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5 more cases of measles found in western North Dakota, bringing state total to 9

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5 more cases of measles found in western North Dakota, bringing state total to 9


WILLISTON, N.D. — An additional five measles cases have been identified in Williams County, bringing North Dakota’s 2025 total to nine cases.

According to the North Dakota Health and Human Services, all the newly confirmed individuals were unvaccinated and had no reported contact with previously identified cases. These individuals are currently isolating at home as recommended to help limit further spread, a release said.

The first measles case in North Dakota since 2011 was identified in Williston on May 2.

The case appeared in an unvaccinated child in Williams County who authorities believe contracted the disease from an out-of-state visitor. On Monday, May 5, officials confirmed the total had jumped to four cases, all identified in unvaccinated individuals.

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Measles is a contagious viral illness that can lead to serious and deadly symptoms in young children and those with compromised immune systems. Symptoms include a fever, cough, runny nose, eye irritation and a body-wide rash.

North Dakota health officials said members of the public who were at the Williston Walmart on April 29 between 2 and 5 p.m. may have been exposed. Anyone who was at the store at that time is encouraged to monitor for symptoms and contact a health care provider if symptoms develop.

Four of the people diagnosed with measles were in Williston schools while infectious, state health officials said. North Dakota Century Code requires unvaccinated students to be excluded from school for 21 days following exposure.

Staff at the schools without documentation of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccination or who were not born before 1957 should also not attend school, officials said.
Unvaccinated staff and children in the following schools have been told to remain at home and monitor for symptoms:

  • Missouri Ridge Elementary: May 7-May 23,
  • Williston Middle School: May 7-May 21,
  • Williston High School: May 7-May 21.

“Due to the current measles outbreak, please isolate at home if you have symptoms of runny nose, fever, cough, and rash,” Beverly Tong, Upper Missouri District Health Unit deputy director, said in the release. “Isolation should continue until at least four full days after the onset of a rash. Time from exposure to onset of rash is generally around seven to 21 days, and you can spread measles up to four days prior to the time the rash appears.”

Tong recommended people to contact a primary doctor for anyone who wishes to be tested for measles.

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Officials said the new cases are not linked to earlier known exposures. However, as a precaution, state officials recommend all residents and travelers to Williams County ensure they are vaccinated against measles. This includes consideration of early MMR vaccination for infants aged 6 through 11 months. Infants younger than 6 months are not eligible for the vaccine.

Aside from the single case in 2011, North Dakota had not had any reported measles infections since before 2000, when the disease was eliminated from the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Health officials attribute recent measles outbreaks across the nation to declining vaccination rates. As of Friday, May 2, the CDC confirmed 935 measles cases nationwide, up from 884 cases a week before. According to CDC data, 121 people have been hospitalized nationwide, with three deaths confirmed.

MMR vaccination rates declined in North Dakota kindergartners from 95% in 2019-2020 to 90% this school year,

the North Dakota News Cooperative reported.

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For more information, contact the HHS Immunization Unit at (701) 328-2378 or 711 (TTY), or visit

hhs.nd.gov/measles

.





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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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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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