Latest Updates from Watford City

Oil Conference Coming to Rough Rider Center

At the Bakken Conference and Expo in Bismarck, ND this week, Watford City was announced as the site for their July 16-18, 2018 meeting. The Rough Rider Center will showcase our city and county to the hundreds of attendees expected to come from throughout North Dakota, the nation, and maybe even international locations.

New Airport Terminal for Watford City

During Homefest, the Watford City Municipal Airport celebrated the grand opening for the new James L. Taylor Terminal. This terminal marks a significant facility upgrade and will help serve our growing community.

To stay up to date on airport activities follow on Facebook.

Local Farmers Markets Gear Up

Are you looking for local produce and a chance to visit with your old and new neighbors? Come visit one of McKenzie County's farmers markets!

ALEXANDER: From 6-8pm on Saturdays, join in the fun with Farmers Market held in conjunction with Lions Club Hamburgers at the Alexander Park.
WATFORD CITY: From 5-7pm beginning July 27, check out Watford Market. Handmade and homegrown products will be for sale, live music, grilled burgers, demonstrations, and more. It will reoccur weekly into September on Thursdays at the McKenzie County Heritage Park.

Economy at a Glance Updated

The Economy at a Glance has been updated for July. Click the image to view this monthly report.

Data includes 2017 Quarter 1 Taxable Sales and Purchases for McKenzie County came in at $41.6 Million, this compares to the $37.4 Million for the same quarter 2016.

Art Classes Available at Rough Rider Center

The Long X Arts Foundation has partnered with Williston State College’s TrainND Northwest to offer community art classes beginning this month and continuing into September. Silk painting, gouache, oil painting, encaustics and pallet painting are the course offerings. All courses are $59 per person and include the supplies you need to complete the class. A portion of the registration fee will go to support Long X Arts Foundation programming.

To register visit www.willistonstate.edu/trainND or call 701-572-2835.

Small Business Association Disaster Loans Available

Small nonfarm businesses are now eligible to apply for low‑interest federal disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. These loans offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by drought in McKenzie and other surrounding counties.

For more information visit: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela

August 10-11: Global Leadership Summit

Watford City is among the five satellite sites in North Dakota for the Global Leadership Summit. The Summit is a leadership development seminar based on Christian principles. Over two days, attendees hear from many thought leaders (Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg is one of the keynotes) from throughout the nation and world. Last year over 120 participants came to the Watford location (Assembly of God church). Registration is $209/person or $189/person for a group of 10 or more.

Veeder, Stenberg Appointed to State Boards

North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum has appointed Gene Veeder to the North Dakota Economic Development Foundation. The foundation guides and directs economic activity in the state. Veeder is a McKenzie County commissioner and served as the Executive Director of McKenzie County Job Development Authority and Tourism Bureau. Veeder serves as President of the Theodore Roosevelt Expressway and is on the board of directors for McKenzie County Water Resource District and the Western Area Water Supply. He has been recognized as the Governor’s Choice Economic Developer of the Year and for Outstanding Achievement in County Government from the North Dakota Association of Counties.

North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum has appointed Daniel Stenberg to the North Dakota State Historical Board. The Board serves to set policy and oversee the operations of the State Historical Society of North Dakota and their statewide programs. Prior to becoming McKenzie County Economic Development Coordinator in December 2016, Stenberg served as the director of the McKenzie Co Pioneer Museum & Heritage Park, and also directed the historical documentary 6 BROTHERS: A Story of Hope, Loss and Perseverance on the Northern Plains with Prairie Public Television.

Check out the upcoming events listed on our community calendar like the Best of the West Ribfest on August 11!