Business News: ND oil…UND SIMS & recall

Measures of U.S. inflation barely declined in September, evidence that consumer price increases are grinding lower at a gradual pace. Consumer prices rose 0.4% from August to September, below the previous month’s 0.6% pace. Year-over-year inflation was unchanged last month from a 3.7% rise in August.

— — —

An unforeseen burst of hiring last month has lifted hopes that the economy will prove durable once again. Businesses across the U.S. economy ramped up their hiring in September. The 336,000 jobs that were added in September raised the average gain for the past three months to a robust 266,000.

— — —

North Dakota oil production is back to more than 1.2 million barrels per day. The number reflects August production. North Dakota Mineral Resource Director Lynn Helms says the numbers were three percent higher than July. North Dakota is still capturing 95 percent of the natural gas.

— — —

The Grand Forks Growth Fund Committee will consider a request by Bifrost Manufacturing for $266,000 equipment loan and a $11,356 PACE loan at a meeting Monday. The money would help the company secure a private loan to provide customers with 3D printed parts and components. Bifrost is focusing on the ag…manufacturing…and UAS sectors. The startup project will creat 9 FTE jobs.

— — —

UND’s John D. Odegard School of Aerospace has landed a new state-of-the-art simulator that allows students to train in the cockpit of either an Airbus or Boeing Aircraft. The ALSIM creates realistic training through a completely enclosed cockpit. The ALSIM can be programed to simulate different airports…weather…other traffic…even taxiing to the gate.

— — —

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development has launched the Drive for 5 Workforce Initiative. The goal is to prepare more Minnesotans for high-demand jobs in five occupational categories: technology, the trades, caring professions, manufacturing, and education. DEED will partner with workforce development institutions around Minnesota to implement or expand job training programs for specific occupational paths. Minnesota’s economy added about 50,000 jobs over the past year, and nearly 200,000 jobs remain open.

— — —

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) awarded $500,000 to the Turtle Mountain Community College. The grant will enhance education curriculum for building construction and electrical trades to recruit and train a skilled workforce of American Indian and Alaska Native students.

— — —

The Help Wanted sign is up at Minnesota’s Public Utilities Commission. The vacancy occurred upon the resignation of Commissioner Matt Schuerger. The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission regulates the electricity, natural gas, and telephone services industries in Minnesota. Schuerger was first appointed to the PUC in 2016. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

— — —

Dr. Joshua Wynne, University of North Dakota (UND) School of Medicine & Health Sciences Dean & Vice President for Health Affairs has been recognized as the 2023 recipient of the Physician Community and Professional Services Award. Since 1977 the North Dakota Medical Association has been honoring physicians who serve as role models for outstanding leadership and service to the community.

— — —

Ford is recalling more than 238,000 Explorers in the U.S. because a rear axle bolt can fail, potentially causing a loss of drive power or allowing the SUVs to roll away while in park. Affected are certain Explorers from the 2020 through 2022 model years. Owners will be notified starting November 6th.