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Living in McKenzie County (Season 1, Episode 11): Embracing Diversity at the Watford City Cultural Fair: A Community Celebration

In the heart of McKenzie County, a vibrant celebration of diversity and community is thriving. The recent episode of the Living in McKenzie County podcast, hosted by Jessie Veeder Scofield, highlights the upcoming Cultural and Food Fair, an event that has become a cornerstone of cultural exchange in this North Dakota community. On March 25th, […]

‘Living in McKenzie County’ podcast releases new episodes (S1, Ep. 7, 8 & 9)

In Season 1, Episode 7 of Living in McKenzie County, titled “Cooperative Work Experience”, host Daniel Stenberg explores the Cooperative Work Experience (CWE) program, which helps high school seniors gain career readiness through hands-on internships. The episode features Watford City high school and CWE students Aidan Pelton, Addison George and Kollin Klang, along with Jill […]

2024 Oil & Tax Revenue Study highlights economic impact in ND

Oil and gas taxes have been a vital part of North Dakota’s economy, contributing over 50% of local tax collections over the past decade. According to the latest Oil and Gas Tax Revenue Study, these funds support essential services such as infrastructure, education, public safety and tax relief. Produced by the Western Dakota Energy Association […]

February 2025 Economy at a Glance

The February 2025 Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include: Online job openings for McKenzie County in December 2024 was 246 openings; in December 2023 it was 192 openings. Watford City’s city sales tax distribution in January 2025 was $513,536; in January 2024 it was $330,483. Alexander’s city sales tax […]

McKenzie Health 2024 Annual Report

McKenzie Health’s 2024 Annual Report highlights significant growth, service expansions and facility improvements aimed at enhancing patient care. The hospital welcomed new specialists in multiple fields, relocated urgent care to its main campus for expanded access and introduced a sports medicine program to support local athletics. Efforts to reduce patient transfers have been successful, reinforced […]

JDA Housing Down Payment Assistance Program

On February 18, the McKenzie County Board of County Commissioners approved the launch of the Job Development Authority (JDA) Housing Down Payment Assistance Program. The purpose of this down payment assistance program is to encourage the construction and purchase of single-family homes in McKenzie County by providing down payment financial assistance to homebuyers in McKenzie […]

Living in McKenzie County (Season 1, Episode 9): Building a People Pipeline

The latest episode of Living in McKenzie County podcast welcomes listeners to an engaging discussion on Cooperative Work Experience (CWE) programs and their impact on workforce development in McKenzie County. Hosted by Vawnita Best, Community and Business Development Director for The City of Watford City, the episode gathers insights from Nikki Darrington, District Conservationist for […]

Living in McKenzie County (Season 1, Episode 8): Wintering Well

Welcome to another engaging discussion from “Living in McKenzie County,” where host Daniel Stenberg navigates the complexities and splendors of winter alongside his guests Bekah Engebretson, Nick Ybarra, and Calli Thorne. Episode eight sheds light on finding optimism amidst winter’s daunting yet stunning attributes by exploring the mental and physical preparations our guests employ during […]

Living in McKenzie County (Season 1, Episode 7): Cooperative Work Experience

In the latest episode of “Living in McKenzie County,” host Daniel Stenberg dives into an insightful discussion on the Cooperative Work Experience (CWE) program, a long-standing initiative within the community that offers high school seniors a remarkable opportunity to enhance their career readiness. Daniel is joined by three enthusiastic students from the program, Aidan Pelton, […]