<SEC-DOCUMENT>0000067716-14-000070.txt : 20140519
<SEC-HEADER>0000067716-14-000070.hdr.sgml : 20140519
<ACCEPTANCE-DATETIME>20140519152106
ACCESSION NUMBER:		0000067716-14-000070
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE:	8-K
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT:		4
CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT:	20140519
ITEM INFORMATION:		Other Events
ITEM INFORMATION:		Financial Statements and Exhibits
FILED AS OF DATE:		20140519
DATE AS OF CHANGE:		20140519

FILER:

	COMPANY DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			MDU RESOURCES GROUP INC
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0000067716
		STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:	MINING, QUARRYING OF NONMETALLIC MINERALS (NO FUELS) [1400]
		IRS NUMBER:				410423660
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			DE
		FISCAL YEAR END:			1231

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		8-K
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	001-03480
		FILM NUMBER:		14854439

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		1200 WEST CENTURY AVENUE
		CITY:			BISMARCK
		STATE:			ND
		ZIP:			58503
		BUSINESS PHONE:		701-530-1059

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		1200 WEST CENTURY AVENUE
		CITY:			BISMARCK
		STATE:			ND
		ZIP:			58503

	FORMER COMPANY:	
		FORMER CONFORMED NAME:	MONTANA DAKOTA UTILITIES CO
		DATE OF NAME CHANGE:	19850429
</SEC-HEADER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>8-K
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>item8-01counselopinions.htm
<DESCRIPTION>8-K
<TEXT>
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		<title>Wdesk | Item 8.01 - Counsel Opinions</title>
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<a name="sF2B14FE19DC3BF3617B114E154ABDA8B"></a><div></div><br><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;font-weight:bold;">UNITED STATES  <br>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#32;<br></font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;font-weight:bold;">WASHINGTON, DC 20549</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#32;<br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;font-weight:bold;">______________</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:16pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:16pt;font-weight:bold;">FORM 8-K</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#32;<br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:16pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:16pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">CURRENT REPORT</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#32;<br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE <br>SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#32;<br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):  May 19, 2014</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:16pt;"><div style="padding-left:0px;text-indent:0px;line-height:normal;padding-top:10px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;width:93.3609958506224%;border-collapse:collapse;text-align:left;"><tr><td colspan="5"></td></tr><tr><td width="32%"></td><td width="3%"></td><td width="31%"></td><td width="3%"></td><td width="31%"></td></tr><tr><td colspan="5" style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:16pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:16pt;font-weight:bold;">MDU Resources Group, Inc.</font></div></td></tr><tr><td colspan="5" style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:18px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:18px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:18px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:18px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:18px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-weight:bold;">Delaware</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-weight:bold;">1-3480</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-weight:bold;">41-0423660</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">(State or other jurisdiction </font></div><div style="text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">of incorporation)</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">(Commission <br>File Number)</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">(I.R.S. Employer  <br>Identification No.)</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:26px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:26px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:26px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:26px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:26px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td></tr><tr><td colspan="5" style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">1200 West Century Avenue <br>P.O. Box 5650</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;<br></font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">Bismarck, North Dakota  58506-5650</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;<br>(Address of principal executive offices) <br>(Zip Code) <br> <br>Registrant&#8217;s telephone number, including area code: </font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">(701) 530-1000</font></div></td></tr></table></div></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;font-weight:bold;">______________</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:24px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;padding-left:0px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">[ ]</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)</font></div></td></tr></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:24px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;padding-left:0px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">[ ]</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)</font></div></td></tr></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:24px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;padding-left:0px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">[ ]</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))</font></div></td></tr></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:24px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;padding-left:0px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">[ ]</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))</font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><br><div></div><hr style="page-break-after:always"><a name="s099AF6E9544882E1EE1514E154CA114B"></a><div></div><br><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;font-weight:bold;">Item 8.01  Other Events.