JULY 2022

Ground-breaking for Bakken Area Skills Center


Construction on the Bakken Area Skills Center has begun with the ceremonial groundbreaking on July 18, 2022. This center has been in the works for years and will be a place for hands-on technical training for both high school students and those already in the workforce. Construction is hoped to be finished by late 2023. Financial commitments to the project have been coming in from a variety of entities including North Dakota Career and Technical Education, McKenzie County Economic Development, McKenzie County School District #1, ONEOK, Stenehjem Holdings, Titan Energy Services, City of Watford City, Fort Union Masonic Lodge #128, Chord Energy, Northern States Fishing Tools, ConocoPhillips, Marathon, Carl E Rogan Post 29 American Legion, and Grayson Mill Energy. Financial contributions are still being accepted. Visit here for more information. 

 

Petroleum Council to meet


The North Dakota Petroleum Council will once again be holding its annual meeting in Watford City. Attendees can expect to hear the latest updates on the North Dakota's petroleum industry from industry and government leaders. The meeting will be held September 20-22, 2022 at the Rough Rider Center.  

July economy at a glance


The July economy at a glance is now available. Some data of note include: 


  • McKenzie County's May 2022 unemployment rate came in at 2.2%; in May 2021 it was 5.0%


  • Year-to-date occupancy tax distributions for Watford City is at $67,054; last year it was $44,789.


  • McKenzie County's May 2022 labor force was 8,860; in May 2021 it was 8,525.

Ribfest


Thousands of attendees, music, ribs, other food vendors, inflatables, a cornhole tournament, and more will all be coming to Watford City's Main Street on Friday August 12 for the Best of the West Ribfest. Visit here for the schedule.  

Combination results in Chord Energy


The combination of Oasis Petroleum and Whiting Petroleum now has a name: Chord Energy. Chord Energy will encompass approximately 972,000 acres in the Williston Basin, making it one of the largest operators for our area. See more in this news release

New medical provider at MCHS


McKenzie County Healthcare Systems has added a new thoracic and general surgeon. Dr Steve VanWylen has 35 years of experience and a specific interest in esophageal surgery. To schedule an appointment with Dr. VanWylen, please call 701-444-8730. 

Powwow


The Little Shell Powwow Celebration will be held August 12-14, 2022. Events include the grand entry, flag raising, dance specials, concessions and more. It is held at the Little Shell Celebration grounds 4 miles west of New Town, and south of the 4 Bears Casino. 

 

Find the Good Life campaign


The North Dakota Department of Commerce announced the latest campaign efforts behind the state’s comprehensive workforce initiative geared at assisting those interested in relocating to North Dakota. 

Centered around the revamped findthegoodlife.com website, Find the Good Life in North Dakota has been refreshed and is the latest talent attraction and marketing campaign dedicated to informing people outside of the state about job opportunities and the quality of life in North Dakota, with an emphasis on connecting people to opportunities in rural areas. The website now includes a relocation help desk that provides a personalized relocation assistance service for prospective residents. The personalized service begins with a series of questions that include basic information pertaining to relocation such as career goals, hobbies, and interest in specific areas of North Dakota.

Center for innovation event


Local entrepreneurs, and business, community, and technology leaders are encouraged to attend the University of North Dakota's Center for Innovation informational event. Attendees will hear about the Innovation Technology Loan Fund as well as the work of the Center for Innovation. The event will take place on September 8, from 1-2pm CT at the Rough Rider Center's classroom. No registration is required. 


Twist 2.0


Shakes, malts, burgers are the main attractions at the recently-opened Twist 2.0 restaurant and drive-thru. 

This restaurant revives memories for McKenzie County residents of the Twist that was open in the 1980s and was closed about a decade ago. Find them in the Farmers Union gas station/store at 501 6th Ave SE, Watford City. 

