Today in Minot

A bill to fund upgrades at the North Dakota State Fair sailed through the Senate but ran into legal roadblocks in the House—namely, a long-standing law that bars state dollars from supporting fair operations. Lawmakers backing the $1.9 million proposal say it’s time to revisit that restriction, especially as the fair seeks funds for improved security and campground facilities. The broader debate? Whether state law should single out certain agencies or services—like the State Fair or public broadcasting—for exclusion when others receive support without question.

Jill Schramm with the Minot Daily News has the story; bill details on SB 2009 are below.

Whether you’re chasing walleye or just out for a day on the water, Lake Sakakawea’s 2025 season is shaping up to offer plenty to look forward to. From snowpack levels that feed the lake, to ramp access and healthy fish numbers, the latest update from North Dakota Game and Fish covers what anglers need to know. In this quick video breakdown, Russ Kinzler shares what to expect—so you can plan your season with a little more confidence and a lot more bait. Watch below.

The trial of Nichole Rice, accused in the 2007 killing of Anita Knutson, took a dramatic turn Monday as the prosecution rested its case—with Rice’s own relatives testifying against her. Her aunt told the jury that Rice once said Anita “deserved to die,” and investigators described years of shifting stories. The defense has now taken the stand, led by a former FBI agent questioning the state’s timeline. Seventeen years after Anita’s death, the courtroom is now the battleground for long-awaited answers. Joe Skurzewski has the full story including video clips of testimony provided.

After 25 seasons on the sidelines and more than 400 career wins, Dean Winczewski is retiring from basketball. One of the most accomplished coaches in North Dakota history, Winczewski led Minot High to four state titles over 17 seasons, including a three-year championship run from 2015 to 2017. He previously won two titles at Dickinson High School. His departure marks the end of an era for Minot basketball and closes the book on a remarkable coaching career.

Two controversial bills in North Dakota are drawing sharp lines over identity, safety, and belonging in public spaces. One would ban all-gender bathrooms in K-12 schools—even single-use restrooms—despite testimony that they improve safety and reduce behavior issues. The other would prohibit state entities from recognizing gender identities that differ from sex assigned at birth. Supporters frame the bills as common sense; opponents say they risk deepening harm for transgender and intersex individuals, especially youth, who already face high rates of discrimination and suicide. Lawmakers have yet to vote.

Mary Steurer with the North Dakota Monitor has the full story; bill details are below.

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A quiet stretch of protected land in eastern Idaho is now the center of a political tug-of-war. The Idaho House has joined the Senate in urging the federal government to hand over control of the Camas National Wildlife Refuge to the state. Supporters say it’s about water access for nearby farmers. Opponents warn it could raise taxes, sidestep tribal treaties, and shift the refuge’s purpose from conservation to revenue. While the measure isn’t law, it signals a broader debate about who should manage public lands—and why.

Why does this matter in Minot? Political ideas are like seeds and once one sprouts, it often reseeds quickly. And at the national level, the present administration is in a moment of divestment and disruption; that inclination aligns with Idaho’s desire for more state control. Will this be a trend that spreads to other states or one that is endorsed at the federal level? Time will tell, but it’s worth knowing about.

The far southern edge of Grand Forks’ Greenway may soon see long-awaited upgrades. On Monday, the City Council moved forward with plans to extend the paved trail, enhance riverbank fishing spots, and add basic amenities like trash cans. The area—well-loved by locals but long neglected—sits outside the original Greenway boundary and has faced issues with vandalism. Backed by community input and a mix of grant and city funds, the $500,000 project aims to make the space safer, cleaner, and more accessible—without expanding beyond what residents want.

Why does this matter in Minot? We’re approaching 15 years since Minot’s flood. Our flood protection project is moving along, but have you heard anything about cohesive plan to activate the space around the river? We are failing on one of the biggest recreation and placemaking opportunities in the city’s history. If there’s a cohesive plan for development, management, or funding improvements to activate all the space and land’ we’ve bought out, we’d love someone to show it to us.

After briefly pulling dozens of U.S.-branded alcoholic drinks from shelves, Saskatchewan is reversing course—at least partially. The province will now allow sales to resume for products confirmed to be made in Canada. The move follows backlash to a sweeping response to U.S. tariffs announced by President Trump earlier this month. While the original ban was meant as a show of economic retaliation, it’s now being scaled back to better match the policies of other provinces—and to account for where these beverages are actually produced.

Louis DeJoy is stepping away from the helm of the U.S. Postal Service, ending a tenure that’s been anything but quiet. Appointed during the pandemic, he oversaw sweeping—often controversial—changes, from cost-cutting reforms to the rise of mail-in voting. His departure, announced Monday, comes amid growing concerns about the Postal Service’s independence and future direction, especially with pressure mounting from Donald Trump and allies like Elon Musk. As DeJoy exits, the road ahead for America’s mail looks uncertain—and highly politicized.

What defines the North? Not just in terms of geography, but in lived experience, heritage, and identity. _Is This North?_, now on view at the Nordic House in Reykjavík, brings together artists from the cold edges of the world—Greenland, Siberia, Alaska, Sápmi—to explore that question. Through film, photography, sound, and paint, the exhibition doesn’t just depict the North; it invites us to reconsider how we see it, and how those who live there choose to tell their own stories.

If anyone from Minot makes it to this exhibit, we’d love to have a report. We’re sharing simply as an interesting idea for art and exhibition, though photography at the linked article gives you a feel for what you might find if you’re in Iceland anytime soon

Minot High’ baseball team is stepping up to the plate this spring with high expectations and the top spot in the preseason coaches’ poll. After clinching the WDA regular season title last year, the Magicians earned eight first-place votes, edging out tournament champ Bismarck Legacy. With the regular season set to begin March 28—weather willing—teams across the region are gearing up for a competitive run. And keep an eye on Minot North as they debut their varsity squad in a conference where only the top 10 make it to postseason play. Full rankings are below.

 
1. Minot High (8)

 

2. Bismarck Legacy (3)

 

3. Dickinson

 

4. Mandan

 

5. Bismarck Century

 

6. Bismarck High

 

7. Williston

 

8. Jamestown

 

9. Minot North

 

10. Bismarck St. Mary’s

 

11. Watford City

College registration doesn’t have to feel like a maze—especially when there’s coffee involved. Minot State’s “Rise and Grind” event, running March 25–28, is designed to make enrolling for Summer and Fall 2025 as smooth as possible. Students can stop by the Beaver Dam for help with holds, advising appointments, and class selection—plus a free grande drink from Starbucks. It’s a practical, low-stress way to check off an important to-do, with a few perks tossed in for good measure.

For all the details, visit the Minot State website and news release linked below.