Local News in McKenzie County
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September 2026 Economy at a Glance
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…
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…
100 years of Watford City Parks! | Living in McKenzie County: Season 3, Episode 1
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…
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…
Building Community: Bakken MomCo & the Library | Living in McKenzie County: Season 2, Episode 26
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…
The Wolf Pack Booster Club | Living in McKenzie County: Season 2, Episode 25
In the latest episode of the Living in McKenzie County Podcast, host Vawnita Best chats with Tim Fjeldahl and Mitch Lunde about the exciting developments within the Wolf Pack Booster Club. As the freshly appointed athletic director for Watford City High School and Middle…
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…
Chamber of Commerce: Ribfest & More! | Living in McKenzie County: Season 2, Episode 24
In the latest episode of the Living in McKenzie County Podcast, Vawnita Best sits down with Mary Fish-Gumke, Jessica Hollenbeck, and Stefanie Russell to dive into all the exciting happenings around Watford City. The Chamber’s big focus is on the upcoming 2026 Ribfest on August…
From the 1980s Bust to Today’s Shale Revolution | Living in McKenzie County: Season 2, Episode 23
In the latest episode of the Living in McKenzie County podcast, host Vawnita Best gathers a panel of community leaders to dive into the history and resilience of McKenzie County. Featuring Tim Taylor, Steve Stenehjem, and Neal Shipman, this episode takes listeners on a journey…
July Lineup: Events, Activities, & Homefest! | Living in McKenzie County: Season 2, Episode 22
In this bonus episode of the Living in Mckenzie County Podcast, host Jessie Veeder Scofield welcomes Long X Arts Education and Outreach Coordinator Oksana Zvyagelskiy, Rough Rider Center Assistant Director Josh Nollmeyer, and Watford City Parks and Rec’s Recreation Manager…