north dakota

Gov. Burgum Testifies That Federal Government Enabled DAPL Protesters

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) — Gov. Doug Burgum testifies in the trial over North Dakota’s claim that the federal government owes the state $38 million in damages from the Dakota Access Pipeline protests. He said “Instead of evicting protesters from federal lands, the U.S. government enabled and encouraged protesters to use Corps land as a home base to launch their often…

Former Tax Preparer With Clients in Fargo Area Pleads Guilty To Filing False Returns

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — A former tax return preparer who had clients in North Dakota has pleaded guilty to five counts of preparing false tax returns. Joseph Korha of Minneapolis worked as a tax return preparer for a business in Phoenix. In 2019, Korha submitted more than 100 fraudulent returns for clients, many of whom lived in the Fargo area….

Shortage of prosecutors having impacts across North Dakota

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – State’s Attorney Offices across North Dakota are reporting that they’re having shortages when it comes to prosecutors. That’s according to Ashley Lies the executive director of the state’s attorney association. “It’s something that we’ve struggled with and that we’re actively working on with the association to find ways to remedy that.” said Lies. This issue has…

Former candidate who tried to recall Gov. Burgum runs again for North Dakota governor

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — An Air Force veteran and former statewide candidate is running for North Dakota governor. Michael Coachman, of Larimore, announced his independent campaign on Tuesday. He has run unsuccessfully for state offices in the past, including governor in 2020, secretary of state in 2018 and lieutenant governor in 2016 and 2012. Republican Gov. Doug Burgum is not seeking…

Republican lawsuits challenge mail ballot deadlines. Could they upend voting across the country?

Republicans are challenging extended mail ballot deadlines in at least two states in a legal maneuver that could have widespread implications for mail voting before the presidential election in November. A lawsuit filed last week in Mississippi follows a similar one last year in North Dakota, both brought in heavily Republican states before conservative federal courts. Democratic and voting rights…

Lynn Helms To Retire as Director of North Dakota’s Mineral Resources Department

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR/KFGO) — North Dakota Director of Mineral Resources Lynn Helms is retiring. He is the state’s expert on oil. He was appointed to lead the Oil and Gas Division in 1998. In 2005, that division merged with the North Dakota Geological Survey and was reorganized as the Department of Mineral Resources, where Helms has continued to serve as…

Outgoing North Dakota Gov. Burgum sees more to do for the ‘underestimated’ state

Gov. Doug BurgumBISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The day after he announced he won’t seek a third term, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum highlighted his administration’s accomplishments and remaining hopes in his annual State of the State address. North Dakota’s biennial Legislature isn’t in session this year, but Burgum has made the speech an annual tradition. He said his last year in office…

Former Gov. Schafer reacts to Gov. Burgum not seeking re-election

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – It’s official, as Governor Doug Burgum announced Monday that he is not seeking a third term in the upcoming election. Burgum made the announcement after serving for seven years in the position. “It’s been a true honor. It’s been a profound, rewarding and incredible experience. And because of that it was a very difficult decision for…