ND Health Department: Antler Razed Building Illegally

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota's Health Department says Antler broke state law when it razed a building desired by white supremacist Craig Cobb.

The small community could theoretically face tens of thousands of dollars in fines. Health Department Environmental Scientist Jane Kangas says that's unlikely as long as the town fills out proper paperwork.

Antler in February demolished a nearly century old building that Cobb had wanted to turn into a church for his religion, and buried the debris in a hole. Kangas says Antler should have applied for a waiver from the law requiring burial in an approved landfill. And the state has no record that the building was inspected for asbestos.

Antler Mayor Bruce Hanson says the building had no asbestos. He's annoyed by what he considers the state's needless meddling.