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Hey Grand Forks, hope your week’s off to a good start! Beyoncé’s surprise flowers, a statewide conservation pilot, FIRST LEGO League Championship, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Police chief’s request sparks initiative: Grand Forks County launched a state-funded pilot diversion program, offering alternatives to incarceration with evaluations, treatment, community service, restitution, and random drug screenings to inform future statewide efforts — get all the details.
Fandom meets generosity: A Fargo couple, Lauren and Cameron Carlson, received surprise flowers from Beyoncé after planning a gender reveal at a MetLife Stadium concert last year, and the sweet gesture made headlines — read the full story.
Spotlight on a business trailblazer: Grand Forks’ Kristi Magnuson Nelson received the National Grocers Association’s Thomas K. Zaucha Entrepreneurial Excellence Award this month, honoring her leadership, innovation, and dedication to independent grocers — read the full story.
State unveils conservation program: Gov. Kelly Armstrong announced a $6.5 million statewide pilot to improve soil and wildlife habitat, paying landowners to plant perennial grass on cropland. North Dakota aims to enroll 10,000 acres — get all the program details.
Gold & silver are hot: Last year was gold’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150%… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. Curious about precious metal investing? GoldCo has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with Lemonade.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/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.
*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
Hidden lung cancer threat: State air quality officials continue to urge homeowners to test for radon. North Dakota is Zone 1 with the highest potential, and 63% of homes exceed the EPA action level. Test kits are available at the Grand Forks Public Library and online. Mitigation systems can safely vent radon outside. See where to get kits.
Your neighbors are Googling you: It’s uncomfortable but true — employers, new friends, even other parents at school pickup search names all the time. If something negative, outdated, or misleading shows up first, it can shape opinions before you ever meet. BetterReputation helps push down unwanted search results so your first impression actually reflects who you are today. And if it’s someone you care about, you can help them too.
Economic boost under consideration: Grand Forks County commissioners will hear a tax incentive request March 3 for Twin State Environmental, which plans a $3.6 million rail car cleaning facility north of the city using robotic arms. The company would lease five acres from Northern Plains Rail Services and aims to open by September 1. Get all the details.
Gold is having a moment: Between inflation headlines, market swings, and growing global uncertainty, precious metals are (again) in the spotlight. American Hartford is currently offering up to $25,000 in free silver when you open a qualified account. They’ll also help you set up a penalty-free gold IRA with a lowest price guarantee, no buyback fees, and 7-day price protection.
Strings, scores, sanity saver: When reeds snap or a last-minute score surfaces, Popplers Music comes through with print music, band and orchestra essentials, pianos, and lessons. Keep it in your back pocket for midweek music emergencies… and for keeping practice on track.
A second opinion never hurts: Not every financial advisor is the right fit, and it’s okay to explore your options. Unbiased matches you with an advisor based on your personal situation, giving you a chance to ask questions in a free, no-pressure conversation to see if the fit makes sense. No obligation — just helpful advice.
Cozy noodle fix: When the winter-in-GF chill bites, Kaizen Sushi and Ramen serves steaming ramen that warms your bones, with fresh rolls for a little flourish. It’s an easy midweek haven for a quick slurp and a mood lift, sending you back out happier than you came.
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📆 Around town this week
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.
This week
🤖 FIRST LEGO League Championship @ University of North Dakota | Wednesday (2/11) – Whether you still step on stray bricks or secretly admire a tidy gear ratio, catch the FIRST LEGO League Championship at UND as 25 teams battle with bots before 500 spectators. Teams register for $125, volunteers 16+ and sponsors wanted at stemconnectnd.org/volunteer, and stemconnectnd.org/become-a-sponsor.
🐦 Bird-Stravaganza: Avian Ecology @ Crookston Public Library | Wednesday (2/11) at 6:00 PM – If your backyard birds are judging you, head to Crookston Public Library for Bird Month with UMC’s Dr. John Loegering. An avian ecologist with 40 years, he’ll unpack habitat, nesting, and keeping peace with wildlife. Geared to adults, all ages welcome.
👜 Galentines Designer Purse Bingo @ Crookston Eagles Club | Thursday (2/12) at 4:30 PM – Round up your favorite gals and play for designer bags at the 3rd annual Galentine’s Purse Bingo, with door prizes, big laughs, and local vendors to browse. It’s peak girls’ night energy, no forced icebreakers. Tickets are live on Eventbrite, treat yourself, or your bestie.
This weekend
❄ Frozen Feat 2026 @ Blue Moose | Saturday (2/14) at 9:00 AM – Think your layering game is strong? This 5K or 10K braves Red River cold, funds Access for All for K-12 mental health in Grand Forks, the Lovebird Division returns because nothing says romance like shivers, thaw with a free Blue Moose drink.
☕ Bloomfest Tea Party | Saturday (2/14) at 9:30 AM – Trade the slush for blossoms and sip proper tea in an indoor winter garden at the Lincoln Clubhouse. Kids get lemonade, cookies, and a crafty rendezvous with the fairies, you get a calm hour that smells like hope. Ten bucks a head, register early.
🌲 The Grand Outdoors Show @ Alerus Center | Sunday (2/15) at 11:00 AM – Think you’ve got all the gadgets you need? The Grand Outdoors Show, formerly the Grand Forks Men’s Show, takes over the Alerus Center with boats, campers, fishing toys, and excuses to get outside. Fewer monster trucks, more back-friendly kayaks, and deals worth leaving the couch.
🌲 Into The Woods | Sunday (2/15) at 2:00 PM – Think you know your fairy tales? Into the Woods at the Fire Hall weaves them together with gorgeous Sondheim tunes, wit, and just enough moral reckoning to make you call your kids. Come for the nostalgia, stay for the reminders about wishes, consequences, and family.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Grand Forks report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 27°F – Low: 12°F – Precip: 1%
Partly sunny. High near 27, with temperatures falling to around 25 in the afternoon. Northwest wind 8 to 14 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 12. Northeast wind 2 to 6 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 30°F – Low: 19°F – Precip: 0%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 30. South southeast wind 3 to 9 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 19. South southeast wind around 8 mph.
This house is wild
Thoughtfully updated, this 6-bed, 5-bath home pairs modern sophistication with approachable warmth. A chef-inspired kitchen centers the main level with a statement island, new cabinetry, and refined finishes. The main-floor primary offers a spa-like bath. A finished lower level adds a theater and game room. Upstairs, three bedrooms enjoy direct bath access. A fenced yard extends private outdoor living.
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 genuinely think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week:
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