This episode of the Living in McKenzie County Podcast features Watford City Engineer, Justin Smith, and McKenzie County Engineering Director, Grace Demars. They join host, Vawnita Best, to explain how city and county capital improvement plans (CIP) are developed, prioritized, funded, and communicated to the public, including the multi-year planning, design, and right-of-way work required before construction begins. They also take a look ahead at major 2026 construction activity including ND DOT Highway 85 work, county road reconstructions, and projects in Grassy Butte and Keene.

00:00 Welcome

01:07 Meet the Engineers

03:59 Why Capital Improvements Matter

05:38 County CIP Public Input

09:05 Where to Find the CIP

10:00 City CIP Planning Cycle

13:19 Funding and Long Lead Times

19:05 County Roads and Industry Needs

24:21 Preventive Maintenance and Safety

28:23 City Facilities and 2040 Plan

33:04 City County Collaboration

37:30 Shared Water Infrastructure

39:40 Boomtown Growth Pressures

41:24 Replacing Aging Utilities

45:06 Funding Catch Up Projects

46:44 City Work Disruptions 2026

49:01 Highway 85 Construction

50:36 County Roads And Bridges

52:32 Townships Street Upgrades

55:22 Costs And Redevelopment Plans

58:33 County CIP And Public Input

01:07:05 More Projects And Wrap Up

McKenzie County Capital Improvement Plan: https://mckenziecountynd.gov/capital-improvement-plan/

City of Watford City Capital Improvement Plan: https://cityofwatfordcity.gov/2040-infrastructure-master-planning/

In this episode of the Living in McKenzie County Podcast, host Vawnita Best welcomes Nikki Darrington with Natural Resources Conservation Service(NRCS), and Daniel Stenberg and Karissa Frick with McKenzie County Soil Conservation District to explain how the two organizations differ in funding and roles while working together on conservation planning and implementation. They also share the services that they provide, as well as the annual meetings and regular events that they help host. The first ever Prairie Roots Homesteading Summit is also highlighted, which will be held on May 15-16 in Watford City.

Prairie Roots Homesteading Summit information and tickets: https://www.mcagexpo.com/homesteading-summit

McKenzie County Soil Conservation District: https://www.mckenziecountyscd.net/

00:00 Welcome and Guests

00:50 Meet the Conservation Team

02:02 Funding and Programs Explained

06:40 Staffing and Hiring Updates

09:19 Cowgirls and Conservation Recap

17:26 Legacy Soil Health Program

26:30 Prairie Roots Summit Preview

32:16 Why Homesteading Matters

36:36 Homesteading Network

39:06 Summit Tickets and Early Bird

40:34 Keynotes and Speaker Lineup

43:54 Homesteading Reality Check

47:31 NRCS and District Programs

48:37 Tree Planting and No Till

52:23 Cost Share and Soil Testing

01:03:03 Education and Community Events

01:05:53 Final Wrap and Thanks

This episode of the Living in McKenzie County Podcast continues the February series on the Watford City High School Hall of Fame, featuring board members Brad Foss, Beau Wisness, and Marco Pelton. They reveal the Watford City High School Hall of Fame Class of 2026, explaining the public nomination and committee voting process guided by bylaws, as well as challenges in evaluating earlier eras with limited records. The 2026 inductees include two teams, two coaches, and individual inductees.

Nomination Link: https://watfordcityschools.flowforms.app/form/hall-of-fame-nomination-form

View the WCHS Hall of Fame: https://wofproduction.blob.core.windows.net/embed/44016fb606894251881df0c178bc1aef/walloffame.html#/walloffame/category/category_115

00:00 Welcome Back: Part 2 + Big 2026 Hall of Fame Reveal

01:07 Meet the Hall of Fame Board Members

03:06 Homecoming 2026 Date Set

04:58 How Nominations & Voting Work: Bylaws, Shortlists, and Tough Calls

12:09 Team Inductee Announced

14:26 Team Inductee Announced

21:12 Coach Inductees

26:48 Special Recognition

29:35 Introducing the 2026 Individual Inductees

29:47 Inductee Spotlight

32:21 Inductee Spotlight

38:04 Inductee Spotlight

42:22 Inductee Spotlight

46:00 Inductee Spotlight

51:58 Inductee Spotlight

56:06 Homecoming Hall of Fame Day Schedule + How to Find/Submit Inductee Info

Join in in our first episode of a two-part series as we dive into the rich history of Watford City High School's sports and the school's Hall of Fame. Host Vawnita Best joins 3 guests to discuss the mission as the Hall of Fame, whil taking a walk through time at the previous decades and the incredible athletes and students that were involved.

