Good morning, Williston.

Williston will soon celebrate Band Day—a long-standing tradition that unites 17 marching bands and over 100 community groups with events like a River’s Edge concert on Friday, May 9 and a parade on Saturday.

The event began in 1927 and continues to bring local music and community spirit together through a host of festive activities.

The Military Affairs Committee — Williston Basin broke ground on Patriot Gate at Hillside Cemetery today to create a permanent memorial honoring local veterans.

The $150,000 project features two life-sized bronze sculptures — Remembering the Fallen and Gold Star Mother — along with an illuminated flagpole and engraved bench to improve the cemetery's entrance.

Red Rock Ford, a family-owned auto group, has acquired Williston Auto and is set to expand local auto sales by upgrading the facility and planning a new Chevrolet—GMC dealership to open in June.

The company will retain most current staff and add new employees to boost service and local job growth.

In May 2024, CJ and Calli Thorne—along with partners Luke and Courtney Taylor—purchased Yellowstone River Beef, a USDA-certified packing plant in Williston formerly known as Prairie Packing that has operated under various owners for decades.

They financed the acquisition through the USDA’s Meat Plant Intermediary Lending Program and have since expanded their vertically integrated beef operation to include custom processing and retail sales.

Angela Skogen started Cooks on Main in 2010 to offer affordable specialty foods and cookware for Williston families— the business expanded in 2015 to include cooking classes and community events.

The store adapted to COVID-19 restrictions with online and delivery services and plans to grow its online presence as it prepares for its 15th anniversary.

Brock D. Sailer founded N2Effects in Williston and built the business from his early work in radio and jukebox entertainment to providing live concerts, corporate events and weddings across western North Dakota plus mentoring others in the community.

His company now drives high-quality audiovisual production and showcases local talent.

Fort Union Association announced the 100 Club to preserve Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site, located 23 miles west of Williston along the Upper Missouri River—donations will fund visitor enhancements, educational materials, and historic programs.

Lemonade Day Junior Market 2025 is a free educational program where local children learn business skills by running their own stands at the Raymond Center on May 17 at 12:00 PM—this centralized venue lets them showcase creative products beyond lemonade—with special awards recognizing top entrepreneurial efforts.

Sanford Health announced it will expand services in Williston — the change aims to meet growing health care needs for patients in western North Dakota and eastern Montana.

Tioga Medical Center was awarded a Top 20 Best Practices in Quality designation for 2025 by the National Rural Health Association — a recognition of its commitment to excellent rural healthcare.