Good morning, Bismarck.

The Friends of the Bismarck Public Library will host its Fall Used Book Sale at the Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library from October 2—October 4.

Shoppers can buy books for $1 per pound with a Saturday special bag for $3 while supporting local library projects.

Bismarck’s reuse room inside the Household Hazardous Waste center at the landfill has helped residents save money for nearly 20 years by offering free paint, pesticides, and cleaners.

The program is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and select Saturdays—saving landfill space and reducing waste.

Hundreds of people gathered at the Bismarck airport Monday evening to welcome home 115 veterans (after a two-day tour of Washington, D.C.).

Another group of 118 veterans will leave today on the Western North Dakota Honor Flight (returning Wednesday at 7:15 p.m.).

American Red Cross & Gate City Bank continue the Quilts for Veterans project this holiday season.

Quilt drop-offs will be accepted at Gate City Bank locations from now until November 11 and will be distributed to veterans in hospitals, care facilities and at stand-down events after Veteran’s Day.

High school students at North Valley Career and Technology Center explored the hip-high prairie near Grafton to collect seed heads, grasses and soil for making art from natural pigments and clay plates.

The project—supported by a grant from the North Dakota Natural Resources Trust—will continue in the spring with a Prairie Potluck where students display their work and learn more about prairie ecology.

North Dakota's tornado season has been record-breaking this summer with 75 confirmed tornadoes as of September 21—14 more than the previous record—and repeated warnings on key days, showing a much stronger storm activity than past years while severe weather remains possible this fall.

The Bismarck Police Department has opened its 2025 Biennial Citizen Survey for residents to share opinions on neighborhood safety and police professionalism—responses are anonymous and will be reviewed by the chief to guide future improvements.

The survey runs from September 1 to October 1.

Nucleon Energy, a Canadian company, won a recommendation to be the consultant for advanced nuclear research in North Dakota by the Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee.

Legislative management will soon decide on the contract as EXCEL Services Corporation and Envoy Public Labs are named as alternates (11-5 vote).

The Glen Ullin American Legion hosted the first public showcase for the final design of Morton County Memorial Plaza Monday night.

The design—approved by the county commission after public input—will replace the 70-year-old memorial at the courthouse as the committee aims to raise $1 million in funds.

Entrepreneurs contact the North Dakota Department of Commerce each week about building data centers for AI, and Applied Digital will build a multi-billion-dollar center north of Fargo.

Gov. Kelly Armstrong said AI work must be kept domestic—while the state's cold climate helps keep machines cool—though some worry about rising utility use.

The City of Bismarck’s Public Works Utility Operations Department is testing fire hydrants on weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. as part of a maintenance project, and crews will flush the hydrants in two phases—September 22—26 and September 29—October 3—that may cause discolored water; residents should avoid washing clothes during these hours and can run lawn sprinklers to help clear the water.

The Promoting Cross-Border Energy Infrastructure Act passed the House and will move to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, while North Dakota farmers welcomed a $10 billion deal with Taiwan for exports.

The Minot Family YMCA reopened after months of flooding with an open house offering free trials and sample classes.

Bird flu is spreading in North Dakota as cases of the H5N1 strain have been confirmed in backyard and commercial flocks, and fall migration increases poultry risk—farmers are urged to boost biosecurity and report sudden bird deaths.

Creepy Classic Tennis Tournament

4:00 PM – 5:30 PM — Capital Racquet & Fitness Center — Registration required — A fun-filled tennis competition for all skill levels with a spooky twist.

Bismarck Fall & Holiday Market

10 AM - 5 PM — Bismarck Event Center — $5 entrance fee for adults — Discover over 100 vendors and meet live reindeer and alpacas.

St. Olaf Orchestra Concert

7-9 p.m. — Bismarck High School — Tickets available — Experience the rich artistry and tradition of the St. Olaf Orchestra under conductor Chung Park during their Fall Tour.