4-H and the NDSU Extension Office | Living in McKenzie County: Season 3, Episode 2

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.

The podcast kicks off with a dive into the local 4-H program, which includes over 300 members. Far beyond livestock competitions, 4-H offers a place for young people to learn, connect, and grow. The organization includes unique opportunities like the Livestock Enhancement Program and the archery club, helping youths develop valuable skills and connections across the county. Kim reflects on the program’s powerful role in building community ties and supporting future generations.

Listeners discover how the NDSU Extension Office actively supports residents with practical advice and resources. Ryan explains how they assist with plant and soil issues, providing expert insights on gardening, cropping, and insect management. The office serves as a vital bridge, bringing extensive research and specialized knowledge to address local challenges, helping McKenzie County continue to thrive.

As the episode wraps up, the team extends an open invitation to community members. Whether you’re curious about joining 4-H, need agricultural guidance, or seek wellness tips, the Extension Office is ready to help. This podcast episode reminds us of the vital role local services play in enhancing everyday life, fostering community connections, and supporting growth across McKenzie County. Through this conversation, Vawnita Best and her guests showcase the extensive impact of the McKenzie County NDSU Extension Office, illustrating how local involvement and resources enrich the community’s present and future.

McKenzie County NDSU Extension Website: https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension/extension-county-offices/mckenzie-county

‘Living in McKenzie County’ is a multi-platform content series co-hosted by McKenzie County Economic Development Director Meghan Taunton, and City of Watford City Community and Business Development Director Vawnita Best. Emanating from The Studio at Long X, new episodes drop the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.

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August 2026 Economy at a Glance

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 to the same period in 2025, the total value of permits issued in Watford City has increased by nearly 55% year to date, reaching $24,236,133
  • July 2026 had a large amount of trash processed at the landfill with a daily average of 461.1 tons. In comparison, July 2025 averaged 121.3 tons per day

August 2026 Economy at a Glance

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July 2026 Economy at a Glance

The July 2026 Economy at a Glance is now available. Some notable data includes:

  • Year to Date permit values are up significantly in 2026 compared to 2025 for both Watford City and McKenzie County permits
  • Watford City hotel occupancy rate increased by 10 percentage points from 49.2% in May 2026 to 59.2% in June 2026
  • Census data for 2025 has been released, and the median age of McKenzie County residents has increased slightly from 32.2 in 2024 to 32.5 in 2025

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June 2026 Economy at a Glance

The June 2026 Economy at a Glance is now available. Some notable data includes:

  • West Texas Intermediate Oil prices in April 2026 averaged $100.32 per barrel, which is over $36 more than April of 2025. However, April production showed 9,807,740 barrels, nearly 1.4 million barrels less than the 11,202,716 barrels of oil produced in April 2025
  • May 2026 hotel occupancy shows a slight increase year over year with 49.2%, up from 45.7% in 2025
  • Taxable sales in McKenzie County in 2026 Q1 were $67,372,512, an 8.9% decrease from $73,989,998 in 2025 Q1

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May 2026 Economy at a Glance

The May 2026 Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note includes:

  • The average price per barrel of West Texas Intermediate Oil in March 2026 was $91.38, over $23 above the average price for March 2025
  • Hotel occupancy was up to 45.1% in April 2026, up from 37.7% in April 2025
  • 2025 oil extraction and transportation sector employment was up 1.3% compared to 2024, and all other employment has increased 2.8% over the same period in McKenzie County

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Bright Minds Daycare Celebrates Ribbon Cutting in Alexander

The City of Alexander and community partners celebrated the successful grand opening and ribbon cutting of Bright Minds Daycare on Saturday, April 25, marking a significant milestone for childcare access and early childhood development in western North Dakota.

The event, held at the new facility at 1115 Bruegger Street, brought together local leaders, families, and project partners for an afternoon of celebration, remarks, and tours. Attendees enjoyed a community meal provided by The Little Griddle Cafe and sponsored by ONEOK, followed by a formal ribbon cutting ceremony and an opportunity to explore the new space.

Bright Minds Daycare is the result of a strong collaborative effort among the City of Alexander, McKenzie County, McKenzie County Economic Development, the North Dakota Small Business Development Center, JLG Architects, First Dakota Enterprises, Houston Engineering, and numerous local leaders and supporters.

