Significant enrollment growth predicted

McKenzie County Public School District #1 board members got an update on its projected enrollment for the next decade. It includes another doubling of enrollment--or nearly an additional 2,000 students by the 2027/2028 school year.

For more information see the one page summary or full presentation.
School bond vote scheduled

With continued student enrollment growth, considerations are being made towards an additional one to two elementary schools for Watford City. A bond vote is scheduled for January 8, 2019. There will be two more informational open houses to help voters become familiarized with the situation: Tuesday, December 18 from 5-7PM at the Roughrider Center; and Thursday, January 3 at the elementary school from 4-7PM. Absentee ballot applications and forms are available at the District Office of the school district during normal business hours. The election is January 8 and the only voting location is the Media Center of the Intermediate School (former high school) from 8AM-7PM.

For more information listen to this interview by Geoff Simon with Superintendent Dr Holen on The Flag AM 1100.
Updated Economy at a Glance

The December 2018 Economy at Glance is now available. It includes data such as:

  • 16,128,252 barrels of oil were produced in McKenzie County in Oct 2018. That is the highest amount ever for McKenzie County and represents over 40% of the state's total.

  • K-12 Fall public school enrollment for McKenzie County is at 2,356 for 2018, compared with 2,069 for 2017.
Ybarra at TEDxFargo

Watford City's Nick Ybarra recently spoke at TEDxFargo about his work with the Maah Daah Hey Trail.

His talk is titled "Choosing to Do Things the Hard Way" and is available here.
Hess's 2019 plans include $1.4B Bakken investment

2019 is looking to be a big year for the Bakken. This North American Shale Magazine article reports that Hess is looking to increase its rig count from 4 to 6, and invest $1.425 billion into the Bakken--making the Bakken its biggest investment for 2019.
Fan Cutz opens in Watford City

There's another option for getting your hair cut in Watford City with the opening of Fan Cutz.

Located at 1005 S Main Street, it is open 11am-8pm Monday through Friday; 10am-7pm Saturday; and 12-6pm on Sunday.
Butterfly Coins launches

Dr Bruce Pedersen Center has launched yet another venture. Butterfly Coins encourages the act and paying forward of kindness. Listen to a recent interview he did with Prairie Public on their Main Street radio program.

In addition to owning and operating Watford City Veterinary Center, Dr Pedersen is also co-founder of BookCrossing.
Additional doctor joins staff

McKenzie County Healthcare Systems has a new doctor on staff. Dr. Ravindra Joshi is an orthopedic surgeon and will start seeing patients the end of December.

See more in this KX News report.
Featured on NPR radio

The national radio program "All Things Considered" on NPR recently did a feature story on Watford City. It includes an interview with Watford City Mayor Phil Riely, talks about school growth and adaptation, enhancements in infrastructure and more. Find the story here.
New Williston Airport tour

Plans are still on track for a new $250 million airport in nearby Williston (call letters XWA) by October 2019. To see video of the construction site and renderings of it being completed, see this recent KX News story.
Northrop named to "40 under 40 list"

Prairie Business Magazine recently released its 40 under 40 list. Included in that list is Dia Northrop. Northrop is Assistant Vice President of Cornerstone Bank in Watford City.

See more about her and the others on the list here (the list begins on page 24).
Indoor playground opens at Rough Rider Center

Playground goers now have an indoor option in Watford City with the addition of the indoor playground at the Rough Rider Center. Located on the lower level, the playground is steps away from the swimming pool, ice rinks, gymnastics, walking track, coffee shop and more.
Donkey Basketball

Back by popular demand, Donkey Basketball will be coming to Watford City. The event is fun for the entire family and is a fundraiser for the Watford City High School FFA chapter.

It will be held on January 14 at 7pm at the Rough Rider Center.
View past issues of the monthly update here.