Employment for North Dakota Region 1 which includes the counties of McKenzie, Williams, and Divide is projected to increase from 35,641 in 2021 to 46,212 in 2031 which is a 29.7% increase. Employment for North Dakota is projected to increase from 456,703 in 2021 to 499,750 in 2031, a 9.4% increase. Region 1’s projected growth rate is the highest in the state of North Dakota. See more in this report from the Labor Market Information Center of Job Service North Dakota.
On January 4th the first baby was born at McKenzie County Healthcare Systems after the announcement of the addition of Labor and Delivery services late last year. Labor and Deliver services had been ended in 1990s here, but they are now available again! Appointments for women’s health services at McKenzie County Healthcare Systems can be made by calling 701-842-3771.
The January Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include:
More videos highlighting community members are now available on the www.voicesofwatford.com website!
When it comes to being a part of building something special in Watford City, Mr. Green and Mr. Spacher share Watford City’s secret sauce…
When rangeland ecologist, Kara Novakovich sought to start her native grasslands and prairie conservation career, she found a special place and special work family in Watford City, where the deer and and the bison roam and cowboys will give you the shirt off their backs…
Many public school districts in McKenzie County are seeing their fall enrollments higher this year compared with last year. McKenzie County District #1 (which includes Watford City) saw a 12.7% increase; Alexander District #2 saw a 19.1% increase; Yellowstone District #14 (which includes East Fairview) saw a 35.3% increase; Horse Creek remained the same; and Mandaree District 36 decreased 9.2%. See this data and more here.
The December Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include:
Agriculture contributes $30.8 billion to North Dakota’s economy according to a recent report by NDSU. Crop production contributes 52% of that total and commodity processing is 26%.
Agriculture accounts for 110,480 total jobs as well as 19.2% of all employment in North Dakota. See more in the full report.
McKenzie County Healthcare Systems will begin offering labor and delivery services in McKenzie County on December 6, 2022. Dr. Yolanda Newton will be leading the obstetrics practice. Among Dr. Newton’s strengths are minimally invasive gynecologic surgery through advanced laparoscopy and the natural birthing process. A grand opening celebration will be held on December 1, from 1-4pm. See more in this press release.
Hess is looking to increase its spending in the Bakken and other areas by 37% next year according to this Natural Gas Intelligence article. About $250 million more is expected to be invested in the Bakken in 2023. In the third quarter of 2022, HESS saw net production increase 12% compared to the same period the year before. They also recently added a fourth drilling rig in the Bakken.
Watford City is included as one of the 25 Popular Small Towns to Live in the U.S in an article recently published by U.S. News and World Report. The article cites the City’s efforts to create the infrastructure needed to support the growth of the past decade, its proximity to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, as well as the open spaces that are still available.
