JAMESTOWN — Jamestown Regional Medical Center (JRMC) has been recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review as one of North Dakota’s top recommended hospitals, an honor shared only by the Fargo VA Medical Center. This recognition is based on patients’ responses to the question: “Would you recommend this hospital to your friends and family?”

Inclusion on the top recommended hospitals list reflects a five-star rating for patient recommendations. Ratings are determined through the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

“This recognition by Becker’s reflects our continued focus on exceptional patient care, clear communication and strong partnerships between patients and care teams,” said Trisha Jungels, JRMC chief nursing officer. “At JRMC, trust is built through listening, compassion and clinical excellence, and this honor reflects the dedication of our teams every day.”

JRMC’s inclusion on this list, along with other recent national awards and recognitions — such as its Pathways of Excellence designation and multiple top critical access hospital recognitions — further distinguish the medical center as a regional and statewide leader in care.

To learn more about JRMC, visit

jrmcnd.com

or call (701) 952-1050.

FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) – Make-A-Wish North Dakota celebrated the grand reopening of its newly remodeled Wishing Place on Monday evening, January 12, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by community leaders, donors, and volunteers.

The Fargo facility underwent renovations last summer to create a more child-focused, community-centric experience for families visiting the nonprofit organization.

“I want the Wishing Place to serve as a beacon of light for families and be something that they are proud of, and the community is proud of,” said Billi Jo Zielinski, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish North Dakota. “So, this is a place not only for kids to come in, explore, and dream and wish, but also for our volunteers to be trained and to be inspired.”

Wish alumna Emily Gard, who was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma in 2003 and is now two years cancer-free, spoke at the event about the significance of the remodeled space.

“This remodeled space is where those life-changing moments take shape,” Gard said. “Every wish that will eventually be honored on the wall of stars represents a story that has been written and is waiting to unfold for a child.”

The invitation-only event was hosted for members of the Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo Chamber of Commerce, Make-A-Wish North Dakota donors, and volunteers.

Since 1985, Make-A-Wish North Dakota has granted more than 1,150 wishes for children across the state. The organization’s vision is to grant every eligible child’s wish.

According to Make-A-Wish, wishes provide joy in the present, hope for the future, and the transformation that comes from daring to dream beyond the confines of a critical illness.

Families interested in learning more about eligibility for a wish, referring a child, or volunteering can visit wish.org/northdakota.

Copyright 2026 KVLY. All rights reserved.

MINOT, N.D. (KMOT) – Tourism is a vital part of our state’s economy, supporting businesses and jobs.

New data shows North Dakota saw a dip in visitors last year: 6.5% less than in previous years.

Visit Minot Executive Director Stephanie Shoenrock told city leaders the Magic City saw a 6.7% reduction in visitors last year.

“Tourism is down in the United States, tourism is down in North Dakota and tourism is down in Minot slightly,” said Schoenrock.

Canadian visitors drive a significant portion of the state’s tourism, with Visit Minot monitoring six entry ports in our region.

Shoenrock reports the state saw a 25% decrease in Canadian traffic. And for Minot? A 20% dip.

“Does that 20% hurt? It does. You know what, we were 100% down during the COVID shutdown. And we’ve worked very, very hard, and we’ve seen good impacts,” said Schoenrock.

They also track data from websites, social media, hotels and ticketed events like the State Fair, which Shoenrock said continues to be the top destination for Canadians.

Minot City Council Member Lisa Olson said she hears from Canadians regularly, and wondered if the opening of the Presidential Library in Medora this summer could attract more visitors.

“The Canadians aren’t coming because they’re dissatisfied with what’s being offered in the U.S. Until that changes, I don’t know if they’ll come back— unless you have heard something different,” said Olson.

Shoenrock acknowledged the decline in visitors, but emphasized that Canadians continue to visit.

“Yes, we are down. But we are not as far down as what some entities would like to believe,” said Schoenrock.

Visitors are considered people who live more than 50 miles away and spend at least four hours in the Magic City.

“We have expectations that we’re here for a reason, and that is to bring more humans into Ward County. And I can tell you that is not lost on us, regardless of what the trends are like in the state,” said Schoenrock.

Despite the overall dip, the Visitors Center welcomed people from all 50 states by July last year, along with visitors from 31 other countries.

The top five states Minot saw visitors from are Minnesota, Texas, California, Florida and Montana.

Copyright 2026 KFYR. All rights reserved.