News

Gov. Doug Burgum today announced that 299 public and non-public elementary schools in North Dakota will have the opportunity to receive the All Kids Bike Learn-to-Ride Kindergarten PE (Physical Education) Program, giving a projected 9,000 students the opportunity to learn to ride a bicycle in the 2023-24 school year alone. The goal is to gain private sector partners to ensure every kindergarten class in the state has access to this exciting program, making North Dakota the first state to provide statewide programming.

Gov. Doug Burgum has appointed Brad Hawk to serve as executive director of the North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission, effective immediately, citing his proven track record of leadership within the agency and his strong commitment to building state-tribal partnerships and relationships.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced the appointment of former Texas Health and Human Services executive Wayne Salter to lead the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), citing his more than 25 years of experience and leadership in human service programs, strategic planning and process improvement to better serve citizens. Salter will begin his role as HHS commissioner on Jan. 22.

Gov. Doug Burgum has appointed Grand Forks attorney Theodore “Ted” Sandberg to a judgeship in the Northeast Central Judicial District, which is comprised of Grand Forks and Nelson counties.

Gov. Doug Burgum released a statement regarding the passing of former state Sen. Dwight Cook of Mandan. Cook served in the Legislature from 1997 to 2020, representing District 34 and chairing the Senate Finance and Taxation Committee from 2009 to 2020.

Gov. Doug Burgum declared a statewide emergency for widespread utility infrastructure damage caused by a severe winter ice storm that left over 20,000 North Dakotans without electricity.

Gov. Doug Burgum appointed Colby Braun to serve as interim director of the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DOCR), effective Jan. 1. Current DOCR Director Dave Krabbenhoft is retiring Dec. 31.

Gov. Doug Burgum today announced a record high population estimate for North Dakota this year, with the U.S. Census Bureau showing the state’s population reached a new all-time high of 783,926 residents as of July 1, 2023.

Gov. Doug Burgum has directed all government agencies to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff on Tuesday, Dec. 19, and encourages North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses, as a mark of respect for the memory and longstanding service of Sandra Day O’Connor, retired Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, on the day of her interment. 

Gov. Doug Burgum and Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller this week marked the completion of the Burgum administration’s seventh year, reflecting on a year of landmark legislation and milestones that included a record tax relief package, major investments in child care, workforce and infrastructure, and expanded support for law enforcement and the military.