More than 1,500 people in the state have tested positive for the flu, with nearly 800 children affected. Health officials in Minot report that the highest number of cases is among those aged 10 to 19. The rise in flu cases is attributed to the relaxation of COVID-19 prevention measures. Health practitioners recommend preventive measures such as vaccination, hand washing, and avoiding crowds. Testing is emphasized as the only way to confirm flu cases amidst other respiratory illnesses like RSV and COVID-19.

Minot is experiencing significant challenges with snow removal due to continuous snowfall and back-to-back snowstorms. City officials, including Public Information Officer Derek Hackett, are urging residents to be patient and cooperative, advising them to move vehicles and garbage cans off the streets to facilitate the process. Snow removal efforts have been ongoing since Thanksgiving, and it may take up to 60 hours to clear the snow completely, depending on weather conditions.

Utility rates for water, sewer, and sanitation services in Williston are set to increase starting Tuesday, with residents expected to pay about $14 more per month. The rate hike, approved on December 28, aims to address inflation and rising operational costs. City Finance Director Hercules Cummings explained that the new model ensures users pay for the services they consume, rather than relying on taxpayer subsidies. The adjusted rates follow a 2020 rate study and mark the first increase in over a decade, with a 3 percent automatic annual adjustment planned for the future.

Residents of Western Village mobile home park in Minot feel abandoned after new ownership took over, citing poor communication and lack of essential services like snow and ice removal. Brenda, a long-term resident, expresses frustration and safety concerns due to the neglect. Efforts to contact both past and new owners have been unsuccessful, prompting intervention from the North Dakota Manufactured Housing Association to ensure fair treatment of tenants. The new management has been unresponsive, leaving residents in a difficult situation.

Williston Basin School District 7 is facing challenges, including the need for a new superintendent and a board member election following the resignation of former District 1 Board President Thomas Kalil. The district is also dealing with a delay in the audit of District 1's finances before its merger with District 8. Board President Chris Jundt highlighted the importance of public involvement in the upcoming election and expressed concerns over teacher resignations and the audit delay.

Thousands of at-home COVID-19 test kits have been distributed throughout North Dakota by state and federal authorities, and are now available through local health units. These kits provide results in 15 minutes and are different from the more reliable PCR tests, which take up to 72 hours. Lisa Otto-Westman from the First District Health Unit explains that the rapid antigen tests require a higher viral load to detect the virus and are more likely to show positive results if the individual has symptoms. Officials encourage picking up free tests at local health offices and using them before and after large gatherings.

Power of the Purse has awarded over $40,000 in grants to six organizations in the Minot area, with more than $16,000 allocated to Minot Public Schools for bus passes. The funds are being distributed through Jim Hill Middle School, with Dean of Students Shannon Ostrom overseeing the process. The Minot Public School Foundation, represented by executive director Danielle Rued, expressed gratitude for the grant, which will help meet students' basic needs. Other recipients include Summer Steam Academy, Domestic Violence Crisis Center, Sanctuary Sober Living, and Prairie Grit Adaptive Sports.

Minot is seeking nominations for its 'Citizen of the Year' award, aimed at recognizing individuals who have made significant community impacts. Mayor Shaun Sipma emphasizes the importance of selfless acts and community development. The recipient will be honored at the State of the City event, which gathers officials and residents to discuss the city's growth and future challenges.

The Go Downtown Minot initiative has launched an e-gift card to facilitate local shopping in Minot, allowing purchases from over 30 participating stores. The Downtown Minot Business Professional Association highlights the importance of supporting local businesses, especially during the holiday season. The e-gift card, which can be used in various local establishments, is praised for its convenience and potential to boost the local economy.

By 2030, over four million Americans are expected to have low vision, a condition where visual impairment persists despite standard treatments. Zelda Gebhard, a member of the North Dakota Association of the Blind, highlights the challenges faced by those with low vision, including high unemployment rates. Paul Olson from the North Dakota Vision Services and School of Blind explains that conditions like macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma are common causes. Certain races, including Scandinavian heritage and Native American populations, are at higher risk due to predispositions to diabetes and glaucoma. Organizations like the National Eye Institute and North Dakota Vision Services offer resources and technology to help those with low vision lead normal lives. Regular comprehensive eye checks are advised for people aged 40 and above.

