Keli Rosselli-Sullivan, Workforce Development and Military Liaison for the Minot Area Chamber EDC has been busy. First, the Minot Chamber EDC announced that this year’s Prairie Warrior Auction was a record setter for the amount of money it raised. $111,855.21 was raised to support Team Minot.

“The 37th Annual Prairie Warrior Auction was a huge success this year, setting records in both attendance and dollars raised for Team Minot,” said Cassidy Hjelmstad, Minot Area Chamber EDC 2024 Board Chair. “A big thank you goes out to all who made this year’s event a success, it is amazing what can be accomplished when we come together.

The auction was held on March 21st, and with very little time to re-load, Kelli was on to working with businesses to provide special discounts and opportunities for April’s Month of the Military Child. In no particular order, here are the discounts, so far:
Noodles & Company- 15% off on Take Out
Meg A Latte- 10% off on purchases
Bones BBQ- 10% off on purchases
Culver’s- 10% off on purchases
QDOBA- Friday, April 26th- Free bag of chips & 4 oz. queso for military kids 12 and under, with purchase of an entrée.
Magic City Discovery Center- FREE Admission to our Military Families from 1500-1800, April 18th – 20th.

We’ll keep you informed as more discounts become available.
And thanks to Keli and her team for helping recognize all of the military kids during their special month!

S’More Fun!
On any given summer night at Fort Stevenson State Park, fire pits are ablaze and everyone’s sitting around the fire telling stories and just in general, enjoying what North Dakota offers; lots of sky and lots of friendly folks with which to share a fire. It won’t be long, and someone will cheerfully announce “I think it’s time to make S’Mores, don’t you? Everyone makes a dash for their tent, RV or trailer and out come graham crackers, chocolate and the most important part of any S’More, marshmallows. Nothing beats the excitement the moment it’s your turn to squeeze it all together to make an outdoor dessert treat unsurpassed by anything else.

My friend Chad Trautman, Manager of Fort Stevenson State Park, has decided to go for it! Go for what? The World Record for Most S’Mores being made at one time. Seriously? How many campfires, roasting sticks, and marshmallows is that going to take? Let’s just say…a lot! So, May 18th is the date, Fort Stevens is the place. We’ll make sure to get you the finer details like time and location at the park, but more important is to load up the kids and head to Fort Stevenson and be part of something special, The World’s Record for Most S’More’s made simultaneously. Now won’t that be something to tell your grandkids!

Every Once In A While
I was visiting with a new friend at Minot Air Force Base. We talked about a lot of things, and then he said, “what do you do for a living”. I proudly told him about the Northern Sentry, and in the middle of the sentence he cut me off and said “so you’re Rod from the Northern Sentry? I want you to know that my Friday is not complete until I sit down and read the Northern Sentry cover to cover.” Boy, did that make my day. He even shared with me that he does the Soduko puzzles every week, too. What can I say but…thank you.

Best Kept Secrets
I have always thought that the SkyFest kite festival at Fort Stevenson is certainly a best kept secret. Last year I counted over 75 kites in the sky over Fort Stevenson one afternoon. Some small, some very, very large. Make plans to visit Fort Stevenson State Park Memorial Day weekend and bring your kite! Sky Fest welcomes kite flyers of all ages to decorate the sky over Fort Stevenson May 25, 26, & 27 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm each day.

Today’s Chuckle
Some people will wait forever for their ship to come, or their one true love, or to reach a human on the phone at customer service.