Latest News
When most people need medical attention, they make an appointment and go to the clinic. However, for some people, it’s not always that simple because they aren’t able to get themselves to the clinic when needed. McKenzie County Healthcare Systems is hopeful its new program will change that.
More accidents lead to more stress on volunteers
One minute, they’re playing with their kids or sitting down to a nice meal with their family. The next, they’re rushing in an ambulance or fire truck to an accident where they’ll be responsible for treating wounds and saving lives.
City continues to struggle with housing issues
Housing continues to be a struggle for Watford City . However, with two new housing projects ready for occupants and a third project getting underway this month, it appears that things should be getting better soon.
Increased traffic makes for rough roads, more accidents
It doesn’t matter who’s driving or where they are heading, every vehicle accident has a cause. It may be road conditions, weather conditions, driver error or something else, but with vehicle accidents up 50 percent from one year ago, many people in McKenzie County think that something needs to be done.
Many city, county incumbents not seeking re-election in 2010
With snow on the ground and temperatures still below freezing, it’s difficult to think ahead to the local elections coming this June. However, if you’re an elected official or you think you could do a better job than a current elected official, it’s time to start thinking ahead to warmer days.
Winter storm packs a punch, leaving many without power
It started out looking like the weekend storm wasn’t going to hit McKenzie County too hard, but that feeling didn’t last long once round two hit late Saturday.
Herfindahl hired as Watford City’s Chief of Police
After 33 years on the job, Police Chief Daryl Vance decided it was time to retire, giving the Watford City City Council the tough job of hiring a new Chief of Police.
Strong economy boosts funds
Thanks to a great year for the Watford City city sales tax and lodging tax, the Watford City Roughrider Fund and the Watford City Lodging Tax Committee have had banner years.
City approves new water, sewer rates
Watford City residents will see an increase in their water and sewer rates as a result of action by the Watford City City Council during its Jan. 11 meeting.
Bracing for a long winter
The tricky thing about living in Watford City during this great time is finding a place to live. A dilemma that has forced many people to live in their campers during a North Dakota winter, something most North Dakotans would never imagine doing.
County’s taxable sales up 10%
McKenzie County’s taxable sales and purchases in the third quarter of 2009 continued to show slow and steady growth according to a recent report by North Dakota Tax Commissioner Cory Fong.
Looking forward to a good year
or the Watford City Area Chamber of Commerce and the Watford City Economic Development Corporation, 2009 was a prosperous year with both groups’ new presidents looking forward to an even better year in 2010.
Oil companies anticipate more drilling in 2010
After an interesting year in oil production, 2009 ended up being one for the record books with many people anticipating the same for 2010, but without so many ups and downs.
Standing up for the scripture
A decision made last August by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) allowing pastors to engage in committed same-sex relationships has caused great unrest for some members of ELCA congregations.
2010 could be a great time to be in Watford City
When it comes to economic development, most areas are working toward creating jobs and attracting people to their community, but for McKenzie County, the term economic development is centered on investing in the community so that people who want to work and move here can.
Christmas storm dumps 9 inches of snow
If you were wishing for a white Christmas and you ended up stranded or shoveling, you may think twice before wishing for the same next year.
Above and beyond the call
It’s not uncommon for people to give 100 percent to their job, but for some people, like Kerry Krikava, giving only 100 percent is something they would never dream of.
Police Chief Vance retires after 33 years
A lot can happen in 33 years. There are changes, both good and bad, happy times and sad ones, and of course, many learning experiences and chances for teaching. As Watford City’s Police Chief Daryl Vance prepares for retirement, he reflects on some of the memorable moments of his 38 years in law enforcement.
Brightening the holiday through generosity
There is a lot more to Christmas than receiving gifts, and residents of McKenzie County have been generously showing that all month through their donations to the McKenzie County Social Services Giving Tree.
McKenzie County property tax bills take sharp decline
Promoting leadership
School is a place for kids to learn, not only about reading and math, but also about life in general and what it takes to become an upstanding citizen, and that’s exactly what area students learned from a very influential visitor they had last week.
Mentoring program benefits area youth
Christmas is a time for giving, so why not give the gift of a lifetime, by becoming a mentor with the McKenzie County Mentoring Program.
Helping to brighten the holidays
Christmas is meant to be a bright time of year. But for the less fortunate or those down on their luck financially, it can be a difficult time filled with stress and despair, especially if you have children.
Watford kicks off Christmas season with activities for all
Christmas is a time of joy, filled with many fun festivities for all ages. But it’s no secret that Christmas really focuses around the kids, from holiday advertisements filled with toys to candy canes and Santa Claus.
For many people, a vacation is a time of relaxation and pampering. But for six McKenzie County residents, relaxation and pampering were the last things on their agenda during a recent trip to Africa.
Marins open three new restaurants in Arnegard
When you live in a small town, your options for many things, like dining out can be rather limited. Fortunately, for the residents of Arnegard, John and Kalli Marin saw this limitation as an opportunity to provide what was missing.
County Infrastructure Fund intended to minimize impact from oil activity
Changes to state laws regarding oil and gas production tax have the potential to do great things for McKenzie County. House Bill 1304 changed the tax distribution formula allowing more income for McKenzie County and adding a new Infrastructure Fund which will benefit townships and schools.
Watford to kick off start of the holiday season on Friday
Christmas is just around the corner and Watford City is gearing up for the holidays like never before with tons of family fun as Christmas is a Family Tradition!
Oil activity is on the rise with good things expected for 2010
The past year has been a long and bumpy one for the oil industry in North Dakota with McKenzie County being no exception. However, looking at activity in recent months compared to one year ago, things appear to be heading in the right direction.
School to request grant funds for new school bus
Taking advantage of a new funding provision enacted by the last North Dakota Legislature, the McKenzie County Public School District No. 1, at its Nov. 9 meeting, decided to request a $75,000 grant from the McKenzie County Commissioners to help fund the purchase of a new school bus.