AGP Executive Report

Minot Air Force Base planning: A new Compatible Use Study is underway to map 26 factors for how Minot AFB and nearby communities can coexist as wind turbines, drones, and data centers reshape the area; public meetings are set, with recommendations due in February 2027. Weather & farming: May was the driest since 2019 in the Minot area, with below-average moisture and more 90-degree days, adding pressure for growers. Local government: Minot updated its tall-grass ordinance with clearer geographic exemptions and a complaint/abatement process for residents. Severe storms in Rolette County: High winds, hail, and a possible tornado damaged homes and a daycare; officials reported no fatalities. Health care facilities: CMS data shows several North Dakota nursing homes ranking among the largest in their counties, with overall ratings mostly below the state average. Politics: North Dakota voters decide June 9 on a constitutional single-subject rule for future amendments. Sports: Grand Forks Red River’s Kolby Koerner won the Class A boys golf individual title at Oxbow. Business/community: Cass-Clay Creamery donated 24,000+ cartons of shelf-stable milk to the Great Plains Food Bank.

Bismarck Capitol Grounds Update: Construction near Gov. Kelly Armstrong’s residence has paused after workers found human remains and coffin fragments; state archaeologists say ground-penetrating radar suggests additional grave sites, with next steps expected in the coming weeks. Local Public Safety: Stark County commissioners heard about an assault on a Dickinson-area sheriff’s deputy during a welfare check near I-94, and discussed related public safety and county business. North Dakota Oil Outlook: Sen. John Hoeven says North Dakota is racing to expand enhanced oil recovery to slow Bakken decline, warning the state has already dropped about 400,000 barrels a day. Health & Community: CPR and AED Awareness Week highlights how quickly help matters, with guidance aimed at families and even kids learning basics. Agriculture Grants: North Dakota’s Ag Products Utilization Commission approved $340,524.50 in awards for projects ranging from corn pit construction to bean inoculants and meat processing. Sports: NDSU women’s basketball added Elena Lazarevic to its 2026 signing class, while state golf and softball/baseball updates kept postseason momentum rolling.

Oil tech push: Gov. Kelly Armstrong says North Dakota has a “tremendous opportunity” to speed up next-gen oil production tech in the next two years, but industry leaders warn there’s no guarantee of a quick breakthrough. Nursing home watch (Ward/Rolette/Dickey): CMS data show Trinity Homes in Ward County ranked as the largest nursing facility in Q1 2026 (141 beds) but earned a 1/5 rating; Minot Health and Rehab, LLC also fell below the state average with a 2 rating; in Rolette County, Dunseith Com Nursing Home (public) received a 2 rating; and in Dickey County, Sanford’s Good Samaritan Society–Oakes (non-profit) posted a 1 rating. Crash updates: ND Highway Patrol released names tied to recent fatal crashes, including a Bowbells train collision and a Dunseith tree crash, plus a Valley City-area crash involving a semi hauling bee hives. Public safety & courts: The ND AG issued an opinion saying the Williams County Sheriff’s Office didn’t violate state law by withholding records deemed exempt or confidential. Community & sports: Veterans Outreach Program returned to Trinity Homes; and the Minot Metros opened with a sweep over Garrison.

Severe Weather: A severe thunderstorm watch is up for southern Manitoba, with storms moving northeast from Saskatchewan and western North Dakota. Expect large hail, damaging wind gusts up to 120 km/h, heavy rain, and a small chance of an isolated tornado. North Dakota Energy & Agriculture: North Dakota’s oil patch is ticking up, with March showing a record number of active producing wells and McKenzie County leading the state in both oil and gas output. Local Politics (McKenzie County): The McKenzie County sheriff’s race is heating up, with Matthew Johansen seeking a third term while challenger John Hance spotlights leadership, morale, communication, and transparency. Housing & Growth: McKenzie County’s economy is described as resilient in 2026, even as some oilfield and construction indicators soften. Education: North Dakota schools are rolling out the BRIDGE Project, moving from PowerSchool to Infinite Campus statewide starting July 2026. Ag Tech: A Fargo beef-cattle GPS ear-tag startup (701x) says it raised an oversubscribed $10M+ Series B from ranchers and local investors and is expanding internationally.

