News

Bowman Library booked as one of the best in the state

May 19, 2017

Bowman County is now home to an award-winning public library. In their first year of recognizing libraries across the state, the North Dakota State Library has awarded Bowman Regional Public Library the 2017 North Dakota Star Library for “going above and beyond with the service they provide to their community,” according to a press release from the state library.

Klewin represents Theodore Roosevelt Expressway at Ports-to-Plains Washington DC Fly-In

May 19, 2017

Executive Director Cal Klewin who represents Theodore Roosevelt Expressway on the Ports-to-Plains board of directors was in Washington, DC with a delegation of the organization’s supporters to meet with Congressional offices to discuss the importance of the Ports-to-Plains Alliance and other issues critical to growing our rural economy.

Tuberculosis found in Harding County cattle raises concern with local ranchers entering calving season

March 24, 2017

Local ranchers entering calving season have an unanticipated worry to consider after several head of cattle in Harding County, S.D., were recently infected with bovine tuberculosis.

They finally did it: Bowman's airport ranked No. 1

March 17, 2017

Two years after building a new airport on the east side of Bowman, the hard work and persistence of the Bowman County Airport Authority has been acknowledged at the state level.

Powder River nixes supersonic exercise over Bowman

March 09, 2017

Residents within the expanded Powder River Training Complex can expect some busy skies next week.

County gets new highway super

January 27, 2017

County gets new highway super, Hofland retires after 35 years

Powder River officials to talk operations, mitigation at town hall meeting in Baker

January 20, 2017

Expansion of the Power River Training Complex became a controversial issue for Fallon County when it was proposed well over a year ago.

County’s taxable sales, purchases continue decline for third consecutive quarter

January 20, 2017

Taxable sales and purchases in Bowman County continued their decline for the third quarter of 2016, marking the third consecutive quarter of losses.

We're doing the best we can: Rhame talks direction of city board

January 13, 2017

EACH OF RHAME'S remaining city commissioners were at the point of calling it quits. Instead they banded together and, on Monday, held a town meeting to discuss the direction of the city's government.

County meets to discuss snow plowing

January 06, 2017

A special meeting of the Bowman County Board of Commissioners was called to order last week to discuss snow plowing in the wake of the large winter storms that blanketed the area in the recent weeks.

COUNTY SHUTS DOWN: Christmas Blizzard 2016

December 29, 2016

More than a foot of snow falls on Bowman County, with high winds, making travel nearly impossible.

A WINTER WONDERLAND? Winter Storm Blanche brings state to halt

December 02, 2016

Bowman County and the National Weather Service weren’t sure what to expect as winter weather moved towards North Dakota over the weekend.

ELECTION 2016: General election results

November 08, 2016

State clears Bowman-Haley of toxic algae advisory

November 04, 2016

Bowman-Haley Dam has been cleared of its blue-green algae advisory from the North Dakota Department of Health.

HEAR WHAT THEY HAVE TO SAY: The Pioneer sits down with the 6 Bowman County Commission candidates

November 04, 2016

It’s not often that an election in Bowman County is widely contested. That changed when 10 people stepped up and submitted their name onto the ballot for this year’s primary election.

More taxes coming

October 07, 2016

County approves budget, 18 percent mill raise

WILL IT END? Voters to decide fate of weather mod program

September 23, 2016

Historical, controversial issue for Bowman County now heads to ballot

USDA designates Bowman County, neighboring counties as disaster area

September 23, 2016

Bowman County was designated Friday by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a primary natural disaster area due to losses caused by a recent drought.

Never give up: Fire department's new equipment rescues people trapped in grain

August 19, 2016

An ordinary day of minding the grain bins could turn into tragedy in an instant.

Bowman's Halleck Mine reclamation snags top industry award

July 22, 2016

It wasn't too long ago that a sizable chunk of earth in Bowman County randomly opened up and nearly swallowed its surroundings.

Blue-green Algae Identified in Bowman-Haley Reservoir

July 22, 2016

Blue-green Algae Identified in Bowman-Haley Reservoir; Health Officials Warn Public to Avoid Contact with Water

Mock crash helps with search, rescue response

June 09, 2016

A simulation provided training in communications, search and rescue techniques and mutual aid coordinated response.

N.D. land values decline: County goes against trend

April 08, 2016

Bowman County's land values are increasing and that goes against the state's report.

More candidates enter city, county elections

April 01, 2016

The races in this year’s election are heating up.

