Good morning, Minot.

Visit Minot launched a photo contest for locals to share images of people, places, food and seasons — submissions are due Jan.

29 and prizes worth $1,000 will be awarded with winners announced Feb. 2.

The Mickelson family reopened North 40 Restaurant in Rolla last August to offer home-cooked meals featuring local ingredients, with produce from their garden and meats from local businesses.

The family-run diner now serves from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and offers steak night on extended weekend hours.

The first International Indigenous Peace Powwow will take place July 3-6 in Dunseith, drawing dancers, drum groups, families and visitors from the US, Canada and other indigenous communities (the event includes a new powwow arbor opening and will be followed by a Flag Raising and Peace Symposium on July 11).

Comic artist Bob Hall will return to iMagicon from April 24—26 at the North Dakota State Fair Center, where he joins actors from the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and organizers plan to announce more details soon.

The Department of Mineral Resources director said that recent headlines about Venezuela’s oil challenges could affect energy producers in the state.

Officials will monitor the situation closely as market conditions evolve.

Home Sweet Home Daycare Center in Rolla reopened last week under new ownership when Dianna Juntunen resumed services after a two-month closure left parents scrambling (10 children are already enrolled), filling a local need for affordable childcare.

Middle school students in Minot can submit a four-paragraph essay until Feb.

4 for a chance to compete — top finalists will join a live quiz locally, with the first-place winner set to represent the state at the National Championship this fall.

The Ward County Commission approved post-game fireworks for Hot Tots games next summer on a county parking lot near the ball diamond and leased space at the Morgan building (corner of Burdick Expressway and Valley Street) for the Commission on Aging's supplies.

Layne O’Neill of Kenmare received the Grassroots Leadership Award for 2025 at the township officers association convention in Bismarck last December + he has served local groups for over 30 years, including as clerk/treasurer of Stafford Township.

NDSU Extension will offer a free QPR Suicide Prevention Certification training on Monday, Jan.

26, from 3-4:30 p.m. at the Ward County Administration Building, meeting room 108 — the workshop teaches participants to recognize and respond to suicide warning signs while awarding a certificate valid for 2 years.

Northland Health Centers now offers addiction counseling in rural areas via telehealth and in-person visits as patients connect with counselors at its three clinics (they cannot join sessions from home).

The center plans to expand group services soon.