Vernon Dale Krause, 93, of Fargo, ND, formerly of Wahpeton, ND, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 10, 2026, at Heather’s House in Fargo, ND, under the care of HIA Hospice. 

A Celebration of life will be held on Monday, July 20, 2026, at Vertin-Munson Funeral Home, Wahpeton. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., followed by a service at 10:00 a.m., with burial immediately following at Fairview Cemetery in Wahpeton.

Vern was born on February 16, 1933, in rural Wyndmere, ND, one of eleven children born to Theodore and Ella (Rohl) Krause. He grew up in Wyndmere and attended Wyndmere Public School, where he left his studies behind to volunteer for the United States Army. Vern proudly served from 1953 to 1956 before transferring to the Army Reserves. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and, throughout his life, carried great pride in his years of military service.

He married Jean (Carey) Krause, and together they built a life and raised their family in Wahpeton, where he would spend most of his years. They were blessed with two children. In his later years, after developing severe dementia, Vernon moved to Fargo so he could receive the care he needed and be closer to family.

For 41 years, he worked for the City of Wahpeton Water & Sewer Department, where he was highly regarded and known for knowing every inch of the city like the back of his hand. Even after retirement, he continued to volunteer his time and expertise whenever the City needed him. Among the accomplishments he was most proud of were his early years helping develop the Chahinkapa Zoo.

Above all, he cherished his family. He loved anything to do with his grandchildren — from crafting chairs out of tree trunks and splitting wood, to watching their sporting events and helping them grow into who they were meant to be. His great-grandchildren were a true blessing to him — even if their energy made him a little nervous, he always looked forward to their visits. His nieces and nephews brought him great joy as well especially in his later years and he loved being an uncle to them. When his brother Leyone “Spud” moved to town, Vern couldn’t wait to deliver him the daily newspaper and share a chat. He loved tinkering in the garage, always engineering new ways to drain water, and he was the biggest Green Bay Packers fan around — proud to call himself a team shareholder. After moving to Fargo, Vernon was grateful for the time he was able to spend with his sister, Carole Jean, who had always been his protector.

Vernon will be remembered for his steady hands, his quiet devotion to family and community, and the example he set of showing up — for his country, for his city, and most of all, for the people he loved. He will be deeply missed.

Vern is survived by his son, Mark Krause, Fargo; two sisters-in-law, Priscilla Krause and Donna Krause; two brothers-in-law, Ron Carey and Don Carey; eight grandchildren, Carey, Danielle, Margo, Jodi, Nikki, Kevin, Brad and Tracee; 13 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Jean Krause; his daughter, Deb Christopher; five brothers, Alfred, Donald, Willard, Kenneth and Leyone Krause; five sisters, Dorothy Peterson, Loretta Dable, LaVelle Odegard, Lucille Kruchek and Carole Jean Johnson-Bohlken; sisters-in-law, Viola Krause, Marleen Krause, Amy Carey and Linda Carey; brothers-in-law, Elroy Odegard, Robert Johnson, Willis Bohlken, Pete Peterson, Johnny Kruchek and Frank Dable; granddaughter, Robyn Krause; and grandson, Jack Bollman.

WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) – A Warren man indicted in June on charges he had inappropriate conduct with a teenager pleaded guilty Thursday in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court.

Daniel Procopio, 29, pleaded guilty to one third-degree felony count of attempted illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material or performance.

Howland police arrested Procopio following a report filed by the parent of a teenager who reported Procopio had inappropriate contact with the teen. The investigation by Howland police showed Procopio in February 2026 had asked a 16-year-old female to send nude photos of herself to him, according to Assistant Prosecutor Gabriel Wildman.

The crimes are alleged to have taken place in February and March.

Procopio will be sentenced at a later date.

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – The South Dakota Department of Health has confirmed three cases of cyclosporiasis as health officials across the country investigate a growing outbreak of the parasitic illness.

According to the department’s Infectious Disease Dashboard, two cases have been reported in Pennington County and one case in Clay County.

The South Dakota cases come as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports more than 1,600 probable cases in 34 states. Nationwide, more than 140 people have been hospitalized.

Cyclosporiasis is caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, which infects the intestines and can cause severe gastrointestinal illness. Symptoms include watery or explosive diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, bloating and fatigue.

Unlike many common stomach illnesses that clear within a couple of days, cyclosporiasis can stick around for weeks or even months if left untreated.

Health experts say the parasite has most commonly been linked to contaminated fresh produce, including lettuce, basil, cilantro and raspberries. The parasite can also spread through contaminated water, including swimming pools and splash pads if contaminated water is swallowed. Officials note that Cyclospora is resistant to chlorine and bleach, meaning it can survive in properly chlorinated pools.

Federal investigators continue to search for the source of the nationwide outbreak, while The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said it identified lettuce and other salad greens as a potential source. The FDA said its traceback investigation is focusing on multiple produce items consumed by people who became sick.

Meanwhile, Taco Bell announced Tuesday that it has voluntarily and temporarily removed limited ingredients at select restaurants as a precaution while public health officials continue their investigation. The company said it is monitoring the situation and following guidance from health authorities. Federal officials have not identified Taco Bell or any other restaurant chain as the confirmed source of the outbreak.

The South Dakota Department of Health has not announced whether the state’s three reported cases are connected to the ongoing multistate outbreak.

Health officials recommend washing fresh produce thoroughly before eating it, although experts caution that washing may not completely remove the hardy parasite. Cooking fruits and vegetables can further reduce the risk of infection.

Anyone experiencing severe diarrhea or symptoms lasting longer than 48 hours should contact a healthcare provider. Early diagnosis and treatment can help shorten the illness and reduce complications.

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