North Dakota
Petitions submitted in hopes of placing recreational cannabis back on ballot
BISMARCK — Carrying boxes filled with 22,444 signatures, members of the New Economic Frontier strutted Monday into the North Dakota Capitol to deliver petitions that, if approved, would for the third time ask voters in November to legalize recreational cannabis.
Signature validation is pending by the Secretary of State’s office as the minimum amount required for ballot approval is 15,552.
“As we’re getting closer and closer and closer, why this is important now is because at some point it’s going to pass,” said Steve Bakken, former Bismarck mayor and chairperson for the ballot-initiative group.
“So do we pass something that makes sense for North Dakota and we’re on the front side of it so we can manage it and the state can manage it, or are we going to wait to just clean up a mess?” he asked.
The proposed
measure
would allow adults who are at least 21 years old to possess an ounce of cannabis flower, 4 grams of concentrate and edible products containing up to 1500 milligrams. Residents could also grow up to three cannabis plants, with a limit of six per household.
Medicinal use of cannabis was legalized by voters in November 2016 with strict requirements concerning how sales are conducted and where product comes from. Current law surrounding recreational use remains stringent.
Possession is fully illegal outside of medicinal use, with varying charges relative to the amount apprehended. Small amounts tend to be misdemeanors, while larger amounts connected to any intent to sell or distribute lead to felony charges — especially if delivered. Charges are even further amplified if the crime occurs within 300 feet of a school.
Although people under the age of 21 who ingest cannabis can receive a class B misdemeanor, it is not a crime for those 21 and older to ingest the substance.
“We wanted something that made sense in North Dakota for North Dakota,” Bakken said. “So that’s what this initiated measure does. It gives the opportunity for voters to make a decision, and allows the state to seamlessly regulate, have oversight, license and subsequently tax the cannabis in a recreational fashion.”
Bakken said his group of petitioners wants to improve economic development, widen medicinal access to cannabis and help the criminal justice system in North Dakota. He said it was important to adopt their own initiative rather than using another state’s initiative.
“We don’t want to see something that comes in from out of state that the Legislature and the attorney general’s office has to spend a lot of time going back through and changing a bunch of laws, or the languages and laws, to make something fit,” Bakken said.
The Secretary of State’s office has 35 days — until Aug. 12 — to determine the validity of signatures. If the petition is approved, the proposed measure will be included on the November election ballot.
Peyton Haug joined The Forum as the Bismarck Correspondent in June 2024. She interned with the Duluth News Tribune as a reporting intern in 2022 while earning bachelor’s degrees in journalism and geography at the University of Minnesota Duluth.
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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