New restaurant to open

 

A new restaurant in Watford City is set to open the beginning of March! The Shed, will be a scratch-made buffet featuring “all the home-cooked classics.” Find them nearby Cashwise at 113 6th Ave SE Suite 5300, Watford City, ND.

/by

2031 employment projections

Employment for North Dakota Region 1 which includes the counties of McKenzie, Williams, and Divide is projected to increase from 35,641 in 2021 to 46,212 in 2031 which is a 29.7% increase. Employment for North Dakota is projected to increase from 456,703 in 2021 to 499,750 in 2031, a 9.4% increase. Region 1’s projected growth rate is the highest in the state of North Dakota. See more in this report from the Labor Market Information Center of Job Service North Dakota.

/by

First baby born

On January 4th the first baby was born at McKenzie County Healthcare Systems after the announcement of the addition of Labor and Delivery services late last year. Labor and Deliver services had been ended in 1990s here, but they are now available again! Appointments for women’s health services at McKenzie County Healthcare Systems can be made by calling 701-842-3771.

/by

January 2023 economy at a glance

The January Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include:

  • McKenzie County Unemployment Rate for November 2022 is 1.9%; in November 2021 it was 3.9%
  • Restaurant/Lodging Tax distributions for Watford City in 2022 were $292,802 in 2021 they were $267,803.
  • Landfill daily average for McKenzie County was 81.9 tons in December 2022; in December 2021 it was 59.8.
/by

New videos highlighting our community

More videos highlighting community members are now available on the www.voicesofwatford.com website!

When it comes to being a part of building something special in Watford City, Mr. Green and Mr. Spacher share Watford City’s secret sauce…

 

When rangeland ecologist, Kara Novakovich sought to start her native grasslands and prairie conservation career, she found a special place and special work family in Watford City, where the deer and and the bison roam and cowboys will give you the shirt off their backs…

/by

Three area school districts enrollments are up

Many public school districts in McKenzie County are seeing their fall enrollments higher this year compared with last year. McKenzie County District #1 (which includes Watford City) saw a 12.7% increase; Alexander District #2 saw a 19.1% increase; Yellowstone District #14 (which includes East Fairview) saw a 35.3% increase; Horse Creek remained the same; and Mandaree District 36 decreased 9.2%. See this data and more here.

/by

December Economy at a Glance

The December Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include:

  • 2022 Total true and full value of all property in McKenzie County increased over $265 million from 2021 levels, representing an approximately 8% increase.
  • Apartment occupancy at Brookledge remains high at 91%.
  • Year to date restaurant and lodging tax distributions from Watford City increased from $235,324 in 2021 to $260,374 in 2022.
/by

New report shows impact of agriculture

Agriculture contributes $30.8 billion to North Dakota’s economy according to a recent report by NDSU. Crop production contributes 52% of that total and commodity processing is 26%.

Agriculture accounts for 110,480 total jobs as well as 19.2% of all employment in North Dakota. See more in the full report.

/by

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.

/by

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.

/by

Get in Touch

Meghan Taunton
McKenzie County Economic Development
100 2nd Ave SW, Suite A
Watford City, ND 58854
701-444-8856
mtaunton@co.mckenzie.nd.us

Stay in Touch