FEBRUARY 2022

Bakken Area Skills Center progress

The Bakken Area Skills Center is $6.6 million closer to reality. The North Dakota State Board for Career and Technical Education awarded $6.6 million towards the project and indicates more may be coming. See more in this update from McKenzie County School District #1 Superintendent Steve Holen.

School district growth

KUMV-TV did a news story on the growth that McKenzie County School District #1 has experienced and the projections that it will continue to grow robustly over the next decade.

Bismarck Bucks training

The Bismarck Bucks will begin their training this year starting February 24 at the Rough Rider Center. While here there will also be a Young Bucks Training Camp for kids ages 5-15 on February 27, as well as a scrimmage on March 4.

February economy at a glance

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

• McKenzie County labor force is 8,601 for December 2021, one year prior it was 8,390.

• Price of oil for December 2021 came in at $71.71, one year prior it was $47.02.

• Apartment occupancy rate for Brookledge is 96% for February 2022, one year prior it was 60%.

Community enhancement grant available

The Watford City City Council and Roughrider Fund committee have allocated funds for nonprofit groups and organizations to fund activities and projects that improve the quality of life in and around the Watford City area. Completed applications are due Friday, February 18 at 5pm.

Talks on Tuesday

Are you looking to explore innovative ideas with others in our community? Consider attending Talks on Tuesday. At this event, participants will watch up to two short influential video talks, followed with a guided conversation with attendees. It will run Tuesday, March 8 from 7-8pm at the Rough Rider Center coffee shop. There is no charge to attend. This event is being sponsored by Watford City Parks and Rec and the Rough Rider Center.

Natural resources public meeting

Landowners, ag producers, planning and zoning board members, and others are encouraged to attend one of the Natural Resources Public Meetings. One will be held March 7 in Stanley, the other will be held March 8 in Killdeer. Topics include land reclamation after energy development and speakers include ND Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring and others. The event is sponsored by Visionwest ND and Badlands Advisory Group. See flyer for more details.

Wiffleball World Series

Join the Rough Rider Center for some wiffle ball on the turf and see if you have what it takes to hit the curve! $50/team. March 5, 10am-5pm. More info here.

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.

Reclamation conference

Reclamation strategies will be the focus of the North Dakota Reclamation Conference coming up in Dickinson. Soil disturbance and new approaches to reclamation will be featured topics. The event will be held March 1, 2022 at the Astoria Event Center in Dickinson, ND.

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 at the Rough Rider Center in Watford City. Click the link above for information on the agenda, sponsorship and registration.

ND Country Fest Concert

ND Country Fest presents the 2022 Your Town Tour! Headlining this tour is country superstar, David Lee Murphy, along with Julia Cole and Diamonds and Whiskey. The concert will be on March 26 at the Rough Rider Center. More info and tickets here.