8-K

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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): May 2, 2003

NorthWestern Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)	0-692 (Commission File Number)	46-0172280 (IRS Employer Identification No.)
125 South Dakota Avenue Sioux Falls, South Dakota (Address of principal executive offices)		57104 (Zip Code)
	(605) 978-2908 (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Item 5. Other Events

        On May 2, 2003, NorthWestern Corporation (the "Company") issued a press release announcing that John Charters, the chief executive officer of Expanets, Inc. ("Expanets"), the Company's communications services business, had been placed on paid administrative leave. In addition, the Company announced that Rick Fresia would be separating from Expanets and was no longer Expanets' executive vice president and chief financial officer.

        The Company further announced that Bill Austin, the Company's chief restructuring officer, would assume executive duties during that period and that Chris Younger, Expanets' president and chief operating officer, would continue to be responsible for Expanets' day-to-day operations including sales, field operations, client service, marketing and strategy.

        The press release is included as Exhibit 99.1 hereto and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 7. Financial Statements and Exhibits

EXHIBIT NO.		DESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT
99.1	*	Press Release of NorthWestern Corporation dated May 2, 2003

*

filed herewith

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SIGNATURES

        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.

NORTHWESTERN CORPORATION
By:	/s/  ERIC R. JACOBSEN Eric R. Jacobsen Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer

Date: May 2, 2003

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Index to Exhibits

EXHIBIT NO.		DESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT
99.1	*	Press Release of NorthWestern Corporation dated May 2, 2003

*

filed herewith

4

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SIGNATURES
Index to Exhibits

EX-99.1

EXHIBIT 99.1

News Release
NYSE:NOR

Contacts:
Investors/Media:
Roger Schrum
605-978-2848
roger.schrum@northwestern.com

NORTHWESTERN CORPORATION ANNOUNCES LEADERSHIP CHANGES
AT EXPANETS UNIT

SIOUX FALLS, S.D.—May 2, 2003—NorthWestern Corporation (NYSE: NOR) today announced that John Charters, chief executive officer of Expanets, Inc., NorthWestern's communications services business, has been placed on paid administrative leave. In addition, the Company announced that Rick Fresia will be separating from Expanets and is no longer Expanets' executive vice president and chief financial officer.

Bill Austin, NorthWestern's chief restructuring officer, will assume executive duties during this period. Chris Younger, Expanets' president and chief operating officer, will continue to be responsible for Expanets' day-to-day operations including sales, field operations, client service, marketing and strategy.

About NorthWestern

NorthWestern Corporation is one of the largest providers of electricity and natural gas in the Upper Midwest and Northwest, serving more than 598,000 customers in Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska. NorthWestern also has investments in Expanets, Inc., a provider of networked communications and data services and solutions to mid-sized businesses nationwide; and Blue Dot Services Inc., a provider of heating, ventilation and air conditioning services to residential and commercial customers.

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