NEW YORK (AP) — Oil futures blasted to a new record near $123 a barrel, gaining momentum as investors bought on a forecast of much higher prices and on any news hinting at supply shortages. Retail gas prices appear poised to rise to new records of their own in coming weeks. A new Goldman Sachs prediction that oil prices could rise to $150 to $200 within two years seemed to motivate much buying.

By Steve Browne
Valley City Times-Record

Rising gas prices will hit the townships, city and county health and social services hardest, according to Barnes County Auditor Ed McGough.    “Each county department has its own budget for travel and training,” McGough said, “and it's up to them to stay within budget. But home visitors for old people and the disabled use their own cars and get 45 cents per mile for travel expenses. If prices keep rising, we may have to change that.”

By Sheila Anderson
Valley City Times-Record

Gas prices are forcing a local school district to reassess budgetary allocations for busing costs.
According to Supt. Roger Mulvaney, the Maple Valley School District budgeted $67,000 for the 2007-’08 school year for diesel and gas expenses. Currently, the district has nearly reached that level for expenditures, with only $864 remaining in the budget.
“You don’t have a clue what gas costs are going to be,” Mulvaney said. “You try to estimate.”

By Jean Schlegel
Valley City Times-Record

The continued increase in gas prices has affected many entities all over the nation. One place hit hard locally by gas price spikes is South Central Adult Services.
Pat Hansen, director of SCAS, said she just spent three days in Bismarck, meeting with legislators and transit providers about budgets. "We've had a huge increase (for gas)," she said.

By Matt Blumkin
Valley City Times-Record   

The rising cost of gas has left athletics at area schools in need of a winning game plan for budgeting.
Schedules have been set for next school year at area schools, and the schools are taking a variety of approaches to handling the budget. Some schools made moves prior to this school year. 

For full special section, see Friday's edition of the Valley City Times-Record.