Bertagnolli, George featured in latest Voices of Watford City videos

The latest videos of the Voices of Watford City series are now available. Click image below to view.
Pat Bertagnolli, in his self-described "4th quarter of his career," has found work to be the most fun he's ever had and the opportunities of McKenzie County to be top-notch for his family.
Karen George, who moved to McKenzie County five years ago from Georgia, has found the community to be welcoming and great career opportunities for her and her husband.
Sales in McKenzie County up by 24%

Just released taxable sales and purchases data for McKenzie County for the first quarter of 2019 show 24% growth when compared to the same quarter in 2018. Taxable sales and purchases totaled $57.7 million in 2018Q1, and $71.8 million for 2019Q1.
Best of the West Ribfest returns in Aug

Seven thousand music and food lovers found their way to Main Street Watford City last year, and Ribfest 2019 will have similar expectations. Four-time Grammy ® nominee Joe Nichols has been announced as the music headliner! Additionally there will be over three tons of ribs, more food and other experiences for all ages. This year's Ribfest will take place on Friday, August 9.
McKenzie County Healthcare highlighted in US News and World Reports article

US News and World Reports published an article about rural hospitals finding ways to survive and thrive and highlighted the recent advancements of McKenzie County Healthcare Systems. The article highlights the importance of collaborative community leadership in the success as well as diversity of funding. Read the article here: Rural Hospitals Find Ways to Survive, Expand
Economy at a Glance now available

July's economy at a glance is now available. Some data of note:

  • Year-to-date occupancy tax distributions for Watford City is running about $50 thousand higher this year compared with the same time period of last year.

  • City sales tax distribution is about $300,000 higher this year-to-date compared to last year's year-to-date.

Watford City in the runnings for Readers Digest "Nicest Place in America"

After receiving a nomination from Shauna Larrabee, Readers Digest has selected Watford City to be representing North Dakota in their contest for "Nicest Place in America." Larrabee, who moved to Watford City from Maine five years ago, is impressed by the charming main street businesses, community togetherness, and career opportunities. Read the story, and vote if you are so inclined, here.
Professional development classes to be held at Rough Rider Center

The University of Mary is offering three opportunities for day-long professional development classes at the Rough Rider Center this summer:
  • Communicating at Work will be on July 30
  • Managing Change and Conflict While Building a Team will be on August 13
  • Effective Writing and Messaging Strategies will be on August 27

For more information visit: umary.edu/worksmarter
Petroleum Council Annual Meeting

Hundreds will be coming to McKenzie County for the annual meeting of the North Dakota Petroleum Council. The event runs September 17-19, and topics range from North American and world energy supply and demand, to highly technical Bakken talks, to managing community impacts and Bakken Basics education. For more information and for registration visit here. Also be sure to book your hotel early--as the area has been experiencing very high occupancy rates.
Maah Daah Hey 100 race registration open

Registration for the Maah Daah Hey 100 bike race is open until August 1 or when the race cap of 300 is met. The Maah Daah Hey trail, with its trailhead just outside of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park North Unit in McKenzie County, is described as one of the most challenging and rewarding stretches of singletrack.
Welcome to Watford

The second annual Welcome to Watford celebration will be held 4:30-6:45 pm on September 20, at the Rough Rider Center. Local organizations and businesses are encouraged to reserve a table to showcase themselves to those new and long timers in the community. Tables can be reserved here.
ConocoPhillips highlights Watford City in promotional video

Exciting, tight-knit, friendly and collaborative are some of the ways ConocoPhillips employees have described living in Watford City, North Dakota. Listen to their personal perspectives by clicking the image.
Watford Market set to start  

Watford Market will return for its fourth season beginning on July 25 at the McKenzie County Heritage Park from 5:30-7:30pm. It will reoccur each Thursday through August 29. At each Market there will be live music, Lions Club hamburgers and hotdogs, and demonstrations in addition to vendors selling homegrown produce or handmade items and baked goods. This year the market will be at the Kent Pelton Nature Park located at 501 7th St SE, Waford City.
View past issues of the monthly update here.