Today in Minot
A New Way to do the Local News!
Food Truck Festival Day!
Starting at 11:00… It will be like kids and adults at a food truck festival. Olfactory wonders and choices galore. So take a quick walk through, evaluate your options, and then focus… Your savory prize awaits!
Today in Minot
Today is Sunday, August 24th. The sun will rise on the 66th day of summer, and the 236th day of the year at 6:51 AM. We will see 13 hours 51 minutes of daylight before it sets at 8:42 PM.
Today is: National Peach Pie Day, National Waffle Day, National Maryland Day
Today’s Featured Happenings
Food Truck Spots
Minot’s 9th Annual Food Truck Festival
Aug. 24th
|
Live Music!
Brekke Band LIVE!
Aug. 29th
@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.
From the rinks of Minot to the bright lights of the NHL, Mason Morelli’s hockey journey is about to take another leap—this time across the globe. The former Minot High standout and Minotauros star has signed a one-year deal with Barys Astana of the Kontinental Hockey League, competing in Russia, Kazakhstan, China, and Belarus. After a stint with the Vegas Golden Knights and a Calder Cup run in Henderson, Morelli now brings his game—and Minot pride—to one of the world’s top international leagues. Joe Skurzewski with KMOT has the full story.
Z’dena Trinka’s story is one of ambition, frustration, and quiet resilience on the prairie. Born in Bohemia and raised in Lidgerwood, North Dakota, she became the town’s first librarian before chasing her literary dreams. She published regional histories and novels, traveled back to Europe, and even met Czechoslovak President Tomáš Masaryk. Yet her sharpest words were reserved for the struggles of authors in North Dakota, where she felt overlooked. Her life reflects both the richness and the isolation of immigrant voices on the Plains. That’s the teaser, Tom Isern has the rest of her story in this week’s Plains Folk column published on Prairie Public News
A childhood acquaintance landing in a mugshot is jarring, but the story behind it is more than personal—it’s a warning. Steve Lyon’s theft from the West Fargo Hockey Association began with small gambling losses that spiraled into nearly $70,000 embezzled. His case highlights a bigger issue in North Dakota: the rapid rise of electronic pull tabs and other gaming, now a multi-billion-dollar industry with limited oversight. As charities and for-profit firms ride the wave, one thing remains scarce—public transparency. Rob Port with InForum has the full story.
For more than a decade, fifth-graders in Devils Lake have been learning math, language, and science not from a desk, but from the trees, trails, and quiet spaces of White Horse Hill. Led by Colleen Graue, the outdoor learning program has turned the reserve into a living classroom where students measure tree trunks, write about the seasons, and take mindfulness walks away from screens. That vision has now earned Graue national recognition with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s 2025 Sense of Wonder Award. Sophia Herman with Grand Forks Herald has the full story.
A shuttered storefront usually signals loss — a business gone, a street a little dimmer. But in New York, one nonprofit is turning those empty spaces into something else entirely: windows of color, creativity, and connection. Art on the Ave, founded during the pandemic, has brought its latest exhibition to the Smith Houses on the Lower East Side, showcasing local talent where artists actually live. For residents, it’s more than art on display — it’s a reminder their neighborhoods are worth investing in. Shenal Tissera with The City has the full story.
Work on one of the country’s most advanced offshore wind farms has been abruptly halted. The Trump administration ordered construction on the nearly finished Revolution Wind project off Rhode Island’s coast to stop, citing “national security concerns.” For developers, laborers, and communities banking on its power and jobs, the pause is a major blow. Critics warn that repeated interruptions to permitted renewable projects not only threaten rising energy needs but also undermine investor confidence in America’s ability to deliver stable energy policy.
Share It!
On This Day
On this day in 1914, our nation’s capitol was occupied by military forces. In 1891, Thomas Edison gave vanity a new tool to play with, and in 1991, Ukraine had enough of the USSR. In 1962 Minot, a big celebration was coming up and inspiring all sorts of retellings of our past, a recent Governor’s grandmother was a news maker, matriarchs of Minot were making their mark, a vaccine was killing a disease and an editorial was calling — literally — in our moment in Minot’s history.
