes stand, closing May 17, 2016, Lott and Donzell Washington
came to his apartment and Putney said that
“I know that is how you’re supposed to do
that, but I didn’t do that,” he told defense
Wesson pistol he had about a week before
he and Washington were shot.
after they briefly talked about the car, the attorney Jeff Nehring. “If I could go back, I “I said, ‘Man, sorry whatever you’re going
arguments today talk turned to guns. Lott asked to see a gun,
and Putney gave him and Washington both
wouldn’t have given them a gun,” he said.
“I wouldn’t have even brought them to my
through, but I’m not selling you my gun,’”
Putney said. “‘My gun’s not for sale.’”
BY JAMIE KELLY
one, he testified. house.” Putney said that Mallard, who was in the
EDITOR@WILLISTONHERALD.COM The guns, a Llama 9mm pistol and a Sig Putney said Lott asked him how much living room along with Putney’s young son,
Sauer P220 .45-caliber pistol, were both the Llama 9mm he was holding had cost, became irritated when Lott asked about the
A man on trial for two counts of murder loaded but had the safety engaged, Put- and Putney told him he didn’t know. Then, gun and asked whether Lott was going to
testified Wednesday that he shot two men ney said, because that was how he usually Lott asked to buy the gun. When Putney buy the car.
in his apartment in May 2016 in self-de- handed people guns. said no, Lott explained he was in an argu- Putney said that was when Lott pointed
fense when they tried to rob him. He said he knew that firearms experts ment with someone and that he’d recently
Lamar Putney, told the jury that Diandre recommend locking back the slide, ejecting lost his own gun. SEE DEFENDANT PAGE A3
A crystal ball for

the wheat world
She stands
Watford City teen named as
Marketing specialist Dr. Presidential Scholar candidate
Frayne Olson offers a look BY LEE ZION
into the world wheat market A senior at Watford City High School is up for a major
national award, and her teachers can’t stop singing her
praises.
and what’s driving prices Dakota Anne Sipe has been invited to apply as a Presi-
dential Scholar. Only 4,500 students in the entire county
BY RENÉE JEAN are invited to participate, according to information
RJEAN@WILLISTONHERALD.COM released by the school.
That field of candidates will be narrowed down over
Farmers planted more acres of winter wheat
the next few months to 600 semifinalists, and then to 161
than the market expected, but those numbers
Presidential Scholars. These scholars are then invited to
are misleading, according to marketing expert
the White House in June for a recognition ceremony.
Dr. Frayne Olson, with NDSU.
Her teachers heaped praises on her when they learned
“Just because they put seed in the ground
of the award.
doesn’t mean they put fertilizer on,” he said.
“Dakota is the the hardest working, most organized
In that area of the country, it is not uncom-
student I have, hands down,” said Cody Brooks, her
mon to put wheat in the ground, and then wait
business teacher. “She has so many things on her plate,
to see what happens. If it looks good in the
and she manages to get everything done. To the highest
spring, then the farmers can top-dress their
quality possible.”
planted wheat and go.
“The market is going to trade that number,” ‘AMAZING’
Olson said, “but it could change.” Brooks said he was surprised when he looked at her
The next graphic showed that a major schedule.
question mark is hovering over the fields in “I’m like, ‘Holy, Dakota, how do you do it?’ And she’s
the heart of winter wheat country. The U.S. like, ‘I don’t know. I just get it done.’”
Drought monitor is tan, brown and red all over John Zenz, her math teacher, was equally impressed.
that area. “It’s amazing how many books she carries in between
“Forty-seven percent of winter wheat bush- classes. Books this high of all the things that she’s work-
els are under some kind of drought,” Olson ing on,” he said holding his hands to mimic a stack about
said. 3 feet tall.
That may ultimately not matter, if spring “She’s able to get everything done, turned in on time.
brings a nice shot of rain, Olson acknowl- And she’s challenged in some of her courses, but she rises
edged, but what he hopes is that the overall to the challenge. And she works her butt off,” Zenz said.
situation plants a seed in his audience of Lee Zion • Williston Herald
Berton Bates, her science teacher, noted that some- Dakota Anne Sipe of Watford City High School, has been invited to apply as a
Mon-Dak-area farmers’ minds. times, Sipes does get stressed. But not for long.
“This is something the market will be Presidential Scholar, a rare honor extended to only 4,500 high school seniors in
“She just seems frantic — in the end, everything turns the entire country. Only 600 of these get selected as finalists, and only 161 high
paying attention to when winter wheat breaks
dormancy,” he said. “So when should you be SEE CANDIDATE PAGE A9 school seniors in the entire country are named as Presidential Scholars.
watching markets?”
That dormancy is likely to break sometime
in mid to late March and early April, he said.
Spikes in price are likely then, and that’s an
opportunity for farmers to get a better price
than the market would otherwise allow.
Man given $500K bond on rape charge
For spring wheat, the market is hanging its
attention on two things. First, the number of BY JAMIE KELLY had ordered her to open her legs again, asked what his wrong was he stated, ‘pun-
EDITOR@WILLISTONHERALD.COM according to charging documents. She ishing her (too) hard,’” a sheriff ’s deputy
acres planted, which will be known March 31.
“Late March, first part of April, things might An Arnegard man was ordered held on also told officers that Casiano had pinned wrote in the affidavit of probable cause.
get exciting,” he said. $500,000 bond Wednesday after he was her arms above her head and put his hand Casiano told the deputy the assault
North Dakota, meanwhile, will start plant- accused of holding down and raping a around her throat. had happened Sunday, and “everything
ing its spring wheat in mid April to May. woman Sunday. A deputy waited for Casiano at his cabin was fine” when he left for work Monday,
“That’ll be the next wave of what’s the Dwayne Casiano, 37, is charged with at an Arnegard crew camp, and when Ca- charging documents state. He said when
weather doing, what kind of progress are we one class AA felony count of gross sexual siano arrived, he told the officer, “I went a he returned from work Monday to find
making,” he said. imposition. According to an affidavit of little aggressive and was punishing her,” a note from the woman saying she had
Rain is the big wild card for spring wheat, probable cause filed in Northwest District court records said. Police allege Casiano gotten a hotel room in Williston.
once again, Olson said. As it is for all catego- Court, a woman contacted the McKenzie admitted he wanted to punish the woman The woman told police that Casiano
ries of wheat. County Sheriff ’s Office Monday and asked because he claimed she’d been unfaithful. had sent her videos from outside the
Olson brought up the North American about North Dakota’s rape law, telling a He told an officer that the woman told hotel where she was staying shortly
drought monitor map. It showed a big deputy she’d been held down and forced him to stop while they were having sex, before he was arrested, according to the
droughty area hanging out and chilling over to have sex. and that he did, but started to have sex affidavit.
a well-known durum pocket in the Saskatche- The woman said Casiano had assault- with her again, charging documents He is scheduled to have a preliminary
wan and Manitoba area. ed her on Sunday, and that when she state. hearing on the charge on April 12. If
closed her legs to try and stop the rape, he “Dwayne Casiano stated he wanted convicted, he faces a sentence of up to life
SEE WHEAT PAGE A9 to right his wrong last night, and when in prison.
A2 Obituaries A7 Sports
• Erin Greene and Corey Carper • William “Bill” Gabel
47º
DEATHS
BIRTHS
INSIDE
• Joyce Arthur and Revere VanDuogee • John “Jack” Thomas Kitsch A4 Opinion A8 Oil & Ag
• Christie and Randy Vincent • Karen M. Martin A5 Community A10 Classifieds
• Giselle Guido and Robert Hunter • Morne Eksteen A6 Comics 27º
Certified GMC Techicians! 1801 2ND AVENUE WEST, WILLISTON, ND
News THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2018 WILLISTON HERALD A3 A3
Jamie Kelly • Williston Herald

