Tickets are available to purchase for the 2026 Bismarck Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast. This year’s event is set for May 20 at the Bismarck Radisson Hotel.

Single ticket and half- and full-table ticket options are available for purchase. Single tickets are $25, with half tables going for $250 and full tables for $500. Money raised from this event supports Crisis Care Chaplaincy (CCC).

“In times of significant need, people need more than simply resources. They need hope, compassion and someone to support them,” said Bismarck Mayor Mike Schmitz. “Crisis Care Chaplaincy provides that vital presence, offering comfort and guidance when life feels overwhelming. Their work reminds us that true community is built not only on services, but on the human connection that restores dignity and peace.” 

This year’s event speaker is Kathleen Boyle Wrigley. Wrigley is a passionate leader with over 25 years of experience in counseling, education, writing, and public service. A school counselor and adjunct professor, Kathleen inspires audiences through authentic storytelling rooted in faith, resilience, and hope. She is the author of the children’s book Officer Danny and the Kindness Patrol and a longtime columnist for On the Minds of Moms. Her life’s work reflects a commitment to empowering families, fostering kindness, and strengthening communities through grace and grit.

Kathleen’s journey includes overcoming profound personal challenges, including surviving two brain aneurysm surgeries and turning adversity into advocacy. She has served in roles that champion victims’ rights, promote mental wellness, and encourage faith-based values. Whether speaking to large audiences or counseling children one-on-one, Kathleen brings a message of courage, compassion, and purpose—reminding us that even in life’s hardest seasons, hope and kindness can prevail. 

“Kathleen embodies the very spirit of resilience, faith and compassion that our community needs to hear,” said CCC Chaplain Greg Carr. “Her life story, marked by meeting adversity and serving others with grace, aligns perfectly with the mission of the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast. Her words don’t just inspire, they remind us that hope and kindness can prevail in any circumstance.” 

Individuals and groups interested in attending the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast may RSVP by calling Travis Rau at 701-355-1894 by Monday, May 11, or register online through Eventbrite. 

On the day of the event, doors open at 7 AM and the prayer breakfast will run from 7:15 to 8:30 AM. Bismarck’s Radisson Hotel is located at 605 East Broadway Avenue. 

Crisis Care Chaplaincy is designed to support first responders and the individuals they serve who may be facing a personal crisis. Chaplains are available 24 hours a day at the request of partner agencies to help the members, their families and others in times of illness, injury, sorrow, stress and tension. The organization assists with death notifications, unattended deaths, suicides, house fires, natural disasters car accidents and incarceration in the detention center. More information is available online.

Bismarck Mayor Mike Schmitz is issuing a challenge to Bismarck third and seventh graders to find ways to improve Bismarck through the North Dakota League of Cities (NDLC) annual “If I Were Mayor” essay contest.

Each spring the NDLC hosts the essay contest for public, private and homeschooled students. Essays must be the student’s original work and are limited to one page, with one entry per student allowed. Originality and creativity will be considered when determining the winner for each grade in this statewide competition.

Essays must answer three questions: 

• Why is your city great? 
• What makes it special? 
• What would you do to improve your city if you were mayor? 

“Bismarck offers individuals and families an incredible quality of life—something we hear time and again from residents, visitors, and new families who choose to call our community home,” said Schmitz. “Yet, there is always more we can achieve and more opportunities ahead. This contest invites students to imagine what’s possible, to think creatively about public service and leadership, and to see how their ideas can shape the future of our city.”

Students may submit essays individually or through their classroom teacher. Submissions may be uploaded, emailed or mailed with a postmark by March 13, 2026. An online form is available to upload submissions.  Submissions may be emailed or mailed to NDLC, 410 E Front Ave., Bismarck, ND 58504. Emailed and mailed submissions must include a completed form available for download at the NDLC site.

Essay winners will be announced during City Government Week (April 6-10, 2026).  Each winner will receive a $150 prize from NDLC and the winning essays are published in NDLC’s CITYScan magazine.

Spring load restrictions will be placed on City of Bismarck streets and alleys effective on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 7:00 AM.

Some weight limit signs may be installed early, but will not go into effect until Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 7:00 AM.

Contractors/truckers should consider moving overweight loads before load restrictions are in place.

Restrictions will be lifted when roadbeds have stabilized enough to carry normal loads.

The updated 2026 load restriction map will be available on the City of Bismarck website at http://www.bismarcknd.gov/302/Load-Permits-Restrictions-Truck-Routes .

If you have any questions, please contact the City of Bismarck Engineering Department at 355-1505.

