Today in Minot

A New Way to do the Local News!

Feb. 3, 2025
Vol. 1 | No. 20

Today in Minot

Today is Monday, February 3rd. The sun will rise on the 45th day of winter, and the 34th day of the year at 8:11 AM. We will see 9 hours 36 minutes of daylight before it sets at 5:47 PM.

Today is: National Missing Persons Day, Four Chaplains Day, National The Day The Music Died Day, National Women Physicians Day, National Carrot Cake Day

The Weather

Currently we have light snow and overcast skies. The temperature is -5 degrees. The wind is 23 mph out of the West. With wind and humidity factored, it feels like -30 degrees. Today we are expecting light snow early, followed by overcast skies and frigid conditions. The temperature will reach a high of -4°F with winds 15-20 mph out of the Northwest. There is a 50% chance of snow.

On This Day

On this day, the music died. The right to vote was secured for half the population, and taxes came after your income. In Minot, property owners were using property freely to advance their prosperity, our editor was on to how to convince someone of the truth, and we were conquering the winter of the early pioneers.

Read Today’s History

The Minot Voice Logo

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

The Ward County Commission will hold its regular meeting on Tuesday, February 4, 2024, at 9:00 AM in the Commission Chambers at the Ward County Administrative Building, located at 315 3rd St SE. The full agenda and packet can be viewed by following the button link...

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WILLISTON, N.D. – A 20-year-old Montana man was killed in a crash Saturday evening after a pickup truck failed to yield at an intersection in Williston. According to the North Dakota Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 5:14 p.m. at the intersection of 2nd Avenue...

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Small apartment buildings like Oak Terrace used to be common, filling cities with well-scaled, community-friendly homes. But thanks to modern building codes, structures like this are now nearly impossible to build. A single rule requiring two staircases with a fire-rated corridor has reshaped housing, pushing developers toward large, generic buildings instead of the compact, human-scaled apartments that once fit seamlessly into neighborhoods.

Seattle has shown a better way, allowing single-stair buildings without compromising safety. Revisiting these outdated restrictions could open the door for more diverse, affordable housing—and let places like Oak Terrace thrive again.

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Fargo’s Frostival is embracing winter with a unique twist this year, shifting focus to indoor coziness. On February 8, Hygge Day will close out the festival, inviting attendees to partake in crafts, chair massages, and a silent reading party, all designed to foster comfort and contentment. Hygge, a Danish concept, captures the essence of winter warmth and relaxation, making it an ideal addition to a seasonal celebration. For those looking to escape the chill, this event offers an appealing way to warm up to winter.

In Minot, we’re grabbing our own dose of Scandinavia by adding a touch of Sisu. It’s the idea of looking winter and life straight in the face and saying, “give me your best shot, I’ll make the best of it.” So, there’s the difference: in Minot we’ve got grit. Fargo is giving out massages. Choose wisely. 😉

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In the world of U.S. coins, few figures are as notable as Sacagawea, who has graced the dollar coin since 2000. While most coin images depict long-gone individuals, Sacagawea has a unique place in history and is among the few exceptions to the rule. With new designs emerging each year to honor other Native Americans, her legacy continues to evolve, attracting collectors drawn to both the beauty and potential value of these coins.

And her model? She’s a real person. And more than 20 years ago, reporting from KMOT introduced her to us. That’s the subject of this look-back story that’s worth revisiting.

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Saskatchewan’s economic outlook for 2025 is notable for its stability, with a projected GDP growth of 2.3 percent—matching the past two years. Presented at the Western Canada Economic Forum, the report from Deloitte highlights agriculture as the leading sector, growing at 7.8 percent, while concerns linger around potential U.S. tariffs affecting manufacturing. Premier Scott Moe addressed these challenges, emphasizing the impact on both local and American agricultural producers. Overall, population and employment growth are expected to slow, creating a nuanced economic landscape.

The report is notable as much for its optimism as it is for its date of release, which is now nearly a week ago. Little in world of economic forecasting from before is worth much once a trade war starts. It matters in Minot because Canadian travelers have significant impact on Minot’s economy. Time will tell if the President’s national actions prove good or otherwise for Minot.

