Good morning, Bismarck.

Local families face a challenge feeding children without school meals as summer nears, so the Bismarck Optimist Club launched a two-week food drive from May 1 to May 15 to support Great Plains Food Bank.

Organizers said there are 10 drop-off locations in Bismarck & Mandan and encouraged residents to donate kid-friendly items like mac and cheese.

Bismarck Police Chief Dave Draovitch announced his retirement after 36 years of service and will finish on July 31—he modernized the department with body-worn cameras and a drone program during his time as chief.

Today, the mayors of Bismarck and Mandan and the Chamber EDC announced the Where Home is More than Hello initiative to help new residents feel welcome so they may choose to stay and grow our community.

The effort includes a website for clubs and groups—Make Your Mark Bismarck-Mandan—, a Facebook group for sharing stories, and window slicks for businesses with 15-minute presentations available on request.

North Dakota lawmakers met in conference committees on Wednesday to work on a stalled property tax relief bill and debated a "skin in the game" amendment that would require residents to pay at least 25% of their primary residence tax obligation—affecting about 20,000 farmsteads.

Lawmakers said they have not reached an agreement, and future sessions will resume when the dispute is resolved.

Jim Poolman resigned from his board roles at the University of North Dakota Alumni Association and Foundation on Tuesday to let UND focus on its progress—Vice Chair Darla Adams will assume his duties next week as officials start an internal review after records concerning former Senator Ray Holmberg emerged. Solheim Elementary principal Shelly Swanson was honored with the Patriot Award today for supporting National Guard members—KX Meteorologist Andre Brooks will forecast rain and thunderstorms on Thursday with warmer weather expected this weekend.

The Senate voted to let Governor Kelly Armstrong’s veto stand on a bill aimed at expanding health insurance benefits for state employees without raising premiums—missing the 32-senator threshold by one vote so the current plan remains in effect.

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.

STEM Expo 2025

10 AM – 1 PM — Bismarck Municipal Ballpark — Free entry — Experience hands-on STEM learning with exciting activities and prizes for kids of all ages.