North Dakota
Omdahl: Poll clarifies opinion on Legacy Fund
A new scientific poll underwritten by the North Dakota News Cooperative has finally cast some light on citizen opinions about this $10 billion Legacy Fund filled primarily by oil and gas money.
The money did not come from the backs of those “hard-working citizens” often used in political rhetoric but it is money owned by everyone in North Dakota. Therefore, everyone has a stake in the use of the fund.
Having taught polling at the University of North Dakota, I offer some cautionary advice. The reliability of polls – even though scientifically structured – can be affected to some degree by the nature of the subjects being polled.
In his narrative, Michael Standaert of the NDNC points out that 75% of the people polled admited a level of ignorance on the subject of Investment board activities. Of course, the board has not done much to close the information gap between the Investment Board and the people.
Because the people have been in the dark, their judgment on some issues must be taken with a bit of cognitive salt.
An outcropping of North Dakota parochialism appeared when 60% said they want the Legacy Fund investing not in out-state or out-of-hemisphere, but in North Dakota development projects, with only 18% favoring investment any where we can get the best return.
Throw this on the biennial carousel and we will get political outriders exploiting the revenue losses resulting by investing in only North Dakota because it will be important money on the campaign circuit.
In the poll, 84% want more transparency of investments, primarily publication of the lists of investment. According to lead pollster Trevor Smith of WPA Intelligence, “this is an important governing board but it’s a mystery to most voters.”
When I chaired the Investment Board in the mid-80s, I found that investing was more complex than it appeared on the surface, with the board relying heavily on the professional advice of experienced consultants.
Over the years, legislators have add their confusion to the administration of investments by putting themselves on the board, no doubt thinking that their imperial status would intimidate the non-legislative members of the Board.
As of now, the Legislature has wedged two members onto the board with efforts to expand its foothold in upcoming sessions.
It has forgotten that in our three-branch government the Legislature determines policy and the executive executes policy. The presence of legislators on this administrative board is a violation of separation of powers.
When so little information flows through the state about the Investment Board functions there is little political accountability for transgressions in the underbrush. Legislators can – and do – violate the basic tenets of the Republic.
Hopefully, the poll will lead to a greater state discussion of this wealth that has mortified us into inaction.
North Dakota
Windy conditions fuel shop fire in rural Mapleton
MAPLETON, N.D. (Valley News Live) – Casselton Fire responded to a shop fire in rural Mapleton on Saturday afternoon, according to Casselton Fire Chief John Hejl.
Casselton Fire was dispatched to the scene at 3:30 p.m. Saturday. Windy conditions escalated the fire before crews arrived, Hejl said.
Firefighters used defensive and offensive lines to control the fire upon arrival.
Casselton Fire was assisted by Cass County Sheriff’s Office, Casselton Ambulance, West Fargo Police Department, Davenport Fire and Mapleton Fire.
Copyright 2026 KVLY. All rights reserved.
North Dakota
Finley, North Dakota without water after watermain leak.
A do not use water advisory issued by the City of Finley, North Dakota. April 2026.
FINLEY, N.D. (KFGO) – The city of Finley, North Dakota has been without potable water since Friday due to a suspected water main leak. Steele County Emergency Management says it is unclear how long it will take to restore water services in the city.
The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality says the available water in Finley has been deemed unusable for drinking, cooking, bathing and washing dishes or laundry.
The water system will need to be flushed and samples that say the water is safe will need to be collected for the water advisory to be lifted.
North Dakota
Richard D. Langowski Obituary April 16, 2026 – Tollefson Funeral Home
Richard D. “Rick” Langowski, age 78 of Minto, North Dakota passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at his home in Minto.
Rick was born March 10, 1948 in Grafton, North Dakota, the son of the late Julian and Catherine (Wysocki) Langowski. In 1967, he volunteered for the military bringing him to Germany as a Motor Sargent. After an Honorable Discharge he took a job at the International Airport in Grand Forks, ND. His duties included: refueling planes and jets as well as maintaining the grounds. He had the opportunity to meet the famous singer Mr. James Brown.
Rick was united in marriage to Alice Odegard on June 17, 1982 in Minto, North Dakota. The family made their home in Minto where they raised Jason and Angela. Rick was very proud of his children and loved them more than anything. He told everyone and bragged about the children he raised. He cherished his grandchildren and loved to be present in every aspect of their lives.
His career changed to semi driving where he drove for Cenex Transportation for four years and ten years for Valley Transports. His love for the open road directed him into the used car business. He opened Minto Auto Sales and Services in 1987, proudly operating for 39 years. He had the privilege to meet many people and travel to many places. He enjoyed riding his many Harley Davidson Motorcycles. In 2025, he sold the business to his longtime mechanic and friend, Aaron Anderson. In Rick’s opinion, “Minto Auto is one of the best mechanical shops in the area.”
He was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Minto, ND. He loved hunting with Jason, watching sports, especially the Yankees and Twins. In 2017, Rick was able to enjoy a father/son trip of a lifetime to Alaska. He thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the trip and thought was the best time of his life.
Rick is survived by his children: Jason Odegard, Reynolds, ND; Angela (Nick) Eppert, Goshen, IN; grandchildren: Ashlyn, Kaia, Annika, Boden and Caelan; sisters: Carol King, Grand Forks, ND; Connie Jones, Argyle, MN; seven nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his very close friend and confidant, Yvette Estep, Grafton, ND. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Robert and Ronald.
Rick’s family would like to extend a very special thank you to Yvette Estep, an employee of Rick’s, affectionately known as “hotrod.” She was there for Rick, along with Aaron for doctor’s appointments, treatments and helped comfort him throughout his battle. Jason and Angela will be forever indebted to her and consider her family.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 10:30 A.M. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Minto. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Minto, ND. Military Rites will be provided by the Minto American Legion Post and the North Dakota National Guard Honor Guard.
or send flowers to the family in memory of Richard D. Langowski, please visit our
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