Good morning, Minot.

Lucas Smith, a 12-year-old 7th grader at Memorial Middle School on Minot AFB, was featured for Month of the Military Child where he explained how making friends and riding his bike around the base’s Bubble has shaped his life—he hopes to follow his father’s footsteps as the family prepares to leave Minot this summer.

Minot Fire, Police, and the Dive Rescue Team (led by diver Aaron Zabka) rescued a dog named Loki from the cold Souris River near the zoo on Thursday afternoon and then returned the animal to its owner after warming it up.

On Saturday, May 17, the Hair of the Dog event will be held at Atypical Brewery and Barrelworks starting at 10 a.m., featuring a dog-friendly 5K run/walk and a Weiner Dog Derby to raise funds for local animal shelters and rescues.

Proceeds will be shared by (For Belle’s Sake Rescue, Animal Empowerment League, and Hairball Haven Feline Rescue).

A local host led a Hey Minot trivia challenge as part of an MSU Giving Day event this week, asking questions about local landmarks, sports history, and community traditions—such as the 54 animal species at Roosevelt Park Zoo and Minot’s record high.

The quiz brought together fun facts about MSU, the first organized baseball team, and even a long-standing pig race, highlighting the unique heritage of Minot.

Angela Peterson, a third-grade teacher at North Plains Elementary on Minot Air Force Base, was awarded North Dakota's 2024 VFW Teacher of the Year Award on April 10 (presented by VFW Post 743 with her family and students present).

She earned the recognition for her dedication to teaching military children and promoting patriotism.

Minot was recognized as a 2025 Great American Defense Community by the Association of Defense Communities for its support of Minot Air Force Base.

ADC will celebrate the honor by spotlighting the community this summer—then featuring it at the Innovation Forum in Monterey, California in October.

Air Force Gen. Thomas Bussiere and Chief Master Sgt. Shawn Aiello visited Minot Air Force Base on March 27 and 28, 2025 to thank Airmen for their teamwork and mission readiness—recognizing the base's key role in the nation's nuclear triad and urging them to appreciate their families' support.

Mark Jantzer, the city council president and acting mayor, announced he will run in a special election to serve as mayor through next June—candidates must collect 300 signatures after a citizen-led petition called for the vote.

The announcement follows Mayor Tom Ross’ resignation after an investigation.

Starting April 14, the City of Minot landfill will run on summer hours—open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Residents can drop off household hazardous materials at the scale house inside the gate, and spring clean-up week is set for April 28-May 2 with a waste collection event on May 2-3.

At a crowded banquet at Minot Air Force Base, 42 winners of the Commander’s Choice awards were honored as host George Masters & Col. Jesse Lamarand led the ceremony.

Guests watched video messages from senators & representatives and heard updates on future projects such as helicopter and bomber upgrades.

SVAS Gala 2025

6-10 p.m. — Sleep Inn & Suites Conference Center and Water Park — Ticket information available — Celebrate animal welfare with live entertainment and a special auction.

80's Pub Crawl

8 PM - 1 AM — The Spot — $10 — Dress up in your favorite 80s attire for a nostalgic night of fun and goodie prizes for the first 48 check-ins!

35th Annual Spring Honor Dance and Powwow Celebration

5-9 p.m. — Minot State University — Free entry — Celebrate Native American culture with dance, educational programs, and a community powwow.

Race Day at Nodak Speedway

7-9 p.m. — Nodak Speedway — Tickets available — Experience the thrill of North Dakota’s fastest cars and top-notch dirt track racing.

2025 North Dakota Travel Industry Conference

April 28-30 — State Fair Center — Conference rates starting at $94 — A three-day event to enhance North Dakota's tourism through networking and education.

The Donny Dahl Band Live

9:30 PM – 3:30 AM — The Original — Free entry — Experience an unforgettable night with the Donny Dahl Band and some of the greatest live music.

Race Day at Nodak Speedway

2-4 p.m. — Nodak Speedway — Ticket prices vary — Experience high-speed thrills at North Dakota's top dirt track racing event.

Festival of Fools

8 p.m. — The Spot — $10 – $20 — Enjoy a night filled with silly comedy and live performances from local talent.

Mother’s Day Celebration at the Zoo

4 AM – 1 PM — Roosevelt Park Zoo — Moms free with child admission — Celebrate Mother's Day with a fun day at the zoo!