Good morning, Bismarck.

Nikki Frohlich, a veteran with 25 years of service, recalled her early days playing with her mom's Army uniforms and joining a three-week exercise in Egypt in 2005.

Today, she works as a military outreach specialist to help veterans and their families access resources (advice that encourages them to ask questions and learn as much as possible).

A new storybook & parent guide called The Legendary Family Learning Guide: Building Literacy Skills was launched today at the State Capitol by the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction and agency MABU to help families build literacy skills for children from birth through kindergarten. The free guide is now available at the Public Library, State Library, and local early childhood programs.

Bismarck Public Schools is launching a new project called Play and SpeAACk to install communication boards at every preschool and elementary to help non-verbal students express their needs and play with peers — each station costs about $2,500 and the district is seeking local sponsors to support the effort.

Krystall Atkinson from Bank of North Dakota said that watching every penny sometimes causes stress, though organized money habits can add a touch of fun.

She explained that keeping finances in order—while still enjoying life—helps ease worry and encourages balance.

As cooler weather ends the West Nile virus season, North Dakota reported 84 cases with the last case occurring on Oct.

10. Nationwide, 1,564 cases have been noted in 43 states — with older adults facing higher risks from severe symptoms.

Brandy Struecker is the veterinary technician at Dakota Zoo who assists two veterinarians with vaccinating over 500 animals from 125 species — her work with tigers, penguins, and others shifts daily — and National Veterinary Technician Week is celebrated from October 12 through October 18 to honor her role.

Work is underway on a vacant building on N 12th St. that once housed a Pizza Hut and closed early this year, and it is being remodeled into office space for Cottingham Insurance—serving five states.

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.