News – TheMinotVoice.com

NDSU Extension projects commodity prices for 2025

By: Ron Haugan, NDSU Extension Service | January 22, 2025

Planning for the future can be a very frustrating process particularly in times of market volatility. Planning typically pays high dividends. For most farm and ranch managers, developing realistic commodity price expectations is one of the most difficult and complex tasks of the planning process. To make the planning process easier, North Dakota State University

Read & Share sourced from: NDSU Extension Service

School leaders oppose bill putting superintendent in charge of districts’ compliance with ND state law

by: MinotVoice | January 22, 2025

Senate Bill 2104, pitched by Sen. Todd Beard, seeks to ensure school districts adhere to state education laws, proposing a 2% cut in state aid for non-compliance. This move comes after a confrontation over transgender student rights in Fargo. Proponents argue for accountability, while critics warn of hefty financial hits and potential misuse. As the

Read & Share sourced from: InForum

Bill would reduce time for North Dakota teachers to get lifetime license

by: MinotVoice | January 22, 2025

The ND legislature is debating a bill written to reduce the years needed for a lifetime state teaching license from 30 to 20, aiming to cut costs and help retain educators. Advocates say it acknowledges the dedication teachers give, potentially saving them around $1,000. However, the state’s licensing board argues that ongoing education is key

Read & Share sourced from: North Dakota Monitor

Kids learn about STEM, life skills in prep for state robotics competition

by: MinotVoice | January 22, 2025

Meet “The Architects,” a spirited group of four homeschooled kids in Minot, North Dakota, who are diving headfirst into the world of robotics. Led by the enthusiastic 14-year-old Divine Okonkwo, this team teaches us that teamwork and perseverance are the blueprints for success. As they gear up for their first competition this Saturday, they’ll be

Read & Share sourced from: KFYR

EIA forecasts lower oil price in 2025 amid significant market uncertainties

by: Josh Wolsky | January 22, 2025

Uncertain demand and extra supply is likely to dominate the energy markets in the near future; that means lower prices are likely. In 2024, the benchmark Brent crude averaged $81 per barrel, but it’s forecasted to dip to $74 in 2025 and $66 by 2026. This price slide is largely due to an increase in

Read & Share sourced from: U.S. Energy Information Administration

Port: North Dakota lawmakers may finally get ballot measure reforms right

by: MinotVoice | January 21, 2025

Reforming North Dakota’s ballot measure process isn’t a headline-grabber, but it should be. House Concurrent Resolution 3003 proposes requiring a 60% supermajority to amend the state constitution—a sensible safeguard for our most consequential laws. Critics argue this undermines direct democracy, but it’s worth considering: should laws be shaped by fleeting majorities or broad consensus? Rob

Read & Share sourced from: InForum

Bill would let North Dakota state firefighters retire earlier

by: MinotVoice | January 21, 2025

State firefighters in North Dakota may soon find early retirement within their reach, as lawmakers review a pivotal bill aimed at aligning their benefits with other public safety officials. House Bill 1112 seeks to allow these brave professionals, currently eligible for retirement at 65, to retire up to a decade earlier. It’s a recognition not

Read & Share sourced from: North Dakota Monitor

Crowds flock to see snow sculpture at Vinterfest 2025

by: MinotVoice | January 21, 2025

Bitter cold couldn’t chill the spirits at Vinterfest 2025 in Bismarck, where families found warmth in creativity and community. The North Dakota Heritage Center turned into a snowy gallery, hosting grand sculptures by Team North Dakota Snow Sculpting. One highlight, the “Scandinavian Snow Globe,” captured the essence of Scandinavian art in an intricate swirl of

Read & Share sourced from: KX News

Minot Public Library, Roosevelt Park Zoo partner to make zoo more accessible

by: MinotVoice | January 21, 2025

Ever thought your library card could unlock a day at the zoo? In Minot, North Dakota, it just might. The Minot Public Library, in collaboration with Roosevelt Park Zoo, now offers library cardholders the chance to borrow zoo passes. Thanks to the zoo’s director, Logan Wood, this initiative aims to simplify family outings—no matter how

Read & Share sourced from: KMOT

Sports betting bill brought up again in state legislature

by: MinotVoice | January 20, 2025

North Dakota stands at a crossroads on sports betting. Representative Scott Louser is pushing for a 2026 ballot that could legalize wagering on professional and college sports. While he argues the state misses out on revenue as more than 30 states have already embraced this pastime, critics warn of increased financial risks, like the potential

Read & Share sourced from: KX News

Fargo metro cities could see unified backyard chicken policies (and Minot commentary)

by: Josh Wolsky | January 20, 2025

Fargo might soon join its neighbors in allowing six backyard chickens instead of four, thanks to growing support from residents and city officials. Currently, Fargo permits four hens per household, but residents look to align with Moorhead and West Fargo, where six are allowed. Commissioner John Strand and the Cass Clay Food Commission are considering

Read & Share sourced from: InForum

Can the state ignore local regulations? Wyoming Supreme Court will decide.

by: Josh Wolsky | January 20, 2025

In Wyoming, a heated battle between state and local powers may set a precedent for who truly holds sway over state-owned lands. Picture this: Teton County is challenging the state’s claim that counties can’t impose zoning or safety codes on these lands—a stance that critics say creates a dangerous “legal void.” The Wyoming Supreme Court

Read & Share sourced from: WyoFile

‘Right to repair’ case seen as tip of iceberg for ND farmer fairness

By: Mike Moen, Public News Service | January 20, 2025

Farmers in North Dakota and the rest of the country are monitoring an evolving legal case against a giant equipment manufacturer and they said repair restrictions are not the only service headaches farmers encounter. The Federal Trade Commission last week sued John Deere, accusing the company of an unfairly dominant market share. It said farmers have

Read & Share sourced from: Public News Service

Rock stars: Bottineau geology students propose new North Dakota symbol

by: MinotVoice | January 20, 2025

Young geologists in North Dakota are making waves by proposing the state’s first official rock: Knife River Flint. These spirited students, known as the Bottineau Rockhounds, took their enthusiasm to the state Capitol, urging lawmakers to embrace this cola-colored stone. Historically significant and unique to North Dakota, Knife River Flint has been treasured for its

Read & Share sourced from: North Dakota Monitor

January is National Radon Action Month, A Perfect Time to Test

by: MinotVoice | January 20, 2025

As the chill of January sets in, there’s more to think about than just cranking up the heat. This month marks National Radon Action Month, a vital reminder for North Dakota residents. Radon is a silent, invisible threat lurking in many homes, possibly affecting your health. Alarmingly, over half of North Dakota homes harbor radon

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North Dakota hunters debate deer baiting rules

by: MinotVoice | January 19, 2025

Beneath a sea of orange shirts, North Dakota’s hunters gathered at the Capitol, rallying for a cause close to their hearts. They want Senate Bill 2137, a concise legal proposal, to lift the restrictions on using bait for deer hunting. Proponents argue that these restrictions, designed to prevent chronic-wasting disease, have overreached, impacting traditional hunting

Read & Share sourced from: North Dakota Monitor