Good morning, Bismarck.

Governor Kelly Armstrong urges landowners to plant future hunting land as fewer than 40,000 hunters qualify for deer season, while Williston begins an 18-hole expansion to boost local recreation.

In Minot, a four-day Battle of the Badges contest generated 238 blood donations & 15 first-timers, engaging community support.

Bismarck’s free splash pad is open at New Generations Park from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily; three outdoor pools will open on Monday, June 1 at noon + operating hours differ on weekdays and weekends.

Construction has begun on the future site of 7 Brew coffee shop in Bismarck (located between Arby’s and McDonald’s on State Street).

It will be the chain's third North Dakota location, after Grand Forks and Williston, while its opening date remains unconfirmed.

Blue Cross Blue Shield is cutting 45 jobs while reassigning some employees as it integrates with Cambia Health Solutions to form unified, cross-market teams and strengthen its operations moving forward.

The bishop of the Western North Dakota Synod will step down this summer to take a national leadership role in the ELCA + the synod will soon choose his successor.

This morning on Good Day Dakota, Miss North Dakota Kennedy Delap and Miss North Dakota Teen Rita Johnson reflected on their year of service as their reign will end on June 13th (both said the honor inspired them to encourage young girls to be themselves).

Caleb Meckle, a fourth grader at Mott-Regent, is recognized by the Larks as May Kid of the Month for his academic success + volunteer work and leadership in school activities.

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department said today the low water year is expected to cause hazards at boat ramps on Lake Sakakawea.

Boaters should be cautious (watching for shallow hazards like sandbars, rocks and submerged trees) as reduced water levels may limit ramp access and cause traffic delays.

Governor Armstrong is inviting landowners to join his five-year hunting habitat program, which offers rental payments and crop insurance discounts to create future hunting lands; over 450 applicants have sought one of the 150 available contracts.

The initiative aims to boost local hunting opportunities.

Glenburn softball reached a milestone by winning four elimination games at Region 3 to secure its first state tournament spot; the Panthers will face Velva-Drake-Anamoose in the quarterfinals at 11 a.m. + Jamestown on Thursday.

The Mandan Braves have a game scheduled in a few days — their second state appearance in program history.

Mandan High School Boys Golf won the WDA Championship on Tuesday by three strokes, reclaiming the Class A West Region title for the Braves for the first time since 2011—junior Jacob Walch birdied the final three holes to secure the win.

Carz-N-Cures Car Show

10 AM – 2 PM — North Dakota State Capitol — Donations appreciated — Celebrate the 10th anniversary with cars, live music, and auctions for a great cause.

15th Annual Downtowners’ Art & Wine Walk

4:30-8:30 p.m. — Historic Downtown Bismarck — $42 – $48 — Sample unique wines and enjoy art from local businesses during an enchanting evening.

Summer History Camp

8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. — North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum — $75 — Immerse yourself in North Dakota's history with hands-on activities and expert-led sessions over a weeklong camp.

Summer Songs Concert Series

7-9 p.m. — General Sibley Park and Campground — Free entry — Enjoy local tunes under the summer sky at the amphitheater.

Annual BAGA 'For Arts Sake' Flea Market

11 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Bismarck Art & Galleries Association — Free entry — Explore a treasure trove of donated goods from art supplies to collectibles and more.