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Cory Hepola comes to OUR town for My Town! | Living in McKenzie County: Season 2, Episode 5

Posted on November 4, 2025

In the latest episode of "Living in McKenzie County," the spotlight is on a special guest, Cory Hepola, and his team from the "My Town" documentary series. The episode dives into the essence of rural living and showcases McKenzie County's vibrant lifestyle. Beginning with a hearty welcome from host Vawnita Best, listeners are brought into...

October 2025 Economy at a Glance

Posted on October 24, 2025

The October 2025 Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include: In August, oil prices were down to $64.86 a barrel, nearly $12 lower from August 2024 when prices averaged $76.68. While permit values for September were more than $6.5 million lower than last September, the YTD permit values are nearly identical. The...

All About The McKenzie County Ag Expo! | Living in McKenzie County: Season 2, Episode 4

Posted on October 21, 2025

In the latest episode of the Living in McKenzie County Podcast, the spotlight is on the bustling McKenzie County Ag Expo. Host Vawnita Best brings together an engaging panel including Ag Expo Director Chris Kubal, McKenzie County Commission President & Ag Expo Foundation President Howdy Lawlar, and Jessica Hollenbeck, marketing director with Lund Oil, to...

Impacting Lives with The Long X Arts Foundation | Living in McKenzie County: Season 2, Episode 3

Posted on October 7, 2025

In the latest episode of the Living in McKenzie County podcast, we embarked on a journey through time with Heather and Bekah, two dedicated employees from the McKenzie County Heritage Park. The episode was an engaging exploration of the park's history, its current attractions, and the vibrant activities that make it a must-visit destination....

McKenzie County Commits $5 Million to Bakken Area Skills Center Endowment

Posted on September 25, 2025

At the September 16th County Commissioners meeting, the commissioners agreed to grant $5 million to the Bakken Area Skills Center (BASC) endowment fund. The request was sent to the commissioners after the Job Development Authority (JDA) Board decided that the goals of the BASC align with the JDA goals of economic diversification and workforce development....

September 2025 Economy at a Glance

Posted on September 23, 2025

The September 2025 Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include: Permit values for McKenzie County are up significantly with a YTD total of $10,420,940 compared to $3,966,599 over the same period of 2024. The McKenzie County unemployment rate dropped 0.6% between June and July of 2025 from 2.8% to 2.2%. The...

Wild West Weekend in Watford City! | Living in McKenzie County: Season 2, Episode 2

Posted on September 16, 2025

As the summer warmth transitions into the crispness of September, McKenzie County bursts to life with the excitement of rodeo season. Our latest podcast episode dives into the heart of cowboy culture, spotlighting the much-anticipated NDRA State Finals and other thrilling rodeo events taking place throughout the month. Hosted at the beautiful McKenzie County...

The McKenzie County Heritage Park | Living in McKenzie County: Season 2, Episode 1

Posted on September 2, 2025

August 2025 Economy at a Glance

Posted on August 25, 2025

The August 2025 Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include: June oil production in McKenzie County was 9,660,056 barrels, which is down nearly 2 million barrels from 11,631,323 barrels in June of 2024. City Sales Tax Distribution for July was $503,808, an increase of 43.7% from last July. The North Unit of...

Additional Funding Approved for Down Payment Assistance Program

Posted on August 25, 2025

The McKenzie County Commission has approved adding an additional $2 million in funding towards the JDA Housing Down Payment Assistance Program, which brings the total to $4 million being put towards this. Since launching in February 2025, 79 homes have become a part of the program. The program provides up to $40,000 in down payment...

Living in McKenzie County (Season 1, Episode 20): The Watford City Booster Club

Posted on July 29, 2025

In the latest episode of the Living in McKenzie County Podcast, Vawnita Best hosts an engaging discussion with key members of the newly-formed Watford City Activities Booster Club. This dynamic team is committed to enhancing community engagement and boosting student participation in local school activities. Vawnita is joined by Justin Hager, a high school PE...

July 2025 Economy at a Glance

Posted on July 22, 2025

The July 2025 Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include: YTD City of Watford City sales tax distributions were $2,858,396, for the same period last year they were $2,347,967. YTD Rough Rider Center visits for this year are 119,700, while for the same time period last year they were 111,200. Apartment occupancy...

Living in McKenzie County (Season 1, Episode 19): The Watford City PD & National Night Out

Posted on July 15, 2025

In the latest episode of the “Living in McKenzie County” podcast, host Vawnita Best welcomed representatives from the Watford City Police Department for an engaging and insightful conversation. The podcast aimed to connect the community with their local law enforcement, highlighting the community initiatives and personal anecdotes from those who are dedicated to serving...

Living in McKenzie County (Season 1, Episode 18): Watford Market

Posted on July 1, 2025

As the summer sun begins to shine, excitement fills the air as we embark on a journey to the heart of Watford City, exploring the beloved Watford Market. Each week in this vibrant marketplace, local vendors bring color and flavor to the Kent Pelton Nature Park, filling our community with heartfelt connections and captivating experiences. In...

June 2025 Economy at a Glance

Posted on June 24, 2025

The June 2025 Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include: YTD Occupancy Tax is $81,642, for the same period last year it was $70,258 YTD Rough Rider Center visits is 105,300, the same period last year was 101,800 McKenzie County’s labor force for April 2025 was 8,193, for April 2024 it was...

Living in McKenzie County (Season 1, Episode 17): The McKenzie County Fair

Posted on June 17, 2025

Welcome to Fair Week in McKenzie County—a time of community celebration, family fun, and showcasing the best of our local 4-H talent. As we gear up for this year’s events, we can’t help but reminisce about the vibrant past and look forward to what promises to be an exciting week filled with grandstand events and...

Living in McKenzie County (Season 1, Episode 16): Living the Dream in Arnegard, North Dakota!

Posted on June 3, 2025

In the latest episode of “Living in McKenzie County,” host Daniel Stenberg invites listeners into the heart of Arnegard, one of the three incorporated towns within McKenzie County. This episode, titled “Living the Dream in Arnegard,” shines a spotlight on Arnegard’s rich history, dynamic present, and the community spirit that keeps it thriving. Joining...

May 2025 Economy at a Glance

Posted on May 22, 2025

The May 2025 Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include: Watford City’s city sales tax distribution in April 2025 was $339,504; in April 2024 it was $262,643. The McKenzie County Landfill’s daily average in April 2025 was 105.8 tons; in April 2025 it was 83.3 tons. The number of permits issued in...

Living in McKenzie County (Season 1, Episode 15): Discover the Hidden Gems of Western North Dakota!

Posted on May 20, 2025

At the North Dakota Tourism Conference, key voices gathered to paint a picture of the region's unique attractions, collaborative spirit, and burgeoning tourism landscape. The conversation was spearheaded by Doug Bolken, joined by Peggy Hellandsaas, Amy Krueger, Kiera Fox, and Sara Otte Coleman, who shared their insights and initiatives to elevate the area's tourism...

Living in McKenzie County (Season 1, Episode 14): Grow Your Business During Small Business Month (And Beyond!)

Posted on May 8, 2025

Episode 14 of the "Living in McKinsey County" podcast delivered an insightful and lively discussion about small business opportunities and the entrepreneurial spirit thriving in our region. Hosted by Vawnita Best, Community & Business Development Director for The City of Watford City, this episode was a celebration of small businesses, offering a glimpse into...

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