Promiseland project energizes Watford City

A dart thrown by Matthew McConaughey at South by Southwest earlier this year was the reason Roy Spence brought his Promiseland Project to Watford City on Sunday. The project is a long-term marketing and grassroots campaign to unleash the power of purpose to bridge the cultural divide in America. Hundreds of people came to the event at the Rough Rider Center which included speakers, business panel presenters as well as music by Tigirlily and MamaDear. At the conclusion of the event, a dart was thrown at a map of Louisiana to determine which city the project would stop at next.
Oasis gas plant completed

Oasis celebrated the completion of its $100M+ Wild Basin II gas plant just north of Watford City over the past weekend. This helps expand the infrastructure to be able to capture more natural gas and have it properly processed. See more in this Bismarck Tribune article.
$410 million gas processing plant announced

More gas plants continue to be announced for our area. ONEOK recently announced the $410 million Demicks Lake II plant. Gas processing infrastructure, along with adequate workforce, is often cited the biggest limiter to increasing oil development. See more in this Bismarck Tribune article or ONEOK press release.
Updated Economy at a Glance

Updated numbers for McKenzie County are in. Some of the highlights include:

  • Tax collections for both Watford City and Alexander are higher than the same month last year as well as all of the year to date numbers.

  • The unemployment rate remains very low at 1.5% for August 2018.
Arenacross coming to fairgrounds

The McKenzie County Fairgrounds will be buzzing with excitement shortly. The indoor/outdoor motocross event will happen on three dates: Oct. 27, Nov. 17, Dec. 15. The event is made possible by a partnership between the BTMA (Bakken Trail and Motocross Association) and the local Knights of Columbus/ Knights on Bikes council.
Comedy Cafe 2018

The Bakken Oil Rush Ministries and Long X Arts Foundation are teaming up to bring this year's Comedy Cafe. Featured comedians include Las Vegas Headliner, TV Host Personality, and Philanthropist Jeff Civillico; and comedian and speaker Bob Stromberg.
The evening of family fun and laughter is on Friday, October 26th at 7pm at the Watford City Performing Arts Center at Watford City High School. This event exists as Bakken Oil Rush's primary funding source. Tickets are $25 or admission is free for those with a Long X Arts concert series membership.
College hockey game to be played in Watford City

For the first time ever, college hockey will be played at the Rough Rider Center. The Williston State College Tetons will be playing the Minot State University Beavers on Saturday, October 20 at 7pm.
Men's Journal highlights MDH trail

Men's Journal magazine recently listed the Maah Daah Hey Trail as of one the seven most epic secret mountain bike trails in America. The 150 mile badlands trail brings hundreds of visitors to our community with the EXPERIENCE LAND race series throughout the year as well as the nature and adventure seeking locals and traveling public.
Highway 85 continues getting heavy traffic

Highway 85 continues to see heavy traffic. Funding has been approved to replace the Long X Bridge of Highway 85 with a four lane structure. A first step necessary in what many hope will include having Highway 85 completely four-laned from Watford City to the intersection with I-94 for safety and efficiency reasons.
Philanthropic conference on Oct 18

In partnership with the Bush Foundation, the North Dakota Change Network, Mark Clemons and the North Dakota Community Foundation the #voiceschange conference will be coming to the Rough Rider Center from noon to 4:30pm on October 18. Philanthropic leaders from across North Dakota will speak on charitable giving, foundation establishment and community service. Guest speakers include Nick Ybarra and Jessie Veeder Scofield. Free to the public and lunch is included.
Grant application now open

The McKenzie County Community Foundation will be awarding over $5400 in grants to local nonprofit or local government agencies in November. Grant applications must be submitted by October 31, 2018.
Prominent meeting to be held at Rough Rider Center

The next North Dakota Petroleum Council's annual meeting will be held at Watford City's Rough Rider Center on September 17-19, 2019. Upwards of 400 people are expected to attend.
Check out upcoming events like TURKEY BINGO and PARADE OF LIGHTS listed on our community calendar .
View past issues of the monthly update here.