Lamar Putney, who is on trial on two counts of murder, shows a stopwatch
application on a smartphone to the jury while testifying in his own defense
Wednesday. Defense attorney Jeff Nehring asked Putney to use the stopwatch
to measure 13 seconds, about the length of time Putney said the May 2016 fatal
shooting of two men lasted.
DEFENDANT: Man defends himself in murder case, claims self defense

FROM PAGE A1 was empty. ready, because he had several guns through- Knox, Putney and Emery Williams, a college
When the shooting stopped, Mallard out the apartment. friend of Putney’s who grew up in Cleve-
the pistol he was holding at him and said
came out of her bedroom holding a Desert He also said Madden was mischarac- land. Lott and Washington both grew up in
they were going to “run them all.”
Eagle 1911 .45-caliber pistol, Putney said, terizing what he’d told Remus about how that city, and the interpretation of some-
Putney said Lott meant he and Washing-
and fired a shot at Washington. She missed, he’d gotten the guns out to show Lott and thing Lott told his girlfriend just before he
ton were going to take all of his guns.
and he told her to call 911. Washington. went to Putney’s apartment has been at
He testified that as soon as Mallard saw
Putney said he took the gun from her, and “Now, you gave somebody, according to issue throughout the trial.
Lott point the gun at Putney, she grabbed
after she called 911, he asked her if she’d your testimony, a fully loaded gun and you Brown, who spoke to Lott moments
Putney’s son and went to hide.
said she’d fired a shot. She couldn’t remem- didn’t know him?” Madden asked, referring before the shooting, said he told her he was
“Regina was on it in a second,” Putney
ber, and he removed a round from the gun’s to Washington. going to “go hit a stain,” which she said
said. “She grabbed (my son) and shot to the
chamber, returned that bullet to the gun’s “That’s what happened,” Putney said. meant sell drugs.
back.”
magazine, lowered the hammer and put the Madden asked Putney about the account Williams, however, said that the phrase
Washington moved toward Putney and
gun in her closet. he’d given Remus of the shooting. Madden was common in Cleveland and that it meant
said, “We don’t want to merc y’all,” Putney
He said he never told her not to tell the asked whether he’d told her he’d only shot to rob someone.
said, meaning they didn’t want to kill the
police. using the Ruger. “It’s not abstract by any means,” he said.
three in the apartment. Putney also said
Mallard denied firing a shot at several Putney said that was true, but he’d told “It means to rob someone.”
Washington moved his hand toward his
points during her testimony. another officer that he’d used the Sig Sauer Under cross-examination by Madden,
waistband as if he had a gun.
During his cross-examination, Madden as soon as he remembered, which was just Williams admitted he didn’t know Brown or
Putney said he reached for a Ruger
asked Putney about his contention that Lott after his interview with Remus ended. Lott. Madden asked if he had any knowl-
SR45 .45-caliber pistol he had in a kitchen
and Washington had intended to steal all of Putney told Nehring that he was afraid for edge of the words and phrases they would
drawer, turned and shot Lott in the chest.
his guns. his life throughout the entire situation, and have used in conversation with each other.
He saw Lott pull the trigger on the Llama,
He stacked the 20 firearms police found that he felt badly the shooting happened, “No, I just know what hit a stain means,”
but that safety was still engaged. Putney
in the apartment — one shotgun, four rifles but that he was protecting Mallard and his Williams said.
shot at Lott again. The placement of that
and 15 handguns — and questioned Putney. son. Closing arguments and jury instructions
shot has been an issue Nathan Madden,
“You were concerned that these two peo- “I would feel 100 times worse if some- are scheduled for today, and the jury will
assistant state’s attorney for Williams
ple were going to take all of these out of the thing happened to my son,” he said. likely begin deliberation in the late morn-
County, brought up repeatedly, saying Lott
apartment?” Madden asked. The defense rested its case after calling ing or early afternoon.
was shot in the back.
“That’s what they said,” Putney replied.
Michael Knox, a defense crime scene
Madden also asked why he would have
analyst, testified Wednesday that the shot
asked Lott, who he described in a text mes-
hit Lott in what’s called the posterior chest.
sage as “sketchy” to his apartment. Putney
That probably means Lott was turning while
said by sketchy he meant he thought Lott
Putney was pulling the trigger, he said.
might try to get a lower price from Mallard
“The fact is, people can turn extremely
if he wasn’t there.
quickly,” Knox said.
“When you have someone who’s sketchy,
Putney said that after shooting Lott
wouldn’t you not want to have your child
twice, he turned toward Washington and
around that?” Madden asked.
shot him. One round fired, then the Ruger
“Not have my child around someone who
jammed.
would try to get a lower car price from a
Putney testified that he went to the
woman?” Putney asked in reply.
kitchen table, where Washington had left
On the day of the shooting, Putney was
the Sig Sauer he’d been holding earlier,
interviewed by Special Agent Charissa
and grabbed that gun, then moved into the
Remus with the North Dakota Bureau of
living room area, where Lott had fallen on
Criminal Investigation. Madden questioned
a couch in the corner or the room. Then he
Putney about what he had said, and why
saw Lott moving. The Llama Lott had been
he had told Remus he’d been pre-placing
holding earlier was on the floor in front of
guns around the apartment before Lott and
him, and Putney shot him in the head.
Washington arrived.
Washington got up and started coming
“Pre-placing guns is your words,” Putney
toward him, Putney said, so he started
said. “I wouldn’t talk like that.”
shooting again, stopping only when the gun
He said he had told Remus he had a gun
Woman accused of trying to

