Today in Minot

A New Way to do the Local News!

December 19th, 2025
Vol. 1 | No. 339

A State Fair Announcement!

A performer for next summer’s ND State Fair has been announced. Bumper Cars will be sliding tonight, but spots go quick and prebooking is required. Details on both in today’s edition!

Today in Minot

Today is Friday, December 19th, 2025. The sun will rise on the 89th day of fall and the 353rd day of the year at 8:32 AM. We will see 8 hours 20 minutes of daylight before it sets at 4:52 PM.

Today is: National Underdog Day, National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day, National Oatmeal Muffin Day, National Hard Candy Day

Today’s Featured Happenings

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Monthly Features

The KOAGIE | December’s Hoagie of the Month

Mon. Dec. 1 — Wed. Dec. 31

MagicCityHoagies | This is how we roll!

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Live Music

Risha Bergstrom

Sat. Dec. 20

BlueRider | Voted North Dakota’s Best Dive Bar!

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The Minot Voice Logo

The news we share here is ForMinot. You can learn more about what guides our editorial decisions here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVDJxMxzTL0

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BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota State Water Commission (SWC) approved more than $30.4 million in cost-share funding for water supply and other water infrastructure projects across the state during its December 16 meeting in Bismarck. The approved projects include municipal and rural water supply improvements,...

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The U.S. House on Thursday passed, 211-204, a bill to remove Endangered Species Act protections for the gray wolf outside Alaska. The bill, sponsored by Colorado Republican Lauren Boebert, would direct the Interior secretary to reissue a 2020 rule removing ESA protections that delisted wolves other...

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Roster cuts usually bring uncertainty, but for North Dakota fans, this round brought relief. Canada trimmed three players from its World Junior Championship roster Thursday, and all three UND-linked skaters are still standing. Freshmen Cole Reschny and Keaton Verhoeff, along with defenseman recruit Ethan MacKenzie, remain in position to represent Canada later this month. With the roster now at tournament size and few additions expected, the trio is one step closer to a rare moment in UND hockey history on the international stage. Brad Elliott Schlossman with Grand Forks Herald has the story on the World Junior tournament that’s being hosted in Minnesota this year.

If you’ve ever felt confused by how a big-box rebate actually works, Wisconsin regulators say you weren’t alone. Menards has agreed to pay $4.25 million to 10 states after an investigation found customers were misled by how its familiar 11% rebate was advertised and, in two cases, by pandemic-era price gouging. The settlement forces changes to how rebates are presented online and in stores, and adds new consumer protections aimed at making prices clearer and easier to understand at checkout.

At first glance, the charges against Jose Cadena-Velazquez seemed straightforward. In court, the story proved far more complicated. The Fargo man, who has lived and worked in the community for nearly two decades, now faces deportation after pleading guilty to federal charges tied to a disputed arrest and a false identification card. As his sentencing unfolded, the case exposed how personal conflicts, immigration enforcement, and federal discretion collided — leaving a judge to describe the system itself as being in “a state of chaos.” Tasha Carvell with InForum has the full story.

After a long season in the field, your firearms have likely seen their fair share of dust, moisture, and gunpowder residue. It’s easy to lean them in the corner of the safe and forget about them until next year, but a little maintenance now ensures they remain accurate and safe for a lifetime. Brian Schaefer from North Dakota Game and Fish walks us through a straightforward routine to protect your investment, ensuring those family heirlooms stay in peak condition for the next generation. Watch below.

One of the long-standing goals of the North Dakota Game and Fish Department is to keep hunting and fishing regulations as simple and straightforward as possible, all while ensuring the protection of the resource for future generations. That balance isn’t always easy. But before taking a...

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If you’ve ever signed up for a service in seconds and then struggled to cancel it, this lawsuit may sound familiar. A coalition of 21 states, Washington, D.C., and the Federal Trade Commission is accusing Uber of steering users into unwanted paid subscriptions and then trapping them behind a maze of screens to get out. The case targets Uber One, alleging deceptive sign-ups and intentionally difficult cancellations. Beyond Uber, the lawsuit highlights growing scrutiny of the subscription economy and the tactics companies use to lock in recurring charges.

Editor’s Note: In addition to the District of Columbia, the states joining the FTC lawsuit include: Alabama, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

The federal government is taking a rare step toward loosening decades of strict marijuana policy. President Trump has signed an order directing the reclassification of marijuana, a move that could expand medical research, reshape the cannabis industry, and ease access to banking and investment. While marijuana would remain illegal under federal law, the shift marks a significant change in how Washington treats the drug. The decision has drawn praise from Democrats, sharp criticism from many Republicans, and fresh debate over public health, enforcement, and regulation. Trevor Hunnicutt with Reuters has the full story.

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On This Day

On this day in 1777, George Washington and his soldiers were doing what it took. In 1843, Charles Dickens was telling a timeless tale for the first time, and in 1998, the U.S. House of Representatives knew exactly what the definition “is” was. In 1912 Minot, our editors were wondering if we were going to live up to our progressive billing, pigs were being hunted, but that was long after alcohol was attracting, and the holiday advertising deserved a second look.

On this day in 1777, George Washington and the Continental Army began their winter encampment at Valley Forge during the American Revolutionary War, facing harsh conditions but emerging stronger.

On this day in 1843, Charles Dickens’ classic novella “A Christmas Carol” was published in London, quickly becoming a beloved holiday story around the world.

On this day in 1998, the United States House of Representatives impeached President Bill Clinton on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice, leading to a Senate trial the following year.

