Good morning, Bismarck.

Kids became active participants at Station 4 during the Bismarck Fire Department's open house held last Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. Families watched firefighters practice rescue techniques and try safety demonstrations—an event set to become a yearly tradition.

KX News explores Native American heritage in ND by covering stories from tribal tourism and updated school books to healing therapy rides at Healing Horse Ranch—details that show both enduring traditions and modern cultural programs.

The report also highlights local music lessons, quilting work at Eternal Bloom Blankets, and a cultural center supporting college students.

Dana Henry started in pageantry at 2½ years old after watching her first Miss America pageant and now holds the title Mrs. North Dakota America.

She works as a staff accountant and referees youth wrestling while using her crown as a megaphone for mentoring young women—boosting leadership across the state.

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department will begin treating Smishek Lake on Oct.

13 with EarthTecQZ—a copper-based molluscicide—to remove invasive zebra mussels confirmed earlier this year. The boat ramp will be closed during treatment while officials monitor copper levels and plan further actions if needed.

The Bank of North Dakota is moving into cryptocurrency by developing Roughrider Coin, a stablecoin approved by the North Dakota Industrial Commission to make bank transfers faster and more secure.

Bank President and CEO Don Morgan said the coin could be available to banks next year—use for consumers may be considered later.

North Dakota saw major federal moves this week as the Senate overturned a Biden-era land management plan that limited coal leasing and oil and gas development—an action that supports our local energy industry.

The state also announced a short-term, low-interest loan program for furloughed federal workers and introduced Roughrider Coin, a stablecoin tied to real assets.

Today, the North Dakota State Water Commission in Bismarck approved about $75 million in funding to boost water projects for municipal, rural, and regional water supplies.

Most funds will go to the Garrison Diversion Conservancy District—part of a plan to channel treated Missouri River water to central and eastern North Dakota.

Governor Kelly Armstrong declared October as Employee Ownership Month to honor 61 worker-owned companies with 32,000 employee-owners holding over $5.2 billion in assets, and an event at the State Capitol on October 9 brought together business leaders, retirees, and employee-owners. Organizers plan to promote the model in the coming months to help local companies stay in North Dakota.

Bismarck announced it will offer free leaf collection for residents the weeks of Oct.

20-23 and Oct. 27-30 to help with yard maintenance.

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.