Here is the latest North Dakota news from The Associated Press

Fargo, N.D. (AP) Fargo voters have overwhelmingly approved a half-cent sales tax increase to help pay for flood protection.

About 12,700 people voted, and just over 90 percent said "yes" to the proposal. Mayor Dennis Walaker (WAL'ah-kur) says he's ecstatic to see so much support.

Bismarck, N.D. (AP) New census figures show North Dakota's major cities are growing, as are the communities around them.

Bismarck and Fargo each added about 1,000 people between 2007 and 2008. The populations of Grand Forks and Minot also increased slightly in that period.

COLEHARBOR, N.D. (AP) Federal officials say North Dakota's Audubon National Wildlife Refuge is getting $6 million in stimulus money for an energy-efficient visitor center and administrative office. The new center is expected to be finished by November of next year.

MINOT, N.D. (AP) Minot State University says its longest-serving president has died. Gordon B. Olson died at a Minot Nursing Home at the age of 84. The school says Olson was its sixth president and held that job for 25 years, from 1967 to 1992.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 07-01-09 0200CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list