Good morning, Minot.

The Aggen family at Minot AFB is thankful this Thanksgiving after their 4-year-old son was injured when he fell from a swing and had to be treated in Fargo and Minneapolis.

The family received strong support from their base, church, and community—help that eased their fears and bolstered his recovery.

Volunteers from Magic City Lions delivered 41 Thanksgiving baskets to local families, using new GPS technology to find addresses in tough weather.

The piece also shares a funny family story at a farm near Velva (lutefisk being the surprising dish) that added a light note to the holiday experience.

Local groups are urging residents to donate their time during the holiday season to support volunteer efforts including Giving Tuesday on Minot AFB on Dec 2—an event that ties together community programs at local schools and service centers.

These opportunities let families contribute to projects that benefit Airmen and local students, promoting assistance where it is most needed.

Souris Valley United Way’s Backpack Buddies program has expanded to serve over 560 students in Minot’s elementary schools and select middle schools, including children at Minot Air Force Base, by providing plastic bags with weekend meals at a cost of $8 per student per week.

The program will hold a community packing night (Tuesday, December 9th from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.) where volunteers help pack bags and boost local support.

Three friends founded a shop for vintage toys and video games called 3D Relics, which relocated to 219 S.

Main Street lower level to meet growing demand. The store now welcomes local collectors Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. + 6 p.m.

Minot residents can enjoy festive holiday light displays in town at popular spots like the Sertoma Club event at Oak Park, a family show on 6th St, a display along Souris Drive, and lights in neighborhoods near Roosevelt Park Zoo—each offering free or low-cost views during the long winter nights. The displays run nightly this season and give families a chance to enjoy a magical local tradition.

On November 6-7, the North Dakota State Student Congress met in Bismarck’s capitol building where students from across the state debated bills modeled after the House & Senate.

Minot United, coached by Ms. Crystal Michels, earned strong individual placements with Fatimazahra Elbouab and Leah Dokken becoming state champions, and the team finished sixth overall.

Four new initiatives are offering Minot students outdoor learning experiences.

Minot Head Start will soon use a grant for a greenhouse and raised beds to support cooking classes, Minot AFB’s Family Child Care program now provides bird identification lessons, a PSMI grounds initiative plans to boost on-base outdoor education, and ND Parks and Recreation has expanded its virtual Campfire Series—featuring native wildlife adventures for elementary students.

Minot North athletes improved in their winter sports programs this past week.

The girls basketball team built momentum with strong defense while the boys team, wrestlers, hockey players, and swimmers all made noticeable progress—each step setting the stage for more competitive games.

Two South Prairie-Max girls basketball players signed their college letters of intent Wednesday at South Prairie School.

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.