Good morning, Bismarck.

Thirteen-year-old Finley, a local teen with a heart condition, was surprised by the University of Mary Monday evening with the announcement of his wish—he will visit Disney World with his family in 45 days.

Four North Dakota departments have received over $2.5 million in agriculture grants from USDA-AMS to boost specialty crop research and sales—15 awards given to state agencies and research centers support new techniques and export opportunities.

The next application cycle will open in December and close in January 2026, with funds available from October 1 to September 30 for future projects.

The Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation received a $249,262 federal grant to create a community wildfire protection plan for the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation—one of two Tribal Nations selected for the USDA program for 2025.

The plan will address fuel management, community preparedness, and interagency coordination and will be supported by a full-time coordinator and planning contractor following last year’s Bear Den Fire.

NDDEQ and the Public Finance Authority announced six loans to boost water infrastructure—Bowman received $4 million for a sewer main replacement, Valley City got $600,000 for sewer renovations, Lisbon was awarded over $11.2 million for replacing 16 water mains, and Dickinson received $2 million for overall water improvements. The loans come from the federally funded State Revolving Fund and support essential clean water and drinking water projects.

Burleigh County commissioners voted to end a longtime tax deal—one that helped pay for riverfront improvements—effective next year.

The Bismarck Fire Department will host its first Fire Prevention Week Open House tomorrow from 4 to 7 p.m. at Station Four, 4103 Miriam Drive—families will see live rescue demonstrations, try a mini firefighter challenge course for kids, meet Sparky the Fire Dog and get free help with smoke detector installations as detour signs guide visitors amid nearby construction.

Burleigh County Commissioners discussed plans to update the county auditor position at Monday night’s meeting.

The elected auditor will act as commission clerk—Elections Officer and record keeper—as officials plan to review a higher minimum salary and performance incentives in upcoming sessions.

North Dakota officials expressed concern as local political subdivisions approved fall budgets with a 3% property tax cap — a new challenge that may limit future revenue.

They plan to review the cap's impact on services and adjust tax policies as needed.

North Dakota is expanding community-based services so more people with disabilities can live at home instead of entering nursing homes — a 54% increase since a 2020 settlement with the Justice Department has helped over 3,500 individuals.

State officials said housing shortages, staffing challenges, and delays in home modifications remain concerns — and they are hiring extra case managers to reduce waiting times.

Bismarck Burleigh Public Health hosted its Break Free Youth Action Summit today at the Bismarck Event Center where over 200 middle and high school students learned how to avoid tobacco and build leadership skills—students plan to join the Great American Smoke out on November 20th and the Great American Spit-out event in February.

Ruth Nicolaus from the Badlands Circuit Finals Rodeo joined Good Day Dakota with Chance on Tuesday morning to discuss the upcoming rodeo where cowboys and cowgirls will compete for a gold buckle and the title Badlands Champ.

She said shopping will also be available at the Wrangler Trade Show and that events are planned throughout the weekend.

Today, the Bismarck Larks have named Chris Monroe as their new field manager—he brings Northwoods League championship experience and a strong background in collegiate and professional baseball to the team.

He served as an assistant coach at Missouri Western State University and further staff appointments will come soon—adding fresh leadership to the baseball operations team.

Bismarck native Britta Curl-Salemme signed a two-year extension with the Minnesota Frost to play through the 2027-2028 season—she was first selected in the 2024 PWHL Draft and was later protected in the 2025 expansion draft.

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.

Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics

8:30-9:30 p.m. — Russell Reid Auditorium, North Dakota Heritage Center — Tickets required — Experience a spine-chilling musical journey with candlelit performances of Halloween classics.

Youthworks 40th Anniversary Celebration

11 PM – 1 AM — 930 N Griffin St, Bismarck, ND — Ticket required — Celebrate 40 years of Youthworks making a difference in the lives of youth across North Dakota.