An Odyssey that began in Bismarck has expanded in scope.

Bismarck-based Odyssey Research, which is North Dakota's largest trial-management organization, has announced plans to open offices in China, Argentina and India. The company already manages clinical research in more than 30 locations in the United States and Canada.

"Our growth throughout the world is a strong indication that our North Dakota model works in other locations throughout the world," said Dr. Tom Davis, president of the company.

Since its inception in 1999, Odyssey Research has added nearly 100 employees, Davis said. The majority of them work in North Dakota, managing clinical studies on medical conditions with physician investigators. Odyssey works independently with physicians to make medical research available to the public. Physicians in China, Argentina and India now will take part in the studies.

In addition to creating the new international offices, Odyssey added to its local efforts. The company will now provide research information in the fields of internal medicine, oncology-urology and women's health and rheumatology.

Odyssey also has offices in Minot, Jamestown and Fargo.

Pumping up the pumps

It will come as no surprise to anyone who drives that gasoline prices in North Dakota continue to reach record highs. According to a report released by AAA North Dakota, the average retail price of gas set a new record for the 27th consecutive day Tuesday. Since Jan. 1, the price for regular-unleaded gasoline had risen 40 cents.

The average gas prices last week in the state's three largest cities were: Bismarck, $2.26; Fargo, $2.14; and Grand Forks, $2.11.

For more information on fuel prices, including national, state and city averages, visit http://www.aaa.com and click on "Fuel Gauge."

Let's get digital

Cellular One recently activated a new digital-cell site in Bismarck, one of eight new sites in North Dakota.

The sites offer enhanced digital coverage and, according to the company, can provide Cellular One customers with improved coverage, fewer dropped and blocked calls, less static and better access to Web, picture and text-messaging services. In addition, the digital sites can provide customers with access to downloadable games, productivity and information tools and stereo ringtones.

Other sites recently activated are in Fargo, Page, Portland, Drayton, Tappen, Belcourt and Belfield.

Meet the meat-makers

After 55 years in the meat business - including 28 years as owner of his own store - Otto Gienger hung up his knife last summer.

Gienger's Sausage & Meats, 1103 S. 12th St. in Bismarck, is now under new ownership. Daryl and Loretta Wetzel, of New Salem, have taken over the business. The couple is inviting the public to come down and check it out.

DW Meats is the retail outlet for the Wetzels' other business, the New Salem Butcher Shop. They had been looking for a way to market their sausages, hamburger, steaks and jerky. Loretta Wetzel said they provide lean-quality products that are made "the old-fashioned way," without sugars or sweeteners.

The couple runs both businesses with the help of their son, Mike. The family will have a grand opening at DW Meats soon.

The key to success

Bismarck's Capital Trophy Inc. will celebrate its 20th anniversary this week. The store will host an open house from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday and 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday.

As part of the event, a 32-inch flat-screen TV will be given away. The TV will go to the person with the key that opens the Capital Trophy treasure chest. Keys are available at the store, 405 N. Fourth St.

(Reach Tony Spilde at 250-8260 or tspilde@ndonline.com.)