Latest News
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.
Cold and wet makes calving difficult
Spring is often looked at as a time of renewal. As the snow melts new life can be seen all around, from the fresh green grass and budding flowers to newborn livestock. If you ask a cattle rancher what they think of spring, you are much more likely to hear them say work not renewal. In North Dakota springtime isn't always a pleasant time, weather-wise, which can drastically increase your workload if you raise cattle. Springtime weather in North Dakota often means below freezing temperatures, flooding, and of course, there is always the potential of spring blizzards.
Warm temps bring flooding
Flooding along Cherry Creek last Sunday left area businesses and home owners scrambling to protect their property, belongings and animals from rapidly rising water. "The heat over the weekend and the accumulations of snow over the winter coupled with ice jams caused Cherry Creek to spill over its banks," says Jerry Samuelson, McKenzie County emergency manager. "The result was local flooding in and around Watford City."