Taxable sales and purchases up

Taxable sales and purchases for Watford City and McKenzie County are both up when comparing quarter 3 of 2019 with the same quarter of 2018. Watford City saw a 15.9% increase (from about $75 million to $86 million) and McKenzie County saw a 14.1% increase (from about $88 million to $100 million).

Long X Bridge work progresses

Beams for the new Long X Bridge have arrived, and progress on replacing the old bridge continues. The new bridge, which crosses the Little Missouri River south of Watford City on Highway 85, will have four lanes and is expected to be open to traffic in winter 2020. The dismantling of the old bridge is projected to be completed by summer 2021.

Ybarra's trail work showcased in national campaign

Nick Ybarra and his wife Lindsey are profiled in a video series entitled (Re)Imagining Wealth by financial services provider John Hancock. The series focuses on individuals who are following their passions and realizing wealth in not just monetary terms. This video covers Ybarras' work with the Maah Daah Hey Trail in McKenzie County.

Economy at a Glance now available

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

Bertagnolli joins City of Watford City

Pat Bertagnolli is now the Rough Rider Center & Community Enhancement Director for the City of Watford City. In this role, he will focus on the recruitment, retention, and development of the area's workforce as well as oversee the marketing, operations and community connections of the Rough Rider Center. Bertagnolli is involved in many local and statewide boards such as the North Dakota Workforce Council, the North Dakota Complete Count Task Force, and the Watford City Area Chamber of Commerce.

Local Census Committee kicks into high gear

When one person gets missed being counted in the US Census, it is estimated that that community where that person should have been counted in loses out on over $19,100 from federal funding over the coming decade. That is because many federal programs use the community's Census count as part of the formula for determining funding amounts. With the rapid increase in population and knowing the importance of an accurate census count, our local community has brought together a diverse group of dozens of individuals to form the McKenzie County Complete Count Committee. The committee will be kicking things into high gear as the count is only a couple of months away. Committee members are already meeting with oil field employees to make sure they understand the importance of the Census and what address people should be reporting themselves at.

Behavioral Health Summit coming to Watford City

Local community leaders and professionals who work with those suffering from misuse of drugs or alcohol will be coming together for a Summit on Behavioral Health in Energy Country. The summit will be held April 28-30th at the Rough Rid er Center in Watford City. It is being o rganized by Vision West ND in partnership with USDA Rural Development and the Mountain Plains Addiction Technology Transfer Centers. More information, registration and sponsorship information can be found here.

Elementary education degree open house

The University of Mary is looking to provide the opportunity to get one's bachelor's degree in elementary education while at Williston State College. More information will be available at an open house on Monday, January 27, 7-9pm at the Teton Lounge on the campus of Williston State College. More information is also available by visiting umary.edu/ElementaryEdWSC or calling 701-355-8030.

Job Fair in March

Employers and job seekers will once again be meeting up for the NW North Dakota Semi-Annual Job Fair. The next one, open to all industries, will be held on March 25, 2020, in Williston. For more information or to register as an employer visit here.

New girls group starting up

BIO Girls will will be having their FIRST season in Watford City for girls in grades 2-6. This is a powerful 12 week program . The mission of BIO Girls is to improve the self-esteem of adolescent girls through empowerment of self and service to others. To register find the Watford City location here .

View past issues of the monthly update here.