Judges

Judge Todd L. Cresap to Retire

Tue, 12 May 2026 05:00:00 GMT

North Central Judicial District Judge Todd L. Cresap has announced that he will retire effective July 17, 2026

Judge Cresap noted in a letter to Governor Kelly Armstrong that, "It has truly been my honor to have served both the people of the Northwest District as well as those of the North Central District".

Judge Todd L. Cresap was appointed District Court Judge for the North Central Judicial District, Judgeship No. 5 in Minot, North Dakota, by Governor John Hoeven in 2009. He was subsequently elected to the position in 2012 and re-elected in 2016 and 2022.

Born in 1961, Judge Cresap is a native of Valley City. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Minot State University in 1983 and received his Juris Doctor from the University of North Dakota School of Law in 1986. He was admitted to the North Dakota Bar on September 26, 1986.

Prior to his appointment to the bench, Judge Cresap practiced law privately in Minot for more than two decades until assuming his judicial duties in 2009.

Judge Cresap's letter to Gov. Armstrong may be viewed here: Download

Judge Spahr visits Sunrise Elementary

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 05:00:00 GMT

After receiving an invitation from Mrs. Jennifer Erp, District Court Judge Marina Spahr visited with 5th Grade students at Sunrise Elementary School in Bismarck on April 15, 2026. During the visit, Judge Spahr spoke to students about the structure of the North Dakota Court System, the work of district judges and justices, the qualifications to be a judge, and the importance of jury duty in the legal system. The group of over 80 students eagerly asked Judge Spahr about how one becomes an attorney and the work that a judge does. Judge Spahr wrapped up her visit by inviting a group of students to participate in a mock trial, with the student-judge determining the guilt or innocence of the defendant in the fictional case of the missing cell phone.

Judge Spahr began by explaining the roles of each branch of government and how they relate to one another.

Above, Judge Spahr explained to students about the skills that are helpful for attorneys and judges.

Judge Spahr guided the students in their mock trial.

NEJD Judge Whelan announces resignation

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 05:01:00 GMT

Northeast Judicial District Judge Barbara L. Whelan has given notice of her resignation effective April 30, 2026.

In her letter to Governor Armstrong, Judge Whelan noted that "I have served the citizens of the Northeast Judicial District to the best of my abilities since Governor Burgum appointed me in October 2017. Serving as a District Court Judge has been the highlight of my career, and I will always look back at my time on the bench as some of the most fruitful years of my life. I am not sure what the future holds for me at this point, but I do not see myself stepping away from the law altogether and instead serving in a different capacity."

Judge Whelan continued, "My heartfelt thanks to all of the attorneys, court staff, court administration and my fellow judges..."

Judge Whelan was appointed as District Court Judge by Governor Doug Burgum in 2017 for the Northeast Judicial District judgeship #6 located in Grafton, ND. Prior to her appointment, Judge Whelan worked in private legal practice in Maryland from 1990-1993. She worked in private legal practice in Hettinger from 1993-1994; and private legal practice in Grafton from 1994-1998. She was the Pembina County State's Attorney from 1999-2005; and the Walsh County State's Attorney from 2006-2017.

Judge Ashley Samuelson Investiture - Feb. 10th Photos

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 06:00:00 GMT

The formal Investiture Ceremony for Judge Ashley Samuelson was held on February 10, 2026 at the Ramsey County Courthouse. Several North Dakota Supreme Court Justices were present as well as federal, district, and tribal judges across Unit 1. Judge Samuelson has served as a staff attorney for the Northeast Judicial District since 2017. Before joining the Court system, she was a special assistant attorney general with the Devils Lake Regional Child Support Unit, representing the State of North Dakota in state and tribal court proceedings. Her earlier experience includes private practice with Vogel Law Firm and a clerkship with former North Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Gerald VandeWalle.

A native of Edmore, Judge Samuelson earned her bachelor’s degree and law degree from the University of North Dakota. Governor Armstrong appointed Judge Samuelson to fill a judicial vacancy created in the Northeast Judicial District upon the retirement of Judge Donovan Foughty.

To read an excerpt by Judge Samuelson at her investiture, click here: Download

The Honorable Judge Anthony Benson presided over the investiture.

