National Report, a satirical news website, drew attention to the Williston Police Department after publishing a story about a deal made to replace the local police force with a privatized force "trained, managed, and wholly operated by Walmart."
Williston PD Communications Director Sgt. James Bond - yes, that is his real name - said he thought the spoof story was funny even if no one knew exactly why National Report chose a Williston-Walmart partnership.
"You've got to laugh at something like that," Bond said. "Walmart has never, and will never, ever get into that kind of field to start with."
Not everyone who read the story laughed, however. Some believed the story was true and contacted Bond and Williston PD with their concerns.
The police department responded on Facebook: "We have received more than a few emails and calls about this 'NEWS' story. Be advised there is no truth in this news article. National Report is a 'satire' (humor) website. IT IS A FAKE STORY!"
According to the article, the new police force would take over in January and would cost only 18% of what the town is currently spending on the police budget annually.
"They've got some creative minds," Bond said. "Hey, it made me laugh."