Curio | October 5, 2025

On This Day | Long Before Wheels on the Shovels Turned

594 words • 3 min read

Author

MinotVoice

All doubt of the engineering feasibility of the Missouri river diversion project was dispelled this week when Kansas City consulting engineers reviewed the plans, with minor alterations, and approved the entire project. Their report, written by Chester R. Smith of Burns & McDonnell, an engineering company, was prepared for submission to Washington and will probably go before administration officials within two or three weeks. It was presented to officials of the Missouri River Diversion association, to the North Dakota public works advisory board, and to F. W. Murphy, regional director of public works, at a meeting held in Fargo Saturday.

— October 5, 1933 | The Ward County Independent

Why We Chose It

There have been few infrastructure larger in American history and none more consequential in North Dakota. We share this is a reminder of what it took to get this project built. First the identified need, second solution, third, the feasibility, fourth, the bureaucratic sign off… and so on and so on and so on.. This was a full 15 years before the dirt would be moved. Though it is worth noting other worthy causes diverted our attention between this time and then.

Long Before Wheels on the Shovels Turned

Today’s Happenings!

SavorMinot’s guest writer for today is . Read and grade the results here.

Future Fun

Performances & Exhibitions

St. Olaf Orchestra @MSUPerformingArts

Sunday, October 19th

Experience the renowned St. Olaf Orchestra, led by Chung Park, as they bring their rich tradition and passionate performance to Ann Nicole Nelson Hall at Minot State University on Sunday, October 19 at 7 p.m. Don’t miss this chance to witness one of the finest collegiate orchestras during their 2025 Fall Tour. #MinotEvents #LiveMusic #SavorMinot

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Live Music!

Jake Stack @BlueRider

Friday, October 10th

Catch Jake Stack live at Blue Rider in downtown Minot on Friday, October 10th, for a night of soulful tunes and stiff drinks. Enjoy free popcorn, cold beer, and no cover charge while experiencing the magic of a modern-day troubadour. #LiveMusic #DowntownMinot #SavorMinot

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Play & Participate

Pumpkin Walk @MinotParks

Friday, October 10th — Saturday, October 11th

Experience the magic of the Minot Parks Pumpkin Walk on October 10th and 11th from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Woodland Trail. Help us light up the night with 2,000 carved pumpkins and enjoy a free, family-friendly event sponsored by JLG Architects. #PumpkinWalk #UnplugAndPlay #SavorMinot

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Social & Networking

Book Club @Atypical

Tuesday, October 21st

Join us at Atypical Brewery & Barrelworks on Tuesday, October 21st for a unique Book Club experience where great discussions meet your favorite brews. Don’t miss out on this perfect blend of books and barrel-aged beer in downtown Minot! #BookClub #CraftBeer #SavorMinot

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Play & Participate

Draft Joggers – Running Group @Atypical

Tuesday, October 28th

Join the Draft Joggers for a fun run through Downtown Minot on Tuesday, October 28th, starting and ending at Atypical Brewery. Enjoy a victory pint and connect with fellow runners after the run—everyone’s welcome! #RunAndRelax #MinotEvents #SavorMinot

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