PSC Issues Cease and Desist Order Against Hunter Hanson, Midwest Grain Trading and NoDak Grain

The North Dakota Public Service Commission (PSC) has issued a cease and desist order against Hunter Hanson, Midwest Grain Trading and NoDak Grain after reports of bounced checks and unpaid contracts.

The order approved Wednesday directs the two businesses, both owned by Hunter Hanson, to cease and desist from receiving or purchasing grain, moving any grain out of the facility that may be an asset of the trust, or failing to maintain control of potential trust assets. The order comes as the Commission starts insolvency proceedings against the two businesses.

The PSC has received complaints regarding checks that couldn’t be cashed due to insufficient funds and unpaid contracts. In total, more than 50 people have contacted the Commission and four client complaints have been filed for money owed with more expected in the coming days.

Midwest Grain Trading is licensed as a roving grain buyer in North Dakota. NoDak Grain is licensed for storage facilities in Rohrville and Tunbridge, ND.

The North Dakota Public Service Commission is a constitutionally created state agency with authority to permit, site and regulate certain business activities in the state including electric and gas utilities, telecommunications companies, power plants, electric transmission lines, pipelines, railroads, grain elevators, auctioneers, commercial weighing devices, pipeline safety and coal mine reclamation. For more information, contact the Public Service Commission at (701) 328-2400 or http://www.psc.nd.gov.