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Alexander Public School District bond election for school building construction
The Alexander Public School District is holding an election to vote on a $9,000,000 bond for school building construction projects. The proposed plan will add 10 new classrooms to the school which will accommodate two sections of every grade and includes a 2nd floor where the middle school students will be located. The plan also includes the addition of another kitchen and cafeteria space, a new identifiable building entrance with improved safety and security, and several updates and improvements to classrooms. The bond election will be held on December 19, 2023 from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. at the Alexander School (601 Delaney Street, Alexander, ND). For more information on the election and proposed plan, click here.
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November Economy at a Glance
The November Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include:
McKenzie County's September 2023 labor force was 10,397; September 2022 it was 9,561.
The LoadPass permits for McKenzie County in October 2023 was 2,640; in October 2022 it was 2,313.
The total taxable sales and purchases for McKenzie County in Q3 of 2023 was $87,594,191; in Q3 of 2022 it was $85,926,251.
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North Dakota Labor Market Information live webinar
If you work in the private, public or nonprofit sector and are involved in human resource decisions or make decisions involving an entire organization, city or region, join the Job Service North Dakota's webinar, titled "Labor Market Information Playbook: How to Get in the Game by Exploring Fundamentals & Strategies". The free webinar is scheduled for December 12 from 10 - 11:15 a.m. Central Time. It will include experts who will dive into the data and materials and give you a playbook on how you can turn information into insights to optimize your own decision-making. Click here to learn more and register for the free webinar.
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McKenzie County welcomes more Ukrainian workers
McKenzie County employers have received more Ukrainians through the North Dakota Petroleum Council's Bakken GROW Program. The community has now gained seven total Ukrainian employees through this program, and they are as excited as their employers are to join the workforce and community! Learn more on the Bakken GROW Program here.
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SBDC's Keith Olson earns Certified Business Exit Consultant Designation
Keith Olson of the North Dakota Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has achieved the prestigious Certified Business Exit Consultant (CBEC) Designation from the International Exit Planning Association. Olson's accomplishment solidifies his position as a leading exit planner in the state and nation. The CBEC designation reflects his dedication and expertise in exit planning, enhancing the ND SBDC's ability to support clients in achieving long-term success. Olson's certification contributes to the state's strength in this field, benefiting businesses and entrepreneurs. For more information on ND SBDC programs, visit this website. To learn more on Olson's award, click here.
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Vision West ND Housing document available
Vision West ND's Housing Committee has created a document that highlights federal, state and local programs that aim to increase access to safe, affordable housing in North Dakota. The highlighted programs and resources are meant to spread existing information, spur new ideas for local communities, increase affordability and empower aspiring homeowners. From federal grants and state-level initiatives to community-driven solutions, this document serves as a resource for those seeking to make a difference in the realm of housing access.
To view the Improving and Expanding Housing Access in North Dakota document, click here.
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Alexander Comets football team has historic season
The Alexander Comets football team had a great and historic season this year. Finishing the season 8-2, the Comets made the North Dakota 9-man football playoffs for the first time in over 40 years. Although the Comets came up short in an epic overtime battle against the Hettinger County Huskies in Round 1 of the 9-man playoffs, the team brought success and pride back to their community. Congratulations on a great year!
Follow this link to watch a short video highlighting the October 21 playoff game in Alexander versus the Hettinger County Huskies.
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WCHS Cultural Fair recap
On November 8, the Watford City High School held their second Cultural Fair at the Rough Rider Center where over 30 different cultures and 25 nations shared mouth-watering global cuisines, dances, conversation and culture. It was an event attendees won't forget and was a great celebration of the rich, cultural melting pot of Watford City!
Click here to watch the Watford City High School Cultural Fair recap.
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Online hospitality training series
Did you know that Visit Watford City and McKenzie County Tourism offer an online Hospitality Training series? This five-part series of training videos are designed for both hospitality industry professionals and employees that interact with the general public. It is also a great tool for any employee or resident that is new to the area. The five episodes will give you a better understanding of the attractions in and around Watford City, along with educating you on all the online tools available. Through this course, individuals will gain a deeper understanding of our culture, attractions and how to use the hospitality tools effectively. This added knowledge will lift up the employee's customer service by now being able to answer "What is there to do?".
Upon completion of the training, individuals will receive a button, a canvas bag, a Watford City pen, a small notebook, and $20 in Chamber Bucks (money you can spend only at stores in Watford City). To receive these incentives, make sure to complete the simple quiz at the end of each video. Once all the quizzes are completed, you can stop by the Long X Visitor Center at 100 2nd Ave SW to pick up your items.
Click here to start the Online Hospitality Training series and get your prizes today!
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New HR Consulting business in Watford City
Marigold Consulting is a locally owned and operated Human Resources (HR) consulting business that was created to provide exceptional HR services to businesses in western North Dakota. Marigold Consulting's goal is to translate the mission and vision of an organization in to actionable HR strategies that serve stakeholders while maintaning that human capital is an organization's most valuable asset.
For more information about Marigold Consulting and its list of services, email Carissa Suter at carissa.suter@outlook.com.
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A Magical Medora Christmas 2023
The award-winning show and popular Christmas tradition for thousands of people will be in Watford City on November 29. The show will be held at the Watford City High School Auditorium, starting at 7:30 p.m. Don't miss out on the great performance by talent you know and love! Click here for more information.
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Rural Workforce Housing Grant Program now accepting applications
The Rural Workforce Housing Grant, administered by the North Dakota Department of Commerce, aims to support non-profit organizations and local governments in enhancing affordable housing options for the rural workforce. The program's objectives include increasing housing availability, improving existing units' quality and safety, fostering collaboration among local entities, promoting innovative solutions for rural housing challenges, and contributing to community development and revitalization in rural areas. Eligible entities for grants include cities, counties, economic development organizations, and local tribal entities, with funding of up to $300,000 per community. The grant application period is open from November 20 to January 8, with awards announced on January 12. Rural communities, defined as those with a population of less than 10,000, are encouraged to apply. Projects funded by the grant must be completed within 18 months of the award notification, and applications must be submitted online via the portal. For more information, click here.
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New SOS Pilot Program in McKenzie County
Nikki Johnsrud, Superintendent of McKenzie County Schools, is introducing the McKenzie County Systems of Support (SOS) Pilot Program to address the pressing workforce challenges in local childcare institutions. With a national and county-wide shortage in childcare workers, the program aims to provide additional skills training for daycare, preschool and after-school program staff, focusing on handling behavioral challenges in young children. By enhancing employee skills, McKenzie County seeks to mitigate shortages, reduce turnover and attract new talent to the crucial field of childcare. Read more on the SOS Program 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
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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