prevent arrest, assaulting cop
A Watford City woman was ordered Deputies got another warrant and entered
held on $15,000 bond after police say she the home about two hours later. Corneille
refused to let them enter a building to arrest wouldn’t obey officers’ orders and punched
someone inside and assaulted an officer and slapped a deputy, charging documents
when police did come in. state.
Tabitha Corneille. 33, is charged with Deputies found Stenhoff, who was want-
simple assault on a peace office, a class C ed for an alleged probation violation, in the
felony, and preventing arrest or dis- home. Corneille told police she didn’t know
charge of other duties and hindering law Stenhoff was there and that he must have
enforcement, both class A misdemean- come in after deputies had knocked the first
ors. time, according to court records.
On Monday evening, deputies from the “This is impossible as no one was seen en-
McKenzie County Sheriff ’s Office were try- tering the residence after the first attempt,”
ing to serve an arrest warrant on Shannon an officer wrote in the affidavit of prob-
Stenhoff when Corneille refused to open
the door and claimed Stenhoff wasn’t there,
able cause. “Furthermore, there were no
footprints in the snow leading to the door Your Voice. Your News. Get Seen.
according to an affidavit of probable cause
filed in Northwest District Court.
on the south side of the house, which was
barricaded with dirty laundry bags.” Because community matters.
Man accused of stealing cows in Divide County

A 69-year-old man has been released on Sivertson told the man he bought the
$5,000 bond after being accused of writing cows from that he had sold the cows in Min-
a bad check to pay for three dozen cows. nesota so couldn’t return them, charging
Johnny Michael Sivertson is charged documents state. He said the money would
with theft of between $10,000 and be in his account a few days later, but the
$50,000, a class B felony. Police say he check was rejected again. Subscribe Today!
gave another man a post-dated check for “(The seller) has yet to be paid for the
$39,161.50 as payment for 36 cows, but the cattle he sold to Mr. Sivertson, and he is un- 14 W. 4th St. • Williston, ND 58801
Family-owned community
check was returned, according to an affi- aware where his cattle are located,” Divide 701.572.2165 www.willistonherald.com media company
LV351419
davit of probable cause filed in Northwest County Sheriff Lauren Throntveit wrote in
District Court. the affidavit of probable cause.
NORTH DAKOTA OIL
ND NORTHERN AREA PROF IL E 2018
$49.75 DOWN $0.75
ND LIGHT SWEET
CELEBRATE THE BASIN
MICHELLE YELVERTON
Local news
in Profile 2018!
LINLEY VANACORE
lvanacore@willistonherald.com Man accused of strangling
16-year-old, p. A3
SAMANTHA BINDER
BRENT CRUDE ND ACTIVE CALL 701-572-2165 sbinder@willistonherald.com
$65.51DOWN $1.35 RIG COUNT: 58
FRIDAY
February 9, 2018
$1.00
‘We stood Girl Scout

cookies
on the truth’ are here!
Tagalong if you want Samoas
BY LEE ZION
Girl Scout cookies have arrived in

Williston.
The cookies were unloaded pallet by
pallet, case by case, into the waiting arms
of Girl Scouts and their parents. Thin
Mints, Do-Si-Dos, S’Mores, Samoas and
more — 2,125 cases’ worth. That’s 25,500
boxes of cookies.
In case you’re wondering, the number of
cookies in each box varies from flavor to
flavor. Assuming there are an average of
20 cookies per box, that’s more than half a
million cookies.
The cookies were delivered Wednesday
morning to Liberty Oilfield Services, and
on Thursday, families arrived to load their
trucks and cars with cookies.
People started filtering in at about 3:30
SEE COOKIES PAGE A8

Lamar Putney, center, hugs his cousin, Danielle Davis, while his wife, Mehvish Ali Putney, looks on moments after he was released from the Williams
County Correctional Center. Putney was acquitted of two counts of murder Thursday. He spent nearly 17 months in jail awaiting trial.
Putney acquitted of 2 counts of murder

