“This is the culmination of a lot of work and effort,” said Lynn Jackson, chief administrator of co-sponsor Northside Hospital – Forsyth, following last year’s donation. “It’s a great way to enhance our greenway with these signs that link healthy eating and exercise.” This year’s donation will again benefit the Forsyth County Parks and Recreation Department for a project or program that has not yet been determined.

2010 Inaugural Boulder Dash

Number of runners and walkers: 1,470 plus 200 post-race participants for Spring Fling

Money raised: $36,615

Money donated: $10,000 to Forsyth County Parks and Recreation Department through the Healthcare Association of Forsyth County for “Envision a Fit Forsyth” program

2011 2nd Annual Boulder Dash*

Expected number of runners and walkers: 1,600 plus 300 post-race participants for Spring Fling

Expected money to be raised: $40,000.

Money to be donated: Donation will be made to the Forsyth County Parks and Recreation Department for a yet-to-be designated program in 2011.

*As of Aggregates Manager press time.

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Knive River Expands Operations in Western North Dakota Division

Knife River Corp. plans to open a Western North Dakota Division to be headquartered in Williston with full aggregate, ready-mix, asphalt, and concrete construction services and employees performing both private and public work throughout western North Dakota and eastern Montana.

“As the energy industry continues to expand its reach in northwestern North Dakota, the construction demand and need for ready-mix and aggregate products is also increasing,” said Knife River President and CEO Bill Schneider in a press statement announcing the expansion plans. “One of the biggest critical needs in that area is to rebuild the highway infrastructure. Knife River also excels in highway reconstruction and rehabilitation and will be ready to make safer, stronger roads that can handle the increased truck traffic.”

Brad Arntson, Knife River’s Central Minnesota Division operations manager and a 35-year construction industry veteran, will serve as the new Western North Dakota Division president. 

The office and all production equipment will be situated on property in north Williston. At Aggregates Manager press time, Knife River had plans to have full ready-mix operations available by early May. Arntson said that when North Dakota’s spring road restrictions lift, an asphalt plant transferred from Knife River’s Boise, Idaho, operations will be placed there permanently. Knife River already has secured a paving contract with the city of Williston.

Williston Mayor Ward Koeser said he is encouraged that Knife River chose to expand into his region of the state.

“I am pleased to see a construction company with a solid reputation and proven project record bring more products and services to our area,” he said. “We have had unbelievable growth in Williston, which has put a strain on our infrastructure. Road development and reconstruction and residential expansion are primary needs within the city and county. Knife River will be a great addition to our business community.”

Knife River already has a strong presence in Bismarck, Fargo, Beulah, and Washburn, providing primarily ready-mix, aggregates, and concrete construction in those markets.