McKenzie Health receives $5 million from McKenzie County

At the June 18 meeting of the McKenzie County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), Peter Edis, CEO of McKenzie Health, discussed the hospital’s growth and future plans for improved patient care. It was announced that McKenzie Health will receive $5 million from McKenzie County to fund a new dialysis unit and purchase a building in Watford City for additional space. Edis highlighted the exceptional state of local rural healthcare, attributing the hospital’s progress to the support from the BOCC, the community, and the healthcare team, which has placed McKenzie Health in a stronger position than many other rural hospitals in the state. Read more of this McKenzie County Farmer story here.

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Travel bloggers visit McKenzie County

A married couple who write a travel blog titled “Miles with McConkey” visited Watford City and the Theodore Roosevelt National Park North Unit! They had an amazing trip where they experienced the North Unit at sunrise, spotted buffalo and dined at some of Watford City’s favorite restaurants.

Read about the McConkey’s unforgettable adventure in McKenzie County at their blog website.

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July 2024 Economy at a Glance

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

  • McKenzie County’s labor force in May 2024 was 9,942. In May 2023 it was 9,685.
  • Watford City’s occupancy tax distribution in June 2024 was $18,915; in June 2023 it was $17,162.
  • Watford City’s restaurant/lodging tax distribution in January-June 2024 was $174,380. In that same span in 2023 it was $160,395.

 

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Register for ND Main Street Summit 2024

The 2024 Main Street ND Summit will return to Watford City, August 27, 28 and 29. This year’s theme, “Regional Prosperity”, is the call to action to help energize the community and build a brighter future for everyone.

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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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Get in Touch

Cauy Hartel
McKenzie County Economic Development
100 2nd Ave SW, Suite A
Watford City, ND 58854
701-444-8855
chartel@co.mckenzie.nd.us

Stay in Touch

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