Williston, N.D. (AP) A group of business owners, residents and Williston officials is working to liven up the city's downtown by promoting local businesses and making the area more walkable.
The Williston Downtowners Association has gone from five to 60 members in just two years and is using the growth to speed the city's development. About seven new stores have opened since the group formed.
Executive Director Karissa Kjos says the original members wanted to create a united vision for the area as oil production brought in an influx of new business. She says the group is now starting to host events, including a Small Business Saturday after Thanksgiving.
The association's Streetscape Project includes widening sidewalks, planting trees and putting up lights to make downtown more inviting.