Latest News
DOT moves forward with Alexander bypass plans
The North Dakota Department of Transportation’s (NDDOT) State Traffic Improvement Program (STIP) is out for 2012-2015 and it contains some exciting things for McKenzie County.
“The Patch” funds sailing trip of a lifetime
Jesse Osborn joins work crews flooding into landlocked North Dakota
Healthcare system looks at affiliation with St. Alexius
In an attempt to recruit new physicians as well as expanding its specialist physician services, McKenzie County Healthcare Systems has begun discussing a possible affiliation with St. Alexius Medical Center in Bismarck.
New wheels for Sierra
The life of a child with special needs is full of challenges and blessings.
Garden Creek natural gas plant goes online
ONEOK Partners new 100 million cubic feet per day natural gas processing facility located northeast of Watford City, the Garden Creek Plant, is open and operational.
Carrillo adds a little Lantina spice to everthing she touches
Diana Carrillo is the kind of person that brings a smile to your face every time you see her. She can best be described as a spunky, vivacious Lantina.
County moves forward with zoning
McKenzie County Commissioners vote 4 - 0 in favor of implementing new zoning ordinances
Pennies fuel local economic development
One cent city sales tax pours record $980,170 into city’s Roughrider Fund
Watford rated No. 1 as “Best Place To Raise Children”
Watford City natives don’t have to be told their city is the best place in North Dakota to raise kids.
Hospital honored with REACH award
Healthcare System is first in the state to implement electronic records
One bad day
Eight accidents on Dec. 29 send six to the hospital and leave another dead
Bakken booms in 2011
2011 has been a huge year for the oil and gas industry throughout western North Dakota.
Watford’s taxable sales top $33 million in third quarter of 2011
If there was any doubt that the boom in the oil patch is driving the state’s economy, the most recent data from the North Dakota State Tax Dept. should lay those doubts to rest. Leading the state in the percentage of increase in taxable sales in the third quarter of 2011 were five cities in northwestern North Dakota.
Controlling traffic
Drivers need to be aware that some changes have occurred in Watford City to help control traffic and speeding within the city limits.
Daughter’s selfless gift gives life back to Pastor Lane
Sitting in Dr. Shannon’s waiting room, Pastor John Lane shuffled through magazines like most people do while waiting for an appointment.
More students means more money for school
Christmas may have come a little early for the McKenzie County Public School District No. 1 in the way of new school busses being funded by the McKenzie County Infrastructure Fund and more state money because of the rapid increase in the district’s student numbers.
Recognizing the Gift of Giving
Shirley Norby shines as the 2011 recipient of the Heart of Gold Award
Watford residents to see higher water, sewer and garbage rates
Starting Jan. 1, 2012, residents and business owners will see rate increases for all of their city utility charges.
City Council looks at revamping comprehensive plan
Less than a year after Watford City received a $13 million grant from the State of North Dakota to improve its water and sewer service into its one-mile Extraterritorial Zone (ETA), the city is already looking at the possibility of growing even more to accommodate new growth.
Quilting for a good reason
The Quilting Guild of McKenzie County is made up of women throughout the community that love to quilt! But even more than quilting, they share a joy of community.
City closes Civic Center showers for public use
It’s a shame when something is made available to the public for a specific purpose and the negligent behavior of a few ruins everyone’s opportunity to take advantage of it.
Bad debt spoils a great year for healthcare system
In spite of seeing a record number of patients in the clinic, the emergency room and in the hospital, the McKenzie County Healthcare Systems is struggling financially.
Opportunities abound to share during Christmas
McKenzie County is full of people who believe ‘it is better to give than to receive.’
A hero among us
Welcome to the McKenzie County Farmer’s new series, Faces of the Patch.
Stocked up for the holidays
People love Christmas for many different reasons, and though it seems full of distractions that seek to take away the holiday spirit, for most people, Christmas wins out in the end.
County residents divided on zoning
When it comes to seeing the need for the McKenzie County Commissioners to enact county-wide land use planning and zoning, county residents appear to be deeply divided.
Answering the call
t is easy to see how quickly the face of McKenzie County is changing, especially when it affects many facets of daily living (traffic, housing, crime, etc.).
Officials celebrate completion of Super 2 of Highway 85
“This is a great occasion,” stated North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple. “It’s an event worthy of celebrating.”
Food Pantry spreads Thanksgiving cheer
With the holiday season just around the corner, McKenzie County residents are busy making plans and preparations.
No end in sight for fuel shortage
Believe it or not, America’s biggest oil-producing oil patch has been experiencing a fuel shortage for the last four months.