Today in Minot
A New Way to do the Local News!
Music to a Teacher’s Ears?
Education is a big driver of every thing around us, and in our system the rubber meets the road with teachers in classrooms. So we save content they may find worth reading for Saturday’s when there’s an outside chance they have time to catch it. There’s a couple just such pieces in today’s edition, and if there’s no time for reading today, hopefully there’s a little for listing to tonight’s live music!
Today in Minot
Today is Saturday, December 20th, 2025. The sun will rise on the 90th day of fall and the 354th day of the year at 8:32 AM. We will see 8 hours 21 minute of daylight before it sets at 4:53 PM.
Today is: Mudd Day, National Sangria Day, Go Caroling Day
Today’s Featured Happenings
Live Music
Risha Bergstrom
Sat. Dec. 20
BlueRider | Voted North Dakota’s Best Dive Bar!
Today’s Features
Sour Sundays!
Sun. Dec. 21
Atypical | Stop in & Warm Up With a Great Local Beer!
The news we share here is ForMinot. You can learn more about what guides our editorial decisions here.
Border enforcement is becoming quieter, lighter, and more mobile. Federal records show U.S. Customs and Border Protection is expanding its use of small, human-portable drones designed to be launched quickly by frontline agents and feed live intelligence directly into operations. The shift favors speed, flexibility, and constant tracking over large, centralized aircraft. Supporters see efficiency; critics see a surveillance system that can stretch well beyond the border. The reporting traces how these tools are reshaping enforcement tactics — and raising new questions about oversight, scope, and unintended consequences. Dell Cameron with WIRED has the full story.
Inflation isn’t just a headline in North Dakota right now — it’s showing up in grocery aisles, at the pump, and in how people plan for the holidays. A new North Dakota Poll finds 53% of respondents say everyday necessities have become less affordable over the past year, and nearly a third plan to cut back on holiday spending. The survey also highlights growing unease about tariffs and trade policy, even as most residents say they haven’t made major lifestyle changes and many still prioritize shopping local. Michael Standaert with North Dakota News Cooperative has the full survey results and story.
Property tax season has arrived in Ward County, and the numbers are starting to come into focus. New statements mailed this week show lower consolidated levies for many homeowners, even before the $1,600 primary residence credit is applied. For Minot residents, taxes per $100,000 of home value are down compared to last year, with the biggest reductions coming from the city’s portion of the bill. The changes reflect both legislative limits on levy growth and shifting local budgets, offering some relief as homeowners review their statements. Jill Schramm with Minot Daily News has the full story.
On This Day
On this day in 1803, America closed on its biggest real estate deal ever. In 1860, South Carolina was the first state to opt out; it was for a less-than-noble reason. In 1951, a new source of power was lighting up in Idaho. In 1917 Minot, war was both romantic and brutal, there was news that never ages, Carpio was rebuilding after a fire, and our local editor had some great culinary advice, but the specifics may make you doubt.
On this day in 1803, the United States formally took possession of the Louisiana Territory from France in a ceremony known as the “Three Flags Day,” marking the completion of the Louisiana Purchase.
On this day in 1860, South Carolina became the first state to secede from the Union, a pivotal moment that set the stage for the American Civil War.
On this day in 1951, the EBR-I nuclear reactor near Arco, Idaho, became the first in the world to generate electricity from atomic energy, lighting four light bulbs.
Born & Died: Harvey Firestone, (Born, 1868) American businessman and founder of Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, Uri Geller, (Born, 1946) Israeli-British illusionist and television personality, Billy Bragg, (Born, 1957) English singer-songwriter and activist, John Steinbeck, (Died, 1968) American novelist and Nobel Prize winner, Carl Sagan, (Died, 1996) American astronomer, author, and science communicator, Sacagawea, (Died, 1812) Shoshone interpreter and guide for the Lewis and Clark Expedition, Max Lerner, (Born, 1902) American journalist and educator, Jonah Hill, (Born, 1983) American actor known for his roles in “Superbad” and “The Wolf of Wall Street.”
Hair which is dark has a good deal of pigment in it and light hair has but little of that substance, which is secreted by the body. When the shade of a person’s hair begins to turn gray it means that the body is not producing the amount of pigment needed to maintain the usual color. As old age comes on and the supply grows less and less the hair gradually turns white. Worry and pain, which reduce the vital forces, also are frequent causes of grayness.
Why we published it:
A short search for “Gray Hair Science” will reveal just how often this same story has been coming around in our news feeds, and the meat of it hasn’t changed much. It’s almost as if every generation needs to read it.
If your motorcar was stolen, Mr. Motorist, could you describe it in such a way that the police could readily recognize it if they saw it? There are thousands of black cars and yellow cars, cars with nicks in them and cars with fenders bent. It is out of these many cars which so closely resemble each other that the police have to pick the stolen one.
