APRIL 2022

Economic viability of core production area expanding

An additional 3,000 square miles may now be considered economical for oil and gas drilling in the prolific oil- and gas-producing Bakken and Three Forks Formations. According to a recent presentation from the North Dakota Pipeline Authority, this expansion is due to technological advances in the industry. This translates to an additional 18 to 40 years of further oil drilling based on a price of oil at $60/barrel. After the wells are drilled, production is expected to last an additional 30 to 40 years. To see further analysis of this presentation see this Williston Herald article here.

April economy at a glance

The April economy at a glance is now available. Some data of note include:

• Year to date sales tax collections for City of Watford City is at $1,027,191; last year it was $761,044 for the same months.

• Brookledge apartment occupancy remains high at 93% for April 2022.

• Landfill daily average for March 2022 came in at 62.5 tons; in March 2021 it came in at 53.4 tons.

April job fair

Job Service North Dakota will be hosting a Multi-employer, all industry job fair in Watford City on Wednesday April 27, 2022. The event will take place from 2-6pm in the Rough Rider Center. To see a list of registered employers and positions visit here: https://www.jobsnd.com/Watford.

New CEO for McKenzie Electric

Matt Hanson is the new CEO for McKenzie Electric Cooperative. Hanson has over 17 years of experience in the field. Hanson most recently served as McKenzie Electric's Chief Operating Officer and is taking the place of the now-retired John Skurupey. See more in this press release.

Ribfest headliners announced

Hits of the 1990s/2000s will be on main street Watford City for the annual Best of the West Ribfest this August 12. Free concerts include Richochet, Jamie O'Neal, Wade Hayes, and Love & Theft. Ribfest is the biggest event on Watford City's main street each year. Thousand of attendees come each year for food, music and a good time. Rib team registration information can be found here.

Technical skills training grant

The North Dakota Department of Commerce is accepting applications for its Technical Skills Training Grant now until July 7. The program aims to offset the cost for program providers and employers in their effort to support the development of highly trained skilled workers to meet the demands of our labor market.  

Meeting workforce demands

Innovative efforts are underway in an attempt to secure future workforce in a partnership between ND Career and Tech Education, ND Department of Commerce and Golden Path Solutions. Learn more about these efforts on a webinar April 27, 11:30-12:30 CT. Find more info and registration info here.

Birds & Birdies

The Inaugural Birds & Birdies tournament is a new event benefiting the North Dakota Petroleum Foundation, which promotes the oil and gas industry and shares their values through educational and conservation programs. The event will be taking place at the McKenzie County Sportsmans Club and at the Fox Hills Golf Course in Watford City.

Teams of 5 members will be scored in three shooting competitions (including trap, rimfire, and archery) followed by a 13-hole golf scramble. All team members will compete in all events. Find more info here.

Human trafficking event

The Second Annual Bakken Human Trafficking Summit will focus on identifying ways communities and agencies can communicate and collaborate, while offering applicable tools, methods and insights to assist those affected by human trafficking.

This summit is targeted to faith groups, medical professionals, law enforcement, human service providers, hospitality workers, business owners, parents/guardians, educators, service groups, government officials and other community groups to help them learn about the issues facing the region and the action steps we can take moving forward. The event will begin on the evening of June 22, with a 5 to 7 pm social and informational session at the Heritage Park. On June 23, the daylong summit will be held at the Rough Rider Center and include keynote speakers, break out sessions and panel discussions. For more information visit here.

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, 2022 at the Rough Rider Center in Watford City. Click the link above for information on the agenda, sponsorship and registration.