North Dakota
North Dakota bill looks to dissolve gambling oversight commission
BISMARCK — North Dakota may eliminate its Gaming Commission and place all authority to regulate gambling with the state Attorney General’s Office if a proposed bill moves forward.
The Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday gave a do-pass recommendation on
Senate Bill 2224
by a vote of 4-3. The bill seeks to streamline the gambling regulation process by eliminating the state Gaming Commission. Several legislators questioned what benefit the Commission provides, but the gambling industry warned the bill would remove key checks on the attorney general’s power.
The Gaming Commission is an independent entity whose members are appointed by the governor. The Commission acts as an added buffer between the Attorney General’s Office and the Administrative Rules Committee comprised of legislators.
“Gov. Armstrong mentioned all the boards and commissions and things that we have in our state, and how we need to look at which ones are pivotal for the functioning of our government and which ones are not,” Sen. Janne Myrdal, R-Edinburg, the primary sponsor of the bill, said in committee.
Tanner Ecker / The Bismarck Tribune
“This came to me from some concerned entities that felt like this particular commission in its duties — which they faithfully execute, obviously — is really a step that we can eliminate in the gaming industry.”
Charitable gambling generated roughly $220 million in revenue in North Dakota as of 2022, and $35 million in tax revenue for the state.
The current flow of gambling regulation in North Dakota starts with the state Attorney General’s Office, which crafts administrative rules regulating the gambling industry. Any proposed rule changes must be looked at by the Gaming Commission, which approves or denies and sends the rules back to the Attorney General’s Office. The Attorney General’s Office then sends the proposed rules to the Administrative Rules Committee where they are finalized and adopted.
North Dakota Director of Charitable Gaming Deb McDaniel said the removal of the Commission would not impact the amount of work the state Attorney General’s Office is responsible for.
“I’ve always worked with the Gaming Commission, and their role is to promulgate the administrative rules … by law,” McDaniel said. “I would just be able to promulgate them without them (the Commission.)”
McDaniel said that while the Commission itself does not hinder the work of her office, it can create situations that do. The Commission must have all five commissioners to meet and approve rules from the Attorney General’s Office. The last time they were able to do so was Jan. 1, 2023.
Since then, there has been at least one vacancy on the Commission — there are currently two — that Gov. Doug Burgum did not fill before leaving office and Gov. Kelly Armstrong has yet to fill.
Until the vacancies are filled, McDaniel is stuck in limbo, unable to make administrative rule changes to regulate the gambling industry.
The gambling industry expressed concern about the elimination of the Commission, saying it provides a beneficial check on the attorney general’s power to govern the industry.
“Our founders knew that it would be a bad idea to give too much power to one single body,” Scott Meske, a lobbyist for the North Dakota Gaming Alliance, said. “That’s kind of what Senate Bill 2224 does; giving 100% of the oversight and regulation to one office. We think the attorney general has done a fine job in overall regulating this industry as it’s grown and changed and morphed over the past few years. But taking away this level of checks and balances is — just sets a very precarious precedent.”
McDaniel said even without the Commission the rules would still need to be finalized by the Administrative Rules Committee, and statute guarantees opportunities for the public — and industry — to provide comment on proposed rule changes.
The bill is expected on the Senate floor Wednesday.
April 20, 1957 – May 2, 2026
Via Miller-Carlin Funeral Home
Steven Privratsky, 69, of Hettinger, North Dakota, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones.
Steven was born on April 20, 1957, in Dickinson, North Dakota, to Steve and Minnie (Binstock) Privratsky. He was raised on the family farm, where he learned the value of hard work, dedication, and family values that he carried with him throughout his life. On June 3, 1977, Steven married the love of his life, Lori Lien, and together they were blessed with three sons: Scott, Mark, and Jason.
Steven was a proud farmer and dedicated many years to raising cattle, planting fields, and cutting hay. Farming was more than a livelihood; it was a way of life he deeply cherished. Steven was also a car enthusiast and a mechanic at heart, and in 1999, he opened Steve’s Service Plus, where he became the town’s trusted mechanic. He took great pride in his work and truly enjoyed visiting with customers, sharing stories, and lending a helping hand.
