FEBRUARY 2023

Sales tax collections up

Taxable sales and purchases for McKenzie County increased 27% when comparing 2022Q3 to 2021Q3 according to data recently released by the ND Tax Commission office. For the same time period, North Dakota's taxable sales and purchases also increased 27%.

School District enrollment projections

McKenzie County Public School District #1's enrollment is projected to increase 359 students in the next five years, and an additional 391 students in the five years following that for an enrollment of 2,765 students. This is according to recently released projections that were presented to the school board. See the report here.

New restaurant to open

A new restaurant in Watford City is set to open the beginning of March! The Shed, will be a scratch-made buffet featuring "all the home-cooked classics." Find them nearby Cashwise at 113 6th Ave SE Suite 5300, Watford City, ND.

February Economy at a Glance

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

McKenzie County Unemployment Rate for Dec. 2022 remains at 1.9%, the same as Nov. 2022.

Restaurant/Lodging Tax distributions for 2021 was $267,083 and for 2022 it was higher at $292,802.

LoadPass Permits for 2022 was 23,766, higher than 2021's total of 21,090.

New Voices of Watford Video

Another video highlighting community members is available on the www.voicesofwatford.com website!

When Jill and Joe were looking to start their life together and Jill’s teaching career and Joe’s electrical trade career, they found a community they could be intentional in. They found their CAREERS and their HOME in McKenzie County.

Premiere of End of the Rope

Based on a true story and filmed in McKenzie County, End of the Rope will premiere at Six Shooters in Watford City on March 24 and March 25. The Red Carpet premiere will include the unique opportunity to look behind the scenes and experience the making of this North Dakota movie with props and costumes, and a post-show Q&A with cast and crew. To find premiere tickets and see other showtimes visit the official website.

Introducing John William Suter

John William Suter has joined the staff of McKenzie County Economic Development as a Communications and Technology Specialist. Suter most recently worked for ND Water and Clearwater Communications in Bismarck before relocating to Watford City this month. Born and raised in Beulah, ND, he attended the University of North Dakota where he graduated with bachelor degrees in Political Science and Public Administration. You can reach him at 701-580-2380 or [email protected].

Zoning ordinances to be reviewed

The McKenzie County Planning and Zoning Commission, the McKenzie County Planning & Zoning Department along with SRF Consulting will be reviewing and updating the current McKenzie County Zoning Ordinance. Click this link below for more information and workshop updates.

Roughrider Fund now accepting applications

The Roughrider Fund is a one and a half cent city sales tax that was established in 2004 to support projects that develop, promote and enhance the general welfare of the region with primary focus given to projects that improve the attractiveness of Watford City by increasing and enhancing community amenities and services. The Fund has committed 2023 funds to its Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) program to develop businesses that provide in-demand goods and services to the community. See the summary of BR&E programs to support entrepreneurs in our community:

• CBD (Central Business District) Façade Incentive Match Grant

-         Promote exterior rehabilitation and improve commercial buildings in the Central Business zoning district to enhance the overall appearance, quality and vibrancy of downtown Watford City

• Licensed Child Care Renewal Grant

-         Promote and support Child Care capacity with certain annual expense reimbursements of Family, Group and Child Care Centers

• Community Build Grant

-         Promote quality of life, increase attractiveness as a tourist destination, and foster economic growth through vibrancy of public facilities, parks and events

• Community Enhancement Grant

-         Support quality of life and community enhancement projects which bring enhancement and vibrancy to the community

-         There is still funding in this grant for 2023 projects. If you are an event sponsor or know a great event looking for a match grant of up to $3,000 in Watford City or up to $2,500 in McKenzie County, consider applying 

• First Year Business Boost – Mini-Match Grant

-         Diversify the local economy and grow the local tax base by supporting new business startups in their first year of business

• Flex Pace / Pace Match Grant

-         Support small businesses, economic development and diversification, and help both new and existing businesses lower initial project borrowing costs associated with new and expanding investment in Watford City’s economy

• Business Startup and Expansion Grant

-         Diversify the local economy and grow the local tax base by incentivizing and supporting new business startups and existing business expansions by matching private investment with public incentives

These Roughrider Fund programs are dedicated to making Watford City a better place by creating jobs that diversify the economy and grow the tax base. If you are interested, or know an entrepreneur interested in starting or expanding a business, complete this fillable Roughrider Fund Project Enrollment Form and email to Vawnita Best to enroll in the Fund BR&E programs, or click here to learn more about them!

Spanish/ English cultural class

Those looking to improve either their English or Spanish speaking skills are invited to attend Spanish/English Language Cultural Classes. They will be meeting at the Rough Rider Center on Thursdays from 6pm-8pm. The classes are free and will run for 12 weeks, but registration is required. For the first hour of each class, the class will be split into those who want to learn English and those who want to learn Spanish. During the second half of each class, both groups will be brought together for some sort of activity where they can practice speaking with each other. Click here for more information.

Matching dollars available for summer internships

Businesses looking to employ summer interns working in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) may be able to receive matching dollars for internships. Additionally, businesses can stand to gain from students’ cutting-edge skills and innovative knowledge and use as a hiring tool for future employees. The deadline for business applications is February 28.

Find more information about this opportunity here.

Exporting seminar

The North Dakota Trade Office is providing an educational seminar (in-person and on-line), Riddle of the Exporter. This training provides an opportunity for companies to get some additional insights and networking opportunities with ND exporters. The target attendees are those business owners interested in exporting and employees who have direct relations to the companies’ exporting goals. 

Rojas recognized

Yolanda Rojas was presented with the Community Service Award at the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives annual meeting. The award recognizes Rojas’ efforts to support English language learners and promote opportunities for integration and inclusion within the community. She is employed at McKenzie Electric Cooperative. See more in this news release.

WCHS student athlete named Gatorade Cross County Player of the Year

Jaelyn Ogle, a senior at Watford City High School, has been named the 2022-2023 Gatorade Cross Country Player of the Year for North Dakota. While maintaining a 3.16 GPA, Ogle won eight cross-country races over the past season including the Class A individual state championship. Ogle plans to run on scholarship with the Mississippi State University this fall. See more in this press release.

Rotary Club seeking members

The Watford City Rotary Club is looking to grow its membership and would like to invite you interested individuals to an upcoming meeting consider on March 7, 2023 at 12:00 P.M. in the basement of Outlaws at 120 N Main Street, Watford City. A meal will be provided so please RSVP by emailing Shilo Chavez at [email protected]. You can also learn more about Rotary International by clicking here.

Leadership and civic engagement development

NDSU Extension Services Leadership and Civic Engagement division is sponsoring a webinar series of learning opportunities. Upcoming topics include Becoming Trustworthy on February 22; proactive lifestyles on March 8; learning to say "no" so you can say "yes" on March 29; and Strategies for Creating Diverse Boards on April 5. For more information and to register visit here.

Activity Guide available

Watford City Parks and Recreation 2023 Activity Guide is now available. Each year the guide highlights the upcoming seasonal events, youth and adult recreational programming, club activities, and area parks. Check it out here.

Birds & Birdies

The 2nd Annual Birds & Birdies tournament is a shooting and golf event benefiting the North Dakota Petroleum Foundation. Teams will be scored in three shooting competitions (including trap, rimfire, and archery) followed by a golf scramble. Find more info here.

Parallel Exit to perform

Parallel Exit mixes song & dance with slapstick physical comedy to produce a delightful show for any audience. They will be performing at 7pm on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at the Watford City High School Theater as part of the Long X Arts Concert Series.

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.