Today in Minot

The North Dakota Department of Commerce Tourism and Marketing Division has partnered with The Good Kids, a Bismarck based design studio, to create a new icon that represents our great state. This initiative aims to increase awareness of North Dakota beyond our borders while also fostering pride among residents. The icon will not replace the state’s “Be Legendary” brand but will complement it, offering a versatile graphic for use on merchandise such as t-shirts, stickers, and flags.

After careful development, two design options are being forwarded for public input. You can help choose the icon that best represents North Dakota.

Take the Survey Here

Minot State University is set to host the 2025 North Dakota Native American State Science and Engineering Fair on Feb. 19, marking the event’s 40th year. This annual competition brings together young scientists from across the state, offering them a platform to showcase their projects while getting a glimpse of university life.

With 10 schools and 147 projects registered, the fair continues to grow. Organizers say it’s not just about competition—it’s about connection, education, and inspiration. Judges are still needed, and community participation is welcome.

A mix-up at the Williams County Jail led to a brief but embarrassing escape when a man posing as an ICE agent walked in and took custody of an inmate—no questions asked. Sheriff Varlan Kvande calls it a “perfect storm” of timing and assumptions, as the real ICE agent arrived just minutes too late.

The sheriff stands by his staff, calling it a wake-up call rather than a failure. The inmate was quickly recaptured, and the impersonator now faces charges. The lesson? Trust is good, but verification is better. Matt Henson with the Dickinson Press has the full story.

Local control is on the line in North Dakota. A packed room at an Edgeley bar made that clear, as residents voiced concerns over large-scale industrial projects shaping their communities. At stake is Senate Bill 2208, which would strip state infrastructure funds from local governments that push back against state-approved developments.

Supporters argue that tax dollars from the oil and gas sector shouldn’t flow to areas that restrict its growth. Opponents see it as a power grab, weakening local decision-making. As transmission lines and industrial sites expand, the question remains: Who gets to decide the future of North Dakota’s rural communities?

Local control has been a regular topic thus far in the 2025 Legislative session; with SB 2208 we can now add vengeance to the list of values represented in the early going. Joey Harris with the Bismarck Tribune has the full story. Bill details can be found below.

At Minot High School, comfort comes with four legs and a wagging tail. Winnie, the Golden Magi, isn’t just a therapy dog—she’s a trusted friend, offering quiet support to students when they need it most. Whether easing test-day nerves or simply brightening the hallways, Winnie has quickly become part of the school’s heartbeat. Her presence has even boosted attendance and lifted spirits. She may leave a little dog hair behind, but for students and staff alike, that’s a small price for a little magic.

For many rural North Dakotans, a local grocery store isn’t just a convenience—it’s a lifeline. Senate Bill 2228 aims to keep these stores open by providing $1 million in grants, prioritizing existing stores before funding new ones. Supporters say urban residents may take food access for granted, while rural communities struggle with limited options. If passed, the bill would help ensure that essential groceries, medicine, and daily necessities remain within reach for those living far from major retailers. KX News has the full story; bill details can be found below.

North Dakota lawmakers are narrowing their focus on property tax reform, with just seven bills still in play as the session’s midpoint approaches. The most prominent, House Bill 1176, carries the governor’s backing and has been reshaped through committee amendments, though debate remains heated. Some legislators argue that too many competing ideas have been consolidated into a single bill, limiting broader discussion. Despite the friction, state leaders are optimistic that a meaningful property tax relief package will emerge before the session’s end.

Grant Cousey with the Bismarck Tribune has the full story. The details on HB 1176 can be found below.

North Dakota’s wild horses, a historic and iconic presence in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, are gaining attention for potential federal protection. A recent resolution passed unanimously by the North Dakota Senate urges Congress to intervene and safeguard the herd of nearly 200 horses, which hold deep roots in the state’s identity. The resolution addresses concerns over the herd’s management and has garnered significant public support, setting the stage for a vote in the House. The call for protection reflects both historical significance and tourism interest.

Over 100 participants gathered at the North Dakota State Museum and Heritage Center for the first Rural Planning Symposium, highlighting the importance of strategic community development in rural areas. Commerce Commissioner Chris Schilken emphasized that such gatherings are vital for fostering connections and sharing innovative solutions...

