|
Brock White wins the Amplifier Award for Marketing Excellence at ND Travel Industry Conference
Brock White was honored with the Amplifier Award for Marketing Excellence at the North Dakota Travel Industry Conference in Minot, presented by Governor Kelly Armstrong. Recognized for his outstanding work promoting Watford City, Brock has led creative efforts such as the Living in McKenzie County podcast, The Watford Minute and a growing YouTube presence. His digital campaigns have boosted the city's visibility, encouraged community pride and attracted new visitors and residents. His strategic promotion of local attractions like the Fox Hills Golf Course and Rough Rider Center has positioned Watford City as a standout destination in North Dakota tourism. Click here to watch why Brock won the 2025 Amplifier Award for Marketing Excellence and why he is such a strong asset to Watford City and McKenzie County.
The Amplifier Award for Marketing Excellence recognizes an outstanding marketing effort—whether it’s a single campaign, a collaborative project, a marketing team or an individual known for using creative strategies to draw greater interest and tourism to North Dakota.
Congratulations, Brock!
| | |
Bison to the Bakken
As part of the “Bison to the Bakken” summer program, a group of 37 NDSU students are in Watford City on May 22-23 to tour the Bakken Area Skills Center, where there will be many businesses of different industries meeting with the students, and a tour of a energy companies located in McKenzie County. This visit is one of several hands-on experiences during the 12-day, three-credit course designed to immerse students in the region’s energy sector and connect them with employers. The program, which runs from May 18–30, gives students majoring in fields such as agriculture, energy, healthcare, business and engineering the chance to explore potential career paths, meet with industry leaders and discover internship and job opportunities across western North Dakota. Read more on this program here.
| | |
May Economy at a Glance
The May 2025 Economy at a Glance is now available. Some data of note include:
Watford City's city sales tax distribution in April 2025 was $339,504; in April 2024 it was $262,643.
The McKenzie County Landfill's daily average in April 2025 was 105.8 tons; in April 2025 it was 83.3 tons.
The number of permits issued in Watford City in April 2025 was 40 permits; in April 2024 it was 28 permits.
| | |
2025 ND Legislative Session recap
North Dakota’s 2025 legislative session has concluded after 74 days, resulting in the passage of over 600 bills. Lawmakers approved a wide range of initiatives aimed at shaping the state’s future, particularly in energy, infrastructure, healthcare and education. While oil remains central to the economy, new efforts to encourage enhanced oil recovery will soon be supported by tax incentives. Legislators also launched studies on geothermal and nuclear energy as potential long-term solutions.
Major investments this biennium include $300 million for a new state hospital in Jamestown, $210 million to continue four-laning Highway 85 and $15 million in loan funding to support long-term care facility upgrades. Prairie Public received $400,000 for infrastructure after debate over its eligibility for state funding.
In education, school districts will soon be required to adopt rules limiting personal device use during instructional time, and the school bus funding formula will be updated with an additional $5.1 million allocated. Charter school governance and funding also received attention.
Looking ahead, voters will decide several key issues during the 2026 election, including changes to legislative term limits, constitutional amendment thresholds and a proposed single-subject rule for ballot measures. Some lawmakers are also preparing additional property tax relief proposals for the ballot.
Most new laws take effect in July or August. With six legislative days reserved, a special session remains possible if needed. Read more on the 2025 ND legislative session at the KFYR website.
| | |
Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library welcomes new trustees
The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation has announced the addition of three new trustees: Dick Boyce, Gretchen Stenehjem and Matthew A. Swift. Each brings a strong background in leadership, civic involvement and strategic thinking to support the Library as it prepares for its July 4, 2026 grand opening, coinciding with America’s 250th anniversary. Located at the Theodore Roosevelt National Park's North Unit, the Library aims to inspire civic engagement, conservation and leadership through immersive experiences and educational programming. With over $338 million already raised toward its $450 million goal, momentum continues to grow as the project nears completion. Read more on the progress of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library here.
Picture taken from Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library website.
| | |
WCHS Principal Jim Green recognized for educational excellence
Watford City High School Principal Mr. Jim Green has received the Excellence in North Dakota Education Award from the Department of Public Instruction, recognizing his leadership and contributions to education in the state. Green, who has led the high school for the past five years, credits the achievement to the collective work of his staff, emphasizing a “students first” mindset and a focus on innovative educational opportunities. Under his leadership, the school has launched key programs such as the Wolves Center Academy, Watford City Virtual Academy and expanded career-focused offerings through the Bakken Area Skills Center. Green, who started his education career in Wahpeton, says the recognition validates the dedication of the entire Watford City High School team.
