MARCH 2022

Bakken Area Skills Center

The Bakken Area Skills Center is a recipient of $10 million in grant funding from the North Dakota State Board for Career and Technical Education. Thirteen career and technical education projects throughout North Dakota received funding. The next step includes having the McKenzie County Public School District board meet to make a final determination about the project's commencement. The project has been in the planning stages for years and hopes to be ready for students by fall 2023.

March economy at a glance

The March Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include:

• All cattle and calf inventory for McKenzie County increased from 81,000 in 2020 to 83,000 in 2021.

• The total true and full value of property in McKenzie County increased from $3,205,480,881 in 2020 to $3,290,936,283 in 2021.

• City sales tax distribution for Watford City is $720,787 for January-February 2022; in January-February 2021, it was $488,586.

NW North Dakota Job Fair

The All Industries NW North Dakota Semi-annual Job Fair will be happening on March 24, 2022 from 2-6pm at Williston State College. Employer registration deadline is March 17. Find more information here.

Career Builders

The ND Career Builders Scholarship and Loan Repayment program provides matching funds to help businesses recruit employees and keep our talent in North Dakota. This innovative partnership provides $1 of state funds for each $1 of private-sector matching funds, up to a total of $17,000 per recipient. Individuals can receive a scholarship on the front end, loan repayment on the back-end, or both, for their commitment to the state to fill one of the high-demand occupations. Learn more about the program here.

Community Cleanup

Four-hundred WCHS students will be helping to clean up the community in this semi-annual, half-day event on April 29. There are opportunities to both sponsor the event and let the school know about clean up opportunities. Learn more here.

Archery competition

The newly-organized Alliance of Competitive Archers will be hosting a State 600 meet in Watford City on May 15. Learn more here.

Coding program highlighted

As highlighted in this KUMV-TV news story, some Watford City High School students are being introduced to coding through a video game and design class. This entry-level class uses programming software to introduce students to the type of work that is done in computer science and information technology fields.

Behavioral health conference

Vision West ND is hosting the Summit on Behavioral Health In Energy Country to bring together local community leaders and professionals working with those who suffer from mental/behavioral health issues surrounding the use of illegal drugs, opioids, and alcohol. The summit will take place on April 26-27, 20 at the Rough Rider Center in Watford City. Click the link above for information on the agenda, sponsorship and registration.