North Dakota

McFeely: The problem with Republicans is Republicans

Published

2 years ago

April 15, 2024

Press Room

McFeely: The problem with Republicans is Republicans

FARGO — My Forum Communications Co. columnist

colleague Rob Port had an interesting take on Republican politics the other day.

In lamenting the rightward lurch of North Dakota’s GOP into Crazytown, Rob saw fit to put some of the blame at the feet of the state’s impotent Democratic-NPL Party.

“Monopolies are bad. Competition is good,” Rob concluded. “I’m a conservative, so I’m generally not interested in seeing Democrats elected to office, but I do wish they were more competitive in North Dakota. If for no other reason than to keep Republicans honest.”

In other words, it’s the Democrats’ fault Republicans are

nominating far-right Christian nationalists to important positions like state school superintendant.

Odd way of looking at things, but I get it. Competition generally is good in politics because historically it’s forced moderation. And the vast middle decides elections, allegedly. Fair enough.

Except …

Minnesota.

One state away, one could say Democrats are “competitive.” They hold every statewide office and the trifecta of the state House, state Senate and governor’s office. So, following Rob’s trail of logic, that would mean the Minnesota GOP would moderate to the middle in order to be more palatable to voters. Appeal to the normies, right?

Except …

Minnesota Republicans are just as loony as their counterparts in North Dakota.

So maybe the problem with Republicans is Republicans, and not Democrats?

In recent months, Minnesota Republicans have:

—

Made reverting to the old state flag their No. 1 issue with which they think they’ll win back legislative majorities.

Like, No. 1 with a bullet. Their rhetoric about the old flag’s “heritage” and “history” sounds an awful lot like the arguments made by Southerners who didn’t want to part with Confederate statues.

—

Introduced a bill in the legislature inspired by the nutty chemtrails conspiracy theory,

which offers that the government deliberately laces airplane exhaust with harmful chemicals for various vile purposes, including forced sterilization and mind control.

—

Had a longtime state senator call for the ban of sexual education in schools

because, he said, it produces “addiction to pornography, and some of those young boys will turn into human sexual predators.”

— Had a different longtime state senator argue against safe storage gun laws because farmers need to access firearms quickly

in case one of their milk cows goes berserk.

“You even walk too close to a cow,” Sen. Warren Limmer of Maple Grove said, “and it’ll take you down and trample you into dust.”

In a state where Republicans would just have to be a little normal to take control of the state legislature, they are openly promoting conspiracy theories instead of something that might gain suburban votes like, say, school lunches for all or day-care assistance.

Republicans have gone ’round the bend not because of Democrats, but because the GOP sold out to the loons 30 years ago (see: Newt Gingrich) and the bill is coming due.

The problem isn’t Democrats, it’s Republicans. This is, increasingly, who they are. And the dwindling number of mainstream GOPers remaining are having their faces eaten by the leopard they released.

Who could’ve seen that coming, except everybody?

Mike McFeely is a columnist for The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead. He began working for The Forum in the 1980s while he was a student studying journalism at Minnesota State University Moorhead. He’s been with The Forum full time since 1990, minus a six-year hiatus when he hosted a local radio talk-show.

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North Dakota

Griffin’s 18 lead Western Illinois past North Dakota 69-66 in OT – WTOP News

Published

8 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Press Room

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) — Isaiah Griffin had 18 points in Western Illinois’ 69-66 overtime win against North Dakota on…

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) — Isaiah Griffin had 18 points in Western Illinois’ 69-66 overtime win against North Dakota on Saturday.

Griffin had three steals for the Leathernecks (4-7). Karyiek Dixon scored 17 points while shooting 6 of 10 from the field and 5 for 6 from the line and added 18 rebounds. Lucas Lorenzen shot 3 for 13 (1 for 9 from 3-point range) and 7 of 8 from the free-throw line to finish with 14 points.

Eli King led the way for the Fightin’ Hawks (4-9) with 13 points, two steals and four blocks. Greyson Uelmen added 13 points for North Dakota. Garrett Anderson had 11 points and six rebounds.

___

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Copyright
© 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.