BY JAMIE KELLY
Closing arguments showed
His wife, Mehvish Ali Putney, Davis, who traveled from Del-
conflicting interpretations, A2 was among those at the door aware to be in the courtroom
After spending more than of the jail to greet him. She throughout the second week
Lee Zion • Williston Herald
500 days in jail, including said she was grateful the jury of the trial, said her family
on the day of the shooting, but looked at the evidence and never had any doubt Putney In front, Camille White, 7, and Katlynn White,
months in solitary confine- arrested four months later, on 17, load up Girl Scout cookies into a pickup
ment, Lamar Putney walked decided that Putney acted in had acted reasonably. She was
Sept. 14, 2016. self-defense. relieved and happy when the truck, while in the background, Girl Scout
out of the Williams County As Putney left the jail to greet leader Rachel Carter goes over the order.
“I get to take him home,” she verdict came back not guilty on
Correctional Center a free man waiting friends and family Cookie sales kick off today at 3:30 p.m.
said. “I’m happy my son gets both counts.
Thursday just before 5 p.m. standing in the snow, members his dad home.” “It just means everything to
Putney, 33, was found not of the jury, who were still in the On the stand Wednesday, have him back,” she said.
guilty of two counts of murder Williams County Courthouse, Putney testified that protecting Defense attorney Jeff Neh-
after a nine-day trial and three
hours of jury deliberation. He
was accused of murder after a
waved in congratulations.
Putney said that before the
verdict was read he believed he
his son was one of the reasons
he shot Lott and Washington.
Outside the jail Thursday,
ring said that as he waited for
the verdict to be read, he was
nervous, and was happy with
Farmers hear
new idea on
May 2016 shooting at his apart- would be acquitted. Putney said his son was fore- the result. He and co-counsel
ment left Diandre Lott and “I had complete faith in my most in his mind now. Hernando Perez spent weeks
Donzell Washington dead. Put- prayers,” he said. “I had com- “(I’m) definitely going to preparing for the trial.
ney told police he shot the men plete faith in the prayers of my
aerating grain
spend a lot of time with my Nehring re-iterated what
in self-defense when they tried family. I had complete faith in son,” he said.
to rob him. He was released my attorneys.” Putney’s cousin, Danielle SEE TRIAL PAGE A2
BY RENÉE JEAN
Therapy business owner explains the growth of services Wheels were turning in farmer’s minds
on day two of Williston’s Hard Spring
Wheat Show, and you could see it happen-
morning at Million Cups, a had a job in Glendive, Mon- go into the hospital. And Josh ing after each talk.
BY LEE ZION business-to-business group tana, supervising aides who is like, ‘Oh! You should go pri- Farmers clustered around the speakers
LZION@WILLISTONHERALD.COM that meets at Teton Lounge on worked with children. She vate.’ I was like, ‘What?’” who’d brought them some new food for
Her business is helping kids, the first Monday of the month. lived in Sidney, while her She thought that was too thought, whether it was the guy who
but even that needs a business She described her journey for husband, Josh commuted to scary. Besides, the rents were talked about grain aeration, the gal who
plan. And then some. the business leaders at the Williston, where he owns Mon- too high at the time. talked about intercropping at a produc-
Katie Kringen, of Chatter event. dak Sports. But her husband had a way er-driven research farm in Saskatchewan,
Pediatric Services, said it was “a Kringen had a career in That was too spread out, and around that. He said she could the researcher developing perennial
little bit of fate” that got her to pediatric therapy, which took the two of them decided to set up shop inside his store. wheat, or any of the other great topics.
open her own business, in her her throughout western North make Williston their home. “OK, now this is getting really Dr. Ron Palmer is an engineer, and his
own building. Dakota and eastern Montana. “I was going to work, prob-
Kringen spoke Wednesday By September of 2015, she ably in the schools, or maybe SEE THERAPY PAGE A8 SEE WHEAT PAGE A3
News online 24/7

A2 Obituaries A7 Sports
4º
BIRTHS
A4 Opinion A9 Classifieds
INSIDE
-11º
• Chelsey and Tyias Huck
at willistonherald.com A5 Community A10 Church Directory
A6 Comics

A2 WILLISTON HERALD FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018 News
Closing arguments showed conflicting interpretations

