Latest News
Water is a basic necessity of life, something that every individual is entitled to. However, quality and availability of water varies from one area to the next, something that many residents of McKenzie County are all too familiar with.
Patten named SBDC Lender of the Year
Starting a new business, especially a small business, is a process that not only takes a lot of time, it also takes a lot of resources. Fortunately for residents of McKenzie County, those resources exist and some of them are willing to go above and beyond the call of duty to help make small businesses a reality.
Council toughens city’s pet ordinances
The Watford City City Council put some teeth into its newly revamped ordinances governing pets in Watford City during its regular meeting on Monday, Aug. 3, as the council significantly increased the penalty for pets being off leash, as well as increasing impound fees for animals picked up by the city.
School uses stimulus funds to complete projects
August is here, and that means it’s almost time for students to head back to school. Recent improvements should have students at both schools excited for the first day of school.
Love those ribs
From one extreme to another, the Best Of The West Ribfest has proved to be successful in all types of weather, from last year’s 100-degree heat to this year’s odd July weather which consisted of a cool 65-degree day with rain and 30 mph winds.
Watford native uses hobby to create commemorative guitar
A hobby is a great way to relax and take a little time to enjoy life, but for Watford City native Dan Wagner, his hobby led to much more.
United States Air Force gets tough on mosquitoes
According to trap counts, mosquito control efforts by the United States Air Force killed about half of Watford City’s mosquito population. But if you head outside for an evening stroll, the result feels much different.
Budget work begins
Thanks to a one-time receipt of $380,000 from flood control money the district received for Corps of Engineers land within the school district, the McKenzie County Public School District No. 1 ended its 2008-2009 fiscal year with a budget surplus of $218,754.
Ribfest is expected to be the best yet
With 12 teams signed up and the addition of a Street Fair, the 2009 Best Of The West Ribfest is expected to be the best yet.
Because of its success, the Bakken continues to be a hot topic among the oil industry. But recently, conversations have changed from the success of the Bakken to the potential of the Three Forks Sanish (TFS) Formation.
Filling city’s housing shortage
Watford City is often referred to as a growing and thriving community. However, a lack of housing has made it difficult for the community to continue growing. A problem the city hopes will be resolved soon through two housing projects.
Above average moisture in July helps crops
The outlook for July, according to the National Weather Service, called for below normal temperatures and slightly below normal precipitation. Below average temperatures have been noticed, and for most people that’s just fine. But when it comes to the National Weather Service’s prediction for below normal moisture, so far it’s the exact opposite.
Veeder earns rural development award
Gene Veeder is a man credited with using his position in the community to change Watford City from a rural community like many others in the state, to a thriving community that is looked up to by other communities in the state.
Knudtson named County’s 2009 Responder of the Year
t takes a lot of time and hard work to be an emergency responder and because having a good emergency response team is vital to the community, each year McKenzie County awards one of its responders with the Responder of the Year award.
City Council toughens dog ordinance
Owners of dogs that are found running at large within the city limits of Watford City will be facing stiff fines under new city ordinances being enacted by the Watford City City Council.
Vehicle accidents are way up in McKenzie County
Nobody wants to think about being in an accident. But maybe if more people thought about accidents before they got behind the wheel, a few of them could be avoided. McKenzie County has seen more than its share of accidents for 2009 and the year is only half over. The number of accidents so far for 2009 is almost the same as the total number of accidents for 2008, a pretty scary fact for anyone on the road.
Samuelson elected State American Legion Commander
‘Still Serving America’ is the motto of the American Legion, and Jerry Samuelson of Watford City continues to fulfill that motto as the North Dakota State Legion Commander.
Taxable sales still growing
While development in the oil fields in McKenzie County slowed somewhat in the first quarter of 2009, the energy sector continued to push the county’s taxable sales and purchases at a double digit rate.
Arnegard to celebrate the Fourth of July
he Fourth of July - food, friends, family, fun and of course, fireworks. Where can you get it all in one place? The Arnegard Fourth of July Celebration.
‘Small Town Soldiers’ gets rave reviews
If the turnout and feedback from the Watford City movie premiere of ‘Small Town Soldiers’ directed by Cody Shimek, is any indication of the movie’s overall success, then Shimek should be in the running for Director of the Year.
Old School Bed & Breakfast kicks off concert series
The Old School Bed & Breakfast offers a unique experience for anyone who stays there. But for residents of McKenzie County, there isn’t much reason to stay there when home is so close by. But even though spending the night may be out, area residents can still enjoy an evening at the Bed & Breakfast during its summer concert series.
McKenzie County Fair begins Thursday
Food, fun, entertainment and 4-H make the McKenzie County Fair a memorable experience that you won’t want to miss.
As the cost of everything seems to be rising, McKenzie Electric Cooperative’s Annual Meeting focused on what they are doing to help keep customer costs down in a time of rising costs and company growth.
Reunions, dances just part of Homefest fun
It doesn’t matter if you graduated 10 years ago or 60, it’s always fun to reconnect with classmates and that’s exactly what Homefest is all about.
During World War II, millions of young Americans from rural areas were swept away from their small farms and towns to participate in a world-changing event that had a lasting affect on their lives.
The Watford City City Council reissued liquor licenses to five Watford City establishments during its regular meeting on Monday, June 8. But it did so with a stern warning that it expected the establishments to strictly follow city ordinances, especially those governing the sale of alcohol to minors.
City prepares to kick off summer with Homefest weekend
Summer is a great time for reunions, street dances and of course ,the county fair. In most areas, these events are spread throughout the summer, but in McKenzie County, they mark the beginning of a fun-filled summer.
A life-changing experience
For most college students, college courses are a way of learning the things they need in order to get their dream job. But for some students like Alex Veeder, some courses offer a lot more. Veeder, a 2007 Watford City High School graduate heard about the God’s Child Project and the volunteer network at North Dakota State University during freshman orientation and right away, she knew it was something she wanted to get involved with.
Wold ends year as Grand Master of North Dakota Masons
The Fraternal Order of the Masons is the oldest fraternal order of men in the world, and McKenzie County is privileged to have the Masons Grand Master of North Dakota from the Fort Union Lodge #128 in Watford City.
Rain comes just in time
Nobody wants to see cold weather in June, not even in North Dakota. But area farmers are thankful for the unseasonably cool temperatures we’ve seen so far this June. Until recently a lack of moisture had many farmers thinking they wouldn’t have much if anything to harvest.