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The 64th Annual McKenzie County Fair June 14-17
The 64th Annual McKenzie County Fair is set to take place June 14-17 at the newly constructed McKenzie County Ag Expo. This exciting event will be the Ag Expo's first event, and promises a range of entertainment for attendees to enjoy. Entertainment highlights of the fair include a demolition derby, rodeo, free BBQ, 4H livestock show, and much more! There will also be the Olaf Leiseth Jr. Memorial Draft Horse Competition on Wednesday, June 14, and a vibrant fair parade on Thursday, June 15. Visitors can look forward to the 4-H animal shows and the carnival running from Thursday-Saturday.
Click here for more details, and get ready for the 64th Annual McKenzie County Fair!
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June Economy at a Glance
The June Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include:
McKenzie County's Unemployment Rate for April 2023 was 1.3%, 0.7% lower than April 2022's rate of 2%.
Alexander's City Sales Tax distributions for May 2023 was $63,038, almost three times higher than May 2022's total of $23,851.
The Oil Production in McKenzie County for April 2023 was at 11,392,449 barrels, higher than April 2022's total of 9,701,079 barrels.
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2023 Main Street ND Summit in Watford City
The Main Street ND Summit 2023 is set to take place on October 24-25 in Watford City. The Main Street Summit is a highly anticipated event that aims to bring together individuals and organizations to foster connections, inspire creativity, and gain valuable insights for community building and growth.
With North Dakota's economy evolving, the summit recognizes the critical importance of attracting a skilled workforce. To achieve this, the collaboration between the private and public sectors is crucial in effectively conveying the story and showcasing why North Dakota should be the place employees choose to call home. This year's summit will revolve around the theme of innovative workforce solutions, which is why Watford City was the perfect choice. Attendees will hear from Governor Burgum and nationally renowned keynote speakers, participate in interactive workshops, and tour Watford City.
Click here to register for the 2023 Main Street Summit.
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New housing program approved
The McKenzie County JDA Home Builder Construction Loan Participation Program has been approved with $4.5 million in revolving loan funds provided by the McKenzie County Commission. The purpose of the program is to incentivize builders to build 3-6 houses at a reduced construction loan interest rate. Builders will work with their local lender, and the lender will submit the application to the JDA.
A training will be held on Thursday, June 15, 2023, at 8:30 a.m. CT for lenders to hear from the program administrator, Lewis & Clark Regional Development Council, about the specifics of the program and have the opportunity to ask questions. For training meeting details, please contact Daniel Stenberg at dstenberg@co.mckenzie.nd.us. For more information on the program, click here.
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Destination Development Grant Program
The Destination Development Grant Program, a funding initiative aimed at supporting tourism development in North Dakota, will be accepting applications starting on July 3, 2023. The program provides grants of up to $5 million for the 2023-2025 biennium to facilitate the creation of new or expanded tourism experiences and attractions. This expansion of tourism will help to promote economic growth, enhance the quality of life for North Dakota residents, and provide unique experiences for workforce recruitment and retention.
To qualify for the grant, projects should demonstrate their ability to attract visitors to North Dakota, contribute to the tourism and recreation industry, align with tourism development plans, and offer unique experiences relevant to the state's history and culture.
To learn more on the Destination Development Grant Program, click here.
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$1.3 million expansion & upgrade to the Good Shepherd Home
Good Shepherd Home in Watford City is set to undergo a $1.3 million expansion and upgrade project, thanks to the contributions of approximately 190 individuals and businesses. The project includes expanding and renovating the chapel, creating an adjacent courtyard, and implementing a greenhouse. The capital campaign started in September 2021 and reached it's goal in February 2023. The project is scheduled for completion in June 2024.
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Goldman Sachs 10,000 small businesses opportunity
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses is a program designed for business owners who have a business prepared for growth. It has helped entrepreneurs across the country grow their businesses by offering a free practical business training program, access to capital and personalized support services. Goldman Sachs is now expanding the training program to rural communities and predominantly rural states across America, starting with North Dakota and Arkansas. The program will launch in the fall of 2023.
