Good morning, Minot.

The Minot Daily News is inviting locals to share their Norsk Hostfest memories for a special page to be published next week (volunteers, vendors, and visitors are encouraged).

Submit stories of 200 words or fewer by Wednesday, Feb. 11 via email, mail, or in person.

Cornerstone Church will host a Valentine’s Gala on Friday, Feb.

13 from 6-8 p.m. (registration is required) at the church for an open event.

Nominations for the North Dakota Music Hall of Fame opened Tuesday, Feb.

3 for musicians, educators or industry pioneers (with 20 years of experience and a North Dakota connection) and will remain open until May 15, with the 2026 class to be inducted at the Dakota Music Crawl in September.

Local producers for the 2026 crop season are booking seed at varying rates, with Pioneer Seeds in town introducing a new pod shatter premium canola variety; Des Lacs farmer Amanda Kopp said many stick with trusted crops as some await plot tours and financing support (inputs remain high).

Ward County Commission voted on Tuesday, Feb.

3 to seek proposals for a temporary animal shelter — the Sheriff’s Department needs a new partner after Souris Valley stopped working with the county for cats and dogs. Commissioners hope to address the challenge despite limited options.

The Ward County Detention Center’s opioid treatment program finished its first year — administering 6,551 doses to 148 inmates and receiving local, statewide and national recognition.

Jail Commander Paul Olthoff was awarded for innovation.

The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services is boosting education, securing vaccine access, and tracking data after a large measles outbreak in South Carolina raised concerns about low 95% vaccination levels.

HHS remains ready to respond to any local cases + state officials urge residents to stay informed.

North Dakota’s Legislature approved new federal funds—$200 million in the first year—to boost rural health care through the Rural Health Transformation Program; grant applications may open next month as providers and officials plan outreach activities.