High School Sports: Minot High’s boys golf team surged to a WDA regular-season title, winning 8 of 10 tournaments and finishing 8 strokes ahead of Williston, with sophomore Parker Argent and Bismarck St. Mary’s Brody Horner tied for the lowest scoring average. Motorsports: World of Outlaws Sprint Cars at Nodak Speedway in Minot was postponed due to heavy rain and soft track conditions, with the Magic City Showdown now set for Aug. 30 and a Nodak triple-header weekend planned for late August. Baseball: The Minot Vistas opened their season with a doubleheader split against Devils Lake—winning the opener 12-4 before dropping the second game 3-8. Local Government: Grand Forks City Council approved a second reading to annex a right of way near planned industrial sites by 70th Avenue North, but some nearby landowners raised concerns about impacts to homeowners. Boating Safety: North Dakota Game and Fish is stepping up Missouri River patrols this summer, focusing on life jacket compliance and registration checks. Workforce Safety: Bismarck hosted “Get Home Safe,” a statewide push to make safety a daily habit, citing falling workplace injury claims over the past three fiscal years.

Local Justice: A Grand Forks man, Kyle Kahalehili Maez-Schaack, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for kidnapping and drug-trafficking-related charges tied to a Fargo abduction and a $6,000 meth-debt demand. Elections: Early voting for the June 9 primary and Fargo city election begins Tuesday in Cass County, with multiple in-person sites and a reminder that absentee ballots must be received by the county auditor before polls close. Sports (ND): NDSU QB Easton Stick signed with the Indianapolis Colts, adding another Bison to the NFL mix. ND Business/Tech: North Dakota showcased unmanned aircraft and autonomous systems at AUVSI Xponential 2026 through the “North Dakota Row,” highlighting growing industry momentum in the state. Agriculture: USDA’s first Pro Farmer Crop Condition Index readings show North Dakota corn at 13.85 and soybeans also tracking near year-ago levels as the season gets underway. Community & Growth: Williston’s Municipal Golf Course is set for major upgrades, including a full 18-hole expansion and new clubhouse and maintenance facilities.

North Dakota Outdoors & Community: Volunteers with the Northwest Association of Horticulture kept the Amtrak depot in Minot looking sharp with fresh flowers and transplanted daylilies, continuing a decades-long tradition. Food Security: Near Simcoe, nearly 30 volunteers (including 91st Missile Wing members) planted a garden for The Lord’s Cupboard and The Welcome Table to boost fresh produce for pantry patrons. Public Safety: A 49-year-old man died after a one-vehicle crash in Dunseith when his pickup struck a tree; investigators say he wasn’t wearing a seat belt. More crashes: A motorcyclist from Neche was seriously hurt after hitting broken pavement south of Devils Lake and being flown to Fargo. Sports (ND): Shanley won the ND girls soccer state championship 3-0 over Mandan, and Park River Area captured the Class B baseball title over Kindred in a rain-marred championship game. Local Economy: McKenzie County is investing $11M to tackle housing shortages, including modular homes and senior-friendly duplexes.

Housing & Workforce: McKenzie County is investing more than $11 million to tackle a local housing shortage, including modular homes built by students at the Bakken Area Skills Center, plus $5 million for senior-suitable duplexes and a “pathway to purchase” plan. Community & Culture: Bismarck State College hosted the North Dakota Asian American Arts and Cultural Initiative’s fifth annual Cultural Expo, bringing food, music, vendors, and hands-on activities to close out AAPI Heritage Month. Sports (ND championships): Park River Area won its fourth Class B baseball title, beating Kindred 9-2 after a rain-affected run; Central Cass repeated as Class B softball champs with a 10-2 win over Kindred; Fargo South captured the Class A baseball crown; Williston topped Dickinson 8-7 in extra innings for the Class A softball title. Public Safety: North Dakota Highway Patrol identified Keith Melby, 72, of Kenmare, as the driver killed when his dump truck was struck by a train near Bowbells. Weather/Events: Rain postponed a World of Outlaws sprint car event in Minot, moving it to Aug. 30.

