News from the Ramsey County Clerk of Court:
The Oct. 1, 2, & 3 evidentiary hearing planned for Werner Kunkel (Rummer) former Ramsey County resident, has been postponed to January 2026.
News from the Devils Lake Police Department:
Regarding Rey Hennen, Devils Lake, ND: According to NDCourts Rey Hennen was formally charged for Reckless Endangerment-Firearm a B Felony on 09/25/2025. This case is being investigated by the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI). There will be a status conference on Oct. 20 at 2 p.m. Additional charges may be pending.
News from the North Dakota Highway Patrol:
An injury crash happened on ND Highway 20, near mile marker 108, approximately 4 miles north of Devils Lake on Oct. 1 at about 7:49 p.m. CDT.
According to Lt. Jenna Clawson Huibregtse the incident involved a rear-end crash of a vehicle and a farm tractor.
A 2021 Toyota Highlander driven by a 76 year old Devils Lake woman was southbound on ND Highway 20 at 7:49 p.m. and a Case IH farm tractor was also southbound on ND Highway 20. The Highlander struck the left rear of the Case IH. Both vehicles came to rest on the roadway. The driver of the Highland was seriously injured nd taken by ambulance to CHI Alexius Devils Lake Hospital. The driver of the farm tractor was not injured but taken to CHI St. Alexius to be evaluated.
The crash remains under investigation by the North Dakota Highway Patrol.
Agencies responding also included the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office and Lake Region Ambulance Service. Updated media releases will be posted on the NDHP website: https://www.nd.gov/ndhp/ndhp-news
News from the Spirit Lake Nation:
Public Safety Update as of 2:02 p.m. Oct. 3, 2025:
The Spirit Lake Tribe and BIA Fort Totten Police Department, with support from partner agencies, continue to investigate the October 2 incident near St. Michael.
Where on the evening of October 2, 2025. At approximately 6:53 p.m., BIA Law Enforcement received a call from Lake Region Dispatch notifying them of a stolen vehicle in Devils Lake. At approximately 7:03 p.m., a BIA officer arrived on the scene of a single-vehicle crash within the boundaries of the Spirit Lake Reservation near St. Michael.
Law enforcement has made contact with one of the two suspects, who is cooperating with investigators. The second suspect, Winfield Chaske III, remains at large and has active warrants in both Tribal and State Court.
At this time, there is no active threat to the community.
• If you come into contact with Winfield Chaske III, do not approach him. Please contact Fort Totten Police immediately at 701-766-4231.
• Anyone who knowingly harbors, hides, or helps conceal an individual wanted by law enforcement may also be charged under the Spirit Lake Tribal Code to the fullest extent of the law. These measures are in place to ensure the safety of the entire community.
Statement from the Spirit Lake Tribal Council:
“The Spirit Lake Tribal Council wants to assure our community that your safety is our top priority. We are working closely with law enforcement and our partners to bring resolution to this matter. This is our home too — we live here, we raise our families here, and we share in the same concerns as you. We ask for your cooperation, patience, and vigilance as we move forward together to keep Spirit Lake safe.”
The Spirit Lake Tribe urges the community to continue cooperating with law enforcement and thanks all partners for their ongoing assistance.
BIA Law Enforcement, with assistance from North Dakota Highway Patrol, Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, Benson County Sheriff’s Office, Lake Region Drone Team, and other agencies, continue to actively search for those connected to this matter.
A mass text alert was issued to Spirit Lake Reservation residents on the evening of October 2, encouraging the community to remain vigilant. At this time, there is no active threat to the public. Residents are reminded to:
Keep doors, windows, and vehicles secured.
Report any suspicious activity or information to the Fort Totten Police Department at (701) 766-4231. There are currently no disruptions with community services. Updates will be provided through official Tribal channels as new information becomes available.
Community awareness and cooperation remain essential in supporting this response.
Spirit Lake Tribal Council
BIA Fort Totten Police Department
