Dear Readers -
The Williston Summit attracted about 200 developers, investors and stakeholders from all over the world. The Williston Economic Development event gave attendees an opportunity to learn about the opportunities in the Williston Basin. There was a wealth of information to absorb from topics relating to transportation, population estimates and new housing and retail projects.
Barbara Peterson
Writer
Williston Wire
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| Chairman of Energy Committee to Tour Oil Patch | |
News Release
 Senator John Hoeven (R-N.D.) will host Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy & Natural Resources, for a tour of Western North Dakota to meet with community leaders and energy employees to review energy development and community infrastructure needs in the region. The tour will take place September 6 and 7. Read More.
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| It's an Oil and Gas Industry, Not a Boom | |
Williston Herald
by Sara Spaulding
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Williston Economic Development executive director Tom Rolfstad explains why the oil and gas industry will be active in North Dakota for a very long time. Williston Economic Development. |
Tom Rolfstad, executive director of Williston Economic Development, said the Bakken oil flow has a 100 percent success ratio. Rolfstad thinks by the time the Bakken and Three Forks Formation have been drilled with current technology they may be able to access other layers below them or have invented a new technology to access more oil. "This is an industry, not a boom," he said. "It's going to last for a very long time." Rolfstad said oil has been around Williston for 60 years, and it will still be around in another 60 years. Read More. Williston Summit Presentations. | |
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| Sakura Japanese Steak House, Complete Nutrition, Cash Wise Foods to Locate in Sand Creek Town Centre | |
Williston Economic Development
by Barb Peterson
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Port of Vancouver's Curtis Schuck, center, networks with other Williston Summit attendees at Doc Holliday's. Williston Economic Development. |
Little by little, more retail IS coming to Williston. Williston Economic Development held its annual Williston Summit this week. About 200 investors, developers and stakeholders attended the event to learn about the opportunities in the area. The day-long event featured updates from some of the leading retail developers. A Granite Peak Development official announced that Cash Wise Foods, owned by Coborn's, will build a second store in Williston at the Granite Peak-owned Sand Creek Towne Centre and April Eide, Vice President of Duemelands said they have secured leases with Sakura Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar, Complete Nutrition and Altitude Analysis in the 36,000 square foot strip mall located at Sand Creek. Read More. Williston Summit Presentations. | |
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| Projecting Williston's Current, Future Population | |
KUMV-TV
by Chris Williams
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About 200 people attended the Williston Summit recently at the Grand Williston Hotel & Conference Center. Williston Economic Development. |
Oil field investors, developers, businesses, and other industry leaders met at the Williston Summit today talk a little bit about everything that's going on in the Williston Basin. Dr. Nancy Hodur of NDSU talked about her research into population projections in Williston, and the surrounding areas. "We estimate the permanent population now in Williston in 2012 up close to 18,000 and the service population of over 33,000," said Assistant Research Professor at NDSU Dr. Nancy Hodur. Read More. | |
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| Gauging Williston's Growth | |
Williston Herald
by Jerry Burnes
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City of Williston Principal Planner Donald Kress explains to Williston Summit attendees that the City doesn't want to be a "pre-boom and post-boom" city. Williston Economic Development. |
Williston is growing - even if it is taking some time. That was the message Wednesday during the community portion of the Williston Summit, hosted by Williston Economic Development. Representatives from the planning department, hospital, parks and recreation district and more laid out their respective plans for the future of Williston's growth, urging potential developers and investors to connect with the city's plan. "We're not just nailing on territory," said Donald Kress, principal planner for the city of Williston. "We're growing a city." Read More. | |
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| The Petersen Group to Build Townhomes at The Ridge in Williston | |
News Release
The Ridge, a 160 acre development in Williston that is being delivered to the community by the highly respected development team consisting of affiliates of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. and CP Realty, is pleased to announce that The Petersen Group will soon begin construction on the first six of a possible 48 twin homes that will be built at The Ridge. The Petersen Group is an award winning, home builder and developer based in Anchorage, Alaska, providing superior expertise and experience when it comes to building quality homes in cold, rural areas. Read More. | |
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| Developing the Bakken | |
Prairie Business Magazine
by Kris Bevill
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North Dakota Developments LLC is raising funds in Australia to build workforce lodging near Watford City, N.D. |
If you're a real estate developer and you're not considering options in western North Dakota, you're missing out on a $1 billion construction market, says Jeff Zarling, president of Williston, N.D.-based Dawa Solutions Group. Building permit valuations last year in the Bakken's three hub communities - Williston, Minot and Dickinson - totaled more than $1 billion with millions of dollars in additional activity taking place in other oil patch communities like Watford City, Stanley and Tioga. Read More.