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North Dakota

Community rescues grieving North Dakota widow — by harvesting their late pal’s 1,400 acres of crops

Published

20 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Press Room

Community rescues grieving North Dakota widow — by harvesting their late pal’s 1,400 acres of crops

In North Dakota, farmers aren’t neighbors — they’re family.

When a sudden car crash tragically took the life of a beloved community member, the goodhearted folks of Antler came together to carry out one final act of kindness: they harvested his crops.

Randy Fyllesvold was killed in September, and his grieving widow, Kharra, and their two sons were left reeling, in no condition to deal with the 1,400 acres of corn and soybeans still in the fields surrounding their home.

That’s when the close-knit community stepped in.

Two of Randy’s pals — Wyatt Thompson and Andy Gates — decided to organize a large-scale harvest of their late pal’s crops.

First, they put out a call for help.

And the people answered. In a flash, more than 75 volunteers from surrounding communities were rolling onto the farm on 12 combines, in 40 trucks, all loaded with other equipment — along with willing hands.

They worked together like a well-oiled machine, and the massive effort was locked up in just a couple days.

Kharra said being among so many people harvesting her husband’s final crop was “nothing short of breathtaking” and she feels blessed to be the recipient of so much love and support in such a harrowing time.

But they wouldn’t have it any other way.

“To know Randy was to love Randy,” said buddy Wyatt Thompson told local station KFYR. “..The reach that he had was kind of endless.”

Kharra said she’ll never forget what they did for her.

“As I stood in the shop and looked around before the final Randy Fyllesvold corn harvest started, I was flooded with memories we created with all of you,” she wrote in a heartfelt Facebook post.

“The day was full of emotion, but I found so much peace in watching it unfold … but from the bottom of my heart, thank you. I will always remember this and Randy would be so proud.

“God Bless all of you and the boys and I love each and every one of you. 12 combines, 7 grain carts, over 40 trucks all for you Randy.

“I know you are smiling down.”

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North Dakota

Donald Snyder Sr.

Published

1 day ago

December 12, 2025

Press Room

Donald R. Snyder Sr. 82 of Grand Forks, North Dakota died Tuesday, December 9, 2026, at Villa St. Vincent in Crookston, Minnesota.

Don was born on June 3, 1943, the son of Harrison and Gladys (Whittier) Snyder in Van Hook, North Dakota. He attended school in Van Hook and New Town, North Dakota. Don served in the United States Navy from 1960 – 1964 and was stationed in Hawaii during his time of service as a Military Police officer. He attended ND Police Academy and where he worked in Wattford City, ND and later was the Chief of Police in Parshall, ND. Don attended Minot State University and received a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1972.

Don was united in marriage to Greta Huseby on November 22, 1991, in Lake Tahoe, Neveda. He worked as a social worker in child welfare in North Dakota for thirty-five plus years in various roles in the state in Rugby, Minot and Bismarck as a Regional Supervisor to State Director in foster care. Don spent the many years taking care of family’s needs in North Dakota.

After retiring from Human Service in North Dakota, he worked for Multiband Inc. and Orangehook Inc. Don retired from OrangeHook Inc. as the Senior Vice President, responsible for HR Department.

Don enjoyed fishing (deep sea, rivers and lakes), hunting, woodworking (cabinetry and interior), coaching Tee Ball and soccer, and volunteering for the local honor guards. He was proud of his service in the military and always showed his gratitude for fellow veterans.

Don’s faith and family were his priority. He read the Bible six times and shared his faith with his family and friends. Don and Greta were active members of University Lutheran Church.

Don is survived by his wife, Greta Snyder; three sons, Donald Richard Snyder Jr., Scott (Nancy) Snyder and Tracy (Staci) Snyder; grandchildren, Megan (Rory) Selk, Katelyn Snyder, Gavin Snyder, Whitney (Chris) Crofts, Kaylee (Jon) Gappmaier and Jordan (Jen) Snyder, thirteen great-grandchildren, Kinley, Iyla, Jude, Gabby, Rowan, Sophia, Hunter, Kimber, Isaiah, Benjamin, Porshea, Addie and Mollie; numerous nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, two daughters, Tunya and Mishell Snyder, granddaughter, Jessica Snyder and two infant sisters.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at Amundson Funeral Home. Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at Amundson Funeral Home.

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