|
Ribfest 2024
Best of the West Ribfest is just a few weeks away! Thousands of attendees, music, ribs, other food vendors, inflatables, a cornhole tournament, and more will be coming to Watford City's Main Street on Friday, August 9.
Get registered for a PIT PASS and get front and center for country performer Easton Corbin and the former lead singer of Journey, Steve Augeri. Or, if you think you have what it takes to create the best ribs in the West, contact Mary (701-570-5084) at the Watford City Area Chamber of Commerce to sign up your team and compete for the Gold!
Mark your calendars and come on down to Main Street, Watford City on August 9 for ribs and entertainment! Find more Ribfest details here.
| |
|
Register for ND Main Street Summit 2024
The 2024 Main Street ND Summit will return to Watford City, August 27, 28 and 29. This year's theme, "Regional Prosperity", is the call to action to help energize the community and build a brighter future for everyone. Check out the agenda and schedule of events, the list of speakers and register for the Main Street ND Summit today!
| |
|
July Economy at a Glance
The July Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include:
McKenzie County's labor force in May 2024 was 9,942. In May 2023 it was 9,685.
Watford City's occupancy tax distribution in June 2024 was $18,915; in June 2023 it was $17,162.
Watford City's restaurant/lodging tax distribution in January-June 2024 was $174,380. In that same span in 2023 it was $160,395.
| |
|
Travel bloggers visit McKenzie County
A married couple who write a travel blog titled "Miles with McConkey" visited Watford City and the Theodore Roosevelt National Park North Unit! They had an amazing trip where they experienced the North Unit at sunrise, spotted buffalo and dined at some of Watford City's favorite restaurants.
Read about the McConkey's unforgettable adventure in McKenzie County at their blog website.
| |
|
McKenzie Health receives $5 million from McKenzie County
At the June 18 meeting of the McKenzie County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), Peter Edis, CEO of McKenzie Health, discussed the hospital's growth and future plans for improved patient care. It was announced that McKenzie Health will receive $5 million from McKenzie County to fund a new dialysis unit and purchase a building in Watford City for additional space. Edis highlighted the exceptional state of local rural healthcare, attributing the hospital's progress to the support from the BOCC, the community, and the healthcare team, which has placed McKenzie Health in a stronger position than many other rural hospitals in the state. Read more of this McKenzie County Farmer story here.
| |
|
Mountain Plains LLC ribbon cutting
On July 11, Mountain Plains LLC held a ribbon cutting event and an open house for their new business, now located at 4019 Frontier Ave, Suite A in Watford City. Mountain Plains LLC was established in 2009 and specializes in civil engineering and project management. They offer a range of services including civil engineering, electrical consulting, land surveying, utility locating and right-of-way acquisition. Their clientele includes electrical cooperatives, pipeline and oil companies, transportation departments, land developers and private landowners. The company is known for using advanced equipment to deliver precise and efficient results and is dedicated to meeting and exceeding client expectations through customized solutions and lasting partnerships.
For more information, visit their website.
| |
|
MCCF offering $16,000 in grants to local organizations
The McKenzie County Community Foundation (MCCF) is offering $16,000 in grants to local organizations. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government agencies or entities with a qualifying fiscal sponsor. Applications are due by September 29, 2024, and can be submitted online here.
The MCCF supports community needs through a permanent endowment, with last year’s grants benefiting various local programs. Donations are welcomed year-round and may qualify for tax credits. For more information, contact MCCF Chair Daniel Stenberg.
| |
|
Office of Legal Immigration grant program
The Office of Legal Immigration Grant, developed in response to Senate Bill 2142, aims to support businesses employing legal immigrants and assist communities in creating integration plans. The grant focuses on enhancing employer awareness, international recruitment and economic inclusion of foreign-born workers in North Dakota. It also aims to improve the integration and retention of New Americans through community-based resources and activities.
The grant program offers three tracks:
- Track A - Employer Strategies: Supports employers in creating language-specific materials, providing English language and cultural training, and partnering with immigrant-serving organizations. Projects may receive up to $125,000.
- Track B - Community-Based Strategies: Aids organizations serving New Americans in developing online and print resources, organizing community-wide integration events, and raising awareness. Eligible projects may receive up to $80,000.
- Track C - Community Engagement: Funds partnerships with immigrant-serving organizations to plan community engagement activities promoting integration and cultural appreciation. Projects may receive up to $20,000.
Eligible applicants include North Dakota-based employers, industry associations, nonprofits, job development authorities, community organizations, and chambers of commerce. Applications must be submitted by July 30, 2024, and funds will be disbursed based on the completion of specific milestones. All unspent funds must be returned by July 15, 2025. Apply for the Office of Legal Immigration grant and find more information here.
| |
|
GED and English-Language classes to be offered
Adults in McKenzie County and the surrounding area will have the opportunity to strengthen their academic skills at the Bakken Area Skills Center in Watford City with the opening of GED classes and English-Language (EL) classes! The Adult Learning in the BASC will hold both GED and EL classes from August-May and the next registration will be held in August. To learn more or indicate interest, please visit this website.
| |
|
NWND Community Foundation mini grants
The Northwest North Dakota Community Foundation (NWNDCF) is offering mini grants to support communities in northwest North Dakota, specifically in Williams, Divide, McKenzie and Mountrail Counties. These grants, up to $2,000 each, are aimed at small, quick-action projects that enhance community life. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, governmental agencies and unincorporated community groups with a fiscal sponsor. Projects could include local shopping initiatives, outdoor enhancements, artistic improvements, or community events, focusing on community enhancement. Applications are due by July 31, 2024, and projects must be completed by December 31, 2024. Find more information here.
| |
|
Williston holds grand opening of new McKenzie Health clinic
McKenzie Health celebrated the grand opening of its new clinic in downtown Williston, with CEO Pete Edis announcing plans to expand services beyond current offerings like imaging, orthopedics and an urgent care walk-in clinic. The clinic, which took over the former Fairlight Medical Center, aims to extend its services to weekends and add more specialties. Other McKenzie Health leaders highlighted the advanced radiology and laboratory facilities, with plans to provide additional services. Williston mayor Howard Klug praised the effort to enhance local healthcare quality and accessibility. Read more on this Williston Herald story.
Photo credits: James C. Falcon | Williston Herald
| |
|
ND launches $10 million pilot program to boost rural workforce housing
The North Dakota Industrial Commission has approved the Rural-Workforce Initiative to Support Housing (R-WISH) pilot program, aimed at aiding rural communities with 20,000 or fewer residents in developing workforce housing. Utilizing up to $10 million from the Bank of North Dakota (BND), this initiative will support new and rehabilitated housing projects in areas experiencing rapid growth due to new or expanding businesses. The program emphasizes partnerships between communities, companies, and local financial institutions to address housing needs efficiently and cost-effectively. For more information, click here or email BND at bnd@nd.gov
| |
|
Watford Market is back for 2024!
The Watford Market is back for the summer and starts Thursday, July 25, and will be held every Thursday night until September 26 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Kent Pelton Nature Park. If you're interested in being a vendor this year or need more information, email Vastie at the Rough Rider Center or click here. If you're just a citizen or a visitor in Watford City and McKenzie County, mark Thursday evenings off your calendar and come enjoy the beautiful park, live music, vendors and more!
| |
|
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!
| | | | |
