Jeff Schadler - Bianco Realty, Inc.

06/18/2026

Discover the materials landscape pros from different regions turn to when designing a yard that’s easy to maintain

06/14/2026

Sunday Drives: The McQuade Charity Softball Tournament

The USA's largest non-profit, single weekend slowpitch softball tournament brings together players, families and fans from all over the United States and Canada. It’s held the last full weekend in June every year.

The tournament was founded in 1976 by Sam McQuade Sr. of McQuade Distributing Co., Inc. Being a father of a special needs son - Sean, Sam was keenly aware of the financial challenges of local charities and organizations that were involved in helping such less fortunate people.

In 1976, the first year of the tournament, Sam and countless volunteers raised over $1,000 and brought 103 teams in 4 divisions to Bismarck-Mandan. The event grew to over 464 teams in 15 divisions and raised over $146,000 in total donations in the year 2019! Today, the tournament is run by a volunteer Board of Directors, including the 3rd generation of McQuades, Shannon McQuade-Ely.

Over the years the tournament has become one of the area's largest events. Teams have come from neighboring places such as Minnesota, South Dakota, and Montana; as far away as Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, Washington state and Wyoming; and from 2 Canadian provinces. In fact, the tournament helped sponsor international divisions in 2006 in Bosnia, three in Bagdad (2007, 2008 & 2009), two in Kosovo in 2010 and 2012, along with one in Kuwait in 2012.

Teams have commented that it is more challenging and exciting to play and win in "The McQuade" because they're competing with some of the best teams from throughout the Midwest. Player and fan interest in "The McQuade" is so keen that many teams are turned away each year because divisions have filled up. And, to top it off, all the proceeds benefit many local charities and organizations, especially those that help run the tournament.

06/13/2026

The BBB warns spring is a prime season for home improvement scams, which can cost homeowners nearly $1800 on average. Here's how to find reputable...

06/12/2026

Look forward to seeing you on Sunday!

06/10/2026

Over 20% of Americans are receiving Social Security. SS benefits will be reduced in 2033. What changes are being considered? How will it affect you? Read to learn more.

06/07/2026

SUNDAY DRIVES: The 2011 Missouri River Flood

This historic event was triggered by extremely heavy rains combined with quickly melting record snowfall in the upper reaches of the Missouri River in Montana. All six major dams along the Missouri released record amounts of water to prevent overflow which led to flooding that threatened several cities from Bismarck to St. Louis.

After numerous increases, on June 1, 2011, The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began releasing 152,000 cubic feet per second of fast-moving water from Garrison Dam — more than twice the 1997 record — to prevent overflow. Floodwater reached 19.25 feet at the Bismarck gage on July 1, exceeding major flood stage (18.0 ft) for 50 days and moderate stage (16.0 ft) for 77 days.

Parts of southwest Bismarck and southeast Mandan were protected by temporary flood barriers that were built in a matter of days or weeks. Areas around Bismarck that saw water include parts of Briardale, Sibley Island Estates, Falconer Estates, Prairie Rose Elementary School, Glenwood Estates, Sibley Park, Fox Island, and Hoge Island, along with rural areas both north and south of Mandan.

A Bismarck Tribune article from April 9, 2011 (see picture below) talked about minor flooding in the Apple Creek watershed on that date. It also says “flooding season nearing it’s end” in the Bismarck area. Little did they know what was yet to come. Missouri River water levels rose to near or above flood stage in late May. The water did not recede until August.

One year prior to the completion of the Garrison dam, the Bismarck flood of 1952 reached a level of over 27 feet. On the Missouri River gauging station near the city’s water treatment plant on River Road, the light-colored brick around the structure signifies the water-surface elevation of the flood on April 6, 1952. The elevation on that date was 1,646.18 feet above sea level, which is equivalent to a river stage of 27.90 feet.

06/06/2026

What is your life actually going to feel like when you retire? Because for many people, the first year of retirement is not what they expect.

06/04/2026

When Realtor.com® first exposed the hidden home equity tax a year ago, it looked like a penalty on patience.

06/03/2026

First-time homebuying activity has fallen to its lowest level in decades as high interest rates and affordability pressures keep many young buyers sidelined in the U.S. Still, new data suggest single Gen Z women are emerging as a major force in entry-level homeownership, outpacing men in their gener...

06/01/2026