Hoeven talks federal priorities, local impacts with area leaders

March 29, 2016

Sen. John Hoeven spent time in Bowman on Monday to discuss federal issues that could impact local communities and advocated for the censure of some current regulations that indicate government overreach.

$12M: New airport has big impact on area

March 19, 2016

The Bowman County Airport Authority’s nearly decade-long pursuit of a new airport paid off last year when the first aircraft took off from the runway to the east of the city. But now its effects have been documented in a recent report to show what that pursuit meant for the county.

Vote could mean shake-up on city, county boards

March 18, 2016

This year’s primary election could have some big consequences for several local governing bodies.

Community moving ahead on long-term industrial park

March 07, 2016

Change always seems to yield opportunity. Bowman County is moving ahead with turning the old Bowman Municipal Airport into an industrial park...

Massive wind farm proposed for Bowman County

February 05, 2016

Apex Clean Energy held an invitation-only meeting for landowners; the company seeks to put about 300 turbines over 30,000 acres in Bowman County.

Letter: Farewell, it’s been a great journey

January 28, 2016

It’s been a great journey throughout the last almost ten years working with the NDSU Bowman County Extension Service.

Scranton has close-call with FEMA over dyke

January 15, 2016

The Scranton City Council was able to take a breath following its meeting Monday night.

Outside the Bakken: Building an empire in Bowman County

January 15, 2016

Mineral leases are now in demand in the county and that means people could strike it rich anytime.

3rd quarter taxable sales, purchases decline

January 08, 2016

Bowman County sees 32 percent dip. North Dakota Tax Commissioner Ryan Rauschenberger released on Wednesday the 2015 third quarter taxable sales and purchases report, and it reflects a drop in activity in North Dakota.

Cutting bus routes? Bowman Co. schools face tough decision over lack of drivers

January 08, 2016

It’s news a working parent wouldn’t want to hear: their student’s school busing route has been eliminated.

INDUSTRIAL PARK MOVES FORWARD: County completes final step for project, buys Wokal property

December 18, 2015

It’s official: Bowman will soon have an industrial park.

Pilots to practice evasive maneuvers over Powder River Complex

November 29, 2015

For the first time, air space above southwestern North Dakota will be used for a large force military training exercise.

Putting the cart before the horse: County, city seek public input on industrial park before vote

November 20, 2015

Bowman County commissioners are still unsure whether to buy airport land for the industrial park project. They will hold a vote Wednesday after a public input meeting Nov. 24.

Bowman County Commission looks at feasibility of old airport conversion

November 13, 2015

The Bowman County Commission met for a special meeting Friday morning to hear the results of a feasibility study regarding converting the space of the old Bowman County Municipal Airport into an industrial park.

Bowman, a ‘go-to oil advocate’, gets honors for leadership

November 13, 2015

Denbury making moves to ready CO2 flooding in county

November 06, 2015

Prep for flooding could take years; pipeline construction to begin 2018

Unused pipes to remain in Bowman County after Keystone XL rejection

November 06, 2015

Ken Steiner looks out the window of his house and sees thousands of pipes sitting in a rail yard. Today, the Bowman County Commissioner learned those pipes aren't going anywhere soon.

Powder River plans first large-scale training exercise

November 06, 2015

Southwest North Dakota can expect to see low-flying aircraft early next month.

Winter is coming. Are you prepared?

October 30, 2015

Get a kit, make a plan, be informed about severe winter weather.

New Bowman Ambulance garage officially opens

October 23, 2015

Bowman Ambulance’s three life-saving rigs finally have a new home after months of anticipation.

Bowman's weather radar back in service

October 23, 2015

Bowman's radar now rests at new airport

Happy hunting: Scranton in Top 5 for pheasants

October 09, 2015

Bowman County was recently named one of the Top 5 locations in North Dakota for pheasant hunting.

Rhame rancher named best of 2015

September 25, 2015

Stockmen’s Association names Njos Rancher of the Year

Learn how farming used to be at annual Threshing Bee

September 04, 2015

Members of Yesterday’s Farmers of Bowman County have been eagerly preparing this week for their upcoming 33rd Annual Threshing Bee.

Bowman Ambulance gets shiny new rig

August 28, 2015

Bowman Ambulance was proud to show off the newest addition to its fleet of emergency vehicles on Tuesday; a brand new rig, a 2015 Ford E-450 Superduty ambulance.

Southwest District Judge Zane Anderson announces his retirement

August 07, 2015

Southwest Judicial District Court Judge Zane Anderson has announced his resignation and retirement effective Nov. 1.

Board buys carnival rides for fairgrounds

August 07, 2015

Hoping to see rides at the next Bowman County Fair? Look no further.

