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Grow Your Business During Small Business Month (And Beyond!) | Living in McKenzie County: Season 1, Episode 14

 Episode 14 of the “Living in McKinsey County” podcast delivered an insightful and lively discussion about small business opportunities and the entrepreneurial spirit thriving in our region. Hosted by Vawnita Best, Community & Business Development Director for The City of Watford City, this episode was a celebration of small businesses, offering a glimpse into […]

JDA Interest Buy Down Program Launched

The McKenzie County Job Development Authority (JDA) is offering an interest buydown loan program designed to help diversify the local economy and grow the tax base for public benefit. This funding serves as a required local match for Bank of North Dakota’s (BND) Flex PACE and PACE programs and is available to eligible businesses operating […]

April 2025 Economy at a Glance

The April 2025 Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include: McKenzie County’s LoadPass permits in March 2025 was 3,024 permits; in March 2024 it was 2,937 permits. The number of births in McKenzie County in 2024 was 263 births; in 2023 it was 247 births. Watford City’s total Taxable Sales […]

Spring into Summer! | Living in McKenzie County: Season 1, Episode 13

As we settle into Spring in McKenzie County and Watford City, the promise of an engaging summer filled with exciting activities and opportunities for all ages entices us all to start making plans. In this episode of “Living in McKenzie County,” hosted by Vawnita Best, we uncover the abundance of recreational activities available and meet […]

Rural Leadership ND | Living in McKenzie County: Season 1, Episode 12

In the latest episode of “Living in McKenzie County,” the focus turns to the Rural Leadership North Dakota (RLND) program, a two-year leadership journey aimed at nurturing community leaders across the state. The episode features insightful conversations with McKenzie County RLND alumni and co-hosts Vawnita Best and Daniel Stenberg, as they welcome in fellow RLND […]

VA ATLAS Telehealth Program expands to McKenzie County

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Advancing Telehealth through Local Access Stations (ATLAS) program is bringing a new, innovative healthcare experience to McKenzie County. Designed to improve access for Veterans in rural areas, ATLAS provides private, high-tech telehealth pods where Veterans can connect with VA providers through secure videoconferencing. These stations offer a comfortable and […]

March Economy at a Glance

The March 2025 Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include: Watford City’s occupancy tax distribution in February 2025 was $24,734; in February 2024 it was $14,335. Watford City’s city sales tax distribution in January-February 2025 was $998,933; in January-February 2024 it was $823,901. Alexander’s city sales tax distribution in January-February 2025 was […]

WCHS Cultural Fair | Living in McKenzie County: Season 1, Episode 11

 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 […]

Creating Community in Alexander | Living in McKenzie County: Season 1, Episode 10

 In a recent episode of “Living in McKenzie County,” host Daniel Stenberg dives into the rich history and ongoing community developments within Alexander, a vibrant part of McKenzie County. Joined by guests Jim Jacobson, Leslie Bieber, and Tyler Fixen, this episode offers listeners a glimpse into the past, present, and future of this unique […]

‘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 […]