Good morning, Minot.

Norsk Høstfest 2025 opened today in Minot—bringing Norwegian food, art, and cultural events to the local community.

Organizers said more family-friendly activities will follow throughout the festival.

Erika Littlefield, 17 and a senior at Stanley High, is Miss Norsk Høstfest 2025 who has attended the festival since she was three.

She will spend the week at Høstfest — greeting locals and celebrating Scandinavian traditions — as she prepares to compete for Miss North Dakota next summer.

Ambassador Anniken Huitfeldt visited Minot this week to join Norsk Høstfest celebrations marking 200 years since the first Norwegian migration to America and met with local leaders while touring Scandinavian Heritage Park—she emphasized strong Norwegian-American ties.

Today, the 46th annual Norsk Høstfest begins in Minot with halls open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.—over 100 vendors display crafts, culture, and food contests including a classic lutefisk contest and a new lefse tasting.

The event offers concerts and family activities with children’s programming and will continue until Saturday.

Local filmmaker Daniel Bielinski's new movie Hazel tells the true story of 15-year-old Hazel Miner who died saving her siblings in a 1920 blizzard—Minot viewers can see the film at Oak Park Theater on Oct.

3. The film features local talent and brings a piece of North Dakota history to the big screen.

Minot State University Development Foundation has named Megan Awalt and Cassidy Hjelmstad as new board members to replace longtime members Karen Krebsbach and Kathy Aas.

Awalt, a 2011 graduate and CFO at Farmers Union Oil Company, and Hjelmstad, CEO-general manager of SRT Communications, will bring their experience to guide the foundation’s future efforts.

The intersection of 16th Street and 11th Avenue SW reopened to traffic on Wednesday—extending north to Burdick Expressway—with a temporary traffic signal in use until a permanent one is installed likely in November.

The stretch of 16th Street south of the intersection will remain closed until mid-October for long-term improvements.

Ward County Commission approved half of the $229,952 requested by the Sheriff’s Department to adjust pay grades for experienced officers—additional salary funds from $63,000 in savings and $52,000 in new county taxes will be available next June.

Final budget details will be confirmed on September 26 as the county addresses retention challenges amid competitive recruiting by the Minot Police.

CHI St. Alexius confirmed on Wednesday that it will end its primary care services in Minot and work with patients to transition care by late November—staff are being relocated to Bismarck and Garrison.

Minot State men’s and women’s golf teams wrapped up play Tuesday, September 23, at Jewel Golf Club with the men finishing tied for 8th and the women placing 10th while freshman Kasen Rostad earned his first top-10 finish with a 4-under-par score of 140 — a season highlight.

The teams will travel to Bismarck for the 5th annual Marauders Tournament on September 29 and 30.

Minot State will face Bemidji State at Herb Parker Stadium on Saturday, September 27 at 1 p.m.—the team seeks its first win of the season after a loss to Winona State last week while holding an 0—4 record.

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.

St. Olaf Orchestra Concert

7-9 p.m. — Ann Nicole Nelson Hall — Tickets available — Experience the rich sounds of a renowned collegiate orchestra during their Fall Tour.