Good morning, Minot.

Citizens Alley ends its first summer season with live music, movies and family fun before switching to winter programming—organizers said the celebration begins tomorrow with live music and food truck specials at 5 p.m., continues with an outdoor screening of Rogue One on Sept.

19 and features a family pop-up event on Sept. 21.

Minot North High School will hold a Homecoming parade on Friday, Sept 19 that begins at 5:15 p.m. at the Optimist Soccer Complex and travels west on 21st Street NW before turning north on 14th Street NW to end at Sentinel Stadium — while the 22nd Minot High School parade will start on Friday, Sept 26 at Edison Elementary School and travel north on Sixth Street to 11th Avenue SW before ending at Duane Carlson Field — with several school bands and student groups participating.

Rain from this past weekend delayed a Des Lacs farmer's canola harvest — muddy fields slowed work but helped the crops mature.

The farmer said they expect to begin combining the canola by the end of this week and that soybeans will be ready soon.

Airline boardings hit an all-time high in August—over 112,000 passengers traveled as seven of the state’s eight airports saw increases, marking the 16th month of rising air traffic.

Minot North High School announced its 2025 Homecoming Court selected by juniors and seniors, featuring seniors Carson Nadeau, Helena Lium, William Bentley, Codey Irwin, Evan Berg, Jaelynn Zarr, Brayden Blikre, Kate Weishaar, Jameson Van Rooyen, Julia Lewis, Emerson Ries, and McKinnley Kragh. Students will vote for Homecoming king and queen during Spirit Week, and the coronation will occur during halftime on Friday, Sept. 19—7 p.m. kickoff.

On Sept 15, Minot City Council approved a budget draft that directs $2 million from city reserves to return to taxpayers—officials noted the funds are excess from overcollection.

The council also voted to adjust sales tax rules and reduce staff positions as part of the fiscal plan for 2026.

At a nearly seven-hour meeting that spilled into Tuesday morning, the Minot City Council debated next year’s $211 million budget with a focus on police staffing shortages and economic development—reallocating sales tax funds for public safety and growth.

Council members and local citizens provided input as the council approved the budget on first reading, with final adoption set for Oct. 6.

Minot moves forward to name a permanent city manager as the city council recommended interviews with three finalists—Tom Joyce, David Kees and David Lakefield after receiving 53 applications.

The council will announce the interview schedule and a public meet and greet soon.

On Monday, the Minot City Council voted to cut its membership in the North Dakota League of Cities and remove $25,000 from the 2026 budget during a nearly seven-hour meeting — council members Scott Samuelson and Mike Blessum raised concerns over the League’s handling of property tax issues. The council passed the budget on its first reading and will hold a second reading before sending it to the state.

North Dakota residents will face higher health insurance premiums as a Washington deadline for ACA tax credits nears—local families may see steeper costs if they do not act soon.

A feature article recounts a local family’s cherished apple picking traditions and explains how apples offer fiber and vitamins that may help lower cholesterol and manage weight.

The piece also provides various recipes using apples—guiding Minot residents toward healthier meal options.

Bjøro Håland Concert

3-5 p.m. — North Dakota State Fair Center — Get Tickets — Celebrate the return of Norwegian country music legend Bjøro Håland for his 36th performance at Høstfest.

Norsk Høstfest Cultural Festival

9:00 – 10:30 AM — North Dakota State Fair Center — Tickets available — Experience the rich heritage of Scandinavia through food, music, and artisan crafts.

Norsk Høstfest

9:00 – 10:30 AM — North Dakota State Fair Center — Admission fee may apply — Experience a vibrant celebration of Scandinavian culture with entertainment, cuisine, and artisan crafts.

Midwest MonsterCon 2025

Oct 3-4 — Minot Municipal Auditorium — $10 — Experience the ultimate horror convention with spooky panels, unique vendors, and eerie fun.

Dakota Flea Market

8 AM – 4 PM — North Dakota State Fair Center — Entry fee may apply — Discover over 200 vendor tables filled with antiques, crafts, collectibles, and more.