The Essentials For Learning initiative, originally a class project at Minot State University, has been revitalized by First Western Bank and Trust after a two-year hiatus. The program now supports six additional schools, providing not only hygiene items but also essentials like kleenex, noise-canceling headphones, snacks, and winter gear. Educators from Jim Hill Middle School and Sunnyside Elementary School have noted the positive impact on teaching and learning, as the availability of these items reduces distractions and allows teachers to focus on education. The initiative's managers are also in discussions to address needs in other schools.

Canadian authorities have updated COVID-19 entry requirements, allowing fully vaccinated travelers to present a rapid antigen test taken within a day before travel, instead of the previously required PCR test. This change is expected to boost local economic activities, particularly in Minot, as noted by Stephanie Schoenrock, Executive Director of Visit Minot. The adjustments are attributed to high vaccination rates, better access to testing, and decreased hospitalizations. Other requirements for unvaccinated travelers remain unchanged.

A new daycare center is planned for the Williston area to address the shortage of childcare openings. The center will be located at the Crighton Building on the Williston State College campus and will also serve as an educational lab for students. City and Williams County Commissioners have committed $500,000 each for the renovation. The project, in partnership with the Williston Area Diversification Group, is now seeking proposals from licensed providers and organizations interested in operating the center. Shawn Wenko, Executive Director of Williston Economic Development, emphasized the importance of this initiative for the community.

The Stop It app, an anti-bullying and mental wellness tool, is now used by 43 school districts in North Dakota, benefiting around 24,000 students. The app allows students to anonymously report incidents, providing a critical safety net for those who may not use traditional reporting methods. Kenmare School District Superintendent Alex Hennix and Central Regional Education Association specialist Melissa Spelchen highlight the app's life-saving impact and its role in helping educators support students in crisis. The app, available to students from fifth grade and above, includes a 24/7 crisis text line and access to mental wellness tools.

Malawian Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima has been released on bail following his arrest by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on charges related to a gifts-for-contract scandal. Chilima faces multiple counts of corrupt practices and receiving advantages for influencing contracts. The scandal has led to President Lazarus Chakwera dissolving his cabinet, although he lacks the constitutional power to fire Chilima. The case has sparked debates on social media and among political analysts, with some suggesting the actions may be politically motivated. The ACB's investigation is ongoing, and the extent of Chilima's involvement remains unclear.

Teen drivers in North Dakota are responsible for 20% of all vehicle crashes, with risk-taking behaviors such as speeding, alcohol use, and not wearing seatbelts being major factors. Nick Cavallo, a driver education instructor, shares his near-death experience to teach students about road safety. Programs like Vision Zero and Impact Teen Driving aim to reduce teen crashes through education and peer influence. The Transportation Department reports that a teen driver is involved in a crash every five hours, highlighting the need for increased awareness and parental role modeling.

The Roosevelt Park Zoo in Minot is concluding its centennial year with a fundraiser for a $3 million renovation project for the Amur Leopard Habitat and other big cats. Approved by Minot Parks and Recreation, the project aims to enhance safety and comfort for the leopards. Fundraising efforts include the sale of centennial books. The habitat is expected to be ready by fall 2022.

A group of concerned citizens in Williston is petitioning for a state audit of the Williston School Board, citing financial transparency issues and previous discrepancies in fund usage for the creation of District 7. The group, led by Dawn Hollingsworth, is collecting signatures and educating the public on their concerns, emphasizing the need for an external audit due to a lack of trust in the current administration.

The City of Minot conducted a resident survey revealing that over 70 percent of residents view the city as an excellent place to live, work, and raise a family. While residents are generally satisfied with the performance of the fire, library, and police departments, they expressed concerns about safety at night near commercial properties and some residential areas. Dissatisfaction was highest regarding streets, sidewalk maintenance, enforcement codes, ordinances, and traffic. City officials plan to use the survey data to identify areas for improvement, with high taxes and housing affordability also noted as significant concerns.

