Latest News
School district braces for more students
Every dawn has its day. For a school system, that day is now, and the dawn is enrollment.
Rib lovers devour 3,000 pounds of ribs in an hour
Just like that Ribfest has come and gone, but it will have people smiling every time they think about the fun they had.
Overwhelmed and understaffed
During a time when the rest of the world is in an economic slump, western North Dakota is thriving in its own bubble.
City gets $12.3 million for infrastructure
Watford City will be able to expand its city water and sewer services to serve an ever-growing community thanks to a $12.3 million grant from the Board of University and School Lands (Land Board).
New Alexander superintendent ready for school
All good things must come to an end, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t more good to come. After 35 years of dedication to the Alexander Public School, Murry Kline recently retired. To fill his place is Mike Klabo, a former administrator at Burke Central.
The boom is here to stay
If you made it out to the Bakken Rocks CookFest, then you enjoyed good food, a fun atmosphere, music, and information on the oil industry’s activities in the Bakken oil play in western North Dakota.
Watford City’s and McKenzie County’s economic activity continues to be among the most healthy in the state thanks in a large part to a very robust energy industry.
Lunch wagons fill need for a quick meal
Many would agree that the oil boom has changed the face of McKenzie County, as well as the faces of those who now call this area home.
Road construction projects move forward
The saying, Patience is a virtue, is a good one to keep in mind when it comes to battling the constant road construction around Watford City.
Watford’s crime rate grows with more people
“What’s not going on here in the way of crime,” says Slade Herfindahl, Watford City Police chief. “From burglaries to civil and domestic disturbances to vehicle stops, we’re seeing it all. And the number of incidents is going through the roof.
McKenzie County has more than its share of everyday heroes.
Daycare shortage hurting everyone
To say that businesses in Watford City need workers is an understatement.
Fireworks, absent councilman heat up council meeting
Fireworks were definitely on the minds of Watford City council members during their July 5 meeting as the council, along with the city’s police chief and fire chief shared their thoughts on whether or not the city should consider banning fireworks in the future.
Commissioners decide not to pursue zoning
County Fair opens Thursday
It is time to enjoy some “Summer Days and Country Ways” as the McKenzie County Fair comes to Watford City July 14 - 16.
New taxi service comes to Watford
Traffic, traffic, everywhere, and hardly space to share. Many would agree that Watford City is losing its small-town feel. The increase in business and people has brought with it increased traffic, causing longer commutes, limited parking and road congestion. But there is good news. Northwest Dakota Public Transit (NWDPT) is hoping to help.
The city of Arnegard could very well be on the brink of seeing the biggest population boom that it has ever seen within the next few months.
Demolition Derby returns to Fair
Cars ramming into each other until they are nothing, but mangled metal seems to be a popular event around these parts.
Schmaltz runs the race of her life
Christine (Bruins) Schmaltzhas an extraordinary gift that allowed her to run a personal record (P.R.) of 2:01.17 in the open 800 meter run at the U.S. Championships. That time qualified Schmaltz for the U.S. Olympic Trials at Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore. June 22 - July 1, 2012.
County residents favor some form of zoning
While McKenzie County seems to have gotten along just fine the past 100 years with a “no zoning” approach to land use planning, the winds of progress may be forcing the county commissioners and county residents to rethink that philosophy.
Oil industry powers up McKenzie Electric
To say that the huge upswing in oil activity in McKenzie County is having an impact on McKenzie Electric Cooperative would be an understatement.
Elementary school gears up for more students
While school has only been out for just over a month, Steven Holen, district superintendent, informed the McKenzie County Public School District No. 1 school board at its meeting on Monday, June 20, that there is plenty of activity going on at the elementary school.
County to spend $24 million to improve roads
County roads in McKenzie County have been taking a severe beating due to increased oilfield traffic over the past several years. And fixing the main roads that serve the oilfield’s needs, as well as county residents, is going to come with a big price tag.
Homefest kicks off summer season
The excitement is in the air as Homefest nears.
Working together to fix county roads
If there is one thing that can fill a room in western North Dakota’s oil patch quicker than a free meal, it’s a discussion on the need to fix county roads.
To zone or not to zone
While McKenzie County has not had zoning laws for 100 years, the McKenzie County Board of County Commissioners is wondering if now is not the time for them to rethink that policy.
Highway Dept. to close Highway 1806
Chalk up another North Dakota highway closed in and around McKenzie County for the summer because of damage caused by heavy oilfield traffic and record moisture.
Man camp next to elementary school to close
One year ago no one attended the public hearing when Kirk Wold proposed creating a man camp on his property south of the Watford City Elementary School. But on Monday, June 6, the Watford City City Council’s chambers was filled with concerned citizens over the extension of a conditional use permit that would allow the man camp to remain in its current location.
Farmers running out of time to finish seeding
"We’re not going to make it!” That statement by Larry Marmon pretty well sums up the feelings of the vast majority of McKenzie County farmers who will not be getting all of their acreage planted this year due to excessive moisture.
Krogen named W.C.H.S.Teacher of the Year
And the award goes to... Eric Krogen! Krogen, who has been a Social Studies teacher at Watford City High School for two years, was recently honored as the school’s 2010-2011 Teacher of the Year.