Latest News
Wold ends year as Grand Master of North Dakota Masons
The Fraternal Order of the Masons is the oldest fraternal order of men in the world, and McKenzie County is privileged to have the Masons Grand Master of North Dakota from the Fort Union Lodge #128 in Watford City.
Rain comes just in time
Nobody wants to see cold weather in June, not even in North Dakota. But area farmers are thankful for the unseasonably cool temperatures we’ve seen so far this June. Until recently a lack of moisture had many farmers thinking they wouldn’t have much if anything to harvest.
Sakakawea is expected to hit 1,840 feet by July
This spring the thought of rising water was not a good thing. But today many McKenzie County residents are thrilled to hear that Lake Sakakawea has risen considerably and is still on the rise.
Not even cancer can keep the sheriff down
A cancer diagnosis is nothing to take lightly, but fortunately for McKenzie County Sheriff Ron Rankin, a recent diagnosis hasn’t slowed him down or interrupted his work.
Giving kids a chance
If you have room in your heart and in your home, you may be ready to make a difference in the life of a child by becoming a foster parent.
North Unit road to get face-lift
Summer is the time for traveling and road construction. Although no one likes having their travel plans delayed due to road construction, we all know that it’s something that needs to be done.
County’s taxable sales up nearly 50%
Even though North Dakota has faired pretty well during this time of economic struggle, the state is still receiving some economic stimulus money that will have a big impact on McKenzie County .
For most people cancer is never far from their minds, and even though there always seems to be somebody you know battling the disease, it still seems impossible to think that the next person you know with cancer could be you.
Study looks at improving Highway 85
A four-lane highway from Watford City to Belfield, wow – that would be great! Unfortunately, that’s something that just isn’t economically feasible, at least at this time. But supporters of the Theodore Roosevelt Expressway (TRE) hope to bring residents of McKenzie County the next best thing.
Neighbors helping a neighbor
McKenzie County residents are fortunate to live in an area where everybody looks out for each other and neighbors are there when you need them.
City urged to enact tougher dog ordinances
The owners of a dog that was savagely mauled and critically injured by another dog over the Easter weekend in Watford City made an impassioned plea to the Watford City City Council during their meeting on Monday, May 4 for the city to enact stricter dog ordinances.
Tobacco Gardens Resort reopens
Tobacco Gardens Resort has been a long standing part of McKenzie County, but for the past several years the cafe and concessions have been without an owner leaving patrons without any services.
Wellness Center to move to new location
Living in a rural community has a lot of great advantages, but there are some things that most rural communities just can’t offer, like affordable and quality wellness opportunities.
New law could boost state’s oil activity
Oil production in North Dakota has dropped from a rig count high of 98 to a rig count of 38 as of Friday, May 1, 2009. The main cause for the drop in rigs is the drop in the price of oil.
Bomb squad called to McKenzie County
Things aren’t always what they seem, but in this day and age it seems that anything is possible. But could there really have been a pipe bomb in the Badlands? Yes, there could have, which is what brought the Minot Police Department Bomb Squad to Watford City on April 29, 2009.
Developer plans new housing units for Watford
The shortage of new homes within the city limits of Watford City may be coming to an end if a Montana developer has his way.
Spring seeding off to a slow start
Timing, that’s what spring planting is all about.
Taking care of Mother Earth
Earth Day was a great opportunity for area teachers to give their students a hands-on lesson in community service.
Battle against mosquitoes already underway
After a year of learning, the City of Watford City is ready for this year’s mosquito season. In fact, the fight against mosquitoes is going into its third week in Watford City.
Moose pays surprise visit to Watford City
Nobody can say Watford City is a boring town, especially when it comes to wildlife. It’s common to see deer, rabbits, pheasants and even the occasional turkey roaming around town, but seeing a moose on your way to school, now that is something different even for Watford City.
The McKenzie County Community Coalition’s (MC3) 2nd Town Hall Meeting addressing underage drinking and substance abuse resulted in new action ideas despite a low turnout.
Oilfield slowdown being felt
nyone working in the oil field will tell you that with their work comes busy times and slow times. And right now, McKenzie County is experiencing one of those slow times. Spring is traditionally a slow time for oil field work because of road restrictions.
Spring temps bring thoughts of field, yard work
Although it was a little late arriving, it seems that spring is finally here, and that means it’s time to get to work both in the field and in your yard.
Prices, legislation impact County’s oil tax revenue
A drop in oil prices and change in legislation could mean less oil tax revenue for McKenzie County and the potential for higher property taxes.
Town Hall Meeting to discuss underage drinking
Underage drinking is a big problem in McKenzie County and the McKenzie County Community Coalition (MC3) wants your help in resolving this problem.
Last curtain call for Dinner Theatre?
The 2009 Dinner Theatre production of WipeOut was the last curtain call for Chuck Simpson and his dinner theatre dream team. Simpson began directing theatre productions including the Dinner Theatre in 1983 with his first Watford City High School Production, ‘Bye Bye Birdie.’
Answering the call for assistance
After a brief fight with flooding from Cherry Creek and the Little Missouri River, it seems that the worst is over in McKenzie County. But that isn’t the case everywhere. Other counties in the state are cleaning up from major spring flooding and worrying about what is yet to come. One Watford City resident has decided that while she can’t help sandbag or clean up after the waters recede, she can still do something to help.
A Blast from the Past with Badlands Gymnastics
f you're ready for a blast from the past and some great entertainment, you won't want to miss the 21st annual Badlands Gymnastics Club's Night of Stars, which will be held at 6 p.m. on April 3 in the Watford City High School Gymnasium. Gymnasts will perform to music from the '70s, '80s and '90s as they showcase their talents in the final performance of the year. This year's show is entitled 'Blast from the Past' and as a special addition, former gymnasts will be showcased during the show.
After three decades, Nordeng retires
After more than three decades at the Watford City Post Office, Phyllis Nordeng has decided it's time to move on to a new chapter in her life. "I've been with the Post Office for 33 years," says Nordeng. "I'm retiring, but not really. I'm ready for a change of pace, but it'll be a while before I'm ready to shut down for good." Nordeng's last day as the Watford City Postmaster was Tuesday, March 31, 2009.