A retired Deputy Inspector of Police, Chijioke Nwobodo, has called for urgent training of police personnel following the killing of a pregnant lawyer, Bolanle Raheem, by a police officer in Lagos. This incident marks the second death at the Ajah underbridge in a month. Nigerian authorities and the Nigerian Bar Association have condemned the killings and assured justice for the victims' families. Nwobodo emphasized that adequate training could prevent further police killings.

The federal government has launched a program to distribute free COVID-19 test kits to American households, aiming to mitigate the spread of the Omicron variant. Despite low hospitalizations, North Dakota is experiencing a rise in positive cases. Experts from Sanford Health and the NDDoH emphasize the importance of frequent testing, even for asymptomatic individuals, to reduce transmission risks. Private insurers are required to cover test kits, and every household is eligible for four free kits. The article advises obtaining FDA-approved kits and following manufacturer instructions for accurate results.

Starting next month, new federal requirements for obtaining or upgrading a CDL will be implemented, including increased training hours and mandatory practical training from certified trainers listed in the FMCSA registry. Concerns have been raised about the limited availability of trainers for the general public, which could exacerbate the trucker shortage. Authorities are urged to delay the implementation to address these issues. The new rules aim to ensure uniform training and enhance highway safety.

Analysts express concerns over Nigeria's 2023 budget, highlighting potential economic disruptions due to upcoming elections and urging the government to tackle structural challenges. The National Assembly has approved a budget of N21.8 trillion, a significant increase from the previous year, with additional supplementary funding for flood recovery. However, the Senate remains undecided on converting N28 trillion in Central Bank funds into a 40-year bond. Experts recommend addressing structural deficiencies and reducing unnecessary expenditures to maintain sustainable debt levels.

Ghana's President Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo faced diplomatic backlash after expressing concerns about the Wagner Group's activities in Burkina Faso to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Security analyst Adib Saani called Akufo-Addo's comments reckless and undiplomatic, urging an apology to Burkina Faso, which is dealing with the private military company in its counterterrorism efforts. The Wagner Group, linked to Russia and accused of human rights abuses, is present in several African countries. Burkina Faso's Foreign Affairs Ministry condemned Akufo-Addo's remarks and recalled their ambassador to Ghana for consultations.

The article discusses a tragic incident where at least 14 people died in a shipwreck off the coast of Venezuela. It calls attention to the need for authorities to take action to prevent similar future incidents. The piece likely includes statements from humanitarian agencies expressing sympathy for the families of the victims and possibly urging for better safety measures or policies to protect individuals from such disasters.

Minot Public Schools is undergoing a boundary realignment due to the addition of a new high school. Superintendent Dr. Mark Vollmer announced that public contributions from a meeting will be used to update boundary maps, which will be reviewed by a main committee. The maps will indicate which schools students should attend based on their address. Board member Miranda Schuler suggested sharing the maps on social media for easier access, while board member Mike Gessner expressed concerns about potential overstaffing and the splitting of AP classes due to the district's changes.

Minot Public School officials have shortlisted names for a new high school, with a significant number of suggestions featuring a 'North' theme. Prominent individuals like Minot Patrolman Lee Fahler and former Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem were also considered. Superintendent Mark Vollmer highlighted the community's passionate input. The top mascot ideas are an eagle, a B-52, and a falcon, while the preferred school colors are white and blue, yellow and blue, and black and red.

Cousins Olivia Clark and Stella Campbell, along with their grandfather Guy Hatlestad, are donating their hair to the nonprofit Children With Hair Loss. This act of charity, inspired by family members affected by cancer, has become a family tradition. The donations aim to help children feel confident by providing them with wigs made from real hair.

Ward County's 2022 Emergency Operations Plan, a collaborative effort among over 30 agencies at state, city, and county levels, has been updated to improve communication. The plan, reviewed annually, is crucial for first response agencies and includes critical infrastructure partners. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the county adjusted its communication strategy, which is reflected in the plan. The guide aims to save lives in various emergency situations by outlining the capabilities and responsibilities of each partner agency. It covers all 12 cities within Ward County and is now publicly available.

