Dakota Spotlight Podcast

This is not a full episode, but rather just a quick little update and request for some assistance. Also a quick chat with Wowza in Kalamazoo. Today is March 13th, 2023 and episode 3 of Season 8 will be out in two days–that's season 8, Unresolved the Murder of Joel Lovelien.  Which brings me to my request. I'm looking for any of you who were friends with Joel Lovelien, maybe you worked with him at Altru hospital or maybe you went to school with him. I'd like to gather a few more memories of him for the podcast. If you can help me learn more about Joel Lovelien, who he was, what he was like, please send me an email at jwolner@forumcomm.com I'd really appreciate it.  Also, don't miss Wowza in Kalamazoo are going to be playing live in Bismarck, on Saturday, May 13th. You've heard their music a lot on this podcast, including the theme songs for season 5 about missing Barbara Cotton and season 7 about missing Michele Julson. I'm going to be there to see Wowza play live at The Laughing Sun Brewery in Bismarck on Sat

In this second episode: The Clown, The Cowboy and the Hunter--We walk through the first hours of the investigation and unpack the many reasons things got off to a confusing start. Episode 2 of Unresolved-The Murder of Joel Lovelien.   Intro and outro music by HandTurner and Wowza in Kalamazoo Check out the full catalog of Dakota Spotlight true crime podcasts at https://dakotaspotlight.com  where you can sign up for a newsletter, subscribe to the new and exciting Spotlight PLUS ad-free experience and much more.  Head over to https://dakotaspotlight.com to learn more.  Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes by sending email to info@sixhorsemedia.com Email: dakotaspotlight@gmail.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joel Lovelien was just 38-years-old when he was found beaten to death outside of the Broken Drum Bar in Grand Forks, North Dakota on a Halloween-themed Saturday night in 2007. Who killed Joel Lovelien? Intro and outro music by HandTurner and Wowza in Kalamazoo Check out the full catalog of Dakota Spotlight true crime podcasts at https://dakotaspotlight.com  where you can sign up for a newsletter, subscribe to the new and exciting Spotlight PLUS ad-free experience and much more.  Head over to https://dakotaspotlight.com to learn more.  Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes by sending email to info@sixhorsemedia.com Email: dakotaspotlight@gmail.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A sneak peak at Season 8 coming March 1st and titled Unresolved - The Murder of Joel Lovelien. Also part 2 of Trisha Taurinska's investigation into the death of Refugio Rodriguez in Montevideo, Minnesota. https://www.inforum.com/news/the-vault/investigator-into-refugio-rodriguezs-death-had-other-case-thrown-out-due-to-bad-police-work See a video trailer of season 8: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wbrHX48Xkw To contact me: email jwolner@forumcomm.com   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hello Dakota Spotlight followers: I have a bit of a holiday treat for you today, which I am very excited to share with you. A few weeks ago, I traveled to the town of Montevideo, Minnesota. I was there to take part in a meeting with three of my colleagues to plan and discuss work for The Vault - which is Forum Communication’s online catalog of great stories about Midwest history, mysteries and, of course, true crime. Why did we convene in Montevideo, Minnesota? Montevideo was purely a logistical destination as we all live in different places; 3 of us drove to Montevideo where a 4th colleague lives. Her name is Trisha Taurinskas. Over coffee we asked Trisha if there were any local stories that she had considered for The Vault. It turns out there was one story that Trisha had on her mind–in fact, to me, it seemed to be stuck in her mind. I could tell right then and there, this story was not gonna to just go away for her—she was in the early phases of experiencing a nagging feeling that I know very well myself–I

Episode 10: In this update episode: Can the red dirt on Shelly's car lead our investigation down the right road? Connecting the dots between clues in Shelly's cold case file and the red dust on her vehicle.  In 1994 26-year-old Michele Julson dropped off her young son at his paternal grandparents home so she could run some errands in Bismarck, North Dakota. She wanted to pick up her paycheck and possibly play some bingo. She was expected back in just hours.  Shelly never returned. What happened to Shelly Julson? Intro and outro music by Wowza in Kalamazoo Check out the full catalog of Dakota Spotlight true crime podcasts at https://dakotaspotlight.com  where you can sign up for a newsletter, subscribe to the new and exciting Spotlight PLUS ad-free experience and much more.  Head over to https://dakotaspotlight.com to learn more.  Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes by sending email to info@sixhorsemedia.com Email: dakotaspotlight@gmail.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotas

