The Watford City High School Ambassadors Program was recently recognized by Governor Burgum at the Main Street ND Summit for the Future Leaders Empowerment Award. To get the program started, Pat Bertagnolli, who is now executive director at Job Service North Dakota, worked in conjunction with Amy Polivka, the High School Science Teacher and Student Council Advisor and Jim Green, the High School Principal to be intentional about aligning community, industry, and schools. The nomination for the award was submitted by Vawnita Best, the Workforce Development Director for Watford City in recognition of the program’s success and to showcase how students have engaged with, and impacted, the community. The Ambassador Program allows students to have a voice by sharing their ideas with businesses and community leaders. The program also allows student ambassadors to support their community by welcoming students transitioning into their community and being mentors and role models for younger students.

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

• LoadPass Permits for McKenzie County, the permit needed to drive an oversized or overweight truck, is at 17,572 for 2022; for the same time period last year it was 15,126.

• Brookledge’s apartment occupancy rate is at 95%; one year ago it was 83%.

• Year to date city sales tax distribution for Watford City is $3,145,475; last year for the same time period was $2,463,200.

 

McKenzie County School District #1 is considered the largest employer in McKenzie County in 2021, according to recently-released data from Job Service North Dakota. Rounding out the top five include ONEOK, Inc; McKenzie County Healthcare Systems; McKenzie County; and Kinder Morgan. To see the rest of McKenzie County’s largest employers, other counties, or the state’s, visit Job Service North Dakota’s interactive dashboard.

McKenzie County continues to see new residents move into our community. In an effort to provide connections and resources to those who are looking to get more involved in the community, there will be an event to help provide those connections. Living and Thriving in McKenzie County will be on Tuesday, October 11, from 6-8pm at the Rough Rider Center. While RSVP is requested through this article’s link, there is no cost to attend.

Representatives from Cornerstone Bank today announced a $100,000 commitment to the Bakken Area Skills Center project. The contribution comes on the heels of many other local organization’s contributions including ONEOK, Stenehjem Holdings, Titan Energy Services, Fort Union Masonic Lodge #128, Northern States Fishing Tools, Chord Energy, ConocoPhillips, Marathon, Carl E Rogan Post 29 American Legion, Grayson Mill Energy, Crestwood, Winn Construction, and Targa Resources.