The facility represents the expansion of a long-standing childcare need in the community. Owner and operator Nicole Holen has provided childcare in Alexander since 2016, previously operating out of a small home-based setting with a consistent waitlist of more than 20 children. Her passion for early childhood education is reflected throughout the new center.

“Kids are my life—taking care of them, teaching them, and watching them grow,” said Holen.

The new facility has capacity for up to 70 children and serves a wide age range—from infants to school-age youth up to 12 years old. Thoughtfully designed classrooms include dedicated spaces for infants, toddlers, and early learners, along with an engaging after-school area to support working families during critical hours between school dismissal and the end of the workday. The center is staffed by five full-time employees and two part-time team members.

Local leaders emphasized the broader economic and community impact of the project.

“Childcare is foundational to workforce recruitment and retention, and we are excited about the additional childcare capacity in the area,” said Meghan Taunton, Director of McKenzie County Economic Development.

The project also reflects the dedication of numerous contributors who helped bring the vision to life, including leadership from First Dakota Enterprises, design work from JLG Architects, and ongoing support from McKenzie County, the McKenzie County Job Development Authority, and the City of Alexander.

“Bright Minds Daycare will play an important role in supporting working families and strengthening our workforce. We’re proud of what has been accomplished and excited for the impact this facility will have for years to come,” said Alexander Mayor Kenny Willcox.

For more information about Bright Minds Daycare or childcare availability, please contact the City of Alexander or Bright Minds Daycare directly.

 

 

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April 2026 Economy at a Glance

The April 2026 Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note includes:

  • Hotel occupancy and comprehensive apartment occupancy rates are now included on the Economy at a Glance. The hotel and apartment data will be updated monthly and quarterly respectively.
  • McKenzie County births continue to rise with 287 babies being born in 2025 to mothers who reside in McKenzie County, a 9.1% increase from 2024.
  • After declining since 2021, cattle and calf inventory shows a slight increase to 69,000 in 2025, up from 68,000 in 2024.

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March 2026 Economy at a Glance

The March 2026 Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include:

  • There were ten building permits with a total value of $1,122,000 in February 2026. This is a significant increase in value with February 2025 having seven permits worth $328,055.
  • March occupancy for Brookledge Apartments in Watford City was down to 89% from 91% in February, and 97% in March 2025.
  • Taxable sales were down significantly in McKenzie County: from $85,140,027 in 2024 Quarter 4 to $73,008,290 in 2025 Quarter 4.

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Watford City and McKenzie County Partner with Retail Strategies

The City of Watford City and McKenzie County have commissioned the services of Retail Strategies, the leading national community development firm, to develop and execute a tailored retail expansion and recruitment plan. This partnership will support the desire for expansion of retail goods and services available in western North Dakota and eastern Montana.

“Retail Strategies brings an experienced retail team and an established planning process tailored to recruiting in the intersection of goods and services desired by the community and providers of those things,” said Meghan Taunton, Economic Development Director for McKenzie County.

“We are excited to have Retail Strategies’ team conduct their infrastructure and property assessments in Watford City, Alexander, and Arnegard this spring following their market survey and analysis. While they’re here, they’ll also meet with community leaders to gather input for developing McKenzie County’s retail expansion and recruitment plan,” according to Vawnita Best, Watford City Community and Business Development Director.

“McKenzie County is at an important point in its growth trajectory,” said Kam South, Senior Portfolio Director at Retail Strategies. “The county’s energy-driven economy, expanding population base, and regional draw create natural opportunities for retail development. Our team is excited to support McKenzie County with a strategy that aligns market data with realistic, site-driven opportunities.”

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February 2026 Economy at a Glance

The February 2026 Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include:

  • The permit values for McKenzie County were up over $5 million from $7,152,274 in 2024 to $12,770,940 in 2025.
  • The Farmers Price Paid Index 2011 Base increased over 10% from 141.5 to 153.5 from December 2024 to December 2025.
  • The daily average tonnage for the landfill this January is nearly the same as January 2025, with both being right around 61 tons.

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Get in Touch

Meghan Taunton
McKenzie County Economic Development
100 2nd Ave SW, Suite A
Watford City, ND 58854
701-444-8856
mtaunton@co.mckenzie.nd.us

Stay in Touch