00:00 Welcome to the Living in McKenzie County Podcast 00:36 Introducing the Watford City High School Hall of Fame Series 01:30 Meet the Guests: Phil Moen, Titus Stenberg, and Brad Foss 02:36 Phil Moen's Journey: From Arnegard to Watford City 03:55 Spring Breaks and School Schedules: A Historical Perspective 06:25 Titus Stenberg: The Voice of Watford City Wolves 09:25 Brad Foss: A Lifetime in Education and Coaching 13:25 The Hall of Fame's Mission and Community Impact 18:15 The History of McKenzie County School Districts 19:15 Arnegard Spuds: A Legacy Remembered 32:58 Digitizing Yearbooks: Preserving Watford City's History 34:12 The Evolution of Watford City Athletics: 1950s to 1970s 55:40 The Impact of Legendary Coaches: Frank Fish and Fred Fridley 01:02:11 Fred's Impact on the Community 01:02:41 Fred's Coaching Achievements 01:03:26 Reviving Watford City's Football Tradition 01:04:39 Memorable Games and Community Support 01:06:35 Basketball Highlights and Coaching Legends 01:11:08 Notable Athletes and Their Legacies 01:13:35 Challenges and Changes in the 80s and 90s 01:32:56 Hall of Fame Committee and Induction Process 01:36:33 Community Involvement and Future Plans

Join us in this episode of the 'Living in McKenzie County Podcast' as we dive into the incredible education and career opportunities provided by The Bakken Area Skills Center!

From learning about heavy equipment operations and construction trades to welding and healthcare careers, discover how this amazing facility is shaping the future of our community. We chat with instructors, students, and industry partners who share their experiences and success stories. Whether you're a high school student, parent, or just curious about workforce development in McKenzie County, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration!

00:00 Welcome to the Living in McKenzie County Podcast 00:47 Introduction to the Bakken Area Skills Center 02:12 Meet Marco Pelton: Caterpillar Dealership Insights 04:33 George Adams: Teaching CDL and Heavy Equipment 06:57 Isaac Wolf: Student Experience at BASC 12:52 Heavy Equipment Curriculum Overview 19:11 Industry Partnerships and Future Opportunities 35:20 High School Students Excel in Construction Projects 36:32 Capacity and Future of the Bakken Area Skills Center 41:10 Introduction to the Welding and Building Trades Programs 42:15 Meet the Instructors: Building Trades and Welding 44:16 Student Experiences and Career Aspirations 47:03 Curriculum and Career Pathways in Building Trades 51:43 Welding Program: Safety and Skill Development 57:15 Student Reflections on Welding Education 01:03:01 The Importance of Career Exploration 01:09:54 Advice for Future Students and Families 01:14:02 Opportunities in McKenzie County 01:15:15 Health Careers Pathway Introduction 01:16:17 Meet the Health Careers Team 01:17:40 Student Experiences and Success Stories 01:21:00 Innovative Teaching Methods 01:28:47 Community Impact and Future Growth 01:29:26 Student Advice and Program Insights 01:48:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

#education #nursing #welding #construction #buildingtrades #vocationaltraining #careerteched #northdakota #watfordcity #mckenziecounty

www.basccte.com

Join Dr. Wayne Heckaman, Scott Wisness, Anselmo Jr. Hernandez, and Justin Johnsrud in an engaging podcast session discussing the transformative impact of the Bakken Area Skills Center on students' career opportunities in the energy industry.

The panel delves into the history and innovative programs at the center, industry partnerships, and future trends in energy sector skills development. Learn about the specific pathways offered, such as automation, welding, and heavy equipment operation, and how these are tailored to meet industry needs. This episode is a must-watch for educators, industry professionals, and anyone interested in workforce development and community growth in Watford City and beyond.

00:00 Introduction and Host Introductions

00:52 Overview of the Bakken Area Skills Center

01:16 Impact on Students and Opportunities

05:31 Vision and Development of Automation Program

09:55 Partnerships and Collaborations

19:54 Future Trends and Workforce Development

25:42 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

#career #energy #energyindustry #workforce #students #education #northdakota #bakken #watfordcity #mckenziecounty

www.basccte.com

Join us in this episode as we welcome Gretchen Stenehjem, a board member of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, to discuss the groundbreaking developments and anticipated benefits of the new presidential library in western North Dakota. Hosted by Doug Bolken from McKenzie County Tourism, this conversation covers Gretchen's role and contributions, the unique architectural design by Snohetta, the library's experiential features, and its impact on Watford City and surrounding areas. Discover how this remarkable addition, set to open on July 4th, aligns with North Dakota's rich history and culture, making it a must-visit destination. Tune in to learn about the various attractions, accommodations, and the collaborative efforts to bring more visitors to this hidden gem of America.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:30 Gretchen's Role and Background

01:12 The Presidential Library Project

01:41 Architectural Design and Features

02:27 Experiential Learning at the Library

04:38 Impact on Watford City and Western North Dakota

05:30 Tourism and Future Developments

07:01 Excitement and Anticipation

11:52 North Dakota's Hidden Gems

17:22 Excitement for North Dakota's Attractions

18:11 Promoting Western North Dakota

19:11 Enhancing Visitor Experience

20:31 Welcoming New Visitors

21:22 Collaborative Tourism Efforts

22:34 Highlighting Hidden Gems

23:27 Authentic North Dakota Experiences

27:29 Upcoming Events and Attractions

30:13 Concluding Thoughts on North Dakota Tourism

#podcast #presidentiallibrary #theodoreroosevelt #medora #watfordcity #mckenziecounty #president #library #history #northdakota #northdakotalegendary

www.visitwatfordcity.com

The Benefit Fund of McKenzie Health is on a mission to enhance McKenzie Health's services and care for patients and customers through fundraising and advocacy, but they can't do it alone.

