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Stutsman County Courthouse revival planned thanks to historic $5.86 million donation

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Stutsman County Courthouse revival planned thanks to historic .86 million donation


BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) – Nothing quite beats the views from the Stutsman County Courthouse clock tower.

It’s too rundown to climb right now, but thanks to a charitable gift from a local, that will soon change.

The entire courthouse will be renovated to preserve the structure for years to come.

The Stutsman County Courthouse was built in 1883 and is North Dakota’s oldest surviving courthouse.

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It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places, but thanks to a recent large and mysterious donation, the courthouse will survive well into the future.

In a town with just over 15,000 people, secrets are hard to come by. But walking the grounds of the Stutsman County Courthouse, you might never know the dedication and generosity it takes to keep it all going.

“We’re open three days a week all winter long. This is really where North Dakota became a state. We say it’s the birthplace of North Dakota,” said 1883 Stutsman County Courthouse site supervisor Kyle Nelson.

But even more enchanting than its seemingly everlasting charm is a $5.86 million donation that unexpectedly came through this past September, from a man no one would have expected.

“George Spangler was someone I didn’t know personally. Actually, I’ve never met him,” said Nelson.

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“I knew him as an acquaintance,” said former Courthouse Site Supervisor Steven Reidburn.

“He was just a local business owner. He owned the antique shop,” said Nelson.

“I bought some things from George,” said Stutsman County resident Art Todd.

“He was always just kind of around, somebody around the fringes,” said Stutsman County resident Barb Lang.

“He took an interest in the building even though he was not known for getting active in the community,” said Nelson.

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“He was quite a character, to say the least,” said Todd.

“None of us knew that he had any money at all, and the fact that he would ever give it to us— he could be a grumpy old codger,” said Lang.

“When he passed on, the State Historical Society got a call from his estate saying, ‘Hey, you know, he’s made a donation. It could be pretty sizeable,’” said Nelson.

That donation turned out to be the biggest the State Historical Society has ever received.

“The foundation has been in existence since 1965, and the George Spangle gift is the largest ever received by the foundation, which is considerable considering we went through a capital expansion project,” said North Dakota State Historical Society Foundation executive director Dale Lennon.

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You might miss it, but tucked behind the opulence and ornate fixtures waiting around each corner, a slew of projects is waiting to be addressed.

Lennon said they plan to use the money to renovate the press box, clock tower, staircase, basement, install an HVAC system and other little projects to keep the site thriving.

“There was no funding. So, it is these little things that always chipped away to the point where there was a movement to tear the whole thing down because it seemed like such a huge project,” said Nelson.

So, the next time you stop by the old Clerk of Courts to make an old-fashioned phone call, think of George.

“I guess about all I can say is that George was George,” said Todd.

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Thanks to George’s generosity, the courthouse will live on and so will his legacy.



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North Dakota

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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