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Hi Bismarck, we made it to Thursday!
In today’s fun-for-grown-ups edition: North Dakota Great Seal turns 20, regulators weigh a 200-megawatt wind farm, and a books-by-the-pound sale + plenty of reasons to put on real pants this week.
Today’s sponsor, Spot Pet Insurance, is something I wish I had before a late-night emergency vet visit left me with a $10,000 credit card bill. It’s cheaper than Netflix… and means you never have to choose between your pet and your savings. It takes less than 5 minutes to sign up – get started here.
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📰 In the news
Civic symbol stands strong: A six-foot bronze North Dakota Great Seal at the Capitol marks 20 years in Memorial Hall, where the 440-pound piece has greeted visitors since 2006 in Bismarck — read the full story.
Spring recruitment across North Dakota: The UND Center for Rural Health will host four healthcare workforce showcases this month in Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot, and Bismarck, connecting local hospitals with up-and-coming physicians from UND — get all the event details.
Renewable power proposal scrutinized: State regulators are reviewing the Longspur Wind Farm in Morton County, with up to 45 turbines totaling over 200 megawatts. A possible transmission line and a public hearing are pending — get all the details.
Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why they’re back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Highlights this week:
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🐾 One pet emergency can cost $10,000+
Together with our sponsor Spot Pet Insurance
Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache.
From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving.
As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Spot.
It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% on qualified vet bills. It was too late for me, but it’s not too late for you. Sign up today.
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🫶 We got your back
Burger fix, solved: JL Beers Bismarck keeps the griddle humming with inventive builds, including the Humpty Dumpty crowned with a fried egg, and taps to match. They nabbed 2024’s Downtown Burger Slam, proof they’re a prime spot for a midweek craving reset.
Get your glide on: Cabin fever fades with open skate sessions, rentals, and room to wobble or nail a crossover at Capital Ice Complex. Whether with friends or on a solo reset, the vibe stays easy, low-pressure, and fun, perfect for moving, laughing, and warming up.
Time travel, local-style: At North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum, four galleries jump from dinosaurs and ice ages to today, with The Treehouse for little explorers and rotating exhibits that still surprise locals. When cabin fever hits, wander, linger, and remember why this place feels like home.
Access cash without selling your home: A reverse mortgage can help anyone over 62 cover everyday expenses, support healthcare needs, fund home improvements, or even reduce pressure on 401(k) withdrawals – all while staying in your home. Longbridge offers a free calculator to estimate how much flexibility your home could provide, with no commitment required.
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📆 Bismarck for grown ups
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
📚 Spring Used Book Sale @ Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library | Thursday (3/5) at 7:00 AM – Think your nightstand stack is heavy? Friends of the Bismarck Public Library are selling books by the pound for a buck, plus CDs, DVDs, games, and puzzles, with a glorious bag day where three dollars fills it and your purchase backs real library projects.
🎻 Raynes @ Belle Mehus Auditorium | Thursday (3/5) at 6:30 PM – Raynes is back at the Belle Mehus, teaming with the Bloom string quartet for a first-ever set that blends harmonies, folk and chamber pop, and hometown pride. Grab event-only swag, bring the family, and feel smug supporting the Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Youth Orchestra.
🖼 March Exhibit Reception @ Bismarck Art & Galleries Association | Friday (3/6) at 5:00 PM – Local art, free admission, and live music, all in one evening, because winter hobbies only get you so far. Pride of Dakota artists fill the space, Laura Allen takes the spotlight, and you actually meet the makers, snacks and beverages included.
🏷 Troop 425 Garage Sale @ Mandan Moose Lodge #425 | Saturday (3/7) at 9:00 AM – Troop 425’s pay-what-you-can garage sale is a hometown treasure hunt, prices set by your conscience, with finds for the cabin, the kitchen, and that mysterious junk drawer. Shop to fund their gear, camp, and travel, or drop off non-clothing castoffs at the Moose Lodge.
🎳 10th Annual Spare Trafficking Bowling Fundraiser @ Midway Lanes | Saturday (3/7) at 1:30 PM – Midway Lanes is going full red carpet with strikes, spares, and movie getups for a fundraiser that actually matters. Grab three friends, channel your inner Bogart, and bowl, bid, and snack, with proceeds backing 31:8 Project’s survivor mentorship and education, and spots always vanish fast.
🍀 St. Patrick’s Day Crafts for Kids @ Shenanigans | Sunday (3/8) at 2:00 PM – Shenanigans on Paintball Way is hosting St. Patrick’s crafts for the kids, with stations where they pick two projects to make and take. Drop in, no registration, eight bucks per participant, and your house dodges most of the glitter. You’re welcome.
🏠 Smarter Living, Safer Aging Lunch and Learn @ Benedictine Living Community | Wednesday (3/11) at 12:30 PM – Grab a seat, and a sandwich, for a lunch-and-learn on outwitting slippery rugs, dim hallways, and other home hazards we pretend not to notice. Therapists and tech pros share fixes for mobility, vision, hearing, and safety, helping you age in place. Lunch provided, RSVP encouraged.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.
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📻 Bismarck report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 50°F – Low: 22°F – Precip: 0%
Mostly cloudy. High near 50, with temperatures falling to around 45 in the afternoon. East wind 9 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 22. Northwest wind 10 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 35°F – Low: 21°F – Precip: 12%
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 35. Northwest wind 13 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 21. Northwest wind 6 to 12 mph.
Someone Googled you this week 👀
It may feel like an invasion of privacy, but unfortunately It’s the new normal. Whether you’re joining a committee, selling something locally, dating again, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up online.
Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are.
Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you – or someone you care about – to clean up outdated results that no longer tell the real story. Learn more here.
This house is wild
This like-new 5-bed, 3-bath modern farmhouse crowns an elevated lot in a premier golf community, wrapped in Hardie siding. A 19-foot foyer and mezzanine with an iron-railed staircase frame a living room with a limestone hearth and arched built-ins. Chef’s kitchen features maple cabinetry, quartzite, and butler’s pantry. The primary suite is spa-like, with a laundry chute and sunset views.
Take a peek inside →
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