Gov. Burgum Statement

 Burgum statement on passing of former state senator and longtime newspaper publisher John Andrist

 BISMARCK, N.D. (Jan. 17, 2018) – Gov. Doug Burgum has released the following statement regarding longtime newspaper publisher and former state senator John Andrist, who passed away early today at age 86.

 “North Dakota has lost a beloved public servant, esteemed newspaperman and unwavering champion for rural issues in John Andrist,” Burgum said. “From his 22 years of steady-handed service in the Senate to his community leadership as a newspaper publisher and industry leadership as president of the North Dakota Newspaper Association and National Newspaper Association, to the thousands of columns he penned over six decades, his work always reflected his genuine care for his home state and its people and his deep-seated belief that honest, civil discourse and fair, compassionate journalism are vital for a healthy democracy. John’s legacy endures in his loving family, the hundreds of journalists he mentored and influenced, the countless readers he inspired and the Crosby community he and his wife, Elaine, so dearly loved. Kathryn and I extend our heartfelt sympathies to his family, friends, fellow legislators and community members mourning his loss.”

 Andrist grew up working for his father, Calvin Andrist, at the Divide County Journal (later renamed The Journal) and was publisher of the newspaper from 1961 to 1991. He served as the District 2 state senator from 1993 to 2014 and was inducted into the North Dakota Newspaper Association Hall of Fame in April 2000. He’s the only North Dakotan to serve as president of the National Newspaper Association, and in 2002 he received the association’s Amos Award for distinguished service and leadership to the community press and his community.