Fed Workers Back on the Job in North Dakota

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Federal workers are back on the job throughout North Dakota after the end of the 16-day partial shutdown of the federal government.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park in the western Badlands is once again open to visitors. Chief Ranger Dean Wyckoff tells The Dickinson Press that it's a good feeling.

The Bureau of Land Management's North Dakota field office in Dickinson also is getting back up to speed. More than 500 oil and gas drilling permit applications are awaiting consideration.

U.S. Attorney Timothy Purdon tells The Bismarck Tribune that his office also has a lot of catching up to do, but will get the job done.