Iowa is facing a pressing physician shortage, prompting lawmakers to advance bills aimed at addressing this issue. The House Health and Human Services Committee is exploring initiatives to expand medical residency opportunities and potentially shorten medical school programs. This comes as Iowa ranks low in patient-to-physician ratios and is experiencing alarming declines in physician retention. The latest discussions signal a concerted effort to not only retain more medical professionals but also ensure they are prepared to meet the healthcare needs of Iowans.

Why does this matter in Minot? Doctors are hard to come by in rural places; that’s reality. And if others are taking proactive steps to address their needs, we should probably be paying attention. This story from Cedar Rapids Gazette is a sign we may already be behind. Also, Iowa isn’t the only state addressing this; here’s another approach that’s been in the news.

Recent research highlights the troubling discovery of high levels of microplastics in Antarctic snow, challenging the notion that even the planet’s most remote regions are spared from plastic pollution. A new study published in _Science of the Total Environment_ shows concentrations reaching over 3,000 particles per liter, far exceeding previous estimates. The implications are significant, revealing how human activity impacts ecosystems even in isolated areas, urging a need for action to address this global issue.

A few days ago we published that microplastics are now commonly found in human brains, before that it was in your cup of tea. What the impact of all these microplastic pieces being found everywhere is yet to be determined, but when we’ve had stories like these from the past they rarely turn out with it being really good for us.

At the Minot Area Chamber EDC (MACEDC) February 13 Military Affairs Committee meeting, the Budget Office of the 5th Bomb Wing Comptroller presented the annual economic impact analysis report for Minot Air Force Base (MAFB). This annual report is significant as it quantifies the influence that...

What started as a local land-use dispute near a North Dakota Air Force base has grown into a nationwide push to limit Chinese investment. Since the Grand Forks controversy and a Chinese surveillance balloon’s flight over the U.S., lawmakers in dozens of states have pursued restrictions—targeting farmland purchases, drone use, and public investments. Supporters argue these measures protect national security, while critics call them political theater. In North Dakota, legislators are leading the charge, debating bills to replace drones, track foreign influence, and divest state funds from China.

Keith Darnay with KX News has the full story.

A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress aircraft assigned to the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, arrives in support of Bomber Task Force 25-2 at RAF Fairford, England, Feb. 11, 2025. BTF missions enable crews to maintain a high state of readiness proficiency, and validate our always-ready, global strike capability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kristen Heller)

North Dakota lawmakers are debating a series of education bills that could push the boundaries of the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause. One measure would allow public schools to hire chaplains, while another would permit science teachers to present intelligent design as an alternative to evolution. Supporters argue these bills expand religious freedom and support student well-being. Critics, including legal experts, warn they could prompt lawsuits and blur the line between faith and public education. A third bill, requiring Ten Commandments displays in schools, failed in the House this week.

Mary Steuer with the North Dakota Monitor has the full story. Bill details can be found below.

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A Grand Forks pasta company just got a taste of the Super Bowl spotlight. 3 Farm Daughters, founded by three sisters who balance business with family life, was featured in Google’s “50 for 50” campaign—a series highlighting small businesses across the country. Their 30-second ad, which aired regionally during the big game, showcased their farm-to-table approach to pasta and how Google’s tools help them manage their growing brand. The exposure has already sparked a surge in interest, proving that even a brief Super Bowl moment can have a lasting impact.

Get the full story from the Grand Forks Herald. And locally, look at that — value-added agriculture that isn’t industrial in scale. That’s an economic development approach that only needs a small hand up, not a huge hand out.

North Dakota’s proposal to boost public transit funding for its four largest cities is drawing attention amid rising operational costs. Senate Bill 2254, now offering $5 million in grants over the next two years, aims to address the financial challenges cities like Grand Forks, Minot, Fargo, and Bismarck face as they adapt to population changes. While the funding has been reduced from an initial $15 million request, transit directors argue that enhanced support is crucial for maintaining essential services and ensuring community accessibility. Matthew Voigt with the Grand Forks Herald has the full story; bill details can be found below.

Postmodern Jukebox (PMJ) presents a 1920s Hot Jazz cover of Aerosmith’s “Rag Doll,” featuring the debut of vocalist Veronica Swift. This rendition transforms the 1987 hit into a potential 1920s dance craze, showcasing Swift’s unique vocal talent. We’re fans of Postmodern Jukebox. They help us see and hear things we know well from a different perspective. The world needs more of this and this band does it without offending. Enjoy!