Over 70 employers registered for job fair

Next week, the Rough Rider Center will serve as a meeting point for employers and job seeker for the Job Service North Dakota Multi-Industry Job Fair. The fair runs from 11am-3pm on April 26. Over 70 employers have registered to participate. Registrations like this show how hot the job market is here--for comparison Bismarck (metro population about 10x greater than McKenzie County) had 61 employers registered for their fair earlier this month. For those who cannot make it on April 26, there will also be a job fair in Williston on April 25 that runs from 3-7pm at the Raymond Family Community Center with many of the same employers that will be at Watford City's fair.
New infographic highlights community

Take a peek at the new infographic that shows the opportunities of our community. We will be represented at booths at the Williston Basin Petroleum Conference in Bismarck in May, and the Bakken Conference & Expo in Watford City in July. Consider attending the conferences and be sure to stop by the booth and find handouts like this.
April Economy at a Glance released

A couple highlights from this month's Economy at a Glance:

  • Taxable sales and purchases for 2017Q4 McKenzie County are up nearly $6 million compared to 2017Q3.

  • Watford City sales tax distribution for March 2018 is up $45,355 compared to March 2017. For Alexander during the same time it went up $26,471.
Analysts see Bakken growth

"...the newest numbers confirm the resurgence in volumes extracted from North Dakota, centered on the Bakken Shale formation."

SeekingAlpha : Hartstreet: Bakken Oil Production Improves 24% Year Over Year "Bakken well design improvements have increased oil production per location by 24% over the first 12 months of well life."

"At the current oil prices at WTI at around $65, the Bakken has good chances to beat its production record this year, if oil prices hold on to around the $60 handle."
Local bank acquires electronic payments processor

With its corporate headquarters in Watford City and 27 locations throughout North Dakota, Minnesota and Arizona, First International Bank and Trust has recently acquired InterceptEFT. InterceptEFT, founded in 1993 and based in Fargo, ND, has been a leading electronic payments processor serving 74,000 companies nationwide. The acquisition will be re-branded as Kotapay. See more in this press release or this article from American Banker (subscription required).
Pick up the Patch-May 12

Pick up the Patch has become an annual spring event for the community. As the grass starts to green, dozens and dozens of community members, coworkers and friends band together to keep our community beautiful by picking up roadside trash. This year the big day will be Saturday, May 12, with opportunities throughout the week as well. New this year is going to be a pancake feed for participants. For more information contact Kylee Roff at kyleer@roughridercenter.com
County population continues growth

2017 county population estimates were recently released from the US Census Bureau. McKenzie County estimates increased by 108 from 2016 to 2017. When compared with 2010 McKenzie County has the greatest population percentage change increase at 100%, rounding out the top five population percentage gains include Williams at 49%, Mountrail at 34%, Stark at 25%, and Dunn at 21%. City population estimates from the US Census for 2017 are set to be released in June.
Local brewery featured in national media

Watford City's Stonehome Brewing Company made it into the USA Today earlier this month in their "50 states: 50 beers for travelers" feature as a great beer destination for each state.
ConnectWell ND conference coming to Watford City

 Writers, bloggers, entrepreneurs and social media gurus from throughout the region will be coming together at the Rough Rider Center on June 1 and 2. Early bird registration is $80 for the whole event. For more information and a draft agenda visit the registration link .
Paddlefish season starts May 1

The 2018 paddlefish snagging season is set to begin on May 1. Paddlefish--which have a uniquely-shaped snout and can weigh up to 100 pounds--are found in western McKenzie County in the Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers. For more information about the fish or the season visit ND Game and Fish.
Facility proposed for drug, alcohol treatment

Summit Counseling Services a nonprofit counseling service with operations in area communities is proposing a drug and alcohol treatment facility in McKenzie County. Raising the funds to purchase an existing building and gaining proper zoning are the main efforts Summit is currently undertaking. For more info see news articles:

School district looking for 20 additional teachers

As McKenzie County Public School District #1 transitions to Class A for the 2018/2019 school year, they are looking to hire an additional 20 teachers. Base pay is $46,350 with no teaching experience, and there is flexibility to include up to 20 years experience in salary schedule.

For more information see flyer.
McKenzie County Community Foundation

The McKenzie County Community Foundation is an endowment fund that provides grant dollars to worthwhile projects and programs in McKenzie County every year. Established in 2010, the fund is a permanent resource for McKenzie County. See its recently-issued 2017 year end report for more information.
Local and cottage food safety workshop: May 12

For those interested in selling food to the public from their home or farmers market, consider attending the free local and cottage food safety workshop on May 12 from 1-5pm at the Rough Rider Center. You MUST pre-register for this FREE workshop to ensure there are enough materials for all participants. To register, please call Holly Mawby at 701-681-0252. For more information visit: Facebook event.
Life Light Festival to come to Rough Rider Center

Sponsored by local churches and other organizations the Life Light Festival is coming to the Rough Rider Center. It will feature motocross, skateboard, BMX, concerts, inflatables and more all on April 28 from 2-10pm.

Tickets are $5 in advance or $10 at the door.
Applications being accepted for North Dakota Change Network

National Arts Strategies (NAS) and Strengthen ND are seeking North Dakotans who see opportunities to make change in their community to apply for the upcoming North Dakota Change Network cohort. This year-long program supports participants in advancing both the skills and networks needed to make the places one lives and works more inclusive.

Application deadline is May 31. For more information and how to apply visit.
Check out the upcoming events like the watercoloring class listed on our community calendar .
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View past issues of the monthly update here.