The City of Alexander and community partners celebrated the successful grand opening and ribbon cutting of Bright Minds Daycare on Saturday, April 25, marking a significant milestone for childcare access and early childhood development in western North Dakota.

The event, held at the new facility at 1115 Bruegger Street, brought together local leaders, families, and project partners for an afternoon of celebration, remarks, and tours. Attendees enjoyed a community meal provided by The Little Griddle Cafe and sponsored by ONEOK, followed by a formal ribbon cutting ceremony and an opportunity to explore the new space.

Bright Minds Daycare is the result of a strong collaborative effort among the City of Alexander, McKenzie County, McKenzie County Economic Development, the North Dakota Small Business Development Center, JLG Architects, First Dakota Enterprises, Houston Engineering, and numerous local leaders and supporters.

The facility represents the expansion of a long-standing childcare need in the community. Owner and operator Nicole Holen has provided childcare in Alexander since 2016, previously operating out of a small home-based setting with a consistent waitlist of more than 20 children. Her passion for early childhood education is reflected throughout the new center.

“Kids are my life—taking care of them, teaching them, and watching them grow,” said Holen.

The new facility has capacity for up to 70 children and serves a wide age range—from infants to school-age youth up to 12 years old. Thoughtfully designed classrooms include dedicated spaces for infants, toddlers, and early learners, along with an engaging after-school area to support working families during critical hours between school dismissal and the end of the workday. The center is staffed by five full-time employees and two part-time team members.

Local leaders emphasized the broader economic and community impact of the project.

“Childcare is foundational to workforce recruitment and retention, and we are excited about the additional childcare capacity in the area,” said Meghan Taunton, Director of McKenzie County Economic Development.

The project also reflects the dedication of numerous contributors who helped bring the vision to life, including leadership from First Dakota Enterprises, design work from JLG Architects, and ongoing support from McKenzie County, the McKenzie County Job Development Authority, and the City of Alexander.

“Bright Minds Daycare will play an important role in supporting working families and strengthening our workforce. We’re proud of what has been accomplished and excited for the impact this facility will have for years to come,” said Alexander Mayor Kenny Willcox.

For more information about Bright Minds Daycare or childcare availability, please contact the City of Alexander or Bright Minds Daycare directly.

 

 

The March 2026 Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include:

• There were ten building permits with a total value of $1,122,000 in February 2026. This is a significant increase in value with February 2025 having seven permits worth $328,055.
• March occupancy for Brookledge Apartments in Watford City was down to 89% from 91% in February, and 97% in March 2025.
• Taxable sales were down significantly in McKenzie County: from $85,140,027 in 2024 Quarter 4 to $73,008,290 in 2025 Quarter 4.

The February 2026 Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include:

• The permit values for McKenzie County were up over $5 million from $7,152,274 in 2024 to $12,770,940 in 2025.
• The Farmers Price Paid Index 2011 Base increased over 10% from 141.5 to 153.5 from December 2024 to December 2025.
• The daily average tonnage for the landfill this January is nearly the same as January 2025, with both being right around 61 tons.

In January, McKenzie County Economic Development welcomed Meghan Taunton into her new position as director. Taunton grew up in California and moved to Williston in 2012 during the height of the oil boom. She spent time working in the oil industry before attending Williston State College and the University of North Dakota to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Geological Engineering and Economics, adding to her degrees in Mass Communications and Public Relations.

Taunton, who most recently worked as a Communications and Grant Coordinator with Tri-County Regional Development, is excited to participate firsthand in the relationship between industry and economic growth. Taunton says “I understand the need for diversified economic and workforce development, the need for energy independence, and the importance of community and environmental stewardship.” She has experienced the challenges that the region faced with housing and labor shortages from rapid growth, but also was able to experience the overwhelming opportunity and sense of community that western North Dakota has to offer.

Meghan can be reached at mtaunton@co.mckenzie.nd.us or by cell at (701) 580-3437.

The December 2025 Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include:

• Recent unemployment rates and labor force data remains unavailable due to the prior government shutdown.
• McKenzie County had 25 births in November of 2025, up from 15 in November of 2024. Year to date births are up 9.5% from last year.
• 2025 quarter 3 Taxable Sales and Purchase for McKenzie County are down nearly $12,000,000 from $88,073,715 in 2024 quarter 3 to $76,481,808.