January 25, 2022

Change coming to newly-formed District 26

By Neal A. Shipman
Farmer Editor

As a result of the increase in population in McKenzie County during the 2020 Census, the North Dakota Legislature approved a new legislative district, District 26, which encompasses all of the county, as well as the northern portion of Dunn County, excluding that portion of the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in both counties.
And last Monday, Jan. 17, district Republicans held their organizational meeting and elected officers and at-large members who will be serving on its nine-person executive committee.
According to District 26 State Senator Dale Patten, who ran the meeting, the only purpose of the meeting was to adopt the bylaws for the new district and to elect officers.
“This is not an issue meeting,” stated Patten. “It’s an organizational meeting.”
While the adoption of the bylaws was pretty straight forward being unanimously passed by the crowd of over 200 that packed a meeting room at the Rough Rider Center, the election of new officers was another matter as three of the nominating committee’s recommended slate of officers were replaced by nominees from the floor.
Sheldon Wahlstrom was elected as chairman, while Pete Transtrom and Laurie Johansen were elected as vice chairman and secretary, respectively.
Previously serving was Gretchen Stenehjem, temporary chairman, while Daryl Dukart was nominated as vice chairman and Jeff Shaffer was nominated as secretary. Calli Thorne was the only individual nominated for the party’s district treasurer position. Stenehjem, Dukart, Shaffer and Thorne were the nominating committee’s recommended slate of officers.

For the full story, subscribe to the McKenzie County Farmer

WATFORD CITY WEATHER