OCTOBER 2022

Expansion of Highway 85

The final design plans of the four-laning of Highway 85 from Watford City to the Long X Bridge is almost complete. The project is expected to be bid in late 2022 or early 2023 with construction expected to start in 2023. 

Work is in the design phase for 4-laning the highway from the Long X Bridge to the intersection of Highway 85 with Highway 200. Highway 85 continues to see more oversize/overweight traffic than many of the 4 lane roads in North Dakota as documented with the accompanying image. 

October economy at a glance

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

• LoadPass Permits for McKenzie County, the permit needed to drive an oversized or overweight truck, is at 17,572 for 2022; for the same time period last year it was 15,126.

• Brookledge's apartment occupancy rate is at 95%; one year ago it was 83%.

• Year to date city sales tax distribution for Watford City is $3,145,475; last year for the same time period was $2,463,200. 

Workforce event 

Workforce seems to be top of mind for all employers--both locally and nationwide. On November 17 at the Rough Rider Center there will be an opportunity to focus on it. A wide range of speakers will talk about different approaches for recruitment, training and finding pertinent info. To learn more and register visit here. 

Hispanic growth featured 

With Hispanic population growth in McKenzie County over 1000% according to the latest US Census, there are those who are working to provide more inclusion effort to those who are coming here. Latino USA did a multi-hour documentary about the growth that has come and highlights the work of Yolanda Rojas from McKenzie County. To hear about Rojas' endeavors start around 19:30 into the story found here. 

Oil & Gas Economic Outlook 

Join Western Region Economic Development virtually through Zoom on Friday, November 4th at 10:30AM CDT for a 2023 Oil & Gas Economic Outlook from Lynn Helms, Executive Director, North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources Oil and Gas Division. To learn more and register, visit here. 

Live2Lead

Calli Thorne, of Pioneering Legacy,  is bring Live2Lead to McKenzie County. Live2Lead is an annual leadership event broadcast to hundreds of communities around the world. It's designed to bring the best leadership teaching to growth-minded and active leaders everywhere. In an intentional effort to provide you access to world class thought leaders and a first-class leadership development experience, Live2Lead Watford City will be offered two different dates:

Monday, November 7th at the Watford City High School Performing Arts Center. The doors will open at 7:30 am with the program beginning at 8:00 am and ending by 12:30 pm.

Saturday, November 19th at the Watford City Assembly of God. The doors will open at 9:30 am with the program beginning at 10:00 am and ending by 3:00 pm. Lunch will be included.

Find more information and registration here. 

Board position available 

Western Region Economic Development (WRED) is seeking candidates interested in serving on the board of directors. There are 5 seats that will become available in the month of November. Candidates from the building, real estate, and manufacturing industries and businesses at large are being sought for these vacancies.

WRED is a non-profit organization funded through valued memberships, grants, sponsorships, and STAR Fund dollars. The board of directors is comprised of economic development representatives from Divide, McKenzie, Mountrail and Williams Counties as well as business leaders from western North Dakota. The deadline to apply is October 31, find more info here. 

David Osborne to perform 

David Osborne regularly performs at the Bellagio Resort and Casino in Las Vegas when he is not touring with “The David Osborne Trio”. David remains the master of Romantic Piano performing classical and romantic to Broadway and pop tunes by keeping his repertoire of arrangements up to date with the most popular tunes. Osborne will be performing as part of the Long X Arts Foundation Concert Series on Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at 7pm at the Watford City High School Theater. 

Halloween event in Arnegard 

The Arnegard Fire House will be the site of the Annual Halloween Spooktacular on Saturday, October 29, 2022 from 1-5pm. In addition to a costume contest there will be a meal, snacks, refreshments, games, prizes and candy. The Fire House is located at 307 133rd Ave NW, Arnegard, ND. 

Annual Turkey Bingo 

Looking for your Thanksgiving turkey? Hundreds of bingo players are expected to come out for the annual Turkey Bingo event.  4H Soup and Sandwiches will begin at 5pm with the Turkey Bingo starting at 6:30pm on Tuesday, November 15 at the Watford City Middle School. Commons Area. 

Hispanic Christmas Celebration 

For the second year in a row, McKenzie County will have La Posada--a Hispanic Christmas Celebration. Mark your calendar for Sunday, December 4 from 4-7:30pm at the Watford City Civic Center gymnasium. This event is being sponsored by Hispanic Advocacy of North Dakota and the Long X Arts Foundation.