Latest News
First cases of H1N1 virus confirmed in county
We’ve been hearing about it all across the nation and it’s finally here – the H1N1 virus has been confirmed in Watford City and its surrounding area.
School accepts Erickson’s resignation
With an elementary school buzzing with students, the McKenzie County Public School District No. 1 acted quickly during its Oct. 12 meeting to fill a first grade teaching position which had become open following the resignation of a teacher as well as to add additional teaching support.
Roughrider Fund gives grant to MCHS for expansion study
According to a master facility plan, in order to properly serve McKenzie County, the McKenzie County Healthcare Systems (MCHS) needs to build a 24-bed hospital and new rural health clinic which would both be attached to the current Good Shepherd Home.
School, healthcare system prepare for flu season
It’s not a matter of if. It’s a matter of when McKenzie County will be hit by the flu.
City Council okays $2,104,621 budget
Watford City property owners will be asked to only fund $237,016 of the city’s $2.1 million budget for 2010 following action by the city council during its Oct. 5 meeting.
Women’s Day to offer a day of fun and entertainment
For most women, the thought of doing something just for themselves is like a far away dream that comes after doing the laundry, fixing supper and taking care of the kids. But, McKenzie County Healthcare Systems wants to change that with its annual Women’s Day Gallery of Events.
Taxable sales slow down
While statewide, North Dakota’s taxable sales and purchases slowed down in the second quarter of 2009, Watford City still continued to show good growth compared to the same three month period in 2008.
Arndt earns award for city’s Summer Recreation Program
After watching his grandson playing flag football, Robin Arndt, Watford City Parks and Recreation supervisor decided there was more to parks and recreation than baseball and swimming.
With only eight active drilling rigs in McKenzie County as of Oct. 5, 2009 compared to 20 active rigs one year ago, it doesn’t seem like oil activity in the county is on the rise. But according to area officials, things are pickin
Cascade Homes begins a second housing project in Watford City
With a struggling economy, people are willing to do a lot for a job. Even if that means braving a North Dakota winter in a camper.
A good problem to have
For a school system the size of McKenzie County Public School District No. 1, having too many students is a good problem to have.
Campers bracing for a cold N.D. winter
Camping is a fun pastime in North Dakota and something that many families do on weekends during the summer. But it’s not something most North Dakotans would think of as a fun thing to do in the winter.
Farm Rescue to the rescue
llness and injury are things that we all know can happen to us. But with no way of planning for them, it’s always an unwelcome surprise, especially when a family member is forced out of work for an extended period of time.
School Board approves $6.7 million budget
The McKenzie County Public School District No. 1 gave its final approval to a $6.7 million budget for the 2009-2010 school year during its meeting on Monday, Sept. 14.
Meeting city’s housing needs
It’s been almost a year in the making, but the Lutheran Social Services Housing project in Watford City has finally arrived, literally. Three units arrived and were set up in Watford City on Thursday, Sept, 17.
New drilling concept starts in McKenzie County
Oil exploration is an ever-changing industry and one company has decided to break out its newest technology right here in McKenzie County.
Council asks city attorney to work on new water agreement
Watford City’s City Council took a very tentative first step forward on the concept of bringing treated municipal water from the Williston Water Treatment Plant to Watford City during its regular meeting on Monday, Sept. 7.
Road work causing traffic delays
If you traveled east out of Watford City this spring or summer, it was probably easy to see that the long winter coupled with added traffic was very hard on U.S. Highway 23 east of Watford City.
A harvest to remember
Things at the local elevator may not show it, but one of the greatest harvests in McKenzie County is in full swing.
Commissioners eye $16.7 million budget
McKenzie County Commissioners will be considering a 34.8 percent increase in the county’s 2010 budget during a preliminary budget hearing on Sept. 18.
NDRA Championship Rodeo rides into town this weekend
It’s coming. Polish your boots and grab your hats, the rodeo is coming to Watford City!
Old Settlers’ Day celebration offers four days of fun
As fall approaches, the time has come for the 64th Annual Old Settlers’ Day Celebration in Alexander, a weekend of food, fun, family, reunions and of course, new memories.
Good news for schools
Watford City and Alexander School officials are excited to see enrollment numbers on the rise.
Watford City Police add K-9 officer to their department
he main goal of the Watford City Police Department is to keep the community safe. In an effort to do that, the department has added a new member to its team, a member that is capable of doing things most police officers can’t.
Harvest on hold
After a rough harvest last year, area farmers are just happy they have something to harvest. Now they just need the weather to cooperate and let them get into their fields.
County’s oil production tops 821,705 barrels in May
With a resurgence in drilling for oil in North Dakota on the heels of the discovery of the Bakken and Three Forks formations in western North Dakota, since 2004, North Dakota’s crude oil production has grown an average of 16.9 percent per year.
Elementary school to see more students
Like most kids, Watford City Elementary students probably aren’t ready for summer to end and school to start. But ready or not, the first day of school is just around the corner and students can expect to see some new faces and a few changes around the school.
McKenzie County schools start classes next week
Although unseasonably cool weather has most kids feeling like summer hasn’t even started, the time has come for summer vacation to end with McKenzie County students heading back to school over the next week.
County minerals bring $613 million at lease sale
McKenzie County state land mineral leases netted an average of $712 per acre during the Aug. 4 sale held by the North Dakota State Land Department.
Construction begins on two Watford housing projects
It may not happen before the snow flies, but Watford City residents looking for housing should be able to get into the Lutheran Social Services Housing units before Christmas.