Gov. John Hoeven on Friday presented a ceremonial check for $496,826 to Bismarck State College to support the school's efforts to bring new workers into the workforce pipeline for North Dakota's energy sector. BSC's project is industry driven.

By SARA KINCAID Jason Haider is banking on a retirement boom to turn his $9,000 investment into $50,000 a year. Haider's investment is in an associate degree and he hopes to find a job working in a refinery for about $50,000 a year.

By SARA KINCAID Bismarck public schools saw an increase in students, while Mandan public schools basically held steady in enrollment. Monday was the first day of school for public school students in Bismarck and Mandan.

A bachelor's degree program at Bismarck State College earned approval from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association, an education accrediting organization. The commission provides institutional accreditation for the college and its programs.

Two Bismarck State College agribusiness students took the grand prize of $3,000 in the Marketplace for Entrepreneurs BOSS Business Plan Competition in January.