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;text-indent:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">In connection with the continuous equity offering program under which MDU Resources Group, Inc. (the &#8220;Company&#8221;) may sell up to 5,275,670 shares of the Company&#8217;s common stock, par value $1.00 per share (the &#8220;Shares&#8221;), from time to time in &#8220;at the market&#8221; offerings (the &#8220;Offering&#8221;), the Company filed a prospectus supplement dated May 16, 2014 (the &#8220;Prospectus Supplement&#8221;) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the &#8220;SEC&#8221;).  The Shares will be issued pursuant to the Prospectus Supplement and the Company&#8217;s automatic shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-195990) filed on May 15, 2014, with the SEC (the &#8220;Registration Statement&#8221;).  This Current Report on Form 8-K shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the Shares in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any state.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;text-indent:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">This Current Report on Form 8-K is being filed in order to file certain documents in connection with the Offering as exhibits to the Registration Statement and is incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement.  Accordingly, such exhibits are also incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement as exhibits thereto.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;font-weight:bold;">Item 9.01  Financial Statements and Exhibits</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#32;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><div style="padding-left:0px;text-indent:0px;line-height:normal;padding-top:10px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;width:95.850622406639%;border-collapse:collapse;text-align:left;"><tr><td colspan="5"></td></tr><tr><td width="4%"></td><td width="5%"></td><td width="7%"></td><td width="1%"></td><td width="83%"></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">(d)</font></div></td><td colspan="3" style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Exhibits.</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">5(a)</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Opinion of Paul K. Sandness, Esq., General Counsel to MDU Resources Group, Inc., regarding the legality of the Shares.</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">5(b)</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Opinion of Cohen Tauber Spievack &amp; Wagner P.C., special counsel to MDU Resources Group, Inc., regarding the legality of the Shares.</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">23(a)</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Consent of Deloitte &amp; Touche LLP.</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">23(b)</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Consent of Paul K. Sandness, Esq. is contained in his opinion filed as Exhibit 5(a) to this Current Report on Form 8-K.</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">23(c)</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Consent of Cohen Tauber Spievack &amp; Wagner is contained in its opinion filed as Exhibit 5(b) to this Current Report on Form 8-K.</font></div></td></tr></table></div></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;text-indent:60px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">&#160;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><br><div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">2</font></div></div><hr style="page-break-after:always"><a name="s099AF6E9544882E1EE1514E154CA114B"></a><div></div><br><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;text-indent:12px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;font-weight:bold;">SIGNATURE</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;text-indent:12px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;text-indent:54px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;text-indent:12px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Date:  May 19, 2014</font></div><div style="line-height:100%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:12pt;"><div style="padding-left:0px;text-indent:0px;line-height:normal;padding-top:10px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;width:93.7759336099585%;border-collapse:collapse;text-align:left;"><tr><td colspan="3"></td></tr><tr><td width="52%"></td><td width="6%"></td><td width="42%"></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td colspan="2" style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:1px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="padding-bottom:1px;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">MDU RESOURCES GROUP, INC.</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:18px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td colspan="2" style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:18px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:18px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td colspan="2" style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:18px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:1px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="padding-bottom:1px;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">By:</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;border-bottom:1px solid #000000;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:1px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="padding-bottom:1px;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">/s/ Paul K. Sandness</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:1px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="padding-bottom:1px;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Paul K. Sandness</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:1px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="padding-bottom:1px;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">General Counsel and Secretary</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:18px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:18px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:18px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td></tr></table></div></div><br><div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">3</font></div></div><hr style="page-break-after:always"><a name="s099AF6E9544882E1EE1514E154CA114B"></a><div></div><br><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;font-weight:bold;">EXHIBIT INDEX</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:12pt;"><div style="padding-left:0px;text-indent:0px;line-height:normal;padding-top:10px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;width:96.47302904564316%;border-collapse:collapse;text-align:left;"><tr><td colspan="3"></td></tr><tr><td width="20%"></td><td width="2%"></td><td width="78%"></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:16px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:underline;">Exhibit Number</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:16px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="padding-bottom:16px;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:underline;">Description of Exhibit</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:16px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">5(a)</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:16px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="padding-bottom:16px;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Opinion of Paul K. Sandness, Esq., General Counsel to MDU Resources Group, Inc., regarding the legality of the Shares.