Episode 9: Vandalism, hang-up phone calls, strange occurrences, just before she vanished from the face of the earth Michele ‘Shelly’ Julson was feeling harassed. She told friends one person harassing her at work was a Bismarck, ND police officer named Donald Schaffer. In this episode we look into Donald Schaffer and learn about his violent past and criminal record. We also discuss some questions and comments from listeners.  In 1994 26-year-old Michele Julson dropped off her young son at his paternal grandparents home so she could run some errands in Bismarck, North Dakota. She wanted to pick up her paycheck and possibly play some bingo. She was expected back in just hours.  Shelly never returned. What happened to Shelly Julson? Intro and outro music by Wowza in Kalamazoo Check out the full catalog of Dakota Spotlight true crime podcasts at https://dakotaspotlight.com  where you can sign up for a newsletter, subscribe to the new and exciting Spotlight PLUS ad-free experience and much more.  Head over to https

In this stand-alone episode we do a follow up interview with Alison Sandy, journalist and producer of the Australian podcast The Lady Vanishes about the fascinating and captivating news being uncovered in the investigation into Marion Barter's disappearance. To date The Lady Vanishes podcast has had 13 million downloads and has helped bring many answers into whatever happened to Marion Barter who vanished after embarking on an international trip in 1997.   Was Marion Barter a victim of a con-man with a history of deceiving single women and stealing their money? What happened to Marion Barter? Thanks to The Lady Vanishes podcast the world may soon know.   Check out the full catalog of Dakota Spotlight true crime podcasts at https://dakotaspotlight.com  where you can sign up for a newsletter, subscribe to the new and exciting Spotlight PLUS ad-free experience and much more.  Head over to https://dakotaspotlight.com to learn more.  Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes by sending email to

Episode 8: Interview with Michele's son Jaden. Jaden speaks about his life without a mother, about his father and grandfather and more. Also in this episode we debunk an important claim made by Bismarck PD investigators. In 1994 26-year-old Michele Julson dropped off her young son at his paternal grandparents home so she could run some errands in Bismarck, North Dakota. She wanted to pick up her paycheck and possibly play some bingo. She was expected back in just hours.  Shelly never returned. What happened to Shelly Julson? Intro and outro music by Wowza in Kalamazoo Check out the full catalog of Dakota Spotlight true crime podcasts at https://dakotaspotlight.com  where you can sign up for a newsletter, subscribe to the new and exciting Spotlight PLUS ad-free experience and much more.  Head over to https://dakotaspotlight.com to learn more.  Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes by sending email to info@sixhorsemedia.com Email: dakotaspotlight@gmail.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/g

In Episode 7 we meet Tony Hulm, former bartender at the burnt Creek Club. Tony was Shelly's on-again/off-again boyfriend at the time of her disappearance. Tony Hulm speaks about Shelly, about the alleged harassment she was experiencing and considers if Shelly Julson may have just chosen a new life elsewhere.  In 1994 26-year-old Michele Julson dropped off her young son at his paternal grandparents home so she could run some errands in Bismarck, North Dakota. She wanted to pick up her paycheck and possibly play some bingo. She was expected back in just hours.  Shelly never returned. What happened to Shelly Julson? Archival audio provided by The state historical society of North Dakota Intro and outro music by Wowza in Kalamazoo Check out the full catalog of Dakota Spotlight true crime podcasts at https://dakotaspotlight.com  where you can sign up for a newsletter, subscribe to the new and exciting Spotlight PLUS ad-free experience and much more.  Head over to https://dakotaspotlight.com to learn more.  Adverti

