Jun 08, 2008 - 04:06:39 CDT
Rising fuel costs are changing the airline industry landscape - or atmosphere, more appropriately - as consumers watch low-budget airlines file for bankruptcy while the big brothers of the game slash flights and cut jobs.Continental Airlines announced last week that it's grounding 67 flights and cutting 3,000 jobs due to high fuel costs; United Airlines announced it's reducing capacity by 18 percent and cutting about 1,600 jobs.
Although there may be ripple affects for North Dakotans, including some fallout from Allegiant trimming back flights, United and Continental shouldn't directly affect North Dakota flights, said Gary Ness, director of North Dakota Aeronautics Commission. Most airports in North Dakota continue to post growth over last year, he said.
New owners
Cozy Creek Coffee &Gifts at 722 S. 26th St. in Bismarck has changed hands again.
New owners Susan and Bill Mitchell took ownership from Crystal and Mike Wood as of June 1, Mitchell said.
Hours are 6:45 a.m to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Mitchell said they don't have plans to change a lot, and will continue to offer baked items, coffees and a full lunch menu. They also have North Dakota products available for sale.
Pedal pushing
Park-goers on the south side of town may notice a new, happy face peddling through the trails.
And pedaling.
On nicer days, Vince Barnes can be found pedaling a large bike through the park, selling $1 ice cream bars from his ice cream cooler and making free balloon animals and hats.
He started the first weekend in June, when the weather cleared up to a good 80 degrees. The wet weather has kept him at bay, but he will be out there when it's clear, peddling his wares.
Barnes said he visits the parks on the south side of town, including parts of Sertoma.
It's electric
A new business, Miller Electric Motors, moved into 200 Riverwood Ave. S.E. in Mandan recently.
The retail sales and repair store is close to Runnings and Kist Livestock, which has already proven to be a good place to set up shop and garner business.
The shop is owned and operated by Reynold Miller, a Bismarck man who's worked on electric motors for 18 years. In fact, the Millers continue to live in Bismarck, but said the location in Mandan was perfect.
"We've had wonderful support from American Welders, and the pool and spa places have been great to us,"said Kay Miller.
Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday by appointment and in emergencies.
A big move
The Academie Agencie, based in Fargo, has extended its business into a new office space in Mandan.
The Academie represents models and actors, as well as developing new talent with training in modeling and acting, said Stacey Lentz, director.
They will also now offer an after-school etiquette, charm and development program for young girls, ages 9-13.
Lentz said the Academie began in Fargo as a charm school in 1979, teaching social graces, table etiquette, etc. While they continue to develop those skills in various programs, they also represent models for print and commercial locally, regionally and nationally.
"We're very happy with our roster,"she said. "We are definitely devloping our roster right now, for people that are specifically in the area."
The office serves western North Dakota.
(Reach reporter Crystal R. Reid at 250-8261 or at crystal.reid@;bismarcktribune.com.)
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