AGP Executive Report

AI & Industry in the Red River Valley: Harwood is seeing a major boost as Applied Digital’s Polaris Forge 2 AI data center nears completion, with about 1,800 workers finishing two massive buildings that locals describe as “like a small city.” Road Safety: Fargo’s University Drive and 15th Avenue South reopened after a high-speed, multi-vehicle crash involving a car, SUV and motorcycle sent multiple people to the hospital; investigators say the North Dakota Highway Patrol is looking into speed and impairment. Local Travel Disruptions: The same Fargo intersection was also tied to a separate fatal University Drive house crash investigation, keeping drivers on alert for ongoing area impacts. Outdoor Wonder: A schoolteacher hiking in North Dakota helped confirm the first known adult T. rex trackway—four three-toed prints in the Hell Creek Formation—adding a new reason to visit the state’s fossil country. Family-Friendly Events: Dog lovers can catch the Worldwide K9 Frisbee Championship in Thornton, where regional teams from North Dakota and beyond competed for top honors. Fuel Watch: GasBuddy reports North Dakota regular prices averaging about $3.90 statewide for the week ending Sept. 5, with some counties seeing lows near $4.09.

Gas Watch (North Dakota): Week ending Sept. 5 brought some of the lowest pump prices in the state, including regular gas at $4.09 in Logan County and $3.99 in Grand Forks County, plus midgrade deals like $3.99 in LaMoure County and $4.34 in Stark County. Fuel Pressure: AAA links higher prices to volatility in the Strait of Hormuz, with North Dakota averages pushing above $4 for gas and just over $5 for diesel—raising costs that can ripple into groceries and freight. Mountain West Football (Travel Plans): North Dakota State is off to a strong start in its Mountain West run, including a 38-32 win over Air Force, setting up more travel for fans as the Bison face Air Force in Colorado Springs. Local Events & Culture: Lewis & Clark State Park hosts Flannel Fest Sept. 19, and the Nation of Patriots’ Patriot Tour makes a North Dakota stop in Fargo after traveling through the Dakotas. Big Discovery for Visitors: A confirmed adult T. rex trackway was found on federal land near Marmarth, adding another reason to explore North Dakota’s paleontology hotspots.

AI & Local Economy: Harwood is getting a major boost as Applied Digital nears completion on its $3B Polaris Forge 2 AI data center—two massive buildings totaling about 1.8K workers on site, with a “small city” scale that could reshape travel and lodging demand in the Fargo area. Mountain West Football: North Dakota State opened Mountain West play with a 38-32 late-night win over Air Force, while UND stayed undefeated with a 47-23 win over Portland State—both storylines are sure to pull fans into the region for upcoming matchups. Gas Prices & Road Trips: AAA says the national regular gas average jumped 13 cents to $4.27, with North Dakota consumers feeling the ripple as crude prices climb; local reports also highlight pockets of cheaper fuel. Family-Friendly Fall Plans: Lewis & Clark State Park’s Flannel Fest returns Sept. 19 with hayrides, live music, pumpkin painting, axe throwing, and a new flannel contest. Science & Tourism: A first adult T. rex trackway was confirmed near Marmarth, adding another reason to visit North Dakota’s fossil-rich landscapes.

T. rex Tourism Moment: Scientists confirmed the first adult T. rex trackway in North Dakota’s Hell Creek Formation near Marmarth—four massive three-toed prints, about 66.5 million years old, found on U.S. Forest Service land. Gas Prices & Travel Costs: AAA reports the national regular gas average jumped 13 cents to $4.27, with North Dakota averages also climbing past $4; volatility tied to Strait of Hormuz crude swings could mean pricier road trips and freight. Family-Friendly Fall Plans: Lewis & Clark State Park’s Flannel Fest returns Sept. 19 (11 a.m.–4 p.m.) with pumpkin painting, hayrides, axe throwing, live music, soup and s’mores. Local Learning Pathway: Mayville State is expanding a Para-to-Teacher pathway so paraprofessionals can earn licensure while staying in their schools—good news for communities planning for long-term staffing. Big-Game Travel Hook: North Dakota State’s Mountain West debut at Air Force in Colorado Springs brings a built-in travel weekend for fans heading west. Community Remembrance: Wahpeton chalk artist Shawn McCann returned to the Flight 93 memorial for the 25th anniversary, recreating passenger portraits in chalk.

