North Dakota
Today in History: North Dakota bank blasted with dynamite, burglars get away with $3,600
On this date in 1909, burglars dynamited the safe of the First State Bank of Englevale, stealing $3,600 in cash and escaping undetected, leaving extensive damage and limited clues.
Here’s the complete story as it appeared in the paper that day:
N. D. BANK DYNAMITED; YEGGMEN GET $3,600
First State Bank of Englevale, Owned by Opfer Bros. of Fargo, Looted at Early Hour Today—Cracksmen Gets Four Hours Start of Officers.
Gaining entrance by forcing the front door, burglars this morning dynamited the safe of the First State Bank of Englevale, a small town thirteen miles southwest of Lisbon, secured $3,600 in currency and made good their escape, leaving practically no clue behind which can be used by the authorities in detecting the yeggmen.
Not until 5 o’clock this morning was the robbery discovered despite the fact that sufficient dynamite was used to wreck the safe, blow out the plate glass front and tear a hole in the brick work in the front of the building.
The majority of the stock of the bank is held in the estate of the late H. F. Opfer of this city. J. L. Opfer, a son, who is transacting business in the cities at present, is vice president, while E. G. Opfer of this city is a director.
Suspicion at first pointed to three strangers who were seen at Englevale last evening, but this theory was shattered when two of the men were located at Verona and they satisfied the authorities that they were not the men wanted. No train leaves Englevale during the night and no strange autos were seen about the village.
The bank building is a one-story structure surrounded by business houses with no one sleeping in the neighborhood. According to the report received by E. G. Opfer this morning, some residents recollect hearing an explosion about 1:10 a.m., but thought nothing of it and failed to investigate.
At 5 o’clock Wm. Norum, cashier of the bank, arose and saw the shattered front of the bank from his home, and coming to the scene found the condition of affairs.
Tracks of a pair of ponies entering the village from the west, and returning in the same direction, were discovered this morning. Fresh footprints were also found along the railroad track and it is suspected that when one of these clues is followed up that the guilty parties may be apprehended.
The loss of $3,600 in cash, as well as the damage to the building and safe, is fully covered by insurance. Notes and books of the bank which were also in the safe were not touched.
The burglary was reported at the office of Sec. W. C. Macfadden of the North Dakota State Bankers’ association, and every effort will be made to locate the robbers.
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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