Good morning, Minot.

On December 4, Minot’s QDOBA Mexican Eats and Jersey Mike’s Subs on north and south Broadway will donate all sales to Operation Homebound to help first-term airmen from Minot Air Force Base get airline tickets home—Minot Area Chamber EDC already booked nearly 100 tickets and will accept further donations through its office.

Volunteers at Minot Air Force Base are decorating dorms for the holidays to bring cheer to roughly 1,000 airmen — the project supports a warm welcome throughout the season.

Community members gathered Tuesday to sign Christmas cards for veterans and service members organized by Vets for Vets; the group mailed cards for those who could not deliver them personally — cards remain available at the Vets for Vets office until Christmas.

Volunteers greeted airmen at Minot Air Force Base on Tuesday morning by holding signs that read 'You rock!' and 'Thank you for all you do' as part of the kickoff for Giving Tuesday Military—Day of Kindness.

They braved the cold weather to show support for the troops.

Minot Parks held a successful opening for Fun Zone on Dec.

2 at the Minot Auditorium’s Armory with 128 attendees enjoying a free indoor space for children 10 and younger. The program runs Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon through March 26—offering bounce castles, toys and supervised activities during the winter months.

Community Food Pantry in Makoti lost a major donor but still holds monthly drive‐by pickups, with December’s service on the third Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.—the volunteer-run pantry serves about 150 families in rural areas and is asking for donations to help cover its food shortage.

State School Superintendent Levi Bachmeier said North Dakota earned a B on a national financial literacy report card released Dec 2.

A new mandate now requires high school students to complete half a unit on topics like budgeting and investing—officials say a stand-alone course could boost the grade to an A.

At a special virtual meeting on Dec.

2, the school board approved hiring instructors for the STARBASE program for fifth graders after receiving federal funds+ reinstating the director, a classified position, and a long-term substitute teacher at Dakota and North Plains Elementary. The program provides 25 hours of STEAM activities and will run through Jan. 30+ school officials plan to review funding in January.

The Together for School Meals coalition will propose a ballot measure next year to offer free meals for all students.

Some community members question if state funding will meet the costs+ the group is reviewing the financial details.

An emu was seen near Kenmare this past week after it slipped away from its owner.

The owner later found the bird — picked it up and returned it home.

At a Dec. 1 city council meeting, Minot Air Force Base commanders thanked residents for their strong support of the military and pointed to local events and a $650 million impact that help airmen and families thrive.

They noted ongoing upgrades like new helicopters and laws that boost defense—evidence of the town’s deep commitment.

Fuel the Fight's 8th annual event at Dakota Square ARCO raised $79,503 on Sept.

6 to help offset travel costs for cancer patients at Trinity Health CancerCare Center in Minot—using proceeds from fuel and in-store sales. Trinity Health Foundation noted that every donation eased patient expenses—demonstrating strong community support.

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.