News

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

Posted on May 23, 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...

Living in McKenzie County (Season 1, Episode 13): Spring into Summer!

Posted on April 23, 2025

As we settle into Spring in McKenzie County and Watford City, the promise of an engaging summer filled with exciting activities and opportunities for all ages entices us all to start making plans. In this episode of “Living in McKenzie County,” hosted by Vawnita Best, we uncover the abundance of recreational activities available and...

Living in McKenzie County (Season 1, Episode 12): Rural Leadership ND

Posted on April 23, 2025

In the latest episode of “Living in McKenzie County,” the focus turns to the Rural Leadership North Dakota (RLND) program, a two-year leadership journey aimed at nurturing community leaders across the state. The episode features insightful conversations with McKenzie County RLND alumni and co-hosts Vawnita Best and Daniel Stenberg, as they welcome in fellow...

Living in McKenzie County (Season 1, Episode 11): Embracing Diversity at the Watford City Cultural Fair: A Community Celebration

Posted on April 23, 2025

In the heart of McKenzie County, a vibrant celebration of diversity and community is thriving. The recent episode of the Living in McKenzie County podcast, hosted by Jessie Veeder Scofield, highlights the upcoming Cultural and Food Fair, an event that has become a cornerstone of cultural exchange in this North Dakota community. On March...

Living in McKenzie County (Season 1, Episode 10): Creating Community in Alexander

Posted on April 23, 2025

In a recent episode of “Living in McKenzie County,” host Daniel Stenberg dives into the rich history and ongoing community developments within Alexander, a vibrant part of McKenzie County. Joined by guests Jim Jacobson, Leslie Bieber, and Tyler Fixen, this episode offers listeners a glimpse into the past, present, and future of this unique...

Living in McKenzie County (Season 1, Episode 9): Building a People Pipeline

Posted on April 23, 2025

The latest episode of Living in McKenzie County podcast welcomes listeners to an engaging discussion on Cooperative Work Experience (CWE) programs and their impact on workforce development in McKenzie County. Hosted by Vawnita Best, Community and Business Development Director for The City of Watford City, the episode gathers insights from Nikki Darrington, District Conservationist...

Living in McKenzie County (Season 1, Episode 8): Wintering Well

Posted on April 23, 2025

Welcome to another engaging discussion from “Living in McKenzie County,” where host Daniel Stenberg navigates the complexities and splendors of winter alongside his guests Bekah Engebretson, Nick Ybarra, and Calli Thorne. Episode eight sheds light on finding optimism amidst winter’s daunting yet stunning attributes by exploring the mental and physical preparations our guests employ...

Living in McKenzie County (Season 1, Episode 7): Cooperative Work Experience

Posted on April 23, 2025

In the latest episode of “Living in McKenzie County,” host Daniel Stenberg dives into an insightful discussion on the Cooperative Work Experience (CWE) program, a long-standing initiative within the community that offers high school seniors a remarkable opportunity to enhance their career readiness. Daniel is joined by three enthusiastic students from the program, Aidan...

Living in McKenzie County (Season 1, Episode 6): Legislative Priorities

Posted on April 23, 2025

With the 69th Legislative Session in North Dakota in full swing, Season 1, Episode 6 of “Living in McKenzie County” brought together District 26 leadership in the form of Senator Dale Patten, Representatives Jeremy Olson, and Roger Maki. Led by host Vawnita Best, the discussion covered a wide range of topics, from committee roles to...

Living in McKenzie County (Season 1, Episode 5): Events and Community Vibrancy

Posted on April 23, 2025

In the latest episode of “Living in McKenzie County,” guest host Jessie Veeder Scofield, Director of The Long X Arts Foundation, explores the vibrant community life in Watford City and McKenzie County. Joined by Chris Kubal, Executive Director of The McKenzie County Ag Expo, and Joshua Nollmeyer, Recreation & Events Director of The Rough Rider...

Living in McKenzie County (Season 1, Episode 4): Giving in McKenzie County – A Deep Dive into Local Giving

Posted on April 23, 2025

In episode four of “Living in McKenzie County,” host Daniel Stenberg engages with John Heinen from the North Dakota Community Foundation and Angie Hartel, a local nonprofit advocate, to explore the landscape of giving in this vibrant community. The conversation highlights the importance and impact of community engagement and support, showcasing how individuals can contribute...

Living in McKenzie County (Season 1, Episode 3): How Things Get Done – Government in McKenzie County

Posted on April 23, 2025

In the latest episode of the Living in McKenzie County Podcast, host Vawnita Best is joined by Watford City Mayor Phil Riely, Chairman of the McKenzie County Commission Howdy Lawlar, and McKenzie County Auditor Erica Johnsrud, to discuss the dynamic relationship between Watford City and McKenzie County, emphasizing the collaborative efforts that drive sustained local...

Living in McKenzie County (Season 1, Episode 2): The Evolution of McKenzie Health

Posted on April 5, 2025

In the latest episode of “Living in McKenzie County,” listeners are treated to an engaging discussion on the past, present, and future of healthcare in McKenzie County, as host Vawnita Best is joined by McKenzie Health CEO Pete Edis, Dr. Gary Ramage, MD, and Connie Wold Wellness Center Manager Tricia Sundeen. The episode highlights how...

Living in McKenzie County (Season 1, Episode 1): Growing Career-Ready Students in McKenzie County

Posted on April 5, 2025

The debut episode of “Living in Mckenzie County” provided an insightful look into the local education and workforce development initiatives aimed at fostering career-ready students for a 21st-century economy. Hosted by Vawnita Best and Daniel Stenberg, the discussion centered on the progressive steps being taken by the community to gear up its youth for both...

‘Living in McKenzie County’ podcast releases new episodes (S1, Ep. 7, 8 & 9)

Posted on March 3, 2025

In Season 1, Episode 7 of Living in McKenzie County, titled "Cooperative Work Experience", host Daniel Stenberg explores the Cooperative Work Experience (CWE) program, which helps high school seniors gain career readiness through hands-on internships. The episode features Watford City high school and CWE students Aidan Pelton, Addison George and Kollin Klang, along with Jill...

2024 Oil & Tax Revenue Study highlights economic impact in ND

Posted on March 3, 2025

Oil and gas taxes have been a vital part of North Dakota’s economy, contributing over 50% of local tax collections over the past decade. According to the latest Oil and Gas Tax Revenue Study, these funds support essential services such as infrastructure, education, public safety and tax relief. Produced by the Western Dakota Energy Association...

February 2025 Economy at a Glance

Posted on March 3, 2025

The February 2025 Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include: Online job openings for McKenzie County in December 2024 was 246 openings; in December 2023 it was 192 openings. Watford City's city sales tax distribution in January 2025 was $513,536; in January 2024 it was $330,483. Alexander's city sales tax...

McKenzie Health 2024 Annual Report

Posted on March 3, 2025

McKenzie Health's 2024 Annual Report highlights significant growth, service expansions and facility improvements aimed at enhancing patient care. The hospital welcomed new specialists in multiple fields, relocated urgent care to its main campus for expanded access and introduced a sports medicine program to support local athletics. Efforts to reduce patient transfers have been successful, reinforced...

JDA Housing Down Payment Assistance Program

Posted on March 3, 2025

On February 18, the McKenzie County Board of County Commissioners approved the launch of the Job Development Authority (JDA) Housing Down Payment Assistance Program. The purpose of this down payment assistance program is to encourage the construction and purchase of single-family homes in McKenzie County by providing down payment financial assistance to homebuyers in McKenzie...

News

Recent