The sentencing of Heidi Watkins of Spirit Lake in connection with the death of her daughter Shelby Duis has been delayed. Watkins was to be sentenced today, but a new development indicates Watkin’s former live-in boyfriend confessed to the killing of the girl. Jesse Wendelsdorf was tried a few months ago and acquitted of all charges, including sexual abuse and murder. Julie Ballentini of Sac City met Wendelsdorf after his trial. During testimony today, Ballentini said Wendelsdorf admitted killing Duis when he found her watching television at three the morning of January fourth.Judge Joseph Straub will consider Ballentini’s testimony in a hearing next week to determine if Watkins should get a new trial. Wendelsdorf cannot be retried for the crime.Bob Jennings KLGA AlgonaMuch of the state got its first measurable snow overnight, prompting many Iowans to shift into a winter frame of mind. The white stuff will mean a lot of green stuff for people like Mark Dietz, general manager of Sundown Mountain Ski Resort in Dubuque.Dietz says it’s a psychological thing for some skiers — they don’t really get in the mood for the sport until their own lawns are covered with a white blanket.This is the earliest Sundown has opened to skiers in five years. The resort opened November 24th. Dietz says as long as it’s cold outside, his resort will have plenty of machine-made snow, even if the rest of the state is still brown.For more information, surf to “www.sundownmtn.com” or call (319) 556-6676.
