Today in Minot

A New Way to do the Local News!

Feb. 4, 2025
Vol. 1 | No. 21

Today in Minot

Today is Tuesday, February 4th. The sun will rise on the 46th day of winter, and the 35th day of the year at 8:09 AM. We will see 9 hours 40 minutes of daylight before it sets at 5:49 PM.

Today is: National Create A Vacuum Day, National Hemp Day, Sure, the correct formatting for “NATIONAL THANK A MAIL CARRIER DAY” with only the first letter of each word capitalized is “National Thank A Mail Carrier Day.”, National Homemade Soup Day

The Weather

Currently we have passing clouds. The temperature is -12 degrees. The wind is 6 mph out of the West. With wind and humidity factored, it feels like -26 degrees. Today we are expecting passing clouds with light snow late and overcast conditions. The temperature will reach a high of 0°F with winds 10 mph out of the Southeast. There is a 20% chance of snow.

On This Day

On this day, George went first. Six southern states just went. Social media went live. In Minot, we were proud of North Dakota and her opportunity, we were commenting on the future of media after the radio, and we were asked to consider the hammer when it came to the knocker.

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.

It’s not time to panic; it’s time to be warned and informed. Bird flu is back in the headlines, sparking conversations about potential pandemic threats. While concerns about viral mutations can provoke worry, it’s essential to sift through the noise. Recent discussions and research suggest that, despite the seriousness of the situation, we’re not currently facing an immediate danger. If you’re looking for clarity on the virus’s impact and what it’s doing, this explainer from AsapSCIENCE is a gre

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAVKyXv9W\_4

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The Grand Forks City Council is moving forward with a potential casino proposal from the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, nearly two decades after the concept first emerged. With a recent 4-2 vote to enter a non-binding letter of intent, discussions are now in motion. While a casino could bring benefits like jobs and increased tax revenue, concerns persist about its impact on local businesses and existing charitable gaming. As the Grand Forks community navigates this opportunity, key questions around economic effect and community support remain at the forefront, but the Grand Forks Herald has made their opinion clear: cautious support. The Grand Force City Council agreed.

Why does it matter in Minot? In essence, it sets off a gaming war among North Dakota’s larger communities. If one does it, the others will each, at least, consider following suit — if they can wrangle a tribe into making the investment. Next stop: the ND legislature where SB 2376 seeks to change Century Code to make room for the proposed project in law. Details are below.

SB 2376

A BILL for an Act to amend and reenact subsection 5 of section 54-58-03 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to a tribal-state gaming compact that permits gaming in Grand Forks County.

House Sponsors: Bahl (R, District 17), Davis (D, District 9),

Senate Sponsors: Meyer (R, District 18), Marcellais (D, District 9),

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North Dakota is at a crossroads. With 10 job openings for every three unemployed workers, the state faces a labor shortage that threatens economic growth. Despite significant investments in workforce development, gaps remain in essential sectors like healthcare and construction. A potential solution lies in the underutilized TN visa program for Canadian and Mexican professionals, offering a streamlined path to employment. By tackling bureaucratic hurdles and expanding eligibility, North Dakota could tap into this talent pool, ensuring a stronger economy for all residents.

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In December 2023, the Idaho Supreme Court issued a ruling that could significantly affect the state’s ski industry. This decision emerged from the tragic death of 65-year-old skier Stewart Milus at Sun Valley in 2019, leading to a lawsuit against the resort. The court’s reversal of longstanding precedent now allows juries to determine ski area liability, even when skiers may share some blame. If upheld, the ruling could raise insurance costs and threaten smaller ski areas, potentially reshaping skiing access in Idaho.

Why does this matter in Minot? Legal precedents are known to cross state lines, at least in arguments, and the insurance industry will certainly re-evaluate risk in light of a new ruling. While we don’t have a lot of ski slopes on the prairie, the ones we do have would all qualify as “smaller”. For the full story on what’s happening in Idaho, the Idaho Capital Sun has it.

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Minot City leaders have decided to keep Capt. Dale Plessas as interim Chief of Police while they search for a permanent replacement. During Monday's council meeting, an alternative proposal from City Manager Harold Stewart's recommendation was adopted, opting to retain Plessas instead of bringing in retired...

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A new House Bill in North Dakota could significantly change the state’s approach to public water supplies by banning the intentional addition of fluoride. Known as House Bill 1605, it would impose fines for violations, while allowing naturally occurring fluoride to remain in the water. Advocates like Dr. Bradley King argue the move could harm children’s dental health. The bill is under review by the House Human Services Committee and, if approved, will take effect on August 1, 2026.

We’ve been telling you that more fluoride stories are coming; here they are. But rather than watch the debate skip from town to town; we’re seeing it jump right to the state where legislators will debate whether to preempt local control and overturn a hundred years of anecdotal and scientific evidence. If the topic interests you, you may appreciate when the debate actually began.

