North Dakota
After three decades, B-1 Bomber returns to Grand Forks for special mission
GRAND FORKS, N.D. — It’s a blast from the past at the Grand Forks Air Force Base. The B-1 bomber returned, exactly 30 years after the last one left.
The beast of a plane, which guzzles a million gallons of gas a month, is helping Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota buy time.
“Ellsworth has to undergo a significant runway repair and upgrade, and in order to do that, they need to temporarily relocate their mission,” Col. Tim Monroe, a commander with the 319th Reconnaissance Wing at the Grand Forks Air Force Base, said Tuesday.
Ellsworth is getting ready to host a fleet of B-21 jets, but the Air Force needs the jets fueled and ready. Luckily, Grand Forks has a deep history of hosting B-1 bombers.
“This is not terribly new to us, but we do have to revisit a lot of basic principles of operating an aircraft like this because this installation, for many years, has operated unmanned systems,” Monroe said.
“Grand Forks quickly became one of the best options that popped up: its proximity to Ellsworth is one of its perks, additionally that it’s got a lot of B-1 infrastructure still existing here,” Lt. Col. Nathaniel Butler, the director of the Commander’s Action Group, said.
Specifically, the quality of the fuel lines and the runway at Grand Forks Air Force Base. The base has the potential to host many more of these, and several hundred airmen, as Ellsworth continues construction.
“It’s going to require some infrastructure updates to the installation, but it’s also going to require everybody to play nice and make sure that we are working cooperatively to sustain two wings’ missions from this base,” Monroe said.
“With every project there’s going to be problems, and some of them comes to funding, and a lot of it comes to contracting timelines, I don’t think that there’s anything that any one person can wave a magic wand and fix.” Butler said.
The Pentagon recently awarded the Grand Forks base more than $61 million dollars for renovation work.
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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