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Shaw: Analyzing the selection of Doug Burgum to be Interior secretary

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Shaw: Analyzing the selection of Doug Burgum to be Interior secretary


Donald Trump selecting North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum to be secretary of the Interior and “energy czar” is a good move. Burgum is smart, experienced and connected in these areas. Perhaps more importantly, Burgum is capable and competent, unlike unfit Cabinet nominees such as Tulsi Gabbard and RFK Jr.

Yes, Burgum has been a Trump bootlicker, and was very good at it. He made numerous appearances on television, while making excuses for Trump’s transgressions. He campaigned all over the country for Trump. He constantly traveled to Mar-a-Lago. He even attended Trump’s criminal trial in New York. In essence, Burgum bet on the right horse and was rewarded.

Trump was undoubtedly attracted to Burgum’s experience as a wealthy businessman and his connections to the oil industry. However, the most important thing to Trump is loyalty, and Burgum clearly demonstrated that. Burgum has come a long way since he said he wouldn’t do business with Trump.

Part of Burgum’s responsibility will be to oversee the National Park Service. Hopefully, Burgum will put an end to attempts to remove wild horses from Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota.

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Burgum will also oversee the Bureau of Indian Affairs. That’s a good fit, as Burgum has impressively reached out to Native Americans in North Dakota.

Burgum’s nomination comes at a time when oil production is at record highs. However, Trump’s position of “Drill, baby, drill” could cause major problems for the environment. Will Burgum push for drilling for oil and gas or a refinery in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge? How about near Theodore Roosevelt National Park? How about in other protected federal lands?

Any of those scenarios would be very damaging.

Following Trump’s lead, Burgum would likely move to abolish climate rules and eliminate subsidies for clean energy. That would be alarming.

Burgum should easily be confirmed by the Senate, and it will be good to have a North Dakotan in the Cabinet. However, by working so closely with Trump, Burgum’s words will prove to be prophetic when he said, “You’re judged by the company you keep.”

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Good to hear that Sen. Kevin Cramer says the allegations against Pete Hegseth, Trump’s nominee for Defense secretary, are “very concerning.” According to a police report, Hegseth allegedly committed a disturbing violent sexual assault and then paid off the victim. Hegseth is also unqualified for the job.

Sen. Tina Smith got it right when she told the Minnesota Star Tribune that Hegseth has “zero experience managing on this scale.”

Thanks so much for once again voting me “Best Columnist of the Red River Valley.” I am truly humbled, especially because there are several other outstanding columnists in this area. It’s an honor to have this platform, and it’s very gratifying to know that I am connecting with you, the readers.

InForum columnist Jim Shaw is a former WDAY TV reporter and former KVRR TV news director.

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North Dakota

Windy conditions fuel shop fire in rural Mapleton

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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.

Windy conditions fuel shop fire in rural Mapleton(Casselton Fire Department)

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.

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Copyright 2026 KVLY. All rights reserved.



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Finley, North Dakota without water after watermain leak.

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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.

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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.



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Richard D. Langowski Obituary April 16, 2026 – Tollefson Funeral Home

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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.”

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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.

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or send flowers to the family in memory of Richard D. Langowski, please visit our

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