News

Election turnout hits new low

Local Elections November 5, 2026

There were 16,645 voters in Ward County who cast ballots in the 2026 General Election, for a turnout rate of 31.79%. The statewide turnout was 39.8%. According to the North Dakota Secretary of State, eligible North Dakota voters cast 239,057 ballots during the 2026 General Election as reported on election night, marking the lowest voter turnout in a general election in North Dakota in the last 50 years. The previous low of 43% was set in the 2022 General Election. Ward County’s turnout in the last mid-term election in 2022 was 33.13%. It had been the lowest turnout in at least 20 ...

USDA announces food buy to support producers

Local News November 5, 2026

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced its intent to purchase up to $472.5 million in American-grown and American-raised agricultural commodities to distribute to the charitable food network and other nutrition assistance programs. "America's farmers, ranchers, and fishermen grow and harvest the safest, highest-quality food in the world, and President Trump is making sure their hard work is being rewarded," said Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins on Thursday, Oct. 29. “Today's $472.5 million investment moves American milk, cheese, lentils, almonds, ...

Ward County’s uncontested races decided

Local News November 5, 2026

Sheriff Robert Roed topped vote-getters among Ward County’s uncontested candidates in unofficial elections results from the county. Roed received 13,796 votes. Roed had sought a third four-year term to the office. Following service in the Marines from 1985-1989, Roed attended the Lake Region Law Enforcement Academy in Devils Lake. He began his career with Ward County in 1990 when he was assigned to the jail. Roed was promoted to patrol deputy in 1992, to sergeant in 2000, lieutenant in 2003 and captain in 2015, before becoming sheriff. Minot attorney Andrew Schultz received 13,357 ...

Legendary Medora entertainer dies Oct. 31

Local News November 4, 2026

BISMARCK – Bill Sorensen, an entertainer who helped shape Medora’s identity, has died. According to Eastgate Funeral Service in Bismarck, Sorensen, 76, of Bismarck, died Oct. 31. A memorial service has been scheduled for Monday, Nov. 9, at 10:30 a.m. in Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Bismarck. “For five decades, Bill was the beating heart of Medora’s entertainment,” the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation stated in a tribute. “Performing in more than 1,000 shows, including the Medora Musical, he left an indelible mark on millions of showgoers who were lifted by his ...

MSO presents 'Voices of the New World'

Arts and Entertainment November 4, 2026

The Minot Symphony Orchestra will present "Voices of the New World" on Saturday, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m. in Ann Nicole Nelson Hall at Minot State University. The performance celebrates the many voices and traditions that have shaped America, featuring a blend of fresh musical perspectives and ...

MRP to perform Christmas show

Arts and Entertainment November 4, 2026

Mouse River Players will present “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” under the direction of Holly Eidness, with choreography by Paula Simonson. Shows will be held Friday and Saturday, Nov. 20 and 22, and again Nov. 27-28, at 7:30 p.m. at the Mouse River Players Theatre, 115 1st St. SE. A Sunday matinee will be held Nov. 29 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at the box office or from the Mouse River Players website.