Here is the latest North Dakota news from The Associated Press

Dickinson, N.D. (AP) The Stark County sheriff says preliminary autopsy results show drowning as the cause of death of three college softball players whose vehicle went into a livestock pond in southwestern North Dakota. The women were believed to have gone on a stargazing trip Sunday night. Authorities said they likely drove straight into the water in the darkness.

Bismarck, N.D. (AP) North Dakota State University President Joseph Chapman will be leaving campus about a month earlier than he planned. In a statement yesterday, the university said Chapman will stay in office through Nov. 30. He makes about $34,000 a month in salary, and he'll be paid for the month of December.

Washington (AP) The Obama administration says it will try to resolve a lawsuit named after Fort Yates rancher George Keepseagle.

The lawsuit contends American Indian farmers and ranchers lost about $500 million during the past three decades because of discrimination in lending from the Agriculture Department's Farm Service Agency.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) South Central District Judge Robert Wefald says he's retiring at the end of next year. Wefald was elected to the bench in 1998. The Supreme Court will decide whether the judgeship should stay in the South Central District or be transferred to another district.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-07-09 0202CST | save this article / add to your favorites list