Entries by

McKenzie County births in 2023

McKenzie County recorded 247 births in 2023 according to data taken from the North Dakota Department of Health. That number is higher than the 2021 and 2022 birth numbers and ties the 2020 number. Find more information on vital records in McKenzie County here.

Theodore Roosevelt Expressway February update

In February 2024, the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) and the Theodore Roosevelt Expressway Association shared updates on the US Highway 85 construction project. A significant highlight was the approval of a $55 million federal grant, earmarked for expanding the highway to four lanes between the Long X Bridge south of Watford City and […]

McKenzie Health expanding services to Williston

McKenzie Health has expanded its services to Downtown Williston with the opening of a full-time care and medical facility at the former Fairlight Medical Center. Beginning on February 5, 2024, this extension will focus on orthopedic services, providing comprehensive care for muscles and joints, including evaluations, joint injections, and follow-ups. Additionally, imaging services such as […]

Child Care Assistance Program updates

During the 2023 ND legislative session, there were changes to the income qualified Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) and there was a new program established, named the Working Parents Child Care Relief Program. McKenzie Health was the first Watford City employer to enroll in that program. Employers can opt-in at either $150 or $300 per […]

BSC Certified Medical Assistant training

One of the first post-secondary course opportunities offered at the Bakken Area Skills Center will be the Certified Medical Assistant program. The program spans 25 weeks, consists of 144 hours of online theory, 40 hours of lab work at the Bakken Area Skills Center, and a 40-hour clinical practicum at McKenzie Health. Successful completion allows […]

January 2024 Economy at a Glance

The January 2024 Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include: McKenzie County’s November 2023 unemployment rate was 1.0%; North Dakota’s was 1.4%. The city sales tax distribution for Alexander in 2023 was $719,196; in 2022 it was $383,472. The landfill daily average for McKenzie County in 2023 was 945.8 tons; […]

2024 McKenzie County Event Guide

The 2024 Event Guide for Watford City and McKenzie County is now available. Our new guide features event space at the Rough Rider Center, the all-new Ag Expo and a comprehensive list of all the meeting spaces in and around Watford City. This guide is a great tool for you to bring your association or […]

Bakken Area Skills Center now open

The Bakken Area Skills Center in Watford City is now open and high school CTE students are excited to grow their knowledge in this state-of-the-art educational facility. Click here to watch the KFYR video of the Bakken Area Skills Center.

Save the Date for Main Street ND Summit 2024

The ND Department of Commerce has announced the rescheduled date for the Main Street ND Summit that was supposed to be held in Watford City in October of 2023. The 2024 Main Street ND Summit will now be held August 27-29, 2024 in Watford City, ND. Save this date and stay tuned for more information.

New fabric store opens in Watford City

Watford City has gained a new fabric store named Rip’n Stitches. Located at 104 Prospect St. NE Suite 111 in Watford City, Rip’n Stitches supplies quilting, long arming, fabric and sewing needs. Shoppers will have the opportunity to buy the materials and resources they need to make quilts and clothing. There will also be quilt-making […]