North Dakota

Former state senator from Jamestown passes away at 91

Published

1 year ago

December 5, 2024

Press Room

Former state senator from Jamestown passes away at 91

JAMESTOWN — A community leader who served Jamestown and the state of North Dakota has died.

David Nething passed away on Saturday, Nov. 30, at the age of 91.

Nething is being remembered for his commitment to the community of Jamestown and his service in the North Dakota Senate by family and political leaders. He served as a state senator for 46 years from District 12 which now includes most of Jamestown but had previously covered much of Stutsman County.

Nething served in the North Dakota Legislature from 1964 until his retirement from political life in 2012. During those 46 years, he served on various committees including the Senate Judiciary and Appropriations committees which he chaired for some sessions.

According to his biography on the North Dakota Legislature website, Nething served as Senate majority leader from 1974-86 and as president pro tempore from 1997-98. He had also served as president of the National Conference of State Legislators, National Republican Legislators Association and the Foundation for State Legislatures.

“I have to say that he was a good friend for many years,” said Jamestown Mayor Dwaine Heinrich, who also remembered Nething serving as the city’s attorney during the 1990s. “He was kind but also a mentor to many around the state. As a legislator, he always had the best interests of those he represented.”

One of those who credited Nething with influencing his political career is Sen. Terry Wanzek, R-Jamestown.

“He had a lot to do with nudging me into running for the Senate,” he said. “He pushed hard for me to run for the (North Dakota) Senate.”

Then-Sen. David Nething, R-Jamestown, is shown at the North Dakota Capitol building in Bismarck. Nething served for 46 years in the North Dakota Legislature.

Contributed / Scot Nething

Wanzek was initially elected to the North Dakota House of Representatives in 1992. Nething saw the North Dakota Senate was more competitive between Republicans and Democrats at the time and urged Wanzek to run for the Senate.

“He was very efficient as a senator,” Wanzek said. “He was a pillar in the Senate and very knowledgeable on parliamentary procedure and the North Dakota budget.”

Wanzek is seated at the same desk within the Senate chambers that Nething previously occupied.

Deb Lee, Nething’s daughter, said she thought her father was best known in the community for his friendly demeanor.

“He remembered names and dates and was friendly to all,” she said.

The family didn’t discuss politics at home often, Lee said.

“But he lit up when any of the kids were around,” she said. “Unless there was a (Minnesota) Twins game or football on.”

Nething began his service in the North Dakota National Guard before he completed high school at Pingree, North Dakota. He received his diploma later and went on to attend then-Jamestown College and the University of North Dakota School of Law. He returned to Jamestown to practice law and begin his political career.

Nething’s biography on the North Dakota Legislature website said he served on the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations and Administration Conference of U.S., the Western Interstate Commission of Higher Education, Higher Learning Commission and Uniform Law Commission.

Other organizations he had been involved with include the American Legion, Rotary, Jamestown Elks and North Dakota Elks Association.

“There is a lot to remember him for,” said his son, Scot Nething. “His commitment to the community, the things within the community and the North Dakota Legislature as a whole.”

Nething prepared a way for family members to remember his service.

“He put together four books about his life for his grandkids, for his family,” Scot Nething said. “He was very proud of what he had done in his life.”

His father stayed active even late in life, Scot Nething said.

“He kept involved in things,” he said. “Even with age and health roadblocks, he did what he could.”

Most of David Nething’s legal career was in public service including as the Jamestown city attorney and the state Legislature. In 1989, he received the Outstanding Citizen Award from the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce for his service to the community.

“He never left the (Jamestown) region except for short times in Bismarck and Grand Forks,” Scot Nething said. “He had a passion for the area.”

Heinrich said that passion extended into many areas.

“He was certainly a force in not only Jamestown but statewide,” he said.

One of his projects was Elks Camp Grassick at Dawson, North Dakota. In the 1980s, the camp went through a period of financial difficulties with Nething leading efforts to keep the camp operation afloat.

“It would very likely not have survived if Nething had not stepped in and did the fundraising,” Heinrich said. “That kind of service was emblematic of his entire career.”

Nething is survived by his wife, Marjorie; children Deb Lee, Scot Nething and Melissa Morris; five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

The funeral service for Nething is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, at United Presbyterian Church in Jamestown. Eddy Funeral Home is handling the funeral arrangements.

Source link

Related Topics:Featured jamestown north dakota stutsman county north dakota

Click to comment

North Dakota

Griffin’s 18 lead Western Illinois past North Dakota 69-66 in OT – WTOP News

Published

6 minutes ago

December 14, 2025

Press Room

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) — Isaiah Griffin had 18 points in Western Illinois’ 69-66 overtime win against North Dakota on…

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) — Isaiah Griffin had 18 points in Western Illinois’ 69-66 overtime win against North Dakota on Saturday.