River Road is planned to be closed near the railroad bridge starting Monday, February 23, 2026 and lasting about two weeks. The purpose of the closure is for preparation work and overhead beam installation for the new railroad bridge. An official detour route will not be provided. However, depending on where you’re trying to get, Burnt Boat Drive and Fraine Barracks Road can be used as detour routes.

To see a status map of active road construction projects within Bismarck, visit https://bismarck.maps.arcgis.com/apps/mapviewer/index.html?webmap=c5057d147641489fa6c94e1b3d3b95e6

February 19, 2026

MEDIA ADVISORY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library Receives $10,000 Gift from Carnegie Corporation of New York

WHAT:

Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library (BVMPL) received a $10,000 gift from Carnegie Corporation of New York, the foundation established by Andrew Carnegie. The award is part of Carnegie Libraries 250, a special initiative celebrating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and honoring the roughly 1,280 Carnegie Libraries still serving their communities across the United States.

Scottish immigrant Andrew Carnegie funded the construction of 1,681 free public libraries nationwide between 1886 and 1917. Approximately 750 of them continue to use their original buildings, while others have moved to new locations. BVMPL is one of eight Carnegie Public Libraries in North Dakota built through this historic program. 

“Our library was founded in 1917 thanks to funding from the Carnegie Corporation. We take pride in having this historical connection and are grateful to be part of this generous grant initiative over a century later,” said Library Director Christine Kujawa. 

“Our founder, Andrew Carnegie, who championed the free public library movement of the late 19th century, described libraries as ‘cradles of democracy’ that ‘strengthen the democratic idea, the equality of the citizen, and the royalty of man,’” said Dame Louise Richardson, president of Carnegie and former head of the University of Oxford. “We still believe this and are delighted to celebrate our connection to the libraries he founded.” 

BVMPL received the gift in February 2026 and will use the unrestricted funds to further their mission and serve the community. 

PHOTO:

Carnegie Library Exterior, 6th Street and Thayer Avenue, 1917

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:

Christine Kujawa, Library DirectorBismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library515 North Fifth Street, Bismarck, ND 58501 USA

MEDIA KIT:    bismarcklibrary.org/2221/For-the-Media

SOCIAL MEDIA:    facebook.com/bismarcklibrary/

SENT BY:Kevin R. Tengesdal, Public Information SpecialistBismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library

October 10, 2025

MEDIA ADVISORY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library Receives 2024 Future-Focused Recognition

WHAT:

The Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library (BVMPL) has once again been recognized for excellence in library service, receiving the 2024 Future-Focused recognition through the North Dakota Library Coordinating Council and the North Dakota State Library. The honor was announced during the 2025 NDLA/SDLA/MPLA Tri-Conference in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

To earn the Future-Focused designation, libraries must meet all criteria at the Developing, Excelling, and Future-Focused service levels, with increasing expectations across areas such as programs, community outreach, local support, policy development, budgeting, and professional standards.

BVMPL is one of four, among the 84 public libraries statewide, to receive this distinction and has earned the recognition multiple times, reflecting its ongoing commitment to innovation, accessibility, and community engagement.

“This recognition highlights our library’s dedication to providing exceptional service and fostering lifelong learning for all,” said Christine Kujawa, Library Director. “We’re honored to be recognized among North Dakota’s leading public libraries.”

WHO:

Pictured (L to R): ND State Librarian Mary Soucie and BVMPL Director Christine Kujawa - Grand Forks, ND - 2025 NDLA/SDLA/MPLA Tri-Conference

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:

Christine Kujawa, Library DirectorBismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library515 North Fifth Street, Bismarck, ND 58501 USA

MEDIA KIT:    bismarcklibrary.org/2221/For-the-Media

SOCIAL MEDIA:    facebook.com/bismarcklibrary/

SENT BY:Kevin R. Tengesdal, Public Information SpecialistBismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library

June 04, 2025

MEDIA ADVISORY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library Offers Radon Detectors

WHAT:

In a significant partnership with the UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences and the American Cancer Society, Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library has added digital radon detector kits to its “library of things,” available for 14-day checkout. This new offering, backed by these reputable organizations, helps residents identify and respond to elevated radon levels in their homes.

Radon, an invisible, odorless radioactive gas, is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. In North Dakota, where two in three homes exceed the EPA’s recommended levels, the prevalence of radon is a serious concern. Winter, when homes are sealed tightly, is the ideal time to test.

Each kit includes instructions for proper use, allowing patrons to monitor their homes safely. If readings exceed 4 pCi/L, which is the EPA’s recommended action level, remediation is recommended. For more information, visit www.epa.gov/radon or deq.nd.gov/wm/radon.

