U.S. Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., is scheduling two busy days in northwestern North Dakota this Thursday and Friday as he is visiting the area to discuss energy, health care, agriculture and other major issues before Congress.

Dorgan begins his swing in Stanley on Thursday at 5:15 p.m. with a U.S. flag presentation at the Mountrail County Courthouse. The flag being presented was flown over the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., and is being presented in honor of Mountrail County's 100th anniversary.

Dorgan then arrives in Williston at 7 p.m. on Thursday to discuss an "Energy Plan for North Dakota and the Nation" in speaking at the Mon-Dak Energy Alliance Meeting at the Airport International Inn. Dorgan is to provide an update on energy issues and his work to produce more domestic energy in North Dakota and across the country.

The Mon-Dak meeting Thursday evening also is to include a panel discussion that focuses on issues that could impact development in the Williston Basin. The topics include proposed tax law changes that are harmful to domestic oil and gas exploration, production and processing, climate change, CO2 and hydraulic fracturing legislation.

Sidney's Dr. Hal Campbell then closes the Thursday Mon-Dak gathering by discussing alternative energy through hydrogen production. Dorgan then concludes his Thursday at 8 p.m. with a tour of Williston's Sabin Metal West Corporation.

The senator starts his Friday in Williston at 7:30 a.m. by attending the Sunnyside Chamber Breakfast at the El Rancho Motor Hotel. He intends to discuss topics impacting Williston and the nation with community leaders.

Dorgan then completes his day in northwestern North Dakota with a farm shop meeting at the Dorvan and Eileen Solberg farm at 11395 66th St. near Ray.

The senator intends to discuss agriculture and other topics of importance to Ray residents.