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In North Dakota, a new piece of legislation, House Bill 2150, has been introduced to refine the state's corporate farming law. Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring explains that the bill mainly aligns various sections of the law, clarifying that ranchers can contract for services similar to those...

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In North Dakota, tensions are rising over how to handle chronic wasting disease in wildlife. The state’s Game & Fish officials are facing backlash from property owners, outdoors enthusiasts, and even former lawmakers who feel their voices are being ignored. While concerns over regulations are legitimate, alarms are being sounded about misinformation and conspiracy theories lacking scientific backing, like the denial of prions’ existence. This struggle highlights a larger cultural conflict, where important discussions on wildlife management are getting tangled in broader societal divides.

Rob Port has thoughts on an issue that seems likely to wound deer hunting in North Dakota, possibly for generations if we can’t see past our mistrust of government.

Beneath a sea of orange shirts, North Dakota’s hunters gathered at the Capitol, rallying for a cause close to their hearts. They want Senate Bill 2137, a concise legal proposal, to lift the restrictions on using bait for deer hunting. Proponents argue that these restrictions, designed to prevent chronic-wasting disease, have overreached, impacting traditional hunting practices. Critics from the Game and Fish Department caution that easing restrictions could heighten disease risks. It’s a classic debate: tradition versus precaution.

It’s not the first story of the week on this topic either, the story linked below out of Wyoming highlights the growing threat CWD presents.

Wyoming confirms first case of chronic wasting disease inside an elk feedground (and why it matters in North Dakota)

SB 2137

A BILL for an Act to create and enact a new section to chapter 20.1-05 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the use of supplemental feed for hunting.

House Sponsors: Koppelman (R, District 16), Novak (R, District 33), Tveit (R, District 33)

Senate Sponsors: Boehm (R, District 33)Patten (R, District 26), Thomas (R, District 6)

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Nashville, often celebrated for its music scene, is facing a pressing challenge: a shortage of affordable housing. In response, local developers are turning to adaptive reuse, transforming old motels into affordable living spaces. Notable projects like The Wilder and The Perch aim to provide mixed-income options, helping to combat rising homelessness and high rents. This approach not only revitalizes neighborhoods but also creates jobs and fosters community. As cities adapt to social and economic shifts, these initiatives highlight a potential path towards more equitable housing solutions.

Why does this matter in Minot? If you haven’t noticed, we’ve got high housing costs and lots of hotel rooms. There may be a model we need to follow — intentionally — instead of watching our not-making-hotels devolve into this and become community problems areas.

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Early Sunday morning, a shooting incident in Williston has left one man dead. Occurring around 5:40 a.m. on the 300 block of 5th St W, police arrived to find the victim, whose identity remains undisclosed. Authorities believe this was a targeted attack and do not see any ongoing threat to the community. While they have identified potential suspects, no arrests have been made at this time.

KX News has the full story.

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During Saturday’s legislative forum in Minot, North Dakota’s lawmakers gathered to discuss key bills aimed at shaping the state’s cultural and educational landscape. Highlighted topics included the Pledge of Allegiance in schools, the introduction of intelligent design in science curricula, and the potential for chaplains in K-12 settings. Legislators debated the implications of these measures, reflecting on community values and the changing legal standards regarding religion in public spaces.

Jill Schramm with the Minot Daily News has the full story that will provide a sense of where these lawmakers stand on the issues that dividing rooms, towns, states, and a country.

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Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe has responded to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent tariff announcements with disappointment, warning that the 10% and 25% tariffs on Canadian goods could harm economies and consumers in both countries. Moe advocates for targeted retaliatory measures to combat these new tariffs, emphasizing the risks they pose to North American economic integration. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau plans to implement his own set of tariffs aimed at American products in response. This developing trade situation raises concerns about rising costs for families on both sides of the border.

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The Ward County Independent Logo

A banker, a mathematics teacher and a civil engineer started the rucus. At last reports they were still figuring, halting now and then for a sandwich and a cup of coffee. There is no "catch" about it. Straight mathematics. Forty-two feet, which appears at first to be the answer, is not correct.

