Good morning, Bismarck.

91-year-old USAF veteran Maurice Foley took the Western ND Honor Flight last month to Washington, D.C. to locate his longtime friend James Freidt on the Vietnam Memorial Wall; he said the trip honored his friend's sacrifice after being killed by a land mine in Vietnam & reminded him of his service.

Bismarck police arrested 36-year-old Billy Baker this week after he stabbed a man three times in the back during a conversation on the edge of a bed at a N.

3rd Street home—his bond was set at $50,000— and his next court appearance is scheduled for June 9.

Officials confirmed that two fires in the Three Affiliated Tribes area near Mandaree and Pouch Point are fully contained—one fire had burned at least 1,600 acres.

Fire crews are still fighting a fire in the Turtle Mountain area today under a total burn ban.

North Dakota lawmakers adjourned the legislative session on May 3 after passing a record $20.3 billion two year budget that boosts the primary residence tax credit from $500 to $1,600, expands free school meals for more students up to 225% of the federal poverty line and sets new rules for insurance prior authorizations—measures expected to benefit most households, students and patients statewide. The session also directed millions to corrections and mental health funding while rejecting several culture war and school choice bills.

Bismarck Fire Department warns that grills placed too close to homes or structures can start dangerous fires — NFPA data shows grill fires peak in the summer and unsafe practices such as not cleaning the grill or checking propane tanks contribute to the risk.

The department advises keeping the grill away from buildings and maintaining safe distances from children and pets.

Balancing Goat Coffee Company in Mandan is partnering with Vision Zero to promote safe driving by offering a $1 off coupon to every drive-through customer who wears their seat belt—law enforcement officials from ND Highway Patrol, Mandan Police Department, and Morton County Sheriff’s Office will be on site during the Click-it-4-Coffee campaign starting May 12.

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.