Griffin had three steals for the Leathernecks (4-7). Karyiek Dixon scored 17 points while shooting 6 of 10 from the field and 5 for 6 from the line and added 18 rebounds. Lucas Lorenzen shot 3 for 13 (1 for 9 from 3-point range) and 7 of 8 from the free-throw line to finish with 14 points.

Eli King led the way for the Fightin’ Hawks (4-9) with 13 points, two steals and four blocks. Greyson Uelmen added 13 points for North Dakota. Garrett Anderson had 11 points and six rebounds.

___

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Copyright
© 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.

Source link

North Dakota

Community rescues grieving North Dakota widow — by harvesting their late pal’s 1,400 acres of crops

Published

12 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Press Room

Community rescues grieving North Dakota widow — by harvesting their late pal’s 1,400 acres of crops

In North Dakota, farmers aren’t neighbors — they’re family.

When a sudden car crash tragically took the life of a beloved community member, the goodhearted folks of Antler came together to carry out one final act of kindness: they harvested his crops.

Randy Fyllesvold was killed in September, and his grieving widow, Kharra, and their two sons were left reeling, in no condition to deal with the 1,400 acres of corn and soybeans still in the fields surrounding their home.

That’s when the close-knit community stepped in.

Two of Randy’s pals — Wyatt Thompson and Andy Gates — decided to organize a large-scale harvest of their late pal’s crops.

First, they put out a call for help.

And the people answered. In a flash, more than 75 volunteers from surrounding communities were rolling onto the farm on 12 combines, in 40 trucks, all loaded with other equipment — along with willing hands.

They worked together like a well-oiled machine, and the massive effort was locked up in just a couple days.

Kharra said being among so many people harvesting her husband’s final crop was “nothing short of breathtaking” and she feels blessed to be the recipient of so much love and support in such a harrowing time.

But they wouldn’t have it any other way.

“To know Randy was to love Randy,” said buddy Wyatt Thompson told local station KFYR. “..The reach that he had was kind of endless.”

Kharra said she’ll never forget what they did for her.

“As I stood in the shop and looked around before the final Randy Fyllesvold corn harvest started, I was flooded with memories we created with all of you,” she wrote in a heartfelt Facebook post.

“The day was full of emotion, but I found so much peace in watching it unfold … but from the bottom of my heart, thank you. I will always remember this and Randy would be so proud.

“God Bless all of you and the boys and I love each and every one of you. 12 combines, 7 grain carts, over 40 trucks all for you Randy.

“I know you are smiling down.”

Source link

North Dakota

Donald Snyder Sr.

Published

1 day ago

December 12, 2025

Press Room

Donald R. Snyder Sr. 82 of Grand Forks, North Dakota died Tuesday, December 9, 2026, at Villa St. Vincent in Crookston, Minnesota.

Don was born on June 3, 1943, the son of Harrison and Gladys (Whittier) Snyder in Van Hook, North Dakota. He attended school in Van Hook and New Town, North Dakota. Don served in the United States Navy from 1960 – 1964 and was stationed in Hawaii during his time of service as a Military Police officer. He attended ND Police Academy and where he worked in Wattford City, ND and later was the Chief of Police in Parshall, ND. Don attended Minot State University and received a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1972.

Don was united in marriage to Greta Huseby on November 22, 1991, in Lake Tahoe, Neveda. He worked as a social worker in child welfare in North Dakota for thirty-five plus years in various roles in the state in Rugby, Minot and Bismarck as a Regional Supervisor to State Director in foster care. Don spent the many years taking care of family’s needs in North Dakota.

After retiring from Human Service in North Dakota, he worked for Multiband Inc. and Orangehook Inc. Don retired from OrangeHook Inc. as the Senior Vice President, responsible for HR Department.

Don enjoyed fishing (deep sea, rivers and lakes), hunting, woodworking (cabinetry and interior), coaching Tee Ball and soccer, and volunteering for the local honor guards. He was proud of his service in the military and always showed his gratitude for fellow veterans.

Don’s faith and family were his priority. He read the Bible six times and shared his faith with his family and friends. Don and Greta were active members of University Lutheran Church.

Don is survived by his wife, Greta Snyder; three sons, Donald Richard Snyder Jr., Scott (Nancy) Snyder and Tracy (Staci) Snyder; grandchildren, Megan (Rory) Selk, Katelyn Snyder, Gavin Snyder, Whitney (Chris) Crofts, Kaylee (Jon) Gappmaier and Jordan (Jen) Snyder, thirteen great-grandchildren, Kinley, Iyla, Jude, Gabby, Rowan, Sophia, Hunter, Kimber, Isaiah, Benjamin, Porshea, Addie and Mollie; numerous nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, two daughters, Tunya and Mishell Snyder, granddaughter, Jessica Snyder and two infant sisters.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at Amundson Funeral Home. Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at Amundson Funeral Home.

Source link