Today in Minot

Mental health is a pressing issue for many in agriculture, where stress can weigh heavily on daily life. North Dakota State University Extension is hosting two 90-minute webinars on March 25 and May 13 to provide support and teach skills for recognizing signs of mental health crises. With suicide rates notably higher in this sector, these sessions aim to equip participants with practical tools for navigating these challenges. Registration is open and free, but spots are limited.

Get more details from the NDSU Extension Service linked below.

Property tax relief is on the table in North Dakota, but local leaders are raising concerns about how a proposed 3% cap on annual levy increases could impact fast-growing communities. While supporters see it as a step toward easing the tax burden, officials in Cass County and Fargo warn that it may not keep pace with rising costs, potentially leading to service cuts. With the bill still evolving, the challenge is finding a balance—offering relief to homeowners while ensuring communities can fund essential services.

Melissa Van Der Stad with Inforum has the story out of Fargo that is interchangeable with North Dakota’s larger cities — simply replace “Fargo” with Minot or Bismarck and the concerns and arguments will be largely the same. And it all comes down to this single idea: the legislature can absolutely place cap on local budgets. But how is it going to place a cap on local expenses?

SaskPower is moving ahead with plans for a small modular reactor near Estevan, Saskatchewan, as part of its commitment to expand nuclear energy. While North Dakota legislators consider a study on similar developments, SaskPower has pinpointed the Boundary Dam and Rafferty Reservoir as promising sites. The utility aims to decide on final locations by early this year, with the first reactor expected to be operational by the mid-2030s. Community engagement and environmental considerations are key components of this growing nuclear venture.

Jill Schramm with the Minot Daily News has the full story that’s been warming up since last spring when the exploratory intentions of Sask Power were first announced. As this project moves forward, we’ll see just how comfortable we are with nuclear when reactor is just upstream — literally.

The North Dakota Department of Commerce, in partnership with Deloitte, a leading global provider of consulting and advisory services, is conducting a statewide employer survey to assess and improve the state’s workforce ecosystem.

“This survey provides a valuable opportunity for North Dakota employers to directly shape the future of our workforce development strategies,” said Commerce Workforce Development Director Katie Ralston Howe. “Their input is crucial as we strive to address workforce challenges, support businesses, and strengthen economic growth across the state.”

The brief survey gathers insights from employers on their successes, challenges, and workforce needs, including hiring, training, and retention strategies. This information will be used to inform and improve workforce development initiatives, streamline efforts between employers and public/private resources, and better support North Dakota’s growing economy

North Dakota-based employers from all industries are encouraged to participate in this important survey. Owners, managers and HR representatives are best suited to provide valuable insights. The survey takes less than 10 minutes to complete, and only one anonymous submission per employer is needed.

Employers can participate in the survey here: https://deloittesurvey.deloitte.com/Community/se/3FC11B2648F08E27

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