Good morning, Bismarck.

Donnie Lee, arrested last year for stealing a car, causing a hit-and-run, and fighting with police, pleaded guilty to eight counts including theft, assault, and drug possession in court yesterday — he is already in state prison and received a six-year sentence with another five years suspended.

Lynae Hanson and her daughter Madelyn have been painting large murals on downtown streets from 4th Avenue to Broadway.

They call their work Movement Maze and hope it brings more people to enjoy art—showing their passion for a vibrant downtown.

University of Mary held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday morning for its new childcare center in Bismarck—transformed from the old Butler Center with a $464,000 renovation—to serve children up to age 12.

The center is located across from Kirkwood Mall and will officially open Monday, June 2 while offering infant, toddler, preschool and summer programs with available spots for children age 3 and up.

State Agriculture Commissioner warned that many gardeners have seen their plants die after using varieties not built for local hardiness zones (3 and 4).

Homeowners are urged to check plant tags (which show hardiness ratings) before buying outdoor plants for spring landscaping.

Vitalant in North Dakota is urging eligible donors to schedule a blood donation this June as trauma season will bring more injuries—donors will get a $10 gift card and a chance to win $10,000 in the Gear Up Giveaway.

Sanford Bismarck Medical Center will add 36 new hospital beds in three phases this summer to meet growing patient needs; 12 beds will open on June 9, 12 more on June 23, and the final 12 on July 14 — staff are preparing each unit for new patients.

The expansion increases the center’s capacity to 278 licensed beds and follows over $300 million in recent regional investments.

Raging Rivers Waterpark opened its season on Thursday when Mandan Parks and Recreation hired about 100 new workers to serve a quieter crowd enjoying four water slides, a lazy river and an aqua play area.

The park will operate every day from noon to 7:00 p.m. for the next two weeks and will offer free admission for dads on Father’s Day, June 15th.

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.

Science Debunked

6-8 p.m. — North Dakota's Gateway to Science — $25 per person — Test popular myths with hands-on experiments and discover what's fact and what's fiction.