Minot's Dakota Square Mall recorded over 3.5 million visits in the past year, attracting significant interest from national retailers and restaurants. The Retail Coach, contracted by the city, uses GPS technology to analyze visitor data, making Minot's retail capacity more appealing. The primary trade area, including cities like Bismarck and Williston, has a population of about 176,000, expected to grow. Downtown Minot businesses also saw high visitor numbers, with targeted retail recruitment focusing on national, regional, and local brands. The survey projects over $162 million in retail trade demand in the coming years, with several businesses already showing interest.

Cornerstone Presbyterian Church's soup kitchen in Minot, which served over 10,000 meals last year, has received a $10,000 grant from the Minot Area Community Foundation. The donation will help address challenges such as rising food costs and volunteer shortages. Soup Kitchen Manager Sue Casavant highlighted the increased demand for meals since the pandemic, while Foundation President Jason Zimmerman acknowledged the kitchen's community impact.

Minot police are warning residents about a resurfacing jury duty scam where scammers claim there is a warrant for the victim's arrest for missing a subpoena service and demand bond payment over the phone. Scammers use phone spoofing apps to make calls appear to come from the police department. Community Outreach Officer Aaron Moss advises that bond payments are never accepted over the phone and urges people to hang up if asked for immediate payment via prepaid money cards.

Williston is offering more than $200,000 in grants to qualified businesses in their first year of operation through the Mini Match program, funded by the city’s STAR Fund. Businesses can receive up to $5,000 for start-up or expansion costs, signage, or child care development. Shawn Wenko, the city’s Economic Development Executive Director, indicated that while the program aims to assist 40 businesses, the number of grantees could increase if necessary.

Ascend Wellness in Minot now offers ketamine infusion therapy for managing drug-resistant depression and other mental disorders. Owner Melinda Howe, with nearly 20 years of healthcare experience, emphasizes the therapy's effectiveness in treating suicidal ideation. The clinic also provides infusion therapies for nutritional deficiencies and chronic pain, with private rooms available for a quiet environment. Services are by appointment only, and discounts are available at the KX News front desk.

State health officials are addressing health care disparities through the Health Equity Ambassador Program (HEAP), which trains college students in public health. Minot State University is the first in North Dakota to participate, with students organizing health events like vaccination clinics and blood drives. The program, supported by grants from the health equity office, aims to reduce health delivery gaps and is set to expand to other colleges.

Ward County in North Dakota has ended its non-congregate sheltering program, which began in 2020 to provide temporary shelter for those needing to isolate due to COVID-19, particularly the homeless. The program's discontinuation is due to management difficulties and the unwillingness of hotels to participate, exacerbated by damages caused by some guests. Nonprofits like Project BEE and Men’s Winter Refuge are stepping in to offer help, with Men’s Winter Refuge's Executive Director Mike Zimmer committing to work with community partners to find quarantine spots for the homeless on a case-by-case basis. The program had provided shelter for about 20 people and non-shelter services to five others since June 2020.

In North Dakota, suicide is the leading cause of death among young people aged 10 to 24. Despite an increased risk during the pandemic, national suicide rates decreased by 3 percent and are expected to continue this trend into 2021. Warning signs include changes in behavior and speech. Resources like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and the Parent Lead toolkit are available to help prevent suicide and mental health crises. Advocates emphasize the importance of mental health and encourage open discussions about suicide to reduce stigma and provide support.

Eyes on Burdick, an optometry office in Minot, is expanding its services to include vision therapy, addressing needs such as tracking problems, eye turn, and lazy eyes. Dr. Liza Stremick identified the demand for these services upon returning to Minot. The clinic operates from Tuesday to Friday.

The Minot City Council has approved a business incentive agreement to transfer the city's interest in the Intermodal Port to Logistics Park of North Dakota, a subsidiary of the Minot Area Chamber EDC. The company will operate the intermodal for a 10-year period, facilitating the movement of goods for the agriculture and energy industries from Minot. The port will reduce the number of connecting points in transportation, saving fees and charges, and is expected to create more jobs in the Minot area by attracting value-added agriculture businesses.

