Emergency workers’ group violated law

BISMARCK (AP) — Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem says an emergency workers’ group broke state law in closing a board meeting to talk about an unfavorable audit.

The audit showed the North Dakota Emergency Medical Association misspent about $200,000 in federal disaster planning money. Some of the cash went to buy booze, pay lobbying expenses and give bonuses.

Stenehjem said the association is covered by North Dakota’s open meetings law because it acts on behalf of the government.

The association’s board excluded the public from a meeting it held last October to look over the audit.

Stenehjem said the reasons for the secret meeting did not follow state law. He said it appears the board knew the audit would have damaging information.

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