The first newspaper
A question came up the other day asking do you know the name of the first newspaper in Dakota Territory?Between 1861, when Dakota Territory was established, until statehood in 1889, 160 newspapers sprang up in the territory. That’s kind of remarkable, but then, the territory included all of present-day South Dakota as well. But the […]
Not a Hard Story to Tell-or Are They?
When this edition of the Northern Sentry arrives in homes and businesses the activities of Veteran’s Day 2025 will be over. On the 11th hour of the 11th Day of the 11th month of 1918, the Armistice was signed to end World War 1. As it was explained to me when I was younger, Veteran’s […]
5th Medical Group 2025-2026 Flu Campaign: Immunization Team Protects Minot AFB Against Flu Season
5th Medical Group As winter approaches Minot Air Force Base, preparation means more than snow tires and layered uniforms. It also requires a commitment to maintaining medical readiness. The 5th Medical Group Immunization Clinic leads the effort to protect the installation from influenza and ensure Minot’s Airmen remain ready to execute the nation’s highest stakes […]
Sentinels Storm Toward State-A Big Week For Minot North Athletics
On November 7th, Minot North football secured their place in school history with a thrilling 21–17 win over the Central Cass Squirrels in the state semi-finals. The Sentinels fought hard from start to finish, showing grit and focus in a back-and-forth battle that came down to the final minutes, and through the first snow. With […]
Tribute to Service – A Veteran’s Journey: Chief Thomas and the Meaning of Service
Long before he earned the title “Chief,” Detrick Thomas was just a kid with a fascination for fighter jets and a dream of becoming a pilot. But what started as a childhood wonder turned into a 26-year journey of leadership, grit, mentorship, and service that would take him across the Air Force and right back […]
Tribute to Service – “It’s A Way To Honor Them”
Jeremy and Matt Buller are the owners of ABRA (Auto Body Refinishers of America) in Minot, and from the day they purchased their Minot location, they have worked extra hard to connect not only with Minot, but the Minot Air Force Base. “We purchased the Minot location in January of 2023, and we have always […]
Tribute to Service – William J. Senger: Decorated Pilot, RCAF and USAAF
Nancy Hvinden William J. Senger’s story is unique in that he was a decorated pilot both in the Royal Canadian Air Force and in the USAAF. He was born on a farm southwest of Esmond, ND in 1915. His father died in the 1918 influenza epidemic. His mother remarried and the family moved to Harvey […]
Tribute to Service – Mr. David Richard’s Enduring Mission to Get Things Done
CMSgt (Ret) David Richard has dedicated the past 30 years of his life to serving his country through his work with the United States Air Force. What began as a young man’s desire to serve during a time of need evolved into a lifelong and deeply meaningful career in the government sector. Over the years, […]
Tribute to Service – Combat Veteran Ernest Hoelscher has a story to tell
Jeanne Sexton-Brown Ernest “Ernie” Hoelscher, 95 is a Korean Combat Veteran living at the North Dakota Veterans Home in Lisbon. Hoelscher served in the Army, 7th Division, 31st Infantry Regiment in Korea for the last 14 and a half months of the war. He was a combat soldier on the front lines. “All of us […]
Tribute to Service – The Civil War Freight Wagon that kept the war at bay: One hero’s story
Jeanne Sexton-Brown Corporal Ernest “Ernie” Hoelscher, 95 is a combat Veteran of the Korean War. He lived through more than many could even imagine in a horror movie. His story is one that makes the statement ‘War is Hell’ seem like a fairy tale. In about 1974, Ernie and his friend, Lee Vigstol, now deceased, […]