Mayor of North Dakota's tiniest town dies [View all]
RUSO, N.D. (AP) The man considered instrumental in keeping North Dakota's tiniest town alive has died, likely putting an end to the municipality with a population that can be counted on one hand.
Bruce Lorenz, 86, died in a Minot hospital Tuesday after serving as Ruso's mayor for more than 30 years, the Minot Daily News reported . He was recently re-elected with all three votes cast in a 100 percent turnout, his platform being that he wanted to get rural water service in the McLean County city.
An incorporated municipality in the state needs at least three council members, according to the North Dakota Century Code. With only two remaining residents, a couple who filled the necessary offices required for recognition, Ruso no longer meets state law for incorporation.
"If Ruso no longer meets the requirements for a city there's probably a process that needs to take place," said Stephanie Dassinger, deputy director of the North Dakota League of Cities. "I don't know if there's much of a choice."
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