Governor Armstrong provided remarks on Judge Samuelson.

Chief Justice Lisa Fair McEvers delivered remarks recognizing Judge Samuelson and the significance of the occasion.

Judge Samuelson sworn in by Judge Lonnie Olson.

Judge Ashley Samuelson

Judge Ashley Samuelson with Northeast Judicial District Judges (Left to Right: Judge Lonnie Olson, Judge Donovan Foughty, Judge Barbara Whelan, Judge Michael Hurly, Judge Anthony Benson, and Judge Kari Agotness).

Gov. Armstrong appoints Judicial Referee Scott Diamond of Fargo to East Central Judicial District judgeship

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 06:01:00 GMT

Press Release from Gov. Kelly Armstrong's office:

Thursday, January 15, 2026 - 12:50pm

BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. Kelly Armstrong today appointed former prosecutor and current Judicial Referee Scott Diamond of Fargo to an open judgeship in the East Central Judicial District, effective Feb. 1.

Diamond served five years as a city prosecutor in Fargo from 2008 to 2013, prosecuting violations of city ordinances from pre-charge review of police reports to conclusion through a plea or trial, and also spent four years as an assistant city solicitor for Lincoln, Rhode Island. From 2013 to 2023 he served as an alternate municipal court judge for the cities of Fargo and West Fargo, while also operating Diamond Law Firm in Fargo, primarily representing criminally convicted defendants before the North Dakota Supreme Court. He has served as a judicial referee for the East Central Judicial District since 2023, presiding over cases involving domestic relations, evictions, small claims and traffic offenses. Diamond began his 24-year legal career as an associate attorney for the Rosenquist Law Firm in Grand Forks and Larimore.

A native of Grand Forks, Diamond earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks and his law degree from the UND School of Law in 2001. He is a past president of the Cass County Bar Association and a past member of the North Dakota Municipal Judges Association. He also served on the West Fargo Planning and Zoning Commission from 2013 to 2018 and is a current board member and contributor to the State Bar Association’s Gavel Editorial Board.

The East Central Judicial District judgeship vacancy was created by the Oct. 10 resignation of Judge Nick Chase, who was appointed U.S. Attorney for the District of North Dakota. Three attorneys were named as finalists for the judgeship, which is chambered in Fargo.

The East Central Judicial District covers Cass, Steele and Traill counties.

Judicial nominating committee forwards nominees for ECJD vacancy

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 06:00:00 GMT

The Judicial Nominating Committee has selected three (3) nominees for the open seat on the bench in the East Central Judicial District:

Scott O. Diamond (Fargo)
Daniel E. Gast (Fargo)
Christopher C. Myers (Fargo)

Their names are being forwarded to Governor Kelly Armstrong for his consideration. This position was created due to the retirement of Judge Nicholas W. Chase.

NEJD Judge Samuelson Investiture set for Feb. 10

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 06:00:00 GMT

The investiture of Northeast Judicial District Judge Ashley Samuelson will be held February 10, 2026 at the Ramsey County Courthouse in Devils Lake. The event will begin at 1:30 P.M. in Courtroom #1. A reception will follow.

Armstrong appoints Devils Lake attorney Ashley Samuelson to Northeast Judicial District judgeship

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 06:00:00 GMT

Press release from Gov. Armstrong's office:

Gov. Kelly Armstrong today appointed Devils Lake attorney Ashley Samuelson to an open judgeship in the Northeast Judicial District, effective Nov. 28.

Samuelson has served as a staff attorney for the Northeast Judicial District since 2017, assisting district judges with civil and felony-level trials and drafting and editing court orders. She served as a special assistant attorney general for the Devils Lake Regional Child Support Unit from 2011 to 2017, representing North Dakota in state and tribal court matters involving paternity and child support. She previously spent three years in private practice with Vogel Law Firm, representing clients in medical/legal malpractice cases, personal injury, workers’ compensation and probate and estate, and served as a law clerk for now-retired North Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Gerald VandeWalle.

Raised in Edmore, Samuelson earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks and her law degree from the UND School of Law in 2007. She currently serves as the Northeast Judicial District’s regional representative to the State Bar Association of North Dakota and as vice president of the Lake Region Bar Association. She is certified in adult mental health first aid and previously served as an emergency medical technician (EMT) for the Edmore Volunteer Ambulance Service.