BY JAMIE KELLY
The trial of Lamar Putney on

two counts of murder centered
around Putney’s self-defense
claim.
Putney said he shot two men,
Diandre Lott and Donzell Wash-
ington, when they tried to rob
him. They were at his apartment
to talk about a car Putney had for
sale, and the talk turned to guns.
He testified he let each man
hold a gun and that Lott used the
gun he was holding to try and rob
Putney. The prosecution pre-
sented evidence that no DNA or
fingerprints from Lott or Wash-
ington were found on the guns
Putney said they handled.
Under cross-examination, both
experts said it was relatively rare
to find so-called touch DNA or
latent fingerprints on handguns.
The fingerprint expert testified
he’d tested around 50 handguns
for latent prints but had never
found one that was usable.
“Why would the state bring this
before you?” Nehring asked the
jury during his closing argument.
“I think it’s a fair question.”
In his closing argument, Na-
than Madden, assistant state’s
attorney for Williams County,
claimed that Putney set the two
men up and then murdered
them. He said Putney’s story of Defense attorney Jeff Nehring gives his closing argument in the murder trial of Lamar Putney Thurday morning.
self-defense didn’t make sense, case is, it’s nothing.” of Putney’s from Cleveland, the Putney’s story that matched up, that Washington was trying to get
and claimed Putney’s own actions Nehring also called Lott and same city where Lott grew up. including both of their accounts away from Putney while he was
before the shooting made that Washington “bad guys,” noting Madden said the jury should that Mallard became upset when being shot.
clear. that Lott was on supervised pro- discount both of those because Lott tried to buy a gun. Madden said Putney was block-
“Ladies and gentlemen, if (Di- bation for a 2013 robbery when the intended meaning of phrases Nehring also asked the jury ing the door, so the only way out
andre Lott) is so dangerous you the shooting happened. can vary from person to person. to compare the way she quick- for Washington would have been
need to prepare by putting guns Lott had recently lost his pistol, Nehring said a drug deal ly answered questions from a to go onto the balcony and jump.
out, why would you bring him up and was trying to get a new one, made no sense, because Lott detective with her demeanor on “What does that tell you about
to where your 3-year-old son is?” Nehring said, giving him a motive and Washington had both sent the stand, where she was slow to the desperation of (Washing-
Madden asked. for the robbery. He discounted text messages from so-called answer and often asked attorneys ton)?” Madden asked.
Madden also dismissed the de- any implication from the pros- “burner” phones — inexpensive, to repeat their questions. Madden claimed that Put-
fense claim that Regina Mallard ecution that Lott and Washing- difficult-to-trace cellphones — “It was actually kind of a strug- ney’s actions between when the
— Putney’s girlfriend at the time ton visited Putney to buy or sell saying they were out of the pills gle to get any answer out of her,” shooting ended and when police
and who was in the apartment drugs. they sold and were expecting a Nehring said. arrived showed intent. Putney
when the shooting happened — “Did we hear any evidence from shipment of more a day or two Madden, however, said Mal- said he moved a Llama 9mm pis-
fired a round. He said that claim the state that when they did this after the shooting. lard’s story during her interview tol away from Lott and that he un-
didn’t hold up to scrutiny. massive search of the apartment, The prosecution and defense with police matched Putney’s in loaded, reloaded and then cocked
Putney said he fired two guns they found any drugs?’ Nehring clashed on the credibility of the broad strokes, but when ques- the pistol he claims Mallard used,
— a Ruger SR45 .45-caliber pistol asked. “No.” testimony of Mallard. tioned about details, she couldn’t then put that pistol on a shelf in
and a Sig Sauer P220 .45-caliber Madden implied that Lott and On the day of the shooting, the give answers. her closet.
pistol. Shell casings collected Washington went to Putney’s as story Mallard told police general- “She doesn’t have the ability to “Folks, if this is self-defense,
from the scene showed that part of a drug deal several times ly matched the one Putney told. listen to the defendant anymore,” why are you manipulating the
another gun, a Desert Eagle 1911 through the trial, including On the stand during trial, she Madden said. scene?” Madden asked.
.45-caliber pistol, had also been during closing arguments. Lott’s offered a completely different Nehring brought up a prelim- Nehring, however, accused the
fired. girlfriend testified that she had account. She testified she went to inary gunshot residue test done prosecution of applying different
Putney testified that Mallard been on the phone with him her bedroom with Putney’s young on Mallard the day of the shoot- levels of accountability. Putney
fired a shot at the body of Wash- moments before he arrived at son as soon as Lott and Washing- ing. Police said it came back nega- did move the guns, he said, but
ington, but that the bullet missed. Putney’s apartment on the day of ton came to the apartment, and tive, but Nehring said if jurors one of the first officers on the
“We got a brand-new, just-for- the shooting, and that when he that she didn’t hear any conver- looked at the instruction sheet, scene also moved the gun and
you story for trial about this gun,” hung up he told her he was going sation about guns nor witness a the test could be marked as posi- unloaded it.
Madden said in reference to the to “hit a stain.” During an April robbery attempt. tive and that it should have been He dismissed the idea that Put-
claim. 2017 interview, she told a detec- Nehring said her demeanor sent to a lab for further testing. ney was trying to stage the scene.
Nehring told the jury that the tive that meant he was going to on the day of the shooting — Madden also questioned the If someone were trying to stage a
only motive offered by prosecu- sell drugs. when Mallard called 911 after the defense contention that Lott and robbery, they would be more like-
tors was during Madden’s closing But Nehring contended “hit a shooting, she sounds frantic and Washington were a threat. He ly to put guns in the hands of the
argument, when he claimed Put- stain” meant to rob someone. He is difficult to understand, means said the trail of blood spatter, as people they’d shot than to move
ney was eliminating witnesses. brought in a definition from the it would have been impossible for well as blood smears on the verti- those guns, he said.
“Witnesses to what?” Nehring website Urban Dictionary, as well her to make up a story. He point- cal blinds and door to the apart- “What would be the purpose?”
asked. “Nothing. That’s what this as testimony of a college friend ed to details from Mallard’s and ment’s balcony were evidence he asked the jurors.

Nathan Madden, assistant
state’s attorney for Williams
County, shows the jury bullets
and shell casings used as
evidence in the murder trial
of Lamar Putney during his
closing argument THursday
morning.
TRIAL: Putney acquitted

FROM PAGE A1 Putney’s relief was clear Putney was allowed to have
as he left the jail. He said contact with until the trial
he told the jury during his he had been treated well by was over.
closing argument — that the correctional staff, but Putney said the claims
the prosecution’s evidence criticized the decision to put made by prosecutors didn’t
didn’t really tell the story. him in what the jail referred have any evidence to back
“This was obviously a case to as “administrative segre- them up.
of reasonable self-defense,” gation.” He said he was glad the
he said. The Williams County jurors followed the evidence
State’s Attorney’s Office and the judge’s instructions
THE VERDICT claimed Putney had endan- on the law and happy for
As the verdict was read, gered at least one witness the verdict.
Putney offered little reac- by distributing material that “It just proves anyone can
tion beyond moving his was supposed to be kept get a fair trial anywhere,”
eyes upward. Nehring said under seal. Madden made he said.
he was impressed with the a similar claim last month, Before he left the jail to be
confidence and calmness asking Sjue to hold Putney with friends and family, he
Putney showed throughout in contempt. struck a hopeful tone.
the proceeding. Sjue eventually decided “It’s what I had to go
“Lamar was amazing,” he not to hold him in con- through to get me to where
said. tempt, but did limit who I’m going,” he said.
— Birth Announcement —
Chelsey and Tyias Huck, of Williston, welcomed an 8-pound, 13-ounce baby boy at 8:15
a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2018.
NORTH DAKOTA OIL
ND NORTHERN AREA
$48.00, DOWN $1.50
PROF IL E 2018
account executive today to advertise LINLEY VANACORE
in Profile 2018! lvanacore@willistonherald.com
$61.15, DOWN $0.64 schwartz@allstate.com
SAMANTHA BINDER
BRENT CRUDE ND ACTIVE CALL 701-572-2165 sbinder@willistonherald.com
$64.81, DOWN $0.70 RIG COUNT: 58 Show your love with books, Page A3
SUNDAY
February 11, 2018
$1.50
Jury saw no
motive in
murder trial
Defendant was acquitted
after 3 hours of deliberation
BY JAMIE KELLY
A man who was acquitted Thursday of

