Today in Minot

Paul Simon--So Beautiful or So What(title song) In Honor of Elon Aloneand RFK--Health to the Bone  I'm having a DEI lunch:a bagel munster and yellow mustard sandwichbolstered with a chicken gumboturkey sausage okra and veggie broth soupfollowed by a rainbow sprinkledchocolate covered soul cookie fromthe Schatz...

A new player in California’s hydrogen landscape is gaining traction. First Public Hydrogen (FPH2), launched by the cities of Lancaster and Industry, is in the process of selecting suppliers as it aims to secure 20,000 tons of clean hydrogen by July. While FPH2 intends to operate independently of federal incentives like the 45V clean hydrogen production tax credit, these incentives remain essential for driving the adoption of this emerging energy source. Partnering with private industry, FPH2 seeks to make hydrogen more accessible, fostering both transparency and public benefit.

Emma Penrod with SmartCitiesDive has the full story that matters in North Dakota because we’re more than a little dependent — economically and otherwise — on the less-green energy alternatives. And out there where we aren’t watching, places are working on delivering cleaner options. That future is coming in spite of the current administration’s promises to hold it back. North Dakota would do well to hedge our bets if we want to remain a player in the energy markets long term.

Nearly 160 years ago, Abraham Lincoln gave a remarkable address at the moment of his second inauguration to the office of President. If you only have time for one item in our news feed this morning, this should be it. President Lincoln’s words follow next.

At this second appearing to take the oath of the Presidential office there is less occasion for an extended address than there was at the first. Then a statement somewhat in detail of a course to be pursued seemed fitting and proper. Now, at the expiration of four years, during which public declarations have been constantly called forth on every point and phase of the great contest which still absorbs the attention and engrosses the energies of the nation, little that is new could be presented. The progress of our arms, upon which all else chiefly depends, is as well known to the public as to myself, and it is, I trust, reasonably satisfactory and encouraging to all. With high hope for the future, no prediction in regard to it is ventured.

On the occasion corresponding to this four years ago all thoughts were anxiously directed to an impending civil war. All dreaded it, all sought to avert it. While the inaugural address was being delivered from this place, devoted altogether to saving the Union without war, insurgent agents were in the city seeking to destroy it without war–seeking to dissolve the Union and divide effects by negotiation. Both parties deprecated war, but one of them would make war rather than let the nation survive, and the other would accept war rather than let it perish, and the war came.

One-eighth of the whole population were colored slaves, not distributed generally over the Union, but localized in the southern part of it. These slaves constituted a peculiar and powerful interest. All knew that this interest was somehow the cause of the war. To strengthen, perpetuate, and extend this interest was the object for which the insurgents would rend the Union even by war, while the Government claimed no right to do more than to restrict the territorial enlargement of it. Neither party expected for the war the magnitude or the duration which it has already attained. Neither anticipated that the cause of the conflict might cease with or even before the conflict itself should cease. Each looked for an easier triumph, and a result less fundamental and astounding. Both read the same Bible and pray to the same God, and each invokes His aid against the other. It may seem strange that any men should dare to ask a just God’s assistance in wringing their bread from the sweat of other men’s faces, but let us judge not, that we be not judged. The prayers of both could not be answered. That of neither has been answered fully. The Almighty has His own purposes. “Woe unto the world because of offenses; for it must needs be that offenses come, but woe to that man by whom the offense cometh.” If we shall suppose that American slavery is one of those offenses which, in the providence of God, must needs come, but which, having continued through His appointed time, He now wills to remove, and that He gives to both North and South this terrible war as the woe due to those by whom the offense came, shall we discern therein any departure from those divine attributes which the believers in a living God always ascribe to Him? Fondly do we hope, fervently do we pray, that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away. Yet, if God wills that it continue until all the wealth piled by the bondsman’s two hundred and fifty years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn with the lash shall be paid by another drawn with the sword, as was said three thousand years ago, so still it must be said “the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.”

With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation’s wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.

— Abraham Lincoln, 2nd Inaugural Address, March 4, 1865,

North Dakota is taking a major step toward addressing its mental health crisis with plans for a new $300 million State Hospital in Jamestown. Lawmakers are finalizing designs for a modern, more efficient facility that adds much-needed psychiatric beds without requiring additional staff. But some argue that focusing on one hospital risks neglecting regional care. A competing bill would direct funding toward smaller clinics statewide. Supporters say both approaches are necessary—balancing centralized expertise with local access—to truly meet the state’s growing mental health needs.

Get the full story on the debate from Peyton Haug writing for Inforum; bill details on the competing approaches can be found below.

The U.S. is once again threatening tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, with a 25 percent levy set to take effect Monday. Saskatchewan exported $413 million worth of these metals to the U.S. last year, making the province a key player in the trade dispute. Premier Scott Moe is in Washington to discuss the issue, while industry leaders and unions warn of potential economic fallout. No tariffs have been enacted yet, but uncertainty is already disrupting businesses that rely on cross-border trade.

