Good morning, Minot.

Local business owner Christine Staley is extending Magic City Hoagies' hours from November 1 to 8 from 2 to 4 p.m. to offer free meal boxes including a sandwich, drink, chips, and cookie to SNAP and EBT cardholders—customers are asked to call ahead to pre-order—and military members at MAFB can receive a free meal through a voucher program.

Air Force Veteran Kenny Wiederholt participated in an Honor Flight from September 28th to 30th that took 177 veterans and volunteers to Washington, DC to visit Arlington National Cemetery and war museums.

He praised clear exhibits like the National Archives and the Korean War Memorial — and the flight returned with a water cannon salute and bagpipes playing.

The North Dakota Farmers’ Market & Growers Association held its three-day local foods conference in Carrington on November 6, which featured a new leadership structure — including a revised board and new roles — and sessions on topics from food safety to preserving techniques.

Keynote speakers offered practical ideas for boosting market attendance while a proposed food hub for Minot was also discussed.

On November 28th in Downtown Minot, the Holiday Open House — featuring Santa's parade at 4:30 p.m., holiday music at 5:00 p.m., tree lighting at 6:05 p.m. and a free fireworks display at 6:00 p.m. — will kick off the festive season.

Other events — such as skating at Citizen’s Alley for $5 and Cookies with Santa at Taube starting at 4:30 p.m. — will bring extra holiday cheer to the community.

Leonard Niess keeps Minot’s history alive at his gift shop Niess Impressions at 101 E.

Central Ave, where he offers custom gifts, printing services, and displays remains of a historic prohibition-era tunnel—drawing visitors with a distinctive mint green building. The shop also helps local authors publish work that tells the story of our community.

Today, the Big One Art & Craft Fair begins at the State Fair Center in Minot to mark its 50th year and feature over 400 exhibitors showing handmade goods.

The two-day event costs $5 — it opens at 10 a.m. today and at 9 a.m. Saturday.

An online Parent Cafe is scheduled on Nov.

19 from noon—1 p.m. to build skills for handling holiday stress, and it offers parents a chance to earn education credit and receive certificates via North Dakota State University Extension-Ward County.

Since updated Air Force fitness standards rolled out in late September, service members at Minot AFB’s McAdoo Fitness Center have increased workouts by using scheduled PT sessions and on-duty exercise opportunities—resulting in crowded parking lots and active group training.

On Veterans Day, Service Dogs for America will train and certify service dogs that help veterans with PTSD and mobility challenges by performing tasks like retrieving dropped items and calming panic attacks.

The nonprofit partners with local programs in Jud—using correctional inmate training programs to boost skills and support veterans in regaining independence.

A local columnist advises residents to begin decluttering now before the holiday rush to help lower stress and save money—she notes that cleaning out unused toys and clothes allows families to donate or sell items and ease the season.

With rising costs and uncertainty affecting budgets, early clean-ups can make homes more pleasant and support those in need.

Minot North athletes had a busy week as the football team advanced to the semifinals with a 20 to 6 win on Halloween and the volleyball team swept Williston Coyotes on October 30th—boosting their playoff push.

The girls swim team placed third at the Minot Mini Invite after losses on October 23rd and 24th, showing resilience ahead of future meets.

The military curling club is getting ready for the GSOC Military Invitational in Lake Tahoe—an event from November 6 to 9 where teams from the US and Canada will compete—and its local season will start on December 2 with a learn to curl clinic while a November 18 coaching meeting will finalize team rosters amid deferred payment due to the government shutdown.

Dashing Through The Snow 5K Run

12-2 p.m. — Minot — Registration required — Experience a festive 5K run and family fun walk amidst holiday cheer.

Magic City Turkey Trot

9 a.m. — Dakota Bark Park — Registration fee applies — Participate in a festive fun run or walk to kick off your Thanksgiving celebrations.