Good morning, Bismarck.

Families in Bismarck will soon step into the Old West when the historic Depot hosts the free Teddy’s Whistle Stop Party on May 17 from 2-5 p.m. The event celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Medora Musical with live music, dancing, themed activities for kids, and an actor portraying Theodore Roosevelt, while attendance is limited to 1,000 passes reserved online.

A Bismarck man was sentenced to 1.5 years in prison after he hit a pedestrian with his car while drunk on January 5 at Crossroads Tavern—he pleaded guilty to criminal vehicular injury, disorderly conduct, DUI, and driving on a suspended license while receiving credit for 114 days served plus 15 days of good time.

Bismarck police arrested 43-year-old Adam Cady on April 26 for endangering by fire after he set a curtain aflame to draw attention to fire hazards in the home where he was staying with others—his bond is set at $2,500 with a hearing scheduled for June 2.

A Bismarck man faces a felony charge after police reportedly found small plastic bags of cocaine + a loaded handgun in his car during a traffic stop.

Two state historic sites in Bismarck will hold free workshops in May led by Johnathan Campbell—one at the Former Governors’ Mansion on May 14 at 7 p.m. to show how to restore old wallpaper and another at Camp Hancock on May 24 at 2 p.m. to teach fixing historic windows—in celebration of Historic Preservation Month.

Mandan High School is finishing its new building, which will feature a modern auditorium (with LED lights and two-layered seating) to host its first choir concert on May 12.

The project is sponsored by Dakota Community Bank (providing funding for the new facility) and is seen as a big improvement over the old space.

North Dakotans will vote next year on whether to raise the vote requirement for passing constitutional amendments from a simple majority to 60%—the proposal will appear on the 2026 general election ballot and will affect both initiative measures and legislative proposals.

A contractor began work on the water-main along Front Avenue between Mandan Street and 2nd Street on Tuesday, April 29th with traffic lanes shifted but open—eastbound and westbound flows were maintained.

Starting on Monday, May 5th, Front Avenue will be closed for about one week weather permitting—detours have been set along Mandan, Sweet and 2nd Streets.

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.