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Prosecutor declines charges for deleting the emails of the late North Dakota Attorney General

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Prosecutor declines charges for deleting the emails of the late North Dakota Attorney General


BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A special prosecutor has declined to press charges in connection with the deletion of late North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem’s state email account days after his death in 2022.

The deleted emails are part of a nearly 2-year-old controversy involving a building cost overrun of over $1 million disclosed by Drew Wrigley, Stenehjem’s successor. The situation rattled lawmakers, who tapped the state auditor to look into the matter. A Montana state investigator also probed the situation and gave a lengthy report last year.

In July 2022, records requested by the media revealed that Stenehjem’s executive assistant, Liz Brocker, had directed the deletion of his emails the day after he died, as well as those of his chief deputy after he resigned, months later. Brocker herself resigned around the time reporters found out.

Mountrail County State’s Attorney Wade Enget outlined his decision in a memo Thursday to Burleigh County State’s Attorney Julie Lawyer, saying he can’t file a charge of tampering with public records because North Dakota law didn’t clearly define at the time that emails are a government record. A new state law for email retention has since taken effect.

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Enget told The Associated Press he is still reviewing the Montana report regarding the remodel and lease of the building, which houses divisions of the attorney general’s office. The cost overrun occurred under Stenehjem.

Brocker’s attorney, Tom Dickson, said Enget made the correct decision.

“When you looked at the law in effect in 2022 or during the time frame we’re talking about here, it wasn’t a violation, and I concluded that almost right away,” Dickson said.

Brocker now works in the Burleigh County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Separate from Enget’s review, Republican state Rep. Jason Dockter, of Bismarck, who has an ownership interest in the building, was charged with a misdemeanor for “voting on legislative bills appropriating money to pay for property he had acquired a pecuniary interest in,” according to a complaint. He has pleaded not guilty; a trial is set for May.

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Windy conditions fuel shop fire in rural Mapleton

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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.

Windy conditions fuel shop fire in rural Mapleton(Casselton Fire Department)

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.

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Finley, North Dakota without water after watermain leak.

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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.

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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.



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Richard D. Langowski Obituary April 16, 2026 – Tollefson Funeral Home

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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.”

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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.

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or send flowers to the family in memory of Richard D. Langowski, please visit our

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