McKenzie County Farmer - Latest News

Patrice Bumstead
Farmer Editor

Over the last few months you probably have heard some of the same things I have. People across our community are wondering if the recent turnover at the county offices is something to be concerned about. Two department heads and two states attorneys resigned their positions with McKenzie County, so I asked a few questions of leadership of the county.

People all over the community are weighing in on the matter, especially after the recent appointment of Acting State’s Attorney Johnson & Sundeen, on Sunday, March 9, at a special meeting held by the McKenzie County Board of Commissioners (BOCC).
We all know it can be dangerous to trust social media as an infallible source of news, but you may have heard a lot of things I have. Rumors and speculations buzzing on social media talking about bullying, and hostile work environments.

One social media post in particular stated in part “The HR Director resigned last Friday as well, it was announced, but we have been told that she left as she no longer wanted to do the commissions alleged “dirty work or their unethical practices.” There is also said to be growing concern from county employees of Auditor Johnsrud now taking on HR duties and “going after” those employees.”
Citizens are questioning why four members of local government have resigned with short notice or in an “immediate fashion.”
Other citizens are claiming the recent turnover is the “beginning of a mass exodus.”
The county employs approximately 200 people, and officials state that the turnover rate in the county is no different than any other large entity.

While respecting privacy, officials reported that the explanations given by those who turned in their resignation recently, were for personal reasons - not linked to issues within the workplace.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the state of North Dakota saw a 3.3 percent separation rate in January 2025. McKenzie County departments saw a 0.2 percent separation rate from January to March 2025 according to data collected from the county.

Are the speculations of “why” these four individuals parted ways from the county due to the positions that they held at the time of their departure? The Farmer brought these questions and concerns directly to each Commissioner.
“While we always strive to create an environment where employees want to build long-term careers, the reality is that people move on for a variety of reasons - whether personal, professional, or a combination of both. As a large organization with 200 employees and more than twenty department heads, it’s not unusual to have turnover even at the leadership level. For example, we lost several department heads during my first year on the commission in 2021. Each of the recent resignations has been due to individual circumstances, and it would be inaccurate to characterize them all as resulting from conflict with other county leaders,” responded Commissioner Joel Brown.

Brown continued “Of course, like any workplace - public or private - there can be differences in opinion, and not everyone will always see eye to eye. But, that’s just part of having a large team with different roles, responsibilities, and perspectives. What matters is that we work through challenges professionally and keep the focus on serving the people of McKenzie County.”
“Regarding the State’s Attorney’s Office, we took diligent and immediate action to ensure continuity of services following the resignations. We’re incredibly grateful to Johnson & Sundeen for stepping up on such short notice. Because of their help, everything kept moving along smoothly. Looking ahead, we know that hiring a permanent State’s Attorney will be one of our top priorities. It’s notoriously tough to fill that role anywhere in rural North Dakota, but we’re committed to identifying a solution that works to serve the needs of our citizens.

At the end of the day, we want to be upfront with the community. We know people have questions, and we’re happy to answer them.”
On Monday, March 10, the BOCC held a special meeting to discuss the duties and restrictions of the state’s attorney’s office.
Business partners, Ross Sundeen, Ariston Johnson and Aaron Weber of Johnson & Sundeen, were able to clarify with the BOCC exactly what duties Johnson & Sundeen will be able to perform going forward as the Acting State’s Attorney, as well as the process of handling court matters until a permanent state’s attorney is hired.

Attorney Ross Sundeen provided a brief history of the McKenzie County States Attorney Office, citing that in 2013 the BOCC decided that it was important to have a restricted office and to have a state’s attorney that was dedicated to just government work without the divided attention of a private practice. The restriction was put into motion beginning 2014.
This means that in McKenzie County, anyone that holds the state’s attorney position cannot have a private practice at the same time.
“Unwittingly, they [the BOCC] reduced the opportunities of the marketplace...you take a pool of attorneys, and restrict that office - now you’re strictly looking at people who want to do the government’s work, and only the government’s work,” explained Sundeen.
“Quite frankly, I don’t think that’s a wide audience at the present time. Where we sit today is, we are more than willing to help the county any way that we can - we’re friends and neighbors, we want to do what’s in the best interest of your constituency. But, we are handcuffed by the restriction,” he continued.

Sundeen stressed the importance of the limitations his staff members face due to the restrictions. However, with each court proceeding, they will be able to appear in court and the presiding district judge for each case will assign Johnson & Sundeen to handle them on behalf of the county.

“Mr. Sundeen, we need to move from a restrictive, to a non-restrictive correct? And then we need to appoint you as states attorney, and the other two as assistants so all three of you can help with the process,” asked BOCC Chairman Howdy Lawlar.
Sundeen stated that he did not feel those decisions should be made overnight and suggested that the commissioners open up the market to attorneys who have a private practice, and then move to lift the restrictions.
“The statute is very clear, under the century code, the BOCC needs “to be in agreement” with the state’s attorney in order to lift the restriction. You don’t need an appointment today, you’ve given us the vote of confidence to do the county’s work here in the interim...that puts you in a better position to have some meaningful discussions and make some decisions before your next business meeting,” Sundeen replied.

What about the other departments?
Sheriff Matthew Johansen requested insight on the process of administrative paperwork and where search warrant requests and other documents be filed during the transition period. Sundeen confirmed that the day-to-day operations of law enforcement will continue as normal and they will handle the administrative side.

Sundeen advised that the office personnel within the state’s attorney office designate a senior leadership employee as their “pointman.” Commissioners voted to have Sharon Lane be the direct report through the transition period.
The commissioners decided that human resources would work with Lane for the day-to-day operations.

As the BOCC and Johnson & Sundeen work together to form and execute a permanent solution to the void in the county, there will be more discussion on the vacancies at the next regularly scheduled meeting.
This is an ongoing situation, The Farmer will continue to report any updates as they are provided.

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