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Happy weekend, Bismarck!
In today’s happening-today edition: USDA buying farm goods, leprechaun gold riddle hunt, and indoor car show + events worth checking out today & tomorrow.
Today’s sponsor (Money.com) built a free comparison tool that helped me cut my car insurance premiums in half. It took about 3 minutes, and honestly… I wish I’d done it sooner. If you haven’t shopped around in a while, you can easily check the best rates here.
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📰 In the news
Aid for farms and families: USDA plans to buy up to $263 million in farm goods for food banks and nutrition programs, potentially helping North Dakota producers, including butter, cheese, milk, beans, lentils, and nuts — see the full purchase list.
What hunters need this season: North Dakota’s spring light goose conservation order is now open through May 10, and Bismarck-area hunters must carry a valid combination license along with an electronic waterfowl restoration stamp — get dates and requirements.
Grid reliability boost ahead: North Dakota’s Public Service Commission approved a 100 megawatt battery storage project near Columbus in Burke County, the state’s second site. Commissioners asked for clearer fire and toxin risk details — see what commissioners asked.
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.
Someone Googled you this week: Whether you’re dating again, selling something locally, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up. Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are.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 all that up – learn more here.
Highlights this week:
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🚗 Are you quietly overpaying for car insurance?
Together with our sponsor Money.com
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I learned that the hard way. I had the same policy for half a decade. Autopay was on, I saw the charges come in every month and never thought twice about them. Turns out I was paying well above the national average ($175/mo) for a single car… for years.
This free comparison tool lets you check rates from multiple insurers in just a few minutes. It costs nothing to look, and it could save you hundreds this year.
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🫶 We got your back
Quick color detour: If you’re downtown this week, wander through Art Alley 5.5, a free, open-air stretch of murals by local artists that transforms an ordinary cut-through into a mini gallery walk. Quick mood lift, no hassle, and your camera roll looks brighter, too.
Craft stash refresh time: Part thrifted treasure hunt, part hangout, Cozy Nook Crafts is Bismarck’s spot for affordable supplies, a comfy lounge to make things, and occasional workshops, plus equipment rentals when you need a tool without the commitment. Easygoing, budget-friendly, and idea-sparking without the pressure.
Tap into sunshine: Laughing Sun Brewing Co.lifts Bismarck spirits with a rotating tap list spanning crisp, hoppy, and delightfully odd, paired with live music and easygoing community vibes. It’s the kind of place where “one beer” becomes a punchline, and your week finds a brighter groove.
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.
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📆 Around town today & tomorrow
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.
🏷 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.
🚗 2026 El Zagal Dusters Indoor Car Show @ Bismarck Event Center | Saturday (3/7) at 9:00 AM – If your hobby is judging chrome and swapping stories, count on the El Zagal Dusters indoor car show at the Bismarck Event Center. Classic rides, custom builds, vendors, valve cover races, and kid-friendly fun, all indoors so your boots stay clean, benefiting the Shriners.
🏆 NDLS Cornhole Tournament Fundraiser @ Send It 24/7 Cornhole (Mandan) | Saturday (3/7) at 11:30 AM – If you’ve been waiting for a sign to toss bags, call it exercise, and support NDLS, the second annual cornhole fundraiser at Send It 24/7 in Mandan is it. Twenty-five bucks gets you competition, a silent auction, NDLS swag, and bragging rights.
🐮 Fantastic Farm Animals Camp @ Dakota Zoo | Saturday (3/7) at 1:00 PM – Whether your little critter is 3 to 4 or a big 5 to 7, Dakota Zoo’s farm camp gets them nose to snout with goats, pigs, and personalities. They’ll learn favorite treats, catch a special keeper presentation, and come home gloriously dusty, happy, and tired.
🎳 10th Annual Spare Trafficking Bowling Fundraiser @ Midway Lanes (Mandan) | 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.
🎨 Let’s Create! @ Shenanigans | Saturday (3/7) at 4:00 PM – If you’ve been waiting for a sign to get messy, here it is. All ages pick a project at Shenanigans on Paintball Way, from painting squishies and concrete to stuffing plush, coloring tees, or 3D wood signs, $1 to $40, no registration, just quality time.
🎣 IF4 @ Dakota Stage | Saturday (3/7) at 7:00 PM – Swap cabin fever for big-screen rivers at Dakota Stage as IF4 brings a night of fly fishing films, camaraderie, and daydreams of open water. Bring a river buddy, dry wit, and a willingness to gamble on tickets at the door, unless you buy ahead.
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: 54°F – Low: 38°F – Precip: 4%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 54. Southwest wind 6 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. West wind 10 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 69°F – Low: 29°F – Precip: 2%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 69. West wind 9 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 29. West wind 9 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph.
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This house is wild
Set on 1.85 acres in east Bismarck, this updated 6-bed, 3-bath shines with a bright modern palette, black and gold accents, a striking island, dual ovens, and skylights. A finished lower level adds a gas fireplace family room and four bedrooms. Outdoor perks include a 24×40 shop, deck and enclosed porch, fruit trees and grape vines, plus a backup generator.
Take a peek inside →
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