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Hess to increase Bakken spending
Hess is looking to increase its spending in the Bakken and other areas by 37% next year according to this Natural Gas Intelligence article. About $250 million more is expected to be invested in the Bakken in 2023. In the third quarter of 2022, HESS saw net production increase 12% compared to the same period the year before. They also recently added a fourth drilling rig in the Bakken.
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Labor and delivery services to begin
McKenzie County Healthcare Systems will begin offering labor and delivery services in McKenzie County on December 6, 2022. Dr. Yolanda Newton will be leading the obstetrics practice. Among Dr. Newton’s strengths are minimally invasive gynecologic surgery through advanced laparoscopy and the natural birthing process. A grand opening celebration will be held on December 1, from 1-4pm. See more in this press release.
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November economy at a glance
The November economy at a glance is now available. Some data of note include:
- Year to date load pass permits for 2022 is at 19,884; for the same period in 2021 it was 17,340.
- September 2022 unemployment rate for McKenzie County was at 1.9%. In September 2021 it was 3.8%.
- Apartment occupancy remains high at Brookledge apartments at 95%. In November 2021 it was 88%, and in November 2020 it was 63%.
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Watford City included in US News and World Report list
Watford City is included as one of the 25 Popular Small Towns to Live in the U.S in an article recently published by U.S. News and World Report. The article cites the City's efforts to create the infrastructure needed to support the growth of the past decade, its proximity to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, as well as the open spaces that are still available.
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End of the Rope trailer released
The trailer for the End of the Rope film is now available. This film is based on the true story of events that happened in McKenzie County in 1931 regarding the trail of Charles Bannon. Much of the film was shot in McKenzie County and will be released in 2023.
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Legislative and economic outlook
Western Region Economic Development is continuing to host events relevant to western North Dakota's economy. The next event is the Oil and Gas Taxes, Distribution, and 2023 Legislative Session Outlook presented by Geoff Simon of Western Dakota Energy Association and Brent Bogar of AE2S. The event will be held virtually on November 21 from 11-12pm CT, and is sponsored by Montana Dakota Utilities.
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WCHS program recognized
The Watford City High School Ambassadors Program was recently recognized by Governor Burgum at the Main Street ND Summit for the Future Leaders Empowerment Award. To get the program started, Pat Bertagnolli, who is now executive director at Job Service North Dakota, worked in conjunction with Amy Polivka, the High School Science Teacher and Student Council Advisor and Jim Green, the High School Principal to be intentional about aligning community, industry, and schools. The nomination for the award was submitted by Vawnita Best, the Workforce Development Director for Watford City in recognition of the program’s success and to showcase how students have engaged with, and impacted, the community. The Ambassador Program allows students to have a voice by sharing their ideas with businesses and community leaders. The program also allows student ambassadors to support their community by welcoming students transitioning into their community and being mentors and role models for younger students.
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Gener8tor information session
The North Dakota Growth Fund and gener8tor invite startup founders, investors and community champions to learn about new resources and programs available to North Dakota entrepreneurs. They will be at Stonehome Brewing 313 Fox Hills Pkwy N, Watford City, ND from 5:30 – 7:30 on December 8! Please RSVP to Kodee.Furst@50southcapital.ntrs.com by December 1.
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Wolf Pup Daycare featured
The National Association of Counties featured Wolf Pup Daycare in a recent article about the ways counties and other jurisdictions are seeking to address the childcare shortage. Find the article here.
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Christmas stroll in Alexander
The streets of Alexander will be filled with activities during its Christmas Stroll on December 1 from 5-9pm. Shopping, photos with Santa, hay rides and more will be featured along Alexander's Main Street.
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Gun Show
The Dakota Territory Gun Collectors Association will be hosting a gun show December 9-11, 2022. Buy, sell, or trade your guns with 190+ tables expected. The show will be located at the McKenzie County Sportsman's Club at 2306 121X Ave NW, Watford City.
The event will run Friday Dec 9th 4pm-8pm;
Saturday Dec 10th 9am-5pm; and Sunday, Dec 11th 9am-2pm. For more details contact Heather Stabler at 701-651-2585 or mckenziecountyrange@gmail.com
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Thanksgiving Gathering
The Bakken Oil Rush Ministry will be hosting its annual Thanksgiving Gathering, at the Watford City Civic Center on Thursday, November 17th at 6pm. This will be a free, hot meal for the community along with a message of Thanksgiving. Spanish translation services will be available at the event.
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McKenzie Co Community Foundation awards over $12,000
Each year the McKenzie County Community Foundation provides grants to organizations doing charitable work in McKenzie County. This year they are awarding $12,517 towards area projects. 2022 Community Foundation awardees include: Long X Arts Foundation for their Missoula Children’s Theater program; Benefit Fund of McKenzie County Healthcare Systems purchase of a NuStep exercise machine in the Horizon Assisted Living Facility; Watford City Park District for a 3-day remote control car camp; McKenzie County Heritage Association for its Teddys Kids Camp and Tater Tots; Trap, Neuter Rescue Foundation’s program to spay and neuter the strays; Badlands Gymnastics for their 2023 Blast in the Badlands gymnastics meet; Bakken Oil Rush Ministry for their Thanksgiving Gathering; and Running Free’s Santa Run and Suicide Awareness Run.
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Hispanic Christmas Celebration
For the second year in a row, McKenzie County will have La Posada--a Hispanic Christmas Celebration. Mark your calendar for Sunday, December 4 from 4-7:30pm at the Watford City Civic Center gymnasium. This event is being sponsored by Hispanic Advocacy of North Dakota and the Long X Arts Foundation.
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David Osborne to perform
David Osborne regularly performs at the Bellagio Resort and Casino in Las Vegas when he is not touring with “The David Osborne Trio”. David remains the master of Romantic Piano performing classical and romantic to Broadway and pop tunes by keeping his repertoire of arrangements up to date with the most popular tunes. Osborne will be performing as part of the Long X Arts Foundation Concert Series on Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at 7pm at the Watford City High School Theater.
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Parade of Lights
The Parade of Lights will once again light up Main Street Watford City. To enter a float contact the Watford City Area Chamber of Commerce. The spudfest will begin at 4:30pm, lighting of the tree next to Door 204 will be at 6:00 and the parade is scheduled to start at 6:30pm all on Friday, November 25, 2022.
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