</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:16px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">5(b)</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:16px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="padding-bottom:16px;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Opinion of Cohen Tauber Spievack &amp; Wagner P.C., special counsel to MDU Resources Group, Inc., regarding the legality of the Shares.</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:16px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">23(a)</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:16px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="padding-bottom:16px;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Consent of Deloitte &amp; Touche LLP.</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:16px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">23(b)</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:16px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="padding-bottom:16px;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Consent of Paul K. Sandness, Esq. is contained in his opinion filed as Exhibit 5(a) to this Current Report on Form 8-K.</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:16px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">23(c)</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:16px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="padding-bottom:16px;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Consent of Cohen Tauber Spievack &amp; Wagner is contained in its opinion filed as Exhibit 5(b) to this Current Report on Form 8-K.</font></div></td></tr></table></div></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><br><div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">4</font></div></div>	</body>
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<TYPE>EX-5.(A)
<SEQUENCE>2
<FILENAME>exhibit5a-pksopinion.htm
<DESCRIPTION>EXHIBIT 5A - COUNSEL OPINION LETTER
<TEXT>
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		<title>Wdesk | Exhibit 5(a) - PKS Opinion 5-19-14</title>
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<a name="sE72595A5FB83FB01BAB9152367791063"></a><div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div></div><br><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:16px;text-align:right;text-indent:48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Exhibit 5(a)</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:16px;text-align:center;text-indent:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;font-weight:bold;">[LETTERHEAD OF MDU RESOURCES GROUP, INC.] </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;padding-left:96px;text-indent:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">May 19, 2014</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><div style="padding-left:0px;text-indent:0px;line-height:normal;padding-top:10px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;width:50%;border-collapse:collapse;text-align:left;"><tr><td colspan="1"></td></tr><tr><td width="100%"></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">MDU Resources Group, Inc.</font></div><div style="font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">1200 W. Century Avenue</font></div><div style="font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">P.O. Box 5650</font></div><div style="font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Bismarck, North Dakota 58506-5650</font></div></td></tr></table></div></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:144px;text-indent:-48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:16px;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Ladies and Gentlemen:</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:16px;text-align:justify;text-indent:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">I am General Counsel of MDU Resources Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the &#8220;Company&#8221;).  I refer to my opinion, dated May 15, 2014 (the &#8220;May 15 Opinion&#8221;), addressed to the&#160;Company with respect to the registration of (i) debt securities and (ii) common stock, par value $1.00 per share (the &#8220;Common Stock&#8221;), under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the &#8220;Securities&#160;Act&#8221;), on the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-195990), which&#160;became effective on May 15, 2014 (the &#8220;Registration Statement&#8221;).  This opinion is supplemental to the May 15 Opinion.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:16px;text-align:justify;text-indent:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">In connection with this opinion, I have examined originals or copies, certified or otherwise&#160;identified to my satisfaction, of (i) the Registration Statement and the exhibits filed therewith, (ii) the prospectus, dated May 15, 2014, forming a part of the Registration Statement, as&#160;supplemented by a prospectus supplement, dated May 16, 2014 (collectively, the &#8220;Prospectus&#8221;)&#160;relating to the offer and sale of up to 5,275,670 shares (the &#8220;Shares&#8221;) of the Company&#8217;s Common Stock, (iii) the orders of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, dated October&#160;11,&#160;2012 (as amended by the Errata Notice, issued May 15, 2013), the Montana Public Service Commission, dated September 21, 2012, and the Public Service Commission of Wyoming,&#160;dated October 19, 2012 (collectively, the &#8220;Orders&#8221;), and (iv) such other instruments, certificates, records and documents, and such matters of law, as I have considered necessary or appropriate for the purposes thereof.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:16px;text-align:justify;text-indent:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Based upon the foregoing, and subject to the qualifications, assumptions and limitations stated herein, I am of the opinion that:  </font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="padding-bottom:16px;font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:48px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;padding-left:0px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">1.</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">The Company is a corporation validly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware.</font></div></td></tr></table><br><div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">1</font></div><div style="line-height:100%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div></div><hr style="page-break-after:always"><a name="sE72595A5FB83FB01BAB9152367791063"></a><div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div></div><br><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="padding-bottom:16px;font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:48px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;padding-left:0px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">2.</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">When the Shares have been sold as contemplated in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, they will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.  </font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:16px;text-align:justify;text-indent:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">In rendering the opinions expressed above, I have assumed that, upon expiration of the existing authorizations contained in the Orders relating to the issuance and delivery of the Shares,&#160;the&#160;Company will have obtained, on a timely basis, such further authorizations from the respective commissions as may be required to permit the continued issuance and delivery of the Shares on the terms contemplated by the Registration Statement and the Prospectus.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:16px;text-align:justify;text-indent:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">I am a member of the North Dakota and Minnesota Bars and do not hold myself out as an expert on the laws of Montana, South Dakota or Wyoming, but I have made a study through counsel&#160;located in such jurisdictions or otherwise of such jurisdictions insofar as such laws are involved in the conclusions expressed in this opinion.  Insofar as the opinions expressed herein relate to the laws of the State of New York, the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware,&#160;the&#160;applicable provisions of the Delaware Constitution and the reported judicial decisions&#160;interpreting the Delaware laws, or the federal laws of the United States of America, I have&#160;relied on the opinion of even date herewith of Cohen Tauber Spievack &amp; Wagner P.C., special&#160;counsel to the Company, which opinion is to be filed, along with this opinion, as an exhibit&#160;to&#160;the Company&#8217;s Current Report on Form 8-K, which will be dated on or about the date hereof.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:16px;text-align:justify;text-indent:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">I hereby consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the Company&#8217;s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on or about the date hereof which will be incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement and to all references to me therein.  In giving the foregoing consent, I do not hereby admit that I am in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of&#160;the Securities Act or the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder. </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:16px;text-align:center;text-indent:48px;font-size:12pt;"><div style="padding-left:0px;text-indent:0px;line-height:normal;padding-top:10px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;width:560px;border-collapse:collapse;text-align:left;"><tr><td colspan="2"></td></tr><tr><td width="320px"></td><td width="240px"></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Very truly yours,</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">/s/ Paul K. Sandness</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Paul K. Sandness</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">General Counsel and Secretary</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div></td></tr></table></div></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:16px;text-align:justify;text-indent:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:384px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:16px;text-align:right;text-indent:48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><br><div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">2</font></div><div style="line-height:100%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div></div>	</body>
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<TYPE>EX-5.(B)
<SEQUENCE>3
<FILENAME>exhibit5b-ctswopinion.htm
<DESCRIPTION>EXHIBIT 5B- CTWS OPINION LETTER
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		<title>Wdesk | Exhibit 5(b) - CTSW Opinion  5-19-14</title>
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<a name="sDB26A67AAC3B73762D71152954F5594E"></a><div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div></div><br><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:16px;text-align:right;text-indent:48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Exhibit 5(b)</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;font-weight:bold;">[LETTERHEAD OF COHEN TAUBER SPIEVACK &amp; WAGNER P.C.]</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;padding-left:96px;text-indent:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">May 19, 2014</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><div style="padding-left:0px;text-indent:0px;line-height:normal;padding-top:10px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;width:50%;border-collapse:collapse;text-align:left;"><tr><td colspan="1"></td></tr><tr><td width="100%"></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">MDU Resources Group, Inc.</font></div><div style="font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">1200 W. Century Avenue</font></div><div style="font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">P.O. Box 5650</font></div><div style="font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Bismarck, North Dakota 58506-5650</font></div></td></tr></table></div></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:144px;text-indent:-48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:16px;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Ladies and Gentlemen:</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:16px;text-align:justify;text-indent:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">We are acting as special counsel for MDU Resources Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation&#160;(the &#8220;Company&#8221;).  We refer to our opinion, dated May 15, 2014 (the &#8220;May 15 Opinion&#8221;),&#160;addressed to the Company with respect to the registration of (i) debt securities and (ii) common stock, par value $1.00 per share (the &#8220;Common Stock&#8221;), under the Securities Act of 1933,&#160;as&#160;amended (the &#8220;Securities Act&#8221;), on the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration&#160;No. 333-195990), which became effective on May 15, 2014 (the &#8220;Registration Statement&#8221;).  