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A Community of Innovation, Collaboration & Investment: The Modern History of Watford City and McKenzie County
In a recently released video titled "A Community of Innovation, Collaboration & Investment: The Modern History of Watford City and McKenzie County", community leaders recount the modern history of McKenzie County. They discuss challenges it has faced and how it has grown to the great community it is today. Hear from leaders such as Brent Sanford, Dale Patten, Gene Veeder and others as they recount the struggles and successful transition from a small, rural town to the busy and growing community we live in today.
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Watford City's Jessica Mogen wins Girls Division A Senior Athlete of the Year
Jessica Mogen, a senior at Watford City High School, was awarded the Senior Athlete of the Year for Girls Basketball in Division A. Mogen scored more than 1,000 career points and averaged almost 20 points per game this year. She has committed to Minot State University to continue her basketball journey at the collegiate level. Mogen and the Watford City Wolves finished in 8th place at the 2024 Division A State Girls Basketball Tournament. Congratulations to Mogen and the Wolves on a great year!
Photo credits: JJ's Photos
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North Dakota employment projections for 2023-2025
Job Service ND Labor Market Information Center has released the short-term employment projections through 2025, which summarizes the numeric and percent changes by industry and occupation. The top five North Dakota industries projected to have the most growth by 2025 include:
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Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction - employed 17,500 workers in 2023 and is projected to employ 19,268 workers in 2025, a 10% increase
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Support Activities for Mining - employed 12,938 workers in 2023 and is projected to employ 14,585 workers in 2025, a 13% increase
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Health Care and Social Assistance - employed 62,778 workers in 2023 and is projected to employ 64,150 workers in 2025, a 2% increase
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Construction - employed 27,170 workers in 2023 and is projected to employ 28,284 workers in 2025, a 4% increase
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Educational Services - employed 39,522 workers in 2023 and is projected to employ 40,529 workers in 2025, a 3% increase
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Main Street awards announced for 2023
ND Governor Doug Burgum has announced the recipients of the 2023 Main Street Awards, which honor individuals from North Dakota who have made exceptional contributions to their communities by implementing innovative approaches aligned with the Main Street Initiative's principles. These awards highlight the importance of recognizing and celebrating the efforts of those who actively work towards enhancing community life and showcase the positive impact that engaged communities can have on society as a whole. Of the multiple 2023 awardees, McKenzie County Tourism was awarded the 21st Century Workforce Award for their tourism and hospitality online training program, which was led by Doug Bolken. The 21st Century Workforce Award recognizes excellence in the workforce that includes demonstrating workforce attraction and retention through the implementation of a strategy that encourages people to move to and stay in a community. Gov. Burgum expressed gratitude towards the awardees, emphasizing the tangible benefits that their initiatives bring to everyone involved. Click here to read more on the 2023 Main Street award winners.
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Bakken Area Skills Center ribbon cutting event
The Bakken Area Skills Center (BASC) will be holding a ribbon cutting event to officially introduce the state-of-the-art facility to the community on Tuesday, April 16 at 2:30 p.m. The event will be held at the address of the BASC, 2112 Wolves Den Parkway in Watford City. All are welcome to this exciting event!
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March Economy at a Glance
The March Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include:
McKenzie County's number of load pass permits in February 2024 was 2,572 permits; in February 2023 it was 1,956 permits.
The city sales tax distribution for Alexander in February 2024 was $99,193; in February 2023 it was $82,364.
The landfill daily average for McKenzie County in February 2024 was 65.7 tons; in February 2023 it was 62.2 tons.
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Population growth in the Bakken
New U.S. Census Bureau estimates reveal varied population changes across North Dakota's Bakken counties, with slight increases seen in some areas while other areas experienced declines. Ward, Renville and McHenry counties saw a 0.6% decrease in population from July 2022 to July 2023. In that same timespan, Williams, McKenzie and Mountrail County saw notable growth, with Williams increasing by 3%, McKenzie by 2.6% and Mountrail by 1.5%. This growth is attributed to the state's oil-related economy, which has rebounded after a downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more on the population growth in the Minot Daily News story.
