Good morning, Bismarck.

Runners dressed as Santa braved chilly weather at the Mandan Santa Run on Saturday, Dec.

20 at 4 p.m. on Main Street (Mandan) after a one-week delay due to extreme weather; part of the proceeds supports Hope Manor Sober Living Homes.

North Dakota may soon hold a vote on a universal school meal program that would offer free breakfast and lunch to every public school student.

The ballot initiative would make the state the 10th to provide free school meals while addressing past school lunch debt.

Today, the ND Department of Agriculture and ND Dakota Game and Fish reopened the Coyote Catalog to help landowners address coyote issues until March 2026 + a Huntlink pilot offers additional access for game including deer and turkey; landowners with livestock problems should contact USDA Wildlife Services.

North Dakota is set to have high-speed internet access in every community by 2028 after federal funding approval.

The expansion will bring complete broadband connectivity and make our state the first to reach this milestone.

North Dakota Health and Human Services reported as of Dec.

18 there were 790 flu cases, 1,439 COVID-19 cases and 61 RSV cases, with influenza vaccination rates for those (6 months and older) falling from 28.03% last year to 17.45%.

ND Outdoors offers tips for cleaning and storing firearms as hunting seasons wind down.

Brian Schaffer, NDGF Hunter Education coordinator, advises hunters to unload, wipe down, and safely store guns + use cleaning kits from local sporting goods stores for lasting protection.

Huff Hills, a popular winter sports attraction, opened for the season Sunday.

Locals can enjoy winter activities (including skiing and snow tubing) at the facility.

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.