Benson County Sheriff’s Office

09/16/2026

Press Relase regarding Barricaded subject in Maddock, ND today.

08/21/2026

The Benson County Sheriff’s Office would like to congratulate Deputy James Nystrom on graduating the North Dakota Law Enforcement Training Academy in Bismarck today. Deputy Nystrom has completed 12 weeks of training and has passed all North Dakota POST Board requirements. We are excited to have Deputy Nystrom return to protect and serve the communities and the citizens of Benson County. Congrats! ⭐️🇺🇸👨🏻‍🎓

08/18/2026

**********UPDATE HE HAS BEEN LOCATED********************

The Devils Lake Police Department is seeking the public's assistance in locating Bexley Wolf, a 14-year-old male. Bexley was last seen on August 15, 2026, around 1:50 AM.

Bexley was last seen wearing gray Nike jogger sweatpants and possibly a black sweater. Bexley has a slim build.

Anyone with information about Bexley's whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Devils Lake Police Department at 701-662-5323.

08/18/2026

Burn ban in effect for Benson County

Benson County has issued a burn restriction declaration effective August, 18, 2026 for 30 days. The document shows the restrictions when you are able to burn. The daily fire danger rating can be found at ndresponse.gov.

08/01/2026

On 8/1/2026 at approximately 0500, Benson County Sheriffs Office responded to a motor vehicle accident near Pleasant Lake of a vehicle striking a railroad crossing sign. Sheriff Wanzek arrived on scene and met with a juvenile who admitted to driving and losing control of the pickup. The juvenile, having the odor of alcohol, submitted to an alcohol breath test and resulted in a .09 BAC. The juvenile is facing criminal action and is unharmed from the accident.

Benson County Sheriff’s Office would like to address the risks of drinking and driving and underage drinking and also the risks to have parents/guardians more aware of their minor children to prevent accidents, harm, incidents.

07/03/2026

Reminder that the Benson County Courthouse is closed today for recognition of Independence Day. Have a safe July 4th! 🎆🎇🧨🇺🇸

07/02/2026

Benson County Sheriff’s Office, NDSU Extension- Benson, and 4-H Benson County would like to make the public aware that there is a college student from the European Country of Estonia in town: Katrin Piirimaa Book Girl.
Katrin is a university student from Europe doing a summer internship with an educational company from Nashville, TN.
She has checked in with the Benson County Courthouse to let you know she's around.
Katrin will be meeting up with families in the Cities of Leeds, Maddock, Esmond and Minnewaukan selling educational materials that:
1) Help with ACT preparation by Princeton Review
2) Help with college credit classes by McGraw Hill
3) Study guides that help parents to help kids with new math & other subjects
4) Study guides that save time doing homework & test preparation
5) And a jump start program for the pre-k kids that give a head start for school.
Katrin is driving a grey Honda and has an accent.

07/01/2026

Updated Press Release- Maddock Standoff 6/25/2026

Commenting has been disabled out of respects to the family and friends of Tracy.

06/29/2026

Road Report 🚨Highway 2 MM 237-238 East Bound Lane- Standing water covering both lanes with grass debris in passing lane. Drive slow through.

06/25/2026

Press release regarding this mornings standoff.