Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 3rd of May.
Good morning, Bismarck.
🎓 Education
On Friday, Superintendent of Public Instruction Kirsten Baesler honored 17 teachers and principals at the state capitol for their efforts to improve student learning.
The awards—recognized educators such as Jim Green, Kelsey Boedeker, Angel Poitra, Jarred Wagner, and Jodi Northrop—acknowledged changes like a later school start time and more test retake opportunities.
🏛️ Government
Bismarck Police Chief Dave Draovitch — after 36 years of service — announced he will retire on July 31, leaving behind a legacy of modernization in public safety; Mayor Mike Schmitz praised his leadership and noted the department is ready to continue advancing under new management.
On Friday morning, lawmakers passed the state commerce budget bill with a vote of 66 to 22 that removed all funding for the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library after negotiations with senators.
The library said it will plan to open in 2026 while the bill retains nine million dollars for replacing Chinese built state drones with those made in the U.S.—an effort tied to national security.
Governor Kelly Armstrong signed Senate Bill 2265 that provides $3 million for a Veterans Memorial Center at Fargo National Cemetery, funding construction, site acquisition, and cemetery expansion.
The Fargo Memorial Honor Guard was named in October to build the center using funds from the Impact Foundation (which manages the financing) and the project will now move forward.
On Friday, Governor Kelly Armstrong cut the ribbon on a five-mile extension of the Roughrider Trail near Fort Lincoln State Park built by park workers along Highway 1806.
The new trail—used for off-highway riding—connects the Little Heart Bottoms shooting range with a park entrance.
🏥 Health
The Department of Health and Human Services confirmed a measles case in Williams County—the first case in North Dakota since 2011—in an unvaccinated child who is isolating at home.
HHS is contacting those who may have been exposed and advising unvaccinated people to quarantine.
Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health is inviting families, students & schools to join National Bike & Roll to School Day on May 7 to promote safe routes for walking and biking.
The event will encourage active transportation and healthy habits in our community.
🎉 Bismarck Events
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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.
🏠 Bismarck Real Estate
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💼 Bismarck Job Board
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📣 Bismarck Announcements
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