Today in Minot

Saskatchewan’s government rejected harm reduction strategies, betting instead on treatment centers like the Willowview Recovery Centre. But nearly a year after opening, Willowview still isn’t taking in-patients. Former staff say desperate families are left waiting, and some have lost loved ones in the process. Instead of beds, the province now offers virtual sessions and bus rides to day treatment—solutions that may not work for those in crisis. If treatment is the answer, the real question is: when will it be available?

Why does this matter in Minot? Addiction does not abide answers. And when in crisis, we need to be open to solutions — and warnings — wherever they come from. This article out of Regina highlights a the latter.

The latest comedic short, “Face Plant: Sexy Soil Talk,” featuring Nick Offerman, highlights a serious issue: climate change. Produced by the NRDC, the video uses humor to promote cover cropping and regenerative agriculture. As climate-related content expands in entertainment, creators like Katy Jacobs emphasize that laughter can help normalize important discussions about our planet’s future. With rising comedic explorations of climate, audiences are finding ways to engage with and tackle these pressing challenges—often one joke at a time.

Kudos to climate advocates. They’re starting to figure out people don’t activate around statistics; but give them a good hook and a story and you can keep their attention for a moment. Grist has the full story on the evolution. You can watch an example of in action below.

Idaho lawmakers are taking a broom to the state’s legal code. The Senate unanimously passed House Bill 14, the _Idaho Code Cleanup Act_, which now heads to Gov. Brad Little’s desk. The bill requires state agencies to identify outdated or redundant laws and recommend them for repeal—a push for a leaner, less intrusive government. Supporters, including House Speaker Mike Moyle and Senate President Pro Tem Kelly Anthon, frame it as a common-sense measure to streamline governance. Now, it’s up to Little to decide its fate.

North Dakota’s open meetings laws exist for a reason—government should be transparent. But when violations occur, consequences are weak. At best, officials might be asked to summarize what was discussed in secret, often months later and with little detail. Recent violations in Fargo and the Metro Flood Diversion Authority highlight the problem: laws only work when they’re enforced. Without real penalties—like civil or criminal charges for repeat offenders—leaders have little incentive to follow the rules. Public trust depends on stronger accountability.

Read Inforum’s full editorial position linked below. And if you’re wondering why this matters in Minot, we’re still awaiting the Attorney General’s opinion on whether Minot City Council violated state open meeting and transparency laws when they acted on purchasing the now-demolished Knockback Tavern property last spring. If the finding is against the city, it seems likely that the consequences will be soft.

Noah Tang’s journey from recent divorce to practical solution reveals an approach to the housing crisis that is often overlooked. Living alone in a spacious Victorian house, he transformed his spare rooms into affordable rentals for students and interns. This arrangement not only eased his mortgage concerns but also addressed a growing need for flexible housing in college towns. As cities grapple with housing shortages, Tang’s experience highlights the potential benefits of allowing homeowners to rent out unused space—creating community and stability amid uncertain times.

Why does it matter in Minot? With both a college and a housing shortage, this is an obvious way to bring people together and address a community need.

Andrea Travnicek, a former member of North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum’s Cabinet and Minot native, has been nominated to the position of U.S. assistant secretary of the Interior. If confirmed, she will work alongside Burgum, who recently took on the role of Interior secretary. Travnicek brings extensive experience from her previous government roles, including her directorship of the North Dakota Water Resources. Her nomination is currently under review by the Senate, with support from local leaders like Senator John Hoeven, emphasizing her qualifications for this key position.

April Baumgarten with Inforum has the full story.

Björk’s artistic journey defies conventional boundaries, intertwining concert, theatre, and visual art into an experience like no other. Her recent _Cornucopia_ tour, now immortalized in a concert film, showcases her relentless pursuit of innovation. Featuring unique instruments, a 360-degree soundscape, and stunning visuals, it’s a testament to her dedication to craft. As the tour wraps up, Björk’s team reflects on the remarkable evolution of her vision—that beautiful art can emerge from the daring interplay of sound and sight.

And as Iceland’s most iconic artist, we’re required to share stories about her work due to our strong Scandinavian connection 😉 Enjoy the full story at the Reykjavik Grapevine.

If you’re curious about the cost of living in North Dakota, recent data from Job Service sheds light on the disparities across counties. McKenzie County takes the lead as the priciest, driven largely by its oil industry. In comparison, Ward County sits on the higher range. Understanding these figures is essential for both newcomers and residents navigating daily expenses, it also helps communities understand how they compare and how that may be impacting migration patterns and attitudes. The article from Inforum linked below is the primer — it focuses on Cass County; if you want to jump in and explore the data, it’s linked below as well.

