Living in McKenzie County

The City of Watford City, North Dakota

Welcome to "Living in McKenzie County", an original content series brought to you by the City of Watford City and McKenzie County Economic Development.

In this series, join hosts Vawnita Best and Daniel Stenberg as we introduce you to those shaping our community through innovation, decision-making, and events. We'll explore the stories behind the people who are driving the growth in one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States during the 2010s.

McKenzie County, North Dakota, has been transformed by a revolutionary energy boom, but its roots run deep in agriculture and conservation. Today, it's a place where young families, longtime residents, and businesses can thrive, embracing the opportunities that this dynamic region has to offer.

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S3 · E4
October 20 · 1 hr 16 min
Workforce Development at the Bakken Area Skills Center
Host 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 to give students job shadows and work placements while also teaching key soft skills like communication, emotional intelligence, conflict management, and responsibility. They also preview upcoming ways for students, families, and businesses to engage, including Career Exploration Industry Day, the BASC Showcase, T4, and Healthcare Industry Day. BASC Website: https://www.basccte.com BASC Upcoming Events: https://www.basccte.com/students BASC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Bakken-Area-Skills-Center-61556441432921 Golden Path: https://www.basccte.com/partners/golden-path-basc-partnership T4 Summit: https://www.t4ndsummit.org/watford-city-1 00:00 Welcome 03:17 Introductions 13:12 Work-Based Learning 17:55 Parents and Real Experience 22:36 Businesses in CWE 24:57 Soft Skills for Students 33:53 Getting Involved in CWE 38:03 Career Exploration 45:09 Career Exploration Industry Day 49:28 Upcoming Events 01:00:35 Healthcare Industry Day 01:05:25 Industry Partners
S3 · E3
October 6 · 58 min
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 Abby Ryberg, Clara Wisness, and Kenji Son. The group previews Watford City High School's Homecoming Week and takes a look at the homecoming activities and themes. Monday, October 5 Wrong Occasion Day Tuesday, October 6 Board Game Day 10:30 am - Candidate Feud Wednesday, October 7 Neon Day Morning - Community Cleanup 1:00 pm - Boys' Volleyball 2:30 pm - Girls' Powder Puff Thursday, October 8 Minions Day 10:30 am - Pep Rally 7 pm - Homecoming Volleyball Friday, October 10 Maroon and White Day 2:30 pm - Homecoming Coronation 4 pm - Homecoming Parade 7 pm - Homecoming Football vs. Jamestown After the Game - Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Saturday, October 11 12 pm - Home JV2 Soccer vs. Bismarck 2 pm - Home JV1 Soccer vs. Bismarck Email polivka@wc-wolves.com if you are interested in having a float in the Homecoming Parade Homecoming week webpage: https://www.watford-city.k12.nd.us/homecoming 2026 Watford City High School Hall of Fame Announcement: https://youtu.be/y2ngAEXdxFE 00:00 Welcome 03:19 Student Council 06:56 Monday 11:00 Tuesday 14:29 Wednesday 26:20 Thursday 29:26 Homecoming Volleyball Game 35:32 Friday 37:12 Hall of Fame and Food Trucks 41:44 Homecoming Themes 46:35 Parade and Coronation 53:04 Homecoming Favorites
S3 · E2
September 15 · 1 hr 13 min
4-H and the NDSU Extension Office
In this episode of the Living in McKenzie County podcast, Vawnita Best visits with McKenzie County NDSU Extension staff Ryan Odenbach, Shantell Dukart, and Kim Neprash. They outline services residents can access through the Extension office, including 4-H enrollment and clubs, youth programming beyond livestock, and the Livestock Enhancement program with the Ag Expo. They also share upcoming Extension events in McKenzie County. McKenzie County NDSU Extension Website: https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension/extension-county-offices/mckenzie-county 00:00 Welcome 01:28 Introductions 08:33 Extension Services Overview 10:25 How to Join 4-H 14:44 4-H Beyond Livestock 17:23 Livestock Enhancement Program 22:02 Enrollment Timeline and Volunteers 28:37 Ag and Natural Resources 32:50 Research Centers 34:36 Extension History in McKenzie County 41:57 Awards Banquet 49:16 Fall Extension Conference 55:23 Caregiver Tools and Real Colors 01:01:09 Range Judging and Pesticide Certification 01:06:24 Closing
