Good morning, Minot.

Minot’s Disabled American Veterans Chapter 4 was named North Dakota’s Outstanding DAV Chapter for the fifth year in a row, and service officer Jim Davenport was honored as Outstanding Chapter Member at the annual picnic in Oak Park on Aug.

14 — officials confirmed the award was based on the state convention’s review in May.

Today at Norsk Høstfest, the Dakota Finnish Society is offering active duty military free admission and authentic beef stew when they show valid ID.

The food stand in Reykjavik Hall—sponsored by Verendrye Electric from Minot Air Force Base—also gives veterans discounted tickets.

KMOT’s Joe Skurzewski joined other festival-goers at Norsk Høstfest in a contest to see who could eat a pound of lutefisk fastest—competition held as part of the daily festival events.

Gordon Lindquist has performed his unique piano acts at Høstfest for nearly 40 years and the festival features Livets Loft—an area with a video montage of past performers and an interactive memory wall.

This year marks the 46th Høstfest where Lindquist says it is the happiest place in the world.

Norsk Høstfest (a longstanding cultural event) is featuring discussions with Lindsey Miller and Kyona Rivera about this year’s celebration, and the article explains how the festival will offer key events for families and community members.

It shows the continuation of the annual tradition that draws many locals.

Students from several schools visited Norsk Høstfest this week on field trips to learn about Scandinavian culture.

The Powers Lake third-grade class, led by teacher Kayla Jensen, took its first trip to the festival—other groups from Bottineau, Nedrose, Minot and Bowbells also attended.

The Central Dakota Metropolitan Planning Organization announced that public comment on the 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan is open through Oct.

27 and that a public meeting will be held on Oct. 23 at 4:30 p.m. in Minot City Hall council chambers—written comments must be submitted by Oct. 17.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded more than $1 million to state agencies and $317,957 to the Three Affiliated Tribes to fund environmental programs — state funds include $517,810 for a comprehensive pesticide program and $498,083 for developing a coal combustion residual program, while tribal funds will support initiatives for air, water, land and pollution prevention.

On Sept. 26, the Ward County Commission adopted the 2026 budget that lowers property tax levies so a home with a $225,000 assessment now pays $623—a drop of about 3.44% while owners of agricultural land also see reduced bills.

The $67.53 million budget requires a $23.65 million levy to fund county operations, library, and local programs.

Wayne Beatty, a retired handball player, first tried pickleball after moving to Minot and now plays in a local league—showing his enjoyment of the sport as community interest surges.

Local parks now feature many dedicated pickleball courts and support from leaders who helped upgrade facilities to boost participation.

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.