Good morning, Bismarck.

KX News visited Heaven’s Helpers Soup Café in Bismarck where a longtime volunteer said she began volunteering seven years ago after a close friend passed away and now returns weekly— the café founder left his job after a calling to serve guests like a sit-down restaurant.

Mandan’s Holiday Lights on Main lit over 1 million bulbs—Santa handed out free cookies, hot coffee, and hot cocoa as snowfall added a festive feel.

The event is open nightly from 5 to 10 p.m. until the new year.

First responders across the state are hosting a holiday food and toy drive on December 6 at Walmart locations in Bismarck — Fargo — Jamestown — Mandan — and Williston.

The drive accepts new toys, clothing, nonperishable food and cash donations to support local shelters, food pantries and nonprofits from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

On Thanksgiving, hundreds joined the Turkey Trot to raise about $90,000 to help cover travel costs for North Dakotans with cystic fibrosis who have access to only two clinics—an event that has become a local holiday tradition with runners in turkey costumes.

The Burckhard family celebrated the adoption of a girl from Ukraine and a boy from Lithuania after first welcoming their daughter with Down syndrome, and the ND Ethics Commission is asking for public input on new travel disclosure rules with penalties of up to $500, accepting feedback until December 14.

ND Highway Patrol reminded drivers to give space to snowplows and first responders after two plows were struck in snow fog early Friday—only minor injuries were reported—urging motorists to slow down and stay at least 100 feet away.

Bismarck residents braved freezing weather on Black Friday to shop at local stores—despite rising price concerns as the holiday season nears.

The North Dakota Department of Transportation and Highway Patrol issued a travel alert in Grant, Morton and Sioux counties due to scattered drifting snow that may rapidly change road conditions.

Drivers are urged to use caution and prepare for potential delays—updates will follow.

North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring announced $1 million in grants from the Agriculture Diversification and Development Fund for four projects that will improve local agriculture.

The awards—approved on November 19 in Jamestown—include funds for equipment upgrades and facility expansion, and applications for the next funding round are due Jan. 1.

The North Dakota Farmers Union will hold its state convention in Bismarck on December 12 and 13—county delegates will vote on a new union president, debate policy, and elect state board members and national convention delegates.

Registration is $50 until December 4 and then $70.

62nd Annual Joint North Dakota Water Convention and Irrigation Workshop

December 9-11 — Bismarck Hotel & Conference Center — Registration required — Explore water management and irrigation practices at North Dakota's premier water convention.

Candlelight: Tribute to Adele

6:30-7:45 p.m. — Russell Reid Auditorium - North Dakota Heritage Center — Tickets required — Experience a mesmerizing tribute to Adele performed by Listeso String Quartet in a candlelit ambiance.