Public Health: A Minnesota public health director warns measles can spread fast and stay airborne for hours, urging North Dakotans to check MMR vaccination status as outbreaks loom nearby. Crash Update: A 49-year-old man died after a single-vehicle crash in Dunseith early Saturday; the driver wasn’t wearing a seat belt and the Highway Patrol is investigating. Local Business: Dickinson’s STOP Ice Cream & Snacks is drawing crowds with homemade waffle cones and Mexican-inspired treats since opening in April. Sports (NDHSAA): Class B softball semifinals set up third-place games after Kindred edged Velva-Drake/Anamoose; Class A baseball and softball action continues across the state tournament slate. Elections: North Dakota Secretary of State reminders focus on absentee ballots—signatures must match, ballots must be received by Election Day, and voters can track delivery. Housing: Grand Forks Housing Authority leaders say the state needs thousands more affordable units and are pushing for bigger Low Income Housing Tax Credit allocations. Community & Outdoors: Valley City’s Music in the Park kicks off June 3, and ND Game and Fish urges people to leave baby wildlife alone.

Election & Voting Access: The Trump administration is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to let states purge voter rolls of noncitizens closer to elections, a move voting-rights groups warn could disenfranchise eligible voters. State Elections Prep: North Dakota Secretary of State Michael Howe urged GOP voters to “find 10 people” to vote as early in-person voting begins for the June 9 primary, and the state also reminded absentee voters to return ballots by Election Day’s close of polls. Rural Health Funding: North Dakota HHS announced a $40 million opportunity to help rural hospitals upgrade equipment and expand emergency and specialty care, aiming to keep more treatment close to home. Education Tech Policy: The Department of Public Instruction launched a statewide survey on classroom device rules as districts move past the first year of North Dakota’s cellphone ban. Public Safety & Community: A semitruck crash near Valley City released more than two million bees, prompting shelter-in-place alerts for people with allergies. Sports (ND): Fargo South beat West Fargo in Class A baseball semifinal action, while Dickinson’s Reagan McMahen delivered a walk-off single to send the Mavericks to the state championship game. Local Infrastructure: Backwater Bridge in Morton County is being replaced, with a temporary bypass to keep traffic moving.

Public Safety: Minot Central Dispatch rolled out a new non-emergency number, 701-857-1500, to keep dispatchers focused on calls while 911 remains for emergencies. Legal/Privacy: North Dakota Attorney General Tim Griffin led a multistate amicus brief challenging the SEC’s Consolidated Audit Trail, arguing it’s a risky surveillance database without proper authority. Veterans & Health Care: Fargo VA received funding for 2026 maintenance projects, including upgrades tied to emergency alert systems and water safety. Community Events: Vietnam Veterans of America North Dakota will hold its State Meeting & Picnic July 18 in Mayville. Politics: A Port report highlights escalating infighting among North Dakota Republicans ahead of the June primary, with Minot Rep. Jeff Hoverson at the center of the feud. Agriculture: North Dakota corn growers met with FTC leadership over fertilizer pricing practices, pushing for a formal investigation. Education: The Department of Public Instruction opened a statewide survey on classroom technology use through Aug. 1. Transportation/Accidents: Two separate I-94 bee-crash reports describe semis carrying millions of bees and drivers being stung, with cleanup and lane closures lasting hours. Local Infrastructure: Minot officials and candidates toured flood protection work tied to the Mouse River project, including plans to expand recreation near a former landfill.

North Dakota Sports: State tournament action is in full swing, with Class A baseball and softball in Minot and Bismarck, plus girls soccer in Bismarck—highlights include Mandan topping Fargo Davies 9-2 in softball and Shanley advancing after a 3-1 win over Jamestown in girls soccer quarterfinals. Minot Military Update: A Pentagon Under Secretary of War visit to Minot Air Force Base focused on upgrades tied to replacing aging Minuteman III missiles with the Sentinel program. Honoring WWII Service: Senator John Hoeven presented the Rosie the Riveter Congressional Medal to 103-year-old Elsie Reiswig, a McClusky-area welder who worked in a California shipyard during WWII. Community & Events: ABRA’s free car show in Minot on Saturday will benefit Easterseals Goodwill, with a refurbished vehicle giveaway planned. Health & Farming: NDSU Extension warns dusty spring conditions can raise pneumonia risk in cattle, urging producers to watch for early respiratory signs. Politics: ND lawmakers are pushing back on claims Gov. Kelly Armstrong unlawfully influenced the Legislature through campaign donations.

