|
2021 Study on the economic impact of oil and natural gas
According to a study conducted by North Dakota State University Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics and Center for Social Research, the oil and gas industry in North Dakota attributed $42.58 billion in gross business volume, which is the business generated from direct sales and indirect economic activity throughout the state. The study also found that the oil and gas industry attributed to almost 50,000 jobs and made $3.8 billion in state and local revenues in 2021. Read more of the economic impact study here.
| |
|
Next Phase of Theodore Roosevelt Expressway (U.S. 85)
The North Dakota Department of Transportation has approved the beginning stages of construction on the expansion of Highway 85. The approval will pave the way to expand Highway 85 to a four-lane highway between Watford City and the Long X Bridge. Construction is set to begin later this spring. Read more on the expansion here.
| |
|
Average Price of Electricity
North Dakota has the lowest rate of electricity in the country, according to recent data taken from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. As of December 2022, the U.S. pays an average of $14.96 cents per kilowatt-hour for residential electricity, compared to North Dakota paying $9.62. Learn more on the cost of electricity here.
| |
|
March Economy at a Glance
The March Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include:
Watford City's City Sales Tax distributions for Feb. 2023 was $480,300, higher than Feb. 2022's total of $418,275.
Alexander's City Sales Tax distributions for Feb. 2023 was $82,364, higher than Feb. 2022's total of $46,527.
Restaurant/Lodging Tax distributions for Watford City for Feb. 2023 was $26,551 and for Feb. 2022 it was higher at $28,012.
LoadPass Permits for Feb. 2023 was 1,956, higher than Feb. 2022's total of 1,729.
| |
|
Ag Expo to host its first event
The McKenzie County Ag Expo is getting closer to completion and is set to open in time for the county fair this summer, scheduled for June 15-17. The facility has already been booked for other events including rodeos, tradeshows, motorsports and much more. Check out the Ag Expo Facebook page to learn more!
| |
|
Employment projections
The mining, quarrying and oil and gas extraction industry is projected to gain the highest number of employees by 2024 according to recent data released by Job Service North Dakota. The finance and insurance industry is set to have the biggest decrease in employment by 2024 with a projected loss of 615. Find all the data here or see another chart that includes more industries.
| |
|
Remarkable woman finalist
KX News is recognizing McKenzie County resident Gretchen Stenehjem as a Remarkable Women finalist. Her life experiences range from being a teacher, a marketing director, mother, and most recently a children's book author. Learn more in this news story.
| |
|
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.
| |
|
Community members to provide 130k meals
Hundreds of volunteers are needed to pack upwards of 130,000 meals as part of the Feed My Starving Children MobilePack event to be held at the Rough Rider Center on April 13-15, 2023. Both funds are volunteers are needed to make this goal a reality. To learn more visit here.
| |
|
New Three-Class Basketball System Approved
In early February, the North Dakota High School Activities Association approved the implementation of a three-class system for high school basketball, beginning next season. The state has had a two-class system (Class A and Class B) for decades, and there has been a years-long debate over adding a third classification due to the growth and volatility of North Dakota towns and schools.
The three classes will be Class AA, Class A and Class B. Class AA, the highest division, will include schools with an enrollment of 650+. Class A will include schools with an enrollment between 162-649 and Class B with an enrollment below 162. Watford City, which was Class A in the two-class system, will now drop down from the highest division to the second highest division. Alexander will be in Class B. Read more on the format of the new three-class system and every school's classification here.
| |
|
Rural Leadership North Dakota accepting applications
Rural Leadership North Dakota (RLND) is now accepting applications for class 10. The RLND program is an 18-month dynamic leadership development program offered through NDSU Extension. The program curriculum is designed to be immediately applicable to both active and inexperienced leaders. Each seminar features a mix of personal development, leadership study and location-related subject matter. The RLND Program is designed for those dedicated to strengthening the agriculture community, their community and the state of North Dakota for the future. To learn more visit here.
| |
|
Donkey Basketball
Come support the Alexander Public School's senior class with a fun night of Donkey basketball! The game will begin at 7 p.m. following a free-will supper at 6 p.m. Tickets are available through the senior class students, the school office, or at the gate. Contact the Alexander Public School for more information.
| |
|
Watford City Municipal Airport recognized as General Aviation Airport of the Year
The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission, partnered with the Airport Association of North Dakota, has recognized Watford City Municipal Airport as North Dakota's 2022 General Aviation Airport of the Year. Airports with excellent community outreach, facility management, construction and beautification projects, and participation and hosting of special events receive this annual award. After a decade of planning and executing, Watford City accomplished a major renovation to its municipal airport in 2022. The renovation project will now enhance safety for all airport operations and accommodate the growing community of Watford City and the surrounding area. Read more on the award here.
| |
|
Long X Arts Foundation to open art gallery
The Long X Arts Foundation announces the first exhibition in its new gallery space. Morgan Wagner is a local working artist who specializes in drawing, painting, illustration and graphic design. She has a nose for adventure and has traveled extensively in the United States on her bike and in her hiking boots. She lives in Watford City with her husband where she enjoys painting in her studio, putting up murals around town, getting plenty of physical exercise, and teaching art and yoga classes.
The new gallery space is located in the lower level of the Long X Visitor Center. The show will run from March 27-May 5, 2023. It is free and open to the public for viewing from 10 am – 5 pm Monday – Saturday. There will also be a Special Grand Opening Event and Open House with treats and the opportunity to paint with Morgan on Saturday, April 22 from 10 am – 5 pm. Learn more 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.
| |
|
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.
| | | | |
