News Releases for February 2007
February 28, 2007
For further information, please Contact the Governor's Office
Hoeven Suspends Twin Buttes School Board Members
BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven has suspended Twin Buttes School Board President Melissa Starr and board members Hank Starr and Darwin (Darcy) Lone Bear. The Governor appointed Surrogate Judge Benny Graff as Special Commissioner to hear the cases. Graff will hold a hearing regarding the suspensions on March 15, 2007, at 9:00 AM (MST) in Dickinson, North Dakota to hear and report the testimony for and against the board members, and then file a report with the Governor.
Three Affiliated Tribes Chairman Marcus Wells, Jr. sent Hoeven a resolution from the Tribal Council and a request to remove three school board members who had been indicted by a federal grand jury for fraud and misappropriation of school funds. Hoeven asked Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem to investigate the matter and file complaints to remove the three members. The Attorney General has returned complaints to the Governor to remove all three board members.
Hoeven said he determined that it is in the best interest of the state, school district, and its children to suspend Melissa Starr, Hank Starr and Darwin Lone Bear from performance of their duties on the Twin Buttes School board pending the hearing. Hoeven asked Chairman Wells and Twin Buttes Principal Chad Dahlen to appoint interim board members.
The Governor will also hold a hearing where the accused can appear in person or be represented by an attorney. He will then issue an order in writing with his determination. All three have the right to appeal the Governor’s decision to the district court.
E-mail comments to the Governor