Road Safety: Court documents say the driver in Fargo’s late-August University Drive house crash was impaired and may have been speeding around 80 mph; both occupants died, and investigators sought vehicle data from the airbag module. Big-Trip Travel Watch: North Dakota State’s move to the Mountain West is already reshaping travel plans, with the Bison set for a conference opener at Air Force Saturday night. AI & Local Economy: Harwood is getting a major tourism-and-jobs ripple as Applied Digital nears completion on two large AI data center buildings, with a similar project underway in Ellendale. Gas Prices: AAA reports the national average jumped 13 cents to $4.27 as crude prices rose, and North Dakota consumers are feeling the squeeze through higher fuel and broader retail and freight costs. Family Fun: Flannel Fest returns to Lewis & Clark State Park Sept. 19 with music, hayrides, pumpkin painting, axe throwing, and s’mores. Community Remembrance: A Wahpeton chalk artist is returning to the Flight 93 memorial for the 25th anniversary, helping recreate portraits of the victims.

Gas Prices & Travel Costs: AAA says the national average for regular gas jumped 13 cents to $4.27 as crude oil topped $100 a barrel again, with diesel also rising—fuel hikes that can ripple into groceries and freight surcharges for North Dakota shoppers and travelers. Fall Fun in the Parks: Lewis & Clark State Park is bringing back Flannel Fest on Sept. 19 (11 a.m.-4 p.m.) with hayrides, pumpkin painting, axe throwing, live music, and soup and s’mores. Aerospace & 9/11 Stories: UND Aerospace is inviting alumni to share memories of Sept. 11 for an upcoming documentary, including accounts from pilots and industry folks who were grounded or watching events unfold. Safety on the Road: Investigators say a fatal University Drive crash in Fargo involved a driver traveling about 80 mph and under the influence, after the car left the roadway and struck a building. Memorial Art at Flight 93: Wahpeton chalk artist Shawn McCann returned to the Flight 93 National Memorial for the 25th anniversary, helping recreate passenger portraits in chalk. Local Auto Repair Snapshot: A new ranking highlights North Dakota’s auto repair shop density, useful for travelers planning maintenance stops. College Football (NDSU vs. Air Force): North Dakota State opens Mountain West play at Air Force on Saturday night, with FS1 coverage—big for fans planning game-day travel.

Gas Prices & Travel Costs: AAA/EIA data show the national regular gas average jumped 13 cents to $4.27 as crude oil climbed back near $100 a barrel, with demand down but supply up—another reminder that road trips and tourism budgets may stay tight. Road Safety on Key Routes: North Dakota Highway Patrol reports a wrong-way DUI-APC arrest on I-29 north of Grand Forks, urging drivers to call 911 immediately if they spot dangerous driving. Construction & Detours for Fargo-Moorhead Area Diversion: A portion of County Road 81 near Oxbow is temporarily closed after cracking was found, adding several miles and extra minutes for commuters and emergency responders. Outdoor & Weather Alerts: Fire and heat risks remain elevated across the Dakotas and the West, with red flag fire warnings and strong winds that can complicate camping and outdoor plans. Local Sports Tourism: North Dakota State’s Mountain West opener at Air Force and other regional matchups are drawing attention, plus ND Country Fest 2027 headliners were announced for New Salem. Community Remembrance: Peace Garden hosts a 9/11 memorial ceremony marking 25 years, a meaningful stop for travelers seeking reflection.

9/11 Remembered in North Dakota: Minot marked 25 years since Ann Nicole Nelson died in the World Trade Center attacks, with her “bucket list” dreams still being carried out through projects like a North Dakota home for people with disabilities and wounded warriors. Tribal Youth & Civic Engagement: Turtle Mountain Chairman Jamie Azure urged tribal leaders to back youth and fresh planning to break from “old politics,” sharing how the community built a 10-year strategy after youth input. Road Work Hits Fargo-Moorhead Area: The FM Area Diversion Project is causing a temporary closure and lane restrictions on County Road 81 near Oxbow, with residents warning of added travel time for emergency responders. Travel Safety Watch: Preliminary national data shows North Dakota’s traffic fatalities up about 18% in the first half of 2026, with speeding flagged as a major factor. Outdoor & Sports Tourism Pull: NDSU’s wrestling schedule includes multiple home dates at the Scheels Center in Fargo, while North Dakota State’s move into the Mountain West is already driving big regional travel interest for football. Weather Risk: Fire and heat warnings stretch from North Dakota to California, with gusty winds raising wildfire danger.

