Good morning, Bismarck.

Each Thursday on Good Day Dakota, local reporter Chance Sticklen featured Mark Watne who has spent over 12 years supporting family farms through the Farmers Union; the fourth-generation farmer built a new camp north Jamestown – where 1,200 children learn about farming and safety.

USPS closed its Family Fare counters in Bismarck, forcing residents to endure long lines at the downtown post office or drive to Mandan for quicker service ahead of holiday shipping deadlines.

Many locals reported extra inconvenience during the busy season.

School of the Holy Family in Mandan will close at the end of the academic year because it is no longer financially viable; administrators say families of seventh through twelfth grade students are receiving guidance for next steps while Saint Joseph Catholic Montessori stays open.

Sen. Hoeven’s bipartisan bill for wild horses—a proposal to keep a herd of at least 150 horses in Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s South Unit—advanced in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and it would require an annual public report if signed.

North Dakota lawmakers on Wednesday explored using telemedicine to ease staffing strains on rural EMS as they consider new ways to support emergency services in areas with limited resources.

The Bismarck Fire Department held a pinning and promotion ceremony on Dec.

17 at Fire Station 4 to celebrate one new hire, three Captains, and one Battalion Chief. The department commended the honorees for their hard work and dedication.

The state water commission launched Operation Safe Flow to improve safety at low-head dams by working with engineers on low-cost designs for six high-risk sites in the eastern region.

Proposals can be submitted (by 4 p.m. Jan. 8) for review under the initiative.

Alex Balazs announced his run for North Dakota’s at-large U.S. House seat in 2026.

The military veteran (retired farmer from Cando) said he will hold town hall meetings and focus on fiscal responsibility, veteran support, and border security against incumbent Julie Fedorchak.

Retired teacher Lyle Johnson had a TAVR procedure (a minimally invasive heart valve replacement) at Sanford Medical Center after feeling dizziness on his way home from his brother’s funeral.

He is doing well and looks forward to traveling with his wife.

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.

Bismarck Bobcats Hockey Game

7:15-8:45 p.m. — VFW Sports Center — Check for ticket prices — Catch the exciting action of the Bismarck Bobcats in junior ice hockey.