BIG RIG

Western Plains Public Health (WPPH) invites you to celebrate National Public Health Week, April 6th through 12th. This year’s theme, Ready. Set. Action!, highlights how public health efforts help protect families and build stronger communities.

As part of the week, Western Plains Public Health will be celebrating by offering free blood pressure screenings and partnering with Morton-Mandan Public Library to host a dance party. In addition, WPPH is joining local public health units across North Dakota for the Stroll N Roll North Dakota walk on Wednesday, April 8th.

Residents of all ages and abilities are encouraged to get moving by walking, biking, rollerblading, or using mobility devices like wheelchairs or strollers. Participate anytime during the day. No registration or fee is required.

To learn more about this event and other National Public Health Week activities, visit westernplainsph.org/national-public-health-week-2026 or call 701.667.3370.

National Public Health Week 2026 | Western Plains Public Health Image

The entire staff at Big Rig 105,9 thank you all for taking us along in 2025. We hope you all have a safe and prosperous 2026. Thanks for listening, and thanks for supporting your local radio station. Happy New Year! We'll see you on the radio.

North Dakota Santa Run Postponed to Saturday, December 20 Due to Extreme Cold
Mandan, N.D. – The Mandan Progress Organization has announced the postponement of the 2025 North Dakota Santa Run, originally scheduled for Saturday, December 13, due to dangerously cold temperatures and extreme wind chills forecast for race day.

With participant, staff, and volunteer safety as the top priority, the in-person event has been moved to Saturday, December 20, 2025, with all race activities, street closures, and event logistics adjusted accordingly.
“We are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all runners,” said Matt Schanandore, Executive Director. “Postponing the race allows us to uphold our safety standards while still giving participants the festive holiday experience they look forward to each year.”

The Santa Run will begin at 4:15 p.m. on December 20 and will start and finish on Main Street next to Dykshoorn Park under the glow of the Mandan Holiday Lights on Main. The event raises funds for Hope Manor – Sober Living Homes and supports addiction recovery programs in the community.

Rescheduled Street Closures – Saturday, December 20
To ensure a safe and enjoyable race experience, the following temporary road closures and parking restrictions will now be in effect on Saturday, December 20:
Street Closures & Restrictions
• Main Street from 3rd Ave NW to 6th Ave NW will be closed from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• No parking will be enforced in this Main Street closure area during the same timeframe.
• The south side parking lane of Main Street from Dykshoorn Park west to 10th Ave NW will be posted no parking from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• At 4:00 p.m., Main Street traffic will be restricted between 6th Ave NW and 10th Ave NW to allow space for the start of the race.
• 10th Ave SW from 3rd St SW to 7th St SW will also be posted no parking for participant safety.
• Runners will travel through neighborhood streets using 8th Ave SW and 9th Ave SW between 1st St SW and 7th St SW.
Access & Detours
• West Main Street access will remain open for those visiting the Morton Mandan Public Library, including for packet pickup.
• Detours will be available along First Street from 3rd Ave NW to 6th Ave NW.
• Commercial trucks and oversized vehicles are encouraged to use alternate routes.

Updated Packet Pickup Schedule
Packet pickup has been updated as follows:
• Friday, December 12 – 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Morton Mandan Public Library – Community Room
• Saturday, December 13 – 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Morton Mandan Public Library – Community Room
• Monday, December 15 to Friday, December 19 – 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Mandan Progress Organization Office
• Saturday, December 20 (Race Day) – 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Outside the Mandan Progress Organization Office prior to the race
All registered participants will receive their Santa suits, long-sleeve shirts, finisher medals, and tote bags.

Virtual Participation Option
Participants unable to attend the rescheduled event may complete the race virtually.
To request a virtual participation option, visit:
https://bit.ly/VirtualSantaRun25
Runners are encouraged to pick up their race packets in person.
Any packets requested by mail will be sent after Christmas.

The North Dakota Santa Run continues to be a cherished statewide tradition, bringing families, runners, and community members together to celebrate the season and raise awareness for addiction recovery.
For more information about the Santa Run or updated street closures, visit VisitMandan.com, SantaRunND.com, or contact the Mandan Progress Organization at 701-751-2983.

Main Street Closures Planned for the 2025 North Dakota Santa Run – Saturday, December 13
Mandan, N.D. – The Mandan Progress Organization will host the 2025 North Dakota Santa Run in downtown Mandan on Saturday, December 13, 2025, beginning at 4:15 p.m. This festive 5K invites participants of all ages to run or walk through the holiday glow of Main Street—dressed head-to-toe as Santa Claus—all in support of Hope Manor – Sober Living Homes and local addiction recovery programs.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable race experience, several temporary road closures and parking restrictions will be in effect:

Street Closures & Restrictions
• Main Street from 3rd Ave NW to 6th Ave NW will be closed from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 13.
• No parking will be enforced in this Main Street closure zone during the same timeframe.
• South side parking lane of Main Street from Dykshoorn Park west to 10th Ave NW will be posted no parking from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• At 4:00 p.m., Main Street traffic will be restricted between 6th Ave NW and 10th Ave NW to allow space for runners during the race start.
• 10th Ave SW from 3rd St SW to 7th St SW will also be marked no parking to maintain a safe race route.
• Runners will travel through neighborhood streets using 8th Ave SW and 9th Ave SW between 1st St SW and 7th St SW as part of the course.

Access & Detours
West Main Street access will remain open for visitors to the Morton Mandan Public Library, including race day packet pickup.
Detours will be available along First Street from 3rd Ave NW to 6th Ave NW.
Commercial trucks and oversized vehicles are encouraged to use alternative routes.

The North Dakota Santa Run continues a beloved statewide tradition and returns to Mandan for its second year, bringing families, runners, and community members together to celebrate the season and raise awareness for addiction recovery.

For more information about the Santa Run or street closures, visit VisitMandan.com, SantaRunND.com, or contact the Mandan Progress Organization at 701-751-2983.