North Dakota Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation

06/13/2026

Andrea was at the ND State Penitentiary today for Living Life Fully - Class 2! We talked all about brain injury fatigue and energy management.

I missed posting Beth kicking off Week 1 last Friday - she had a great introductory class on Brain Injury Education and Symptom Recognition. Next week, the focus turns to Attention, Memory, and Cognition.

06/12/2026

As we conclude our recognition of Correctional Industries Week, we would like to shine the spotlight on the team that helps bring all our operations together—our Administration Team.

This dedicated group includes Procurement, Sales & Marketing, Accounting, Delivery & Installation, Commissary, and our Director. Together, they ensure raw materials and equipment are sourced, markets are developed for our products and services, finances are accurately managed, and customers receive exceptional service through delivery and installation support.

As for our Director, we’re still trying to figure out exactly what role he plays! 😊

In all seriousness, the success of Rough Rider Industries would not be possible without the commitment and teamwork of every member of our organization. We would like to thank our entire RRI team for the outstanding work you do in developing people, manufacturing quality products, providing valuable services, and operating in a self-sustaining manner without relying on taxpayer dollars to fund our operations.

In today’s workforce environment, RRI continues to serve as a workforce development solution for North Dakota businesses while playing an important role in public safety. We are proud of the impact our team makes every day and grateful for the dedication they bring to our mission.

06/11/2026

Today we recognize the dedicated staff at the Missouri River Correctional Center (MRCC), our minimum-custody facility and one of the final steps for many residents before reentering the community.

MRCC provides valuable employability skills training in areas such as welding and heavy equipment operation. Through partnerships with North Dakota agricultural supply companies, residents manufacture a variety of agricultural products while gaining real-world work experience. The team also fills between 45,000 and 60,000 sandbags annually for construction projects across the state.

In addition, RRI manages approximately 3,400 acres of DOCR property, where residents help care for livestock, control noxious weeds through targeted grazing, and maintain miles of fencing.

The MRCC staff are a hardworking and versatile group whose efforts support workforce development, agriculture, land management, and public service. Thank you for all you do each and every day!

06/09/2026

We are excited to announce that Payson Fitch has been selected as the YCC Employee of the Month for June 2026!

The nomination highlighted the incredible work she does each day:

Ms. Fitch consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to the mission of the Youth Correctional Center through her professionalism, attention to detail, and desire to continually learn and improve. She takes pride in doing things the right way and is always willing to ask questions, seek guidance, and expand her knowledge to better serve both the students and her team.

One of Ms. Fitch's greatest strengths is her ability to identify issues and work toward effective solutions. Rather than simply recognizing problems, she actively engages in problem-solving and communicates concerns in a timely and professional manner. Her initiative helps improve operations, accountability, and safety within Pine Cottage.

Ms. Fitch is also highly dependable when it comes to documentation and communication. She understands the importance of accurate reporting and consistently ensures that required logs, documentation, and records are completed thoroughly and correctly. Her attention to detail and commitment to accountability help maintain the high standards expected of our facility.

In addition to her strong work ethic, Ms. Fitch promotes teamwork through her willingness to assist others, share information, and contribute positively to the work environment. She demonstrates effective communication skills, emotional intelligence, and a genuine desire to support the success of her coworkers and the youth in our care. Ms. Fitch's reliability, consistency in performance, commitment to learning, and dedication to excellence make her a valuable member of the Pine Cottage team and a deserving candidate for Employee of the Month.

Congratulations, Ms. Fitch! Thank you for your outstanding work and commitment to the ND DOCR.

06/09/2026

06/08/2026

Governor Kelly Armstrong has proclaimed July 7–13, 2026, as Correctional Industries Week in North Dakota!

Rough Rider Industries (RRI) is proud to serve as the employability skills training program for the North Dakota Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation. Research consistently shows that meaningful employment and job training increase reentry success, helping individuals build productive futures while reducing incarceration costs, improving public safety, and providing savings to taxpayers. In addition, RRI supports local businesses by returning much of its revenue back into North Dakota communities.

Pictured are the dedicated RRI team members from the James River Correctional Center (JRCC). The JRCC operation includes sewing, upholstery, plastic bag manufacturing, and serves as the primary hub for our prison commissary operations.

We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the JRCC team for their hard work, professionalism, and commitment. Thank you for the outstanding job you do every day!

06/05/2026

The ND Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Parole, Probation, & Pretrial Services Division is looking for a full-time Treatment Court Coordinator in Fargo, ND. Learn more here: https://www.omb.nd.gov/team-nd-careers/career-openings

05/19/2026

Ex Warden Stops In
On this episode, Ex Warden Winston Satran stops in the Booth to talk to the guys about what it was like when he was warden and what it took to start making changes in NDSP!!! Questions or comments for the show? Email them to [email protected] and the guys will answer them on an episode. Please go and rate our podcast anywhere you get your podcasts!!!

On this episode Ex Warden Winston Satrom stops in the Booth to talk to the guys about what it was like when he was warden and what it took to start making changes in NDSP!!! Questions or comments for the show? Email them to [email protected] and the guys will answer them on an episode. Please go and...

05/18/2026

The North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DOCR) is seeking a strategic, collaborative, and mission-focused financial leader to serve as its Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
The CFO will lead the agency’s accounting, budgeting, procurement, forecasting, financial reporting, compliance, and internal control functions while fostering a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement. To learn more and to apply, please visit omb.nd.gov/team-nd-careers/career-openings

05/13/2026

The Community Resource Fair at the Heart River Correctional Center and Youth Correctional Center was a powerful reminder of what can happen when a community comes together to support hope, healing, and second chances.

A total of 77 women and 21 youth attended the event, connecting with organizations and resources focused on recovery, education, employment, health, housing, and support services.

Some of the feedback shared by participants included:

• “It made me more aware what I need to do in the future, and I cannot do everything myself.”
• “I enjoyed it, it was definitely helpful.”
• “This has helped me positively. It’s like you can see yourself in the future being out.”
• “I feel like I’m going to have a chance for once to do and be better.”
• “Helped me understand I’m not alone and that if you want a better life people will help you get it.”

The interactions with the youth were especially meaningful to witness. While they enjoyed the treats and activities, they also walked away with a better understanding of the supports available to them in the community and the people who want to see them succeed.

Thank you to every organization and community partner who took time out of your busy day to attend. Your presence, conversations, encouragement, and resources made a lasting impact in just a few short hours.

Together, we are helping build pathways toward brighter futures.