BIG RIG

02/01/2025

Mayor Mike Schmitz is encouraging Bismarck’s third and seventh graders to share what makes the city great and what improvements they would like to see as part of the annual ‘If I Were Mayor’ contest.
The essay contest is conducted each year by the North Dakota League of Cities (NDLC). Each spring the organization challenges area youth to think about public service and community leadership. Each grade is judged separately.
“A sense of civic leadership is critical to ensuring a strong future for our community,” said Schmitz. “I believe this essay contest is a powerful way for Bismarck’s youth to analyze their own community, see what they like, and find ways to make their hometown better. I encourage every third and seventh grader to evaluate their hometown and look for ways we can make Bismarck better, together.”
Essay entries must be emailed or postmarked no later than March 14, 2025. Essay winners will be announced in conjunction with City Government Week in April. The winning individuals will receive a $150 cash prize and have their essays featured in CITYScan, the NDLC’s monthly magazine.
For more information about contest rules and the process of submitting essays, visit www.ndlc.org/161/If-I-Were-Mayor-Essay-Contest or contact Jennifer at 701-223-3518 or [email protected].

01/28/2025

The City of Mandan will host a public input meeting on Monday, Feb. 3 from 5 to 7 p.m. to discuss proposed improvements to downtown streets and avenues in Mandan.

The meeting will be held in the Community Room at Morton Mandan Public Library, 609 W Main St. The meeting will be an open house format with a formal presentation at 5:30 p.m.

The project consists of roadway and sidewalk reconstruction on First Street NW from Sixth Ave NW to Fourth Ave NW and extending one block north on Fifth Ave NW and one block north and south on Fourth Ave NW. Improvements include Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) upgrades, storm sewer, water main replacement, curb and gutter, lighting, and landscape and streetscape improvements.

Representatives from the City of Mandan and KLJ Engineering will be on hand to answer questions and discuss concerns.

A pre-recorded presentation and other materials will be available on the City’s website at www.cityofmandan.com/roadprojects.

If unable to attend the meeting, written comments must be postmarked or emailed by Feb. 18 with “Public Input Meeting” in the letter heading or e-mail subject. Send all comments to Brad Krogstad, KLJ Engineering 400 E Broadway Ave., Suite 600 Bismarck, ND 58501 or email [email protected].

The City of Mandan will consider every request for reasonable accommodation to provide an accessible meeting facility or other accommodation for people with disabilities. Language interpretation and translation services will be available upon request for this meeting. To request accommodations, contact City of Mandan, ADA Coordinator, HR Department, City of Mandan, 205 2nd Avenue NW, Mandan, ND 58554, at 701-667-3217 or [email protected].

01/15/2025

It’s Time to Celebrate Winter with Bismarck’s Annual Flurry Fest

Bismarck, N.D. – Did you know the great outdoors might just be the ultimate pick-me-up? Studies show that fresh air and outdoor fun can melt away stress and anxiety, keeping you happy and healthy. That’s why Bismarck Parks and Recreation District (BPRD) is turning February into a winter wonderland of fun with Flurry Fest! Get ready for a month packed with free and budget-friendly activities for all ages.

Some outdoor highlights this year include:

Feb. 1: Kicksled Kickoff – Watch, learn and practice kicksledding for free with a foot-powered Scandinavian sled at Riverwood Golf Course from 1-3 p.m.

Feb. 2: S’mores Walk – Enjoy a free dog-friendly walk at General Sibley Park from 1-4 p.m. S’mores supplies and firepits are provided.

Feb. 17-21: Treasure Hunt – One Treasure Hunt clue is released at 8:15 a.m. daily for five days to lead you to a bundle of park district prizes. Find the clues on the BPRD website, BPRD page or Treasure Hunt Hotline at 222-6479.

Feb. 23: Skate with the Bobcats – Enjoy some free outdoor ice skating from 3-5 p.m. with the Bobcats at Jaycee Centennial Park. Enjoy treats in the warming house.

There are a lot of great indoor activities as well, including:

Feb. 9: Super Bowl Public Skate – Wear your favorite team’s colors to this skate from 6-8 p.m. at the Capital Ice Complex. Regular skating fees apply: $5 per individual and $10 per family. Ice skate rentals are $5.

