Good morning, Minot.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota is offering free skate rentals across five cities this winter to help reduce financial barriers and promote physical activity.

In Minot, Citizens Alley provides rentals from Dec. 26 to Dec. 30 and Jan. 2 to Jan. 4 between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Tuesday morning winds knocked the downtown Christmas tree onto Main Street just before 11 a.m. Downtown crews worked with the Fire Department to move the tree out of traffic and plan to reinstall it today — ahead of Thursday evening’s CPKC Holiday Train visit.

The Rinat Mouzafarov Institute of Dance and Ballet Theatre will perform ‘The Nutcracker’ at Ann Nicole Nelson Hall this weekend.

The ballet starts Saturday, Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 21 at 2 p.m. — this 12th production features dancers of all ages.

The North Dakota Council on the Arts is investing over one million dollars and awarding nearly 200 grants to support arts education, artist residencies, and community festivals statewide.

The initiative aims to boost local economies and expand creative opportunities even in rural areas.

Minot International recorded 13,560 boardings in November, a 2.46% drop due to temporary capacity cuts from the government shutdown+ state airports are now recovering as North Dakota prepares to finish 2025 with record annual totals.

The National Weather Service warned that a blizzard may develop tonight as a cold front brings strong winds and 1-3 inches of snow over Minot and nearby areas, with wind gusts up to 70 mph predicted into Thursday morning — residents should check road conditions.

ND Sober Ride, a Vision Zero program to reduce impaired driving, will offer discounted Lyft rides from Dec.

19 to Jan. 1 using code (VZWINTER25) for a $10 discount. Nearly 70 rides were redeemed during Thanksgiving as North Dakotans chose a safe ride home.

Ward County Extension will host a free 90-minute Stop the Bleed training on Thursday, Jan.

8 at its office (900 13th St. SE), providing personal kits to the first 20 registrants aged 13 and older.

A local hunter shot a rare white pheasant south of town on Dec.

7 – the bird was later taken to Dakota Taxidermy for mounting.

Minot High School head boys basketball coach Jeremy Brandt reached his 500th win Tuesday night when his Magicians beat St. Mary’s 89 — 73.

The milestone came as the team built a 3 — 1 season record.

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.