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Economy at a Glance – October 2023

The October Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include: McKenzie County’s August 2023 unemployment rate was 1%; August 2022 it was 1.8%. The landfill daily average for McKenzie County in September 2023 was 92.9 tons; in September 2022 it was 74.5 tons. The city sales tax distribution for Alexander in […]

McKenzie County welcomes Ukrainian workers

Last week, McKenzie County received three Ukrainian individuals who came to work in the Bakken oilfield through the Bakken GROW (Global Recruitment of Oilfield Workers) program. The county is excited to have these individuals in the workforce and the community. The GROW Program was launched by the North Dakota Petroleum Council earlier this year and […]

Main Street ND Summit 2023

The Main Street ND Summit will be in Watford City on October 24-25 where attendees will have the opportunity to connect, learn, get inspired, and gain insight to build and grow their community for the future. This year’s annual event theme will be Innovative Workforce Solutions, and ND Governor Doug Burgum will be in town […]

McKenzie County Public School District #1 sees boost in enrollment

McKenzie 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.

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, […]

September 2023 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 […]

New steakhouse opens in Watford City

Watford City has gained a new steakhouse named HM’s Steakhouse, which opened in late August 2023. 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 […]

New general surgeon joins McKenzie Health

Dr. Gillian Lavik, General Surgeon, has joined McKenzie Health and will be starting on October 2, 2023. 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 […]