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Hello Bismarck! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. 

In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Extra DUI patrols, spring road trips along the Enchanted Highway, and a 500-piece puzzle race + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.

Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is helping folks around Bismarck protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.

📰 In the news

New tactics target road risks: The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is underway through March, bringing extra patrols and creative messaging aimed at removing impaired drivers and preventing alcohol and drug-related crashes — get all the details.

Scenic routes and small town charm: North Dakota Tourism invites spring road trips from Bismarck, with I-94 adventures to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the Enchanted Highway, and Hi-Line towns, as state parks and trails reopen — explore the full itineraries.

New lab transition ahead: North Dakota’s State Laboratory is expected to be ready in April, more than triple the size and housing 50 people, but moving equipment could take months and no added parking — read the full story.

Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.

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:

• Compete in a 500-piece puzzle race
• Explore space inside the Digitalis Dome
• Browse books, support WMS Peer to Peer
• Unlock clinical-level wellness data from home

💎 Local business spotlight

Pie that hits right: Whether you’re team chocolate or PB, Peacock Alley serves Snicker Pie and Reeses Peanut Butter Pie with rich, nostalgic vibes your week deserves. Perfect after a cozy dinner or as a just-because pick-me-up. You might even text a friend and split a second slice.

Thoughtful stems, local charm: Whether it’s a just-because bouquet or a big moment, Roberts Floral & Gift channels that lived-in Bismarck feel with hand-arranged stems, plants, and thoughtful extras. The result freshens any home and brightens someone else’s week. With easy delivery, saying “thinking of you” feels simple.

Build your grip game: Four Star Ninja Academy turns midweek into playtime with climbable rigs, swinging obstacles, and enough upper-body fun to make tomorrow’s stairs memorable. Scratch that climbing itch, cross-train, or let the kids go full Spider-person, no mountain required.

These aren’t ads or sponsored placements, just some cool nearby spots we think are worth a visit.

🫶 We got your back

Your data is for sale right now: There are over 400 websites selling your info to marketers, political campaigns, and scammers. They’ve got your phone number, home address, relatives’ names… you name it. That’s how robocallers seem to know everything about you before you pick up. You can remove your info one site at a time, or pay a service to do it for you. Here’s what we recommend →

Why your last diet didn’t work: Sustained weight loss is nearly impossible with diet alone. Your body literally fights back by making you hungrier the moment you start restricting calories. That’s why more doctors are recommending GLP-1s. The best part? Getting them has never been easier. We compared three programs to help you find the right fit. See which ones stood out →

What doctors wish every 65+ adult had at home: Physicians call it “long-lie,” and it’s the real reason falls are so dangerous for older adults. It’s not a broken bone… it’s lying on the floor for hours waiting for someone to notice. We dug into the options that actually solve this problem, and one stood out. See which one →

Thinning hair? It only gets worse: A few months ago, I noticed my ponytail getting thinner. I tried the usual stuff (biotin, shampoo, etc.) but mostly just hoped it would fix itself… until I learned that active follicles can permanently go dormant if you don’t do something about it. The good news? You can get treatment that actually works with no office visits or trips to the pharmacy. Check out my favorite online options →

📆 Fun for the whole fam

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.

🥷 Meet Up @ Four Star Ninja Bismarck | Wednesday (3/11) at 1:00 PM – Let the kids climb something other than your furniture, and meet fellow homeschoolers. Every 2nd Wednesday, 4 Star Ninja Gym hosts a homeschool meetup, $5 per kid, no sign-up, all ages, caregiver on-site. Call it P.E., social time, and guaranteed naps.

🚂 Tiny Tots Ballet: The Little Engine That Could @ North Dakota Heritage Center | Friday (3/13) at 9:30 AM – If your tiny human needs a first taste of stage magic, this Tiny Tots Ballet turns The Little Engine That Could into a gentle, 3-5 friendly romp with bright costumes, a calm narrator, and big I think I can energy. Short, sweet, and nap-schedule approved.

🐰 Pictures with the Easter Bunny @ Gateway Mall | Friday (3/13) at 12:00 PM – Skip the overpriced mall setup and snag free DIY pics with the Easter Bunny, a cute backdrop, and zero hard sells. Bring the kids, the grandparents, the friend group, and your phone or camera. Bribery with jelly beans is encouraged, patience even more.

🎨 Let’s Create @ Shenanigans (Lincoln) | Saturday (3/14) at 10:00 AM – Skip the Pinterest pressure and drop into Shenanigans on Paintball Way, all ages, no registration, to pick your project, from squishy painting and crafty concrete to T-shirt coloring and 3D wood signs, priced $1 to $40. Real quality time, minimal glitter, maximum bragging rights.

🎡 Carnival Fun Fair @ Lincoln Church & Community Center | Saturday (3/14) at 1:00 PM – Bring the crew to Lincoln Church & Community Center for an old-school carnival that actually funds something useful. Play the games, snag prizes, inhale fair food, and help send LCCC youth to their summer convention. It’s wholesome chaos, with bragging rights included.

🎲 Toys, Comics, Cards & More @ Bismarck Eagles Club #2237 | Sunday (3/15) at 9:00 AM – Relive your childhood, responsibly, at a free-admission show of toys, comics, cards, and all the collectibles you promised you would stop hoarding. Star Wars, trains, sports memorabilia, 3D printed art, pickled goodies, and Grubbersputz popcorn await, so bring cash, a tote, and your willpower.

⛪ Bingo Fundraiser @ Peace Lutheran Church of Lincoln | Tuesday (3/17) at 6:00 PM – Feeling lucky, or need an excuse to snack and shout bingo? Peace Lutheran’s hosting a St. Patrick’s themed bingo night with $2 cards, a 50/50 raffle, prizes, and free-will treats, all supporting the Luther League youth, so bring cash, friends, and your lucky charm.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Bismarck report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 42°F – Low: 26°F – Precip: 14%

Mostly sunny, with a high near 42. West wind 3 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy. Low around 26, with temperatures rising to around 28 overnight. Southwest wind 6 to 9 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 48°F – Low: 19°F – Precip: 81%

Snow likely between 7am and 10am, then rain and snow. Cloudy, with a high near 48. Southwest wind 6 to 28 mph, with gusts as high as 46 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible. Later: Rain and snow before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 19. Northwest wind 9 to 33 mph, with gusts as high as 46 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.

This house is wild

Just like new in NW Bismarck, this stylish two-story offers rare privacy with no direct neighbors and a layout set for easy entertaining. A chef’s kitchen with large pantry pairs with a private office. Upstairs includes three bedrooms, a primary suite and laundry. A walk-out basement adds flex space, and a heated 4-stall garage features epoxy floors and hot/cold water.

Take a peek inside →