Today in Minot
A New Way to do the Local News!
Beyond the Fair
Three days and counting at the fairgrounds, and clock is ticking on the MSU Summer Theatre season, too…. don’t miss their final act of 2025, “SpongeBob The Musical.”
Today in Minot
Today is Thursday, July 24th. The sun will rise on the 35th day of summer, and the 205th day of the year at 6:10 AM. We will see 15 hours 22 minutes of daylight before it sets at 9:32 PM.
Today is: National Amelia Earhart Day, National Thermal Engineer Day, National Drive-Thru Day, National Intern Day, National Cousins Day, National Refreshment Day, National Tequila Day
Today’s Featured Happenings
In Theaters
The SpongeBob Musical
Jul. 23rd – Jul. 26th
@MSUSummerTheatre | Entertaining Minot Since 1966!
The news we share here is ForMinot. You can learn more about what guides our editorial decisions here.
Ranchers in North Dakota are rethinking what it means to raise cattle—and not just for the dinner table. By adopting managed grazing practices, some are turning their pastures into carbon sinks, capturing emissions and exploring new income through carbon credits. But the effort goes deeper than markets. It’s about restoring ecosystems, improving soil, boosting cattle health, and making the land more resilient. At the heart of it all: a growing belief that cows, managed well, can be part of the climate solution—not the problem. Michael Standaert with North Dakota News Cooperative has the full story.
As cities heat up, the search for smarter cooling strategies grows more urgent. New research shows that two simple tools—planting trees and installing reflective “cool roofs”—can make a measurable difference. But not every solution fits every street. Trees work wonders where they can grow, but in dense or drought-prone areas, light-colored roofs might be the better bet. The key? Tailoring the response to the neighborhood. With the right mix, cities can cut heat, lower energy bills, and protect vulnerable residents—all without breaking the budget. Ian Smith with The Conversation has the full story.
In Maine, a few small changes to zoning laws could pave the way for a big shift in housing access. New legislation makes it easier to build accessory dwellings, multifamily units, and affordable housing—especially in commercial zones and transit-friendly areas. Gone are mandatory parking minimums and restrictive height caps in certain cases. It’s a practical move in a state that needs tens of thousands of new homes by 2030, and one more sign that the national conversation on housing is turning local—and urgent. Danielle McLean with SmartCitiesDive has the full story on the moves Maine is making to get out of the way of housing.
A longtime local archery club is now at the center of a criminal investigation. The Ward County Sheriff’s Office has launched an inquiry into reported theft involving Souris Valley Bowmen, a Minot-area organization with deep community roots dating back to 1952. While no charges have been filed and few details have been released, authorities say it involves the possible misapplication of entrusted property. As the investigation unfolds, SVB members have already begun reshaping leadership—electing new board members just this week. Joe Skurzewski with KMOT has the full story.
A towering fire lit up the early morning sky yesterday in Deering, engulfing a longtime fertilizer plant and shaking a quiet rural town awake. Though no one was hurt, the loss is significant—both in scale and community impact. Farmers across the region relied on the facility for critical supplies. Thanks to swift action by local and neighboring fire crews—and a break in the weather—the flames were contained. But with the cause still unknown, the damage smolders, and so do the questions about what comes next for Deering. Kyona Rivera with KMOT has the full story.
On a quiet stretch of gravel road in western Nebraska, Roger McDonald delivers more than mail—he delivers connection. His 150-mile route underscores the fragile lifeline rural postal workers provide in an increasingly uncertain future. As debates around privatization swirl in Washington and financial losses mount, communities like Scottsbluff are left wondering: what’s the real cost of cutting service that was never meant to turn a profit? This story doesn’t just track mail—it tracks meaning, purpose, and the human stakes behind a stamp. If you’re concerned about the mail and the performance of the U.S. Postal Service, this in-depth piece by Nick Loomis writing for the Nebraska Examiner will interest you.
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On This Day
On this day in 1911, he Incan ability to live up high was rediscovered. In 1929, 62 countries agreed to not start any more fights, and in 1974 the Supreme Court stood up to a President acting outside the law. In 1958 Minot, it will still “fair” season, the Ward County Historic Society site was newly established, and we had our own renaissance man.
On this day in 1911, American archaeologist Hiram Bingham rediscovered the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu in Peru, bringing international attention to one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world.
On this day in 1929, the Kellogg-Briand Pact, an international agreement to renounce war as a means of resolving conflicts, went into effect. Signed by 62 countries, the pact aimed to promote peaceful diplomacy, although it ultimately failed to prevent future wars.
On this day in 1974, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled in United States v. Nixon that President Richard Nixon must turn over the Watergate tapes, a decision that led to his resignation in the face of impending impeachment.
Born and Died: Jennifer Lopez, (Born, 1969) American singer, actress, and dancer known for hits like “On the Floor,” Peter Sellers, (Died, 1980) British actor known for his role in “The Pink Panther” series, Anna Paquin, (Born, 1982) Canadian-born New Zealand actress known for her role in “True Blood,” Amelia Earhart, (Born, 1897) American aviation pioneer known for being the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, Kristin Chenoweth, (Born, 1968) American actress and singer known for her role in “Wicked,” Martin Van Buren, (Died, 1862) Eighth President of the United States, Elisabeth Moss, (Born, 1982) American actress known for her roles in “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “Mad Men,” James Chadwick, (Died, 1974) English physicist who discovered the neutron.
The Shrine was dedicated in 1955 and each year an increasing number of people have come here. Almost 10,000 pilgrims visited this unique spot last year. Extensive preparations have been made to accommodate the large crowds expected this year, and earphones have been installed in the church for the hard-of-hearing.