Fixing History: Crew begins work on ‘dangerous,’ abandoned Halleck Mine

August 07, 2015

“They probably knew it would collapse,” says Joan Breiner, an environmental scientist with theNorth Dakota Public Service Commission. The history of the Halleck Mine in Bowman is a long, mysterious one.

High winds, unique clouds break dry, hot streak

July 31, 2015

Did you see the unique cloud formation over Bowman this week? Find out what they were and what it means.

The future of Bowman health care: Construction to begin on hospital

July 10, 2015

Southwest Healthcare Services has been preparing for the co-location of the critical access hospital and long term care facility since 2011.

Rising oil prices mean millions for county, cities

July 10, 2015

In an industry relying heavily upon prediction, little is ever known for sure.

RIDING OUT THE STORM: Southwest region pummeled by high winds, heavy rain, baseball-size hail

June 26, 2015

Did you know that the city of Bowman is uniquely situated in both a radar shadow and a cone of silence? Those are what prevents highly-accurate weather forecasts of severe weather happening on the ground in Bowman.

Emergency responders stage mock extrication

June 26, 2015

Each year a number of fire, ambulance and first responders from the area refreshes their emergency rescue skills by holding a mock automobile extrication.

Demolition derby to be held ahead of county fair

June 19, 2015

One of the Bowman County Fair’s most popular events will be held two weeks before the fair this year.

States weather modification program starts for season

June 12, 2015

During the summer months, spanning June 1 to Sept. 1, a meteorologist and assistant meteorologist are hired through the state cloud modification program to live in Bowman and physically operate its radar.

Take a "Drive" with Kat Perkins

June 05, 2015

Second solo track drops for Scranton native

Reaching the halfway point: Bowman native passes through Bowman on trek across country

June 05, 2015

Syd Sparks and his riding partner are nearly half-way on their 2,425-mile journey across the northern portion of the country.

May's per-barrel oil cost avoids large tax trigger; prices slowly ticking up

June 01, 2015

North Dakota Tax Commissioner Ryan Rauschenberger provided a detailed summary of the current status of the North Dakota oil tax and oil tax incentives, better known as triggers, at a news conference this morning.

New Bowman airport opens for business

May 29, 2015

A new airport east of Bowman that has been nearly a decade in the making is officially open for business.

KAT COMES HOME: Scranton native, contestant on The Voice, tells Bowman County students to be kind, be fearless

May 15, 2015

A little more than a year after finding success on NBC's The Voice, Scranton native Kat Perkins returned home for the first time this week with a message for Bowman County youth: Be kind and be fearless.

New airport experiences turbulence leading to opening

May 15, 2015

The Bowman County Airport Authority is still battling negative rumors over the new Bowman County Municipal Airport, which is scheduled to officially open on May 28.

Sage grouse counts remain low

May 08, 2015

Results from North Dakota’s spring sage grouse survey indicate the number of strutting males observed remains well below management objectives. Therefore, the sage grouse hunting season will remain closed in 2015.

Governor signs seed law legislation

April 17, 2015

North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple signed into law senate bill 2261 on March 30.

Wildfire danger: Whats the risk for Bowman County?

April 10, 2015

Spring is here and with it comes a temperatures, fierce sunlight and high winds. Those are prime conditions for wildfire season.

Moonshine wildfire scars face of Slim Butte in Custer National Forest

April 03, 2015

Just as they were demobilizing from the scene of a wildfire near Camp Crook, S.D., several already exhausted fire crews this week were alerted to a 4,000-acre wildfire near Slim Butte on the far east side of Harding County.

FAA approves expansion of military training area

March 25, 2015

Federal Aviation Administration on Tuesday approved the expansion of a military bombing training area, the final step for the project that spans across the Northern Plains.

County outlines details for $1.8M Buffalo Springs road project

March 13, 2015

Safety was the priority for county commissioners as they detailed a plan last week to update the existing Buffalo Springs road west of Scranton.

County, cities make plans to spend ‘surge’ millions

March 13, 2015

The state of North Dakota made little haste in sending out the hefty checks to cities and townships after the $1.1 billion “surge” fund bill was signed into law late last month.

Hoeven voices frustration after fail to override Keystone veto

March 05, 2015

THE GREATEST DAY IN THE HISTORY OF BOWMAN': Museum opens profound new exhibit

February 27, 2015

Many men from Bowman County and the surrounding areas fought in WWI, according to Nohner, while women on the home front helped to support the Red Cross and the Navy League by wrapping bandages, making bed shirts and going into nursing.

