Watford City Magazine launched

A new magazine focusing on Watford City launched this month. The magazine covers home/real estate, activities around the area, travel, outdoors and more.

Check it out here!
Oil tax revenue collections for North Dakota exceeding budget forecasts
Revenues from oil and gas taxes have been coming in higher than forecasted since October 2017 for North Dakota. Data from the North Dakota Legislative Council show that $1.41 billion has been collected from the beginning of the biennium to date, which is higher than the forecasted $1.15 billion. To date, 35% of the revenue or just over a half a billion dollars has come from McKenzie County.
Highway 85 expansion plans take next steps

Plans are in the works for the expansion of US Highway 85 from a two-lane highway to a four-lane highway from I-94 (by Belfield, ND) to the Watford City bypass. A meeting to provide project updates and to gather input from the public will be held on May 31 from 5:00-7:30pm at Watford City City Hall located at 213 2nd Street Northeast. Other public meetings are scheduled for Belfield and Fairfield.

As the project progresses, the plan is to have the final environmental impact and record of decision by Fall 2018. To learn more about the project visit.
Ace Hardware grand opening

Ace Hardware is joining Watford City Lumber, increasing the retail hardware options for our community. Their offerings include 7,200 square feet of greenhouse and garden center space that opened to the public last week. Find them at 1504 4th Ave NE Watford City, ND.

A grand opening sale will be held May 18-20.
New building for First International Bank & Trust

Headquartered in Watford City, First International Bank & Trust has opened a new six-story bank and professional building in Bismarck. Stonehome Brewing Company, which has its origin in Watford City, will also be located in the building. Find them on the corner of Divide Avenue and State Street in Bismarck.
Updated oil maps available

Updated maps showing concentration of oil development throughout North Dakota have been released. They include:

May's Economy at a Glance

A few items of note in May's Economy at a Glance:

--New this month, we are including Apartment Occupancy Rate from Prairie Property Management which came in at 91% for May

--Unemployment for McKenzie County remains low at 2.2%

--Labor force remains similar to the previous month at 8,207
A bowling alley for Watford City

Plans are in the works for the Lois Lanes Family Fun Center. According to their Facebook page, plans include an arcade, 14 bowling lanes, a trampoline park, a small kitchen, a pro-shop,
and two party rooms, with a projected opening of Fall 2018. It will be located on 16th Street NE, Watford City.
Watford City featured in North Dakota Living

The May 2018 edition of North Dakota Living has a feature story focusing on all the tourism options that Watford City and McKenzie County holds throughout all the North Dakota seasons.
Agenda released for oil expo

The agenda for the Bakken Conference & Expo coming to Watford City's Rough Rider Center in July is now available. There is still some expo space for those looking to be an exhibitor.
Beef producers to meet

Beef producers will be meeting on June 12 at Watford City's Rough Rider Center for their annual spring roundup. The meeting will feature a social, supper and program that includes updates on the work the association and opportunity for producers to give their input on issues affecting beef production.
Art in the Park

Reviving a Homefest tradition, the Long X Arts Foundation will be hosting Art in the Park on Saturday, June 23 from 11am-6pm at the Watford City Children's Park on Main Street. The event feature s music and art of the area, face painting, entertainment and free art activities for kids.
Pow Wow Celebration

The 2018 Four Bears Pow Wow Celebration will be happening on May 24-27. The event features competitive dance categories ranging from youth to seniors and covers many different styles. The event will be at the 4 Bears Casino Event Center outside of New Town.
Fort Union Rendezvous

The Fort Union Rendezvous will be June 14-17. This annual event features a variety of period arts, crafts and music. Come and participate in the upper Missouri's finest fur trade fair at one of the West's most imposing historic sites.This annual gathering is their largest event, a time when Fort Union comes alive and best reflects the busy trade season. Throughout the weekend 100 reenactors demonstrate traditional skills and lifeways.
Welcoming summer at Tobacco Gardens

Tobacco Gardens Resort & Marina is looking to get folks in the mood for summer with a kite flying festival, draft horse field days, BBQs, dancing, and a wagon train over the weekend of June 8-10. Tobacco Gardens is located in northern McKenzie County on the banks of Lake Sakakawea.
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 HOMEFEST listed on our community calendar .
View past issues of the monthly update here.