McKenzie County had 247 resident births and 105 resident deaths in 2020, according to data recently released by the North Dakota Department of Health Vital Statistics Division. That represents a decline in births from the all-time-high in 2019 where there were 278 births recorded. When compared to a decade ago in 2010 where there were 53 births and 56 deaths recorded.
AgweekTV in conjunction with StrengthenND is profiling modern-day homesteaders. Sandy Rieker who lives outside Alexander, ND is the first to be profiled. Rieker and her family moved to North Dakota a decade ago and through grit and determination have built a life that they love.
The Grand Forks/East Grand Forks Chamber of Commerce led a group of their members to visit Western ND in early July. The trip coincided with the North Dakota Petroleum Council’s Cookfest held in Arnegard. Tour attendees got to hear from petroleum industry leaders about the basics of the industry as well as new trends and technologies. The next day attendees met at the Rough Rider Center in Watford City to hear from western North Dakota leaders about the current state of affairs and what might be next for public and private projects. Tour attendees found the trip to be valuable—seeing things in person rather than just reading about them. Plans are underway to keep the east-west dialogue continuing.
Plans have been in the works for years to relocate the McKenzie County Fairgrounds due to its current landlocked location and insufficient facilities for our growing community. Approximately 210 acres were purchased last year just inside the Highway 85 bypass southwest of Watford City to provide for a new location. In April, the McKenzie County Commissioners approved $40 million towards the project. Current plans for the first phase include a 30,000 square foot exhibit hall, 56,000 square foot livestock arena, and an outdoor arena with a covered grandstand.
Forty-two houses have been accepted into the McKenzie County JDA Housing Development Subsidy Program as of May 27, 2021. With that, $125,000 remains to be allocated out of the $2,000,000 in program funding. The JDA board has recently indicated there is not interest in seeking more funds to the program, so once that allocation runs out, applications will no longer be accepted.
The Veterans Memorial Park project continues on with the final phase of its plan. Phase one was completed in 2019 with 12 granite monuments containing the names of McKenzie County veterans, flags and recognition of the branches of the US military. When completed, it will also include a stainless steel eternal flame, more flags and benches. The park is located near the intersection of Park Ave E and and 2nd St NE in Watford City.
