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11 establishments fail alcohol compliance checks

Eleven establishments in Ward County have been found in violation after failing recent alcohol compliance checks. The compliance checks were conducted by the Ward County Sheriff’s Department in partnership with the Surrey Police Department and First District Health Unit as part of ongoing efforts to prevent underage access to alcoholic beverages and promote responsible alcohol service. The operation involved underage individuals working under the direct supervision of law enforcement who attempted to purchase alcoholic beverages from participating establishments. When requested, ...

ND taking action to cut SNAP error rate

North Dakota experienced a 9.89% state error rate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in 2025, placing it among states that would be responsible for picking up a share of costs in the future due to exceeding the federal 6% threshold for error. “It is important to note that a payment error rate does not represent fraud. Instead, it reflects administrative variances – such as minor documentation omissions or calculation shifts – when processing complex household cases,” said Interim Economic Assistance Director Rebecaa Askins with the North Dakota Department ...

WSC audit recommends tuition waiver oversight

WILLISTON – More than $200,000 in tuition waivers were given out at Williston State College in 2024-2025 that failed to follow appropriate procedures and without proper approvals in place, according to the North Dakota State Auditor’s Office. In releasing findings of an audit this week, the auditor’s office noted that without proper guidance and approvals, waivers can be awarded inconsistently, and taxpayers may end up covering costs that should not be waived. WSC responded that it already is working to update its procedures. A statement from the college read: “Williston State ...

State canvassing board certifies election results

BISMARCK - The State Canvassing Board certified the 2026 Primary Election results Wednesday, making them official for state, judicial and legislative contests. Election results were submitted by the 53 county canvassing boards, which are responsible for reviewing the election results from each precinct within their counties. In addition to reviewing election results for all contests on the ballot, county canvassing boards are required to certify their county contests 13 days after election day. State canvassing board members include Secretary of State Michael Howe, State Treasurer ...

Anderson-Maier 50th Anniversary

Ronald G. Anderson and Mary Lee (Hartl) Maier will celebrate their 50th anniversary at a party at their cabin at Lake Sakakawea on July 4, hosted by their sons, Michael and Nate Anderson. The couple was married July 2, 1976, at First Lutheran Church. Both are lifetime residents of Minot.