What's going on in North Dakota?

While the rest of the country sinks deeply into a recession, North Dakota has had one of its most prosperous years, according to an article in The New York Times.

• North Dakota state government is working on how to handle $1.2 billion surplus.
• New car sales are up 27% over last year.
• The foreclosure rate is "miniscule."
• Homes are making modest gains in value.
• Unemployment is the lowest in the nation at 3.4 percent.
• Currently 13,000 jobs in the state are unfilled.