While rare, mayoral resignations in Minot have occurred before. In 1984, Mayor Thomas Lee resigned halfway through his term, citing personal and family reasons, after finding the role more politically challenging than anticipated. Earlier, in 1911, Mayor Arthur LeSueur stepped down amid opposition to his progressive reforms. The recent resignation of Mayor Tom Ross on April 1, 2025, adds to this historical pattern of unexpected departures from Minot’s mayoral office.
In the wake of Mayor Tom Ross’s resignation, Minot’s City Council has appointed Council President Mark Jantzer as interim mayor. Councilman Paul Pitner emphasized the need for accountable leadership to restore public trust. Residents have a 15-day window to petition for a special election; otherwise, the council will appoint a mayor to serve until June 2026.
On April 4, 1987, a fire at the Westchem Agricultural Chemicals Inc. warehouse in Minot ignited barrels of pesticides and herbicides, producing a massive toxic cloud that forced over 10,000 residents to evacuate. The blaze, sparked by an improperly wired pickup truck inside the facility, rapidly consumed the warehouse and released hazardous fumes that drifted northward, reaching as far as Canada. Emergency responders faced significant challenges in containing the fire and mitigating chemical contamination, but despite the scale of the disaster, no fatalities were reported.
On Saturday, approximately 250 Minot residents assembled near City Hall for a ‘Hands Off!’ event organized by the Plum Valley League of Women Voters and the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition. This peaceful protest was part of a nationwide movement advocating for the protection of public services and democratic values. Denise Dykeman, president of Plum Valley LWV, articulated the group’s three primary demands: ending the perceived billionaire takeover of public systems, halting cuts to essential programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, and safeguarding the rights of marginalized communities, including immigrants and LGBTQ+ individuals. Dykeman emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “This is a national crisis, and we refuse to stay silent.” The demonstrators’ unified message was clear: “Hands off our benefits, our rights, and our democracy.”
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During a legislative forum in Minot on Saturday, local lawmakers expressed differing opinions on Senate Concurrent Resolution 4008, which seeks voter approval to amend North Dakota’s constitutional term limits. The proposed changes would allow legislators to serve up to four four-year terms in total, regardless of the chamber, and would repeal the existing prohibition on the Legislature’s ability to modify term limits.
Minot, North Dakota, home to Minot Air Force Base, has been named a 2025 Great American Defense Community by the Association of Defense Communities (ADC). This recognition highlights Minot’s exceptional support for military personnel and their families, particularly through initiatives that enhance quality of life and promote understanding of national security. Governor Kelly Armstrong emphasized the state’s commitment to being military-friendly, noting the significant role of Minot’s airmen in national defense. The ADC will spotlight Minot throughout the year, with planned celebrations in the community and features at the ADC Innovation Forum in Monterey, California, in October.
Minot State University, Dakota College at Bottineau, Trinity Health, and the Minot Area Chamber EDC are urging the North Dakota House Appropriations Committee to reinstate approximately $13 million in funding for a Health Sciences Institute in downtown Minot. The proposed funds would facilitate the purchase and renovation of the Trinity Health West building to serve as a training center for nursing and allied health programs, aiming to address the region’s healthcare workforce shortage. Previously prioritized by the State Board of Higher Education, this funding was removed by the Senate with minimal discussion. Committee members emphasized the necessity of collaborative efforts to secure the project’s inclusion in the final budget.
House Bill 1160, which sought to prohibit student cellphone use during school hours, was defeated in the North Dakota Senate with a 26-19 vote. The bill aimed to ban devices from “bell-to-bell” and required storage in locked containers. Supporters argued it would enhance academic performance and social interaction, while opponents contended that such decisions should be left to local school boards. A similar measure, Senate Bill 2354, with amendments allowing more flexibility for school districts, is scheduled for a House vote on Monday.
The nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget has analyzed the Republican budget resolution set for adoption, revealing it could increase the federal deficit by up to $5.8 trillion over ten years. This increase stems primarily from extending the 2017 tax cuts and introducing additional tax changes. While the House proposes offsetting some costs with $1.5 trillion in spending cuts, concerns arise over potential impacts on programs like Medicaid. The Senate’s approach suggests minimal spending reductions, prompting calls for a more fiscally responsible plan.