Scranton's Music Educator of the Year prepares to take final bow

February 27, 2015

It was John Denver who once said music brings people together. After almost four decades of bringing together a community while at the helm of Scranton Public Schools music program, Mark Perkins is preparing to shelve his conducting baton.

New ambulance garage construction on schedule

February 27, 2015

It took Bowman Ambulance a while to find a new location for its ambulance garage. That process was completed last summer and gave way to groundbreaking in the fall.

County examining wetland mitigation at old airport

February 20, 2015

Land currently occupied by Bowman’s existing airport could further benefit the county as plans were discussed this week to transform the acreage into resourceful wetland areas.

Bald Eagles calling Bowman County home

February 13, 2015

It’s a bird, it’s a plane… Wait, it’s a bird.

UPDATED: Keystone XL pipeline bill now heads to president

February 06, 2015

Those pipes lying undisturbed just outside of Gascoyne could finally be put to use if President Barack Obama signs a bill triggering the beginning of the Keystone XL Pipeline.

State plans ‘fix’ for sinkhole-causing mines

January 30, 2015

The collapsing of coal mines is a serious issue around Bowman County, so much so that the state pays close attention to several areas where abandoned mines have actually caused sinkholes in the area.

Keystone XL pipeline bill now heads to president

January 29, 2015

Those pipes lying undisturbed outside of Gascoyne could finally be put to use.

$1.1 billion surge bill passes State Senate with 45-2 vote

January 29, 2015

A bill intended to provide surge funding for western North Dakota passed its first hurdle today, being voted on in the N.D. Senate.

UPDATED: Air Force approves Powder River expansion plan for military aircraft

January 23, 2015

The U.S. Air Force announced Jan. 16 that it signed a record of decision regarding the expansion of the Powder River Training Area at Ellsworth Air Force Base in Rapid City, S.D., effectively offering its final decision on the project.

State to discuss one-time, $800M ‘surge’ bill next week

January 09, 2015

If oil prices fall below $52.59 for five consecutive months, oil companies would no longer have to pay the state's 6.5 percent oil extraction tax. That wouldn't be good for North Dakota.

New Bowman airport to be operational in May

January 02, 2015

After almost a decade of planning and many months of construction, the new airport in Bowman County was given a completion date.

Hoeven responds to McConnell’s plan to make Keystone XL first priority

January 02, 2015

Sen. John Hoeven recently issued the following statement in response to the plan to make Hoeven’s Keystone XL approval legislation the first order of business in the 114th Congress.

Health Dept. reports heavy Influenza activity

December 24, 2014

The North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) is reporting widespread influenza activity for North Dakota.

"WE NEED HELP": Scranton’s first response unit could disband

December 24, 2014

The Scranton Quick Response Unit has assisted communities surrounding Scranton since 1990, but now they need the community’s help.

Continental Resources begins drawback of oil rigs in Bowman County

December 19, 2014

Several oil companies with producing wells in North Dakota have found themselves in a conundrum with this month’s announcement of crude oil prices falling below $56 per barrel.

County reacts to Powder River training expansion

December 19, 2014

Having military bombers frequent the skies only 500 feet above Bowman County is not an easy thing to swallow and Bowman County Commissioners are not giving in without a fight.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas: Celebrating community during the holidays

December 12, 2014

The holiday season is in full swing in Bowman County.

Community foundation created for Bowman, Slope counties

December 12, 2014

Bowman and Slope counties recently established another way to support its communities through the creation of an endowment fund setup for charitable giving.

BOMBING OVER BOWMAN – PART II: Air Force releases final impact report; decision to come later this month

December 05, 2014

U.S. Air Force releases environmental impact report for Powder River Expansion; decision expected before Jan. 1.

ANOTHER SPIRIT LIFELINE? Board to consider Valley Med Flight subscription for Bowman Co. residents

November 28, 2014

Emergency medical air transport company Spirit Lifeline closed its operations in North Dakota earlier this year shortly after Bowman County commissioners purchased subscriptions to its service for all county residents.

ELECTION 2014: Everything you need to know about the general election results

November 07, 2014

Bowman County saw several important races on their election ballots Nov. 4 for the 2014 General Election.

Proposed changes to oil fund formula could mean bigger payout for western N.D. cities, counties

October 31, 2014

The latest round of changes, which will be voted on during the impending biennium of the legislature in Bismarck, changes a major concept of the convoluted formula to distribute more funds to the highly impacted counties and cities that produce the oil responsible for the surge in funds.

