Walsh County farmer loses appeal in wetlands flap

A federal appeals court announced its decision Thursday to uphold the convictions of a retired Walsh County, N.D., farmer who has tangled with officials for years over what he claims is his right to drain wetlands on his property. Alvin Peterson, 79, Lawton, was convicted of two misdemeanors in 2008 when a federal magistrate found him guilty of draining wetlands that were subject to a government easement. He was sentenced to five years of probation and ordered to pay $11,500.

By: By Archie Ingersoll, Forum Communications Co., The Jamestown Sun