A Lakota, N.D., attorney will investigate an alleged confrontation April 19 between Energy and Environmental Research Center director Gerald Groenewold and Manvel, N.D., volunteer firefighters, according to the Grand Forks State's Attorney's office.
The Grand Forks State's Attorney's office forwarded the case to Steven Simonson because of a potential conflict of interest. Groenewold is married to County Commissioner Connie Triplett. Triplett, a Democrat, also represents District 18 in the North Dakota Senate.
Groenewold allegedly became upset when volunteer firefighters arrived to put out a controlled grass fire on his property. Manvel Fire Chief Steve Schumer said Groenewold threatened his crew, saying that if the firefighters did not leave the scene he was "going to get a shotgun."
Groenewold denied a confrontation occurred.
Teenager victim of
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attempted robbery
A 15-year-old male was confronted by a person who demanded his money Thursday evening about 9:15 p.m., according to Grand Forks police. The incident took place on the 1300 block of South Washington Street. The subject was described as an 18- to 21-year-old male, about 5 feet 8 inches tall with a slender build. No weapon was displayed and no money was taken.