Road & Safety: Preliminary National Safety Council analysis estimates 18,460 traffic deaths in the first half of 2026, with North Dakota up about 18%—a reminder for travelers to slow down and plan extra time. Fargo-Moorhead Diversion Updates: County Road 81 near Oxbow is temporarily closed after cracking was found, adding several miles and minutes for local trips; meanwhile, I-29 lane closures near Fargo (mile markers 53–54) run through Oct. 12 with reduced speeds. Local Travel Disruptions: Highway Patrol reports point to speed as a major factor in deadly crashes around the Fargo-Moorhead area. Sports Tourism: UND heads to California for The Joust (Sept. 10–11), while NDSU’s women’s golf won its fifth straight NDSU Fall Invitational at Oxbow—good news for visitors catching fall events. Outdoor/Skies: Northern Lights viewing chances are highlighted for tonight across North Dakota and nearby states.

Road Safety: North Dakota Highway Patrol says fatal crashes are up this year around the Fargo-Moorhead area, with speeding a major factor, including reports of street-racing behavior. Construction & Travel Planning: Lane closures are underway on I-29 near Fargo for the FM Area Diversion project, with traffic shifted to one lane and reduced speeds through Oct. 12. Local Sports & Community: Avery Bartels won her first collegiate title as NDSU captured its fifth straight NDSU Fall Invitational women’s golf championship. High School Football Polls: Langdon Area/Munich fell out of the Division A top spot after a loss, while New Rockford-Sheyenne/Maddock remains No. 1 in nine-man. Cross-Border Tourism Watch: A U.S.-Canada trade fight is raising concerns for tourism and local businesses near the border, with analysts warning tariffs could hit travelers and consumer prices. Outdoor & Night-Sky Plans: Northern Lights viewing chances are high tonight across parts of the northern Plains, including North Dakota. Fatal Crash Update: An 83-year-old woman died in a south-central North Dakota crash near Selfridge after turning a side-by-side into a passing tractor-trailer.

Election Readiness for Voters: A former U.S. Election Assistance Commission chair urges North Dakotans and everyone heading to the polls to double-check registration and follow simple steps that keep elections transparent and trustworthy. Labor Day Travel Costs: AAA reports Labor Day gas prices hit record levels nationally, with drivers feeling the squeeze as crude and pump prices stay volatile—bad news for road-trip plans. Road Work in the Fargo Area: I-29 lane closures near Fargo are underway for the Fargo-Moorhead Diversion project, with reduced speeds and narrowed travel width through Oct. 12. Local Mobility Rules: Fargo leaders are coordinating on where e-bikes and e-scooters can legally ride, since state law leaves gaps and cities must enforce their own rules. Northern Lights Tonight: Aurora viewing odds are high across the northern Plains, including North Dakota, if skies are dark and pollution stays low. Community Spotlight: HERO in Fargo marked 75,948 people helped since 1996, keeping hospital supplies accessible for families who can’t afford the add-on costs. Workforce Snapshot: Job Service North Dakota says open jobs are still high but trending down slowly, with 12,655 openings as of late August.

Housing & Community Travel: The ND Housing Finance Agency is logging about 7,000 miles across North Dakota over two months, with stops in Medora, Larimore, and more to strengthen relationships around housing needs. Economic Development: North Dakota earned four honors at the 2026 Mid-America EDC Awards, including downtown Minot’s Citizens Alley activation and other community-focused projects. Tourism Spotlight: A California winery’s donation is fueling Medora’s Theodore’s Dining Room—wine sold by the glass with proceeds supporting the Medora Foundation. Outdoor & Wildlife: North Dakota Game and Fish is reminding hunters about chronic wasting disease rules, including the no-hunting-over-bait regulation on wildlife management areas. Road Safety: North Dakota Highway Patrol reported 22 impaired-driving arrests during the first three days of Labor Day enforcement. Local Travel Safety: A Walsh County I-29 crash sent a juvenile passenger to Altru Hospital with life-threatening injuries. Sports Travel Buzz: NDSU’s football team heads to Air Force for a Mountain West opener, with a late kickoff and big altitude change.