Above all, Steven’s greatest joy was his family. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, creating special memories and turning the farm into an “amusement park” with tractor, truck, and skid steer rides. Over the past five years, living closer to family in Minnesota was a true blessing. He treasured attending his grandchildren’s activities and being present for the moments that mattered most.
Steven is survived by his loving wife, Lori; his children, Scott (Carmen) Privratsky of Rice, MN, Mark (Sarah) Privratsky of Eden Prairie, MN, and Jason (Kristin) Privratsky of Grant, MN; seven grandchildren, Makenna, Grant, Benjamin, Luke, Caleb, Logan, and Nolan; his siblings, Delores (Harold) Messmer, Lewis (Linda) Privratsky, Larry Privratsky, Mary Kay (Allen) Whitehead, Debbie (Roy) Hofland, and Jeff Privratsky; and his in-laws, Tony (Bev) Volesky, Sharon (Denis) Wells, Donna Lien, Sandra Lien, Lyle (Pat) Lien, Ruth Klein, Alton (Tammy) Lien, Rita (Bill) Frank, Kevin (Terri) Lien, Carla (Jim) Messer, and Curtis Lien. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Steve and Minnie (Binstock) Privratsky; his sister, Betty Jane Volesky; his in-laws, Harold and Dorothy (Shern) Lien, and Linda Privratsky; and his nieces and nephews, Rhonda Starling, Dustin Perfett, Cody Perfett, and Corie Lien.
Steven will be remembered for his strong work ethic, kind heart, and deep love for his family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Miller-Carlin Funeral Homes, 3013 Roosevelt Road, St. Cloud, Minnesota. A second Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, May 15, 2026, at Hettinger Lutheran Church, 904 2nd Avenue South, Hettinger, North Dakota, with visitation at 10:00 AM and funeral service at 11:30 AM, with fellowship and burial to follow.
North Dakota
Connections Tourism: Projects in Wheatland, Mountain and Lakota win North Dakota tourism grants – KVRR Local News
BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) — A total of $4 million has been awarded to 8 projects in the latest round of grants to boost tourism in North Dakota.
The 2026 cycle of Destination Development Grants saw 103 applications from 61 communities.
Those in our region include $300,000 to help create the new Icelandic Roosthus heritage center in Mountain in Pembina County.
It has been in development for over eight years.
$870,000 to Johnny’s Landing in Wheatland in Cass County which is a lodging development with 14 RV sites and 12 wellness-focused heritage cabins converted from authentic granaries and grain bins.
And $500,000 to The Prairie Experience at The Bins in Lakota in Nelson County.
Three grain bin lodging units will be developed and the project will include agritourism experiences.
This grant program was funded by the legislature to promote tourism and attractions in North Dakota.
North Dakota
HHS recognizes May as Foster Care Awareness Month, highlights role of community in supporting children and families
North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is recognizing May as Foster Care Awareness Month, a time to highlight the resilience of children involved in the state’s foster care system and the dedication of those who support them. Read the Foster Care Awareness Month proclamation.
On any given day, about 1,050 children are in foster care in North Dakota. More than 700 licensed foster care providers and nearly 200 relative caregivers open their homes to provide stability and support for children until reunification or another permanent plan can be achieved.
This year’s theme, “It Takes All of Us: Caring for Children, Supporting Families and Strengthening Futures,” emphasizes the importance of strong, collaborative communities in ensuring the safety, well-being and long-term success of children. The theme highlights the role of partnerships across organizations, with families at the center of the work.
Everyone involved in the child welfare system plays a critical role in supporting the safety, permanency and well-being of children in care. This includes relatives, foster care providers, public agencies, juvenile court, child welfare professionals, schools, community service providers and other partners working together to support families and promote reunification whenever possible.
“Foster care is a temporary service designed to ensure child safety while supporting families,” said Chelsea Flory, HHS Children and Family Services director. “May is a time to recognize everyone involved in the child welfare system. This year’s theme highlights the importance of all who play a role in engaging with and supporting families. Together, we strengthen connections and help create brighter, more stable futures.”
Individuals interested in becoming licensed foster care providers are encouraged to call 833-FST-HOME (833-378-4663). For information about providing respite or emergency shelter care, contact the Children and Family Services Licensing Unit at 701-328-2322 or email cfslicensing@nd.gov.
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