Senator Rich Wardner of Dickinson was named NDTOA Legislator of the Year for 2017 in recognition and appreciation of his long time support of Townships. Senator Wardner served in the House from 1991 to 1998 and has been in the Senate since 1999; President Pro Tempore of the Senate for the 62nd Session; Senate Majority Leader since the 63rd Session. He is a retired educator with a BS from DSU and a MS from Northern State University. He and his wife Kayleen have two children.