This opinion is supplemental to the May 15 Opinion.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:16px;text-align:justify;text-indent:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">In connection with this opinion, we have examined originals or copies, certified or otherwise&#160;identified to our satisfaction, of (i) the Registration Statement and the exhibits filed therewith, (ii) the prospectus, dated May 15, 2014, forming a part of the Registration Statement, as&#160;supplemented by a prospectus supplement, dated May 16, 2014 (collectively, the &#8220;Prospectus&#8221;),&#160;relating to the offer and sale of up to 5,275,670 shares (the &#8220;Shares&#8221;) of the Company&#8217;s Common Stock, (iii) the orders of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, dated October 11, 2012 (as amended by the Errata Notice, issued May 15, 2013), the Montana Public Service Commission, dated September 21, 2012, and the Public Service Commission of Wyoming,&#160;dated October 19, 2012 (collectively, the &#8220;Orders&#8221;), and (iv) such other instruments, certificates, records and documents, and such matters of law, as we have considered necessary or appropriate for the purposes thereof.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:16px;text-align:justify;text-indent:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Based upon the foregoing, and subject to the qualifications, assumptions and limitations stated herein, we are of the opinion that:  </font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="padding-bottom:16px;font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:48px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;padding-left:0px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">1.</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">The Company is a corporation validly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware.</font></div></td></tr></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="padding-bottom:16px;font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:48px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;padding-left:0px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">2.</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">When the Shares have been sold as contemplated in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, they will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.  </font></div></td></tr></table><br><div></div><hr style="page-break-after:always"><a name="sDB26A67AAC3B73762D71152954F5594E"></a><div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div></div><br><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:16px;text-align:justify;text-indent:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">In rendering the opinions expressed above, we have assumed that, upon expiration of the existing authorizations contained in the Orders relating to the issuance and delivery of the Shares,&#160;the Company will have obtained, on a timely basis, such further authorizations from the respective&#160;commissions as may be required to permit the continued issuance and delivery of the Shares on the terms contemplated by the Registration Statement and the Prospectus.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:16px;text-align:justify;text-indent:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Our opinions expressed above are limited to the law of the State of New York, the General&#160;Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, the applicable provisions of the Delaware Constitution and the reported judicial decisions interpreting the Delaware laws and the federal laws&#160;of the United States of America.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:16px;text-align:justify;text-indent:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">We hereby consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the Company&#8217;s Current Report&#160;on&#160;Form 8-K filed on or about the date hereof which will be incorporated by reference into&#160;the Registration Statement and to the use of our name, as special counsel, therein.  In giving the foregoing consent, we do not hereby admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent&#160;is&#160;required under Section 7 of the Securities Act or the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:12pt;"><div style="padding-left:0px;text-indent:0px;line-height:normal;padding-top:10px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;width:624px;border-collapse:collapse;text-align:left;"><tr><td colspan="2"></td></tr><tr><td width="264px"></td><td width="360px"></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Very truly yours,</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">/s/ Cohen Tauber Spievack &amp; Wagner, P.C.</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">COHEN TAUBER SPIEVACK &amp; WAGNER P.C.</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div></td></tr></table></div></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:258px;text-indent:29px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;<br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:16px;text-align:right;text-indent:48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><br><div></div>	</body>
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<TYPE>EX-23.(A)
<SEQUENCE>4
<FILENAME>exhibit23a-dtconsent.htm
<DESCRIPTION>EXHIBIT 23A - AUDITORS CONSENT
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		<title>Wdesk | Exhibit 23(a) - D&T Consent 5-19-14</title>
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<a name="sE0D5CDE1DFB7CCED14341529B1993736"></a><div></div><br><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:16px;text-align:right;text-indent:48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Exhibit 23(a)</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:16px;text-align:right;text-indent:48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:29px;padding-top:104px;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;font-weight:bold;">CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-3 of our reports&#160;dated February 21, 2014, relating to the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules of MDU Resources Group, Inc. and subsidiaries (the &#8220;Company&#8221;), and the effectiveness of the Company&#8217;s internal control over financial reporting, appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2013, and to the reference&#160;to&#160;us under the heading &#8220;Experts&#8221; in the Prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">/s/ DELOITTE &amp; TOUCHE LLP</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Minneapolis, Minnesota</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">May 14, 2014</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div><br><div></div>	</body>
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