Labor Day Travel & Safety: North Dakota Highway Patrol troopers logged heavy holiday activity, responding to 1,273 events from Sept. 3-6, including 941 traffic stops, 22 DUI arrests, 12 drug arrests, and 16 crashes, with more enforcement expected as travelers head home. Gas Prices & Road Trips: National gasoline averages are projected to hit about $4.03 on Labor Day—an all-time high for this time of year—keeping travel costs top of mind for drivers. Tourism in the Spotlight: A report warns U.S. tourism could take a fall as Canadians shift travel plans, even as North Dakota continues efforts to draw Manitobans back across the border. Medora Visitor Perk: Hook and Ladder Winery donated wine to the Medora Foundation, with proceeds from Theodore’s Dining Room sales supporting the community’s signature events. Local Adventure & Culture: Minot doctor Jon Solberg will share his Greenland Arctic expedition story in a film screening at Minot State University on Sept. 13. Family Fun in Fargo: Lady Bug Acres’ veggie stand in Fargo highlights a “Super Dad” contest entry and a simple, local produce stop that feels like a mini getaway. Outdoor/Ag Calendar: The Big Iron Farm and Construction Show returns Sept. 15-17 at the Red River Valley Fairgrounds in West Fargo.

Road Safety: North Dakota Highway Patrol reports 22 impaired-driving arrests during the first three days of Labor Day enforcement, with 941 traffic stops, 12 drug arrests, and 16 crashes as holiday travel stayed heavy. Labor Day Travel Costs: GasBuddy says U.S. gas prices are on track to hit record levels for this time of year, with the national average expected around $4.03 on Labor Day as Middle East tensions keep energy costs elevated. Tourism Watch: A new report flags potential fall losses for U.S. tourism as Canadians shift travel plans, and notes North Dakota is still working to pull Manitobans back across the border. Medora Spotlight: Hook & Ladder Winery (California) donated wine to the Medora Foundation, with proceeds from Theodore’s Dining Room at the Roughrider Hotel supporting Medora’s ongoing programs. Outdoor Planning: North Dakota Game and Fish lifts its Tuesday-Wednesday no-camping restriction for Labor Day week, allowing overnight camping Sept. 8-9 on affected wildlife management areas. Local Recognition: Grand Forks CTE teacher Katie Hatt Rokke named North Dakota CTE Teacher of the Year, highlighting career-focused education tied to real local pathways. Fargodome Football: North Dakota State opened its FBS era with a 38-0 shutout over Fordham, while also drawing attention to penalty and discipline issues ahead of Mountain West play.

Labor Day Road Safety: North Dakota Highway Patrol reports 1,273 statewide responses from Sept. 3-6, including 941 traffic stops, 22 DUI arrests, 12 drug arrests, and 16 crashes, with more patrols planned through Monday. Fuel Prices & Travel Costs: National gas prices are expected to hit record levels for Labor Day, with the U.S. average projected around $4.03 per gallon as Middle East tensions keep energy costs elevated. Camping Access: North Dakota Game and Fish lifts its Tuesday-Wednesday no-camping restriction for Labor Day week, allowing overnight camping Sept. 8-9 on eligible wildlife management areas. Local Tourism & Events: The Houston County Historical Society hosted a fur-trapping history program that ties regional wildlife management to conservation and local heritage. Agriculture Tourism: The Big Iron Farm and Construction Show returns Sept. 15-17 at the Red River Valley Fairgrounds in West Fargo, drawing about 70,000 visitors and spotlighting decades of farm-tech change. NDSU Football (Fargodome): North Dakota State opens Mountain West play after a 38-0 win over Fordham, with fans watching for discipline and offensive consistency as the Bison head into conference action.

Labor Day Travel Costs: Americans are heading into Labor Day weekend with record-high gas prices, with the national average expected to hit about $4.03 a gallon—well above the prior Labor Day record of $3.83—driven by Middle East-related energy volatility. North Dakota Tourism Watch: A new report flags potential fall tourism losses as Canadians shift travel plans, and North Dakota’s border-area businesses may feel the pinch if fewer Manitobans cross for shopping and getaways. Camping & Outdoor Access: North Dakota Game and Fish is lifting its Tuesday-Wednesday no-camping restriction for Labor Day week, allowing overnight camping Sept. 8–9 on affected wildlife management areas. Local Travel Notes: North Dakota State’s Fargodome home opener brings visitors to Fargo for the first-ever NDSU vs. Fordham matchup, with kickoff set for 2:30 p.m. Weather Check: A severe-weather threat is noted for Sunday into Labor Day, so travelers may want to plan for delays and changing conditions.