North Dakota
Shaw: Properly fund ND’s small state colleges; Dockter and Mitchell should resign
There is a real problem on the campuses of North Dakota’s small state colleges and universities. Many non-academic buildings are falling apart. Buildings such as dorms and student unions.
The problem is the state will not fund non-academic buildings. The philosophy is that the small schools must raise the funds themselves. That’s not possible. The donor base is too small, and there aren’t enough students to pay for these costs with increased fees.
Funding dorms and student unions should be the state’s responsibility. These buildings are vital to all students on campus. Other facilities, such as college football practice complexes, should be paid for with private funding, because they don’t benefit all the students. In nearby states, the states that North Dakota is competing with for college students, dorms and non-academic buildings are paid for with public money.
Currently, there are college dorms across the state that need to be renovated. Other dorms are in such poor shape that they need to be replaced with new dorms. However, nothing is happening on those fronts because the colleges don’t have the money. North Dakota has the money. It’s time for the Legislature to step up and support the state’s smaller colleges and universities.
North Dakota Rep. Jason Dockter, R-Bismarck, should resign. Dockter was found guilty in a Bismarck court of a conflict of interest, for voting on legislation that he financially benefited from. Those were budgets for the North Dakota Attorney General’s Office. Even without the criminal conviction, Dockter should resign for making the sweetheart deal with former Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem. That sleazy deal for a building project sent millions of dollars to Dockter’s companies.
Likewise, Minnesota Sen. Nicole Mitchell, D-Woodbury, should resign
. Mitchell was charged with first-degree burglary after being found in her stepmother’s house in Detroit Lakes. I realize you are considered innocent until proven guilty, but the evidence against Mitchell is overwhelming. According to police, Mitchell entered the house through a window and was found in the basement at 4:45 a.m. wearing all-black clothing and a black hat.
Donald Trump’s whining about his gag order is getting old. That order was well-deserved because of Trump’s public comments blasting those connected to his trial. Trump’s complaints that he can’t defend himself are untrue. He can testify if he wants to. He likely won’t do it because he knows he authorized the hush-money payments.
Just wondering if Minnesota Rep. Michelle Fischbach will ever stop ducking the media and actually talk to them. It’s her job. As a member of Congress, Fischbach needs to answer questions from the news media and appear on talk shows that aren’t MAGA echo chambers. Say what you will about North Dakota Sen. Kevin Cramer and North Dakota Rep. Kelly Armstrong, but they rightfully make themselves accessible to the media.
InForum columnist Jim Shaw is a former WDAY TV reporter and former KVRR TV news director.
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.
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.
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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