HB 1605

A BILL for an Act to create and enact a new section to chapter 61-28.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the prohibition on water fluoridation; to provide a penalty; and to provide an effective date.

House Sponsors: Heilman (R, District 7), D. Johnston (R, District 24), Toman (R, District 34), VanWinkle (R, District 3),

Senate Sponsors: Magrum (R, District 8), Paulson (R, District 3), Van Oosting (R, District 36),

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On Monday, President Trump announced a one-month delay in imposing hefty tariffs on Mexico and Canada, following commitments from both countries to tackle drug trafficking and illegal immigration. This pause comes after Trump implemented tariffs on China and signed new executive orders aimed at pressuring his North American neighbors. Economists and Senate Democrats have raised concerns about how these tariffs could impact American consumers, potentially resulting in significant price increases for households. As negotiations continue, the economic implications remain a focal point for many.

The North Dakota Monitor has the full story.

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A new bill in North Dakota aims to regulate large power users, including data centers, by instituting a state siting process. Proposed by Rep. Anna Novak, the legislation seeks to address rising electricity demands that threaten the power grid. While some utility regulators support the bill for its potential consumer protections, not all are convinced, viewing it as unnecessary regulation. The power industry and data center operators largely oppose the measures, raising concerns about the impact on future business development.

Details on HB 1579 can be found below.

HB 1579

A BILL for an Act to amend and reenact sections 49-03.1-01, 49-03.1-02, 49-03.1-03, and 49-03.1-05 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the requirement for data centers to obtain a certificate of public convenience and necessity.

House Sponsors: Novak (R, District 33), Heinert (R, District 32), Porter (R, District 34),

Senate Sponsors: Kessel (R, District 39), Patten (R, District 26),

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A bill meant to cap North Dakota’s state spending is facing scrutiny—not for its boldness, but for its lack of substance. House Bill 1502, introduced by Rep. Christina Wolff and backed by Minot City Council member Mike Blessum, aims to limit general fund growth to 3% per biennium. But when pressed for data, Wolff admitted she relied on “feelings,” while Blessum, the bill’s architect, said he wasn’t an expert in state budgeting. The public hearing showcased not just their uncertainty but raised doubts about the seriousness of this proposal, which many believe serves more as a political tactic than a feasible reform. That’s the impression of columnist Rob Port; read more at Inforum.com

It’s notable in Minot because the architects are from Minot. Full bill details can be found below.

HB 1502

A BILL for an Act to create and enact a new section to chapter 54-27 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the growth of the state general fund budget.

House Sponsors: Wolff (R, District 38), Hendrix (R, District 10), Holle (R, District 31), S. Olson (R, District 8), VanWinkle (R, District 3),

Senate Sponsors: Castaneda (R, District 40), Paulson (R, District 3),

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Landowners in North Dakota can now electronically post their private land for the 2025-26 hunting season through the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website. Those interested can log in via My Account to update their land designations.

This year, landowners with a profile on the department’s mobile app have an added feature: they can communicate with hunters through the app, allowing hunters to send requests to landowners directly.

The deadline to post land is July 1, ensuring Game and Fish can update printed and digital materials before the August hunting season. Landowners who posted land last year can renew, modify, or add parcels, while new users may need to create a profile.

Instructions are available in the Electronic Posting Help Guide and FAQs for both landowners and hunters.

For more information or to post land, visit Game and Fish’s electronic posting page.

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The Montana Legislature is at a crossroads, with Republican lawmakers pushing to turn judicial elections into a partisan affair. Two competing bills have emerged: one mandates party affiliations for judicial candidates, while the other makes it optional but still carries the tag “Undisclosed” for those who choose not to declare. Supporters argue this approach educates voters, while opponents warn it threatens the nonpartisan nature of the judiciary. As discussions continue, the implications for Montana’s courts and their independence remain critical.

The debate in Montana reflects a trend that’s been appearing for years but becoming more prominent — pollical labeling. Whatever the goal, the outcome is easy to predict — the lazy voter will not have to think as much; they’ll simply select the label of the team they like best and move on. You can judge for yourself whether — fewer thinking voters — is a good thing or not.

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A new artificial intelligence model from China, DeepSeek, has taken the tech world by surprise, raising important questions about the future of energy consumption in data centers. With DeepSeek’s promise of efficiency, industry analysts suggest that projected energy demands for upcoming data centers might be overstated, particularly as many utilities plan large-scale fossil fuel projects. As companies like Meta and Microsoft reevaluate their commitments amid shifting technology, the potential implications for consumers and the environment may be significant.

It’s a lesson in innovation. The problems we think we have are often married to the solutions we haven’t thought of thought of. And sometimes they come from sources we didn’t expect.

