While stalled for a bit during the pandemic, ONEOK's Demicks Lake III natural gas processing facility's construction is back on. With a $140 million budget, the plans include the project to be completed by the first quarter of 2023 and will have capacity for 200 million cubic feet of natural gas per day. See more in this ONEOK press release.

The 2021 special session of the North Dakota Legislature provides $150 million towards the construction of a pipeline that would provide a way to get the natural gas produced in the western portion of North Dakota to eastern North Dakota. While the total cost of the pipeline is estimated to be in the $1 billion range, this would be used as seed money to help get the project kickstarted. Proponents argue that this will be a win-win for the state--getting more natural gas access to the east while getting Bakken-produced gas more customers. See more in this Bismarck Tribune article.

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

A Heart Like Water, a film set in 1887 Dakota Territory, will be premiering next month in Watford City. The film, based on true events, chronicles the experiences of a husband and wife as they struggle to keep their family together as new residents on the Dakota frontier. The film stars Daniel Bielinski & Tiffany Cornwell

and is directed by Charlie Griak. The film will show at the WCHS Theater--one night only--on Friday, December 17, at 7pm. It will also be showing in other North Dakota cities such as Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Belfield and Minot. For more information, to see the trailer, and ticket details visit the official website.

Leslie Bieber of Alexander Public Schools has been named the North Dakota Superintendent of the Year by the North Dakota Association of School Administrators. This program pays tribute to the talent and vision of the men and women who lead the nation’s public schools. As the North Dakota Superintendent of the Year, Bieber will be placed in competition with other States' winners for the award of National Superintendent of the Year. In addition, she will be honored along with other finalists at the National Conference on Education in Nashville, TN in February. See more here.

What was once ND Legislative District 39 which included McKenzie County all the way to the South Dakota border has changed. The new district for McKenzie County--District 26--covers a much smaller geographical area--McKenzie County minus the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation and parts of Dunn County. Western North Dakota picked up more representation due to the growth documented in the 2020 Census. See more legislative district maps here.

SAVE THE DATE: The McKenzie County Soil Conservation District is hosting its ninth annual Cowgirls 'N Conservation event on January 21, 2022 at the Rough Rider Center. The event begins with a social at 5pm with the dinner to follow at 6pm. Tickets are $30. To get them stop in to the McKenzie Co Soil Conservation District office at 109 5th St NW, Watford City.

Hispanic Advocacy of North Dakota (HAND) will be hosting their first Hispanic Christmas event “La Posada”, on December 12 from 4-7pm at the Watford City Civic Center. Everyone is encouraged to attend and experience some of the Hispanic cultural traditions celebrated during the holidays. The event will include food vendors, carols, piñatas, live show and more!

The first 100 registrants in the first Santa Run of Watford City will receive a Santa suit to run in. The goal of the Running Free Santa Run is to raise awareness of drug and alcohol recovery in a fun and positive way. The race will take place on December 11 with various length options. Find out more and register here.

The Magical Medora Christmas Tour is coming to McKenzie County. This traveling holiday favorite features Badlands stars of the past and present bringing you some of the season's best music and a wonderful story for the entire family to enjoy! It will take place Tuesday, November 30, 7:30pm at the Watford City High School Theater.

Route 2 Elsewhere, a documentary which seeks to share stories of rural America from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to the Sweet Grass Hills of Montana, will air locally this week. The film roughly follows Highway 2 and highlights the people and the land. Included in the film will be stories of the land and people of McKenzie County. The 90 minute documentary will air on Prairie Public television at 9pm CT on Thursday, November 18, 2021.