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N.D. (AP) – North Dakota’s governor says he isn’t impressed with a Minnesota lawmaker’s comment that Bismarck’s Depression-era Capitol building looks like an insurance office, calling the critic ignorant of 1930s architecture. Minnesota Republican House majority leader Matt Dean called North Dakota’s capitol “embarrassing” during a debate Thursday about renovating his state’s capitol in St. Paul. North Dakota Governor Jack Dalrymple (DAHL’-rimp-ul) weighed in on the controversy yesterday.

COOPERSTOWN, N.D. (AP) – A state crime agent testified yesterday that a pair of black coveralls and tan boots led investigators to discover the severed head of a North Dakota State University researcher in a suspect’s basement. Thirty-one-year-old Daniel Wacht is on trial, accused of decapitating Kurt Johnson. Johnson’s body has not been found. Wacht has pleaded not guilty.

HOUSTON (AP) – The number of rigs actively exploring for oil and natural gas in the U.S. is up 22 this week to 1,972 after falling by 29 the previous week. Houston-based oilfield services company Baker Hughes Incorporated reported yesterday that North Dakota and Wyoming each shut down one rig.

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) – The North Dakota Women’s Network is planning a workshop to help prepare women to seek office or serve as campaign staffers. The Ready to Run workshop is scheduled for 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 21st at the University of North Dakota’s Center for Innovation in Grand Forks. The cost to attend is $25.