Good morning, Bismarck.

The Bismarck Fire Department welcomed 6-year-old Royce for a station tour arranged by Living Hope Church as part of the Best Day Ever program — he rode in the ladder truck and learned about fire service operations.

Royce, who is undergoing cancer treatment, enjoyed hands-on activities with the crew during his visit.

A Bismarck judge sentenced Alan Duran-Garcia to two years in prison with credit for 159 days served after he pleaded guilty to simple assault and preventing arrest charges; he was arrested on Dec.

12 following reports of a fight at a local business and three other charges were dismissed in earlier proceedings.

North Dakota airports set a record in March with 123,180 passenger boardings, surpassing the previous high of 117,380 from December 2024.

Flight frequency and increased seat capacity drove a 20% rise in travel with Fargo and Bismarck Municipal Airport also posting their highest totals ever — 56,399 and 29,343 boardings respectively.

On May 19, a mom rewarded Rita Murphy Elementary teachers with free coffee from Chuggs Coffee owner Bridget Lemoine—thanking them for their hard work as school ended.

Teachers said the gesture made them feel appreciated.

BPS seniors received a heartfelt send-off as they walked through Highland Acres, Centennial, Liberty, and Horizon elementary schools—where teachers and younger students said goodbye in return.

They recalled the days when they had sent off their own senior peers and celebrated their graduation as they prepare for next chapters.

Gov. Kelly Armstrong signed the final bills from the 2025 legislative session on Monday and used his line-item veto power to strike six measures from appropriation bills, including a provision that would have granted lawmakers immunity from prosecution (he said this move was needed to preserve state checks and balances). He also removed sections from the attorney general’s and state parks budgets to maintain executive authority and avoid extra legislative sessions.

A citizens’ group called the Qualified Electors of Burleigh County presented a cease-and-desist order on Monday evening to State’s Attorney Julie Lawyer during the county commission meeting, arguing that the audit and treasurer’s job for Mark Splonskowski is at risk.

Julie Lawyer said the commission acted legally and will meet tomorrow, May 21, to discuss petitioning the governor + review the transfer of office duties.

Since 2007, a portion of lottery proceeds has flowed to a grant fund that supports 11 state drug task forces by paying for rent, training, and equipment—over $10 million has been given as of April 8th.

North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley said the funds help law enforcement keep operations running, though annual transfers of about $1 million do not meet all demand.

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.