WHAT IF? Could Ebola reach North Dakota

October 24, 2014

It’s a real concern considering the virus’s ease of spread, but doctors across the state, and the country are now installing preventative measures to assure medical assistance is ready whenever it may be needed.

Officers cite 5, arrest 1 in Bowman traffic selective

October 17, 2014

Several law enforcement agencies assembled Oct. 3 in Bowman for this year�s second traffic selective, aimed to increase safety on local roads.

ITS STILL COMING: Bowman County gets update on status of proposed boom

October 17, 2014

Bowman County won't be the next Williston or Watford City. That much is certain.

Scrantons TIF district moves forward with bond

October 17, 2014

TIF district lots free, but come with $18k price tag for services, auditor says; 7 remain

City, county meet to discuss crew camps, rising permit fees

October 10, 2014

Any applicant wanting to construct a facility in the city of Bowman and Bowman County’s combined extraterritorial zone would have to endure a long, convoluted process that includes double fees and several city and county hearings.

Bowman Theatre holds special screening of documentary film

October 10, 2014

What would North Dakota look like without its vivid farms of wheat?

Complex, controversial, crucial: Get to know this year’s 8 ballot measures

October 03, 2014

The North Dakota general election is one month away—how well do you know the issues? Read about all eight measures that will be on every November ballot in the

Rhame gets its SW Water and drinks it, too

October 03, 2014

Last week marked an abrupt, presumable end to Rhame’s Southwest Water connection saga.

Enterovirus D-68 reaches North Dakota; state health department confirms illness in resident

September 26, 2014

A serious respiratory illness affecting thousands of children across the country this month has reached North Dakota, infecting a child in Stutsman County.

Eliminating Canada thistle crucial, weed board says

September 19, 2014

Bowman County experienced an extremely large amount of moisture this year that caused an abundant growth of Canada thistle, a noxious weed.

Leaders not seeing enough progress with grain car delay

September 12, 2014

Progress is being made following the massive back log that faced grain cars this summer across the state, but state leaders aren’t certain it’s happening fast enough and it’s possible to affect many local farmers during the current harvest.

Crowd gathers to celebrate 150 years of Fort Dilts

September 12, 2014

Bowman County marked the final of three spots this summer that commemorated important historical events that helped shape the Badlands region of western North Dakota.

State delves into new issue of wind farm site decommissioning; sets big precedent

September 12, 2014

MDU offers decommission plans for Bowman County wind turbine farm.

RHAME: Mayor to resign, city auditor says

September 05, 2014

It was announced this week that Rhame Mayor Dennis Walser will step down from his position with the city effective Sept. 8, according to Rhame City Auditor Margie Russ.

SW Water pipeline finished, hook-up pushed to 2015

September 05, 2014

Rhame residents to see higher water bills.

Big problems facing farmers with grain car backlog

August 29, 2014

North Dakotas massive energy exploration is providing a large problem for farmers and agriculture-based businesses as the reliance of grain shipment via railcars is being seriously undercut by oil transport.

New community website touts Bowman County

August 29, 2014

If you've visited www.BowmanND.com within the last week, you've probably noticed some pretty big changes.

Proposal to start school after Labor Day to hit Nov. ballot

August 22, 2014

When North Dakotans head to the polls in November, they will decide the fate of a somewhat controversial measure regarding the start date for schools statewide.

Scranton school OK’s tax levy increase

August 22, 2014

Scranton Public School’s proposal for a 12 percent increase to its general fund tax levy was passed last week.

IN OUR OWN BACKYARD Museum finds massive dinosaur north of Marmarth

August 15, 2014

Beyond its educational, maze-like displays and entertaining splendor lay a series of rooms at the Pioneer Trails Regional Museum in Bowman to which few from the general public are privy.

Groundbreaking announced for Southwest Healthcare project

August 08, 2014

Having achieved State and National-Level USDA project approval, onsite activities are now underway and will continue through targeted completion in September 2016.

Criminal charges filed against truck driver for illegal salt water dump

July 18, 2014

Criminal charges have been filed against a Mountrail county truck driver accused of illegally dumping oil drilling waste, announced Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem.

Mitigating spills impact a top priority

July 16, 2014

In 2013, 74 pipeline leaks occurred, spilling 22,000 barrels, including 17,000 barrels from a single accident in Bowman County.

New airport entering last stages of construction

July 15, 2014

Building a new airport in Bowman proves to be a long, expensive process. Planning began eight years ago and this spring the new Bowman Airport reached the final legs of its construction.