North Dakota
JHS sophomores score 'very well' on ND State Assessment
JAMESTOWN — Jamestown High School sophomores scored better than the statewide average scores in math, science and English language arts for the North Dakota State Assessment.
“It shows we are doing very well as a district,” said Caroline Thompson, instructional coach at JHS.
The North Dakota State Assessment measures student performance against the state’s challenging content and achievement standards in select subjects and grades, according to the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction’s website. The North Dakota State Assessment consists of general, criterion-referenced assessments for all students in grades 3-8 and 10 in English language arts/literacy and mathematics, and in grades 4, 8 and 10 in science.
North Dakota State Assessment scores are categorized into four categories — novice, partially proficient, proficient and advanced.
JHS sophomores were 36% proficient in math compared to the state average of 25%. A total of 15% of JHS sophomores were advanced compared to the state average of 9%.
In math, 160 JHS sophomores scored an average of 615 compared to the state average of 599 by 3,100 students.
JHS sophomore Clay Bingham received the highest overall score in math and Luke LeFevre, Ethan Oettle, Maggie Stegmiller and Jaydyn Velek rounded out the top five from Jamestown High School.
JHS sophomores were 66% proficient in English language arts compared to 42% for the state average. A total of 36% of JHS sophomores were advanced in English language arts compared to 14% for the state.
Contributed / Caroline Thompson
The average score in English language arts was 686 for 159 JHS sophomores. Across the state, 2,872 students’ average score in English language arts was 652.
JHS sophomore Gradin Thorlakson got the highest overall score in English language arts and was followed by Madalynn Grim, Emma Hoke, Autumn Roberts and Bryson Woods. Those who got perfect essay scores in English language arts include Thorlakson, Grimm, Cadence Kurtz, Kaiah Nenow, J’Leal Nolden, Hayden Olson, Elise Roberts and Mea Ulland.
In reading, 188 JHS sophomores were 68% proficient compared to 44% across the state. Thirty-five percent of JHS sophomores were advanced in reading compared to 15% in the state.
In science, 159 JHS sophomores scored an average of 1,010 points compared to the state average of 997. JHS students had 68% proficiency compared to the 45% state average, according to data provided by JHS. A total of 23% of JHS sophomores were advanced in science, and 68% were proficient.
Masaki Ova joined The Jamestown Sun in August 2021 as a reporter. He grew up on a farm near Pingree, N.D. He majored in communications at the University of Jamestown, N.D.
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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