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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 […]

‘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 […]