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Hi Grand Forks, we made it to Thursday! In today’s edition: Jupiter’s fresh start, a world premiere song cycle, a counter-drone project, and more.
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Resilient dog’s fresh start: Meet Jupiter, a year-old pup recently found living outdoors. Now thriving with a foster mom, he is 65 pounds, recently neutered, affectionate, and eager to learn — learn more about Jupiter.
Inside ICON’s next chapter: ICON Architectural Group announced new ownership partners earlier this month, elevating architects including Aaron Klein and Alyssa Ommen, reflecting leadership development, succession planning, and investment in the firm’s future — meet ICON’s new partners.
Glimpse of a bygone car craze: In 1917, the Grand Forks Herald said Grand Forks was becoming North Dakota’s foremost automobile city, citing paved streets, busy garages, and a planned auto show featuring Saxon’s $495 roadster — read the full story.
Local mentors earn top honors: Grand Forks and West Central North Dakota’s SCORE chapter was named Chapter of the Year again, citing growth, strong outreach, and client satisfaction, after 686 mentoring sessions and 547 workshops — see what earned the award.
Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why precious metals are back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Preparing tomorrow’s caregivers today: UND has launched a federally funded nursing program called Gero-STARR to boost care for older adults. It recruits first-semester students from rural North Dakota and trains them in the 4M Age-Friendly Care model. Participants get $1,200 monthly for 12 months and a one-time scholarship up to $10,000. Get all the details.
Bolstering airspace security: Counter-drone work is underway at Grand Sky in Grand Forks, bringing together the Air Force, Grand Forks County, and Grand Sky Development. Teams are testing ways to detect, track, and stop hostile drones. More than $45 million was allocated for counter UAS in the 2025 defense bill. Read the full story.
Local flavors, no fuss: Craving something that tastes like here? At Ely’s Ivy, North Dakota and Minnesota producers shine: steaks, bison, walleye, and house-baked breads. Weeknights feel special without the fuss. Let someone else cook and do the sourcing.
Refresh your kitchen plans: If your kitchen’s due for a glow-up, Waterfront Kitchen & Bath offers brand-name sinks, faucets, and fixtures, plus pros who help you choose and coordinate with licensed contractors. Consider it the nudge you needed to finally start that upgrade after a long winter.
What do people see when they search your name? Search results can surface past mistakes or outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. BetterReputation helps remove and clean up unwanted content so your online presence matches your real life today. Not worried about yourself? Doesn’t hurt to mention it to family or friends who might be.
Take control of your credit card debt: High interest can keep you stuck paying more than you need to. A balance transfer card with 0% intro APR until 2027 and no annual fee gives you time to pay down what you owe without interest working against you. By transferring your balance, more of your payment goes toward the principal so you can actually make a dent in what you owe.
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📆 Around town this weekend
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🏊 Screen & Splash Pool Party & Movie @ Altru Family YMCA | Friday (2/27) at 6:00 PM – Need your living room back for a few hours? Drop the 7 to 12 crowd at the Y for pool games, a big splash showdown, a lobby movie, and pizza, popcorn, and drinks, all for ten bucks. Email Freddie Brown at [email protected].
🎼 The Empire’s Music Box @ Empire Arts Center | Friday (2/27) at 7:00 PM – Skip the jukebox and hit The Empire’s Music Box, where an open jam kicks things off before Nora Lee, Jack Bryan, and one more local act play what they want. Donation at the door, free popcorn, and nothing but Grand Forks talent and good vibes.
👨 NDMOA Family Day @ North Dakota Museum of Art | Saturday (2/28) at 10:00 AM – Family Day at the museum means the kids get to build, break, and blend, material exploration while you rack up culture points. Explore new materials and techniques inspired by the galleries, drop in or stay, free admission and parking, donations appreciated, energy expended.
🛍 Gracie’s Place Pop Up @ Arts for Vets Gallery | Saturday (2/28) at 11:00 AM – Arts for Vets Gallery becomes our favorite kind of museum, the one that smells like butter and coffee. Gracie’s Place is popping up with homemade baked goods and specialty drinks, so call it lunch, linger a bit, and tell yourself you’re supporting the arts.
☃ Winter Wrap Up @ Grand Forks Public Library | Saturday (2/28) at 2:00 PM – Winter Reading wraps, Pokémon turns 30, and the library is throwing a low-key party with games, activities, and plenty of nostalgia. Bring the kids, the grandkids, or your old binder, catch some laughs, and finally learn what a Snorlax actually does.
🎶 The Thumbelina Poems: Song Cycle for Soprano and Harp @ Hughes Fine Arts Center | Saturday (2/28) at 4:30 PM – World premiere at UND’s Hughes Fine Arts Center, Thumbelina retold for soprano and harp by local talent. Author talk, then the full cycle, all shimmer and spine-tingles for grown-ups who prefer craft, quiet, and a touch of magic.
🌟 A Night of Excellence @ Hilton Garden Inn Grand Forks-UND | Saturday (2/28) at 6:00 PM – The Grand Forks Cultural Committee is hosting A Night of Excellence, a gala raising funds for more cultural events right here at home. Break out the good shoes, enjoy real conversation, and help fuel the art, music, and community moments we actually brag about.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Grand Forks report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 36°F – Low: 28°F – Precip: 3%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 36. West southwest wind around 10 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 28. West southwest wind 10 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 35°F – Low: -2°F – Precip: 2%
Partly sunny, with a high near 35. West northwest wind 17 to 28 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around -2. North northwest wind 9 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
This house is wild
This remodeled 4-bed, 3-bath ranch sits on a large South Grand Forks lot, pairing fresh curb appeal with modern efficiency. A main-floor primary suite with ensuite bathroom anchors the layout, while new roof, siding, windows, and HVAC deliver confidence. A finished, heated garage extends the seasons, and a new wood fence frames generous outdoor space.
Take a peek inside →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.
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