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McKenzie County's largest employers in 2022
Job Service North Dakota's Labor Market Information (NDLMI) Department has released the top 25 list of the largest employers in North Dakota and North Dakota counties in 2022. McKenzie County's top 5 largest employers in 2022 include:
- McKenzie County School District
- McKenzie Health
- ONEOK, Inc.
- McKenzie County government
- Kinder Morgan
Read more on McKenzie County and North Dakota's top employers at the NDLMI website.
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Legacy of hospitality continues in Watford City
Since 1998, Marty and Crystal Mulder have poured love and hard work into the Roosevelt Inn & Suites hotel in Watford City, and their passion has been inherited by their two daughters, Bethany Devlin and Lindsey Ybarra. On July 27, 2023, Devlin and Ybarra officially took over the Roosevelt Inn & Suites from their parents, continuing their family's legacy in the hotel and hospitality business.
Click here to watch KFYR's story on this family's longstanding heritage in the hotel industry and their dedication to the Watford City community.
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New family doctor joins McKenzie Health
McKenzie Health has gained a new Family Medicine Physician, Dr. Lee Kiedrowski, who started seeing patients at the Rural Health Clinic on September 5. Dr. Kiedrowski obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in May 2008 from NDSU in Biotechnology and Microbiology. In May 2014, he earned his Masters of Science Degree in International Infectious Disease Management and Biosecurity, also from NDSU. He obtained his Medical Degree in May 2018 from UND, then became board certified in Family Medicine in April 2021. Prior to joining McKenzie Health, Dr. Kiedrowski served as a Family Medicine Physician at CHI St. Alexius Health in Dickinson, ND.
To make an appointment with Dr. Kiedrowski, call 701-842-3771.
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New general surgeon joins McKenzie Health
Dr. Gillian Lavik, General Surgeon, has joined McKenzie Health and will be starting on October 2. Dr. Lavik, a native of Rugby, ND, graduated from the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences in 2010, completing pre-medical education at Macalester College in Minnesota. Her internship and residency were completed at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown, NY, where she served as Chief Resident in her graduate year. Her advanced skills include experience in surgical oncology, breast surgery, abdominal surgeries, and minimally invasive options for a wide range of procedures. Dr. Lavik is married with three children and enjoys all that the outdoors has to offer.
Appointments in the Specialty Clinic can be made by calling 701-444-8730.
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New steakhouse opens in Watford City
Watford City has gained a new steakhouse named HM's Steakhouse, which opened in late August. The menu includes everything from delicious hand cut steaks and chicken to pastas and a kid's menu. The restaurant is located at the former Dakotan restaurant at 604 2nd Ave SW. Call 701-444-2001 to make a reservation and visit their website to check out the menu!
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September Economy at a Glance
The September Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include:
McKenzie County's July 2023 labor force was 10,272; July 2022 it was 9,355.
The LoadPass permits for McKenzie County in August 2023 was 2,877; in August 2022 it was 2,281.
The taxable sales and purchases for McKenzie County in 2023 Q2 was $87,335,456; in 2022 Q2 it was $66,112,182.
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Watford City High School receives grant to fund a mural project
Thanks to a successful grant application to the NDCA's Arts in Education Collaboration (AIEC), Watford City High School will showcase stunning mural designs throughout the school. In collaboration with the Long X Arts Foundation, six distinctive murals will help establish a sense of pride and beauty into the school's hallways, each representing various departments: Science, Math, English, and Social Studies, alongside a vibrant representation of the school's wolf mascot. Led by the talented artist Morgan Wagner, 250 students and community members lent an artistic hand to help paint the murals.
Read more on the Watford City High School's mural project here.
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Young Professionals social scheduled for September 26
The Young Professionals are revamping the organization by holding a social on September 26. The social will be held at Stonehome in Watford City from 4:30-6:30 p.m. CST where young professionals in the area will have the opportunity to network with others and get acquainted with their community. There will be complimentary food, a cash bar and a short presentation at 5:15 p.m. from Daniel Stenberg on how to get involved in the community. If you're a young adult who wants to get more involved in the community and grow your networking circle, this is the event and organization for you! Click here for more information and to RSVP.
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"Design Your Succession Plan" virtual workshop
NDSU Extension is hosting a three-part virtual workshop for small businesses called "Design Your Succession Plan". This workshop is for family businesses who want to shape the future of their business and family legacy. The three sessions take place on October 30, November 6 and November 13. The registration deadline is October 10. Learn more and register here.
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McKenzie County Outdoor Education Center receives community grant
The McKenzie County Outdoor Education Center has received a $5,000 community grant from First International Bank & Trust's Live First Community Giving Campaign. In partnership with the McKenzie County Sportsman's Club, McKenzie County Outdoor Education Center encourages young and old alike to enjoy the benefits of shooting sports.
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McKenzie County Public School District #1 sees boost in enrollment
McKenzie County County School District #1 has seen another boost in its enrollment for the 2023-2024 school year. Last year's academic year saw the school district surpass 2,000 students, with a count of 2,003. As of September 7, 2023, the enrollment was at 2,129 students, continuing its record growth.
Read more here.
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Farm Management position available
The search is on for a unique position that has the ability to be housed out of the soon-to-be-completed Bakken Area Skills Center. Responsibilities of this position include assisting enrollees on a one-to-one basis who are active in farming and/or ranching with the establishment and maintenance of detailed financial and production records, conducting business analyses, and generating cash flow projections. Additional responsibilities include recruiting participants, enrolling participants, and one-on-one instruction. To learn more about this opportunity, click here.
