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Port: We need better enforcement of campaign laws (and maybe better campaign laws, too)

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Port: We need better enforcement of campaign laws (and maybe better campaign laws, too)


MINOT — American politics have grown more coarse in the Trump era.

The political process was never a walk in the park, but they’ve taken on an edge compared to the not-so-distant past. North Dakota politics are no exception to the rule, either. Driven in no small part by a North Dakota Republican Party that is divided against itself, this primary season has been a nasty business filled with accusations and recriminations.

We’re in the silly season now. The primary election is looming on June 11, and given how diminished North Dakota’s Democrats are, that election will effectively conclude many races in the Legislature and for statewide office. Either because the Democratic candidate is not competitive or because the Democrats didn’t nominate a candidate at all.

In the coming days, you’ll hear many accusations about campaign law violations, with varying degrees of veracity. These include billboards and mailers without the required disclosures attached or supposedly independent political action committees coordinating too closely with candidates. You may also hear about ethics complaints filed against candidates.

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But this column isn’t about any specific set of accusations. Rather, I’d like to make the argument that the officials tasked with enforcing North Dakota’s campaign laws need to be ready for this to be the new normal.

In my experience, law enforcement officials — from police officers and sheriffs to county prosecutors — have been reluctant to get involved in these matters. Their attitude is that these are petty matters of politics and really not worthy of their time or attention. And yet, a law on the books is a law that must be taken seriously or removed from said books (more on that in a moment).

At a time when some political forces in our country are trying to tear down our institutions of law and order, when politicians look to outgun accountability through the abject shamelessness of their actions, we can’t afford to have a lackadaisical attitude toward campaign laws.

Laws governing political campaigns need to be enforced robustly. They need to mean something. And when a politician violates them, that should be taken seriously.

There are some things the Legislature can do to help. A thorough review of campaign laws is appropriate. Many of them were written in a pre-digital age. Do they still make sense? Should they be modified, or perhaps even eliminated? Lawmakers should also consider who should investigate and enforce the laws. Do we want cops and deputies doing it? Or could another body — maybe the state Ethics Commission? — be given the resources and authority to take over?

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Suffice it to say that things can be improved.

We live in tumultuous political times. Our state and country feel divided in ways few of us have ever experienced. There’s little we can do about that as a matter of law, but we can make sure the existing laws reflect the realities of modern campaigns and are enforced thoroughly and fairly.

Rob Port is a news reporter, columnist, and podcast host for the Forum News Service with an extensive background in investigations and public records. He covers politics and government in North Dakota and the upper Midwest. Reach him at rport@forumcomm.com. Click here to subscribe to his Plain Talk podcast.





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North Dakota

Bids awarded for construction of Highway 85

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Bids awarded for construction of Highway 85


WATFORD CITY, N.D. (KUMV) – The North Dakota Department of Transportation awarded more than 150 million dollars in bids to continue expanding highway 85 south of Watford City.

More than $83.8 million will go to Park Construction out of Minneapolis for one segment. It covers about five and a half miles south of the Long X Bridge, going through another section of the badlands. It’s expected to be a three-year project due to the rough terrain.

The next segment covers 12 and a half miles south from the badlands to the highway 200 intersection. The winning bid went to Strata out of Grand Forks for $61.7 million. It will be a two-year project.

Funding for these projects were provided by both the state and federal government.

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Griffin’s 18 lead Western Illinois past North Dakota 69-66 in OT – WTOP News

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Griffin’s 18 lead Western Illinois past North Dakota 69-66 in OT – WTOP News


GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) — Isaiah Griffin had 18 points in Western Illinois’ 69-66 overtime win against North Dakota on…

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) — Isaiah Griffin had 18 points in Western Illinois’ 69-66 overtime win against North Dakota on Saturday.

Griffin had three steals for the Leathernecks (4-7). Karyiek Dixon scored 17 points while shooting 6 of 10 from the field and 5 for 6 from the line and added 18 rebounds. Lucas Lorenzen shot 3 for 13 (1 for 9 from 3-point range) and 7 of 8 from the free-throw line to finish with 14 points.

Eli King led the way for the Fightin’ Hawks (4-9) with 13 points, two steals and four blocks. Greyson Uelmen added 13 points for North Dakota. Garrett Anderson had 11 points and six rebounds.

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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© 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.



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Community rescues grieving North Dakota widow — by harvesting their late pal’s 1,400 acres of crops

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Community rescues grieving North Dakota widow — by harvesting their late pal’s 1,400 acres of crops


In North Dakota, farmers aren’t neighbors — they’re family.

When a sudden car crash tragically took the life of a beloved community member, the goodhearted folks of Antler came together to carry out one final act of kindness: they harvested his crops.

Randy Fyllesvold was killed in September, and his grieving widow, Kharra, and their two sons were left reeling, in no condition to deal with the 1,400 acres of corn and soybeans still in the fields surrounding their home.

Randy Fyllesvold, seen here with his wife Kharra, was killed in September. Kharra Fyllesvold/Facebook

That’s when the close-knit community stepped in.

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Two of Randy’s pals — Wyatt Thompson and Andy Gates — decided to organize a large-scale harvest of their late pal’s crops.

First, they put out a call for help.

And the people answered. In a flash, more than 75 volunteers from surrounding communities were rolling onto the farm on 12 combines, in 40 trucks, all loaded with other equipment — along with willing hands.

They worked together like a well-oiled machine, and the massive effort was locked up in just a couple days.

Kharra said being among so many people harvesting her husband’s final crop was “nothing short of breathtaking” and she feels blessed to be the recipient of so much love and support in such a harrowing time.

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The tiny North Dakota community banded together to help the family bring in the harvest. Kharra Fyllesvold/Facebook

But they wouldn’t have it any other way.

“To know Randy was to love Randy,” said buddy Wyatt Thompson told local station KFYR. “..The reach that he had was kind of endless.”

Kharra said she’ll never forget what they did for her.

More than 75 volunteers stepped up to help bring in the harvest. Kharra Fyllesvold/Facebook

“As I stood in the shop and looked around before the final Randy Fyllesvold corn harvest started, I was flooded with memories we created with all of you,” she wrote in a heartfelt Facebook post.

“The day was full of emotion, but I found so much peace in watching it unfold … but from the bottom of my heart, thank you. I will always remember this and Randy would be so proud.

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“God Bless all of you and the boys and I love each and every one of you. 12 combines, 7 grain carts, over 40 trucks all for you Randy.

“I know you are smiling down.”



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