Hearing set for N.D. state worker

A hearing for a North Dakota state employee charged with driving under the influence is set for Feb. 4 in Brown County, S.D.

Dick Knapp, 62, is on leave from his position as regional supervisor for the North Dakota Department of Game and Fish in Jamestown until he retires Jan. 31, said Bob Timian, chief game warden.

Knapp is accused of driving under the influence while driving a state vehicle in Aberdeen, S.D., on Nov. 19, 2008.

The region Knapp presided over ran to the South Dakota border, Timian said, and it’s not uncommon for people who work near the border to drive into neighboring states.

Knapp, who worked for Game and Fish for almost 35 years, took paid leave using his earned vacation hours almost immediately after the alleged offense, Timian said, saying he didn’t know the exact date.

Knapp brought the DUI charge to the attention of Game and Fish and did not drive state vehicles after the alleged offense, Timian said.

The department has filled the position with an interim regional supervisor and is seeking someone to fill it full time.

Tags: game, warden, knapp, drunk, driving, news, hearing