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Main Street ND Summit 2023
The Main Street ND Summit will be in Watford City on October 24-25 where attendees will have the opportunity to connect, learn, get inspired, and gain insight to build and grow their community for the future. This year's annual event theme will be Innovative Workforce Solutions, and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum will be in town to kickoff the event. The morning keynote speaker is Eric Termuende and the afternoon keynote is Rebecca Sanborn Stone. Click here to learn more and register for free!
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YouTube influencers visit the Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the Maah Daah Hey Trail
The famous YouTube series "BackpackingTV" made a trip to the Theodore Roosevelt National Park to hike the Badlands, ride the Maah Daah Hey trail and visit the surrounding area of Watford City and Tobacco Gardens Resort. Click here to watch the YouTube video.
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Watford City's growing Hispanic community highlighted in Scripps News video
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Scripps News traveled to Watford City, ND to highlight the rising Hispanic population in the town and surrounding area. Watch the YouTube video here.
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McKenzie County welcomes Ukrainian workers
Last week, McKenzie County received three Ukrainian individuals who came to work in the Bakken oilfield through the Bakken GROW (Global Recruitment of Oilfield Workers) program. The county is excited to have these individuals in the workforce and the community.
The GROW Program was launched by the North Dakota Petroleum Council earlier this year and has already placed 50 Ukrainian immigrants with employers in western North Dakota. McKenzie County is expected to receive more Ukrainians in the upcoming months. Read more on the program here.
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October Economy at a Glance
The October Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include:
McKenzie County's August 2023 unemployment rate was 1%; August 2022 it was 1.8%.
The landfill daily average for McKenzie County in September 2023 was 92.9 tons; in September 2022 it was 74.5 tons.
The city sales tax distribution for Alexander in September 2023 was $55,805; in September 2022 it was $42,466.
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McKenzie County cattleman Keith Winter awarded NDSA's Top Hand Award
The North Dakota Stockmen's Association (NDSA) honored McKenzie County cattleman Keith Winter with the Top Hand Award at the NDSA's annual convention in Watford City. This award is the NDSA's highest accolade, acknowledging Winter's dedication to the land, the country and the cattle industry. Winter, who's a 49-year member of the NDSA, becomes the 27th recipient in the NDSA's 94-year history. Read more on the Roundup story here.
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NDACo honors two McKenzie County officials
At the North Dakota Association of Counties (NDACo) Annual Conference on October 12, five distinguished individuals were recognized for their exceptional contributions to county governance and awarded the annual Excellence in County Government Award, including two individuals from McKenzie County. Erica Johnsrud, McKenzie County Auditor/Treasurer, was honored for her transformative work since joining the county in 2014. She has offered trainings to county employees across the state and initiated several modern practices to enhance the county's efficiency and transparency. Ann Johnsrud, former McKenzie County Recorder, entered the Hall of Honor. She played a pivotal role in transitioning McKenzie County's records from paper to digital and held numerous roles during her three-decade tenor. Congratulations to these two McKenzie County champions for their outstanding service to our county and the state of North Dakota!
Read more here.
Photo credits: The Valley City Times Record
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ND State Senator Dale Patten receives award at NDPC Annual Meeting
North Dakota State Senator Dale Patten of District 26 (representing McKenzie and Dunn Counties) was awarded the North Dakota Petroleum Council's (NDPC) Outstanding Public Service Award at the 2023 NDPC Annual Meeting. Each year, the NDPC recognizes a public servant or industry leader for their contributions to the oil industry. Congratulations to Sen. Patten for his hard work and impact in the oil and gas industry of North Dakota!
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New restaurant in Watford City
A new restaurant has opened in Watford City named "My Little Mexico". Located at 2008 Main Street, My Little Mexico is an authentic Mexican restaurant with a wide range of Mexican cuisine and menu items. Check it out today!
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McKenzie Health bringing Contrast Enhanced Mammography to the community
McKenzie Health received $72,000 from Enerplus, the Rural Community Grant Fund, Paul and Sandi Wisness, Ardis Peterson, and Tammy James for the software needed to deploy Contrast Enhanced Mammography (CEM). CEM is significant because it can detect the extent of cancer in women with newly diagnosed breast cancer, and helps monitor the response of chemotherapy. Thank you to the donors for this amazing and potentially life-saving technology!
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McKenzie County GIS Department releases available lot guide
The McKenzie County GIS Department has created a listing and map of subdivisions that still have lots available to be built on. To access the document, click here.
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Watford City High School inducts first Hall of Fame honorees
Watford City High School celebrated its inaugural induction ceremony at its homecoming football game on September 22. The project has been a labor of love for those involved and the community is extremely excited to see it come to fruition. Read more on the Hall of Fame induction ceremony here.
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Western Region Economic Development seeking candidates for open board positions
Western Region Economic Development (WRED) is opening a board seat this October and invites candidates from the building, real estate and manufacturing sectors to apply. WRED is a non-profit organization that champions sustainable regional growth in western North Dakota, backed by partnerships across Divide, McKenzie, Mountrail, and Williams Counties. Board members engage in monthly meetings, community events, networking sessions, and more. If you're passionate about economic development in our region, please submit a one-page document of interest by October 20 to Ann Kvande via email or hand deliver to Williston Economic Development at 113 4th St E, Williston, ND.
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Williston STAR Fund now accepting applications for the 2024 CE grant program
The Williston City Commission has announced that the Williston STAR Fund is now accepting applications for the 2024 Community Enhancement (CE) grant program. The CE grant aids nonprofits in projects that elevate the Williston trade region's quality of life. Beneficiaries have included the Williston Area Chamber of Commerce and the Family Crisis Shelter. Funded by a local sales tax, the STAR Fund allocates up to $50,000 annually for CE projects. Eligible nonprofits must provide matching fund proof. The funds can be used for various purposes including capital purchases and event expenses. The deadline to apply is December 15 at 5:00 p.m. and applications may be emailed, mailed or hand delivered to Williston Economic Development, located at 113 4th St E. Visit online or email Brenda Schmidt for more information.
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Young Professionals tour and social scheduled for November 14
Join the Young Professionals for a tour of the Bakken Area Skills Center and a networking social on Tuesday, November 14. Starting at 5 p.m. CST, attendees will have the opportunity to tour the up-and-coming Bakken Area Skills Center in Watford City, which will open in January 2024. A social at Stonehome will follow the tour.
If you're a young adult who wants to get more involved in the community and grow your networking circle, this is the event and organization for you! Click here for more information and to RSVP.
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"Design Your Succession Plan" virtual workshop
NDSU Extension is hosting a three-part virtual workshop for small businesses called "Design Your Succession Plan". This workshop is for family businesses who want to shape the future of their business and family legacy. The three sessions take place on October 30, November 6 and November 13. The registration deadline is October 10. Learn more and register here.
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Live2Lead 2023
Live2Lead 2023 is an annual global leadership event where individuals have the opportunity to learn meaningful and relevant insights to implement a new action plan and lead with renewed passion and commitment. The event will take place on October 6 at 8 a.m. CST (online), November 18 at 9 a.m. CST (in-person at Watford City Assembly of God church), and November 20 at 8:30 a.m. CST (in-person at Watford City High School Theatre Room).
Register today for Live2Learn 2023 to learn from world-class leaders, impact your sphere of influence, and make meaningful connections!
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Job openings
Many great job opportunities are posted on the Job Service North Dakota website each week. View and post job openings for no charge at jobsnd.com.
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Upcoming Events in McKenzie County
Be sure to check out the Community Events Calendar regularly to stay up-to-date on upcoming events and activities in the area!
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