Fireworks could be part of some Hot Tots games at Corbett Field this next summer. The Ward County Commission approved the use of a county-owned gravelled parking lot at the Extension Service facility that is near the ball diamond for the post-game displays.

Information from Hot Tots and Honeybees noted five shows are planned. Wind and dry conditions, as determined by the Minot Fire Department, could preclude a show from happening, though. Any fireworks activity would be at least 300 feet from any structure.

The North Dakota Insurance Reserve Fund, the county’s insurer, offered no objection, so the county moved to draft a contract to allow the fireworks with appropriate county insurance protection, advance notice to the Sheriff’s Department and proper lot cleanup afterwards.

The commission also approved use of space in the Morgan building, at the corner of Burdick Expressway and Valley Street, by the Minot Commission on Aging for storage of supplies and to install a walk-in freezer for the senior nutrition program operated at the downtown Parker Center.

“Our building is great,” said Roger Reich, executive director of the Commission on Aging. “It does what we need, but supply-wise, we are just outgrowing it, and there’s nothing we can do with that building to increase the size.”

The commission voted to draft a 3-year contract that would allow the Commission on Aging to utilize the space in exchange for picking up the heating and electrical cost of the building.

That space has been occupied by Come AlongSide Others. The foster care support program has acquired other property and will be moving.

Additionally, the county commission approved two sites at the fairgrounds as licensed premises. Other locations where applicant M&S Concessions wants to sell alcohol will require special event permits.

Commissioners had voiced concern at a previous meeting about multiple sale points that they felt identified most of the fairgrounds as a licensed premise.

The commission also approved a liquor license for Travis Bohl, who is building a restaurant/bar in Rice Lake Township, contingent upon building completion and inspection approval. Bohl said the project is tentatively set to open in the spring of 2027.

Commissioner Miranda Schuler cast the only dissenting vote, citing her concern over eliminating the opportunity for another business when Bohl’s business remains in the planning and building process. County ordinance limits Rice Lake Township to one liquor license, based on its population.