FARGO, ND – Ashley Tribune and Wishek Star Publisher and writer Tony Bender passed away Sunday.

Democratic-NPL Communications Director Laura Dronen said, “For decades Tony has been a standard bearer of progressive values in rural North Dakota. He fearlessly shared his witticisms and criticisms in a time and place where many choose silence. It was disappointing to learn last week that his column would no longer appear in the state’s largest print outlet. America is perilously close to the cliff-face of authoritarianism - permanently losing Tony’s voice at this moment is a gut-punch.

We are heartbroken for Tony’s family (especially India and Dylan) and we mourn with everyone who will miss Tony’s humor and writings.”