ND Cost of Living Index

The MAGIC Fund Screening Committee was once the first checkpoint for economic development proposals in Minot. Now, it barely meets. Under revised guidelines, the Minot Area Chamber EDC (MACEDC) has taken over much of the early review process, leaving some wondering whether the screening committee still serves a real purpose—or if it’s just a procedural relic. While city leaders debate transparency and oversight, one question looms: Who should have the final say in shaping Minot’s economic future?

The discussion isn’t over yet; Jill Schramm with The Minot Daily News has the updated on the latest conversation of the City of Minot’s Economic Development Plan Review Committee

North Dakota residents may find some relief this tax season through property tax credits aimed at easing financial strain. The Homestead Property Tax Credit and Renter’s Refund programs are designed for homeowners and renters alike. Eligibility includes those aged 65 or older, or individuals with permanent or total disabilities. For those who qualify, these credits can significantly lower tax burdens or provide partial rent refunds. For more information on eligibility, contact the Office of the State Tax Commissioner.

**MINOT, N.D.** – Minot State University’s Lifelong Learning Institute will offer multiple ceramics classes as part of its Spring 2025 class schedule, including open studio, beginner, and advanced methods.

“We are very pleased to have recently retired professor Linda Olson ’84 continue to teach the region by offering multiple ceramics classes for the entire community,” said Cole Krueger, MSU marketing director. “There are a variety of classes to fit everyone’s interest in ceramics. If you want to get involved in creating, this is an excellent opportunity.”

Olson retired from teaching at Minot State in 2024 after nearly 35 years at Minot State. A North Dakota native, she earned her bachelor’s degrees in art, English, and psychology at MSU, a Master of Arts from the University of Montana, and a Master of Fine Arts from the University of North Dakota. Olson has worked in several public collections, including the North Dakota Council on the Arts, the Skien, Norway Art Center, the University of North Dakota, North Dakota State University PEARS Collection, and Minot State University, as well as in many private collections. She will be joined by MSU Artist in Residence and Ceramics Studio Manager Blaire Engel.

The events kick off with Open Studio running from Feb. 4 to April 15 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-9 p.m. Open Studio is considered at the advanced level and has two cost structures with four sessions/month at $85 and 12 sessions for $250 and includes clay and firing fees. Registered attendees will receive a small private locker and a designated studio shelf.

Beginner-level classes include Throwing Date Night Mug Class, Beginning Wheel Throwing, Continuing Throwing, and Hand Built Cup or Mug, which are $50 per person.

• Throwing Date Night is scheduled for Feb. 5 and 12 from 6-8 p.m. and is 18-plus. This hands-on pottery class is for two individuals exploring the art of wheel throwing together.
• Beginning Wheel Throwing is scheduled for Feb. 7, 14, and 21 from 6-8 p.m. and is for ages 16-plus. This introductory class will allow students to explore wheel throwing and various applications to create simple forms.
• Continuing Throwing is Feb. 28, March 7, and March 14 from 6-8 p.m. and is 16-plus. This is an independent studio class in which students continue to develop their skills, knowledge, and proficiency working in clay.
• Hand Built Cup or Mug is March 11 and 18 from 6-8 p.m. for ages 16-plus. In this class, enjoy the relaxing and pleasant process of hand-building in clay and treat yourself to a unique handmade object.

Family Tile Making is for ages 16-plus or 6-plus with parent or guardian on April 4 and 11 from 6-8 p.m. This class will feature designing your own ceramic tile in a family-friendly class.

Some people cut corners. Others manipulate. A few take pleasure in cruelty. Psychologists have long studied these dark personality traits individually, but researchers now argue they share a common root. They call it the D factor—a unifying thread behind narcissism, psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and more. Like general intelligence, this dark core influences a range of behaviors, from selfishness to outright malice. The implications? Understanding D might help predict—and possibly curb—harmful actions. And if you’re curious, you can even test your own D factor.

If you’d like to learn more, the article from Science Alert is a good place to start.

A former North Dakota senator, Ray Holmberg, faces sentencing next month for traveling abroad with intentions to sexually exploit minors. His hearing is set for March 26 in Fargo, where he could receive up to 30 years in prison. Holmberg, who served in the North Dakota Senate for decades, pleaded guilty after admitting to seeking sexual encounters with adolescents in Prague. Despite claiming ignorance about the age of consent, his actions have led to serious charges, and he now awaits the court’s decision.

Synthetic opioids are reshaping the global drug trade, and nitazenes—highly potent and often deadlier than fentanyl—are at the center of the storm. First synthesized decades ago, these drugs have re-emerged in illicit markets, fueling overdose spikes from the UK to North America. Cheap to produce and easy to smuggle, nitazenes are slipping into heroin supplies, often without users knowing. As law enforcement scrambles to contain the threat, experts warn that without decisive action, these synthetic opioids could redefine the next phase of the drug crisis worldwide.

Get the full story you should read before bed on in class with your kids from The Conversation.

In this week’s NDO News, learn about the game and fish violations seen across the state in 2024. Watch below.