Ribfest 2024

Best of the West Ribfest is just a few weeks away! Thousands of attendees, music, ribs, other food vendors, inflatables, a cornhole tournament, and more will be coming to Watford City’s Main Street on Friday, August 9.

Get registered for a PIT PASS and get front and center for country performer Easton Corbin and the former lead singer of Journey, Steve Augeri. Or, if you think you have what it takes to create the best ribs in the West, contact Mary (701-570-5084) at the Watford City Area Chamber of Commerce to sign up your team and compete for the Gold!

Mark your calendars and come on down to Main Street, Watford City on August 9 for ribs and entertainment! Find more Ribfest details here.

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Permit approved for dredging along Tobacco Gardens shoreline

The Army Corps of Engineers has approved a permit for dredging along the shores of Missouri River/Lake Sakakawea at Tobacco Gardens Resort and Marina, allowing the project to move forward. There has been a rising public interest and concern over this project’s progress due to the Corps’ management of the land and shore in the Tobacco Garden’s area and the time it takes for these permits to get reviewed. Read more on this McKenzie County Farmer here.

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Watford City High School 2024 Hall of Fame class

Watford City High School’s Hall of Fame class of 2024 has been announced. The class includes:

  • 1978 WCHS Football Team (Undefeated Class B State Champions)
  • 1979 WCHS Football Team (Undefeated Class B State Champions)
  • 1990-1991 WCHS Boys Basketball Team (Undefeated Class B State Champions)
  • Cavin Andersen – Boys Basketball Player (graduated in 1968 and was drafted by the Chicago Bulls – NBA – and Indiana Pacers – ABA)

Read more on the 2024 Hall of Fame class here.

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Cerilon gets full approval to develop Gas-to-Liquid facility

Cerilon Inc. has received approval to develop North America’s first large-scale gas-to-liquids (GTL) facility in Williams County, North Dakota, near Trenton, with easy access to transportation by truck or rail. This innovative plant will convert natural gas into high-performance synthetic products, including base oils, ultra-low Sulphur diesel and naphtha, while incorporating carbon capture and sequestration technology.

Cerilon plans to convert 240 million cubic feet of natural gas per day into around 24,000 barrels of liquid products at the facility, which is expected to be fully operational by 2029. The project aims to boost local economic benefits and reduce transportation energy losses. The company also plans to replicate this facility at other sites globally, contributing to energy transition efforts with a focus on reducing carbon footprints. The North Dakota Industrial Commission has approved a $9.5 million grant and an $8.5 million loan for the project through the state’s Clean Sustainable Energy Authority. Read more on this project here.

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June 2024 Economy at a Glance

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

  • Watford City’s restaurant/lodging tax distribution in May 2024 was $32,608; in May 2023 it was $24,243.
  • Theodore Roosevelt National Park – North Unit had 7,300 visits in May 2024; in May 2023 it had 6,400 visits.
  • McKenzie County’s K-12 Public enrollment for Fall 2023 was 2,775; in Fall 2022 it was 2,590

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Alexander Daycare groundbreaking ceremony

Construction on the Alexander Daycare project is officially scheduled to start after a groundbreaking ceremony was held on Tuesday, June 11. Alexander and McKenzie County leaders addressed a crowd at the future grounds of the childcare center and expressed their gratitude towards everyone involved in getting the project started and the bright future of the daycare. The daycare, located at the intersection of Bruegger St. and Elk St. in Alexander, will be a 7,500 square foot structure. Construction is expected to start in the next few weeks and is on track to officially open in spring or early summer 2025. Read more here.

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McKenzie County primary election results

The primary election of 2024 took place on June 11 in McKenzie County and the state of North Dakota. The primary elections determine the party nominees for various state and federal offices and also include county, city and school district races. The results of the primaries of the state, federal and county races shape the choices voters will have in the general election in November, while city and school races are final. Here are the unofficial results of the primary election in McKenzie County:

  • U.S. Senator: Kevin Cramer (R) | Katrina Christiansen (D)
  • Representative in U.S. Congress: Julie Fedorchak (R) | Trygve Hammer (D)
  • ND Governor & Lt. Governor: Kelly Armstrong (R) and Michelle Strind (R) | Merrill Piepkorn (D) and Patrick Hart (D)
  • ND State Senator (District 26): Dale Patten
  • ND State Representatives (District 26): Jeremy Olson and Roger Maki
  • County Commissioners: Clint Wold | Joel Brown | Craig Hystad
  • Director, Garrison Diversion Conservancy – McKenzie County: Robin Arndt
  • Mayor of Alexander: Kenneth Willcox
  • City Council Member of Alexander: Martin Helminen | Terrille Jacobson
  • City Council Member of Watford City: Bethany Devlin | Carissa Suter Liebel | Shilo Chavez
  • City Council Member of Arnegard: Richard Schreiber | Seth Vander Ley
  • School Board Members of McKenzie County School District #1: Dawn Maki | Heather Wisness | Shelby Bruins | Lisa Samuelson
  • School Board Members of Yellowstone School District #14: Jessica Cayko | Blaine Watts
  • School Board Members of Alexander School District #2: Cody Echevarria | Jenae Hunter

Find more McKenzie County and North Dakota primary election results here.

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End of the Rope now available to stream

The End of the Rope film is now available to stream on Apple and Amazon prime streaming. If you haven’t seen the infamous true story of the last lynching in North Dakota, which was filmed and set in McKenzie County, click here to watch a trailer and head to those services to stream the movie today!

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May 2024 Economy at a Glance

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

  • McKenzie County’s oil production in March 2024 was 12,015,564 barrels; in March 2023 it was 11,971,108 barrels.
  • The number of LoadPass Permits for McKenzie County in April 2024 was 2,954; in April 2023 it was 2,548.
  • McKenzie County’s labor force in March 2024 was 9,960; in March 2023 it was 9,586.

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Ribfest entertainment announced

Best of the West Ribfest has announced its 2024 entertainment! Country singer and performer Easton Corbin will be the country headliner and Steve Augeri, former lead singer of Journey, will be the rock headliner. Mark your calendars and come on down to Main Street, Watford City on August 9 for the great food and entertainment!

Find more Ribfest details here.

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Get in Touch

Daniel Stenberg
McKenzie County Economic Development
100 2nd Ave SW, Suite A
Watford City, ND 58854
701-444-8856
dstenberg@co.mckenzie.nd.us

Stay in Touch

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