Get the full story on how our Northern neighbors are responding to the latest round of the President Trump’s on the fly trade policy development. We’ll continue to follow these stories closely as Minot businesses very much have a one-on-one trade partnership with Canadian tourists.

A Roger Maris jersey from his historic 1961 season is generating significant buzz, with estimates reaching up to $1 million as it heads to auction. Maris famously hit 61 home runs that year, breaking Babe Ruth’s long-standing record. This particular jersey is one of only two he wore during that milestone season, making it a rare piece of baseball history. As the auction approaches, bidding has already surpassed $300,000, highlighting the ongoing interest in sports memorabilia beyond just baseball.

Roger Maris is one of North Dakota’s; that makes this news here. Quartz has the full story on the auction if you’re interested.

In Dallas, Governor Greg Abbott is advocating for a significant shift in Texas’ approach to property taxes, suggesting that local governments need voter approval from a two-thirds majority before any tax hikes. While Abbott emphasizes giving power to the people, many city officials and tax experts warn that this could hinder local services amid a growing population. The proposal has drawn mixed reactions, highlighting the ongoing tension between state governance and local needs in Texas’s changing landscape.

It’s yet another example of the property tax debate taking place nationwide. It’s also an example of a far more conservatively radical approach than has been advanced thus far in North Dakota’s legislative session. Joshua Fechter has the full story on the property tax debate in Texas.

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has launched a new task force, named Iowa DOGE, aimed at making state government more efficient. This initiative is inspired by the federal Department of Government Efficiency and will be led by Emily Schmitt from Sukup Manufacturing. The task force, comprising business leaders and government representatives, has clear objectives: improve taxpayer returns, enhance job training, and explore new technologies like artificial intelligence. Meetings will be public, and recommendations are expected within 180 days, setting the stage for the 2026 legislative session.

Why does this matter in Minot? Multiple states have started similar processes mirroring President Trump’s efforts at Federal level; we should expect more to follow — especially those with Republican dispositions.

North Dakota’s [spring light goose conservation order](https://gf.nd.gov/hunting/light-geese) opens Feb. 15 and continues through May 11.

Residents must have a 2024-25 (valid through March 31) or 2025-26 (required April 1) combination license; or a small game, and general game and habitat license. Resident youth under age 16 only need the general game and habitat license. The 2025-26 license is available for purchase beginning March 15.

Nonresidents need a 2025 spring light goose conservation order license. The cost is $50 and valid statewide. Nonresidents who hunt in spring remain eligible to buy a fall season license. The spring license does not count against the 14-day fall waterfowl hunting season regulation.

In addition, nonresident youth under 16 can purchase a license at the resident fee.
A federal duck stamp is not required for either residents or nonresidents.

[Resident and nonresident licenses](https://gf.nd.gov/buy-apply) are available online at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov.

Hunters must register annually with the Harvest Information Program prior to hunting in each state. The HIP number obtained for North Dakota’s spring conservation order is also valid for North Dakota’s fall hunting season. The number can be obtained online on the Game and Fish website.

The spring conservation order is only open to light geese – snows, blues and Ross’s. Species identification is important because white-fronted and Canada geese travel with light geese. The conservation order is closed to whitefronts, Canada geese, swans and all other migratory birds.

For more information on regulations refer to the [2025 Spring Light Goose Hunting Regulations](https://gf.nd.gov/regulations/spring-light-geese).

The recent mass shooting in Örebro has put Sweden’s firearm licensing practices under the microscope. Despite the shooter holding a valid license, questions are arising about the adequacy of current regulations. In Sweden, prospective gun owners must pass a hunting exam or participate in a shooting club, while police evaluate criminal records and medical history. As discussions unfold, the government is considering reforms, including stricter suitability tests and restrictions on specific semi-automatic weapons. The ongoing debate reflects deep societal concerns over safety and gun ownership.

Few topics trigger as much fervent debate as the U.S. 2nd amendment, so much so that we rarely look around the world to see and understand how others handle fire arms. Sadly, it seems the news cycles on this topic follow the tragic incidents and Sweden is no different. If you’re curious how our Scandinavian friends regulate guns, this story from Radio Sweden is a quick lesson.

When your power bill climbs, what can you do? You can cut back, upgrade appliances, or press your utility company for answers. But for some Wyoming residents, there’s another option: making their own power.

Rooftop solar remains a tough sell in a state with cheap electricity and no policy push toward renewables. That’s changing as costs rise and concerns grow. Now, two bills in the Wyoming Legislature will determine whether small-scale solar expands or shrinks. The question isn’t just about energy—it’s about choice.

Why does this matter in Minot? We use electricity, too. Also, the actions and attitudes of neighboring legislatures mirror North Dakota’s legislature closely. By watching them, we can see what may be coming to a committee hearing near us soon.

Senate bill 2390 is shaping up to support small towns, specifically those with populations of 8,500 or fewer. The proposed legislation would establish a rural catalyst committee and a grant program, aiming to enhance community projects in areas like art, development, education, and health. While the initiative has garnered support, concerns have been raised about equitable access to funding for the smallest towns. The committee voted unanimously to move the bill forward, including an amendment ensuring half of the funds target communities under 1,000 residents.