two counts of murder said that during
his time in jail, he envisioned the jury
coming back with a not guilty verdict
multiple times.
Lamar Putney was released from jail
Thursday after the verdict and spent his
first night free in nearly 18 months with
his wife and son. He said he was calm
when the jury returned with a verdict
because he was confident in his lawyers
and because he had thought about the
verdict so much.
“I had lived though the moment so
Renée Jean • Williston Herald many times in my head,” he said.
Eric Harrington and Kyleigh Cotton hold their daughter Brynley Harrington at a home they bought about a year ago in Williston. The housing market is Putney said he was grateful the jury
tight, the couple said, and some of the homes they looked at were "interesting" in a not-so-good way. had weighed the evidence and come to
‘Home-shortage tsunami’
the conclusion he’d acted in self-defense
when he shot two men in May 2016.
The jury found Putney not guilty of
two counts of murder Thursday after
deliberating for three hours. He was
arrested in Sept. 2016 for the May 2016
shooting deaths of Diandre Lott and
Williston’s new housing crunch Editor’s note: This is the first of

a series of articles on the demand
activities. Which North Dakota
does have.
But also more diversity in
Donzell Washington.
Putney claimed he shot the men in
self-defense when they tried to rob him,
for single-family homes in Williston. terms of restaurants, bars and
BY RENÉE JEAN liston, however, is can the city Part two will consider the problem and one of the jurors said Friday that the
retail, which is something Wil- jury believed him. Shortly after the jury
RJEAN@WILLISTONHERALD.COM win their hearts and keep them from developers’ point of view and liston has struggled with. Prog-
here for the long haul? part three will look at the city’s in the Lamar Putney murder trial started
North Dakota has become potential role easing the problem. ress has been made, of course. deliberation, they decided to have a
a destination for Millennials, State and city leaders have There are more restaurants in
all suggested that will be the show of hands on how many thought
according to recent census Williston now, and there have Putney was guilty, and not one hand
figures. They’re following jobs state’s best chance to leverage been a few retail wins as well,
the boom for a strong future age group, and they’ve been went up.
and money to a state that has a with Menards, Sportsman’s The juror, who asked not to be identi-
once oil and gas have finally characterized as a group that Warehouse, Starboard and
lot of both, in a wide variety of fied, said when the jury asked for a show
run out. tends to want more.
Classified
sectors besides just oil and gas.
The real question for Wil- Millennials are the 18-to-35 More sports and outdoors SEE HOUSING PAGE A9 SEE TRIAL PAGE A9
DAY, MONTH 00, 2017 WILLISTON HERALD A9
Domestic leads to Downtowners: A good year in 2017,

teacher’s arrest but ’18 might have some problems
BY RENÉE JEAN
BY LEE ZION For the year, these events brought
LZION@WILLISTONHERALD.COM about 20,000 people into downtown,
For 2017, the Williston Downtown- Skaare said.
A domestic violence call to the home of In 2018, Skaare projects more
ers Association cleared a profit of
a teacher for the Alexander School District events, and more members. But the
$41,000. This year, it could be as low
led to her arrest on a number of drug-relat- total amount of money coming in
as $6,000.
ed charges, including one that accuses her will be down.
That’s what Louise Skaare is pro-
of exposing children at the residence to a That’s because 2017 is the last year
jecting for 2018. And that’s a sober-
controlled substance. the organization is scheduled to get
ing figure for an organization tasked
Police arrested Regie Hill, 32, at 12:47 a grant from the city’s STAR fund.
with marketing downtown business-
p.m. Wednesday at the Alexander School The Downtowners got another grant
es and improving the quality of life in
District, after executing a search warrant from the Convention and Visitors
the downtown area.
on Hill’s home the day before. Bureau.
Skaare spoke Friday morning at
The charges are felony endangerment of That ends for this year, Skaare said.
the annual meeting of the Williston
a child or vulnerable adult, unlawful pos- “In 2018, we’re just looking very
Downtowners Association. She high-
session of drug paraphernalia to manufac- bare bones if we do not collect other
lighted the successes and challenges
ture marijuana and possession of marijua- grants,” she said. “So this is just a
of the organization.
na. The latter two are misdemeanors. very exact snapshot of, if we do not
In 2017, the Downtowners put on
According to an affidavit filed in the get anything extra, this is how we’re
39 events in downtown Williston.
Northwest District Court, McKenzie doing.”
These events include the weekly
County deputies responded to a domestic That is something that the associ-
Lee Zion • Williston Herald Summer Nights on Main, the weekly
violence call at 116 Richards Ave. W in ation is looking at. In the meantime,
Louise Skaare, executive director of the Williston farmers markets, and special events
Alexander on Feb. 4. While interviewing the Downtowners will bring back the
Downtowners Association, speaks Friday with Lisa such as the Art & Wine Walk and
SEE ARREST PAGE A9 Azure of Black Magic Harley-Davidson. Brewfest. SEE DOWNTOWNERS PAGE A9
Classifieds on the Cover Classifieds on the Cover Classifieds on the Cover Classifieds on the Cover Classifieds on the Cover Classifieds on the Cover
PITT CONSTRUCTION OVER THE RAINBOW Daycare STEEL BUILDINGS 3, 3AXLE BELLY dump trlers,1 WE ARE HAVING an Large
LOOKING for Side/Belly Dump is now accepting Drop-Ins for 3, 33' x 60' x 12', $13,621. belly with pup, 1 side dump, 1, 07 4 14X40 2 bedroom indoor sale this Saturday at 2120
and Lowboy Drivers with our 4, & 5 year olds! Please call 30 lb. load, 2 Available, 4 week fontain lowboy, 1. 210 brl tank, buildings,comes with stove and Sandcreek Dr in williston . 10 am
company in Ray ND. If interested 701-774-1234 to check for delivery. 800-964-8335 Call for pricing 406-270-3194 fridge, move them or rent the lots till gone.
in more information please call availability. Rates are $30/day. sunwardsteel.com $ 10,000 each Call 406-270-3194
Steve Whatley at 701-818-9716. Come by and check out our new
Need part and full time drivers. building at 223 2nd Ave. West.
• Kaytlin and Justin Vejtasa • Patricia Ann Pulvermacher

