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Grand Opening of Regional Cancer Care and Prevention Center
Last week, McKenzie Health celebrated the grand opening of its Regional Cancer Care and Prevention Center at 500 2nd Ave SW in Watford City. While the center has been open for several months, the ribbon cutting and open house gave the community a chance to see the facility firsthand. Visitors were invited to tour the building, which includes consultation rooms, a lab, infusion spaces, a waiting area, and a Renewal Garden for patients and families. Oncology services were previously offered at two separate locations, but patients can now see their provider, have lab work done, and receive infusion treatments all in one building. During the ribbon cutting for the center, McKenzie Health CEO Pete Edis said, "It has really transformed into something special and something that we hope touches the lives of those that need it."
The center is led by Dr. Chad Pedersen, a medical oncologist and hematologist from Sidney, Montana. Dr. Pedersen is certified in medical oncology, hematology, and internal medicine, has more than a decade of experience, and is a past president of the Montana State Oncology Society. Dr. Pedersen said having the lab on-site improves the turnaround time to start treatment for the patients.
The center offers chemotherapy, oncology, hematology, infusion therapy, diagnostic services, and supportive care. Infusion services are also available for non-cancer conditions including autoimmune, rheumatologic, gastrointestinal, and neurologic disorders. The center is supported by McKenzie Health's multi-specialty clinic, which has more than 50 physicians and 25 advanced practice providers. No referral is needed to be seen. For more information, call 701-842-2000 or visit McKenzieHealth.com.
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Watford City Downtown Redevelopment Update
WATFORD CITY, ND — As part of Watford City’s continued progress on the redevelopment of Downtown Area 2, the City is honored to announce the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association (NDSA) as the legacy naming rights partner for Area 2-B, Stockmen’s Square. This partnership reflects a shared history and recognizes NDSA’s longstanding impact on the state and region. Located on the same block where NDSA was originally established, Stockmen’s Square creates a meaningful opportunity to honor the organization’s beginnings and legacy while celebrating the region’s agricultural roots, rural resilience, culture, and ranching heritage.
The Area 2 Downtown Redevelopment Project is a multi-phased initiative designed to strengthen the core of Watford City’s downtown. The project will provide expanded retail and commercial square footage to support downtown business growth, along with a year-round gathering space for new events. It will also offer opportunities for residents and visitors to explore local history through self-guided experiences. With Area 2 demolition complete and construction anticipated to continue through spring 2029, the redevelopment supports long-term community growth and the continued development of visitor attractions.
The Area 2 Downtown Redevelopment Project consists of two primary components: Area 2-B - Stockmen’s Square and Area 2-A - 210 Main retail center. Stockmen’s Square includes the development of an urban plug-and-play space located in the heart of downtown Watford City. The space is planned to include a permanent covered stage with integrated sound, concessions, vendor utilities, and flexible infrastructure to support community events and year-round use.
Area 2-A, known as 210 Main, focuses on the development of a two-story retail and commercial building. The proposed facility will feature ground-level retail space, with additional retail and office space on the second level. Through an integrated design, 210 Main and Stockmen’s Square will complement one another, with storefronts oriented toward the square and a second-level balcony overlooking the square.
Read the complete press release here.
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October Economy at a Glance
The October 2026 Economy at a Glance is now available. Some notable data includes:
-- McKenzie County oil production for August 2026 was 12,001,838 barrels, which is a notable increase from the 11,091,058 barrels produced in August 2025.
-- While fewer permits were issued for the City of Watford City and McKenzie County from January to September 2026 than the same period in 2025, permit values increased about 33% for the City and 10% for McKenzie County.
-- Year-to-date visits at the Rough Rider Center in Watford City were up over 11,000 from 149,900 in 2025 to 161,300 in 2026.
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Foster and Koeser Honored by North Dakota Association of Counties
Last week, two McKenzie County leaders were recognized by the North Dakota Association of Counties at its annual meeting in Bismarck. GIS Coordinator Bonnie Foster and retired Road Superintendent Mark Koeser were each honored for their service to county government.
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Bonnie Foster received the 2026 County Employee Excellence in County Government Award. Over the past eight years, she has built the maps, data systems, and tools that help county departments make informed decisions, respond to emergencies, administer elections, and serve the public. Her work includes helping implement Next Generation 911, supporting census efforts, and creating public mapping tools. Colleagues describe her as someone who answers "Can we do this?" with "Let's figure it out." During her speech, Foster thanked past and current commissioners for supporting GIS staff positions and aerial imagery projects, and credited her staff. "This award may have my name on it, but it wouldn't be possible without the support of my McKenzie County team," Foster said.
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Mark Koeser was a Hall of Honor recipient, recognizing a 34-year career with the county's road and bridge department. He started in 1980 and served as road superintendent until 2014. Along the way, he built a reputation as someone people could count on, whether it was an employee looking for guidance or a community member in need of help. More than a decade after his retirement, many of today's county leaders still point to him as the person who shaped their approach to leading others. In his remarks, Koeser said he felt fortunate to have worked alongside the County Commission, dedicated road department employees, and the people of McKenzie County, and he thanked his family for their support. Reflecting on his time with the county, Koeser said, "I had a good run in McKenzie County. I am so grateful for those years, and I'll always cherish that time with all the people that I got to know."