Education Tech Survey: North Dakota education leaders, including Sen. Michelle Axtman and Rep. Jim Jonas, launched a statewide survey on responsible technology use in classrooms, asking families and educators about phone rules, device limits, and policy expectations through Aug. 1. State Parks & Tourism: Gov. Kelly Armstrong will dedicate North Dakota’s newest state park, Pembina Gorge State Park, at a 1 p.m. ceremony Wednesday, with the campground opening June 9. Community & Culture: Valley City’s “Music in the Park” returns June 3 for its 30th year, kicking off with a veterans tribute by the Red River Valley Veterans Concert Band. Local Sports: High school postseason action is in full swing, including Class B baseball and softball state tournaments in Jamestown, plus WDA golf and tennis updates across the region. Agriculture & Weather: A new drought snapshot shows dryness still widespread across the U.S., with parts of the northern Plains watching for rain as conditions shift. Remembering Service: A 103-year-old McClusky woman, Elsie Reiswig, received the Rosie the Riveter Congressional Medal for her WWII shipyard work.

Education & Budget: A Bismarck teacher says Gov. Kelly Armstrong’s push for an education spending freeze could hurt recruitment and retention as salaries lag inflation. Data Center Transparency: New reporting says North Dakota and other states aren’t disclosing how much money data centers save from tax breaks, raising calls for more transparency. Agriculture & Wildlife: Demand is outpacing funding for North Dakota’s Legacy Soil Health and Habitat Program, with thousands of acres already enrolled and more applications than money available. Local Transit: Minot residents got a look at transit study recommendations, including more frequent bus service to key shopping spots and easier fare options. Public Safety & Health: North Dakota is seeing more tick-related visits, with Lyme a top concern as summer ramps up. Elections: Cass County is training hundreds of election workers ahead of the June 9 primary. Energy & Infrastructure: Crews are replacing all 818 windows at the North Dakota Capitol to improve energy efficiency. Sports: UND incoming goalie Caleb Heil earns USA Hockey Goaltender of the Year honors.

Traffic & Safety: A new national analysis says 1.7 million animals were hit by cars from July 2024 to June 2025, with deer the most common target—North Dakota lands among the higher-risk states for animal collisions. Roads & Local Updates: A propane tanker tipped in Drayton, briefly blocking traffic but causing no leaks or injuries; and Minot announced a Second Ave SW closure through June 5 for a gas line project. State Politics & Policy: North Dakota’s attorney general-related national push on child online safety continues as multiple states oppose the federal KIDS Act, arguing it would weaken state authority. Economy & Housing: A study finds home prices have surged far faster than incomes over the past decade, worsening affordability nationwide. Sports (ND): UND’s incoming goalie Caleb Heil earned USA Hockey’s Dave Peterson Goaltender of the Year honor; and NDSU men’s golf coach Ekren Miller was named Summit League Coach of the Year. Community & Health: MHA Nation joined Together for School Meals, backing a November ballot measure to provide free breakfast and lunch to North Dakota students.

National Parks, Quiet Edition: A new ranking puts Alaska’s Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve at the top for “peace and quiet,” citing its massive size, low visitor density, and tough access by boat or bush plane. North Dakota Veterans Care: A statewide program is helping low-income and homeless veterans navigate healthcare and benefits, including Medicaid/Medicare connections and temporary financial help. Williston Frontier Weekend: Fort Union’s 43rd annual Rendezvous is set for June 18–21 with free admission, plus Kids Day on June 18. Minot Police Leadership Change: Capt. Jason Sundbakken is retiring, and Capt. Shawn Wegner will be sworn in Wednesday as he takes over. Food Safety Watch: The FDA is investigating a Salmonella outbreak linked to moringa leaf powder capsules, with MOGO brand lots recalled. Local Politics: Fargo swore in seven new officers and a new police chief, while Minot mayoral candidates spar ahead of the June 9 ballot.