The October 2026 Economy at a Glance is now available. Some notable data includes: McKenzie County oil production for August 2026 was 12,001,838 barrels, which is a notable increase from the 11,091,058 barrels produced in August 2025. While fewer permits were issued for the City of Watford City and McKenzie County from January to September […]
On October 7, 2026, McKenzie Health celebrated the grand opening of its Regional Cancer Care and Prevention Center at 500 2nd Ave SW in Watford City. While the center has been open for several months, the ribbon cutting and open house gave the community a chance to see the facility firsthand. Visitors were invited to […]
In the latest episode of the Living in McKenzie County Podcast, Vawnita Best dives into an exciting discussion about workforce development with key figures from the Bakken Area Skills Center(BASC). Featuring Diana Wilson, Julie Dragseth, and Scott Wisness, the conversation explores how McKenzie County and the BASC are preparing the next generation to thrive in […]
WATFORD CITY, ND — As part of Watford City’s continued progress on the redevelopment of Downtown Area 2, the City is honored to announce the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association (NDSA) as the legacy naming rights partner for Area 2-B, Stockmen’s Square. This partnership reflects a shared history and recognizes NDSA’s longstanding impact on the state […]
In the 50th episode of the “Living in McKenzie County Podcast,” host Vawnita Best visits with representatives from Watford City High School to talk about Homecoming Week taking place October 5-11, 2026. Joined by Student Council co-advisor Amy Polivka and a group of student leaders from Watford City High School, the episode dives into the […]
The September 2026 Economy at a Glance is now available. Some notable data includes: McKenzie County unemployment rate has ticked down to 2.2% in July from 2.6% in June, which follows the state trend Although Watford City sales tax distributions are down about 9% from August 2025 to August 2026, Alexander city sales tax distribution […]
In the latest episode of the Living in McKenzie County Podcast, Vawnita Best visits with the McKenzie County NDSU Extension Office to hear about 4-H and the services they offer . With guests Ryan Odenbach, Shantell Dukart, and Kim Neprash, the episode dives into the vital support the office provides to the local community. […]
In the latest episode of the Living in McKenzie County podcast, host Vawnita Best chats with Robin Arndt, Sara Fitzpatrick, and Justin Johnsrud about the Watford City Parks and Recreation District: just in time for its 100-year celebration. Robin, who’s been with the park district for over 30 years, shares a bit about the district’s […]
The August 2026 Economy at a Glance is now available. Some notable data includes: Oil production in McKenzie County continues to decline for the third consecutive month with production decreasing by more than 1.4 million barrels from May to June 2026 While 50 fewer permits have been issued through the end of July 2026 compared […]
In the latest episode of the Living in McKenzie County Podcast, host Vawnita Best takes a look at the power of community in Watford City in a discussion with Irene Sealy, Director of the McKenzie County Public Library, and Kat Hartel and Emily Brown with Bakken MomCo. As families gear up for the school year, […]
