AGP Executive Report

Gas Prices for Labor Day: AAA says Labor Day weekend is on track for record-high pump prices, with the national average around $4.14 and crude oil staying volatile near $90 a barrel. Road Safety for Travelers: AAA is running its free “Tow to Go” program for impaired drivers across select states including North Dakota, offering a ride plus vehicle transport during the holiday stretch. Camping Fire Rules: With drought conditions, parts of North Dakota are under burn bans or restrictions—campers are urged to check county and campground rules and keep fires in approved pits. Local Mobility Rules: Mandan approved new regulations for e-bikes and electric scooters, including speed limits on sidewalks/trails and helmet requirements for younger riders. Crash Updates (West Fargo): The North Dakota State Patrol reported an injury crash involving a motorcycle and SUV at Main Avenue and 17th Street East, with the motorcycle driver facing multiple charges after the crash. Fall Getaway Planning: A roundup highlights cozy cabins and lodges across the Upper Midwest for fall travel, emphasizing quieter off-season rates and scenic drives.

E-Bike Rules in Mandan: Mandan commissioners approved new rideable-device rules, including 15 mph limits on sidewalks/trails, slower speeds at pedestrian crossings, age minimums (12 for most; 16 for Class 3), and helmet requirements for riders under 18. Motorcycle Safety & Crashes: West Fargo saw multiple serious motorcycle incidents, including a rear-end crash where a passenger faced life-threatening injuries and another case where a rider was charged after a high-speed, reckless crash. Camping Fire Restrictions: With drought conditions, parts of central and western North Dakota remain under burn bans or fire restrictions; campers are urged to check county/campground rules and keep fires contained and fully extinguished. Road Work for Travelers: Dickinson roundabout projects are nearing completion this fall, with two major roundabouts expected to finish soon and one intersection seeing temporary disruption. Harvest-Season Driving: Vision Zero is reminding drivers to slow down around farm equipment, keep distance, and watch for wide turns and limited visibility. Local Trip Planning: RideMN1’s cancer-awareness bike ride starts Sept. 12 in Fargo and runs west-to-east across Minnesota, ending Sept. 19 in Duluth/Superior. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reported the lowest premium prices in parts of the state, with statewide averages still elevated.

Road Safety for Travelers: With harvest underway, North Dakota Vision Zero is urging drivers to slow down and watch for slow, wide farm equipment and limited visibility—after 35 farm-equipment crashes were reported in 2025. Local Traffic Updates: Dickinson road crews are nearing completion on two major roundabout projects, with work expected to finish this fall and a Highway 22/Eighth Street intersection set for temporary disruption. Serious Crash in West Fargo: A motorcycle rear-end crash at 17th Street East and Main Avenue East left the passenger with life-threatening injuries; neither rider was wearing a helmet and the Highway Patrol is investigating. Grand Forks County Chase: A Grand Forks man faces felony charges after a high-speed pursuit that topped 115 mph ended with his vehicle rolling into a ditch. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports the lowest regular gas in Walsh County at $3.89/gal and notes statewide averages remain volatile as summer travel demand and refinery issues shift costs. Veterans Travel Plan: Honor Flight of North Dakota/Minnesota is preparing a Sept. 20 trip from Fargo to Washington, D.C., with a mums fundraiser running through Sept. 3.

Road Safety for Holiday Travel: AAA is rolling out “Tow to Go” for Labor Day weekend, offering free, confidential rides for impaired drivers and their vehicles within a 10-mile radius in select states. Harvest-Season Driving Tips: Vision Zero is urging North Dakotans to slow down and stay alert around farm equipment as combines and tractors move slower, wider, and with limited visibility; 2025 data shows 35 crashes involving farm equipment. Motorcycle Crash Updates: A West Fargo rear-end crash left a passenger with life-threatening injuries, while another Fargo motorcycle rear-end sent a rider to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. Rural Crash Near Fairmount: An 80-year-old woman was injured after failing to yield at Hwy. 11/Hwy. 127; a corn trailer spill led to temporary lane closures. Local Events & Tourism: The Smoking Waters Demolition Derby drew packed grandstands at the Hot Springs County Fairgrounds, raising funds for fairgrounds maintenance. Gas Prices Watch: Regular and premium fuel prices remain volatile statewide, with GasBuddy reporting the lowest regular at $3.89 in Walsh County and premium at $4.41 in Pembina County for the week ending Aug. 22. Veterans Travel Fundraiser: Honor Flight of North Dakota/Minnesota is running a Fall Mums fundraiser ahead of a Sept. 20 trip from Fargo to Washington, D.C.

