BISMARCK -- North Dakota is one step closer to starting its state lottery with the appointment Friday of five people to an advisory board.
The five include former Rep. Laurel Thoreson, R-West Fargo, who was a co-sponsor of the initiated measure that voters approved last year.
Thoreson also was a co-sponsor of a previous unsuccessful lottery measure in the 2001 Legislature.
The commission will advise the interim lottery director, Chuck Keller, and the attorney general on policies for the lottery and development of its startup.
That includes recommending how lottery retailers will be selected.
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Keller said the group's first meeting will be in Bismarck next month. He said no date has been set for the lottery to start, but that it will be some time in the first quarter of next year.
Thoreson and Rep. Lois Delmore, D-Grand Forks, will serve three years on the Lottery Advisory Commission. Rep. RaeAnn Kelsch, R-Mandan, and Sen. Jerry Klein, R-Fessenden, will serve two years and former Sen. Darlene Watne, R-Minot, one year.
The appointments were made by Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem and Legislative Council Chairman Sen. Bob Stenehjem, R-Bismarck.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Janell Cole at (701) 224-0830
