Neil Koenig, 78, Jamestown, ND, died Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at Jamestown Regional Medical Center in Jamestown.

Neil Nathan Koenig was born in Everett, WA on December 9, 1945 to Edgar and Marjorie (Peyer) Koenig joining brother Larry and sisters Glenda and Kay. In 1946 at the age of 9 months his family returned to ND. They rented in the Robinson area until purchasing a farm north of Robinson. In 1954 a brother, Douglas joined the family. Neil attended the North Merkel #3 Country School through the eighth grade, finishing High School in Robinson, ND. In 1957 their mother passed away. Neil continued working on the family farm.

He married Catherine Mary McDade on July 17, 1965 at Aberdeen, SD. They made their home with his, Dad, Edgar and brother Doug on the recently purchased Louie West/Virgil Koenig farm. On April 28, 1968 a daughter, Georgette Ja was born. In fall of 1969 the farm was sold, Neil continued to work several jobs in the area until employment at a newly built Western Gear Manufacturing Company in Jamestown, ND. Neil was the 4th one hired at Western Gear and continued working through 9 different company name changes at the aerospace plant for 37 years until retiring in March of 2008. Neil, Cathy and Georgette moved to Jamestown, ND on New Years Day of 1971. On March 16, 1972 a son, Brent LeRoy was born.

Neil is survived by his wife Cathy Koenig, Daughter Georgette Koenig and son, Brent Koenig (Marella Presler), his grandchildren Danielle Trapp, Jesse Sailer, Lee Trapp, Cameron Koenig, Jade Koenig, and Keely Wagner, and his great grandchildren Max, Isla, and Greyson. He is also survived by 1 brother Douglas Koenig. 3 sisters-in-law Peggy Kertscher, Jill (Sunil) Misra, June (Dale) Neumiller. As well as many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his mother, father, 1 brother, 2 sisters, 2 sisters-in-law, 1 brother-in-law, 1 niece, and many close aunts and uncles.

Visitation- 4-7p Sunday at the funeral home

Funeral Service- 11:00 AM Monday, July 22, 2024 at Haut Funeral Home in Jamestown.

Interment- 2:30 PM Monday at Fairview Cemetery- SE of Robinson, ND.

DICKINSON, N.D. (KFGO/Prairie Public) – North Dakota University System Chancellor Mark Hagerott is honoring departing Dickinson State University President Steve Easton as a “turnaround leader.”

Speaking to the Board of Higher Education’s Academic and Student Affairs Committee, Hagerott said Easton came in with the COVID pandemic, and with a bankrupt foundation. He said Easton grew DSU’s enrollment, and brought the foundation back.

Recently, Easton had been at odds with the state Board of Nursing. And the entire nursing faculty at DSU resigned. He also received pushback earlier, when he had suggested changing tenure at the school.

Hagerott told the Committee Easton decided to resign for the sake of the students.

“President Easton is responsible for the health, safety, welfare and financial conditions — the “CFI” accreditation — of that institution,” Hagerott said. “And I think there’s an open question about a separate entity materially undermining his ability to execute his responsibilities as determined by the Constitution of North Dakota.”

Hagerott said he just wanted to clear the air, for anyone who “remotely thought I or the Board have anything but the highest regard for that man.”

Hagerott also told the Committee negotiations are underway with the Board of Nursing, and he hopes to have that settled soon. He said an acting President will soon be named, and the Board will likely select an interim President while a search gets underway.

“The most important thing is that all students returning will know Dickinson is a great place to go to school,” Hagerott said. “They’ve turned the corner. WE take care of people.”

Hagerott will be in Dickinson Thursday to meet with faculty.

Colorado football is set to return to the Big 12 in 2024 with heightened expectations and a revitalized roster. Head coach Deion Sanders is preparing to capitalize on a significant influx of talent, with 41 transfers and six high school signees joining the squad. This influx provides an opportunity to improve upon last season’s 4-8 record and establish a stronger presence in the competitive Big 12 conference.

The release of the Big 12’s 2024 schedule has highlighted several pivotal matchups that could determine the success of the Buffaloes’ season. However, the non-conference schedule is equally critical, featuring challenging games that will test Colorado’s readiness for Big 12 play. Notably, the Week 1 game against North Dakota State (NDSU) stands out as a potential trap game that the Buffaloes cannot afford to underestimate.

Betting odds reflect the high interest in this matchup, with 82 percent of bets favoring Colorado, according to BetMGM. Despite Colorado being favored by 8.5 points, the narrow margin indicates a level of respect for NDSU’s capabilities. The Bison, although an FCS team, have a storied history of success, having won nine national championships since 2011, including two of the last five. Even with the departure of head coach Matt Entz, NDSU remains a formidable opponent under new head coach Tom Polasek.

The Buffaloes’ modest favor by just a touchdown at home underscores the challenge posed by NDSU. Polasek, formerly Wyoming’s offensive coordinator, brings a wealth of experience and a winning mentality to the Bison. The uncertainty surrounding NDSU’s starting quarterback adds intrigue, with Cam Miller’s potential return for a graduate year hanging in the balance. Miller’s impressive performance last season, with 32 total touchdowns and only four interceptions, makes him a critical factor. Additionally, wide receiver Eli Green, who averaged nearly 20 yards per catch in 2023, poses a significant threat to Colorado’s secondary.

Coach Sanders is acutely aware of the threat NDSU poses, emphasizing the need for his team to remain focused and prepared. “Don’t underestimate North Dakota State,” Sanders stated on FS1’s Undisputed. “Those guys come to play and they can play.” As the season approaches, Sanders and his squad will need to channel their motivation and talent to navigate both their non-conference and Big 12 schedules successfully.