Oil and gas taxes have been a vital part of North Dakota’s economy, contributing over 50% of local tax collections over the past decade. According to the latest Oil and Gas Tax Revenue Study, these funds support essential services such as infrastructure, education, public safety and tax relief. Produced by the Western Dakota Energy Association […]
The February 2025 Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include: Online job openings for McKenzie County in December 2024 was 246 openings; in December 2023 it was 192 openings. Watford City’s city sales tax distribution in January 2025 was $513,536; in January 2024 it was $330,483. Alexander’s city sales tax […]
McKenzie Health’s 2024 Annual Report highlights significant growth, service expansions and facility improvements aimed at enhancing patient care. The hospital welcomed new specialists in multiple fields, relocated urgent care to its main campus for expanded access and introduced a sports medicine program to support local athletics. Efforts to reduce patient transfers have been successful, reinforced […]
On February 18, the McKenzie County Board of County Commissioners approved the launch of the Job Development Authority (JDA) Housing Down Payment Assistance Program. The purpose of this down payment assistance program is to encourage the construction and purchase of single-family homes in McKenzie County by providing down payment financial assistance to homebuyers in McKenzie […]
The latest episode of Living in McKenzie County podcast welcomes listeners to an engaging discussion on Cooperative Work Experience (CWE) programs and their impact on workforce development in McKenzie County. Hosted by Vawnita Best, Community and Business Development Director for The City of Watford City, the episode gathers insights from Nikki Darrington, District Conservationist for […]
Welcome to another engaging discussion from “Living in McKenzie County,” where host Daniel Stenberg navigates the complexities and splendors of winter alongside his guests Bekah Engebretson, Nick Ybarra, and Calli Thorne. Episode eight sheds light on finding optimism amidst winter’s daunting yet stunning attributes by exploring the mental and physical preparations our guests employ during […]
In the latest episode of “Living in McKenzie County,” host Daniel Stenberg dives into an insightful discussion on the Cooperative Work Experience (CWE) program, a long-standing initiative within the community that offers high school seniors a remarkable opportunity to enhance their career readiness. Daniel is joined by three enthusiastic students from the program, Aidan Pelton, […]
Williston State College (WSC) has partnered with Dickinson State University and Mayville State University to offer four-year bachelor’s degree programs directly on WSC’s campus. This collaboration allows students to earn degrees in fields like secondary education, business and social sciences without relocating, addressing workforce needs in western North Dakota. Through the new Memorandums of Understanding, […]
The January 2025 Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include: McKenzie County’s landfill daily averages in 2024 was 994.8 tons; in 2023 it was 945.8 tons. McKenzie County’s LoadPass Permits in 2024 was 31,600 permits; in 2023 it was 29,499 permits. The Theodore Roosevelt National Park had approximately 67,900 visits […]
The rural-focused documentary series My Town, created by Emmy-winning documentarian Cory Hepola, will feature Watford City, ND, in its upcoming second season. The series explores the stories behind why people choose to live in small towns, highlighting opportunity, innovation and a strong sense of community. Hepola describes Watford City as a place where “independent spirit […]