10º
DEATHS
BIRTHS
A2 Obituaries A9 Service Directory

INSIDE
• Jessica and Preston Christopherson • David Jorgenson

A6 Opinion B1 Sports
-12º
• Trinda Eubanks and Justin Fisketjon • Ronald Skelton A5 Community B4 Classifieds
A7 Business

A4 WILLISTON HERALD SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2018 News
ARREST: Made from DV call
FROM PAGE A1 El-Dweek.
During the search, police
an individual at the scene, a reported finding multiple,
deputy smelled marijuana com- drug-related items in the
ing from the master bedroom residence, which is owned by
and observed what appeared to the Alexander Public School
be a silver grinder sitting on a District and leased as employee
nightstand by the bed. housing.
Deputies asked Hill for con- Among these items were a
sent to search the home, but she yellow plastic bag that police
refused, telling officers that she said contained marijuana buds
knew her rights and that they and wax, as well as marijuana
would need a search warrant. paraphernalia. These were on
Police arrested Kellan Sims a shelf in the master bedroom
that night at the residence on within reach of a child’s blanket
charges of intentional interfer- and pillow, and police said they
ence with a telephone during were readily accessible to the
an emergency call, a class C three children living there.
felony and simple assault, There was also a vape pen
domestic violence, a class A with a wax substance and a
misdemeanor. Sims later told half-smoked marijuana blunt
Jamie Kelly • Williston Herald deputies there was marijuana in in the nightstand drawer, and
Lamar Putney, left, leans over to shake hands with Hernando Perez, one of his defense attorneys, moments after the bathroom. a half-smoked marijuana blunt
being acquitted of two charges of murder. Police sought a search war- as well as paraphernalia in the
rant for the entire residence the master bathroom under the
TRIAL: Jury saw no motive for Lamar Putney next day, which was signed by sink, as well as marijuana wax
Northwest District Judge Daniel above the bathroom tub.
FROM PAGE A1 shot, which missed. The Williams County State’s

She denied that on the stand. Attorney’s Office asked for
of hands on how many thought
he was innocent, about eight
hands went up.
The jury listened the the 911
call Mallard made after the
shooting, and the juror said
Putney’s communications be
restricted, claiming that he had
been giving out information
DOWNTOWNERS: Meet
FROM PAGE A1
“The big thing is there is no what she told police then didn’t about the case to people other Dec. 6.
motive,” he said. square with her testimony on than his attorneys. He and Neh- One new event for 2018 is
the stand. He said she clearly ring both disputed that. association is looking at. In the Lunch Pad, scheduled for Aug.
Another problem the jury meantime, the Downtowners
found was with the testimony told the 911 dispatcher where Nathan Madden, assistant 30.
Lott and Washington’s bodies state’s attorney for Williams will bring back the events that Skaare described it as a
of Regina Mallard, who was it sponsored last year, Skaare
Putney’s girlfriend at the time were, which meant she couldn’t County, raised security concerns way to bring different people
have been in her bedroom the multiple times throughout the said. together. She described other
and was in the apartment when These include Summer
the shooting happened. whole time. lead-up to the trial, saying that events she’s seen where differ-
“If she came out of the room, witnesses had been threatened. Nights on Main, every Thurs- ent groups of people — oilfield
In an interview with police on day from June 28 to Aug. 23.
the day of the shooting, Mallard could she squeeze the trigger?” Putney said he was grateful workers and moms, for exam-
the juror asked. the jury looked at the evidence The farmers markets will be ple — sit down to eat together.
told a detective that she was in every Saturday from July 7
the living room while Putney, The jury weighed multiple presented, saying he didn’t have “We’re looking at having a
pieces of evidence, including the a criminal record and had been through Oct. 13. Skaare hopes downtown lunch day,” Skaare
Lott and Washington talked to make the farmers markets
about a car Putney had for sale. video of interviews with Mallard living in the Williston area for said. “We want to try to do it
and Putney. several years. bigger, with food trucks and outside. So go into the down-
She said Lott asked about guns, live music.
and after Putney let him and “There wasn’t enough evi- “There’s a long history of the town restaurants and bring
dence to conclude anything life I’ve actually led,” he said. Other highlights include two your food outside. So that way
Washington handle two of his Art & Wine Walk events, on
guns, Lott tried to rob them. besides self-defense,” the juror He also praised Nehring and we’re continuing to connect
said. Hernando Perez for the work April 19 and Sept. 20; Brewfest, overall as a community, and
She told police that when on Sept. 29; Trail of Treats, on
that happened, she took Put- Putney and Nehring both they did over the time they not just going to lunch and
praised the jury and Northwest represented him. He credited Oct. 31; and Holiday Stroll, on sitting just with them.”
ney’s young son and ran to her
bedroom. District Judge Kirsten Sjue, who them for the way they presented
On the stand during the trial, presided over the trial. evidence and laid out his side of
Mallard changed her story and “I think we just had a really, what happened. “In 2018, we’re just looking very bare bones
testified she had been in her really, really wise jury,” Putney Putney said he had learned a
bedroom the entire time. said. lot from his time in jail await- if we do not collect other grants. So this is
Putney said one of the reasons ing trial, and one of the most
In his opening argument, Jeff
Nehring, Putney’s defense at- he had so much time to think important was how urgent it is just a very exact snapshot of, if we do not
torney, told the jury that Putney
fired 11 shots during the inci-
about the jury and what their
verdict might be was that he
to not put off the things that are
most important.
get anything extra, this is how we’re doing.”
dent, and that Mallard came out was held for months in solitary “You need to go to the park — Louise Skaare
of her bedroom and fired one confinement. with your son now,” he said.
Powered by Nemont
Advanced WiFi is Your

Whole Home Internet Solution
Get complete WiFi Coverage for We will match any down payment up to $1,250
on any new vehicle – both retail and lease!
$
7
*10,500 mile, 39 month lease, $2,500 due at signing from customer.
(Includes first payment, plus tax, title and license)
2018 Focus SE 2018 Escape S

