North Dakota
Scores are in on 2 ND fertilizer plant proposals competing for $125M
BISMARCK — Two proposals competing for $125 million in state money to help build a fertilizer plant in North Dakota have been scored by independent reviewers, with three out of four scores falling in the “questionable” rating.
NextEra Energy Resources and Prairie Horizon Energy Solutions will go through a technical review on Tuesday in front of a Clean Sustainable Energy Authority committee.
That authority is scheduled to meet again on Jan. 23 to consider the proposals, with the state Industrial Commission having the final say on the $125 million forgivable loan.
NextEra’s $1.293 billion facility would be in the Spiritwood Energy Park near Jamestown. The proposal from Prairie Horizon Energy Solutions is for a $2.2 billion facility near Dickinson.
A much-discussed bill passed during North Dakota’s special legislative session in October specified that the fertilizer production facility must use hydrogen produced by the electrolysis of water.
The loan would be forgiven when the facility is complete, essentially turning the loan into a grant.
Both proposals have been scored by two technical reviewers. Those scores fell into categories of “good,” “fair” and “questionable.”
Both the reviews for the NextEra plant fell into the “questionable” category. One review of Prairie Horizon was high enough to be rated “good,” the other “questionable.”
The reviewers are independent of the committee and are not identified on the scoring analysis.
The Clean Sustainable Energy Authority Technical Review Committee will go over the scores in detail when it meets at 9 a.m. Tuesday.
An in-state supply of fertilizer has become a high priority for North Dakota. Farmers need fertilizer to boost yields of crops such as corn and wheat. But North Dakota is largely dependent on fertilizer imported from other countries.
Kyle Martin / For the North Dakota Monitor
North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring told legislators during the special session that the state imports more than half the nitrogen fertilizer that farmers need.
It takes a lot of energy to make chemical fertilizer, and Goehring also notes North Dakota’s strong energy infrastructure in making the case for a fertilizer plant.
One of the major fertilizer suppliers is Russia, and its invasion of Ukraine has contributed to wide swings in the price of fertilizer in recent years.
The Mississippi River is a major supply route for fertilizer and North Dakota’s distance from that route puts it at a disadvantage compared to other Midwest states.
Sen. Dale Patten, R-Watford City, called North Dakota “the end of the trail” for fertilizer shipments.
“It costs a lot to get it shipped in, creates a lot of costs for our ag producers,” he said.
Patten is the co-chair of the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority along with Rep. Glenn Bosch, R-Bismarck.
The incentive money had been included in the Office of Management and Budget bill. But that bill was ruled unconstitutional because it covered topics outside the scope of the Office of Management and Budget.
As a separate bill, it was criticized by some legislators who felt the hydrogen requirement tailored it too specifically to NextEra, which testified in favor of the bill.
“When I saw it come through, what was missing, from my perspective, was this technical review process,” Bosch said. “So when I put the amendment that really required it to go through the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority, what we’re seeing happen right now is what I had hoped would happen — we’ve got competing projects, we’re going through the steps to vet them properly. So I think by doing that, I think that will help people feel like money wasn’t just earmarked for one company or another.”
This story was originally published on NorthDakotaMonitor.com
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North Dakota
Griffin’s 18 lead Western Illinois past North Dakota 69-66 in OT – WTOP News
GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) — Isaiah Griffin had 18 points in Western Illinois’ 69-66 overtime win against North Dakota on…
GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) — Isaiah Griffin had 18 points in Western Illinois’ 69-66 overtime win against North Dakota on Saturday.
Griffin had three steals for the Leathernecks (4-7). Karyiek Dixon scored 17 points while shooting 6 of 10 from the field and 5 for 6 from the line and added 18 rebounds. Lucas Lorenzen shot 3 for 13 (1 for 9 from 3-point range) and 7 of 8 from the free-throw line to finish with 14 points.
Eli King led the way for the Fightin’ Hawks (4-9) with 13 points, two steals and four blocks. Greyson Uelmen added 13 points for North Dakota. Garrett Anderson had 11 points and six rebounds.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
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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.”
North Dakota
Donald Snyder Sr.
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.
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