To learn more and to apply, click here.
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Are you a young, ambitious individual looking to take your career and social connections to new heights? Look no further than McKenzie County's vibrant and dynamic Young Professionals organization! Committed to cultivating a thriving community of talented individuals, this organization is designed to help you unlock your full potential and achieve remarkable success. By joining our ranks, you gain access to a diverse network of driven professionals from various industries, providing unparalleled opportunities for networking, mentorship, and professional development. Through a combination of enjoyable and educational activities, members are provided valuable opportunities to connect with others and achieve success within your community. Don't miss out on the chance to enhance your career trajectory and forge lifelong connections!
McKenzie County Young Professionals is looking to kickoff in September 2023. Contact John Suter at 701-580-2380 or jsuter@co.mckenzie.nd.us for more information.
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McKenzie Health Center expands to new building
In April 2023, McKenzie Health purchased the former ANOVA Family Clinic building, aligning with their mission to provide comprehensive healthcare services to the community. The newly named McKenzie Health Center will open on July 5th, with a focus on women's health, obstetrics and pediatrics. The strategic move also frees up space at the main campus for future growth in various medical services. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 701-444-2235.
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Logan and Cassie Suter's journey to empower students and shape the future
After a decade of making a difference to students in the classroom, Logan and Cassie Suter have recently graduated with an M.S. in Teaching and Leadership from the University of North Dakota. Logan, a teacher at Watford City High School, and Cassie, a Literacy Coach in the McKenzie County Public School District, were aided with the Burgum Foundation grant. This grant aims to empower a cohort of teachers within the same district to collaborate and pursue advanced degrees together. The Suters seized this opportunity to expand their qualifications and open doors to administrative roles, such as becoming a principal.
Their joint pursuit of a master's degree has not only enhanced their careers but also allowed them to create a positive impact on K-12 education. As Watford City residents and parents of two young daughters, they recognized the unique value in developing sought-after skills in educational leadership. Despite juggling full-time jobs and raising their daughters, they dedicated themselves to acquiring these skills and showed unwavering commitment to their professional growth.
To learn more about Logan and Cassie's exceptional journey and the positive impact they will continue to bring to Watford City students, please click here.
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Gretchen Stenehjem publishes "Buddy the Dog" children's book
Gretchen Stenehjem of Watford City has published "Buddy the Dog", a children's book based on the true story of her family's dog, Buddy. The book is about Buddy's struggles with making friends and that everyone should be kind to everyone, no matter what.
The book is available to purchase online at Amazon or Barnes & Noble. All proceeds of the book's sales will be donated to the Anne Carlson Center.
Watch the KFYR story here.
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Behavioral Health Summit in Energy Country to be held June 21-22
Vision West ND is hosting its third annual Behavioral Health Summit in Energy Country June 21-22 in Dickinson at the Astoria Hotel & Event Center. The summit topics will include social isolation and mental health, mental health stigma reduction, mental wellness and youth, creative art therapies for youth, suicide prevention strategies, and more. Registration is now open at www.visionwestnd.com.
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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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Quick Connect
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North Dakota landowners group sues state regulators over property rights, land survey laws -- The Bismarck Tribune
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Off the Beaten Path: Return Trip - Watford City artist during the oil boom -- KFYR
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North Dakota loses hundreds of millions of dollars flaring natural gas each year, study finds -- InForum
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Where are the warmest summers in North Dakota? -- KX News
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Watford City FFA Livestock Show Open to FFA Members From Any Chapter, June 16 -- The Roundup
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Contaminated North Dakota sites to be cleaned up with $3.5M in federal money -- The Bismarck Tribune
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McKenzie County kids heading to the National Junior High Rodeo Championship -- The McKenzie County Farmer
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McKenzie County Ag Expo ready for annual county fair -- The McKenzie County Farmer
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Share your talents in McKenzie County Fair Open Class Show -- The Roundup
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Sen. Cramer Announces $68 million for North Dakota's CTE Centers Application -- Senator Kevin Cramer
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