State To Give West Fargo, Williston Largest Chunk Of Educational Grants -- Fast Growing Schools -- December 18, 2015

From The Williston Wire:

The state of North Dakota is giving out $5.4 million in grants to fast-growing school districts.

West Fargo will receive the largest amount: $1.15 million.

Williston received the next largest grant of $957,360, while Bismarck was awarded $479,560.

Williston has 307 new students this fall, an increase of 9.1 percent, while Bismarck grew by 357 students, or 3 percent.

Not a lot of difference between $1.15 million and 0.957 million. About $200,000. 

West Fargo is very, very interesting. This city really is growing. Outside the state, and even within the state, I doubt many folks are aware of this. I knew it was growing but I did not know it was growing this fast.

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Nation's Oil Rig Count Jumps 17 -- Largest Jump Since July, 2015

Oil & Gas Journal is reporting:

The overall drilling rig count sat unchanged at 707 during the week ended December 18, 2015. But a 17-unit jump in oil-directed rigs—which was offset by a 17-unit drop in gas-directed rigs—marking their biggest weekly increase since July.

Oil-directed rigs now total 541, still 995 fewer year-over-year. Down 21 units a week ago, they hit their lowest point since April 30, 2010. Gas-directed rigs now total 168.
The overall count remains at its lowest level since September 17, 1999, and is down 1,166 year-over-year.

Land-based units were unchanged at 684, ending their 16-week slide. They’re now down 1,121 year-over-year. Rigs engaged in horizontal drilling gained 5 to 559, still down 797 year-over-year. Directional drilling rigs edged down a unit to 63.

Offshore rigs edged up a unit to 21, representing the 1 and only unit in Alabama waters to come online. Rigs drilling in inland waters halved to 1.

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I'm Beginning To Think Jeb Was Right On This One

Marco Rubio did not vote on the biggest bill of the year, the one he said he would do whatever he could to stop it. 

From The Hill:

The Florida Republican has missed more than half of the Senate's votes since October.

Getting the bill through the House was the biggest challenge; it will easily move through the Senate and President Obama will sign it quickly and with fanfare.