North Dakota
North Dakota House narrowly passes bill allowing babies to live with their mothers in prison
BISMARCK — North Dakota lawmakers barely passed a bill Wednesday, March 26, seeking to allow a women’s prison to create a nursery program where babies can live with their incarcerated mothers.
After a debate that lasted nearly an hour, Senate Bill 2352 passed the House with a 48-42 vote.
The legislation is likely to be reconsidered since 48 votes are required for a bill to pass and four members were absent or not voting Wednesday.
SB 2352 would authorize the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to allow children 18 months or younger to live with their mothers at the Heart River Correctional Center in Mandan.
The facility is currently under construction and scheduled to open in 2027, when the program would be effective.
SB 2352 has the same intent of failed Senate Bill 2115, which was struck down by the Senate in January by a 18-29 vote. Opposing lawmakers cited concerns of the bill’s uncertain, but potentially large, fiscal note.
The bill has since been slimmed from eight pages to a few sentences. Its original language would have exempted prison staff from being held liable if the child was injured — unless those injuries resulted from a negligent employee.
Liability isn’t directly addressed in what remains of the bill, but it does require the department to enact policies to protect the child.
Costs associated with implementation are based on “future liability events,” according to its fiscal note, which lists $100,000 as a ballpark figure for the 2027-29 biennium.
Allowing mothers and their young children to live together is better for both parties involved, DOCR leaders and other proponents say.
During the Wednesday debate, 14 representatives voiced varying opinions about what’s more ethical and cost-effective: keeping babies with their imprisoned mothers or putting them in the foster system instead.
“I’ve had the honor and privilege of arresting some of those women,” TJ Brown, R-Fargo, said. “I cannot prioritize the incarcerated mother’s interest over the well being of the child; while babies may not understand their surroundings, a prison environment may have far reaching effects on their development.”
Tanner Ecker / The Bismarck Tribune
Other opponents said the bill is incomplete and lacks necessary statutory oversight to protect a baby by not addressing liability.
Supporters emphasized that the bill merely authorizes the DOCR to plan for the program ahead of the new facility opening, pointing to states where similar programs have shown to reduce recidivism rates and improve the health of both mothers and their babies.
Many supporting lawmakers also referenced their time visiting with mothers who are incarcerated.
Tanner Ecker / The Bismarck Tribune
“Listening to the debate today, it (visiting the facilities) should be a requirement, not a wish,” Rep. Jon Nelson, R-Rugby, said.
“Yes, you can be honored to pick up somebody off the streets that’s on a drug-ravaged crime and think you’ve done your civic duty, but it’s a different person when they get to the Heart River facility,” Nelson continued. “These women don’t have the services that we have at the North Dakota state penitentiary. This is the hope that they look for.”
North Dakota
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.”
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.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (AP) — Damari Wheeler-Thomas’ 21 points helped North Dakota State defeat Cal State Bakersfield 80-69 on Thursday.
Wheeler-Thomas had three steals for the Bison (8-3). Markhi Strickland scored 15 points while shooting 6 of 11 from the field and 3 for 6 from the free-throw line and grabbed five rebounds. Andy Stefonowicz went 4 of 7 from the field (3 for 4 from 3-point range) to finish with 13 points.
Ron Jessamy led the way for the Roadrunners (4-7) with 18 points, six rebounds, two steals and four blocks. CJ Hardy added 13 points. Jaden Alexander also recorded eight points and two steals.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
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