(Today’s briefing covers new/updated items since Wed, Nov 26. Focus: next 30–45 days.)
Government & Legal Services
ND Courts holiday operations (today).
What happened: The ND Supreme Court and courthouses in Barnes, Burleigh, Cass, and Morton are open today (Fri, Nov 28), while most other county courthouses are closed but offering limited services by phone/email.
Why it matters: Law offices, title companies, and anyone filing documents or posting bonds today should plan for uneven county availability.
Who’s affected: Attorneys, process servers, real estate/title, bail/bond, and the public.
Dates: Nov 28 (today).
Source: North Dakota Courts
Transportation / Logistics / Motor Vehicle Services
NDDOT Motor Vehicle branches closed (select sites).
What happened: Multiple MV branch offices (e.g., Fargo, Grafton, Grand Forks, Jamestown, Langdon, Linton, Lisbon) note additional closures today, Fri, Nov 28 beyond standard holiday schedules.
Why it matters: Expect delays for titles/registrations; dealers and carriers should adjust end-of-month transactions and temp tags.
Who’s affected: Auto dealers, trucking/carriers (IRP/IFTA at Grand Forks), notaries, the public.
Dates: Nov 28 (today).
Source: NDDOT
Fargo downtown overnight snow removal (Nov 27–28).
What happened: Fargo Public Works asked residents/visitors to remove vehicles from downtown avenues Thu night into Fri morning to complete snow removal.
Why it matters: Towing risk and access limits for overnight deliveries; plan alternate loading and early-morning staffing.
Who’s affected: Downtown retailers, restaurants, delivery services, property managers.
Dates: Evening Nov 27 → morning Nov 28.
Source: Fargo ND+1
Education (K–12, Higher Ed, Training)
K-12/CTE board vacancy application deadline is today.
What happened: The Board of Public School Education/CTE board seat application closes at 5:00 p.m. CT today (Fri, Nov 28).
Why it matters: School vendors, workforce/CTE partners, and private training providers may want representation/advocacy on this board.
Who’s affected: Education vendors, career/tech partners, private schools, training providers.
Dates: 5:00 p.m. CT, Nov 28 (today).
Source: ND.gov
Hospitality / Tourism / Retail Foot Traffic
Holiday events begin today (tourism boost).
What happened:
• Jamestown “Lights on Shriner Hill” nightly Nov 28–Jan 4 (high drive-by traffic). Commerce | North Dakota
• Fort Stevenson “Dickens Make-It, Take-It” classes start today through Dec 13 (weekend family activity). North Dakota Parks and Recreation+1
Why it matters: Expect increased evening/weekend traffic—good for eateries, gas/convenience, lodging, and local shops; consider extended hours and promos.
Who’s affected: Restaurants, cafés, retail, hotels/short-term rentals, event vendors.
Dates: Starting Nov 28; runs into Dec–Jan.
Outdoor Rec / Agriculture-adjacent Commerce
ND Deer Muzzleloader season opens today.
What happened: Deer-Muzzleloader season opens Fri, Nov 28 per Game & Fish; additional waterfowl dates in December.
Why it matters: Sporting-goods demand (licenses, ammo, gear) and rural hospitality (lodging, food, fuel) typically uptick at season openers.
Who’s affected: Outfitters, sporting retailers, rural cafés/hotels, convenience stores.
Dates: Opens Nov 28; other seasons follow.
Source: North Dakota Game and Fish Department
E-Commerce / Shipping (National items with ND impact)
USPS peak-season package surcharges are active.
What happened: USPS temporary holiday package price changes took effect Oct 5 and remain in force through the season (Priority Mail, Ground Advantage, Parcel Select, Flat Rate).
Why it matters: ND online sellers, boutiques, and cottage producers should check label costs, adjust free-shipping thresholds, and communicate delivery cutoffs.
Who’s affected: E-commerce shops, marketplaces, Etsy/Square sellers, 3PLs.
Dates: Active now through the 2025 holiday season.
Source: USPS Employee News+2About USPS+2