Join The President of The Benefit Fund & McKenzie Health Chief of Marketing Lynn Welker-Fevold and host Vawnita Best as they discuss a crucial day for The Benefit Fund: Giving Tuesday on December 2nd, 2025.

This coordinated day of giving plays a major role in making big goals attainable. From a dining room expansion, to a transportation vehicle for The Good Shepherd Home, every dollar committed goes towards making these dreams a reality. Learn how you can get involved, what past campaigns have funded, and other opportunities on how to create real, lasting change for our region.

HOW TO DONATE: https://mckenziehealth.com/benefit-fund/giving-tuesday/

McKenzie Health's 2025 Annual Report: https://mckenziehealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2025-Annual-Report-November-2025_web.pdf

00:00 Welcome to the Special Edition Podcast

00:49 Meet Lynn Welker-Fevold: President of the Benefit Fund

02:08 Understanding Giving Tuesday

03:02 Impactful Projects Funded by Donors

04:01 How to Participate in Giving Tuesday

05:03 Upcoming Fundraising Initiatives

12:54 The Grace Fund: Supporting Our Own

16:09 Final Thoughts and How to Get Involved

Our latest episode of Living in McKenzie County finds us diving into the realm of rural healthcare with Cardiologist Dr. Richard Howard, Oncologist Dr. Chad Pedersen, and Pediatrician Dr. Goodnight from McKenzie Health. Our discussion spans the importance of providing specialized medical care in rural areas, the challenges and rewards of practicing medicine away from urban centers, and the collaborative efforts to build comprehensive healthcare services in McKenzie County. Tune in for insights on cardiology, oncology, pediatrics, and the vision driving rural healthcare advancements in this tight-knit community. Plus, learn about the annual meeting of McKenzie Health and how you can get involved!

00:00 Welcome to the Living in McKenzie County Podcast

01:13 Introduction to Guests and Rural Healthcare

02:09 Dr. Richard Howard's Journey and Expertise

03:39 Dr. Chad Pedersen's Background and Cancer Care

06:13 The Importance of Local Specialty Care

10:45 Building Healthcare Programs in Rural Areas

5:39 Introducing Dr. Goodnight and Pediatric Care

20:45 The Mission-Driven Focus of McKenzie Health

26:04 Maintaining Collegiality in Medicine

27:28 The Evolution of Healthcare Facilities

28:24 Regional Healthcare and Community Growth

29:13 The Old Hospital and the Oil Boom

30:58 Building a Regional Healthcare Hub

31:29 Cancer Care and Prevention

41:35 The Importance of Primary Care

46:16 Community Engagement and Future Plans

Learn more about McKenzie Health: www.mckenziehealth.com

#ruralhealthcare #health #ruralhealth #oncology #cardiology #pediatrics #healthcare #ruralliving #rurallife #rurallifestyle

Join us for a special episode of 'Living in McKenzie County' featuring Cory Hepola from the My Town documentary series.

In this episode, recorded during Cory's time filming the Watford City episode in May of 2025, we delve into the unique aspects of rural life, the misconceptions about small towns, and the vibrant community spirit in Watford City and McKenzie County. Highlights include Cory's experiences with local families, branding events, and mountain biking in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. We also discuss the critical role of McKenzie Health and the regional healthcare system, educational opportunities provided by the Bakken Area Skills Center, and the continuous innovation in energy production by Lund Oil.

Tune in to discover the essence of rural living and why so many people choose to call these small towns home!

00:00 Welcome to Living in McKenzie County Podcast

00:40 Introducing Cory Hepola and My Town

02:02 Exploring Watford City and McKenzie County

02:34 Adventures in North Dakota

03:13 Experiencing Ranch Life

03:52 Community and Branding

06:23 Healthcare in Rural Communities

09:13 Educational Opportunities in Rural Areas

15:22 Energy Production and Innovation

16:32 Exploring the Impact of Energy & Oil on Local Communities

17:03 Embracing Curiosity and Asking Questions

18:17 A Journey Through Broadcast Journalism

20:14 Championing Small Towns and Their Stories

20:51 Understanding Different Rural Demographics

24:51 The Independent Spirit of North Dakota

29:34 Reflections and Community Appreciation

30:26 Where to Watch the My Town Series

WATCH WATFORD CITY NOW ON MY TOWN SERIES YOUTUBE CHANNEL!

https://youtu.be/GbeiKFXf9OI?si=5jE7e5njYVOdtCuY

#rurallife #documentary #smalltown #midwest #agriculture #energy #nationalpark #theodoreroosevelt #podcast #longformcontent