Feb. 15: Movie on Ice – It’s an ice rink and a movie theater from 3-5 p.m. at Capital Ice Complex. Skating fees are $5 per individual and $10 per family or sit in the bleachers and enjoy “Frozen 2” for free. Skate rentals are $5, and concessions will be available.

Feb. 18: Drop-In Pickleball – Play for free from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Capital Racquet & Fitness Center.

Feb. 21: Half-Price Toptracer Range Rentals – Play a virtual golf course with friends or get in some practice time from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. at Fore Seasons Center.

To see the complete schedule of all Flurry Fest activities, visit www.bisparks.org/flurry-fest-2025/. Call 701-222-6455 with questions.

01/03/2025

Sid Hardt has announced his retirement after 50+ years on the air. The Big Rig 105.9 staff wish him well in his retirement. He will be greatly missed. We thank him for everything he's done for us, and for community.

12/28/2024

New Year’s Day Holiday: Bismarck City Offices & Landfill Closed and Changes in Garbage & Recycling Collection

Bismarck City offices, the landfill, and recycling center will be closed on Wednesday, January 1st for the New Year's Day Holiday.

Monday and Tuesday routes will be collected as scheduled. Wednesday and Thursday Service Days will be delayed by one day for Garbage and Recycling. Example: Wednesday’s route will be picked up Thursday, Thursday’s route will be picked up on Friday. Garbage and recycling must be set out by 6:00 am on your collection day and crews will not return to an address where garbage or recycling was not out in time for the initial collection.

Holiday Landfill Hours of Operation:
o Monday 12/30 - 6:00 am - 4:00 pm
o Tuesday 12/31 - 6:00 am - 4:00 pm
o Wednesday 1/1 - Closed
o Thursday 1/2 through Saturday 1/4: 6:00 am - 4:00 pm

Household Hazardous Waste & Electronic Recycling Center Holiday Hours:
o Monday 12/30 - 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
o Tuesday 12/31 - 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
o Wednesday 1/1 - Closed
o Thursday 1/2 - 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

Christmas Tree Collection: December 30, 2024 to January 9, 2025
o Remove all lights, ornaments, and stands from the tree.
o Make sure the tree is not wrapped in any plastic or placed inside a plastic bag.
o Christmas trees will be picked up on the regular scheduled collection day
o Christmas trees will be picked up at the regular collection point
o Apartment Complexes should set Christmas trees on the boulevard for collection.
o Condos and Townhomes (3 or more units) should set Christmas trees on the boulevard for collection.
o A separate truck will collect the Christmas trees to be recycled.

Solid Waste Website Page

12/23/2024

Congratulations To Kevin Slagg Of Turtle Lake, North Dakota!! Winner Of The 12th Day Of Christmas Cash From BNC National Bank And The Big Rig! No Sticks Or Coal For Kevin… He’s One Happy Guy With The Extra Money Two Days Before Christmas… Merry Christmas To Kevin And All The Christmas Cash Winners Who Include: Britlyn Miller .. Steve Lippert .. Casey Brown .. Tina Vogel .. Ashley Wagner .. Jay Schauer .. Ryan Perket .. Sabrina Hlibchuck .. Deann Zaun .. Nancy Huber And Tim Bleth! From BNC National Bank And The Big Rig .. May ALL Your Christmas Be Merry And Bright – Love, Santa!!!

12/21/2024

 Christmas Holiday: Bismarck City Offices & Landfill Closed at Noon on 12/24 and Closed on 12/25
 Christmas Holiday Changes in Garbage & Recycling Collection
 Christmas Trees will be collected December 30-January 9

Bismarck City offices, the landfill, and Household Hazardous Waste & Electronics Recycling Center will be closed at noon on Tuesday, December 24th and closed all day on Wednesday, December 25th for the Christmas Holiday.

Monday routes will be collected as scheduled. On Tuesday, December 24th, Bismarck's Solid Waste Division will be sending extra garbage trucks out on to get the routes done by noon and allowing staff to enjoy the rest of that day with family. Wednesday and Thursday Service Days will be delayed by one day for Garbage and Recycling. Example: Wednesday’s route will be picked up Thursday, Thursday’s route will be picked up on Friday. Garbage and recycling must be set out by 6:00 am on your collection day and crews will not return to an address where garbage or recycling was not out in time for the initial collection.

