North Dakota
NDGF gives preview of 2025 seasons and reflects on 2024
BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) – 2024 was a great year for wildlife activities in North Dakota. North Dakota Game and Fish preview what’s in store for 2025.
Whitetail deer numbers in 2024 were still slowly rebounding from previous bad winters and disease, but upland game bird numbers looked pretty good.
“I think hunters experienced a really good upland game bird season, especially the combination of pheasants, sharptailed grouse, partridge,” said Jeb Williams, Director of the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.
Fishing continues to be good on many waterbodies in North Dakota.
“Fisheries, again, another great year. I think one of the challenges of open water season in 2024 was that we had an exceptional open water 2023. So the expectations I think were really high and sometimes that’s very hard to meet,” said Williams.
Weather always plays an important role in wildlife populations.
“So 2024 started out really good as far as moisture-wise, but in a lot of areas of the state, got pretty tough come middle part of July. And that’s definitely has carried into where we’re at now. So it’s going to be have to be something that we will have to monitor and know that it can and have some impacts on wildlife if that drought persists,” said Williams.
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is always looking to partner with private landowners to create wildlife habitat and hunting access.
“Working in partnership with those individuals and for voluntary conservation programs where maybe the piece of property isn’t as productive from an agriculture standpoint, but has some opportunities and benefits when it comes to conservation,” said
And how are things looking heading into 2025 for our state’s wildlife populations?
“Numbers-wise from bird perspective are very good. Obviously, from a big game perspective, deer, we’re at a period of time where we’re kind of in rebuilding mode for some of these areas. But there’s some opportunities out there if people are willing to take advantage of things that are currently on the high of the roller coaster ride that we have in North Dakota with some of our outdoor opportunities,” said Williams.
Another highlight in 2024 was the PLOTS program, which added an additional 40,000 acres for hunting access.
Copyright 2025 KFYR. All rights reserved.
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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