Good morning, Minot.

Roosevelt Park Zoo and the Greater Minot Zoological Society will host Christmas at the Zoo, Guess Who’s Green and Will Be There Too on Dec.

6 from 9 a.m. to noon. Families can wear cozy pajamas and enjoy a pancake breakfast, festive activities, and visits from Santa and a mischievous green visitor — while donating non-perishable food or new toys to support local needs.

Yesterday the Civil Air Patrol Magic City Composite Squadron held two ceremonies at the Minot Armed Force Reserve Center to honor veterans and promote lasting service—cadets received a $1,500 sponsorship for veteran wreaths and nine were promoted to Cadet Airman through the Great Start Program as preparations continue for the upcoming Wreaths Across America initiative.

The Minot Family YMCA Board of Directors voted to merge with Prairie Grit Adaptive Sports to expand inclusive services and strengthen local wellness.

Prairie Grit will assume operational leadership of the YMCA facility while maintaining core programs and planning facility upgrades — including enhancements to the fitness center and therapy spaces — to serve members better.

Minot’s Souris Valley United Way is launching the Christmas Teen Tree initiative to help local teens often overlooked during holiday toy drives.

Donors will claim a wish tag and drop off unwrapped gifts + wrapping paper at their 3rd Avenue SW office by Dec. 16 to support teen programs at Youthworks and CASO.

Marcela Samson has volunteered for five years by decorating a themed tree for the auction at the Festival of Trees—an event that raises funds and awareness for Dakota Hope Clinic.

The fundraiser will start today at Noon at the North Dakota State Fair Center.

Minot resource closet program Mrs. Field’s Closet opened its fourth location at Erik Ramstad Middle School — providing personal hygiene and school supplies for students — after special education social worker Melissa Waind identified a need at the school.

The Minot Area Chamber EDC launched Operation Homebound with nearly 70 tickets already booked to help Minot Air Force Base airmen travel home this holiday season—further fundraising events are planned to support additional flights through December.

The program rebrands a long-standing community effort to send first-term airmen home for the holidays.

The Northwest Arts Center presents Umbrae, a solo mezzotint exhibition by Mississippi artist Jacob Crook in the Walter Piehl Gallery at Minot State—open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and Saturday from 1–5 p.m.—which runs until Dec.

20 and features 20 prints exploring light and shadow in urban and interior scenes. Crook will hold printmaking sessions through today and present an art seminar at noon in Hartnett Hall to share his engraving techniques with the public.

Joshua Paez Scamardella moved here from Orlando and felt nervous until he joined the MAFB Youth Center.

Mr. Jay created programs like Fear Factor Camp and Club Torch — which helped Joshua make friends and feel welcome.

The Senate confirmed Maj.

Gen. Jason Armagost as lieutenant general and he will serve as deputy commander of Air Force Global Strike Command. He led the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot AFB from 2014 to 2016 — he later commanded Eighth Air Force before Maj. Gen. Ty Neuman took over his role on November 6th.

The Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch in Minot nears completion of a new 15,000 square foot psychiatric residential treatment facility named Zurcher Cottage that will provide temporary care for children with high needs.

Funded by private donors + grants, the facility is set to open in the spring as the first phase of a 25-year campus project.

Do Eat Asian Cuisine at the northeast corner of Dakota Square offers an all-you-can-eat menu with unlimited sushi, hibachi, Thai food and desserts.

General Manager Kiky Rizky said the restaurant also provides a la carte options and donates part of its proceeds to The Northern Plains Children’s Advocacy Center on its themed Gratitude and Warmth day—bringing a fresh dining option to Minot and Air Force Base communities.

Minot North athletes in volleyball, swimming, and football showed strong progress this season as they improved skills and built a competitive program.

The football team finished second in the Dakota Bowl and demonstrated discipline and determination — setting the stage for future success.

Julia Lewis from Minot North girls soccer signed her letter of intent to play at Bemidji State — she is the first soccer signee in school history and scored key goals last spring as a midfielder.

She will join a team with recent championships and hopes to show her skills on a larger stage.

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.

DRIVE Band Live Performance

9:30-11:30 p.m. — The Original Bar and Nightclub — Cover charge information not specified — Enjoy a vibrant night of live music with DRIVE in the heart of Minot.