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Opening of new lumber yard in Watford City
A new lumber yard, Elite Cabinets & Building Supplies, held its grand opening in Watford City on August 7. Located at the same location as the former Ace Hardware, Elite Cabinets & Building Supplies now has its second store, with the first in Killdeer.
Being experts in flooring, building materials, and home remodeling, this new store has all the materials including a full-service lumberyard. Stop in today to learn more about the lumberyard and check out their website here.
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McKenzie Health's economic contribution to McKenzie County
Over the past decade, McKenzie County has witnessed significant socioeconomic and demographic shifts, including a boom in population and diversity, increased birth rates, and rising personal incomes, largely driven by a rapidly expanding oil and gas industry. This growth has spurred an increased demand for healthcare services. Due to the increased demand, McKenzie Health has expanded its offerings by building a new hospital and adding a variety of services such as general surgical, orthopedic, echocardiography, ear, nose, throat, OBGYN, and maternity services.
As the third largest employer in the county, McKenzie Healthy employs over 300 people and contributes substantially to the local economy. Total economic output in 2022 was $58.2 million and is projected to reach $67.8 million in 2023. Additionally, it generated $594,400 in state and local tax revenues in 2022, with an expected increase to $668,800 in 2023.
Read McKenzie Health's economic contribution report here.
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ND Petroleum Council Annual Meeting
The North Dakota Petroleum Council Annual Meeting will be held back in the heart of the Bakken of Watford City. Set for September 19-21, the annual meeting will include a stellar line-up of speakers from the Bakken's industry leaders, networking with more than 400 industry professionals, and learning about the latest trends in oil and gas.
Click here for more information and to register.
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August Economy at a Glance
The August Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include:
McKenzie County's June 2023 Unemployment Rate was 1.7%; in that same period, North Dakota's was 2.3%.
The landfill daily average for McKenzie County in July 2023 was 103 tons; in July 2022 it was 76.6 tons.
The city sales tax distribution for Watford City in July 2023 was $407,279; in July 2022 it was $361,349.
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Main Street ND Summit schedule of activities
The 2023 Main Street ND Summit has several activities and events for participants to partake in, including tours of the ag and energy sectors and the Theodore Roosevelt National Park North Unit, art classes, End of the Rope movie showing, a cultural fair, and other activities to showcase the area! Check out the schedule of activities here.
The Main Street ND Summit 2023 is set to take place on October 24-25 in Watford City. The Summit is a highly anticipated event that aims to bring together individuals and organizations to foster connections, inspire creativity, and gain valuable insights for community building and growth. Click here to register for the 2023 Main Street Summit.
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Watford City student featured in Northern Lights Pulse podcast
Northern Lights Pulse, a podcast that helps teens and young adults better understand themselves, others, and the world in which they live, talked with their first ever youth guest, Aidan, a teenager from Watford City.
You can listen to this episode, "Talking with Teens Series 1: Aidan" (Ep. 36), on Spotify or other podcast streaming services.
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Housing program available
The McKenzie County JDA Home Builder Construction Loan Participation Program has been approved with $4.5 million in revolving loan funds provided by the McKenzie County Commission. The purpose of the program is to incentivize builders to build 3-6 houses at a reduced construction loan interest rate. Builders will work with their local lender, and the lender will submit the application to the JDA.
For more information on the program, click here.
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Portion of HWY 73 closed
A portion of HWY 73, between Johnsons Corner and HWY 22, is temporary closed due to road work. The closure is from about five miles east of Johnsons Corner to the intersection of HWY 22, and a detour is in place for east and westbound traffic. The road work and closure is due to a roundabout project that began earlier this spring, which will be located at the intersection of HYW 73 and 22. The portion will be reopened in mid-September.
For more information on this road project and other projects around the state, click here.
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Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at Watford Market
Hispanic Heritage Month will be celebrated on Thursday, September 14 at the Watford Market. The celebration will include music by DJ Rey Delgado, Aztec dancer Marina Carillo, a piñata for the kids, special food, crafts, games, and more! Check it out from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Kent Pelton Nature Park.
