Latest News
Power Fuels to build housing for 1,000 people
“If you build it, they will come” has become the mantra for Mark Johnsrud, president of Power Fuels.
The Great Post Office Box Race
Local businesses have been hit hard by the increasing demands a rising population can bring. The Watford City Post Office is no different.
Arnegard Post Office closure meeting gets off to slow start
Arnegard area residents who felt strongly that the closing of their community’s post office will have a disastrous impact on their community and the delivery of their mail, patiently sat and waited last Wednesday morning to meet with postal service representatives.
Grassy Butte residents fight to keep their post office
Grassy Butte residents are boiling mad that their post office is one of 3,700 post offices in the United States that have been targeted for closure.
Well fire claims two
An oil well explosion on Wednesday, Sept. 14, claimed the lives of two workers, while two more are still in critical condition at Regions Hospital Burn Center in St. Paul, Minn.
School Board approves $8.3 million budget
The McKenzie County Public School District No. 1 school board gave its stamp of approval on a $8,3361,146 budget for the 2011-2012 school year.
Commissioners looking at $60 million budget
McKenzie County has big changes in store for the 2012 proposed budget.
Ground broken for new motel
After months of speculation and rumors, it is official. Watford City will have a new motel open by the spring of 2012.
Tough choices ahead for museum
A big piece of McKenzie County’s history is threatening to fall apart. But Alexander residents are struggling to keep it intact.
Reliever route around city discussed
Good things came out of last Tuesday’s Theodore Roosevelt Expressway meeting, namely an acknowledgement by the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) that something has to be done about U.S. Highway 85.
End comes for Four Eyes Motel
When the walls of the Four Eyes Motel start coming down this week, there will be some tears shed by Daryl and Esther Vance.
A long journey to be a pastor
It’s been a long journey for Rob Favorite, the newly-ordained Senior Pastor of First Lutheran Church in Watford City. But, according to him, it’s been a good one.
NDRA Finals rides into town
One of the nation’s top 100 events happens this weekend right here in Watford City as the NDRA Championship Rodeo rides into town for two nights of great rodeo action.
Watford’s school enrollment tops 700
It’s been a long, long time since Watford City has seen over 700 students enrolled in its school system. But the days of rising enrollment seem to be back and school officials couldn’t be happier.
Farmers see big drop in yields
Usually farmers in western North Dakota are singing, dancing or even praying for rain. But this season many farmers seem to have changed their tune.
Alexander to host 66th annual Old Settlers’ Day
Good times are in store for those who live in Alexander and its surrounding area as the community hosts its 66th annual Old Settlers’ Day celebration.
City Council says “No more” to man camps
There won’t be any more temporary work force housing units going up within the city of Watford City or within the one-mile Extraterritorial Zoning Area (ETA).
TR Expressway to hold annual meeting in Watford
With thousands of oilfield-related trucks now traveling U.S. Highway 85 on a daily basis, the number one question on the minds of area residents is, “What improvements are in the works for this highway?”
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.