North Dakota
Port: We need better enforcement of campaign laws (and maybe better campaign laws, too)
MINOT — American politics have grown more coarse in the Trump era.
The political process was never a walk in the park, but they’ve taken on an edge compared to the not-so-distant past. North Dakota politics are no exception to the rule, either. Driven in no small part by a North Dakota Republican Party that is divided against itself, this primary season has been a nasty business filled with accusations and recriminations.
We’re in the silly season now. The primary election is looming on June 11, and given how diminished North Dakota’s Democrats are, that election will effectively conclude many races in the Legislature and for statewide office. Either because the Democratic candidate is not competitive or because the Democrats didn’t nominate a candidate at all.
In the coming days, you’ll hear many accusations about campaign law violations, with varying degrees of veracity. These include billboards and mailers without the required disclosures attached or supposedly independent political action committees coordinating too closely with candidates. You may also hear about ethics complaints filed against candidates.
But this column isn’t about any specific set of accusations. Rather, I’d like to make the argument that the officials tasked with enforcing North Dakota’s campaign laws need to be ready for this to be the new normal.
In my experience, law enforcement officials — from police officers and sheriffs to county prosecutors — have been reluctant to get involved in these matters. Their attitude is that these are petty matters of politics and really not worthy of their time or attention. And yet, a law on the books is a law that must be taken seriously or removed from said books (more on that in a moment).
At a time when some political forces in our country are trying to tear down our institutions of law and order, when politicians look to outgun accountability through the abject shamelessness of their actions, we can’t afford to have a lackadaisical attitude toward campaign laws.
Laws governing political campaigns need to be enforced robustly. They need to mean something. And when a politician violates them, that should be taken seriously.
There are some things the Legislature can do to help. A thorough review of campaign laws is appropriate. Many of them were written in a pre-digital age. Do they still make sense? Should they be modified, or perhaps even eliminated? Lawmakers should also consider who should investigate and enforce the laws. Do we want cops and deputies doing it? Or could another body — maybe the state Ethics Commission? — be given the resources and authority to take over?
Suffice it to say that things can be improved.
We live in tumultuous political times. Our state and country feel divided in ways few of us have ever experienced. There’s little we can do about that as a matter of law, but we can make sure the existing laws reflect the realities of modern campaigns and are enforced thoroughly and fairly.
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.
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.
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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