The Northeast Judicial District judgeship vacancy was created by the retirement of Judge Donovan Foughty on Sept. 30. Foughty had served the district since 1995. Three attorneys were named as finalists for the judgeship, which is chambered in Devils Lake.

The Northeast Judicial District includes 11 counties: Benson, Bottineau, Cavalier, McHenry, Pembina, Pierce, Ramsey, Renville, Rolette, Towner and Walsh.

Benson elected presiding judge of NEJD

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Judge Anthony Swain Benson has been elected to serve as the new Presiding Judge for the Northeast Judicial District effective immediately, and runs through January 31, 2028. Judge Benson will be filling out the remainder of Judge Donovan Foughty's term, who retired on September 30th.

Judge Benson received his Bachelor of University Studies at North Dakota State University in 1994. He received his Juris Doctor at the University of North Dakota School of Law in 2000, and was admitted to the N.D. Bar on September 22, 2000. He was in private legal practice in Bottineau, from 2000-2015 and served as the Assistant State's Attorney for Bottineau County. Judge Benson was appointed as District Court Judge by Governor Jack Dalyrymple in 2015 for the Northeast Judicial District #3 located in Bottineau, ND. He was then elected in 2018 to complete the unexpired term, and in 2020 he was elected to a 6-year term.

Judge Marina Spahr Investiture Photos from Oct. 10

Sat, 11 Oct 2025 05:01:00 GMT

The formal Investiture Ceremony for Judge Marina Spahr was held on October 10, 2025 at the Burleigh County Courthouse in Bismarck. Current Supreme Court Justices, District court judges and many other supporters were present for the investiture.

Judge Spahr had served as an assistant attorney general and director of the North Dakota Medicaid Fraud Control Unit within the Attorney General’s Office since 2019. Prior to that, she served nearly four years as a senior assistant Burleigh County state’s attorney, specializing in felony-level crimes with direct victim impact. From 1994 to 2015, Spahr worked in private practice in Carrington and Cooperstown, specializing in family law, real estate, probate and contracts, among other areas. During that time, she also served as a state’s attorney or assistant state’s attorney in Pembina, Wells, Griggs and Steele counties, and as a special assistant state’s attorney for Barnes, Eddy, Foster, McLean and Ward counties.

Presiding Judge Cynthia Feland welcomed attendees and explained the importance and meaning of the investiture ceremony.

Chris Joseph, the General Counsel for the office of the Governor, commented on the strengths and skills of Judge Spahr, as noted by many of her peers.

Attorney General Drew Wrigley spoke of Judge Spahr's experience working in the Attorney General's office.

Fargo attorney and friend Alisha Ankers assisted with the presentation of the robe.

Deb Hoffarth of the State Bar Association of North Dakota (SBAND) presented Judge Spahr with a gavel on behalf of SBAND.

Judge Spahr takes the oath of office, administered by Chief Justice Jon Jensen.

Judge Spahr thanked members of her family for their support over the years, and noted the support of other attorneys and judges throughout the years as an attorney.

ECJD Judge Chase announces resignation

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 05:00:00 GMT

East Central Judicial District Judge Nick Chase has given notice of his resignation effective October 10, 2025. Judge Chase was recently confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve as the U.S. Attorney for the District of North Dakota.

Gov. Doug Burgum appointed Judge Nick Chase in April of 2022 to a judgeship in the East Central Judicial District. Prior to his appointment to District Judge, he served for 20 years in the U.S. Attorney’s office for the District of North Dakota, including as Acting U.S. Attorney and First Assistant U.S. Attorney.

View Judge Chase's letter here.

Judge Andrew Eyre Investiture - October 2 Photos

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 05:00:00 GMT

The formal investiture ceremony for Judge Andrew Eyre was held on October 2, 2025 in the Grand Forks County courthouse, followed by a reception. In attendance were Supreme Court justices, Governor Kelly Armstrong, district court and local judges, as well as other court personnel, family, and friends. Judge Eyre was admitted to the ND bar in 2013 and most recently worked in the Grand Forks County state’s attorney office. Governor Armstrong appointed Judge Eyre to fill a judicial vacancy created in the Northeast Central Judicial District following the retirement of Judge Thelen.