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America's oil and gas champion Harold Hamm releases autobiography "Game Changer"
Harold Hamm, Oklahoma billionaire and founder of Continental Resources, has released his new autobiography called "Game Changer". Hamm has spent the last 50 years on a mission to secure America's energy independence, and this book chronicles that journey. He held a book signing in Watford City on August 11 at Ribfest where community members had the opportunity to meet this oil and gas champion.
To buy "Game Changer", visit the Pioneer Gifts & Books Shop at the Long X Center in Watford City, or buy it online here.
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McKenzie County Community Foundation grant application
Local organizations are invited to apply for the McKenzie County Community Foundation (MCCF) annual grant. The application window will be open from September 1-30, 2023. Approximately $13,000 is available to be awarded this year. The MCCF has awarded over $70,000 in 54 grants since its inception in 2010.
To learn more about the MCCF, check out their 2023 annual report.
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Expansion of HWY 85 underway
Construction has begun on the expansion project for Highway 85 south of Watford City. Led by the Theodore Roosevelt Expressway Association, the project aims to construct a four-lane road from the Long X Bridge near the Theodore Roosevelt National Park's North Unit to Watford City.
Completion of this phase in the expansion project is expected by the end of 2024. The next phase will extend from the Long X Bridge to HWY 200 near Grassy Butte.
Read more in the KFYR story here.
[Photo credit KFYR]
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ND Stockmen's Association Annual Meeting
The 94th Annual Stockmen's Association Convention and Trade Show will be held September 28-30 in Watford City at the Rough Rider Center. The three-day event will include a golf scramble at the Fox Hills Golf Course, a Cattlemen's Education Series Tour, policy development sessions, a great speaker lineup, office elections, and many other activities. Find the schedule of events and register here.
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Programs available for single-family homes
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has a variety of programs to incentivize the purchase or repair of single-family homes. Some of the programs have limits on the income of the participant, and are in the forms of grants and loans.
To learn more, view this document.
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McKenzie County stays busy with community-favorite events
McKenzie County will be busy this September with the community-favorite annual events! The 78th Annual Old Settler's Day Celebration will be held August 31-September 2 in Alexander; Spud Fest will be held on September 9 in Arnegard; and the 23rd Annual Heritage Day will be held on September 16 in Watford City. Mark your calendars and don't miss out on these historically fun and free events!
Find the schedule of events here.
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Fusion 2023 Workforce Conference
The 2023 Fusion Annual Conference is scheduled for September 14 in Bowman, ND. Fusion 2023 - "The Power of Purpose" - reaches employees from all levels and industries and encourages growth and leadership development in each. Fusion has brought together businesses from North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana in a diversity of trades and industries since 2017.
This year's conference is gearing up for a Tri-State workforce focus and investing in building up employees for the sustainability and growth in businesses. Brant Menswar, Greg Knapp, and Trevor Farnes are this year's keynote speakers.
Learn more and register online or through this registration form.
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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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Quick Connect
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School District prepares for new students -- McKenzie County Farmer
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August 2: McKenzie County Mystery -- Prairie Public News
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Four-lane expansion construction underway south of Watford City on US-85 -- KFYR
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Q1 taxable sales in McKenzie County reach five-year high -- KFYR
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PSC denies CO2 pipeline siting plan -- Prairie Public News
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Ukrainians move to North Dakota for oil field jobs to help families facing war back home -- ABC News
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Arnegard Spud Fest Sept. 9 -- The Roundup
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Public input meeting for Watford City's Long-Range Transportation and Future Land Use Plan scheduled August 16 -- EIN News
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Youth place in North Dakota 4-H Consumer Decision Making Contest -- Farm Forum
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Despite a wet welcome, 19 new Americans take oaths of citizenship at Red Hawks game -- InForum
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Watford's 'Best of the West Ribfest' bringing communities together through fun competition -- KFYR
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TAKE A LOOK: Watford City 'KISS' cops -- KX News
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McKenzie County schools ready for students -- McKenzie County Farmer
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First Ukrainian workers arrive in McKenzie County -- McKenzie County Farmer
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Best of the West Ribfest Winners -- The Roundup
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A Hard Day's Night" Returning to Rough Rider Center -- The Roundup
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UND faculty tour off and running -- KNOX Radio
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