Happy weekend, Bismarck! In today’s happening-today edition: Pool overhaul approval, Britta Curl-Salemme Day, and breakfast at the zoo + events worth checking out today & tomorrow.
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01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
A hometown honor: Bismarck and Mayor Michael Schmitz proclaimed Thursday, June 18, Britta Curl-Salemme Day, issuing a city proclamation in her honor and marking a special day of recognition in the capital city -- see the city proclamation.
Pool overhaul gets approval: Bismarck Park Board approved a nearly $960,000 upgrade at Wachter Wave Pool. Work will start after 2026 pool season and finish before 2027 season, replacing filtration, electrical, and wave-making systems -- see the pool upgrade details.
Expanding nursing opportunities: NDSU and Dickinson State University entered a partnership letting DSU nursing students pursue NDSU’s Family Nurse Practitioner training locally, with class connections in Bismarck and Fargo to boost rural care -- explore the nursing partnership.
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Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest -- this one's $150 off right now.* Highlights this week: |
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03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Weeknight fajita fix: Charras | Bismarck is that reliable local move when you’re craving big-flavor comfort, from sizzling fajitas and chimichangas to quesabirrias and carnitas. Scoot over with friends, order a spread, and let the vibe do the rest... your midweek brain deserves this kind of edible vacation.
Quick nature fix: If this week needs a breather, Eagles Park delivers mellow vibes, shady spots, a kid-friendly playground, and just enough room to reset without leaving Bismarck. Pack a simple picnic, watch the sky do its thing, and call it a win.
Rainy-day swing fix: Whether the wind's howling or you just need reps, Fore Seasons Center has Toptracer bays, an indoor putting surface, batting cages, and turf fields so you can sneak in practice without braving the elements. Grab a buddy, chase a personal best, then brag accordingly.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Around town today & tomorrowOur favorite events going on the rest of this weekend. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🦁 Breakfast at the Zoo @ Dakota Zoo | Saturday (6/20) at 8:00 AM – Morning at Dakota Zoo means pancakes with a side of feathered and furry commentary, and animals that are suspiciously more awake than we are. Eggs, pancakes, bacon, sausage, coffee, and juice served generously; members $10 adults, $5 kids, non-members $20 adults, $15 kids, admission included.
🪚 ND Country Fest DIY Glass Etching Barware & Wood Project @ Board & Brush | Saturday (6/20) at 5:00 PM – DIY night with ND Country Fest means etching your beer pilsner or wine glass, then building a trivet with the NDCF logo. They bring materials and guidance, you pick stain, paint, and personalization, and yes, Board & Brush is BYOB, because creativity needs a sip.
🧘 Summer Solstice Ceremony & Sound Bath Meditation @ The Collectives Space | Saturday (6/20) at 7:00 PM – Nothing beats a summer solstice reset, a guided ceremony and sound bath with Amber Rose Duff at The Sacred Grove, surprise craft included. Think singing bowls, intentions, and small-town serenity, with only 10 spots and a sensible $33 price.
🎉 Summer Reading Celebration Party @ Barnes & Noble | Saturday (6/20) – The biggest party of the summer is the one with books, crafts, and that glorious glue stick smell. Young readers are the VIPs, parents and guardians are the entourage, and the soundtrack is pages turning, crayons squeaking, and small humans claiming victory.
🚗 Rca Annual Car Show @ Bismarck/Mandan Elks Lodge #1199 | Sunday (6/21) at 11:00 AM – Classic cars, shiny nostalgia, and the soft hum of bragging rights. The RCA Annual Car Show welcomes every vintage beauty, with a dash plaque for the first 130 to register. Expect chrome, tall tales, and lawn chairs arranged like a pit crew.
🚂 Father’s Day at the Railroad Museum @ North Dakota State Railroad Museum (Mandan) | Sunday (6/21) at 1:00 PM – Let Dad relive his glory days of model trains at the Railroad Museum for Father’s Day. The kids ride the Soo Line Mini Train, admission is free, donations appreciated, and you get wholesome chaos, photo ops, and a guaranteed nap later.
🍳 Cooking Class - Vegetable Side Dishes / Bibimbob @ Noodlezip | Sunday (6/21) at 2:30 PM – Whether you’re a kimchi devotee or just bored of another sad salad, this hands-on class shows you easy Korean-style veggie sides and a proper bibimbap. Pick one recipe or tackle two, $60 or $80, then reap bragging rights, fuller bellies, and fewer takeout nights. Live music & entertainment:
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — The Bismarck report Weather forecastToday — High: 75°F — Low: 54°F — Precip: 0% Sunny, with a high near 75. Southeast wind 0 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. East wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 69°F — Low: 50°F — Precip: 35% A chance of rain showers after 7am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 69. East wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Later: A chance of rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. Southeast wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. This house is wildThis JE Builder ranch-style walkout pairs polished craftsmanship with easy everyday comfort. Soaring vaulted ceilings, oversized windows, and a fireplace anchor the airy great room, while the quartz-topped kitchen brings custom cabinetry, under-cabinet lighting, and a roomy pantry. Three main-floor bedrooms include a serene primary suite, and the oversized 3-stall garage adds serious practicality.
Take a peek inside → | | |