Read more on this McKenzie County Farmer story here.
Picture taken from McKenzie County Farmer website.
| | |
Living in McKenzie County podcast releases new episodes (S1, Ep. 14 & 15)
Season 1, Episode 14 of Living in McKenzie County, hosted by Vawnita Best, highlights the strong entrepreneurial spirit and small business support in the region. Guests included Keith Olson from the Small Business Development Center, who shared insights on starting and growing local businesses, and bankers Bobby Kaloustian (Cornerstone Bank) and Justin Voll (First International Bank & Trust), who discussed lending and financial tools for small business success. The episode also spotlighted local economic initiatives like the Roughrider Fund and Flex PACE, with additional perspective from Don Morgan, President of the Bank of North Dakota. The discussion emphasized collaboration and the importance of supporting local businesses during Small Business Month.
In Season 1, Episode 15 of Living in McKenzie County, the show was recorded at the North Dakota Tourism Conference where regional leaders came together to highlight Western North Dakota’s growing appeal as a travel destination. Doug Bolken of McKenzie County Tourism led the panel, emphasizing efforts to establish places like Watford City as must-visit locations rather than simple stopovers. Peggy Hellandsaas shared the charm of her family-owned Tobacco Gardens Resort, a peaceful getaway on Lake Sakakawea. Amy Krueger spotlighted Williston’s growth, new infrastructure and diverse dining options that are attracting more visitors. Kiera Fox of MHA Tourism and Sara Otte Coleman of North Dakota Tourism emphasized cultural richness, collaboration and sustainable tourism strategies. The discussion reflected a shared commitment to making the region a vibrant, welcoming destination.
You can watch Episode 14 & 15 here. For all episodes and more information on the Living in McKenzie County podcast, visit the McKenzie County Economic Development website.
| | |
Events in Watford City to launch summer
Watford City is kicking off summer with a weekend full of free, family-friendly events from June 4–8. Highlights include the Alumni Baseball Game on Wednesday, June 4, and the 5th Annual Doug Johnsrud Memorial Baseball Tournament at the Rough Rider Center, featuring nightly games with the hometown Walleye team. Alongside the tournament, visitors can enjoy the Food Truck Rodeo (June 5–7), a Touch-a-Truck event for kids on Friday, and the 21st Annual Children’s Fishing Derby on Saturday at Kent Pelton Nature Pond. The weekend wraps up with live music, vendor booths and bounce houses—all celebrating community and the start of summer in Watford City.
Read more on Watford City's kickoff to summer here.
| | |
2025 Behavioral Health Summit
The 2025 Vision West ND Behavioral Health Summit is taking place June 18–19 in Dickinson, ND. The Behavioral Health Summit is a 2-day conference where professionals, advocates and community leaders come together to address the pressing behavioral health challenges affecting our communities. The focus on mental health, addiction and trauma highlights the commitment to ensuring access to care, fostering resilience and breaking down stigma. Click here to learn more on this year's summit.
McKenzie County residents may have an opportunity to be sponsored to attend this event. Please contact Daniel Stenberg at dstenberg@co.mckenzie.nd.us or call 701-444-8856 for more information.
| | |
Current job openings in McKenzie County
Click this link to view McKenzie County's current job openings.
| | |
McKenzie County Community Orientation
The first McKenzie County Community Orientation event in 2025 will take place June 5. Get registered today!
Participants will learn about local activities, community engagement opportunities and enjoy a bus tour highlighting key points of interest. Doors open at 1:00 p.m., with snacks sponsored by the Watford City EDC, and the orientation runs from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The program is limited to 40 participants per date, with a $10 registration fee. Each attendee will receive informative handouts and a $20 gift card to The Merc at Long X upon completing the orientation. Employers are encouraged to promote this opportunity to their employees, as community involvement is linked to workforce retention. Family members are welcome to attend, but each must register individually. Scan the QR Code in the photo above for more information and click here to register.
| | |
Upcoming Events in McKenzie County
Be sure to check out the Community Events Calendar regularly to stay up-to-date on upcoming events and activities in the area!
| | | | |
