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Hey Bismarck, hope your week’s off to a good start!

In today’s wallet-friendly edition: Major road upgrades planned, an early tick surge predicted, and a wild estate with jaw-dropping extras + lots of fun things to do for free.

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

Major road upgrades planned: NDDOT is funding 103 transportation projects statewide through a $119 million Flex Fund, including bridgework in Bismarck, pavement in Minot, and reconstruction in Dickinson, aiming to cut long-term costs — get all the details.

Bug Barometer predicts surge: Warmer spring temperatures could bring an early tick season to Bismarck, with more flies and cockroaches. Experts urge sealing cracks and booking preventive home inspections early this spring — see how to prepare early.

Midweek live music takeover: Anonymous Phenomenon is lighting up 510.2 Speakeasy on Wednesday nights with new vocalist Maisa Martel. Expect dress-up vibes, cocktails, and songs spanning classics to contemporary in downtown Bismarck — get all the details.

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:

• Plan final wishes over a meal
• Test your knowledge at free trivia
• Explore dental implants with Dr. Hoerner
• Save on self-care during the CVS Epic Beauty Sale

🏆 Gold and silver are heating up

Together with our sponsor American Hartford Gold

Gold just posted its strongest run in decades… and the momentum is carrying into 2026. Silver has become one of the most talked-about assets as investors look for ways to stay ahead of market volatility.

While many are still sitting on the sidelines, others are quietly repositioning.

If you’re wondering whether you’re missing something, AHG has a free guide explaining what’s driving the renewed interest… and how investors are approaching precious metals right now.

It’s free and worth reading before the next move.

🫶 We got your back

Weeknight pasta fix: At Anima Cucina, days feel like a cozy café, nights lean into wine and twirl-worthy plates. Fresh pasta leads the way: bucatini cacio e pepe, pillowy ricotta gnocchi, rich bolognese. An easy, flavorful lift for your weeknight routine.

Closet refresh, good deed: At Seeds of Hope, every “how did I miss this?” score at the thrift-and-gift shop helps fund the Abused Adult Resource Center. Browse clothing, collectibles, and surprises, and let your cart and conscience share a satisfied nod, style upgraded, impact made.

Chill without the shivers: Curious about cryo but not the chamber chill? At Eden Med Spa, targeted cryotherapy body sculpting feels approachable, helping reduce inflammation and nudge stubborn spots. It’s a quick, local reset that fits into your week.

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. Learn more about my favorite online options here.

📆 Free events worth checking out

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.

📖 Reader’s Voice Book Discussion @ Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library | Tuesday (3/3) at 7:00 PM – Join the book banter in the library’s Missouri River Room on first Tuesday evenings, September to May, with a little hibernation in January. It’s free, everyone’s welcome, books are ready to check out, and yes, lively opinions pair well with comfy chairs.

🎶 Music Bingo @ The Elbow Room | Tuesday (3/3) at 7:00 PM – At The Elbow Room, it is free Music Bingo with sing-alongs you actually know, and yes, harmonizing counts. Round up your crew, grab happy hour before the cards, dab through Bar Bingo, then stay for karaoke, where dignity, rhythm, and inside voices are optional.

🦁 Zoo Animal Encounters Story Time @ Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library | Thursday (3/5) at 3:30 PM – A rare library hour where wiggling is encouraged, and there might be whiskers involved. Miss Tiffany and the Dakota Zoo crew lead stories, songs, and a real animal meet and greet at the Bismarck library’s Children’s Room, free for infants through elementary, chaperones welcome.

🎤 Lila Bea @ Laughing Sun Brewing | Thursday (3/5) at 7:00 PM – North Dakota’s own Lila Bea brings country ballads with a classic rock edge to Laughing Sun Brewing. Think her Nashville single Red Wine Stains, honest lyrics about life’s beautiful mess, a voice that plays well with a pint, and no cover for once.

🖼 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.

☕ Coffee and Caching @ Classic Rock Coffee and Kitchen | Saturday (3/7) at 9:00 AM – Monthly Coffee and Caching with the Bis-Man crew means coffee, coordinates, and the usual suspects. They take over a local coffee shop, swap trackables, tell tall tales, teach curious muggles the ropes, and plot new hides. GeoKids welcome, no purchase required, caffeine encouraged.

🍫 Little Kids, Big World: Cocoa Craft @ North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum | Saturday (3/7) at 10:15 AM – Warm up at the Heritage Center with a free, 30-minute cocoa craft where toddlers make paper-cup hot chocolate, score fridge-worthy art, and sneak in a dash of North Dakota history. Meet at west entrance desk, and if you miss it Saturday, the topic repeats Monday.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🔥 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.

• Industry-leading home warranty protection ($150 off right now)
• 62+? See how much tax-free cash your home could unlock → free calculator
• This free tool helps connect you with the right financial advisor
• Got debt? You may be able to pay less than you owe
• Protect your pet from disaster with this pet insurance plan
• You can own physical gold and silver in your retirement account

📻 Bismarck report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 46°F – Low: 29°F – Precip: 0%

Patchy fog before noon. Mostly sunny. High near 46, with temperatures falling to around 43 in the afternoon. West wind 2 to 6 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 29. Southeast wind around 7 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 57°F – Low: 25°F – Precip: 0%

Mostly sunny, with a high near 57. Southwest wind around 7 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25. Northeast wind around 8 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

Set on 40 acres minutes from town, this estate pairs elegance with function. A chandelier-crowned dual staircase and travertine foyer flow to a sunken living room and a kitchen with twin islands, cherry cabinetry, and double ovens. Highlights include a primary suite with a two-sided fireplace and hydrotherapy tub, a 7.1 Dolby theater, and heated three-car attached and detached garages.

Take a peek inside →