The Bakken Area Skills Center is looking for talented and motivated instructors in the areas of Automation, Automotive Technology, Information Technology, Welding, CDL, Petroleum Technology, UAS or a similar trades to teach classes for the 2024-25 school year. Applicants must have a North Dakota CTE Teaching License, OR four years of industry experience. Salary is contingent upon experience, benefits included.

Click here for more information.

McKenzie County recorded 247 births in 2023 according to data taken from the North Dakota Department of Health. That number is higher than the 2021 and 2022 birth numbers and ties the 2020 number. Find more information on vital records in McKenzie County here.

In February 2024, the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) and the Theodore Roosevelt Expressway Association shared updates on the US Highway 85 construction project. A significant highlight was the approval of a $55 million federal grant, earmarked for expanding the highway to four lanes between the Long X Bridge south of Watford City and Highway 200. The ongoing second year of construction between the Long X Bridge and Watford City is expected to conclude by Fall 2024. Additionally, project development activities are underway for the segment between Highway 200 and the Long X Bridge. NDDOT is working through grant requirements and funding plans for various construction segments, addressing legislative requests for an overall funding plan. These efforts are focused securing funding for the sections between I-94 and Highway 200, as well as the southern Badlands segment beyond the Long X Bridge. NDDOT is preparing a request for proposals (RFP) to engage a consultant to facilitate project development and engineering design for these segments.

McKenzie Health has expanded its services to Downtown Williston with the opening of a full-time care and medical facility at the former Fairlight Medical Center. Beginning on February 5, 2024, this extension will focus on orthopedic services, providing comprehensive care for muscles and joints, including evaluations, joint injections, and follow-ups. Additionally, imaging services such as X-rays, CT Scans, MRIs, and 3D Mammograms will be offered. The facility will also feature a walk-in clinic, providing same-day care for various injuries, illnesses, vaccinations, and more, without the need for referrals. This expansion aims to enhance healthcare accessibility in Downtown Williston.

During the 2023 ND legislative session, there were changes to the income qualified Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) and there was a new program established, named the Working Parents Child Care Relief Program. McKenzie Health was the first Watford City employer to enroll in that program. Employers can opt-in at either $150 or $300 per month (per employee) and the state matches the employers contribution, allowing either $300 or $600 monthly in childcare buydown of the employees. If you are a working parent or an employer looking for childcare assistance programs, click here to learn more about the Working Parent Child Care Program.

One of the first post-secondary course opportunities offered at the Bakken Area Skills Center will be the Certified Medical Assistant program. The program spans 25 weeks, consists of 144 hours of online theory, 40 hours of lab work at the Bakken Area Skills Center, and a 40-hour clinical practicum at McKenzie Health. Successful completion allows students to register for the NCMA exam, with specific requirements for both current students and graduates. The course costs $3,385, inclusive of online access, books, and lab supplies, with a non-refundable $500 deposit required for seat reservation. Registration for this first cohort closes on January 26, 2024. If there is enough interest, another session will be held in the fall. McKenzie Health is willing to hire individuals and allow them to attend class for this CMA program while working. They will provide the tuition, fees, books, etc. in exchange for a minimum work commitment. Click here for more information on the program and here for the registration form.

The January 2024 Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include:

  • McKenzie County’s November 2023 unemployment rate was 1.0%; North Dakota’s was 1.4%.
  • The city sales tax distribution for Alexander in 2023 was $719,196; in 2022 it was $383,472.
  • The landfill daily average for McKenzie County in 2023 was 945.8 tons; in 2022 it was 851.8 tons.

The 2024 Event Guide for Watford City and McKenzie County is now available. Our new guide features event space at the Rough Rider Center, the all-new Ag Expo and a comprehensive list of all the meeting spaces in and around Watford City. This guide is a great tool for you to bring your association or event to Watford City. Instead of travelling across the state, bring your meeting or event here. McKenzie County has a team of experts ready to help you plan your event and connect you with the resources you need. Our team works closely with a number of community organizations and businesses to ensure a memorable visitor experience. Meeting planners know that a successful event demands more than just a great place to meet. Included in the guide are lists of exceptional meeting spaces, beautiful hotels and legendary dining options. We are here to assist you in making our community an event destination.

The Bakken Area Skills Center in Watford City is now open and high school CTE students are excited to grow their knowledge in this state-of-the-art educational facility. Click here to watch the KFYR video of the Bakken Area Skills Center.

The ND Department of Commerce has announced the rescheduled date for the Main Street ND Summit that was supposed to be held in Watford City in October of 2023. The 2024 Main Street ND Summit will now be held August 27-29, 2024 in Watford City, ND. Save this date and stay tuned for more information.