We are taking a vacation break this week, but will be back next week with an interview with Tony Hulm, aka Burnt Creek Tony. This update episode includes a taste of that interview and the full recording of this season's theme song 'Magelena' by Wowza in Kalamazoo. Check them out at wowzainkalamazoo.bandcamp.com/ On August 2, 1994 26-year-old Michele Julson dropped off her young son at his paternal grandparents home so she could run some errands in Bismarck, North Dakota. She wanted to pick up her paycheck and possibly play some bingo. She was expected back in just hours.  Shelly never returned. What happened to Shelly Julson? Archival audio provided by The state historical society of North Dakota Intro and outro music by Wowza in Kalamazoo Check out the full catalog of Dakota Spotlight true crime podcasts at https://dakotaspotlight.com  where you can sign up for a newsletter, subscribe to the new and exciting Spotlight PLUS ad-free experience and much more.  Head over to https://dakotaspotlight.com to learn m

In Episode 5 we meet Shelly's parents Wes and Linda Julson. Also, interview with retired Bismarck police officer Rob Carvell. Carvell shares his memories of responding to the call for service on Aug 2, 1994 when Richard and Kevin Woodworth reported Shelly missing. Carvell also re-opened Shelly's case in 2016. We also hear from a friend of Shelly's and that 'forty-year-old guy' that Shelly had planned to go camping with. On August 2, 1994 26-year-old Michele Julson dropped off her young son at his paternal grandparents home so she could run some errands in Bismarck, North Dakota. She wanted to pick up her paycheck and possibly play some bingo. She was expected back in just hours.  Shelly never returned. What happened to Shelly Julson? Archival audio provided by The state historical society of North Dakota Intro and outro music by Wowza in Kalamazoo Check out the full catalog of Dakota Spotlight true crime podcasts at https://dakotaspotlight.com  where you can sign up for a newsletter, subscribe to the new and

In Episode 4: Retired Bismarck detective Bill Connor shares his thoughts and memories of working Shelly's case from 2005 to 2010. He talks about the We Fest sighting, the car being found at the Comfort Inn, Rick Snell, Tony Hulm and Kevin Woodworth. On August 2, 1994 26-year-old Michele Julson dropped off her young son at his paternal grandparents home so she could run some errands in Bismarck, North Dakota. She wanted to pick up her paycheck and possibly play some bingo. She was expected back in just hours. Shelly never returned. What happened to Shelly Julson? Archival audio provided by The State Historical Society of North Dakota Check out the full catalog of Dakota Spotlight true crime podcasts at https://dakotaspotlight.com  where you can sign up for a newsletter, subscribe to the new and exciting Spotlight PLUS ad-free experience and much more.  Head over to https://dakotaspotlight.com to learn more.  Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes by sending email to info@sixhorsemedia.com

On August 2, 1994 26-year-old Michele Julson dropped off her young son at his paternal grandparents home so she could run some errands in Bismarck, North Dakota. She wanted to pick up her paycheck and possibly play some bingo. She was expected back in just hours. Shelly never returned. What happened to Shelly Julson? In Episode 3: Was Shelly one of 2 women partying with railroad workers and kicked out of the pool at the Comfort Inn? Why has a Burnt Creek patron also gone missing? And What was Shelly really doing on that Sunday night before she disappeared? And finally, a rabbit hole swallows up everything.  Archival audio provided by The State Historical Society of North Dakota Check out the full catalog of Dakota Spotlight true crime podcasts at https://dakotaspotlight.com  where you can sign up for a newsletter, subscribe to the new and exciting Spotlight PLUS ad-free experience and much more.  Head over to https://dakotaspotlight.com to learn more.  Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episo

On August 2, 1994 26-year-old Michele Julson dropped off her young son at his paternal grandparents home so she could run some errands in Bismarck, North Dakota. She wanted to pick up her paycheck and possibly play some bingo. She was expected back in just hours. Shelly never returned. What happened to Shelly Julson? In Episode 2 we follow along as officer Cliff Emmert of the Bismarck PD snoops into Shelly’s world. He visits bars, casinos, bingo halls and bowling alleys to paint a picture of Shelly’s life. Shelly was feeling harassed and possibly followed. She was reportedly having trouble with two different men, Tony and Kevin. And who were the two men she spoke with on Sunday night? Finally, BPD gets a tip that one of their own, a Bismarck Police Officer, was one of several people harassing Shelly at The Burnt Creek Bar. Check out the full catalog of Dakota Spotlight true crime podcasts at https://dakotaspotlight.com  where you can sign up for a newsletter, subscribe to the new and exciting Spotlight PLUS a

