Local News

Esmond man dies in vehicle-train crash

HARVEY - A 74-year-old Esmond man died when the pickup he was driving and a BNSF train crashed northeast of Harvey Saturday, Aug. 22. According to the North Dakota Highway Patrol, about 2:48 p.m., a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado was stopped on the railroad tracks on 35th Avenue Northeast, facing north, 5 miles northeast of Harvey. An eastbound BNSF train struck the driver’s side of the Silverado. The railroad crossing was uncontrolled and marked with yield signs. The driver of the Chevrolet Silverado died from injuries sustained in the crash, according to the Highway Patrol. The driver ...

Festivities conclude at Fjord Folk Fest

State certified as Recovery Friendly Workplace

BISMARCK – The State of North Dakota has been certified as a Recovery Friendly Workplace, one of only two state governments to receive the national certification from the National Recovery Friendly Workplace Institute, Gov. Kelly Armstrong announced. “Creating a supportive workplace for people in recovery is more than just good policy for filling open jobs in state government – it’s also the right thing to do,” Armstrong said. “We’re honored to receive this national Recovery Friendly Workplace certification and thankful for everyone in our administration and those who came ...

Fjord Folk Fest carries on tradition

Fjord Folk Fest brought the community together Friday, Aug. 21, for a celebration of Scandinavian heritage, featuring cultural performances, food, vendors and artisans. Attendees embraced their roots throughout the first day of the festival, with many wearing traditional clothing and sharing ...

Festival maintains cultural importance

Volunteers with First Lutheran Church were serving rommegrot Friday at the first Fjord Folk Fest, just as church volunteers did for many years at the previous Norsk Hostfest. Hostfest ended a long run after its 2025 event. Fjord Folk Fest bears similarities to Norsk Hostfest, including many of the same vendors selling food and other goods. First Lutheran Church has been involved with previous Scandinavian festivals, such as the Ethnic Food Fest as well as Norsk Hostfest. The church was founded by Lutheran Scandinavians, originally hosting services in Norwegian, said Carolyn Bodell, one ...

Planning Commission denies feedlot near Surrey

A proposed animal feeding operation near Surrey failed to gain the support of the Ward County Planning Commission Thursday, Aug. 20. The commission rejected the plan 8-0 after determining it lacked the proper setbacks from a watercourse and from a residentially zoned area. Ansuz, LLC, has ...