News

Ballet studio schedules fall events

Local News August 19, 2026

Fjord Folk Fest kicks off a series of appearances this fall by students with the Rinat Mouzafarov Institute of Dance and Ballet Theatre. In additional to performances by dancers of all levels at the festival on Aug. 21-22, advanced dancers will perform a Harry Potter-themed waltz at the Minot Air Force Base’s 79th Air Force Ball, “Wands and Wings,” at the Clarion on Sept. 12. They also will perform Sept. 19 during Latin Fest at Eagles Wings Church. Due to the practices required for the shows, the studio’s regular open houses to introduce the new season of classes will be ...

Miss Fjord Folk Fest crowned as festival launch grows nears

Arts and Entertainment August 19, 2026

Karena Verbitsky of Minot has been crowned the first Miss Fjord Folk Fest, according to the organization that is launching the inaugural festival this weekend, Aug. 21-22. The opening ceremony for Fjord Folk Fest is set for Friday at 9 a.m. in Fjord Hall in Minot Municipal Auditorium. Doors ...

Dem-NPL ag candidate to visit drought-impacted farms

Local News August 19, 2026

FARGO – Vern Thompson, Democratic-NPL candidate for North Dakota Agriculture commissioner, announced he will spend this week visiting farms and ranches across the state to see firsthand how ongoing drought conditions are affecting North Dakota producers. The tour includes stops in Morton, Traill, Benson, Eddy, McHenry, Ward, Mountrail, Golden Valley, Hettinger and Bowman counties. Thursday morning, Thompson will be at the Scott Shively farm near Towner. Thursday afternoon, he will be at the Gary Meyer farm near Berthold, with an additional stop in Mountrail County. “You can’t ...

Ribbon cutting set for water treatment plant

Local News August 19, 2026

MANDAREE– The MHA Nation will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of its Bruce A. Fox Water Treatment Plant at Mandaree Wednesday, Aug. 19, at 11 a.m. According to MHA Nation information, Fox spent 33 years with Fort Berthold Rural Water and has been a longtime champion of tribal water rights. The plant will ensure that safe, sustainable and reliable drinking water is distributed to community members across Fort Berthold Reservation. The program will include MHA Nation Chairman Mark Fox, MHA Tribal Business Council; Fort Berthold Rural Water Department, Sen. ...

County reconsiders right-of-way request

Local News August 19, 2026

The Ward County Commission reconsidered its denial of a right-of-way reversal request from the Souris Valley Bowmen on Tuesday, Aug. 18. The club requested to have its donated right of way along County Road 12 returned, but the county declined at its June 2 meeting because it would put the roadway and culverts out of county jurisdiction. Instead, the commission offered to purchase the right of way to maintain control of the roadway infrastructure. Ward County had adopted a right of way reversal program in 2022, enabling landowners to request the return of any right of way they were ...

VitellaCare helps families navigate back-to-school stress

Local News August 19, 2026

As the school year begins, families face a multitude of pressures and changes. While the transition can be exciting for some students, it can also bring anxiety for others. According to Blue Cross Blue Shield, mental health is discussed more frequently among Gen Z than among other generations. ...