Here is the latest North Dakota news from The Associated Press

Bismarck, N.D. (AP) North Dakota is seeking to dismiss a lawsuit filed by Spirit Lake Sioux tribal members who want the University of North Dakota to keep its Fighting Sioux nickname.

Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem filed the motion yesterday. A judge has barred the state Board of Higher education from taking any action on the nickname issue until after a Dec. 9 hearing.

Fargo, N.D. (AP) An Oklahoma man accused of hiring his handyman to kill a Fargo dentist has waived extradition and will be returned to North Dakota to face a charge of conspiracy to commit murder. Sixty-three-year-old Gene Kirkpatrick allegedly arranged the killing of Philip Gattuso, who was found beaten to death with a hammer last month.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) Geologists believe a crude-bearing cache beneath North Dakota's already prolific oil patch can be brought to the surface. They believe the thin oil formation, known as the Birdbear, can be tapped using horizontal drilling technology. A city council member in Bottineau says more rigs and wells in north-central North Dakota would boost tax revenue and jobs.

FARGO, N.D. (AP) Philanthropist and former software company executive Doug Burgum is the recipient of North Dakota's highest honor, the Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider award. Burgum served as senior vice president of Microsoft Corp., which he left in 2007.

The Arthur native is a North Dakota State University graduate and longtime supporter of the school.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-21-09 0630CST | save this article / add to your favorites list