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Watford City High School student receives Student Leadership Award
Aidan Pelton, a junior at Watford City High School, was the recipient of the Student Leadership Award from Governor Burgum's Innovative ND Awards at the seventh annual Governor's Summit on Innovative Education in August. Pelton serves as a mentor in the Little Buddy Program, on the Vision West mental health subcommittee, and as chair of the ambassador program. Congratulations to Aidan for this prestigious award!
Read more on the Governor's award here.
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McKenzie County awarded $500,000 from EPA
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded a $500,000 Brownsfield Assessment Grant to McKenzie County to inventory, characterize, assess, and develop cleanup plans for several brownsfield properties across the county, including sites in Watford City, Alexander and Arnegard. Brownsfields are properties that may be contaminated by hazardous substances or pollutants. Priority sites that may qualify for the assessment and cleanup include the old McKenzie County Hospital, abandoned gas stations, the old county fairgrounds, and other potentially hazardous areas in the county. This grant will help revitalize properties throughout McKenzie County.
Read more from the EPA website.
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MHA Nation opens new administration headquarters
The Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara (MHA) Nation celebrated the inauguration of their new administration headquarters, located in New Town, ND in the West Complex of 4 Bears Park. The state-of-the-art facility, which will act as the new capitol building of the MHA Nation, will aim to bolster ties with the federal government and enhance self-governance and economic growth.
Read more on this story from the KFYR website.
Picture credits: Nevaeh "Nawns" Quarry
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City of Alexander highlighted in BEK TV series
The BEK TV show "My Hometown: Ladies in Another View" highlights the town of Alexander and unveils its rich history and the small town's origins to cattle drives. Specific highlights that were discussed include the Lewis and Clark Museum, Old Settler's Day Celebration, the Bakken oil formation, Alexander's economic growth, and innovation in robotics.
Click here to watch this BEK TV episode.
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Alexander's plan to expand childcare services
Childcare is a growing concern in North Dakota, affecting both urban and rural areas of the state. In Alexander, ND, Bright Minds Daycare stands as the only publicly licensed daycare in town. Run by Nikki Holen for seven years, it caters to 16 children with a growing waitlist. To address the issue, Alexander School District has provided a building to Turtle Crossing, a new childcare initiative that currently serves children of school employees. Additionally, the city and McKenzie County are planning an even larger facility to accommodate more children.
Read more on this KFYR story here.
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Bakken Area Skills Center progressing
The Bakken Area Skills Center in Watford City is progressing towards its goal of opening in January 2024, and the building should be fully enclosed later this fall. In late August, leaders from Bismarck State College, Williston State College, TrainND, McKenzie County School District, local employers, and others toured the facility and were updated on its progress.
Watch this KFYR news story to see the progress of the Bakken Area Skills Center.
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Senator Hoeven visits McKenzie County
In late August, U.S. Senator John Hoeven visited McKenzie County and held a roundtable with local ranchers, farmers, energy leaders, and the U.S. Forest Service to discuss various agriculture and energy challenges in western North Dakota, specifically highlighting the issues with noxious weed spraying. He also met with leaders of the Maah Daah Hey Trail and CCC Campground to discuss ideas on how to bolster the tourism in that area.
Read more on this KFYR news story here.
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Live2Lead 2023
Live2Lead 2023 is an annual global leadership event where individuals have the opportunity to learn meaningful and relevant insights to implement a new action plan and lead with renewed passion and commitment. The event will take place on October 6 at 8 a.m. CST (online), November 18 at 9 a.m. CST (in-person at Watford City Assembly of God church), and November 20 at 8:30 a.m. CST (in-person at Watford City High School Theatre Room).
Register today for Live2Learn 2023 to learn from world-class leaders, impact your sphere of influence, and make meaningful connections!
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Volunteer Fair
Do you want to make an impact in your community? Learn more about ways you can serve as a volunteer and organizations you can become involved with at the volunteer fair, scheduled for Monday, October 16 at 4-7 p.m. CST at the Watford City Civic Center. Proceeds will benefit the Watford City MobilePack.
For more information, contact Angie Hartel at 701-580-4403.
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The NDRA is coming to McKenzie County for a Wild West Weekend
The McKenzie County Cowboy Association is hosting the 2023 North Dakota Rodeo Association Finals, scheduled for September 22-23 at the McKenzie County Ag Expo in Watford City. There will be three rounds of rodeo, a western art and vendor show, rodeo dancing, and much more at the Wild West Weekend! Check out the full schedule here.
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ND Petroleum Council Annual Meeting
The North Dakota Petroleum Council Annual Meeting will be held back in the heart of the Bakken of Watford City. Set for September 19-21, the annual meeting will include a stellar line-up of speakers from the Bakken's industry leaders, networking with more than 400 industry professionals, and learning about the latest trends in oil and gas.
Click here for more information and to register.
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ND Stockmen's Association Annual Meeting
The 94th Annual Stockmen's Association Convention and Trade Show will be held September 28-30 in Watford City at the Rough Rider Center. The three-day event will include a golf scramble at the Fox Hills Golf Course, a Cattlemen's Education Series Tour, policy development sessions, a great speaker lineup, office elections, and many other activities. Find the schedule of events and register 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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