Latest News
Reliever route around city discussed
Good things came out of last Tuesday’s Theodore Roosevelt Expressway meeting, namely an acknowledgement by the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) that something has to be done about U.S. Highway 85.
End comes for Four Eyes Motel
When the walls of the Four Eyes Motel start coming down this week, there will be some tears shed by Daryl and Esther Vance.
A long journey to be a pastor
It’s been a long journey for Rob Favorite, the newly-ordained Senior Pastor of First Lutheran Church in Watford City. But, according to him, it’s been a good one.
NDRA Finals rides into town
One of the nation’s top 100 events happens this weekend right here in Watford City as the NDRA Championship Rodeo rides into town for two nights of great rodeo action.
Watford’s school enrollment tops 700
It’s been a long, long time since Watford City has seen over 700 students enrolled in its school system. But the days of rising enrollment seem to be back and school officials couldn’t be happier.
Farmers see big drop in yields
Usually farmers in western North Dakota are singing, dancing or even praying for rain. But this season many farmers seem to have changed their tune.
Alexander to host 66th annual Old Settlers’ Day
Good times are in store for those who live in Alexander and its surrounding area as the community hosts its 66th annual Old Settlers’ Day celebration.
City Council says “No more” to man camps
There won’t be any more temporary work force housing units going up within the city of Watford City or within the one-mile Extraterritorial Zoning Area (ETA).
TR Expressway to hold annual meeting in Watford
With thousands of oilfield-related trucks now traveling U.S. Highway 85 on a daily basis, the number one question on the minds of area residents is, “What improvements are in the works for this highway?”
School district braces for more students
Every dawn has its day. For a school system, that day is now, and the dawn is enrollment.
Rib lovers devour 3,000 pounds of ribs in an hour
Just like that Ribfest has come and gone, but it will have people smiling every time they think about the fun they had.
Overwhelmed and understaffed
During a time when the rest of the world is in an economic slump, western North Dakota is thriving in its own bubble.
City gets $12.3 million for infrastructure
Watford City will be able to expand its city water and sewer services to serve an ever-growing community thanks to a $12.3 million grant from the Board of University and School Lands (Land Board).
New Alexander superintendent ready for school
All good things must come to an end, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t more good to come. After 35 years of dedication to the Alexander Public School, Murry Kline recently retired. To fill his place is Mike Klabo, a former administrator at Burke Central.
The boom is here to stay
If you made it out to the Bakken Rocks CookFest, then you enjoyed good food, a fun atmosphere, music, and information on the oil industry’s activities in the Bakken oil play in western North Dakota.
Watford City’s and McKenzie County’s economic activity continues to be among the most healthy in the state thanks in a large part to a very robust energy industry.
Lunch wagons fill need for a quick meal
Many would agree that the oil boom has changed the face of McKenzie County, as well as the faces of those who now call this area home.
Road construction projects move forward
The saying, Patience is a virtue, is a good one to keep in mind when it comes to battling the constant road construction around Watford City.
Watford’s crime rate grows with more people
“What’s not going on here in the way of crime,” says Slade Herfindahl, Watford City Police chief. “From burglaries to civil and domestic disturbances to vehicle stops, we’re seeing it all. And the number of incidents is going through the roof.
McKenzie County has more than its share of everyday heroes.
Daycare shortage hurting everyone
To say that businesses in Watford City need workers is an understatement.
Fireworks, absent councilman heat up council meeting
Fireworks were definitely on the minds of Watford City council members during their July 5 meeting as the council, along with the city’s police chief and fire chief shared their thoughts on whether or not the city should consider banning fireworks in the future.
Commissioners decide not to pursue zoning
County Fair opens Thursday
It is time to enjoy some “Summer Days and Country Ways” as the McKenzie County Fair comes to Watford City July 14 - 16.
New taxi service comes to Watford
Traffic, traffic, everywhere, and hardly space to share. Many would agree that Watford City is losing its small-town feel. The increase in business and people has brought with it increased traffic, causing longer commutes, limited parking and road congestion. But there is good news. Northwest Dakota Public Transit (NWDPT) is hoping to help.
The city of Arnegard could very well be on the brink of seeing the biggest population boom that it has ever seen within the next few months.
Demolition Derby returns to Fair
Cars ramming into each other until they are nothing, but mangled metal seems to be a popular event around these parts.
Schmaltz runs the race of her life
Christine (Bruins) Schmaltzhas an extraordinary gift that allowed her to run a personal record (P.R.) of 2:01.17 in the open 800 meter run at the U.S. Championships. That time qualified Schmaltz for the U.S. Olympic Trials at Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore. June 22 - July 1, 2012.
County residents favor some form of zoning
While McKenzie County seems to have gotten along just fine the past 100 years with a “no zoning” approach to land use planning, the winds of progress may be forcing the county commissioners and county residents to rethink that philosophy.