BISMARCK, N.D. (KUMV) – Representatives of the North Dakota University System gave lawmakers an update on how enrollment looks.

More than 47,000 people are attending one of the 11 public colleges in the state. That number includes online-only and dual credit students.

Brent Sanford, the University System Commissioner, said they’re seeing positive trends in various demographics, including an eight percent increase in freshmen.

“That’s something we’re not seeing nationwide so it’s a positive thing for our system. We have different demographics in North Dakota. We don’t have the cliff that some of our neighbors do like Minnesota and Iowa, so maybe that helps. We hope it’s also because we have good offerings,” said Sanford.

The university system said colleges and universities also saw a 17% headcount increase in high school students taking dual credit.

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FORDVILLE, N.D. — A town in northwest North Dakota welcomes visitors to a fall festival, unveiling a piece of art crafted by a regional artist.

Destination Fordville, a nonprofit with the goal of improving the city with family friendly activities, announced in a press release the Fordville Fall Festival will be held Saturday, Nov. 15.

“The Fordville Fall Festival is all about celebrating creativity, community and the small town spirit that makes our region shine,” the release said. “We’re proud to showcase our local talent and bring people together for a fun, family friendly evening.”

The festival starts with the unveiling of a mural created by Hilary Nowatzki as part of the Rendezvous Region Mural Series, supported by the Rendezvous Region Tourism Council, North Dakota Department of Commerce’s Vibrancy Grant, the North Dakota Council on the Arts’ Community Arts Access Grant and Destination Fordville, the release said. The mural is located on the lot next to City Hall. The unveiling will be held at 4 p.m.

Other activities and events include the Hotdish Hoedown and the Apple/Pumpkin Throwdown at the Wells Drinking Well from 4 to 6:45 p.m. There will also be apple bobbing, a tattoo station and games for both kids and adults. Hayrides will be offered outside the Community Center. There will also be firepits guests can use to make s’mores, the release said.

All events are free and open to the public.

The full schedule for the festival and updates regarding the events are available at Destination Fordville’s Facebook page.

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North Dakota Fightin’ Hawks (1-3) at UC Riverside Highlanders (2-1)

Riverside, California; Saturday, 5 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: UC Riverside plays North Dakota after Andrew Henderson scored 27 points in UC Riverside’s 82-68 loss to the New Mexico Lobos.

UC Riverside finished 21-13 overall with a 14-1 record at home during the 2024-25 season. The Highlanders allowed opponents to score 75.0 points per game and shoot 44.9% from the field last season.

North Dakota finished 12-21 overall a season ago while going 2-12 on the road. The Fightin’ Hawks averaged 12.3 points off of turnovers, 13.4 second-chance points and 4.4 bench points last season.

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.