More on the story can be found from the Grand Forks Herald; bill details can be found below.

When severe weather strikes, you probably rely on local forecasts to stay informed. But have you ever considered the intricate web of data that fuels those forecasts? At the heart of it all is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). From satellites and buoys to advanced computer models, NOAA collects and processes vast amounts of data to ensure accurate weather predictions. This comprehensive system not only aids individuals in preparing for storms but is also crucial for various industries relying on weather forecasts for their operations.

Here on TheMinotVoice, the weather is a tiny part of what we deliver. We don’t have the budget or team to produce a comprehensive weather product so we rely heavily on NOAA weather data and the its APIs (application programming interface) that allows computers to talk and exchange data. The services provided by NOAA make it possible.

As the waves from President Trump’s disruptions ripple out, sometimes it’s helpful to understand how we got to where we are and what will be impacted by our new course. This article from The Conversation tells more of the story on how you likely rely on NOAA more than you realize.

Defenders at Minot Air Force Base are honing their weapons skills, focusing on teamwork and precision. Recently, Airman Paridy Seng from the 5th Security Forces Squadron demonstrated the M320A1 Grenade Launcher, aided by alternate gunner Airman 1st Class Isaac Mann. This collaboration not only enhances shooting accuracy but also emphasizes the importance of support during operations. The training reflects a commitment to readiness and ensures that every airman is prepared for the challenges ahead.

A bill before the North Dakota Legislature, Senate Bill No. 2398, proposes the creation of a Military Compatibility Commission to oversee land use around military installations. The bill defines "military impact zones" to prevent encroachment and regulate development within designated areas surrounding bases. The proposed military...

North Dakota’s agricultural sector is more than just a source of food; it’s a key driver of the state’s economy. A recent report, released by Governor Kelly Armstrong and Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring in collaboration with North Dakota State University, reveals that agriculture generates $41.3 billion...

A bill introduced in the North Dakota Senate aims to restrict explicit content in schools and public libraries. Senator Keith Boehm argues that it doesn’t ban books but rather promotes a safer environment for minors by relocating such material to less accessible areas. Critics, however, contend that the bill isn’t necessary and could lead to censorship, stressing that libraries already have established review processes. The committee has yet to take action following public discussions on the proposal.

Michael Achterling has the full story with the North Dakota Monitor; bill details on SB 2307 can be found below

MINOT, N.D. – Minot State University is pleased to announce its Spring 2025 enrollment grew 2.6% for a total of 2,633 students.

It is the second straight spring semester increase and the third consecutive semester in which the University saw growth in its overall headcount.

“We are excited with an increased number of students enrolling at Minot State University for the second consecutive spring semester,” said Minot State President Dr. Steven Shirley. “We have seen nice increases the past couple of years across campus with a variety of student populations at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, so seeing this momentum continue in 2025 certainly bodes well for the future of MSU and our students.”

The University saw its biggest growth area in new transfer students with 112 incoming transfers, its biggest spring transfer class in seven years. Minot State also reported nice increases in dual credit students and Canadian students.

Minot State’s Hometown Pride Scholarship, now in its third year, continues to attract local students as MSU’s Ward County enrollment increased to the highest total in three years. The spring enrollment also included the largest number of full-time graduate students at MSU since 2015.

Governor Kelly Armstrong is already laying out his vision for North Dakota, just under two months into his term. His administration is prioritizing property tax relief, proposing significant increases to tax credits aimed at easing the financial burden on homeowners. With the state’s growth bringing challenges in mental health and corrections, Armstrong is championing reforms to improve treatment and reduce recidivism. Also on his agenda is addressing the housing shortage through local grants. As he navigates the complexities ahead, his focus remains on practical, effective solutions.

Dana Mogck with the Grand Forks Herald has the full story on Governor Armstrong’s first 60 days and the path ahead.

North Dakota’s State Superintendent, Kirsten Baesler, is set to take on a new role as the assistant secretary of education in Washington, D.C., following her nomination by the White House. Baesler has spent over a decade leading public education in North Dakota, advocating for innovative learning initiatives and policies that aim to improve student outcomes. As she prepares for this national stage, her departure will leave an opening in a position she has held since 2012, prompting the governor to appoint her successor.

Bureaucracy has a way of making even the simplest community projects feel impossible. But where rules tighten, loopholes emerge—and that’s something to be thankful for. In Winnipeg, small tweaks in size, timing, or ownership can mean the difference between endless red tape and real progress. From pop-up parks to traffic-calming art, communities are finding creative ways to sidestep obstacles and get things done. The lesson? If the system won’t bend, work around it. Because nothing stops a determined neighborhood—not even city hall.

That’s the latest message from Elmwood Guy writing love letters to his Dear Winnipeg. It’s commentary that any community will get a rise out of reading — and deploying.