On August 2, 1994 26-year-old Michele Julson dropped off her young son at his paternal grandparents home so she could run some errands in Bismarck, North Dakota. She wanted to pick up her paycheck and possibly play some bingo. She was expected back in just hours. Shelly never returned.   What happened to Shelly is the central question of Season 7, Call Me Shelly – The Mysterious Disappearance of Michele Julson. Granted exclusive, unprecedented access by police to Shelly’s cold-case file, this season brings a play-by-play review of the initial investigation and examines the strange events surrounding Shelly's life and her disappearance. Present-day interviews with: Law enforcement, Shelly’s parents and Shelly’s friends.  Who was harassing Shelly and vandalizing her car? Why are 104 pages of Shelly's police file missing? Who are the two mystery men Shelly met just days before she went missing. And the most important question of all: What happened to Shelly Julson? Check out the full catalog of Dakota Spotlight

Season 5, Episode 21 In this update episode of Season Five: Jeri Martinez-Kueffler of Williston North Dakota shares her gripping tale. In 1981 she believes she spotted Barb Cotton in broad daylight. But when she turned to the local authorities, she was in for a big surprise.  Music by https://wowzainkalamazoo.bandcamp.com/ Check out the full catalog of Dakota Spotlight true crime podcasts at https://dakotaspotlight.com  where you can sign up for a newsletter, subscribe to the new and exciting Spotlight PLUS ad-free experience and much more.  Head over to https://dakotaspotlight.com to learn more.  Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes by sending email to info@sixhorsemedia.com Email: dakotaspotlight@gmail.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Season 6, Episode 11 In the last scheduled episode of this season, Dakota Spotlight pulls back the curtain on the decades of pain, loss and questions suffered — often in silence — by those who knew and loved Kristin Diede and Bob Anderson, two Minnesotans gone missing in North Dakota in August 1993. If you know what happened to Kristin and Bob or have vital information for Law Enforcement, call the Logan County (ND) Sheriff’s Office: 701-754-2495. Dakota Spotlight is a production of Forum Communications Co. Check out the full catalog of Dakota Spotlight true crime podcasts at https://dakotaspotlight.com  where you can sign up for a newsletter, subscribe to the new and exciting Spotlight PLUS ad-free experience and much more.  Head over to https://dakotaspotlight.com to learn more.  Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes by sending email to info@sixhorsemedia.com Email: dakotaspotlight@gmail.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

Season 6, Episode 10 - So far, we’ve focused on the facts. This episode, we'll focus on theories – our theories about what happened to Kristin Diede and Bob Anderson, who disappeared in North Dakota in 1993. James and Jeremy have four working theories of what might have happened to them. In this episode, they'll present their theories to a retired North Dakota homicide detective, Bob Haas. He’ll be hearing about this case in-depth – and our theories — for the first time. Haas will weigh in on what he thinks is most likely to have happened, and why nobody has been arrested and charged in the disappearance of Kristin and Bob. If you know what happened to Kristin and Bob or have vital information for Law Enforcement, call the Logan County (ND) Sheriff’s Office: 701-754-2495. Dakota Spotlight is a production of Forum Communications Co. Check out the full catalog of Dakota Spotlight true crime podcasts at https://dakotaspotlight.com  where you can sign up for a newsletter, subscribe to the new and exciting Spotlig

Season 6, Episode 9 - Full interview with Clyde Diede. Listen in as we go deep on our lone but remarkable conversation with a significant person in this season: Clyde Diede, a chiropractor in Winner, South Dakota. Clyde encountered his then-wife, Kristin, at the Diede family farm near Wishek, North Dakota, the same weekend Kristin and her boyfriend Bob Anderson vanished, in mid-August, 1993. In the following years, law enforcement was very interested in Clyde. They even threw him in jail at one point to compel him to give them a hair sample. In this episode: We play you our entire conversation with Clyde and our other attempts to talk to him. Also, co-producers James Wolner and Jeremy Fugleberg take you behind the scenes, revealing their deliberations over how to use what Clyde told us in the call, a crucial component of this season of Dakota Spotlight. If you know what happened to Kristin and Bob or have vital information for Law Enforcement, call the Logan County (ND) Sheriff’s Office: 701-754-2495. Dakota