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First West Nile case reported in ND

BISMARCK – The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus this season. The individual, a Cass County resident, was hospitalized. So far in 2026, five counties have reported mosquito pools positive for West Nile virus: Cass, Grand Forks, Richland, Ward and Williams. Additionally, one animal in Sioux County and a bird in Richland County have tested positive for the virus. There is risk of contracting this disease anytime mosquitoes are active, so it is important to protect yourself and your family from mosquito ...

Governor declares statewide fire emergency

BISMARCK – Gov. Kelly Armstrong on Friday, Aug. 7, issued an executive order declaring a statewide fire emergency and activating the State Emergency Operations Plan, as drought conditions and the risk of wildfires have intensified across North Dakota amid hot and dry conditions in July and August. “In just a few months we’ve seen ground conditions shift from lush green to tinder dry across large portions of our state, and we need to be prepared for a potentially intense wildfire season this fall,” Armstrong said. “State government is committed to deploying all resources at ...

Key flood protection features advancing

Construction on the Mouse River Enhanced Flood Protection Project’s Maple Diversion is getting closer, with advance work likely to start this fall, according to Ryan Ackerman, administrator for the Souris River Joint Board. Ackerman informed the Ward County Commission Tuesday, Aug. 4, that ...

School budget reduces tax levy

A $36.73 million property tax request in the Minot Public School District’s proposed 2026-27 budget could mean somewhat lower tax bills for many Minot property owners. The Minot School Board approved a budget on first reading on Wednesday, Aug. 5. A public hearing is set for Thursday, Sept. 10, at 5:30 p.m. at the Minot Area Workforce Academy. Although the district is looking at a dollar levy that is about 1.38% higher than the current year, the district’s overall valuation also has increased and the mill levy is down about 5 mills. “The reduction in mills is due in part to the ...

City to begin ground spraying for mosquitos

The first phase of a citywide ground spraying mission for mosquitos will begin Friday, Aug. 7, according to the City of Minot. The spraying will take place in an area in west-northwest Minot identified in the city’s plan as Block 2. The team will begin spraying at 9:45 p.m., about a half ...

Sheriff reminds residents of kratom laws

The Ward County Sheriff’s Department has issued a statement encouraging community members and visitors to be aware of current changes to kratom laws in North Dakota. Since Wednesday, Aug. 5, the sale, possession and use of kratom and kratom products is prohibited in North Dakota under Gov. Kelly Armstrong's Executive Order declaring a public health emergency. Additionally, 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a primary psychoactive compound found in many kratom products, has been classified by the North Dakota Board of Pharmacy as a Schedule I controlled substance. Consumers who are ...