Good morning, Minot.

On Friday, a Minot family was forced to leave their home after a kitchen fire started at 8:57 p.m. in northwest Minot and firefighters quickly acted—rescuing three cats while three dogs and one cat did not survive— as they contained the fire to one room and began investigating its cause.

Melissa Rowe has been promoted to business administrative assistant at Ackerman-Estvold in Minot.

She, a Minot State University graduate who joined as a receptionist in August 2021, will join the communications and marketing team—handling design, financial processing and special projects.

The Ward County Sheriff’s Office is searching for Tela Nelson, a 19-year-old woman who was last seen at 1:00 p.m. on April 11 on the southeast edge of Minot—she has brown hair, brown eyes, is about 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs 150 lbs, and was wearing a red shirt, a black tank top with flowers, black leggings, white flip flops and a navy-blue beanie while carrying a small pink backpack and a black purse with a chain.

A Minot man, Friling Hadley, 35, pleaded guilty on Friday afternoon to one count of Class AA felony murder at North Central District Court—Judge Gary Lee ordered a presentence investigation and sentencing is set for Aug.

21.

Minot painter Patricia Walker, 87, began painting later in life and has sold over 90 works that tell stories from her memories — drawing interest from local art lovers and children who ask about her creative past.

She sells her paintings at the local flea market and a booth at Dakota Square Mall.

At its meeting on Thursday, the board hired Nicole Strand as Special Education director for Sunnyside Elementary, with her start set for July 1, and named current assistant principal Nicole Chase as the new principal—while also reviewing appraisal reports for three idle schools and postponing a sales decision for a later special meeting.

Minot City Council members are telling voters their plans for a special election for mayor later this year—Council President Mark Jantzer, acting mayor, will run while Lisa Olson, Mike Blessum, and Scott Samuelson will not.

Responses from Council Members Rob Fuller and Paul Pitner and a petition by local citizen Josiah Roise will add to the choices as the election will fill the remaining term of former Mayor Tom Ross—who resigned earlier this month after a misconduct investigation.

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department Advisory Board will hold public meetings this spring at eight locations across the state to discuss fish and wildlife issues with local advisers and agency personnel.

Today's meeting in Velva starts at 7 p.m.—other events are scheduled on April 15th, 21st, and 22nd.

Bowbells Ambulance Service upgraded its 1997 ambulance to a four-wheel drive vehicle with extra storage and liquid suspension for patient comfort — community members can see the new ambulance at an open house on April 16th from 5:30 to 8 p.m. and may contact manager Ryan Peterson if they are interested in volunteering.

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!