Good morning, Bismarck.

Julie Schirado from Furry Friends Rockin’ Rescue introduced her new purebred Boxer puppy, Champ—rescued from a Hardee’s parking lot and diagnosed with parvo, a serious disease—who is slowly recovering.

The rescue is selling raffle tickets to help cover his treatment and care for other animals.

Bismarck Parks & Rec is launching a free preschool skate program on Oct.

20 at Capital Ice Complex. The program is for parents with children under five, offering free skate rentals and balance aids during lunch hours on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday — a safe way to try skating in winter.

Young siblings Knute and Hallie Jensen, aged 11 and 9, harvest pumpkins at their family tree farm and sell them for $5 each in Bismarck — they donate half the money to local nonprofits while saving the rest for personal use.

They plan to beat their first year’s record gross revenue on their pumpkin trailer at 8203 Apple Creek Road — a creative effort to support local causes.

David J. Blackstead—who served as a school administrator, TV station manager, and active community volunteer—died Oct.

12 at a local care facility at age 97; his funeral was held on Oct. 17 at Trinity Lutheran Church and burial will take place today at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Minot.

Fred Coleman, a retired Air Force veteran, and his wife Allie share a 50-year love story that began when they met at Minot Air Force Base and endured hard times like PTSD and the strains of combat—Allie has been a steady source of care from long drives for treatment to active work with Disabled American Veterans Minot. They now travel together with their service dog and continue to honor their past through service.

North Dakota’s esports community is growing as students and educators boost competitive gaming programs across schools.

The North Dakota High School Activities Association approved a pilot esports program for the 2025—26 school year in partnership with Fenworks—an effort supported by strong interest at Mandan High and Minot State University.

Country West Road will be closed for up to one week starting Monday, Oct.

20 for a streetlight project—crews will use the road as a level surface for a concrete drilling rig—and drivers must detour via Century Avenue to Tyler Parkway for westbound and via Clydesdale Drive to Century Avenue for eastbound traffic.

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.