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Enerplus invests in the Bakken Area Skills Center
Enerplus, an independent oil and gas producer, has committed $100,000 towards the Bakken Area Skills Center. The Bakken Area Skills Center will help meet the workforce challenges in our community by providing a place for hands-on training for our students and those already in the workforce. Learn more about the skills center here.
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May Economy at a Glance
The May Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include:
McKenzie County's Labor Force for March 2023 was 9,770, over a thousand more than March 2022's total of 8,769.
Alexander's City Sales Tax distributions for January-April 2023 was $225,823, almost $100,000 higher than January-April 2022's total of $129,688.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park - North Unit had 2,934 visits in April 2023, over a thousand more than April 2022's total visits of 1,854.
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Serving the aging community
Annie Brown and Laura Dillman, residents of Grassy Butte, ND, recently opened the Home Instead Franchise for our area. They seek to serve the aging with in-home non-medical assistance and strive to provide clients and family members peace of mind and ensure safety within the privacy of their own homes. Services include companionship, meal prep, transportation, personal care, light housekeeping, respite care, and Alzheimer’s/Dementia care.
They are actively hiring in our area to serve the aging and to make an impact on the lives of others. CNAs welcomed, but not required. They provide paid in-house training, offer 24/7 support to their care givers and flexible hours. Based out of Killdeer, they are currently serving Watford City, Keene, Dickinson, Medora, Killdeer, and surrounding areas. Call 701-764-HOME for job application details or to schedule a free in-home consultation.
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"Hairball" to perform at this year's Best of the West RIBFEST
Hairball, a nationally famous rock & roll band featuring a variety of 80's rock music, will be performing at this year's Best of the West Ribfest. Come on down to Main Street Watford City on August 11 and don't miss out on the great food and the explosive live show of Hairball!
More information on the event and schedule can be found here.
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North Dakota Petroleum Council creates Bakken GROW Program
Efforts to bring workers from Ukraine to the Bakken are underway through the North Dakota Petroleum Council with a first wave of folks expected to arrive in July 2023. Employers will help the workers get settled into the community, and find housing and transportation. Find out more information here: Bakken Grow. Locally, contact Daniel Stenberg for McKenzie County specific questions at 701-444-7419, or contact Reva Kautz with NDPC for questions about the program in general at 701-557-7744.
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2023 Legislative Session Recap
The 68th State Legislative Assembly concluded on Sunday, April 30 after 75 days. A total of 990 bills were introduced during the session, and two-thirds of those bills and resolutions were passed. Many studies were also proposed to be considered during the interim, and legislative management will meet to review and assign them to interim legislative committees prior to the 2025 Legislative Session.
A few highlights of the session that will transform North Dakota in many ways include tax reform, animal agriculture, childcare, workforce, and tourism initiatives. Some bills of note include:
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HB 1158 - The largest individual income tax relief package in state history, this bill combines $358 million in income tax relief and $156.7 million in property tax relief, giving homeowners the ability to claim a $500 property tax credit on their primary residence.
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HB 1018 - The Department of Commerce's budget bill includes $12 million to expand "Find the Good Life", a talent attraction initiative that combines strategic marketing, connection to communities and employers, and unique tracking capabilities that quantify return on investment. The Tourism Destination Development Fund also received $25 million and capped at $5 million per project.
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HB 1540 - In an effort to support child care services and combat North Dakota's labor shortage, the legislature passed a $65.6 million childcare assistance package.
Read more on the recap of the 2023 State Legislative Session and other passed bills here.
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New clothing store now open
Threads on Main, a resale clothing store located on Main Street in Watford City, celebrated its grand opening on May 14. Boasting an extensive collection of high-quality clothing, accessories, and shoes, the store curates its inventory by acquiring top brands and near-mint condition items. Threads on Main offers a diverse selection that caters to various styles and preferences, ensuring that every customer discovers their perfect piece at an affordable price.
To learn more, click here.
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2023 Watford City Charity Golf Scramble
Conoco Phillips will be hosting a charity four-person golf scramble on August 25 at Fox Hills Golf Course in Watford City. The scramble is limited to 18 teams and will include 18 holes of golf, 9 in the daylight and 9 at night (with glow balls).
There will be food and beverages, and a raffle after the daylight round. Register as soon as possible to become a sponsor and to purchase and bid on silent auction items during the tournament. Proceeds go to the McKenzie County Community Foundation and the Keene Volunteer Fire Department.
To learn more and register, click here.
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Connecting Communities Free BBQ
The Western Region Economic Development (WRED) is hosting a free BBQ event at the McKenzie County Heritage Park in Watford City on Tuesday, June 13. There will be a free meal, giveaways and much more!
KEYZ AM 660 News Radio will have a live radio broadcast at the event. Everyone is invited and welcome to join this fun community event.
Learn more at watfordcityevents.com
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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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2023 Watford City Food Truck Rodeo
701 Food Trucks are on their way to Watford City again this year for the 2023 Food Truck Rodeo. Mark your calendars for June 9-11 and come to the Rough Rider Center for great food and good times.
More information can be found here.
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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
- May 20 - Welcome Back Scramble: A four-person, 18-hole golf scramble located at Fox Hills Golf Course in Watford City
- May 22-30 - Pick up the Patch 2023: Help clean up your community in McKenzie County
- June 1-2 - ND42 Basketball Camp: A boys and girls youth (grades 3-12) basketball camp led by professional basketball player Noah Dahlman, held at the Rough Rider Center
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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