Good morning, Bismarck.

Last week, the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa declared a fire emergency after 13 fires burned 3,600 acres — residents are warned against outdoor cooking or disposing of cigarettes from vehicles to avoid Reckless Endangerment charges.

Volunteers in Bismarck and Mandan repaired homes for Rebuilding Together Day, Minot Paving is hiring asphalt operators at $27 to $35 per hour, and meteorologists forecast rain, thunderstorms and a cooldown later.

Today, Valvoline Instant Oil Change is hosting its monthly Drive to Donate campaign in Bismarck—each oil change donates $20 to Souris Valley United Way.

This marks the second month of the campaign, which will also take place at other Bismarck locations.

Jurors began deliberating Tuesday in South Central District Court in Bismarck on the trial of 21-year-old Madisyn Heidt who is accused of negligent homicide for a fatal crash on the Bismarck Expressway in 2022 — enhanced surveillance video showed her SUV crossing lanes multiple times — and she faces up to five years in prison if convicted.

Morton County is urging residents to sign up for CodeRED—the free emergency alert system—to receive real-time notifications about local emergencies, road closures and safety threats as summer nears.

A judge ruled that North Dakota landowners may continue their legal challenge against state approval of the controversial Summit pipeline — the case will move forward in court.

They plan to present their arguments as the legal process unfolds.

Governor Kelly Armstrong signed a $769 million budget bill for the Department of Water Resources to fund regional water supply, flood control, and general water management projects for 2025–27.

House Bill 1020 provides $615.2 million in new project funding, including a $260 million line of credit from oil tax revenues, and adds new staffing and an internship program to support local initiatives.

Dacotah Speedway in Mandan has added a permanent slingshot racing division for kids aged four to 14, giving families like the Kellers a chance to build a future in youth racing.

The Kellers began planning last October and their daughters will race on Friday night—teaching them key lessons in speed, sportsmanship, and teamwork.

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.