Oil & gas economic outlook


Western Region Economic Development will be hosting a virtual Oil & Gas Economic Outlook with ND Department of Mineral Resources Director Lynn Helms. The event will take place on August 9, from 11am-12pm CT. Register at this link

First-ever drone light show


A 200 drone light show will be coming to Williston during the Babe Ruth World Series. Firefly Drone shows from Detroit MI will be putting on this first-of-its-kind event on Sunday, August 14 around 10:15pm.

Watford Market set to start


Now in its seventh season, Watford Market brings together farmers and makers with the public and also includes live music, food, and demonstrations. July 21 will be the first Watford Market for 2022.


Watford Market runs from 5:30-7:30pm on Thursday at the Kent Pelton Nature Park.

 

 

Matching students with careers 


We all know workforce development is top of mind for employers these days. The ND Department of Career & Technical Education is excited to launch a new initiative this fall intended to help employers get connected with students in our region and across the state. Through an integration between Golden Path Solutions, a company based in Fargo, ND and RUReady.ND.gov (already used in schools across the state), employers will be able to create and share Work-based Learning opportunities with students, connect with schools, and help students understand more about your careers, potentially even securing them for your future workforce. Join one of these three sessions to learn more: August 5th at 10:00 AMAugust 11th at 1:00 PM, or August 17th at 12:00 PM.

McKenzie County Sportsman's Club Grand Opening 


The McKenzie County Sportsman's Club will be having its grand opening on Saturday, July 30. There will be a flag raising at 10am, followed by remarks, shooting events, lunch and raffles. RSVP for the lunch by emailing mckenziecountyrange@gmail.com. The Sportsman's Club is located at 2306 121X Ave NW, Watford City, ND 58854.

Grassy Butte Bullriding


The Grassy Butte Arena will be the site of bullriding on July 27th at 7pm. Tickets are $10, with 6 and under free. Grassy Butte 4H kids will be serving food and drink. 

Fusion conference


Back for its fifth year, the Fusion Conference brings together attendees from throughout the area to Bowman ND. This year's event on September 15 will be headlined by David Horsager of Trust Edge Leadership Institute and Jeff Civillico who is known for both his entertainment and speaking. Early bird registration ends July 31.   

Outdoor grant available


North Dakota Department of Commerce is offering an Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Main Street Grant. This grant is meant to support new or expanding businesses that provide new outdoor recreation opportunities and improved visitor experiences, with an emphasis on attracting visitors and visitor dollars to North Dakota communities. The intent is to fund new projects capable of attracting visitors from outside of North Dakota for at least one overnight stay. New recreation opportunities, attractions and improvements funded would give the community and state additional experiences to entertain visitors and attract potential new residents. The maximum grant award is $20,000. Applications are due August 9th. Find more info here

Mental Health first aid


Mental Health First Aid training will be held on Monday, July 25, from 8:30-4:30 at the Rough Rider Center. 


Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) teaches one how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adults. Participants will build the skills and confidence one needs to reach out and provide initial support to those who are struggling. Participants will also learn how to help connect those in need to appropriate support. Because of sponsorships by the Watford City Chamber of Commerce and McKenzie County Community Coalition, this is a FREE event, with lunch provided  limited to 30 participants. To register, email thorneleadership@gmail.com 

Childcare listening session


The North Dakota Child Care Action Alliance is hosting a virtual listening session to hear the stories of families and workers impacted by the lack of accessible, affordable, and quality child care in ND. This virtual event will take place on Monday July 25, 2022 from 6-7:30pm CT. Registration is required. 

Buddy Holly Tribute



Buddy Holly and the Winter Dance Party Tribute will be performing at the Rough Rider Center on August 26. Tickets include a dinner that starts at 6pm, and then the concert starts at 7pm. Learn more here

Virtual navigation


Want to visit McKenzie County without leaving your computer? Consider checking out the McKenzie County Virtual Tours! On a desktop computer, use this link:  https://www.visitwatfordcity.com/VirtualTours

Want a mobile GPS Yondar experience? Visit here: https://yondar.me/a0kai5

September Job Fair


Looking for employees? Register now for the NW North Dakota Semi-annual Job Fair to be held on September 22, 2022 in Williston. 


 

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