McKenzie County is the fastest growing county in the United States by percentage according to data recently released by the US Census Bureau. From 2010 to 2020 McKenzie County grew from 6,360 to 14,704 or 131%. For the same time period the Census Bureau reported Watford City, county seat for McKenzie County, growing from 1,744 to 6,207 or 256%. A host of news outlets picked up on the Census results for McKenzie County. Find their stories here:

The North Dakota Petroleum Council's Annual Meeting will be held September 21-23, 2021 in Watford City, ND.  Attendees can look forward to hearing from the Bakken’s foremost industry leaders, networking with more than 300 industry professionals, and learning about the latest trends in oil and gas. The Annual Meeting also features the Annual Awards Luncheon recognizing people and companies who have positively impacted the industry in North Dakota. Learn more or register by visiting here.

The latest stop on the Backroads with Audra Mari is at Stonehome Brewing Co in Watford City. On this episode Mari interviews Angie Pelton about their local beer and pizza options that they have at their Watford City location and how they have expanded to Bismarck as well.

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

Job Service North Dakota will be holding their All Industries Semi-annual Job Fair in Williston on September 16, 2021 from 2-6pm at the Well at Williston State College. See a list of employers who have registered here. To register as an employer for a booth click here.

Employer registration deadline is September 3rd.

Joel Brown and Gene Veeder have been recently appointed to state board positions. Joel Brown, McKenzie County Commissioner, has been appointed to serve on the recently-created Clean Sustainable Energy Authority. This authority will support the research and development of large-scale projects that advance energy production, reduce environmental impacts and promote the diversification of the state's economy. Gene Veeder, former McKenzie County Commissioner, has been appointed to serve on the State Water Commission. Veeder serves as the representative of the Upper Missouri River basin.

Local organizations are invited to apply for the McKenzie County Community Foundation annual grant. Over $8,000 was awarded in 2020 to local organizations including the Long X Arts Foundation, BIO Girls, Rough Rider Center, Bakken Oil Rush Ministry, McKenzie County Heritage Association and Badlands Gymnastics Club. Grant applications are accepted from September 1-September 28, 2021.

For more information visit their website.

Farmers and makers are bringing in their homegrown and handmade goods each week for Watford Market for the annual farmer's market tradition. In addition to the vendor's items, there is live music, grilled burgers and demonstrations. The market happens each Thursday from 5:30-7:30pm at the Kent Pelton Nature Park. It will go at least until September 9, 2021.

A Hard Day's Night--a Beatles tribute band--will be performing is coming to Watford City. Twist and shout the night away on Friday, August 27, 7pm at the Rough Rider Center. Find more information and tickets here.

America’s Got Talent finalists Ball in the House will be singing your favorite hits acapella. This concert will be free to help introduce the community to the Long X Arts Concert Series. The event will be September 24 at the Rough Rider Center.

McKenzie County residents are invited to bring their household hazardous or electronics waste to be properly disposed. Paints, phones, flat screen tvs, antifreeze, pesticides and more will be accepted and properly disposed. See the full list here. The event will be held from 8am-2pm on Saturday, August 28, 2021 at the McKenzie County Public Works building located at 1300 12th St SE, Watford City.