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| Williston Senior Apartment Homes to Expand | |
News Release
 More area seniors will soon be able to make the Williston Senior Apartment Homes their home. G.A. Haan Development and the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency broke ground recently for 21 additional affordable apartments. "Projects like this are important for affordable housing needs to be met in western North Dakota communities," Lt. Gov. Wrigley said. Read More. | |
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Developers Unhappy as Williams County Halts
New Major Subdivisions for Six Months | |
Oil Patch Dispatch
by Amy Dalrymple
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Williston Summit attendees learn about Williams County's plans to halt approval of new major subdivisions for six months. Williston Economic Development. |
While several speakers touted the need for more housing at the Williston Summit, one speaker said the county is so backlogged with proposals it's taking a six-month timeout. More than 200 people attended the economic development event, focused on educating investors, developers and others about the opportunities in the Bakken. Dan Kalil, chairman of the Williams County Commission, told participants the county is taking a six-month timeout on approving major subdivisions. "Unless we take a timeout, we're just compounding the problems," Kalil said. "We have to do it right." Read More.
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| New Rec Center Under Budget, Ahead of Schedule | |
Build a Better Tomorrow
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Marc Mellmer of JE Dunn shows the vastness of the waterpark under construction at the Williston Area Recreation Center. |
It's been a year since crews first started moving dirt, and construction is on time and under budget for the new Williston Area Recreation Center (ARC). "What more can a guy ask for?" said Darin Krueger, executive director of the Williston Parks and Recreation District. "We are 370+ days with no accidents on the construction site, on time for a March 2014 opening date and under the allotted budget for construction." The new facility is underway at the north end of the Williston State College campus, and measures in at an impressive 254,000 square feet, with the longest corridor through the heart of the building at 650-feet long. Read More. Watch the Video. | |
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| Hunter's Run Development Breaks Ground in Watford City | |
McKenzie County Farmer
by Neal A. Shipman
 Soon to be rising out of what was once a wheat field east of Watford City, will be Hunter's Run, the first work-live Master Planned Community. Hunter's Run, which is being built on 294 acres of land at the junction of North Dakota Highways 23 and 1806, will ultimately include 1,500 to 1,800 dwelling units as well as a commercial development. The first phase will include two hotels, a travel center, a medical center, an office building, industrial office space, as well as apartments and single family homes and duplexes. Read More. | |
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| Minnesota Firm Makes Major Investment in Bakken | |
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 Joe Ryan was certain he had a solid sales pitch. His company, Minnetonka-based Oppidan Investment Co., has built shopping centers nationwide. And Watford City, a fast-growing locale on the western edge of North Dakota's oil-rich Bakken region, has struggled to provide grocery stores and restaurants as its population surges. On paper, the two seemed like a match. But the town planner "looked at my pretty pictures and said, 'Joe, I could meet with guys like you all day long. Show me something'." Read More.
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| Legacy Fund Could Reach $3 Billion by 2017 | |
USA Today
Pew/Stateline
A savings account North Dakota created to preserve a portion of its oil and natural gas tax dollars for the future has exceeded growth estimates in its first two years and could swell to $3 billion by the time state lawmakers decide how to spend it.
Through August, officials said, the fund has grown to $1.3 billion. It will continue building revenue until June 2017, when lawmakers are allowed under law to begin tapping the account for such things as education.
"It is growing very fast. It's going to become much bigger," Republican Gov. Jack Dalrymple told Stateline in an interview. He said the fund added a record $92 million in July. Read More. | |
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Williston State College Ranked 18th on "America's Best Community Colleges" List | |
Editorial by Raymond A. Nadolny, Ph.D.
President, Williston State College
 Of the 1,132 community colleges in the United States, Williston State College has cracked the top twenty at number 18 for the first time. The ranking is not based on affordability. And yes, Williston State is the most affordable college in the state and most probably the region. The ranking, however, is based on both educational practice and student outcome success. Read More.
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| Major Makeover at Williston State College | |
KXNet
Back to school is in full swing.
At Williston State College, the students are not the only 'new faces' on campus.
The new front drive, curriculum and a near future face lift for Stevens Hall are all in the works.
