McKenzie Health received $72,000 from Enerplus, the Rural Community Grant Fund, Paul and Sandi Wisness, Ardis Peterson, and Tammy James for the software needed to deploy Contrast Enhanced Mammography (CEM). CEM is significant because it can detect the extent of cancer in women with newly diagnosed breast cancer, and helps monitor the response of chemotherapy. Thank you to the donors for this amazing and potentially life-saving technology!
North Dakota State Senator Dale Patten of District 26 (representing McKenzie and Dunn Counties) was awarded the North Dakota Petroleum Council’s (NDPC) Outstanding Public Service Award at the 2023 NDPC Annual Meeting. Each year, the NDPC recognizes a public servant or industry leader for their contributions to the oil industry. Congratulations to Sen. Patten for his hard work and impact in the oil and gas industry of North Dakota!
Photo credits: The Valley City Times Record
At the North Dakota Association of Counties (NDACo) Annual Conference on October 12, five distinguished individuals were recognized for their exceptional contributions to county governance and awarded the annual Excellence in County Government Award, including two individuals from McKenzie County. Erica Johnsrud, McKenzie County Auditor/Treasurer, was honored for her transformative work since joining the county in 2014. She has offered trainings to county employees across the state and initiated several modern practices to enhance the county’s efficiency and transparency. Ann Johnsrud, former McKenzie County Recorder, entered the Hall of Honor. She played a pivotal role in transitioning McKenzie County’s records from paper to digital and held numerous roles during her three-decade tenor. Congratulations to these two McKenzie County champions for their outstanding service to our county and the state of North Dakota!
Read more here.
The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association (NDSA) honored McKenzie County cattleman Keith Winter with the Top Hand Award at the NDSA’s annual convention in Watford City. This award is the NDSA’s highest accolade, acknowledging Winter’s dedication to the land, the country and the cattle industry. Winter, who’s a 49-year member of the NDSA, becomes the 27th recipient in the NDSA’s 94-year history. Read more on the Roundup story here.
A new restaurant has opened in Watford City named “My Little Mexico”. Located at 2008 Main Street, My Little Mexico is an authentic Mexican restaurant with a wide range of Mexican cuisine and menu items. Check it out today!
The October Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include:
The city sales tax distribution for Alexander in September 2023 was $55,805; in September 2022 it was $42,466.
Last week, McKenzie County received three Ukrainian individuals who came to work in the Bakken oilfield through the Bakken GROW (Global Recruitment of Oilfield Workers) program. The county is excited to have these individuals in the workforce and the community.
The GROW Program was launched by the North Dakota Petroleum Council earlier this year and has already placed 50 Ukrainian immigrants with employers in western North Dakota. McKenzie County is expected to receive more Ukrainians in the upcoming months. Read more on the program here.
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Scripps News traveled to Watford City, ND to highlight the rising Hispanic population in the town and surrounding area. Watch the YouTube video here.
The famous YouTube series “BackpackingTV” made a trip to the Theodore Roosevelt National Park – North Unit to hike the Badlands, ride the Maah Daah Hey Trail and visit the surrounding area of Watford City and Tobacco Gardens Resort. Click here to watch the YouTube video.
The Main Street ND Summit will be in Watford City on October 24-25 where attendees will have the opportunity to connect, learn, get inspired, and gain insight to build and grow their community for the future. This year’s annual event theme will be Innovative Workforce Solutions, and ND Governor Doug Burgum will be in town to kickoff the event. The morning keynote speaker is Eric Termuende and the afternoon keynote is Rebecca Sanborn Stone. Click here to learn more and register for free!