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ConocoPhillips Energy Scholarship opportunity
In 2021, ConocoPhillips developed the "ConocoPhillips Energy Scholarship" at Bismarck State College which aims to develop in-demand skills within the energy industry. Scholars must be a current resident of Dunn, McKenzie or Stark County or a graduate of Dunn, McKenzie or Stark County area high school. These counties are where ConocoPhillips has operations or filed office locations.
The ConocoPhillips Energy Scholarship offers five $5,000 with the following criteria:
- a resident of Dunn, McKenzie or Stark County or a graduate of Dunn, McKenzie or Stark County area high school
- enrolled member of a federally recognized Indian tribe
- be accepted for admission by Bismarck State College
- be enrolled as a full-time student in one of the following energy programs: Industrial Automation & Robotics | Instrumentation and Control Technology | Mechanical Maintenance Technology | Petroleum Production Technology | Process Technology
Students can apply for the scholarship here.
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Watford City to host T4 Summit in April
Watford City is gearing up to host an upcoming T4 (Tools Trades Torque Tech) Summit aimed at introducing area students to essential workforce skills, training opportunities and networking prospects with industry experts. Scheduled for April 24 and 25, the event will offer hands-on learning sessions covering a diverse range of subjects, including robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), precision agriculture, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), emergency management, law enforcement, cybersecurity, transportation, plumbing, welding, surveying engineering, and energy fields. T4 promises to be an engaging opportunity for students to explore various career paths and gain valuable insights into the workforce. Learn more on the T4 Summit here.
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McKenzie County Zoning Ordinance open house
The McKenzie County Planning and Zoning Department, along with SRF Consulting, will have an open house on Thursday, March 28 from 5-7 p.m. at the McKenzie County Courthouse (201 5th St. NW, Watford City) in the County Commission Boardroom. The open house is regarding updates to the McKenzie County Zoning Ordinance where county and consultant staff will be available to discuss proposed changes. For more information, click here.
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Grand opening of Little Calves Play Yard
Wild Cow Coffee & Cream, located in the same building as Stonehome in Watford City, has announced the grand opening of Little Calves Play Yard. Designed for children aged infancy to 6 years old, this addition of an indoor play area will excite children and create an even more enjoyable time as they wait for ice cream or while their parents enjoy a coffee. The grand opening of Little Calves Play Yard will happen later this month.
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North Dakota Public Service Commission approves transmission lines in NW North Dakota
North Dakota’s Public Service Commission recently granted approval for two new transmission lines in the northwestern region of the state. One of the two lines (pictured to the left) will stretch 32 miles and link the Kummer Ridge substation near Johnson’s Corner in McKenzie County to the Roundup substation north of Killdeer. The ND Public Service Commission believes the lines will enhance energy supply to the area and alleviate congestion on existing infrastructure. Read more on the KFYR story here.
Photo Credits: KFYR/Public Service Commission
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Open positions at the Bakken Area Skills Center
The Bakken Area Skills Center is looking for talented and motivated instructors in the areas of Automation, Automotive Technology, Information Technology, Welding, CDL, Petroleum Technology, UAS or a similar trades to teach classes for the 2024-25 school year. Applicants must have a North Dakota CTE Teaching License, OR four years of industry experience. Salary is contingent upon experience, benefits included.
Click here for more information.
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Registration open for the NDPC's 3rd Annual Birds & Birdies
The North Dakota Petroleum Council's (NDPC) 3rd Annual Birds & Birdies event will be held on June 4, 2024 in Watford City, ND. This charity event includes a morning of shooting skeet, rimfire and bow at the McKenzie County Sportsmen's Club, followed by 18 holes of golf at the Fox Hills Golf Course. Registration for the event is now open. Click here to learn more and to register.
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Rec Show coming to the McKenzie County Ag Expo
The 2024 Rec Show will be held April 5-7 at the McKenzie County Ag Expo in Watford City. Held at the Rough Rider Center in years past, the 2024 Rec Show promises to be the ultimate destination for outdoor enthusiasts, showcasing the latest recreational vehicles and equipment. From fishing poles and boats to RVs and Harleys, you'll find some fantastic deals to spring into a great summer!
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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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