Holiday Landfill Hours of Operation:
• Monday 12/23 - 6:00 am - 4:00 pm
• Tuesday 12/24 - 6:00 am - Noon
• Wednesday 12/25 - Closed
• Thursday 12/26 through Saturday 12/28: 6:00 am - 4:00 pm

Household Hazardous Waste & Electronic Recycling Center Holiday Hours:
• Monday 12/23 - 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
• Tuesday 12/24 - 8:00 am - Noon
• Wednesday 12/25 - Closed
• Thursday 12/26 - 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
o
Christmas Tree Collection: December 30, 2024 to January 9, 2025
• Remove all lights, ornaments, and stands from the tree.
• Make sure the tree is not wrapped in any plastic or placed inside a plastic bag.
• Christmas trees will be picked up on the regular scheduled collection day.
• Christmas trees will be picked up at the regular collection point.
• Apartment Complexes should set Christmas trees on the boulevard for collection.
• Condos and Townhomes (3 or more units) should set Christmas trees on the boulevard for collection.
• A separate truck will collect the Christmas trees to be recycled.

12/20/2024

ON THE 11TH DAY OF CHRISTMAS CASH FROM BNC NATIONAL BANK AND THE BIG RIG TIM BLETH WON $275-DOLLARS. CONGRATULATIONS TIM AND THANKS FOR LISTENING THIS MORNING! THE 12TH DAY WILL BE MONDAY SO MAKE SURE YOU LISTEN TO THE BIG RIG AROUND 8:20 IN THE MORNING AND WHEN SANTA ASKS YOU TO CALL IN DIAL 751-4262.. IF YOU ARE THE 25TH CALLER YOU WIN $300-DOLLARS IN CHRISTMAS CASH FROM BNC NATIONAL BANK. REMEMBER – ONE WINNER PER HOUSEHOLD PLEASE – MERRY CHRISTMAS !!!!!

https://soundcloud.com/big-rig-1059/tim-bleth

12/19/2024

Today We Celebrate The 10th Day Of Christmas Cash From BNC National Bank. Merry Christmas Nancy Huber – You Won $250-Dollars Christmas Cash From The Big Rig And BNC National Bank. Listen Tomorrow Morning (12/20) Around 8:20 As The 11th Day Of Christmas Cash Will Be Worth $275-Dollars. When Santa Asks You To Call In -- Call The Big Rig At 751-4262 .. The 25th Caller Will Win The $$$$$ !! Ho! Ho! Ho!

https://soundcloud.com/big-rig-1059/nancy-huber

12/17/2024

On the 8th Day Of Christmas Cash SABRINA HLIBICHUK won $200-dollars from BNC National Bank. Way to go SABRINA! Tomorrow morning around 8:20 on the Big Rig listen for Santa to ask you to call in. The 25th caller will win $225.00 in Christmas Cash from BNC National Bank and Big Rig 105.9. Merry Cashmas!!

https://soundcloud.com/big-rig-1059/sabrina-hlibichuk

12/16/2024

Merry Christmas to RYAN PERKET from BNC National Bank and the Big Rig. It’s the 7th day of the “12 Days Of Christmas Cash” and Ryan was the 25th caller when he heard Santa telling listeners to call in. Congratulations Ryan! Tomorrow is the 8th day of Christmas Cash and that means someone will win $200-dollars from BNC National Bank and Big Rig Country. Listen tomorrow morning at around 8:20 for your chance to win!

https://soundcloud.com/big-rig-1059/ryan-perket

12/13/2024

The Mandan Progress Organization’s North Dakota Santa Run takes place in downtown Mandan on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 4 p.m. A section of Main Street will be closed to accommodate the start and finish of this festive 5K event, where participants will run dressed as Santa Claus to spread holiday cheer while supporting addiction recovery programs.

Here are the details:
• Main Street Traffic will be limited at start of the race at 4 p.m. from 6th Ave NW to 10th Ave NW
• For the Duration of the afternoon, Main Street from 3rd Ave NW to 6th Ave NW will be closed from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, December 14. No Parking will be enforced on Main Street in the closure area.
• No parking will be enforced along the south side parking lane of Main St. from Dykshoorn Park west to 10th Ave NW during the same time frame.
• Additionally, no parking will be enforced along 10th Ave SW from 3rd St SW to 7th St SW to ensure a safe race route for participants.
• Runners will be using 8th Ave SW and 9th Ave SW Between 1st St SW and 7th St SW as part of the route.

