McKenzie County oil production projected to hit 18-20 million barrels a month

According to a presentation made by Department of Mineral Resources Director Lynn Helms, McKenzie County's oil production is projected to rise from its current production around 16 million barrels a month to between 18-20 million barrels a month by 2022. Further, statewide production is projected to hit 2 million barrels a day by 2040, while at the same time the number of statewide producing wells are expected to increase from 15,942 to 65,000. The presentation was made at the Western Dakota Energy Association annual meeting.
Watford City featured in Reader's Digest

If you flip to page 67 of the November print edition of Reader's Digest you'll find that Watford City is featured as one of the 50 Nicest Places in America. Over 1,000 nominations were made for the honor to Reader's Digest in April and they whittled that down to 244. After 45,000+ online votes the selections--one in each state--were made.
More gas processing for McKenzie County

ONEOK's Demicks Lake I gas plant is now operational--adding 200 million cubic feet per day capacity for natural gas processing. Further, work continues on Demicks Lake II gas plant, which once competed in early 2020, will add an additional 200 million cubic feet per day of natural gas processing capacity. Both of these plants are located in McKenzie County. ONEOK has invested more than $6 billion dollars in the Williston Basin with an addition $5 billion underway. For more information see this presentation made to the North Dakota Energy Development and Transmission Committee.
November Economy at a Glance

The November Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note:
  • Watford City Sales Tax Distributions year to date top $4.4 million; year to date in 2018 was $3.5 million.
  • McKenzie County labor force numbers are up over 1,000 comparing September 2019 with September 2018.
Name chosen for new elementary school

According to the latest superintendent update, Fox Hills Elementary School has been chosen as the name for the new elementary school being built. The current elementary school will also get a new name and will be announced in later fall/winter. The new elementary school building is projected for completion in September 2020.
George selected for leadership class

Karen George has been selected to be a member of Class IX of Rural Leadership North Dakota. George moved to our community in 2014, and quickly become involved in many organizations such as Watford City Chamber of Commerce and Watford City Economic Development Corporation. She was recently featured in a Voices of Watford City video. As part of the leadership class run through NDSU Extension, George will travel throughout North Dakota, the region, and the world over the next 18 months learning about leadership, agriculture, and community development.
Keeping rural economies resilient

North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum is chair of the Western Governors Association and this year has set the association's agenda as "Reimagining the Rural West." As a part of his agenda, a series of workshops are being held throughout the western United States. Earlier this month, Daniel Stenberg, economic development coordinator for McKenzie County, participated in a panel focused on the challenges and opportunities of being in a rural, resource-driven economy. View the full presentation here.
Leading locally

Over a dozen community members from throughout McKenzie County took part in a full day of training last week. The training, called Lead Local, covers topics such as parliamentary procedure; conflict management; and roles and responsibilities of boards, council and committees. It is run by NDSU Extension.
A Magical Medora Christmas

Five legendary Medora performers are bringing a family-friendly Christmas show to Watford City on Wednesday, December 4. The show features seasonal music and a story for the entire family to enjoy! Tickets can be purchased at area businesses or online.
Community foundation awards grants

The McKenzie County Community Foundation awarded grants totaling nearly $8,000 to area organizations doing work in our community.

Organizations who received grants this year include: Badlands Search and Rescue, BIO Girls, Feed My Starving Children Mobile Food Pak, Grassy Butte Quick Response, Imagination Library, Long X Arts Foundation, Oil Rush Ministry, Pioneer Museum, and the Tools, Trades, Torque, and Technology Event.
Events calendar

What's happening this month? Painting classes, curling club, open mic night, holiday events and much more. Be sure to check out watfordcityevents.com to see what is happening throughout McKenzie County in the weeks ahead!
View past issues of the monthly update here.