College Football Buzz: The preseason Coaches and AP Top 25 point to a tight race for the 2026 national title, with seven FBS teams (Ohio State, Oregon, Georgia, Notre Dame, Texas, Indiana, Miami) each getting first-place votes—good fuel for fans planning fall weekends. Local Travel & Safety: North Dakota’s “100 Days of Summer” push continues with Vision Zero urging slower driving as speeding and seat belt use remain major factors in fatal crashes. Gas Watch: GasBuddy reports show mixed pricing across the state this week—Stutsman County regular hit $3.79 (lowest), while several counties logged higher averages, a reminder to shop around before road trips. Family-Friendly Outdoors: Medora’s hot air balloon rally is set for Sept. 12-13, with launches from the Medora campground entrance at sunrise. Roadside Alerts: A motorcycle crash near Starbuck injured a rider after striking a deer, and an E-bike collision in Watford City sent two juveniles to the hospital with serious injuries. Camping Update: North Dakota Game and Fish is lifting the Labor Day no-camping restriction for Sept. 8-9 on affected wildlife management areas.

Gas Watch: GasBuddy reports show spotty but notable low prices across North Dakota this week, including regular at $3.79 in Stutsman County and $3.89 in Kidder County, plus midgrade lows like $4.19 in Grand Forks County and $4.29 in Barnes County. Road Safety: As North Dakota hits the busiest stretch of summer travel, Vision Zero and law enforcement are urging slower driving, seat belts, and sober trips, citing speeding and aggressive driving as major factors in fatal crashes. Travel Planning: The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is lifting the Tuesday-Wednesday Labor Day no-camping restriction for wildlife management areas, allowing overnight camping Sept. 8-9. Medora Events: Medora’s Hot Air Balloon Rally is set for Sept. 12-13, with launches timed to sunrise and a ride contest running through Sept. 3. Local Travel Infrastructure: Fargo’s Fargodome is seeking $22 million for upgrades to avoid losing about 1,000 seats, including ADA seating and restroom improvements. On-the-Road Incident: A Watford City teen died in a head-on crash, while an e-bike collision in Watford City sent two juveniles to the hospital with serious injuries.

Stadium Upgrades in Fargo: The Fargodome says it needs $22 million in outside funding to complete major ADA and facility improvements, or it could lose about 1,000 seats. Airport Travel Perk: Fargo’s Hector International Airport is moving toward a new “Class Airport” liquor license that would allow beer, wine, and spirits inside the terminal with carry-out rules. Nuclear Security Contract: Northrop Grumman won an $86.1 million Air Force task order to maintain missile-silo monitoring systems across bases including Minot. Health Access for Travelers: A new analysis warns rural hospital obstetrics closures can mean hour-plus drives for pregnant Medicaid patients. Animal Care Leadership: Severson Ahart Community Clinic in Minot named Dr. Amanda Doll as its new director of veterinary medicine. Road Safety Push: Vision Zero and law enforcement are urging slower driving during North Dakota’s busiest summer travel stretch. Medora Tourism Hit: The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora has drawn 96,000 visitors in under two months, including exhibits tied to Roosevelt’s Africa expedition. Family Fun on the Calendar: DockDogs aquatic dog competitions are coming to the Stark County Fairgrounds Sept. 4–6.

Road Safety Push: North Dakota’s “100 Days of Summer” is in full swing, and Vision Zero plus law enforcement are urging drivers to slow down. Speeding and aggressive driving were factors in 33% of fatal crashes in 2024, and officials say seat belts and safer driving habits can make a real difference. Summer Travel Reminder: With the busiest travel stretch underway, extra patrols are targeting speeding, aggressive driving, and other dangerous behaviors. Gas Watch (Steele/Burleigh/Stutsman/Grand Forks/Richland): GasBuddy price reports show regular and midgrade/premium deals are popping up in pockets—Steele County’s lowest regular hit $4.15 (week ending Aug. 22), Burleigh County’s lowest regular was $3.84, Stutsman midgrade dipped to $4.29, Grand Forks premium reached $4.19, and Richland County’s lowest premium was $4.23. Family Fun on the Calendar: DockDogs is coming to Dickinson’s Stark County Fairgrounds Sept. 4–6 for aquatic dog competitions. Medora Culture Stop: The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora is drawing big crowds—96,000 visitors in under two months—plus a new look at Roosevelt’s 1909 Africa expedition.