Why we published it: A little math problem riddle once in a while makes for some good mental exercise.

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Why we published it: The printed word has an enormous power of the public mind. If people hear by word of mouth some report that seems first thought unlikely, they are disposed to reject it. But if they see the thing printed in a newspaper they accept it as truth.

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"It has been suggested that the tuition be doubled at the various educational institutions as a means of increasing the revenue. At present the tuition at the Minot State Teachers college is $5.00 a term. The doubling of tuition fee would mean in the neighborhood of about $30,000 additional revenue for the college, " Dr. McFarland said.

Why we published it: Minot State has always been a place for tuition-smart students to get an education that delivers high in the value category, too! But it takes savvy administrators to keep delivering it in the face of ever-present revenue challenges.

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Success of the state highway department in its undertaking this year will represent the removal of one more handicap winter has visited upon us -- and one of the greatest of the season's inconveniences. If we can travel in winter as easily as in summer another battle in the long campaign for the conquest of winter will have been won.

Why we published it: Oh how they would marvel at the roads we travel today and the whims that whisk us off to Bismarck, Fargo or beyond. But the 'season' is far from conquered; respect must always be given. Also, the road report is finger-tip accessible every day in Today in Minot</em. for our subscribers.

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In driving about the city, the writer notes that about every sort of a structure is being utilized for living quarters ... Efforts are being made my scores to own their homes. This is the spirit that tends to build a city.

Why we published it: A description of how people were utilizing their property forces us to imagine a "city" that was far less concerned about what was allowed in what neighborhood, i.e. zoning.

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The Day The Music Died

“Helter skelter in a summer swelter
The birds flew off with a fallout shelter
Eight miles high and fallin’ fast
It landed foul on the grass
The players tried for a forward pass
With the jester on the sidelines in a cast
Now, the halftime air was sweet perfume
While sergeants played a marching tune
We all got up to dance
Oh, but we never got the chance
‘Cause the players tried to take the field
The marching band refused to yield
Do you recall what was revealed
The day the music died?”

— Don McLean, American Pie

Upcoming Fun

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

Today’s Markets

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

Today’s Happenings

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Happy Hour

Pull Tab Happy Hour! @BlueRider

Monday, February 3rd — Wednesday, February 5th

Get ready for Pull Tab Happy Hour at Blue Rider in downtown Minot from February 3rd to 5th, where a little luck could score you discounts or free drinks! Enjoy the dive bar vibes with stiff drinks, free popcorn, and a $7 beer and Fernet special. #PullTabFun #BlueRiderVibes #SavorMinot

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Hot, New, Fresh

Breakfast SANDOS by Magic City HOAGIES @MagicCityHoagies

Monday, January 6th — Wednesday, April 30th

Start your day right with Magic City Hoagies’ new handcrafted breakfast sandwiches, featuring 12 delicious flavors inspired by tastes from across America. Enjoy a free espresso drip coffee, hot chocolate, or bottled drink with every order, available for delivery or pickup in downtown Minot. #BreakfastSandos #MagicCityHoagies #SavorMinot

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Taste & Experience

Mule Monday! @StarvingRooster

Monday, February 3rd

Kick off your week with Mule Monday at The Starving Rooster in downtown Minot! Enjoy handcrafted Moscow Mules for just $5 all day on February 3rd. #MuleMonday #HandcraftedDrinks #SavorMinot

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Make & Create

Craft Night! @BlueRider

Monday, February 3rd

Join us at Blue Rider for Craft Night on Monday, February 3rd, and unleash your creativity with fellow artists and crafters in downtown Minot. Bring your projects and enjoy a fun evening with stiff drinks and free popcorn. #CraftNight #MinotCreatives #SavorMinot

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Specials & Sales

Monday Madness! (Take Out Specials) @NiteTrain

Monday, February 3rd

Enjoy a sizzling deal at Nite Train Pizza in South Minot this Monday Madness—grab a 16″ pizza for the price of a 12″ when you dine in or pick up! Don’t miss out on this delicious offer on February 3rd. #PizzaLovers #MondayMadness #SavorMinot

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Local Businesses Supporting Local News