Complete Wi-Fi Coverage
Per Month
Parental Controls
$5 for each additional Access Point per month.
Nemont Expert Support $25 One time Setup fee for each
additional Access Point 58042* 58141*
$185 $227
NetValet App
MSRP $23,105 MSRP $25,440
What you get? PER MONTH
DISCOUNTS - $4,990
PRICE $18,115 PER MONTH
DISCOUNTS - $3,828
PRICE $21,612
2018 Explorer XLT 2017 F-150 XLT

Place router in optimal location while weighing Set up your router for maximum
performance and convenience. performance and Security
Customize advanced settings, like parental Recommend solutions to dead spots 58109* 57639*
controls and guest networks and slow speeds
Ensure your most important devices have Wi-Fi Assess your current setup and signal
priority on your network strength using a Wi-Fi analyzer tool
Set up a unique network name and a Wi-Fi Connect your wireless devices
XNLV369093
password to protect your personal data
$438
PER MONTH
MSRP $45,460
DISCOUNTS - $5,760 $299 DISCOUNTS
PER MONTH
MSRP $53,380
- $17,481
PRICE $39,700 PRICE $35,899
What affects your WiFi?
Stock # Vehicle Mileage Engine Price Payment
• Brick • Reinforced Concrete P0081A 2012 Ford F-150 101,548 5.0L V8 FFV, 4WD $19,175 $321.95/mo.
XLT SuperCrew LongBox
• Metal • Metallic Blinds
P0120 2016 Ford Expedition XLT 46,895 EcoBoost 3.5L V6, 4WD $29,900 $424.76/mo.
• Marble • Energy Efficient Windows P0118 2016 Chevrolet Malibu 1LT 44,702 1.5L DOHC, FWD $15,330 $219.27/mo.
• Mirrors • Electronics & Appliances P0132 2017 Ford Edge Titanium 19,184 EcoBoost 2.0L I4, AWD $28,960 $359.52/mo.
58012A 2012 Ford F-350SD 45,819 6.2L V8, 4WD $34,875 $494.93/mo.
King Ranch
10% Customer Cash; Tax, Title,
& License Fees Not Included;
Advanced WiFi is only available to customers on 10Mb package or higher. Nemont is not responsible for any devices Calculated using 4% APR and
added to the home after the Birth Certificate is created. If Internet service is terminated, the router and access points longest available term; On
Approved Credit; See sales
must be returned to Nemont within 30 days. Nemont is not responsible for end user devices. If you bump down to a
consultant for details.
speed lower than 10 Mb, your Advanced WiFi will be terminated and your billing statement will reflect the changes.
Please see all Internet Terms and Conditions at www.nemont.com/internet.
800.636.6680 | nemont.com
One of the Largest Inventories WILLISTON, ND / 202 1st Ave East
Internet | Wireless | Video | Land Line | Long Distance of Super Duties in the Region! (701) 577-2142

Putney Murder Trial

Caricato da

Informazioni sul documento

Copyright

Formati disponibili

Condividi questo documento

Condividi o incorpora il documento

Opzioni di condivisione

Hai trovato utile questo documento?

Questo contenuto è inappropriato?

Copyright:

Formati disponibili

Putney Murder Trial

Caricato da

Copyright:

Formati disponibili

NORTH DAKOTA OIL What is

Opening arguments today in Putney trial

STATE OF THE UNION

The MonDak’s Congressional dele-

Benefit assists local

toddler with leukemia

Warm weather predicted for today, but cold coming

Martin • Mabel Erickson • Doug “Chez” Stevens A4 Opinion A8 Health

GUESTS: Who’s taking who? BENEFIT: Great generosity shown

COLD: Watch for signs of hypothermia

coldest part of the day, nws.noaa.gov/om/cold.

Crime lab didn’t find usable DNA on guns

Energy heard words it wanted

Building blocks of learning

North Dakota, Montana lawmakers were on train that derailed

News online 24/7

• Carolyn Sue (Lundby) Graupe

MIGHTY Home of the Pleasant Buying Experience.

Partnership for computer education expanding in state’s schools

CASE: Juror removed from trial

“I don’t think it’s fair to the state or Mr. she said.

Jury in murder trial sees crime scene photos

Another Republican chal-

Students try to pick a winner

• Harriet Rhoda Myers, 78 A2 Obituaries A7 Sports

• Mickel Bond and Brady Howe • Robert Larsen, 88 A4 Opinion A9 Classifieds

Harriet Rhoda Myers, 78

— Funeral Notice — fense.

TRIAL: Security tightened in courthouse for Putney trial

GNCC: Shuck leading 8-state coalition to bolster east-west artery

available. “This is about more than portation infrastructure

mile that all the freight has doing today.”

Defense raises questions about testimony

story on the May 2016 double shooting

Williston’s blazing stress test

A2 Obituaries A8 Service Directory

• Shannon Mouser and Seth Paskin • Alvin Kuschel A5 Community B1 Sports

MIGHTY Home of the Pleasant Buying Experience.

PUTNEY: Girlfriend changes

story on May 2016 double shooting

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4 “Yes,” Remus said.

“Yes,” Remus said.

118 14th St W to work through our jam,

Gunshot residue test wasn’t sent to lab

Winners box Weeds changing

Pasta will help

What a great chili can do going to the bathroom

ey for Jessie Burling,

Defense case to start today in murder trial

The students already knew

These students are the breadwinners

Water depot request becomes contentious at county meeting

News online 24/7

• Robert Larsen Opinion

MIGHTY Home of the Pleasant Buying Experience.

TALK: Williston students learn cyber safety when posting online

WATER: Depot request becomes contentious at a county meeting

TRIAL: Defense case starts today

‘If I could go back, I wouldn’t have given them a gun’

A crystal ball for

Jamie Kelly • Williston Herald

DEFENDANT: Man defends himself in murder case, claims self defense

Woman accused of trying to

Man accused of stealing cows in Divide County