Born & Died: Edith Piaf, (Born, 1915) French singer, Robert Urich, (Born, 1946) American actor, Emily Brontë, (Died, 1848) English novelist and poet, Alyssa Milano, (Born, 1972) American actress, James Booker, (Died, 1983) American musician, Reggie White, (Born, 1961) American football player, Desmond Tutu, (Born, 1931) South African cleric and activist, Jake Gyllenhaal, (Born, 1980) American actor.

The Ward County Independent Logo

The concussion of the explosion was distinctly felt in the town of Washburn which is situated a few miles west of the mine. No damage was done in the town, however.

Why we published it:

Just another event we’ll add to the list of a million ways to die in North Dakota’s early days. Fortunately, this story sounds like it may have had an ending that didn’t follow through tragically.

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He was one of the earliest settlers in the Mouse river valley and his friends back at Melrose, Minn., wanted him to write a description of the country. This he did, as follows: “No snow in winter and in the spring, you seed the grain on top of the ground. Streams mostly alki” (meaning alkali, and making an error in spelling). Those Melrose farmers thought he meant “alcohol” and they came flocking to North Dakota by the dozens.

Why we published it:

Was it the land of opportunity . . . or something else 🙂

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The prophesy of this paper on more than one occasion, when speaking of the normal school located at Minot, was always that it would be a big and a good one, and as far as the normal board has planned the building, now going up, and the buildings to go up, they, each and all, will fully bear out the former statements of the Independent.

Why we published it:

Minot State remains one of our most important institutions, and these little clips of its history always get shared.

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There are now no less than ten states in the union where women vote on equal terms with men. They are Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, California, Utah, Arizona, Kansas, Colorado and Michigan. Besides these there are twenty-one states where women have incomplete suffrage, North Dakota being among the number.

Why we published it:

And a little later down, “North Dakota, one of the most progressive states in the union . . . ” is a very different than we would be described today. It invites a question . . . they were North Dakotans, we are North Dakotans, what changed?

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The HOME OF HOLIDY GIFTS For Little Folks | Big Folks

Why we published it:

This ad caught attention in our own time both for the style of its era and the quality of the work.

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Police raided Fred Blood’s place on Second street and “Doc” Burke’s alleged joint on Ward street Saturday night, arresting the proprietors who are charged with “pigging.”

Why we published it:

Before North Dakota was a “wet” state, law enforcement had their work cut out for them in enforcing the law.

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On Productivity

“A person who has not done one half his day’s work by ten o’clock, runs a chance of leaving the other half undone.”

— Emily Brontë, Wuthering Heights

Today’s Markets

These are the commodities that move Minot’s economy. See how they’re doing here.

Upcoming Fun

Fun coming up that’s worth knowing about. Scroll for more at SavorMinot.com.

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Play & Participate

Draft Joggers – Run Group

Sun. Dec. 21

Atypical | Stop in & Warm Up With a Great Local Beer!

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Seasonal Sales & Celebrations

Open Xmas Eve

Wed. Dec. 24

BlueRider | Voted North Dakota’s Best Dive Bar!

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Play & Participate

First Day Hike

Thu. Jan. 1

FortStevenson | Something for Everyone!

Today’s Happenings

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Play & Participate

Ice Bumper Cars! @CitzensAlley

Fri. Dec. 19

Experience the thrill of ice bumper car rides this Friday at Citizens Alley in downtown Minot! Book your 12-minute session online and enjoy a fun, wintery adventure for ages 2 and up. #WinterFun #MinotEvents #SavorMinot

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Performances & Exhibitions

Festival of Arts Exhibition @TaubeMuseum

Sat. Nov. 29 — Sat. Dec. 20

Celebrate local creativity at the Festival of Arts Exhibition, featuring a diverse collection of fine art, jewelry, prints, and more at the Taube Museum of Art in downtown Minot. Join the opening reception on November 29 and shop unique holiday gifts while supporting local artists through December 20. #SupportLocal #MinotArts #SavorMinot

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Monthly Features

The KOAGIE | December’s Hoagie of the Month @MagicCityHoagies

Mon. Dec. 1 — Wed. Dec. 31

Taste the bold flavors of December’s Hoagie of the Month at Magic City Hoagies—The KOAGIE, a Korean BBQ roast beef hoagie loaded with cheddar, kimchi slaw, and garlic Sriracha aioli. Celebrate the season with this fresh, flavorful sandwich available all month long in downtown Minot! #HoagieLove #MinotEats #SavorMinot

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“Hot, New, Fresh”

On Tap Right Now! @Atypical

Tue. Dec. 16 — Sun. Dec. 21

Discover the freshest brews on tap this week at Atypical Brewery & Barrelworks, featuring award-winning barrel-aged beers, live music, and delicious food trucks in downtown Minot. Don’t miss out on this hot, new lineup from December 16 to 21! #CraftBeer #MinotEats #SavorMinot

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Performances & Exhibitions

INT’L All Media @NorthwestArtsCenter

Thu. Oct. 23 — Sat. Dec. 20

Celebrate 30 years of creativity at the Northwest Arts Center’s INT’L All Media 2025 exhibition, featuring over 40 diverse artworks from the U.S. and Japan. Join the free opening reception on October 23 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. to meet juror Melissa Monroe and experience innovative art in all mediums. #ArtExhibition #MinotArts #SavorMinot

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Let’s Celebrate!

Sertoma Christmas in the Park @MinotSertoma

Fri. Nov. 28 — Wed. Dec. 31

Experience the magic of the season at Sertoma Christmas in the Park, lighting up Minot’s Oak Park from November 28 through December 31. Enjoy a beautiful holiday light display perfect for family and friends, open nightly with a $5 per car admission. #MinotHolidays #ChristmasLights #SavorMinot

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