S3 · E1
September 1 · 1 hr 36 min
100 years of Watford City Parks!
Host Vawnita Best welcomes Watford City Park District Superintendent Robin Arndt, Rough Rider Center Director Sarah Fitzpatrick, and Park Board President Justin Johnsrud to kick off Season 3! They highlight the Park District's 100-year legacy and the September 3rd centennial celebration at Kent Pelton Park during the farmers market. They also look back on how land donations, volunteers, and collaboration built and expanded local parks, trails, and facilities over decades including the Wild West Water Park, Veterans Park, and the Tourist Park. Finally, they take a look at the future of Watford City Parks and Recreation. Honor Pole Nomination: https://www.watfordcityparks.com/Parks/Kent-Pelton-Nature-Park 00:00 Welcome 01:19 Introductions 04:49 100 Year Celebration 16:00 Looking Back 26:35 McKenzie Bay 30:38 Community Built Facilities 38:05 Mckenzie County Athletic Park 41:13 Programs and Activities 46:48 Rough Rider Center 58:44 Trail System 01:02:56 Veteran's Park 01:06:57 Watford Market Schedule 01:08:57 Looking Ahead 01:18:46 Honor Pole 01:22:18 Community Projects 01:29:12 Future Plans 01:32:36 Closing
S2 · E26
August 18 · 39 min
Building Community: Bakken MomCo & the Library
Host Vawnita Best welcomes guests Irene Sealy, director of the McKenzie County Public Library, and Bakken MomCo leaders Emily Brown and Kat Hartel. They discuss McKenzie County as a place intentionally built for families and highlight ways that mothers and families can connect through Bakken MomCo and the public library. Bakken MomCo meets has two meetups a month from September to May at the Watford City Assembly of God church. The morning group meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month from 9 - 11 a.m., and the evening group meets the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month from 6:30 - 8 p.m. Bakken Mom Co: https://www.facebook.com/bakkenmomco McKenzie County Public Library: https://mckenziecountynd.gov/departments/mckenzie-county-public-library/ https://www.facebook.com/p/McKenzie-County-Public-Library-100090772545642/ My Town Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbeiKFXf9OI 00:00 Welcome 02:52 Introductions 05:03 About Bakken MomCo 06:31 Meetups & Park Days 13:24 Importance of Connection 16:39 Multi Generational Support 20:48 Community Health 23:01 MomCo Activities 28:40 Library Walk & Wonder 30:52 Library Resources 33:51 MomCo Fall Kickoff 36:18 Wrap-Up
S2 · E25
August 4 · 49 min
The Wolf Pack Booster Club
Host Vawnita Best visits with guests Tim Fjeldahl, president of the Wolf Pack Booster Club, and Mitch Lunde, the new McKenzie County School District Athletic Director. They explain the booster club's purpose as a centralized, one-stop support system for all school activities and athletics. They also highlight upcoming events: the Friday Night Lights Golf Scramble on August 21 and Meet the Wolves at Watford Market on August 27. Families and community members are encouraged to show up, get involved, and support students. 2026-2027 Individual Membership: https://givebutter.com/wolf-pack-booster-club-membership-tv7cy7 Wolf Pack Booster Club Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/watfordcityboosterclub 00:00 Welcome 01:52 Introductions 08:40 About the Booster Club 12:57 Board And Fundraising 15:45 Support Beyond Sports 18:42 Volunteer Opportunities 20:59 Friday Night Lights Golf Scramble 26:53 Booster Club Membership 29:52 The Importance of Student Involvement 31:53 Meet the Wolves 36:34 Looking Ahead 42:22 Supporting the Wolves 47:31 Closing