The investiture ceremony highlighted a central theme: the vital role of service to the community. Judge Eyre, along with other speakers, emphasized the importance of professionalism and civility, both within the courtroom and in everyday life. Judge Eyre called on individuals to step forward as community leaders by embracing a spirit of service to others. He encouraged treating every person with dignity—whether presenting arguments in court, mentoring young athletes, or engaging in daily interactions. Judge Eyre’s guiding principle can be summed up simply: choose to do what is right, even when doing wrong might go unnoticed.

Above, Supreme Court Justice Lisa Fair McEvers, with Presiding Judge Don Hager looking on.

Haley Wamstad, Grand Forks State’s Attorney

Gretchen Handy, representing the Grand Forks bar association, presented a judicial robe to Judge Eyre and his wife, attorney Maggie Eyre, held it as he put it on.

Judge Kristi Pettit Venhuizen administering the judicial oath

Governor Kelly Armstrong speaking to attendees.

Judge Eyre

Photos from the Retirement Celebration for Judge Donovan Foughty

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 05:00:00 GMT

A retirement celebration for Northeast Judicial District Judge Donovan Foughty was held on September 23, 2025 in the Memorial Building gymnasium in Devils Lake, North Dakota.

More than 100 people filled the gymnasium to celebrate him, his achievements, and his 30 years of dedication as a District Court Judge. The main theme expressed by the multiple speakers at this event was Judge Foughty’s ability to follow the law in cases while ensuring the parties involved in each case still felt respected and valued as individuals. Supreme Court Justice Lisa Fair McEvers facilitated the event, introducing numerous speakers who wished to share their appreciation for Judge Foughty, many of whom also presented him with special gifts. Also in attendance were Chief Justice Jon Jensen, Justice Daniel Crothers, Justice Jerod Tufte, and Justice Douglas Bahr, as well as State Court Administrator Sally Holewa and Assistant State Court Administrator Scott Johnson.

Judge Foughty was deeply honored to be awarded two Native American star quilts—gifts that serve as a profound public display of respect and gratitude. These quilts, symbols of honor and recognition, encapsulate his unwavering dedication to serving and building trust with the tribal nations of North Dakota, and they stand as a lasting testament to the relationships he nurtured and the respect he earned.

Judge Foughty's last day on the bench will be Tuesday, September 30th, 2025.

Above, Judge Foughty, center, recieves a standing ovation from attendees.

Above, Judge Foughty addresses attendees.

Spirit Lake Nation Tribal Chariwoman Lonna Street presented a star quilt to Judge Foughty and a blanket to his wife, Marka Foughty.

Deacon Tony McDonald, speaking, also presented a star quilt to Judge Foughty.

Northeast Judicial Applicants to be Considered for Judicial Appointment

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 05:00:00 GMT

In response to a judicial opening in the Northeast Judicial District created by the retirement of Judge Donovan J. Foughty, the following four lawyers have submitted an application for consideration by the Judicial Nominating Committee.

Ashley Samuelson
Joseph Vetsch
Josh Frey
Ryan Hestbeck

Upon completion of interviews, the Judicial Nominating Committee will forward at least two candidates to Governor Kelly Armstrong.

Judge Steven A. Lautt Investiture - August 22 Photos

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 05:00:00 GMT

North Central Judicial District Judge Steven A. Lautt was formally sworn in in a ceremony held on August 22, 2025 at the Ward County Courthouse. Several Supreme Court Justices, Governor Armstrong, and District court judges were in attendance.

At left, Governor Kelly Armstrong makes comments as Judge Lautt, far right, looks on. Presiding Judge Gary Lee, on the bench, presided over the ceremony.

Chief Justice Jon Jensen (left) administers the oath to Judge Lautt as his wife, Diane, and children June and Andrew look on.

Attorney Debra Hoffarth, on behalf of the North Dakota State Bar Association, with Judge Luatt during the presentation of the gavel.

Judge Lautt makes remarks following his swearing in.

