Good morning, Bismarck.

A Bismarck man accused of stealing a Burleigh County woman's vehicle and emotional support dog rejected a plea deal on Monday—he asked to change his attorney.

Body camera footage shows a woman who struck an officer with her SUV ignored commands to exit and hit another officer when trying to flee—police said her actions led to her fatal shooting.

Bismarck man Christian Marshall will plead guilty this week to aggravated assault with a dangerous weapon for a stabbing that occurred last September near Ministry on the Margins along 24th Street+ he now faces a mandatory minimum sentence of two years.

The Diocese of Bismarck will hold a memorial mass for Pope Francis on Saturday, May 3rd at 8:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit—this event honors the late pope, and local church leaders note it comes as the Church prepares for the conclave after the funeral in Rome.

The North Dakota House sent an income-based school choice bill to the governor on Monday that would give public funds for private school tuition based on family income — the program awards roughly $3,900 for families earning up to 200% of the poverty line and lower amounts for higher incomes. Lawmakers said the bill could be a building block for future policy while critics question its benefits for rural students.

Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library will host a memoir writing workshop with prize-winning author Jill Kandel on Tuesday, May 6 from 10:00am to Noon in Meeting Room B.

The free event will include an hour of teaching, a half-hour Q&A session, and a book signing—giving local writers clear guidance on memoir techniques.

House lawmakers passed Senate Bill 2397 that provides tax exemptions for the first 300,000 barrels of oil and any natural gas produced during enhanced oil recovery to encourage drilling in untapped areas.

The exemptions will apply to projects approved by the North Dakota Industrial Commission after June 30—pending a Senate vote before they take effect.

On April 30th, 2024, the Morton Mandan Public Library and Western Plains Public Health launched a program that allowed residents of five counties — Morton, Grant, Mercer, Oliver, and Sioux — to borrow free radon test devices for use in their homes.

The program also held a forum with regional health officer Dr. Field from 5:30 to 6:00 p.m. to explain radon risks.

Boxers & Beer Fundraiser

4-10 p.m. — Elks Lodge #1199 — Tickets available — Back and bigger than ever, this fundraising event supports the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation.

Dakota Garden Expo

3-8 p.m. — Bismarck Event Center — Check website for entry details — Explore a wide array of exhibitors showcasing garden supplies and resources for all gardening enthusiasts.

DIY Time Crunch Mini Workshop

6-8 p.m. — Board & Brush Creative Studio — Check for registration fees — Create a personalized sign with step-by-step guidance while enjoying the creative atmosphere.

Sisterhood Saturday

10 a.m.-4 p.m. — Historic Downtown Bismarck — $30 for bouquet making — Celebrate community and creativity by crafting a beautiful bouquet with flowers from various locations.

AARP Smart Driver Course

10-11 a.m. — Burleigh County Senior Adults — $20 for members, $25 for non-members — Learn defensive driving skills and possibly save on car insurance.