On this day in 1814, during the War of 1812, British forces captured Washington, D.C., and set fire to many public buildings, including the White House and the Capitol, marking a significant and humiliating moment for the United States.
On this day in 1891, Thomas Edison patented the motion picture camera, an invention that would revolutionize entertainment and lead to the development of the film industry.
On this day in 1991, Ukraine declared its independence from the Soviet Union, becoming one of the first republics to do so, and marking a significant step in the dissolution of the USSR and the establishment of a sovereign Ukrainian state.
Born and Died: Richard Attenborough, (Died, 2014) British actor and filmmaker known for his role in “Jurassic Park,” Rupert Grint, (Born, 1988) British actor known for his role as Ron Weasley in the “Harry Potter” series, Simone Weil, (Died, 1943) French philosopher and mystic known for her writings on politics and religion, Marlee Matlin, (Born, 1965) American actress known for her Academy Award-winning role in “Children of a Lesser God,” Hans-Georg Gadamer, (Died, 2002) German philosopher known for his work in hermeneutics, Dave Chappelle, (Born, 1973) American comedian and actor known for “Chappelle’s Show,” Julie Harris, (Died, 2013) American actress known for her work on stage and in films like “East of Eden,” Stephen Fry, (Born, 1957) British comedian, actor, and writer known for his wit and humor, Cal Ripken Jr., (Born, 1960) American former Major League Baseball shortstop and third baseman known for his record-breaking consecutive games played streak.
He pointed out that the decline in polio since the advent of the Salk vaccine in 1955 was remarkable, and that projected figures for the full year 1961 indicate the number of paralytic cases (850) will mean a reduction of 95 per cent from 1954, the year preceding the first widespread use of the vaccine. (...) According to Mr. O’Connor, the nation’s gratitude for the decline in polio should be tempered by the fact that the case rate can be kept down only if the vaccination rate is kept up. Statistics prove that the public is still not availing itself of the vaccine supply as rapidly as it should.
Why we published it: In our moment of great vaccine stupidity, perhaps a voice from the past can shake one or two people awake. And who knows, maybe they'll wake someone up, too.
The Minuteman weapon system is the result of a major effort to reverse a historical trend toward more costly and more complicated weapons. Minuteman is being developed by Air Research and Development Command (AF Ballistic Missile Division) for Strategic Air Command.
Why we published it: A "major effort" toward reversing the trend toward costly and complicated weapons. That may be a part of our past that should be reconsidered.
If an attack should occur, there will not be time to disseminate the essential survival information. Consequently, I urge you to give top priority to any public service material you have pertaining to civil defense measures.
Why we published it: The Cuban Missile crisis was about a year away at this moment. But even before that, the tension and anxiety was rising.
The closing Novena Pilgrimage at the National Shine of Our Lady of the Prairies in Powers Lake, North Dakota, will take place next Sunday, August 27th. The ceremonies of the day begin with the Pilgrimage High Mass sung by all of the people present at 12 o’clock noon. The Reverend Father J. L. Healy, CSSR, of Cowley, Alberta, will preach at the Noon Mass. The special Scandinavian breakfast follows the Mass at Notre Dame Hall.
Why we published it: We've passed along stories of "Our Lady of the Prairies" in previous editions, here is the moment it was coming to an end.
One of the subjects that held the interest of Mrs. Burgum, as a child, she said, was that while everyone else came from somewhere else in the country, she, alone had the distinction of living every moment of her life in Bismarck. She recalled the excitement of about the post when news of Indian uprisings and scares went out, and because her father was a surgeon she experienced seeing many pioneers treated for arrow wounds. Although most of the large buffalo herds were extinct by the time she reached the age of remembrance, she said she did recall the huge buffalo wallows that had been made by the herds on the prairies.
Why we published it: Astute readers will recognize the name and wonder if there's a connection to our former Governor and current Secretary of Interior. She was his paternal Grandmother.