The program may be viewed here: Download

KXNEWS of Minot aired a segment on the investiture and can be viewed here: https://www.kxnet.com/news/top-stories/steven-lautt-sworn-in-as-district-judge-in-ward-county/

Judge Eyre Investiture

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 05:00:00 GMT

The investiture of Northeast Central Judicial District Judge Andrew Eyre will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Grand Forks County Courthouse in Courtroom 303. A reception will follow in the Lawrence E. Jahnke Courtroom.

Click HERE to view the invitation.

Judge Foughty retirement celebration set for September 23, 2025

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 05:00:00 GMT

A retirement party in honor of Northeast Judicial District Presiding Judge Donovan J. Foughty will be held on September 23 at the Memorial Building in Devils Lake.

The event will begin at 1:00 PM with the program to commence at 1:30 P.M. at the Memorial Building. Please join us as we recognize and celebrate Judge Foughty’s years of dedicated service and lasting impact on the judiciary and our community.

Download the invititation to Judge Foughty's retirement celebration for more information.

Armstrong appoints Grand Forks attorney Eyre to Northeast Central Judicial District Judgeship effective Aug. 29

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Gov. Kelly Armstrong today appointed Grand Forks County Assistant State’s Attorney Andrew Eyre to an open judgeship in the Northeast Central Judicial District, effective Aug. 29.

Eyre has served as an assistant state’s attorney for Grand Forks County since 2013. He has led the office’s personal crimes team since 2019, supervising a team of four prosecutors handling cases involving primarily domestic violence, sexual abuse, internet crimes and crimes against children. Eyre previously served as an adjunct faculty member at the University of North Dakota School of Law in Grand Forks, working with the school’s Moot Court program in 2014 and 2015. Prior to attending law school, he worked as a medical services coordinator assisting military servicemembers and as an English teacher.

Originally from Wausau, Wisconsin, Eyre earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and his law degree from the UND School of Law in 2013. He has conducted approximately 40 trials and handled roughly 30 appeals to the North Dakota Supreme Court. Eyre received the 2023 Jim Vigness Peacekeeper of the Year award from the Community Violence Intervention Center (CVIC) in Grand Forks and has served on the CVIC Civil Issues Committee since 2023.

The Northeast Central Judicial District judgeship vacancy was created by the upcoming retirement of Judge John A. Thelen, effective Aug. 1. Thelen has served the district since 2015. Four attorneys were named as finalists for the judgeship, which is chambered in Grand Forks.

The Northeast Central Judicial District comprises Grand Forks and Nelson counties.

Armstrong appoints Bismarck attorney Spahr to South Central Judicial District judgeship

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Gov. Kelly Armstrong today appointed Bismarck attorney Marina Spahr to an open judgeship in the South Central Judicial District, effective Sept. 15. Spahr has practiced civil and criminal law for more than 30 years, both in private practice and government service.

Spahr has served as an assistant attorney general and director of the North Dakota Medicaid Fraud Control Unit within the Attorney General’s Office since 2019. Prior to that, she served nearly four years as a senior assistant Burleigh County state’s attorney, specializing in felony-level crimes with direct victim impact. From 1994 to 2015, Spahr worked in private practice in Carrington and Cooperstown, specializing in family law, real estate, probate and contracts, among other areas. During that time, she also served as a state’s attorney or assistant state’s attorney in Pembina, Wells, Griggs and Steele counties, and as a special assistant state’s attorney for Barnes, Eddy, Foster, McLean and Ward counties.

A native of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Spahr earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Saskatchewan and her law degree in 1992 from the University of North Dakota School of Law in Grand Forks. She has served in more than 70 civil and criminal trials and made 20 North Dakota Supreme Court appearances.

The South Central Judicial District judgeship vacancy was created by the June 6 retirement of Judge David E. Reich, who had served the district since 2006. Three attorneys were named as finalists for the judgeship, which is chambered in Bismarck.

The South Central Judicial District consists of Burleigh, Emmons, Grant, McLean, Mercer, Morton, Oliver, Sheridan and Sioux counties.

NCJD Judge Lautt investiture set for August 22, 2025

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 05:00:00 GMT

The investiture of North Central Judicial District Judge Steven A. Lautt will be held on August 22nd at the Ward County Courthouse in Minot. The event will begin at 2:00 P.M. in Courtroom 302, with a reception to follow.

Download the investiture invitation here.