Good morning, Bismarck.

Julie Schirado and Bethany Shalley from Furry Friends Rockin’ Rescue introduced two new playful puppies—Sarge and Sally—from near Grand Forks, who will grow to about 30 pounds and must be kept together when adopted.

The shelter is preparing for its upcoming Woof-Stock event and is calling for sponsors.

On Friday, seven middle school students competed at the first National Civics Bee State Finals at the University of Mary in Bismarck to test their civics knowledge and pitch solutions to local challenges.

The winner earned $1,000 + the chance to represent North Dakota in Washington, D.C. in November, marking the state’s first appearance at the national stage.

Esther's Acres in Glenburn hosted a pollinator camp Thursday that taught over 40 children & parents about the role of bees in pollinating crops and the need to conserve these insects.

Camp organizer Desiree Carlson said the camp plans to inspire youth & encourage future conservation efforts.

North Dakota State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler honored 48 educators and selected four finalists (from Grand Forks, Ransom, Traill, and Burleigh counties) for Teacher of the Year.

The finalists will be interviewed once the new school year begins and the winner will be announced at 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26 (in Memorial Hall) to compete for the national award.

Smoky conditions remained over Bismarck early this weekend, and meteorologist Andre Brooks said air quality is expected to improve by late today—people with respiratory issues are urged to stay indoors.

Scattered showers and thunderstorms began on Friday with locally heavy rainfall that moved out by Friday afternoon.

Crews at Bismarck Airport are replacing a large section of the apron this summer because the old concrete is cracking, sinking, and drawing in wildlife.

The project costs $3.1 million—most funded by a state grant—and the work is expected to finish by August without affecting flights.

Starting at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 15, the city will reduce North 9th Street to one lane between East Avenue F and East Boulevard Avenue (for maintenance) and remove a boulevard tree at the intersection with East Boulevard Avenue.

The work is expected to finish by noon (no detour provided).

The FAA awarded $13.4 million to Hector International Airport to expand its terminal by 35,245 square feet with four new gates and a new apron, and the project is expected to be completed in 2027—nearly $18 million in additional grants will fund safety and capacity improvements at airports across the state, including taxiway and runway upgrades at Bismarck Municipal Airport.

North Dakota high school sports will see new rule changes released by the NFHS for sports such as baseball and lacrosse.

School officials will update policies for upcoming seasons — teams will follow the new rules once they are in place.

Rock the Deck at Hillside

4:30-8 p.m. — Hillside Aquatic Complex — Regular admission rates apply — Dive into a fun evening of swimming, music, and prizes for incoming middle schoolers.