Minot State University is launching its first beginning community band this winter, aimed at kids aged 13 and older, as well as adults interested in music. Music teachers-in-training will tutor members on various instruments, under the supervision of Director of Bands David Rolandson. A community performance may be held at the end of the program. An informational session is scheduled for Saturday at 1 p.m at Old Main 121 on the Minot State Campus.

Aspire Credit Union has made a significant donation of over $3,000 to the bus pass challenge, raising the total to more than $8,300, ensuring hundreds of Minot Public Schools students have free transportation. The donation, part of Aspire's Employee Jeans Fund, will support over 120 bus passes. Power of the Purse, the challenge organizers, will match donations up to $5,040, with the challenge running until January and passes distributed for the school year.

The Minot Area Council of the Arts has received approximately $250,000 from the America Rescue Plan Act through the National Endowment for the Arts to support local artists and non-profit art organizations. The funding will cover operational expenses such as salaries and utilities for organizations, and it will support the creation and implementation of specific projects for individual artists. Executive Director Justin Anderson emphasized the importance of the arts in creating a sense of community and attracting residents to an area.

The Ward County Sheriff’s Department is seeking at least $9,000 from the Justice Assistance Grant program to purchase an evidence drying cabinet and crime scene barriers. The department, which responded to about 19,000 calls in 2021, aims to enhance its crime scene investigation capabilities. Previous grants have funded a virtual crime scene camera system and an alternate light source for evidence detection. Capt. Jason Craft emphasized the importance of these upgrades for effective law enforcement in the Minot area.

Minot International Airport experienced a 47 percent increase in passengers in 2021 compared to 2020, with the summer months seeing up to an 800 percent rise over the previous year. Despite this growth, the passenger count remained below pre-pandemic levels. Airport Director Jennifer Eckman expressed optimism for continued growth if conditions normalize.

Air travel at Williston Basin International Airport saw significant growth in 2021, nearing pre-pandemic levels with a 48 percent increase. This growth was driven by holiday travel and the return of Delta and Sun Country Airlines. Despite some staffing and logistics challenges, Airport Director Anthony Dudas is optimistic about continued growth in 2022, which also benefits airport business partners like car rentals.

Millions of dollars in grants were disbursed to startups and small businesses in Williston through the voter-approved Star Fund Program, which funded about 67 projects in 2021. The program, supported by a 1 percent tax, allocated approximately $1.75 million to businesses, with a significant portion going into the Flex PACE Program. This interest buy-down program, in partnership with the Bank of North Dakota, is crucial for the growth of small local businesses. The fund, aimed at job creation and community development, is set to run through 2030.

Over 600 families in North Dakota have received more than $4 million in assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to offset funeral costs due to COVID-19. The program offers up to $9,000 per deceased individual and $35,500 for multiple deaths. Wes Burkart, director of Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, and Mark Roth, director of Thomas Funeral Homes, have noted the program's significant help to families and the process of verifying claims.

Dakota Chappy, a fashion inventor's store, is giving away brand new merchandise to people who want to give presents to their mothers this Christmas but lack the funds. The campaign, 'Something For Mom,' was inspired by the founder Chappy Windsor's grandmother, who creatively repurposed old items for her family but often went without herself. Windsor emphasizes the importance of not leaving any mom out this Christmas and provides pre-made gift packages complete with wrapping materials. The gifts are available for personalization and can be picked up at the Dakota Chappy store in Minot.

The Magic City Discovery Center in Minot is progressing with its construction, recently installing the skeleton of a replica B-52 atop the 37-foot-tall Magic Climber. This marks the first of three installation phases, with interior work planned for the winter and over 150 interactive exhibits to follow. Executive Director Wendy Keller highlighted the military support, particularly from the Department of Defense, as pivotal for their location.

As the omicron variant spreads in the U.S. and North Dakota, holiday travel plans remain largely unchanged. The Transportation Security Administration expects to screen over 30 million travelers, nearing pre-pandemic levels. Minot airport officials report steady traffic without new restrictions but advise travelers to follow destination-specific vaccination and testing guidelines. Health officials recommend adhering to last year's vaccination and indoor gathering rules, frequent handwashing, mask-wearing, and staying home if unwell.