Good morning, Bismarck.

As of today, SNAP benefits are on hold due to the government shutdown, leaving many residents without support for their next meal.

Heavens Helpers Soup Cafe in Bismarck has seen more visitors amid the SNAP freeze and urges donations (food or volunteer time) to help those in need.

Mike Anderson visited Painted Woods Wildlife Management Area south of Washburn to see how improvements are controlling flooding and creating better conditions for wildlife and recreation; ND Game & Fish and McLean County Water Board officials plan to replace a weir dam to allow fish passage. Officials also added new access points for canoe & kayak launches while expanding the area to nearly 1,000 acres since 2016.

North Dakota Game and Fish Department and the McLean County water board have partnered to improve the Painted Woods Wildlife Management Area south of Washburn.

They have added nearly 1,000 acres of public land, completed a flood control project in 2017, and plan to replace a weir dam to boost fish passage and enhance recreation.

The Tallgrass Trailblazer Pipeline began operating in September, moving captured carbon from 11 ethanol plants in Nebraska and one in Iowa to a Wyoming site 9,000 feet underground.

The project overcame years of legal and community hurdles—its community fund will make annual payments to local groups.

The NDDOT announced its new Click it or Ticket seat belt campaign — running from November 1 through December 11 — to help reduce injuries by urging drivers and passengers to buckle up.

It is part of the Vision Zero strategy aimed at lowering serious crash outcomes.

The North Dakota Department of Transportation announced that the I-194 eastbound Memorial Highway exit into Mandan closed on November 1 for new water main installation and concrete paving and will remain closed for seven days.

Drivers are advised to use Exit 153 for Mandan Avenue or the McKenzie Drive exit off Bismarck Expressway—ensuring smoother traffic flow.

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.

16th Annual Bismarck Christmas Show 2025

Nov 21-22 — Bismarck Event Center — Free entry — Explore over 250 booths featuring unique handmade gifts and festive treats from local artisans.

Holiday Pizza Bash

4-6 p.m. — Bismarck Event Center — Enjoy a festive evening sampling pizza and holiday-themed fun for the whole family.