Why we published it: Sharing an interesting piece of North Dakota history.
Fair time is family time. Bring the family and enjoy one grand week of entertainment, fund, and education.
Why we published it: The community spirit behind this advertisement is what got our attention. It was Minot businesses putting forward the resources to tell the story of the fair. This is a less common arrangement today where everyone is left to fend for themselves.
Folks everywhere know Minot’s well-chosen slogan, “Why Not Minot?” We’re proud of Minot and we share this pride wherever we go when we carry this slogan on car, on suitcase, or by our greeting, “Why Not Minot?” But, what about Ward county? As we see it, we have a wonderful opportunity here in this county to make ourselves better known and by so doing, to better know ourselves. And how could that be accomplished?
Why we published it: From back when the partnership between the fair and the historical society was being crafted. This partnership went through a contentious split not too many years ago. The Historical Society went to Burlington, the site they were on at the fair grounds is slowly being programmed.
Pictured here are the two genial gentlemen who put in many long hours before Fair week and many long hours during the Fair to make things tick. Supt. Merrel Dahle and his assistant, Arvel Graving, pose for the photographer with the roof of the new grandstand framing them.
Why we published it: Arvel Graving was in this column just a few days ago as the director of the City Band. Here he is eight years later as one of the men making the fair tick. And when he wasn't directing, he was composing. He's the author of Minot High's school song, "Loyal and True."
On Pointing Clearly
“He who loves practice without theory is like the sailor who boards ship without a rudder and compass and never knows where he may cast.”
— Leonardo Da Vinci, Codex Atlanticus
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Upcoming Fun
Fun coming up that’s worth knowing about. Scroll for more at SavorMinot.com.
- Show’erz & Grow’erz Farm’erz Bazaar
@Atypical | Thursday, July 31st - Downtown Throwdown IV
@BlueRider | Saturday, August 2nd - Beer Olympics 2025!
@Atypical | Saturday, August 16th
Today’s Markets
These are the commodities that move Minot’s economy. See how they’re doing here.
Today’s Happenings
Play & Participate
Trivia Night! @Atypical
Thursday, July 24th
Join us for Trivia Night at Atypical Brewery & Barrelworks in Downtown Minot on Thursday, July 24th! Gather your team of up to six and compete in four exciting categories for a chance to win prizes while enjoying delicious food truck offerings. #TriviaNight #MinotEvents #SavorMinot
Kids & Families
Meet Remy! @SVAS Pets
Sunday, July 20th — Saturday, July 26th
Meet Remy, a sweet and protective 2.5-year-old dog looking for a loving home at Souris Valley Animal Shelter in Minot. Visit us this week to see her charming smile and learn more about her journey from Dickinson, ND. #AdoptDontShop #DogLovers #SavorMinot
Hot, New, Fresh
On Tap Right Now! @Atypical
Tuesday, July 22nd — Sunday, July 27th
Discover the latest brews at Atypical Brewery & Barrelworks in Downtown Minot, where you can enjoy award-winning barrel-aged beers, live music, and food trucks from July 22nd to July 27th. Don’t miss out on this fresh and exciting experience! #LocalBrewery #LiveMusic #SavorMinot
Kids & Families
National Parks & Rec Month Scavenger Hunt @MinotParks
Tuesday, July 1st — Thursday, July 31st
Join the fun with Minot Parks’ National Parks & Rec Month Scavenger Hunt! Visit local parks throughout July, collect code words, and enter to win exciting prizes. #UnplugAndPlay #FamilyFun #SavorMinot
Kids & Families
Ice Cream Social & Milkshake Bar @MagicCitySweets
Monday, June 2nd — Sunday, August 31st
Dive into summer fun at Magic City Sweets Ice Cream Shop’s Ice Cream Social & Milkshake Bar, where families can enjoy custom ice cream creations and free retro arcade games in downtown Minot. Rated as the chillest spot, it’s the perfect hangout for kids and families until August 31st! #IceCreamFun #FamilyHangout #SavorMinot
Monthly Features
July – Hoagie of the Month The Picnic @magiccityhoagies @MagicCityHoagies
Tuesday, July 1st — Thursday, July 31st
Celebrate summer with Magic City Hoagies’ July Hoagie of the Month, The Picnic, featuring tangy summer sausage and a crunchy potato chip topping. Enjoy this fresh and flavorful creation in downtown Minot all month long! #HoagieLovers #SummerBites #SavorMinot
Today’s Features
Nacho Average Thursday @BlueRider
Thursday, July 24th
Get ready for a new Thursday tradition at Blue Rider in downtown Minot—Nacho Average Thursday! Join us for nachos, stiff drinks, and free popcorn starting at 4 PM. #DiveBarVibes #NachoNight #SavorMinot
In Theaters
The SpongeBob Musical @MSUSummerTheatre
Wednesday, July 23rd — Saturday, July 26th
Dive into the underwater adventure with “The SpongeBob Musical” at MSU Summer Theatre in Minot, where SpongeBob and friends are on a mission to save Bikini Bottom from a volcanic eruption. Don’t miss this vibrant show featuring music by David Bowie, Lady A, and more, from July 23rd to 26th. #TheSpongeBobMusical #MinotEvents #SavorMinot
Hot, New, Fresh
Corn Dog Season! @Straight’sCornDogs
Friday, July 18th — Saturday, July 26th
Get ready for Corn Dog Season at Straight’s Ye Old Sausage & Corn Dogs in Minot, where your taste buds can indulge in a once-a-year flavor fest at the North Dakota State Fair. Visit us on the Independent Midway from July 18th to July 26th and customize your corn dog just the way you like it! #CornDogCraze #NDStateFair #SavorMinot