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October Coffee & Commerce
The next Coffee & Commerce will be held on October 28 at the Rough Rider Center in Watford City from 9-10 a.m. The event, hosted by Watford City EDC, offers area business owners, operators, and aspiring and budding entrepreneurs the opportunity to gather and share ideas. During the hour-long program, attendees will have the chance to network, listen to a presentation from an area business or resource, and enjoy donuts and coffee.
October is National Co-op Month, so we're featuring a special session featuring RTC Networks! Since 1951, RTC has been connecting rural western North Dakota with everything from telephone service to fiber internet. As a member-owned cooperative, they're a great example of what co-ops bring to our communities.
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Veeder to Receive Distinguished Service Award
Former McKenzie County Economic Development Director and third-generation rancher Gene Veeder will be presented with the Upper Missouri Water Association's Distinguished Service Award on December 10 at the Joint North Dakota Water Convention in Bismarck. The association, a nonprofit that works to protect, develop, and manage Upper Missouri water across four states, announced Veeder as North Dakota's recipient on September 21 in Pierre, South Dakota. The award goes to one individual from each member state every year.
Veeder's work in water advocacy spans more than two decades, guided by his belief that strong water development is critical to the state's economic health. He currently serves as a State Water Commissioner for the Upper Missouri River Basin and previously served on the McKenzie County Water Resource District and the Western Area Water Supply Authority. A retired McKenzie County Commissioner, he has also contributed to the Theodore Roosevelt Expressway, the Badlands Advisory Group, and EmPower North Dakota. On his family's ranch, Veeder is working with his daughter and son-in-law to transition to a fourth-generation operation, and he regularly welcomes non-ranching visitors to show how responsible livestock production supports wildlife management, hunting opportunities, and healthy soil.
Read more in this McKenzie County Farmer story.
| Upcoming Events at the BASC | |
Career Exploration Industry Day
On Wednesday, November 4, the Bakken Area Skills Center is hosting a Career Exploration Industry Day for area high school students from 9 a.m. to noon. Students will get the chance to meet area businesses, explore different career paths, and talk with professionals.
Students who are interested in attending can register here.
Bakken Area Skills Center CTE Showcase
The Bakken Area Skills Center CTE Showcase will be taking place on Monday, November 9 from 5-7 p.m. Students and instructors will be leading hands-on activities and interactive demos to show off the variety of BASC programs, including Automation, Engineering, Welding, Heavy Equipment, Health Science, and Building Trades. You’ll also get to see equipment in the Innovation Studio in action, where students bring ideas to life using 3D printers, laser engravers, embroidery machines, and vinyl cutters. The event is open to the public, and everyone is welcome to attend. Food and door prizes will be available to all attendees. The BASC is also seeking donations for door prizes and food to help make the evening even more special. If your company is interested in contributing, please contact Scott Wisness.
| | Living in McKenzie County Podcast Releases New Episodes | |
Homecoming Week in Watford City
Host Vawnita Best marks the 50th episode of the Living in McKenzie County podcast by welcoming student council co-advisor Amy Polivka and student leaders to preview Watford City High School's Homecoming Week and take a look at the homecoming activities and themes.
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Workforce Development at the Bakken Area Skills Center
In Season 3, Episode 4, Vawnita Best talks with Bakken Area Skills Center (BASC) leaders Diana Wilson, Julie Dragseth, and Scott Wisness about workforce development through work-based learning and career exploration. They explain how the BASC partners with 70+ local employers and they preview upcoming ways for students, families, and businesses to engage, including Career Exploration Industry Day, the BASC Showcase, T4, and Healthcare Industry Day.
For all episodes and more information on the Living in McKenzie County podcast, visit the McKenzie County Economic Development website.
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Advanced Technology Utilized at McKenzie Health
Studio 701 recently visited with McKenzie Health CEO Pete Edis to hear how it's bringing advanced surgical technology to rural North Dakota with the addition of Mako, a $1 million surgical robot designed to assist with orthopedic procedures such as knee replacements. The technology allows for more precise procedures and may help patients recover faster, while expanding access to specialized care closer to home.
Watch the full Studio 701 story here.
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BASC Brings Big Tech to Rural Classrooms
KFYR recently shined a spotlight on the Bakken Area Skills Center (BASC) and the impact it’s having on career and technical education across western North Dakota. In its story, KFYR highlighted the Western Dakota Corps of Discovery program, which is based at the BASC in Watford City. The program rotates 11 hands-on equipment kits, from 3D printers to laser engravers, among 25 schools. That brings more than $1 million worth of specialized technology to students who might otherwise never get to use it. Students train on the same industry-standard software used by major employers, giving them a head start on careers in fields like engineering.
Watch the full KFYR story here.
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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!
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