North Dakota Builder Honors Recognize Five County Region's Best

A Williston-area builder has been nominated for a statewide honor following recognition at the regional level.

The Western Area Builders Association announced that Drew Niskanen, its 2025 Builder of the Year, has been nominated for the North Dakota Association of Builders’ Builder of the Year award.

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WABA selects its annual award winners based on involvement in the local builders association, business practices, service to clients, and participation in civic and charitable efforts. The organization also considers how nominees promote the building trades and support the broader community.

Award criteria and regional winners

In addition to Builder of the Year, WABA recognizes Associate of the Year and Affiliate of the Year. The annual BEAM Award highlights teamwork across the industry, including collaboration between builders and partners such as utilities, insurance providers, real estate brokerages, and trades professionals.

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This year’s regional honorees include Niskanen, of Niskanen Construction, as Builder of the Year; Mark Schneider, of the City of Williston Development Services, as Associate of the Year; and Sherisa Cauthen, of Realty ONE Group Caliber, as Affiliate of the Year. James Williams, of Williston Homes, received the BEAM Award.

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WABA represents building professionals across Williams, Divide, McKenzie, Mountrail, and Burke counties. All regional award winners are also nominated at the state level and are scheduled to be recognized at a banquet Nov. 3 in Minot.

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Items People Are Prohibited From Bringing Into The 2026 Minnesota State Fair

The 2026 Minnesota State Fair is nearly here, with the "Great Minnesota Get-Together" running Thursday, Aug. 27, through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7. If recent years are any indication, the fairgrounds are about to get very busy.

Last year's fair drew 1,940,869 people across its 12-day run — the fifth-highest attendance in the event's history — and it was once again voted the best state fair in America by USA Today readers.

Before you go, the list below is items that will not be allowed into any part of the fairgrounds, as well as additional items that, while they may be allowed into the fairgrounds, are forbidden in the Grandstand for the concerts and events.

Gallery Credit: David Drew

Filed Under: North Dakota