A judge has sentenced an Elgin man to 20 years in prison for Class AA felony gross sexual imposition.  South Central District Judge Bruce Romanick sentenced Nicholas Baatz on Tuesday at the Burleigh County Courthouse.  A jury convicted Baatz of one count of gross sexual imposition on July 10, while acquitting him of a second charge. Baatz was accused of sexually assaulting two 4-year-old boys. During the trial, a forensic interviewer from the Dakota Children's Advocacy Center in Bismarck testified only one of the boys disclosed evidence of abuse.

Grant County State's Attorney Jim Vukelic, who prosecuted the case with Assistant Attorney General Jon Byers, said the case was unusual because Baatz admitted to the abuse after the trial and because Baatz had gone through four years of counseling after being a victim of sexual abuse as a child. However, the late admission meant the boys in the case still had to testify at trial, Vukelic said.

He recommended a 20-year sentence with seven years suspended and five years of supervised probation, which also was recommended by a probation officer who completed a presentence investigation in the case.  Kent Morrow, Baatz's appointed defense attorney, recommended a 10-year sentence with five years suspended and five years of supervised probation. Two sex offender assessments showed Baatz as a low risk to reoffend, while one considered him a high risk, at least until he completes sex offender treatment, Morrow said.

Baatz said he would accept any sentence the court handed down.  "I just wanted to say I'm sorry for what I did," he said. "I want to get treatment."

Romanick said such cases are always difficult, and it is hard for judges to determine appropriate sentences.  "It's still a situation that's grave to me," he said.  Romanick sentenced Baatz to 20 years in prison, with no time suspended and no probation. Baatz will be required to register as a sex offender upon release from prison.  "My number one is protecting society," Romanick said. "If they think you've done well, they can parole you."

Baatz will get credit for 117 days served. He has the right to appeal the case within 30 days of sentencing.

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Mom and her twin boys, now 5 years old, have moved back to Ohio where her extended family lives.  Nicholas lives behind brick and concertina wire.

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Of course, all work and no play makes Jimmy a dull boy.  So when I'm not working, I find time for other pleasures.  [My wife is rolling her eyes as she reads this.]

Nick and Dale at Pebble Creek golf course in late October.

Dale playing Apple Creek Country Club the week before Thanksgiving.

Dennis Steele and Dale on #11 at ACCC.

Dennis snapped this shot of me teeing off on #15 at ACCC.  Earlier this season, I teed by ball too close to the left tee marker, a painted block of wood.  My follow through drove that tee marker at least 5 yards, earning several hoots from my playing partners and offers to pay for an eye exam.

In early October, we drove to Prairie Knights Casino where The Ventures and Herman's Hermits were performing.  I didn't get any good shots of Peter Noone, lead singer for Herman's Hermits, who was the consummate entertainer, but did get close enough to The Ventures for a couple of decent photographs.

Bob Bogle, left, joined the band in 1981.  Don Wilson, right, is one of the original co-founders of the group and has been playing rhythm guitar with The Ventures since 1958!

Nokie Edwards, lead guitarist, has been with The Ventures since 1960.  They still put out a great sound.  After the concert, I dug out my old LP, "Knock Me Out," circa 1964, and ripped it to mp3.  It's very good.

Finally, on Sunday evenings, when our schedules permit, I rehearse with the other members of Good Fortune quartet.

Kerry Carpenter, tenor, Dave Helvig, bass, and Dave Nelson, baritone, work on a "new" piece, Sh-boom, popularized in the 50s by The Chords and The Crewcuts.  It's starting to come together.

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