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The City of Regina is looking at a significant increase in their property taxes in 2025; a proposed 8.5% increase in taxes has been put on the table. In short, the cost of providing services has been rising faster than the budgets that deliver the revenue that pays for those services. The quote that sums up the proposed budget: “Past budgets prioritized maintaining low mill rate increases over fully covering the cost of civic operations, and relied on other revenue streams. That approach is no longer sustainable or responsible.”

Why does it matter in Minot? It’s a reminder that decisions to restrict revenue raised through budget caps comes with consequences — especially when costs operate independent of a budget cap. This is the premise central to the property tax debate that’s currently playing out in the ND legislature.

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The Ward County Independent Logo

It is said that within a short period it will be possible to sit in front of ones radio and see before one's own eyes, the singer who is entertaining him in Los Angeles or New York. And why not? Don't the transmit radio photographs thousands of miles. If this is possible, who's to say that anything is impossible?

Why we published it: The world had quickly become technologically wonderous in 1926, and they were starting to imagine what was next. What did they come up with? Watching the radio. And how right they were. With all the video of people are watching of other people talking on podcasts, all we can say is "Speak, soothsayer. We will listen!" 🙂

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Newspapers are imperfect in some respects, Mr. Patterson admitted but he said this was due to the magnitude of the task which they attempt and the speed which by necessity they are put together.

Why we published it: The news just keeps coming. Every day. It's relentless -- like playing tennis against a wall. So cut us some slack when you find an error; there are many, we know. But we never mind having them pointed out, so if you see something, feel free to say something. Tennis joke credit goes to the late Mitch Hedberg.

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It is the only knocker in the world that does any good. If you are inclined to lose your head and fly off the handle, Consider the hammer.

Why we published it: The "Knocker" -- if you're not aware -- was the person who tore down their town. They might be considered our modern day whiner and complainer. And they were the arch nemesis of our dear local editor. So, consider the a hammer.

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In no state in the union is the opportunity for advancement greater than in the state of North Dakota.

Why we published it: This remains our strength today, and the more we play to it, the more it will serve us.

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If you yourselves will persist in being blind to the beauties of your own state, you cannot expect the rest of America to know anything about them. There is only one way to put North Dakota definitely on the map. Stay home and boost!

Why we published it: Amen.

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The groundhog had an opportunity to see his shadow Tuesday and if he did he probably thought twice before going back in his hole, as he would surely miss weeks more of the finest winter weather North Dakota has ever experienced. The groundhog at Roosevelt Park Zoo slept most of the day.

Why we published it: When Chekhov saw the long winter, he saw a winter bleak and dark and bereft of hope. Yet we know that winter is just another step in the cycle of life. But standing here among the people of Punxsutawney and basking in the warmth of their hearths and hearts, I couldn't imagine a better fate than a long and lustrous winter. -- Phil Connors

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A Reason to Fight

“A geographical line has been drawn across the Union, and all the States north of that line have united in the election of a man to the high office of President of the United States, whose opinions and purposes are hostile to slavery.”

— The Declaration of Causes of Seceding States, 1860

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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Performances & Exhibitions

INT’L Paperworks 2025 @NorthwestArtsCenter

Thursday, January 9th — Thursday, February 20th

Explore the captivating world of paper art at the “INT’L Paperworks 2025” exhibition, hosted by the Northwest Arts Center at Minot State. Discover 40 unique artworks from January 9 to February 20 in the Walter Piehl Gallery. #ArtExhibition #MinotArts #SavorMinot

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Seasonal Sales & Celebrations

SWEET HEART OF A DEAL SALE @Artmain

Saturday, February 1st — Friday, February 28th

Celebrate love and savings this February at Artmain’s Sweet Heart of a Deal Sale in Downtown Minot! Discover custom framing, art supplies, and boutique gifts perfect for Valentine’s Day from February 1st to 28th. #ValentinesDeals #ArtmainLovesYou #SavorMinot

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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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Performances & Exhibitions

Extraordinarily Ordinary @NorthwestArtsCenter

Thursday, January 9th — Thursday, February 20th

Discover the intriguing world of Michael Reedy’s “Extraordinarily Ordinary” at the Northwest Arts Center, where anatomical illustrations meet whimsical cherubs. Visit this captivating exhibition in Minot from January 9th to February 20th. #ArtExhibition #VisualArt #SavorMinot

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Hot, New, Fresh

On Tap Right Now! @Atypical

Tuesday, February 4th — Sunday, February 9th

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 February 4th to 9th. Don’t miss out on this fresh and exciting experience! #CraftBeer #LiveMusic #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

Hamm’s & Grilled Cheese (w/Tomato Bisque Reduction): 6$ @BlueRider

Tuesday, February 4th

Indulge in the ultimate comfort combo of a gooey grilled cheese paired with a savory tomato bisque reduction and a Hamm’s beer for just $6 at Blue Rider this Tuesday. Don’t miss out on this delicious deal in downtown Minot! #GrilledCheeseLovers #DiveBarVibes #SavorMinot

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