West Main Street access will remain open for access to Morton Mandan Public Library. Detour routes will be available via First Street, from 3rd Ave NW to 6th Ave NW and truck drivers are advised to take alternative routes.

The North Dakota Santa Run is a cherished holiday tradition making its debut in Mandan this year, bringing families, runners, and community members together for a cause that supports addiction recovery.
For more information on the North Dakota Santa Run and street closures, visit VisitMandan.com, SantaRunND.com or call the Mandan Progress Organization at 701-751-2983.

12/12/2024

This morning on the Big Rig ASHLEY WAGNER won $125.00 during the “12-Days Of Christmas Cash” from BNC National Bank and the Big Rig. Tomorrow on Friday the 13th someone will win $150-dollars in Christmas Cash from BNC National Bank. Listen to the Big Rig tomorrow morning around 8:20 .. That’s when Santa Claus will ask you to call in! Merry Christmas and Good Luck !!!

https://soundcloud.com/big-rig-1059/ashley-wagner

12/11/2024

TODAY’S 12-DAYS OF CHRISTMAS CASH WINNER WAS TINA VOGEL. TINA WON $100-DOLLARS FROM BNC NATIONAL BANK AND THE BIG RIG! THE 12-DAYS OF CHRISTMAS CASH CONTINUES TOMORROW WITH DAY #5. SOMEONE WILL WIN $125.00 TOMORROW MORNING ON THE BIG RIG AT AROUND 8:20. CALLER #10 WHEN SANTA ASKS YOU TO CALL IN IS GOING TO WIN CHRISTMAS CASH FROM BNC NATIONAL BANK. HO! HO! HO!

https://soundcloud.com/big-rig-1059/tina-vogel-1

12/09/2024

STEVE LIPPERT OF BISMARCK WON $50-DOLLARS ON THE 2ND DAY OF CHRISMAS CASH FROM THE BIG RIG AND BNC NATIONAL BNAK. LISTEN TOMORROW MORNING AT AROUND 8:20! WHEN SANTA ASKS YOU TO CALL IN.. DIAL 751-4262. THE 25TH CALLER WILL WIN $75.00 FROM BNC NATIONAL BANK.

https://soundcloud.com/big-rig-1059/steve-lippert-12-9

12/06/2024

BRYTLYN MILLER OF BISMARCK WON $25-DOLLARS ON THE FIRST DAY OF CHRISTMAS CASH FROM THE BIG RIG AND BNC NATIONAL BANK. LISTEN MONDAY MORNING AT AROUND 8:20! IF SANTA ASKS YOU TO CALL IN DIAL 751-4262. THE 25TH CALLER WILL WIN $50.00 FROM BNC NATIONAL BANK.

12 Days of Christmas, Day 1

11/28/2024

Here are 10 fun facts about Thanksgiving:

1. First Thanksgiving: The first Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1621 by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe, lasting three days (1).

2. Turkey Towns: There are four towns in the U.S. named Turkey, located in Texas, Arizona, Louisiana, and North Carolina (1).

3. Turkey Consumption: Each year, Americans prepare an estimated 46 million turkeys for Thanksgiving (1).

4. Football Tradition: The Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys have played the most games on Thanksgiving Day, with the Lions playing almost every year since 1934 and the Cowboys since 1966 (1).

5. National Holiday: Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday on October 3, 1863 (1).

6. Average Dinner Cost: The average cost of a Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people is around $53.31 (1).

7. Caloric Intake: On average, Americans consume between 3,150 and 4,500 calories on Thanksgiving Day (1).

8. Presidential Turkey Pardon: The tradition of pardoning a turkey began with President George H.W. Bush in 1989 (1).

9. Oldest Parade: While the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is the most famous, the oldest Thanksgiving parade is the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade, which started in 1920 (1).

10. Travel Day: Thanksgiving is the busiest travel day of the year in the United States (2)

Learn more
1 parade.com
2 rd.com
3discover.hubpages.com
410best.usatoday.com
5factretriever.com

11/28/2024

The Bismarck Firefighters and Local 2468 are excited to remind you of their Annual Christmas Toy Drive, supporting children in need throughout the Bismarck/Mandan communities. Your contributions have brought so much joy in past years, and they’re grateful for you continued generosity in helping spread holiday cheer. Deadline for donation of a new, unwrapped item is December 6th.