WHERE:

Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library Checkout Desk

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:

MATT HOVLAND, HEAD OF CIRCULATION SERVICESBismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library515 North Fifth Street, Bismarck, ND 58501 USA

MEDIA KIT:    bismarcklibrary.org/2221/For-the-Media

SOCIAL MEDIA:    facebook.com/bismarcklibrary/

SENT BY:Kevin R. Tengesdal, Public Information SpecialistBismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library

Katie Petrou has worked for the City of Bismarck for more than five years as a Senior Accountant, after being hired in September 2020. Her primary responsibilities are working with special assessments, maintaining the City's capital asset records, the annual financial statement and audit preparation, and assisting with the annual budget preparation. Katie serves as the Finance Department's liaison to the City's Engineering, Legal and Public Health departments. 

She always maintains a positive, can do attitude and seeks new challenges and training opportunities to obtain more knowledge and understanding in order to produce a better overall work product. She is noted to be always willing to provide support and use her knowledge of City of Bismarck processes to help solve issues for the public, City departments, and office peers. 

"Katie has proven time after time to be an integral part of the City of Bismarck Fiscal Services team by consistently providing positive interactions to our citizens and other City employees," said Bismarck Comptroller Eric Lund. "She genuinely cares about the people she works with and the quality of her work." 

The Bismarck-Mandan Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) request proposals from qualified consultants for the 2026 Transit Development Plan. 

Qualifications based selection criteria will be used to analyze technical proposals and interviews from responding consultants. The MPO reserves the right to reject any or all proposals. This project has a not to exceed budget of $180,000.

Interested firms should contact, Paulette Jacobsen, Transit Planner, at the Bismarck-Mandan MPO, 221 N 5th Street P.O. Box 5503, Bismarck ND 58506. Contact can also be made via phone 701.355.1473 or by emailing the contact information in the TDP RFP. 

All proposals received by 5:00 PM (Central Time) on Monday, March 16, 2026, will be given consideration for an interview. The Bismarck-Mandan MPO reserves the right to limit the interviews to a maximum of five (5) firms whose proposals most clearly meet the RFP requirements. Firms will be notified in writing or by phone of shortlist results. Successful candidates will receive date, time and location information for the interviews.

It is the responsibility of the consultant to ensure all required elements of the proposal are submitted. Proposals missing required elements will be rejected and consultants will be denied interviews.

Respondents must submit one (1) electronic copy of the proposal. The full length of the proposal shall be no more than eight (8) pages. Appendix material is not counted toward the eight (8) page limit. Submittals must be received no later than 5:00 PM (Central Time) Monday, March 16, 2026.

The Bismarck-Mandan Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is looking for a candidate interested in serving on the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC).  The MPO is seeking a candidate able to represent the interests of the Freight community within the Metro-area.  Anyone residing in the Bismarck-Mandan MPO area is eligible for this appointment.

The MPO Technical Advisory Committee is a 14- member advisory board to the MPO Policy Board.  The TAC includes planning and engineering representatives from Burleigh County, Morton County, Bismarck, Lincoln and Mandan, as well as the North Dakota Department of Transportation - Bismarck District, North Dakota Department of Transportation – Planning and Programming Division, Bis-Man Transit, and MPO Staff.  The TAC Board hears and provides guidance on MPO office work products.  This includes data acquisitions and transportation planning studies that address transportation issues within the region as well as requirements of the state or federal government.  Members provide perspective based upon their own areas of expertise and no prior transportation planning, land-use planning, or engineering experience is required. TAC currently meets once every month on the second or third Monday at 10:00 a.m.  The meetings are held at the City-County Office Building, 221 N 5^th Street, Bismarck for half of the year, and at the Mandan City Hall, 205 2^nd Ave NW, Mandan for half of the year.  Remote attendance via Zoom is also an option.             

Interested applications should complete a brief application form describing their qualifications, background with the Freight community, and why they would like to serve on the TAC Board.  The application forms may be found on the MPO website at: application form, picked up in our office or mailed to you by request. Complete applications should be sent to:  Kim Riepl, MPO Executive Director Bismarck-Mandan Metropolitan Planning Organization, P.O. Box 5503, Bismarck, ND 58506-5503. 

Additional information may be obtained by visiting the MPO’s website or contacting our office at 701-355-1840.  This position will remain open until the position is filled. 

The City of Bismarck Planning Department will hold two community input opportunities in March and April for the adoption of a new Land Development Code. A complete draft of the code will be available for public review and input.

In the fall of 2024, the City of Bismarck launched an effort to overhaul Title 14, the City’s current zoning code regulations, to create a Land Development Code (LDC). The LDC is the set of regulations that guide how development should occur in the community. 

In an effort to spread awareness of the project and gather input from community residents, city staff and their consultants have attended several community events and held several engagement opportunities including the Coffee with a Planner events in October and November 2025. “We want to make it easier for people to share their thoughts on this project by providing as many opportunities for discussion as possible,” said Planning Director Daniel Nairn. 

