Good morning, Minot.

The Lord's Cupboard Food Pantry in Minot saw its usual shipment from the Great Plains Food Bank drop from about 18 to 20 pallets to 7 pallets this week due to federal funding cuts, but local stores — along with community partners — have filled the gap with donations.

The pantry continues to operate with reduced variety and amounts while offering meals and support to residents.

Make-A-Wish granted a local wrestler's wish to visit Hawaii, fulfilling his dream as he prepares for future matches.

He will use the trip to gain new experiences and share his joy with the community.

Minot Police said 44-year-old Sigwald Remme (6’4”, 185 lbs) left his southeast home on foot on July 2 before his 11 p.m. shift at Maverick Gas Station along East Burdick Expressway and has not been seen or heard from since.

Officials announced progress on phases 6 and 7 of the Minot flood protection project — work is set to continue as the city strengthens its measures against flooding.

Since switching to Souris Valley Animal Shelter, the pound has seen impounded dogs drop to 74 and cats to 85 as of July 1, with only 47% of dogs and 15% of cats reunited with their owners.

Long-term holds from abuse, neglect, or legal issues now occupy three of five reserved kennels — prompting city officials to review ordinances and explore other options to better manage costs and space.

Minot AFB hosted its first Combat Ammunition Production Exercise from June 22 to 27, testing airmen's ability to mass-produce munitions in a simulated wartime scenario—recording over 1,200 builds and more than 350,000 pounds of net explosive weight.

The exercise involved 248 personnel from multiple bases and provided essential training in rapid munitions assembly.

Absentee ballots are now available at the Ward County Auditor’s office on the second floor of the Ward County Administration building at 225 3rd Street SE, where voters can complete both the application and ballot in one visit or request ballots by mail using printed forms from the Elections website. The special mayoral election to fill the vacancy will take place on Aug. 5 at the Minot Municipal Auditorium in room 201 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on election day—following changes from ND House Bill 1165 effective Aug. 1.

The Lignite Area Riders for Life fun run will take place on July 12 at 10 a.m. in Lignite as it honors founder Grady Bakken’s brother—raising funds for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and FirstLink.

Participants 21 and older can join a day that starts with breakfast, includes stops at local businesses, and ends with a street dance and supper.

Minot Public Library will host Nick Schmidt for his presentation 'Retain Your Brain' on July 16 at 2 p.m. He will share practical lifestyle choices to help reduce the risk of dementia and answer questions after the 30-minute talk.

Arts in the Park: Minot City Band

4-8 p.m. — Oak Park — Free to attend — Enjoy a summer evening filled with classic tunes under the beautiful oak trees.

North Dakota State Fair

All day — North Dakota State Fair Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience nine thrilling days of entertainment and grandstand performances.

NDSF Run the Route 5K

8:45-10:00 a.m. — North Dakota State Fair Center — Registration required — Kick off the North Dakota State Fair with a fun run along the parade route.

Arts in the Park: 188th Army Band Concert

7-9 p.m. — Oak Park — Free entry — Experience a timeless summer tradition with live music under the oaks in Minot.

Demolition Derby Showdown

7-9 p.m. — North Dakota State Fair Center — Ticket included with Grandstand Showpass — Experience the adrenaline of cars colliding in a battle for the ultimate title.

North Dakota State Fair - Sawyer Brown Concert

6-9 p.m. — North Dakota State Fair Grandstand — Ticket on sale March 1 — Celebrate 40 years of Sawyer Brown with lively performances of their classic hits.

Limp Bizkit Concert

8:00–9:30 p.m. — North Dakota State Fair Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the electrifying performance of Limp Bizkit live.

North Dakota State Fair Parade

9:15 a.m. — North Dakota State Fair Grounds Red Lot Campground — Free entry — Don’t miss the largest parade in North Dakota as it winds its way to the Fairgrounds.

Black Stone Cherry Concert

6-8 p.m. — The Original — Ticket prices vary — Kentucky rockers Black Stone Cherry bring their new album to life with a powerful performance.