Progress towards U.S. Highway 85 improvements

The final environmental impact statement has been completed for the Long X Bridge and 4 laning of US Highway 85 from Watford City to I-94. Funding has been secured for the Long X Bridge replacement, and work is currently underway in the North Dakota legislature to get some funding secured for the 4 laning.

See more in this update from the Williston Herald.
Whiting to spend $820M in Bakken this year

According to this article by North American Shale Magazine, Whiting will be increasing production by 11% and spending $820 million in the Bakken this year, with $266 million of that being allocated to their South Williston team. They will be focusing on new technologies in hydraulic fracturing
March Economy at a Glance

A few highlights:

  • Oil production for January is about 300,000 barrels higher than in December

  • Year to date Restaurant/Lodging tax distribution is about $20,000 higher this year than the same period last year.

See data like that and more in the March Economy at a Glance .


Travels with Darley on Prairie Public Television

Mark your calendar or set your DVR for the Travels with Darley episode that features many of the great things about our area--the badlands, the grasslands, the lake, the culture.

It has been airing nationally this winter, and will air locally on Sunday, March 24, at 4:30 CDT on Prairie Public Television.

Multi-industry job fair

Fifty-plus employers have signed up to take part in the Job Service North Dakota Semi-annual Job Fair. The fair will be held on March 27, 2019 at the Rough Rider Center in Watford City. It runs from 3-7pm, with veterans preference from 3-3:30pm.

For more information visit: http://www.jobsnd.com/job-fair/8893
Area students interacting with Tools, Trades, Torque and Tech

About 450 area students in 6-8th grades had an opportunity to get up close and interact with trucks, electricity, circuits, robotics, electronics and more at the first ever daylong T4 Event held March 21 at the Rough Rider Center. The purpose of T4 is to introduce students to workforce skills, needs, training and networking opportunities with industry leaders and technicians.
Jessie Veeder: 2019 Governor's Awards for the Arts recipient

This week, Jessie Veeder was awarded the 2019 Governor's Award for the arts for individual achievement. Jessie has been instrumental in bringing arts and art education to McKenzie County through the Long X Arts Foundation in addition to being a musician and syndicated columnist.
High School entrepreneurship program to host capstone event

Five businesses will be popping up in the main foyer of the Watford City High School lobby from 8:30-3:00pm on April 10. This Market Day event is a part of the Youth Entrepreneurs curriculum. Earnings from the sales will go to the student minus expenses and sales tax. Watford City is the first high school in North Dakota to offer this elective course to their students thanks to generous sponsorship by First International Bank and Trust.
One-stop online calendar for McKenzie County events

Efforts have been underway to create a website that is a comprehensive place for folks to go to see what is going on for community events. The results has been the website www.watfordcityevents.com Anyone can submit a local event to have published on the site. The goal is to make it a one-stop shop for area community event listings.
Rodeo coming to indoor arena

Cowgirls and cowboys will once again be descending on the McKenzie County Fairgrounds indoor arena.

The 2nd Annual Bares, Broncs and Bulldoggin will be coming to the there at 7pm on March 23.
Classical Pianist Concert

Washington Post has called him "One of the most gifted musicians of his generation." Charlie Albright breaks the "classical" rules of music by connecting with audiences like no other. Through his music, speaking, and unique improvisations that bring music to life, he crosses all genres...and makes it fun.

Albright will be having a concert at the Watford City High School Auditorium on Tuesday, March 26 from 7-9pm. Tickets are available with membership to the Long X Arts Concert Series or at the door.

View past issues of the monthly update here.