Good morning, Minot.

Our Lady of Grace in Minot has begun expanding its facilities in response to growing attendance—adding seven new classrooms, five office spaces, and upgraded bathrooms that replaced long-used portable units.

The church is also building a 4,800 sq ft food pantry funded by a $5 million capital campaign with completion expected by late January and further work set for spring.

K.E.Y.A. Public Radio faces a 39% federal funding cut and will lose two years of planned support—program director Jarle Kvale said the station is seeking short-term funds and boosting local fundraising.

It will keep broadcasting 18 hours a day as listeners help raise money—early funding news is expected later this week.

Waterford.org is expanding its Waterford Upstart program to help every child enter kindergarten ready to learn by offering at-home 15-minute lessons in reading, math, and science along with one-on-one coaching—this effort partners with the state’s Department of Public Instruction and Department of Health and Human Services to also boost the Be Legendary early literacy initiative.

Karen LoneFight from White Shield captured photos of the colorful Northern Lights on Tuesday, Nov.

11th near Minot—different hues appeared in each direction as a high-intensity geomagnetic storm kept the display active into Wednesday.

Quinn Iffert and Ellie Johnson from Roosevelt Park Zoo helped count endangered black-footed ferrets in a project at Badlands National Park during October.

They used wire traps and a vehicle spotlight to track a ferret with a microchip and took a small ear sample (sent to the Smithsonian Institute for stem cell research) (a step to boost future conservation efforts).

The government shutdown is nearing its end, but hunger relief voices warn that the SNAP pause may hurt local spending and rural grocers for months—many households have already used funds meant for other expenses.

Officials urge that those with little savings prepare for extended challenges in getting full benefits.

Local athletes have signed national letters-of-intent on National Signing Day as they commit to college teams and look forward to beginning their college careers next season.

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.