The Northern Sentry is not a typical newspaper. In fact, did you know it is one of only a handful of military-wide newspapers still in operation, not just those serving Air Force bases? In researching this, I couldn’t even find a single active weekly paper like it still running. That alone makes the Northern Sentry something special.
But the real question is: why does it still exist?
If you’ve spent any time at Minot Air Force Base, you already know the answer. Minot isn’t quite like other bases, in more ways than one. A large majority of the base population actually lives on base, making it one of the largest military housing communities in the United States. Add in the long, freezing winters, and you’ll quickly notice something unique happens here: people come together.
Those winters have a way of forging bonds. Units, squadrons, and families often grow closer here than they might elsewhere. I’ve even heard Minot described as being similar to an overseas assignment, so far from what’s familiar that people naturally lean on one another. Community isn’t optional here; it’s essential.
And that’s exactly why the Northern Sentry still exists.
At its heart, the Northern Sentry is a community newspaper. We focus on people’s lives, shared experiences, and the unique circumstances that come with being stationed at Minot AFB, not just headlines and announcements. The people and the community are what make this paper not only relevant, but valuable.
If you’re curious about the full history of the Northern Sentry, it goes back decades (you can find out more by searching for the article “70 Years of Sharing Your Minot AFB Adventure” on our website). But today, our mission remains simple: to serve you and document this unique Minot AFB chapter that so often becomes a pivotal part of a military career.
Which brings us to you.
As we look ahead to 2026, we want to know: what do you want to see more of? What kinds of stories resonate with you?
Our data gives us some clues. Personalized stories about families, resilience, and strength consistently perform well on Facebook. Reporter Nataly Zarrella’s recent, refreshingly honest piece “The Base Everyone Loves to Hate” (yes—MAFB) reached more than 20,000 views. Our most-read article on the website this past summer was a deeply researched story by reporter Kerianne Noel about household goods issues, because it directly affected your lives.
The message is clear: you want stories that reflect your experiences.
But we can’t tell those stories without your help.
If you know a family on base doing something meaningful, an Airman with a unique talent or hobby, or a local community member who made a difference in your life, we want to hear about it. Share it with us, and let us help tell that story.
You can message us on Facebook or email details directly to erin.beene@willowtreemarketing.com
Tell us what you want to see in 2026, and we’ll keep working to bring you the stories that matter most, stories that reflect this fun, challenging, and truly unique Minot AFB community.