To keep the community dialogue going for this project, Planning Department staff will be holding two evening open house-style input opportunities March 11 and April 15. These meetings will be held prior to the formal public hearing with the Bismarck Planning and Zoning Commission to allow a more informal and interactive setting. 

The Land Development Code includes standards for zoning, subdivision of land, parking, landscaping, outdoor lighting, land preservation, downtown design, and many other topics that will influence how the City grows and develops in the future.

March 11, 2026

• Bismarck Public Works, 601 S. 26^th Street in the Waterworks West Conference Room/Landfill East Conference Room
• 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.

April 15, 2026

• Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library, 515 N. 5^th Street in Meeting Room A
• 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.

“This project is a once-in-a generation opportunity,” said Nairn. “We want to make sure it reflects our community priorities both now and for in the future.”

Questions or comments regarding this project may be directed to the Planning Department at 701-355-1840 or by email.

BISMARCK, N.D. – A suspect is in custody in connection with the fatal stabbing of John Leier on Friday.

Erian Fox, 25, was arrested on Friday, January 30, 2026, shortly after officers responded to a call for service in the 1000 block of Porter Avenue. She was initially transported to the Burleigh Morton Detention Center and held on charges of ingestion and tampering with evidence.

Following further investigation, Fox was identified as the suspect in the homicide. Her charges have since been upgraded to Class AA Felony Murder. 

Bismarck Police investigators have identified and interviewed the person of interest that was pictured in the original release. Currently, no additional suspects are being sought.

(Original Release Information)

At approximately 8:00 p.m., officers were dispatched to an apartment in the 1000 block of Porter Avenue for a report of a possible stabbing. Officers located John Leier inside the residence with a stab wound to the chest. Officers immediately rendered medical aid until emergency medical services arrived. Leier was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

Investigators reviewed video surveillance that shows two women leaving the apartment following the stabbing. One of the women has been located. The second woman is believed to be 5’2” to 5’8” tall, small in stature, wearing faded jeans, patterned sweater, hooded jacket, scarf and boots. She is considered a person of interest and is being sought for questioning as the investigation continues.

The investigation remains active and ongoing. Investigators believe this was a targeted incident, and at this time there is no indication of a continued threat to the general public. However, police have not ruled out the involvement of any persons of interest.

Anyone with information related to this incident, the identity of the person of interest, or who may have video surveillance from the area of the 1000 block of Porter Avenue or surrounding travel routes, is asked to contact the Bismarck Police Department at 223-1212. Tips can also be submitted anonymously by downloading the Bismarck Police Department app, or texting BISPD and your tip to 847411.

Media and the public will be updated as additional information becomes available.

###

A 43-year-old Bismarck woman was arrested late Tuesday night following a four-hour standoff after she allegedly stabbed her boyfriend.

At approximately 7:30 p.m., Bismarck Police officers responded to the area of 300 West Front Avenue for a report of a man walking in the area with a significant amount of blood on his clothing. Officers contacted the man, who stated he had been stabbed in the left shoulder/chest area by his girlfriend, identified as Shannon Gresham of Bismarck.

The man was transported to a local hospital for treatment and is expected to make a full recovery.

Officers responded to Gresham’s residence in the 400 block of Memorial Highway, where she refused to exit the apartment and was observed displaying a knife. The West Dakota SWAT team was activated and responded to the scene.

Despite numerous commands for Gresham to surrender, she refused to comply. After an arrest warrant was obtained, SWAT officers breached the front door and deployed a chemical irritant. Gresham continued to refuse to exit the apartment, and the SWAT team subsequently made entry and took her into custody at approximately 11:40 p.m.

Throughout the incident, officers and SWAT team members operated in under 30-below-zero windchill temperatures, maintaining containment and scene safety for several hours until the situation was resolved.

Gresham was transported to the Burleigh Morton Detention Center, where she was booked on charges of Aggravated Assault and Preventing Arrest.

The City of Bismarck’s Street Division will begin conducting crack sealing on a variety of roads and streets throughout the city starting Thursday, March 5, weather permitting. This maintenance effort is expected to continue for several weeks.

Crack sealing is a routine, preventative maintenance process that helps extend the life of pavement by preventing moisture from entering and damaging the roadway. Crews will move through designated as conditions allow. Work locations may change based on weather, equipment and project progression.

Drivers are asked to use caution when traveling in work zones. Follow posted signs, be alert for workers and equipment, and be aware that temporary lane closures or brief traffic delays may occur in active work areas.

The City of Bismarck appreciates the public’s patience as crews complete this important preventative maintenance work.

For more information, contact the City of Bismarck Street Division at 701-355-1700.