UND Hockey: Jakub Husár committed to North Dakota after UND offered him a scholarship and roster spot, praising the “fans and atmosphere” as a key reason he chose Fargo. ND Outdoors & Fishing: North Dakota’s fall fishing outlook looks decent heading into cooler weather, with strong results on Lake Sakakawea and Oahe but ongoing concerns about water levels. Agriculture Tourism: NDSU celebrated its 100-year-old Ceres wheat variety with on-farm-style plot demos at Carrington, showing how far breeding has come. Northern Lights Watch: NOAA says there’s a low chance the aurora could be visible tonight from North Dakota and other northern border states, with Alaska the best bet. Rural Access: Waskada reeve calls for reliable cell service after long-standing coverage gaps raise safety concerns. Hunting Access: North Dakota’s PLOTS program is expanding to about 925,000 acres for fall 2026, boosting walk-in hunting opportunities on private land. Gas Prices: Ramsey County midgrade hit $4.39 (week ending Aug. 22), while Grand Forks County premium dipped to $4.19—useful for road-trip planning.

Northern Lights Forecast: NOAA says the aurora has a low chance to be visible Sunday night from North Dakota and other border states, with a Kp index of 4—so it’s a “maybe,” but worth planning a clear-sky drive north. Prairie Heritage Stop: A memorial bench tied to generations of the Bakkestad family near Esmond, N.D., is back at its prairie spot, giving visitors a quiet place to sit and watch the wind and birds. Fuel Watch (Pembina County): In the week ending Aug. 22, two Pembina County stations posted the lowest midgrade price in the county at $4.06/gal, while North Dakota’s midgrade average rose to $4.32. Outdoor Fishing Update: North Dakota’s fall fishing outlook looks decent after a strong summer on Lake Sakakawea and Oahe, with water levels still the big wild card. PLOTS Access Program: Game and Fish reports PLOTS walk-in hunting access is set to reach about 925,000 acres for fall 2026, with rules emphasizing respect for private land and walk-in access only. Mobile X-ray in Fargo: Bison Imaging is bringing portable X-ray to patients in Fargo-area communities to reduce travel for people who can’t easily get to imaging centers.

College Football Playoff shakeup: Big Ten and SEC couldn’t agree on the 2026-27 CFP format, so the 12-team setup stays put while bowl contracts get a one-year extension—meaning more awkward postseason scheduling as Week 0 approaches. Week 0 in North Dakota: North Dakota State opens its FBS era Saturday at the Fargodome vs. Jacksonville State, with a big crowd expected and the Bison’s run-heavy identity front and center. Outdoor access in the state: North Dakota’s PLOTS walk-in hunting program is expanding to about 925,000 acres for fall 2026, with reminders to respect private land rules. Fishing plans: North Dakota’s fall fishing outlook looks decent heading into cooler months, though water levels remain a key wildcard. Mobile healthcare: Fargo-area startup Bison Imaging is bringing portable X-ray to patients in Fargo/West Fargo/Horace and nearby communities to reduce travel for imaging. Gas watch: The national regular gas average dipped to about $4.09 as August nears a record.

PLOTS Update: North Dakota’s Private Land Open to Sportsmen program is expanding for fall 2026, reaching about 925,000 acres—up roughly 45,000 from last year—with a goal of 1 million acres by 2028. Hunters get walk-in access only, and the Game and Fish Department is urging respect for private land rules. Fall Fishing Outlook: As summer winds down, ND fisheries leaders say the fall bite should be decent, with Lake Sakakawea and Oahe standing out—though water levels remain a big concern. Mobile X-Ray in Fargo: Bison Imaging is bringing portable X-ray services to patients in Fargo and nearby communities, aiming to reduce travel for people who struggle to get to imaging centers. Fargodome FBS Debut Travel Buzz: Jacksonville State visits North Dakota State for the Bison’s FBS opener, with fans expected from far and wide—plus a Japan-based former NDSU trainer making the trip back for tailgating and the game. Back-to-School Costs: A local report puts Bismarck-Mandan families’ back-to-school spending around $600–$700 per grade-school child, with tech and clothing driving the totals. Historic Tourism Note: A 1995 republish recalls King Harald V and Queen Sonja’s Fargo-Moorhead visit, highlighting the region’s Norwegian heritage ties.

