Good morning, Minot.

Volunteers planted 82 trees (with a $20,000 Chevron donation) around Minot Air Force Base housing neighborhoods Friday morning to boost shade and freshen community spaces for military families.

After 27 years in the Air Force, Fire Chief Anik Emery has turned a temporary assignment into a permanent home in Minot, now serving as City Fire Marshal.

He and his family have embraced local neighbors (who even cheered his fire department curling team) as they put down roots.

Today, Minot Parks and the local chamber host Military Appreciation in the Parks across the city.

At Oak Park, free lunch and outdoor games with bounce houses are offered while Roosevelt Park Zoo, Maysa Arena and Roosevelt Park Pool provide free admission or skating for servicemembers + families with valid ID.

Minot's free summer concert series held Thursday at Citizens Alley featured a special guest after the Levitt Family Foundation provided a $120,000 grant for up to 30 shows — foundation president Sharon Yazowski noted the community's united effort.

Veteran Daniel Baranick, born in Wilton and a Korean War Air Force serviceman, later returned to Minot to manage an Osco Pharmacy and earn a top management award.

He now remains active in local cultural groups (donating vintage pharmaceutical items to a museum) while cherishing community ties.

Young performers from the Western Plains Children’s Choirs will perform Disney’s Newsies, Jr. this week at Ann Nicole Nelson Hall — on the MSU campus — with shows Thursday and Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 12:30 and 4:30 p.m.

The Magic City Discovery Center invites local adults to relive school-day memories at its Night of Nostalgia fundraiser on Monday, Aug.

11, from 6-9 p.m. The museum will host interactive challenges, themed dining + rooftop entertainment while supporting future exhibits and educational programs.

Mr. Jon Dawson retires after 12 years leading the STARBASE ND program that gives 25 hours of STEAM training to 5th graders at Minot Air Force Base + in the local community.

Effective June 16, 2026, former instructor Mrs. Aubrie Ziegler will become the new director and continue the program's mission.

The Magic City Discovery Center has launched an indoor gallery called Outside My Window that offers interactive exhibits for children six and under — featuring a treehouse, slides and hands-on learning areas where kids explore nature and science.

Families can visit the first floor to enjoy a screen-free adventure.

The Compatible Use Study Team held an open house at City Hall on Tuesday, June 2 to launch a federally funded review of how military operations and community planning can grow together.

The study will run through summer and fall — final recommendations are expected early next year.

Minot parks leaders say the recently approved half-cent sales tax will fund upgrades + repairs to parks and recreation, offer property tax relief, and lead to a rise in sales tax.

The measure reflects a local effort to invest in community spaces.

Road construction remains heavy across ND, with drivers noting smoother rides on N.D.

Highway 22 near Minot while other routes stay rough; local officials say work driven by frost + thaw cycles will continue to ease travel delays in the coming months.

Sanford Health will take over the former CHI St. Alexius clinic (2000 block of Landmark Circle) in north Minot to offer family medicine, behavioral health, and pediatrics.

The provider will shift services from its northwest clinic to the new Sanford Landmark Clinic, which is scheduled to open this fall.

In North Dakota, summer signals a shift to longer evenings that invite outdoor activities — fishing, park visits, and leisurely walks.

Changing weather reminds residents to use bug spray and sunscreen while they enjoy the season.

Sips of Summer: A Taste of Minot Food Tour

2-5 p.m. — Gourmet Chef — Costs vary — Enjoy a culinary exploration of Minot with curated tastings at five local spots.

Midsummer Festival 2026

5-10 p.m. — Scandinavian Heritage Association — Free entry — Celebrate the summer solstice with music, food, and a bonfire at this cherished Scandinavian tradition.

Independence Day Celebration in Minot

All day — Minot Convention & Visitors Bureau — Free entry — Celebrate Independence Day with patriotic traditions, family-friendly activities, live entertainment, and a spectacular fireworks finale.

Dakota Classic Modified Tour

7-10 p.m. — Nodak Speedway — Ticket prices vary — Experience thrilling IMCA sanctioned racing featuring top drivers from across North America.