2022 Was A Good Year For Williston

2022 has been another banner year for Williston, and western North Dakota. With all the developments in the past year, I thought it would be great to review 2022 with Williston Mayor Howard Klug.

Williston Square

Things just keep getting better at Williston Square. Mayor Klug expressed his satisfaction with the level of corporate interest in the square. During our conversation, he said that it's a strong beginning for a lengthy effort. "That square will be significant for Williston for a very long time." Other well-known eateries, such as Taco Bell and Pizza Ranch, have started plans to open in the square, although delays have been brought on by building expenditures. He assured me they are still on their way, and are hoping to close in the first quarter of 2023. The Williston Energy Complex, a multi-ice rink events center, and a new skilled and basic care facility for Bethel Lutheran Nursing & Rehabilitation Center are two further projects that will be built at Williston Square in the future.

26th Street West/2nd Ave Intersection

With all that is happening in Williston Square, access to this new area of town is crucial for success. This year, the North Dakota Department of Transportation will move forward with the design of this major intersection in Williston.

2022 Elections

One new senator and two new congressmen were chosen to represent western North Dakota in Bismarck this year. Scott Dyk and Nico Rios were elected as state representatives, and Todd Beard was chosen as the district 23 state senator. The three ran unchallenged and they are eager to gain experience in the legislature and to serve northwest North Dakota despite their inexperience in state politics. James Bervig, a new city commissioner for Williston, is another change. Chris Brostuen, who decided not to seek reelection, was succeeded by him.

New Leadership in town

Dr. Richard Faidley was selected from three final candidates for Williston School Dist. 7 Superintendent. He brings 32 years of education experience to the position, and started his position on July 1, 2022. Williston Parks & Rec welcomed Joe Barsh as their new executive director in early August. Barsh has more than eight years of experience with WPR and is excited to continue his work.

Star Fund Dollars Allocated

Williston has the Star Fund, and invested 2.25 million dollars this year into local businesses that resulted in private investments of over 36 million dollars...all to benefit Williston. Here is a breakdown of December's allocations.

These applications received their final approval from the Williston City Commission on December 13, 2022.

• Up to $48,000 was approved for Arnie’s Rentals to aid them with the purchase of the former F & F Sprinkler and Spa building at 413 2nd Street West in Williston. This new business will rent motorsports on both land and water.
• Up to $73,000 was approved for hotelier Dhillon Williston, LLC., to purchase and renovate the Holiday Inn Express and Suites in Williston.
• Up to $68,000 was approved for the Williston Tire Center for the purchase of the business’s building and assets by the owners of the neighboring NAPA Auto Parts.
• Up to $25,000 was approved for Power Play, LLC, for marketing and support costs for the organization, which is looking to raise funds to build a multi-use facility for Williston’s ice hockey and figure skating programs.
• Up to $45,000 was approved for the WSC Small Business Development Center, which helps area entrepreneurs develop stable and successful business plans, to improve their office.
• Up to $20,000 was approved for the 3E Pastry Cafe to renovate the exteriors of their building at 14 2nd Street West.
• Up to $5,000 was approved for Awaken Massage at 417 1st Avenue East.
• Up to $5,000 was approved for the purchase of inventory and equipment at Pita Palace’s new location at 216 Main Street.
• Up to $5,000 was approved for the purchase of inventory and equipment at Taqueria Mi Lindo Michoacan, a new restaurant located at 3120 2nd Avenue East.
• Up to $5,000 was approved for startup costs for Patriot Insurance Group, LLC, a new independent insurance company leasing office space at 114 2nd Street West.
• Up to $5,000 was approved for the Ramage Geltel Law Firm, PLLC, for the purchase of office equipment for their new location in the 20/20 Professional Center.
• Up to $950 was approved for the Raveena Hegge Daycare for annual expenses.

The Williston STAR Fund is created by a voter-approved one-cent city sales tax. 75% of all sales help offset city infrastructure costs, while the remaining 25% help with business development, job creation, and job retention. All potential applicants for the STAR fund are required to attend a consultation with either Shawn Wenko or Keith Olson, of the Small Business Development Center. An application will be submitted to the STAR board of directors if the project proposal is deemed viable. If approved by the board, it will then be sent to the Williston City Commission or City Administrator for final approval.

For more information, visit this page, call 701-577-8110, or visit 113 4th Street East in downtown Williston.

As we wrapped our conversation, Mayor Klug said we have a lot of work to do in Bismarck, and is already leading the charge for Williston and western North Dakota. He has already had several conversations with Governor Burgum, and our local representatives, and remains confident 2023 will be another good year for Williston.