Latest News
Bracing for a long winter
The tricky thing about living in Watford City during this great time is finding a place to live. A dilemma that has forced many people to live in their campers during a North Dakota winter, something most North Dakotans would never imagine doing.
County’s taxable sales up 10%
McKenzie County’s taxable sales and purchases in the third quarter of 2009 continued to show slow and steady growth according to a recent report by North Dakota Tax Commissioner Cory Fong.
Looking forward to a good year
or the Watford City Area Chamber of Commerce and the Watford City Economic Development Corporation, 2009 was a prosperous year with both groups’ new presidents looking forward to an even better year in 2010.
Oil companies anticipate more drilling in 2010
After an interesting year in oil production, 2009 ended up being one for the record books with many people anticipating the same for 2010, but without so many ups and downs.
Standing up for the scripture
A decision made last August by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) allowing pastors to engage in committed same-sex relationships has caused great unrest for some members of ELCA congregations.
2010 could be a great time to be in Watford City
When it comes to economic development, most areas are working toward creating jobs and attracting people to their community, but for McKenzie County, the term economic development is centered on investing in the community so that people who want to work and move here can.
Christmas storm dumps 9 inches of snow
If you were wishing for a white Christmas and you ended up stranded or shoveling, you may think twice before wishing for the same next year.
Above and beyond the call
It’s not uncommon for people to give 100 percent to their job, but for some people, like Kerry Krikava, giving only 100 percent is something they would never dream of.
Police Chief Vance retires after 33 years
A lot can happen in 33 years. There are changes, both good and bad, happy times and sad ones, and of course, many learning experiences and chances for teaching. As Watford City’s Police Chief Daryl Vance prepares for retirement, he reflects on some of the memorable moments of his 38 years in law enforcement.
Brightening the holiday through generosity
There is a lot more to Christmas than receiving gifts, and residents of McKenzie County have been generously showing that all month through their donations to the McKenzie County Social Services Giving Tree.
McKenzie County property tax bills take sharp decline
Promoting leadership
School is a place for kids to learn, not only about reading and math, but also about life in general and what it takes to become an upstanding citizen, and that’s exactly what area students learned from a very influential visitor they had last week.
Mentoring program benefits area youth
Christmas is a time for giving, so why not give the gift of a lifetime, by becoming a mentor with the McKenzie County Mentoring Program.
Helping to brighten the holidays
Christmas is meant to be a bright time of year. But for the less fortunate or those down on their luck financially, it can be a difficult time filled with stress and despair, especially if you have children.
Watford kicks off Christmas season with activities for all
Christmas is a time of joy, filled with many fun festivities for all ages. But it’s no secret that Christmas really focuses around the kids, from holiday advertisements filled with toys to candy canes and Santa Claus.
For many people, a vacation is a time of relaxation and pampering. But for six McKenzie County residents, relaxation and pampering were the last things on their agenda during a recent trip to Africa.
Marins open three new restaurants in Arnegard
When you live in a small town, your options for many things, like dining out can be rather limited. Fortunately, for the residents of Arnegard, John and Kalli Marin saw this limitation as an opportunity to provide what was missing.
County Infrastructure Fund intended to minimize impact from oil activity
Changes to state laws regarding oil and gas production tax have the potential to do great things for McKenzie County. House Bill 1304 changed the tax distribution formula allowing more income for McKenzie County and adding a new Infrastructure Fund which will benefit townships and schools.
Watford to kick off start of the holiday season on Friday
Christmas is just around the corner and Watford City is gearing up for the holidays like never before with tons of family fun as Christmas is a Family Tradition!
Oil activity is on the rise with good things expected for 2010
The past year has been a long and bumpy one for the oil industry in North Dakota with McKenzie County being no exception. However, looking at activity in recent months compared to one year ago, things appear to be heading in the right direction.
School to request grant funds for new school bus
Taking advantage of a new funding provision enacted by the last North Dakota Legislature, the McKenzie County Public School District No. 1, at its Nov. 9 meeting, decided to request a $75,000 grant from the McKenzie County Commissioners to help fund the purchase of a new school bus.
Drama Club production sure to bring laughs with kids comedy
When you’re a child, imagination is everything. But once you hit adulthood and the real world, your imagination tends to disappear, leaving life a bit duller than it was during childhood.
County continues to see strong mineral lease sales
An auction of state land mineral leases brought in a record $71.6 million with McKenzie County collecting more than $18 million, coming in second out of 12 counties.
Council okays $12,500 in Roughrider grants
he Watford City City Council gave its stamp of approval to two Roughrider Fund grants totalling $12,500 to Watford City businesses during its regular meeting on Monday, Nov. 2.
Healthcare system turns the corner financially
While the McKenzie County Healthcare Systems only turned a $31,485 operating profit in fiscal year 2009, for Dan Kelly, CEO of the healthcare system, turning a profit of any kind was good news in light of the financial troubles facing most North Dakota healthcare systems.
Food Bank helps feed the area’s hungry
One 40-pound box of food may not seem like a lot, but for people on a limited income and struggling families it is something worth waiting in line for.
Little Missouri Grille prepares to open
After being closed for remodeling, the Little Missouri Grille, formerly Ginny’s Family Restaurant, will have new owners, new menu items and a whole new look.
Frustration grows with lack of flu vaccine
For most people, the flu season is something that they give little thought to, but with the H1N1 or Swine Flu, this year’s flu season has taken on a completely different tone. Especially, since getting vaccinated against it is an ongoing challenge.
“Trail of Treats” starts off Halloween
Halloween is just around the corner, which means parents and kids have trick-or-treating on their minds and “Trail of Treats” is the perfect place to get started.
Ginny’s Family Restaurant changes hands as Elliot retires
After 25 years in the restaurant business, Virginia Elliot has decided it’s time to retire, which means Ginny’s Family Restaurant will be changing hands.