"There's a lot of exciting activities, but it's all very new, it's all very challenging, but it's all very wonderful," says Dr. Raymond Nadolny, Williston State College President. Read More. | |
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| TrainND Uses State-of-the-Art Technology to Prepare Oil Field Workers | |
Forum News Service
Prairie Business Magazine
by Amy Dalrymple
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Sam Rathbun, left, participates in a simulation exercise July 24 in a TrainND class at Williston State College while instructor Dave Bartenhagen looks on. Photo by Amy Dalrymple/Forum News Service |
A state-of-the art drilling simulator is helping Bakken oil and gas operators work more safely. The TrainND workforce program at Williston State College houses a full-sized drilling simulator used to train supervisor-level oil industry employees. The only other equivalent simulators are at training centers in Texas, Louisiana and Abu Dhabi, said TrainND petroleum instructor Dave Bartenhagen. "It's a pretty neat piece of equipment," he said. "The level of realism is just tremendous." Bartenhagen, a petroleum engineer who retired after more than 30 years with oil company Hess Corp., uses the simulator to teach a course on well control. Read More.
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| Williston Community Receives Praise from Babe Ruth Participants | |
Letters to the Editor
Submitted by Mark Barter, Coventry, RI Babe Ruth team manager
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The 13-year-old Babe Ruth World Series drew high praise from visiting players, coaches, fans and umpires. Williston Economic Development. |
The World Series experience absolutely exceeded my expectations, thanks to all of you. There aren't many places in the world that you can go to and in a very short time make life-long friends, but Williston in one of those places. Read More.
Submitted by Guernsey Valley, OH Babe Ruth team and families
The Guernsey Valley Babe Ruth team received the typical warnings about coming to Williston; but what we were not warned of were the homes, hearts and refrigerators that would be opened with kindness and friendship to our sons and their families. No one told us that the field we would play on would be groomed to perfection, the tournament staff so organized and proud of the awesome 10 days ahead and the community excited for us and wishing us good luck. Read More. | |
Submitted by Greg Schoonard, Umpire, Coarsegold, CA
I just wanted to take a moment to thank the Williston community for its support of the Babe Ruth World Series a week ago in Williston. You all really helped to make my visit to Williston an awesome experience. Thank you again for your support of the Babe Ruth World Series. I hope to return in a couple of years when the World Series returns. Read More.
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Upcoming Energy Events |
09/09-11 Bakken Infrastructure Finance & Development
Two spectacular events at the Bismarck Civic Center in Bismarck, ND.
09/11-12 Bakken Oil Product & Oil Service Expo
With more than 450 oil and gas related companies operating in the Williston area, the Bakken oil show is the place to connect, network and conduct business. Williston, ND.
09/10-12 Oilfield Management
Join experts across the spectrum to dig into issues and brainstorm solutions that will cut costs while boosting ROI. Houston Marriott at the Texas Medical Center, Houston, TX.
09/16-18 North Dakota Petroleum Council Annual Meeting
Anyone with an interest in the oil and gas business in the Williston Basin should attend. Alerus Center, Grand Forks, ND.
09/12-13 2nd Black Gold Ohio
Stake your claim in the skyrocketing $22 billion Utica Shale Boom. The Greater Columbus Conventions Center, Columbus, OH.
09/25-26 Bakken Construction Summit
Exploring a billion dollar construction market. Bismarck Civic Center, Bismarck, ND. | |
| Upcoming Williston Events | |
09/07 Donn Skadeland Memorial Golf Tournament
The purpose of the tournament is to raise funds for the operations of the Teton Athletic Department at Williston State College.
09/07 Darrel Schmidt Memorial Golf Tournament
The tournament raises funds for the Opportunity Foundation to provide people with disabilities funds for transportation, unexpected medical and housing costs. Registration begins at 8 a.m. at the Eagle Ridge Golf Course Clubhouse.
09/11-13 Mercy Medical Center Auxiliary Discount Bedding Fair
Mercy Medical Center in the Liston Room (off cafeteria) on September 11 and 12 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m and on September 13 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Available will be sheet sets, baby blankets, Sherpa throws, comforter sets and Authentic Egyptian cotton sheets.
09/21-22 Parade of Homes
The Williston Area Homebuilders Association will present Williston's first Parade of Homes.
10/03 Williston Job Fair
8 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Grand Williston Hotel and Conference Center. Open to all job seekers. Job Fair Flyer. | |
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