Why we published it:
The early days of a new industry expose a lot problems that need to get worked out, and there may be a metaphor to learn from as our own era navigates the wildly disruptive emergence of AI. Rest assured, at some point the future we’ll have solutions to all the “if” and “could” articles you’re reading today. And that’s not saying we’ll be better for them, I’m just saying they’ll exist.
It has just been learned that muskrats are a clean, sweet, juicy, palatable meat. The muskrat or marsh hare is found by the millions in the north and there are enough of them killed in Ward county every winter to keep hundreds of families in meat all winter long. The muskrat is trapped for his fur, which is quite valuable, but the meat has always been thrown away. The muskrat is a clean animal and lives on clean vegetable food. Trappers are offering the meat for sale in some sections of Wisconsin at from five to seven cents a pound. A muskrat resembles an opossum somewhat.
Why we published it:
Not withstanding the truth of the matter because I’ve got basis to make judgment on the qualities of muskrat meat, but I suspect our local editor gave himself a chuckle when these sentences — “be willing to try new foods,” and “muskrats are a clean, sweet, juicy, palatable meat” — made the same edition.
To the day when wise, far-seeing, patriotic men representing these warring nations shall gather in council to negotiate and conclude a lasting and honorable peace that will guarantee true Democratic freedom of thought and action to all nations and all peoples; to the day that shall restore the father to his family, the son to his parents, the lover to his sweetheart security and quiet to stricken nations; and God grant that day may be soon.
Why we published it:
When those who are the midst of war raise glasses to when it will end, it should give us pause as we stand up justifications to start a new one all these years later. If you’re not aware, President Trump has stated fentanyl is a “Weapon of Mass Destruction.” And if you remember the past, that language has previously got us into a fight where it was hard to see what “winning” meant or got us.
It was just like the Germans to behead the first American prisoners taken and place the heads on poles in an effort to frighten the remainder of our army. Germany will not be able to break down the morale of our army in such a brutal fashion. This, of course, is barbarous warfare, but it will only make America that much more determined to stamp out a system that breeds soldiers of that type. The Germans will be paid back with interest before we are thru with them.
Why we published it:
In a moment where the language of war is tossed around more casually than previously, the brutality part seemed more important than the romance part. But they’re both there for those seeking the balanced perspective.
Carpio was visited by a disastrous fire at 4 o’clock last Thursday morning, the blaze starting in a shed at the rear of the building occupied by the Carpio Free Press. The fire spread quickly to the adjoining buildings, completely destroying Conrad Dahl’s pool room and barber shop building and the unoccupied restaurant building owned by S. J. Rasmussen.
Why we published it:
We share this story — of some place burning — over and over again. Both as a reminder that we keep fire at bay better then ever, but also as a reminder that what we see around us — in many cases — is the rebuilt version. From an economic perspective, the construction and then the inevitable fire-driven reconstruction was an economic factor in our early days that is underappreciated. Unfortunately this rebuilding practice has largely ceased. Today, when old buildings burn, they are more likely to be replaced with parking lots.
On What She Did Without Speaking
“The wife of Charbono, a Snake Indian woman, was with him, and this circumstance was a great advantage to us, as it was a token of peace.”
— William Clark, Journal, October 13, 1805
Upcoming Fun
Fun coming up that’s worth knowing about. Scroll for more at SavorMinot.com.
Play & Participate
Draft Joggers – Run Group
Sun. Dec. 21
Atypical | Stop in & Warm Up With a Great Local Beer!
Seasonal Sales & Celebrations
Open Xmas Eve
Wed. Dec. 24
BlueRider | Voted North Dakota’s Best Dive Bar!
Live Music
You Probably Don’t Have Anything Else Going On
Thu. Jan. 8
BlueRider | Voted North Dakota’s Best Dive Bar!
Today’s Happenings
Live Music
Risha Bergstrom @BlueRider
Sat. Dec. 20
Join us at Blue Rider on Sat., Dec. 20 for a festive holiday concert with soulful singer-songwriter Risha Bergstrom, bringing southern charm to downtown Minot. Enjoy stiff drinks, free popcorn, and a special on Risha’s favorite drink all night—no cover, just good vibes! #LiveMusicMinot #HolidayVibes #SavorMinot
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
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
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
Seasonal Sales & Celebrations
Budget Music & Video Is Your One Stop Gift Shop! @BudgetMusic
Fri. Dec. 19 — Sun. Dec. 21
Last chance to find the perfect gift at Budget Music & Video this weekend in downtown Minot! Grab their 48th anniversary T-shirts and explore a unique collection of music, movies, collectibles, and more before Christmas. #HolidayShopping #MinotGifts #SavorMinot
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
“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
