News

Underwood site for critical minerals pilot project

UNDERWOOD – The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has selected the University of North Dakota for award negotiations under a $75 million initiative to advance the recovery of rare earth elements and other critical materials from coal and coal-based feedstocks. The pilot project will be located at Falkirk Mine at Underwood and is one of five projects selected nationwide. In a letter to Energy Secretary Chris Wright, the congregational delegation cited the university’s leadership in developing technologies to recover critical minerals from North Dakota lignite. “North Dakota has ...

Minot Fire Department: Celebrate Independence Day safely

As Independence Day approaches, the Minot Fire Department is reminding residents that fireworks are prohibited within the city limits of Minot. Fireworks may only be discharged in areas where they are legally permitted, and anyone choosing to use them should do so responsibly. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fireworks started an estimated 34,079 fires in 2024, including 3,246 structure fires, 857 vehicle fires and more than 29,500 outside fires. These incidents caused 59 civilian injuries and an estimated $98 million in direct property damage. In 2024, ...

Independence Day weather

The National Weather Service is forecasting a chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 4 p.m. on Independence Day in the Minot area. The day will be mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 85. There will be a calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. The chance of precipitation is 30%. Saturday night will be mostly clear, with a low around 62, and southeast wind from 5-7 mph.

Community celebrates July 4 early

Zoo staff remembers Amur leopard

The Roosevelt Park Zoo staff is deeply saddened to announce the passing of one of its rarest and most beloved residents, Clover, the zoo's 16-year-old female Amur leopard. According to zoo information, following a compassionate decision made to prioritize her comfort and quality of life, Clover was peacefully euthanized on Tuesday, June 30. Clover started to receive treatment for age-related conditions in 2022. Despite ongoing veterinary care, her mobility and flexibility had declined. The zoo’s veterinary and animal care staff met regularly to discuss and evaluate her well-being, ...

Governor declares severe June storm disaster

BISMARCK – Gov. Kelly Armstrong today declared a statewide disaster for severe storms in early June that caused an estimated $4.6 million in damage to electrical infrastructure and also damaged homes, farms and businesses in North Dakota. The disaster declaration issued today via executive order covers the June 7-9 storm systems impacting Burke, Bottineau, Divide, McLean, Mercer and Mountrail counties. “These storm systems caused significant damage and destruction requiring extensive response and recovery efforts by local agencies and citizens, and we’ve activated our State ...