Good morning, Bismarck.

Bismarck and Mandan mayors launched an initiative today to help new residents feel welcome in the community—local leaders plan to offer outreach programs and events as part of the effort, with more details to follow.

The effort aims to build support for residents adjusting to city life.

Bismarck’s Red White and Boom! will take place on Friday, July 4 from 4 PM to 11 PM CT at the new MDU Resources Community Bowl on the Bismarck State College campus—moved because construction closed the Capitol Grounds.

The free event will offer live music, family games, food, and a fireworks show—continuing the city’s longstanding patriotic celebration.

A Bismarck man accused of terrorizing an Uber driver and passenger with a knife was arrested by a SWAT team—he pleaded not guilty to terrorizing and drug charges.

State lawmakers ended their session early Saturday and Governor Armstrong signed a bill that raises property tax credits for homeowners—using over $470 million from the legacy fund while also capping local tax hikes at 3%, and volunteers in Dickinson will resume the search for missing Keith Schmidt on June 14 as home sales near Bismarck remain competitive amid rising interest rates.

Arnegard Representative Jeremy Olson resigned from the North Dakota Legislature effective immediately, saying his decision served the Legislature, his constituents, and his family.

He had already stepped down as House Majority Caucus leader—citing limited time to manage both that role and his other job.

Today watermain work starts at the intersection of Washington St & Broadway Ave, and Washington St will have one lane in each direction from Front Ave to Rosser Ave for about three weeks, weather permitting.

A full overnight closure is planned on May 7th at 8 p.m. with northbound traffic rerouted east on Broadway Ave, north on Mandan St & west on Rosser Ave while southbound traffic will follow the opposite route.

Burleigh County Commission released over 600 pages of documents that detail its plan to split the auditor/treasurer role into an elected auditor and an appointed treasurer because of issues like mismanaged investments, a vote complaint, and tax form problems for temporary election workers—officials will use these records to guide further public discussions. The commission held several public hearings and may petition the governor to remove the current auditor/treasurer amid the ongoing internal debates.

Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health and Heartview will host a free Narcan training on May 14 at 6:30 p.m. at 407 S 26th St.—participants will learn to recognize an overdose and use a free Narcan kit while needing to register in advance.

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.