FBS Football in Fargo: North Dakota State opens its FBS era Saturday vs. Jacksonville State at the Fargodome, with a packed crowd expected and a big focus on NDSU’s run-heavy attack. Mobile Healthcare: Fargo-area startup Bison Imaging is bringing portable X-ray services to patients in Fargo, West Fargo, Horace and nearby communities—aimed at reducing trips for people who struggle to travel. Local Family Fun: A “Mayor’s Minute” update says improvements at High Plains Arboretum are nearly done, adding more reasons for North Dakota families to get outside. Back-to-School Costs: A North Dakota back-to-school roundup puts average spending around $600–$700 per grade-school child (and about $800 for high schoolers), with clothing and tech driving the bill. Gas Prices Watch: AAA reports regular gas is about $4.09 nationally and August is on track to set a new record for the month. On the Road for Nature: Minnesota State Fair’s DNR programming highlights hands-on ways to learn about wildlife, wildfires and invasive species—an easy inspiration for North Dakota outdoor plans.

Mobile healthcare access: Fargo-area startup Bison Imaging is bringing portable X-ray to patients in Fargo, West Fargo, Horace and nearby communities, aiming to cut down on hard-to-make trips for nursing homes, assisted living, rehab centers and clinics. Game-day travel buzz: North Dakota State’s FBS debut at the Fargodome against Jacksonville State is set for Saturday at 4:30 p.m., with fans expected to pack the stadium and visitors coming from far away. Road-trip reality check for families: A new KFF analysis warns that more rural hospital obstetrics closures could mean Medicaid patients driving an hour or more for inpatient maternity care. Local politics, remote logistics: Fargo Rep. Jim Kasper says he’ll attend next week’s special legislative session remotely while recovering from a stroke. Back-to-school costs: A report says North Dakota families are paying record prices for supplies and clothing, with average spending per child rising into the hundreds. Gas prices watch: AAA reports gas remains high and August is likely to set a new record. Soils field day: NDSU Extension and the Trusted Advisor Partnership host a free End of Summer Soils Field Day Sept. 3 near Wyndmere.

Education Tour: U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon visited North Dakota as part of her “Returning Education to the States” tour, touring Bismarck State College, Sweet Briar School, and the Southwest Area CTE Academy in Dickinson, then ending at the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. Digital Travel IDs: Virginia launched Apple Wallet digital ID at TSA checkpoints and participating businesses, but most states—including the biggest ones—still have no timeline, a reminder for travelers to plan for physical IDs. Outdoor & Water Travel: Lake.com named Washington’s Lake Chelan America’s cleanest lake for 2026, with only four holdovers from last year’s top 10, while World Lake Day spotlights lake health nationwide. Native Culture Experiences: A new travel guide highlights Native-led tours, historic sites, powwows, and Indigenous cuisine across North Dakota, including Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site. Local Community Giving: Minot’s Airstream Club International Rally partnered with Souris Valley United Way to support Backpack Buddies, aiming to pack 2,000 weekend meal bags for students. Sports Tourism: North Dakota football opened its 2026 season with a win over Long Island University at the Alerus Center, adding another reason for fans to plan fall trips to Grand Forks.

Data Centers & Local Rules: Morton County in North Dakota is weighing a revised data center ordinance after its planning and zoning commission recommended approval, while a statewide tracker counts 26 facilities (11 operating, 3 under construction, 12 planned) with 3,927 megawatts of tracked capacity. Back-to-School Travel Safety: Fargo-Moorhead safety reminders focus on school bus flashing lights and planning extra time in school zones as the new year ramps up. Outdoor Access for Hunters: A closer look at North Dakota’s “Private Land Open to Sportsmen” program highlights how private cooperation supports about 900,000 acres of walk-in access. Native Culture Tourism: A travel guide spotlights Native-led tours, historic sites, powwows, and Indigenous cuisine as a deeper way to experience North Dakota. Fossil Dig for Families: Dickinson-area participants joined the North Dakota Geological Survey for a public fossil dig at Fitterer Ranch, searching 30–32 million-year-old Oligocene remains. Retail for Outdoor Trips: Sierra (formerly Sierra Trading Post) is set to open in Fargo on Sept. 12, bringing hiking, camping, and watersports gear to the region. Roadside Reality: A fatal Walhalla-area crash was reported by the North Dakota Highway Patrol, underscoring ongoing traffic risks.