In Minot’s earliest years, James J. Hill, who was destined to become the most constructive railway genius of his time, saw a bright future for the town. The budding Empire Builder soon established Minot as a major supply base for the big push through Western North Dakota to Montana, and then to the Pacific.
Why we published it: And today's history lesson continues...
Diamond Jubilee Week, the culmination of two years of preparation by over 1,500 persons from all Ward County communities, will have “something for everybody” and fun for all - a historical pageant, parades, displays, a talent show, beard contests, queen contests, dancing, fireworks, gatherings of pioneers and former residents, music and special church services. But the residents of this county, the planners and participants in the Jubilee celebrations will not lose sight of the purpose of this week, or the memory of the pioneers who made our life today in Ward County possible.
Why we published it: 75 years was a big deal. The 150 year celebration is 2 years away.
That was what helped Minot to get the county seat. Had Burlington had the money to go in the field, the result would have been different. Yet, you know, and I know that an inland town cannot maintain the county seat against a town on a railroad, and from the time Minot became the county seat, it started to grow and expand, and never will until the Mouse river runs up hill."
Why we published it: It's a "First" history of Minot as told by a guy who witnessed it.
During her two years as chairman of the City Beautification Committee of the Minot Chamber of Commerce, Minot was selected top city in its class in the annual North Dakota Community Betterment Program for both years. She also served as chairman of the Minot Chamber of Commerce Flower Show for 25 years, and served once as state chairman of the Build a Better Community contest.
Why we published it: It was her husbands name that was in the papers more often in Minot's early years, but it's pretty clear that he had married well.
Who doesn’t remember the ballot boxes she had set up in stores for a “straw” vote on an ordinance . . . or her traveling up and down the Mouse River one spring day as she headed up the River Bank Clean-up activities (aided and abetted, of course, by a few women and some of the opposite sex) . . . there wasn’t a spot in the city of Minot, from outskirt to outskirt that she didn’t feel was worthy of BEAUTIFICATION. And to that end, she gave of her full measure of devotion, as life ebbed from her!
Why we published it: From matriarch to another . . . Arlene Saugstad was still writing columns for the Minot Daily News as recently as 2013. She passed away in 2014 at age of 102; the Mouse River Players "Arlene" theater is named in her honor.
On A Call From the Past
“And let us hope, pray, and work towards an equally fine and progressive future, so that Ward County’s Sesquicentennial Jubilee shall also be a week of thanksgiving and rightful pride.”
— Ward County Independent Editorial, August 24, 1961
Get in Touch!
Submit a letter, learn about advertising, share a correction, or just say hello… we’d love to hear from you!
Upcoming Fun
Fun coming up that’s worth knowing about. Scroll for more at SavorMinot.com.
- Silobration Street Dance
@UnionSilos | Friday, August 29th - The Qaurterly LIVE!
@CitzensAlley | Saturday, August 30th - Magic City Music Fest
@BlueRider | Sunday, September 7th
Today’s Happenings
Kids & Families
Meet Nugget! @SVAS Pets
Sunday, August 24th — Saturday, August 30th
Meet Nugget, the lovable pup looking for his forever home at Souris Valley Animal Shelter in Minot! He’s a smart, neutered dog who enjoys walks and learning new tricks—come meet him from August 24th to 30th. #AdoptDontShop #RescueDog #SavorMinot
Hot, New, Fresh
On Tap Right Now! @Atypical
Tuesday, August 19th — Sunday, August 24th
Experience the vibrant flavors of Atypical Brewery & Barrelworks in downtown Minot with their “On Tap Right Now” menu, featuring award-winning barrel-aged beers and live music. Enjoy the perfect blend of local brews and food trucks from August 19th to 24th. #CraftBeer #LiveMusic #SavorMinot
Today’s Features
Sour Sundays! @Atypical
Sunday, August 24th
Join us for Sour Sundays at Atypical Brewery & Barrelworks in downtown Minot on August 24th, where you can enjoy $1 off all sour taps, cans, and bottles. Experience live music, delicious food trucks, and award-winning brews in a vibrant atmosphere. #CraftBeerLovers #LiveMusic #SavorMinot
