Good morning, Grand Forks.

The Grand Forks Mission food pantry that closed on August 8 due to funding cuts and supply chain issues will reopen on Tuesday, August 19 after community donations restored 4,500 pounds of food—ongoing support is needed for future operations.

Ernest Farmer, 39, was sentenced to eight years in prison after pleading guilty to methamphetamine crimes—he sold 2 ounces to an undercover officer and possessed drugs in a home where young children were present, receiving credit for 182 days served and facing three years of supervised probation that could extend his sentence if violated.

Grand Forks School District cut the ribbon for the more than 30 million dollars Career Impact Academy on Wednesday at the Gateway Drive and 42nd Street site.

The new education center will open for grades 10 to 12 at the end of the month and offer training in fields such as culinary arts, automotive and precision agriculture technologies.

Grand Forks Police — aiming to cut phone use distractions — have declared September Distracted Driving Awareness Month to keep roads safe.

They warn that drivers can call or use GPS but must not text or surf the web, or they may face a $200 fine.

Grand Forks is wrapping up its 10th internship program that pairs college students with local government departments, including the fire department where University of North Dakota student Noah Lund worked on social media this summer—an effort aimed at addressing upcoming retirements in the civil service. The program gives students hands-on experience in municipal work and prepares them for future public service roles.

Yesterday, Sen. John Hoeven hosted U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright at the Energy and Environmental Resource Center in Grand Forks to urge the state's coal and oil industries to work together for a stronger energy future—linking coal plants with the Bakken shale to boost oil well productivity and extend the life of power plants.

Grand Forks will be the sixth team in Northwoods League Softball and will have its first pitch next year at Albrecht Field — fans will submit nickname ideas with finalists announced in September.

The public vote will run through the end of September and the new team name and logo will be revealed in October — marking the new chapter for the team.

Boater Safety Class

5-7 p.m. — Outdoor Recreation — Free entry — Learn essential safety skills for enjoying time on the water this summer.

Monthly Film Premiere: Space Tour

1-2:40 p.m. — Chester Fritz Library — Free entry — Experience the latest cinematic adventure with friends and family at this monthly film debut event.

Portland State vs. North Dakota Fighting Hawks Football

6-9 p.m. — Alerus Center — Ticket prices vary — Cheer on the University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks as they take on Portland State in the Potato Bowl.