Boomtowns & Breakthroughs: The Bakken, Budgets, and Big Ideas (07-10-25)

In this power-packed edition of WOYM, Scott goes live from the heart of the Bakken—Watford City—and dives into everything from the future of North Dakota’s energy to fiery city budget talks. He’s joined by powerhouse guests like Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney, Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach, and petroleum engineer Joel Brown. With heartfelt hometown shoutouts, a $10K grocery giveaway, and a deep dive into PEMF therapy, this episode is equal parts grassroots, policy, and good ol’ Midwest pride. 🎯🇺🇸 🕰️ Standout Moments with Timestamps (0:25) – 🎩 "Mayor on the Mic"Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney breaks down the city’s budget woes and smart ways to cut without gutting. “We’ve grown 20% in 10 years—everything’s more expensive, but we’re staying lean.” (2:15) – ✈️ Mill Talk & Airport FundsThe Mayor unpacks the controversy around airport mill funding, explaining why it may need a temporary pullback. “We’ve been giving them 2 mills for 20–30 years. It’s time to look at the balance sheet.” (10:59) – 🤖 AI in City GovernmentMayor Mahoney talks about how Fargo is embracing AI to improve efficiency—from police software to automated water meters. “AI is saving staff hours—we’re doing RFPs in 15 minutes now.” (29:40) – 🏛️ Michelle Fischbach Fires BackThe Congresswoman defends Medicaid reform in the GOP’s “big, beautiful bill,” debunking what she calls “Democrat lies.” “No one's losing Medicaid who should have it—we’re targeting fraud and abuse.” (40:00) – 🧾 Farm Bill, Border & Tax TalkFischbach shares under-the-radar wins in the bill: tax relief for small businesses, border agents, and $65B in farm programs. “55,000 small businesses in my district benefit from 199A being extended.” (56:00) – 🇺🇸 Patriotism from the PrairieThe Flagpole Guy Jim calls in with a stirring story about honoring veterans and the U.S.-Canada flag exchange tradition in Sherwood. “Not even the pandemic stopped the flag ceremony... it’s about civic spirit.” (1:00:21) – 🛢️ Joel Brown: The Future of EnergyLive from the Bakken, Joel Brown talks 4-mile oil laterals, strategic petroleum reserves, and what a national energy emergency really means. “We’re seeing massive interest in enhanced oil recovery with the $85/tax credit bump.” (1:26:00) – 🧠 Try PEMF Therapy for Free TonightPaul Watts from Swanson Hyperbarics joins to talk PEMF—non-invasive therapy for inflammation and pain relief. “You just lie down, fully clothed, under a warm blanket... and magic happens.” (Throughout) – 🎁 $10,000 Grocery Giveaway Hype!The team promotes the WOYM live event featuring a “Price is…