S2 · E24
July 21 · 1 hr
Chamber of Commerce: Ribfest & More!
In Season 2, Episode 24 of the Living in McKenzie County podcast, Vawnita Best sits down with Watford City Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Mary Fish-Gumke, Lund Oil Marketing Director Jessica Hollenbeck, and Chamber Board Member Stefanie Russell of Dakota West Credit Union to highlight Chamber resources and the upcoming 2026 Best of the West Ribfest on August 14. They also take a look at other Chamber events including Trail of Treats, Turkey Bingo, and the Parade of Lights, along with networking luncheons and Business After Hours. Best of the West Ribfest: https://www.watfordcityribfest.com https://www.facebook.com/BestOfTheWestRibfest Watford City Area Chamber of Commerce: https://www.watfordcitychamber.com Chamber Membership Form: https://live-watford-city-chamber.pantheonsite.io/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/2022ChamberMembershipApplication.pdf Upcoming Events: https://www.watfordcityevents.com 00:00 Welcome 02:25 Introductions 05:14 Volunteers in the Community 07:31 Homefest Recap 12:57 2026 RibFest 18:54 Ribfest Team 26:34 Watford City Area Chamber of Commerce 32:02 Chamber Membership and Reach 34:42 Chamber Network Luncheon 37:17 Joining the Chamber 39:01 Board Members 40:41 Fall and Winter Events 45:57 Business After Hours 47:53 Ribfest Origins 51:55 Sponsorship 55:42 Closing
S2 · E23
July 7 · 1 hr 42 min
From the 1980s Bust to Today's Shale Revolution
How did McKenzie County keep the lights on in the 80s, 90s, and 2000s after the oil bust? Season 2, Episode 23 of the Living in McKenzie County podcast features community leaders Tim Taylor, Steve Stenehjem, and Neal Shipman discussing how McKenzie County has endured historic hardships, and what we can learn about resilience and community as we look to the future. Watch Cowboys and Crude: The McKenzie County Story - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ka_T8eMoOjg 00:00 Welcome 01:40 Introductions 12:45 Getting Involved on Boards 24:16 Community Growth 31:22 Communication and Transparency 36:08 Paying Down Debt 44:08 Black Friday 54:04 Keeping the Lights On 01:01:41 Local Programs 01:04:11 Renaissance Zone Project 01:07:32 2010s Oil Boom 01:10:50 Watford City Municipal Airport 01:13:44 The Boom As a Journalist 01:18:47 Expanding Opportunities 01:20:55 Bank Diversification 01:24:49 Leadership and Industry 01:30:11 Value Added Natural Gas 01:35:28 Looking Ahead
S2 · E22
June 30 · 47 min
July Lineup: Events, Activities, & Homefest!
Jessie Veeder-Scofield hosts this special episode of the Living in McKenzie County podcast with guests Oksana Zvyagelskiy, Krystal Picklesimer, and Josh Nollmeyer to preview a busy summer of community events. The group takes a look a Homefest in Watford City, Art in the Park, the Minot Hot Tots baseball game, and Parks and Recreation programming. Homefest https://www.watfordcityevents.com/all/Calendar/Details/Watford-City-Homefest-Food-Music-on-Main-/4502 Art in the Park https://longxarts.com/events/artinthepark/ Minot Hot Tots vs. St. Cloud Rox https://roughridercenter.com/event/minot-hot-tots-vs-st-cloud-rox-watford-city-weekend-baseball/ 00:00 Welcome 02:02 HomeFest 04:37 Parks and Rec Homefest Activities 07:43 Art in the Park 09:25 Family Fun Schedule 12:57 Why HomeFest Matters 14:40 Jonesy Sculpture 18:47 HomeFest Memories 21:45 Hot Tots Baseball Weekend 28:29 Rough Rider Center Camps 30:41 Summer Art Camps 34:28 July Art Classes 35:15 Little Market on Main 37:35 Community Partners Spotlight 39:31 County Fair Recap 42:22 Missoula Children's Theater 44:48 Wrap-Up
S2 · E21
June 16 · 44 min
Let's Talk About Data Centers
County Commissioners Howdy Lawlar and Craig Hystad, along with farmer and rancher Nathan Brenna and host Meghan Taunton recap an educational trip to Cheyenne, Wyoming with a 16-person delegation of local officials and landowners to learn about data center development. They describe hearing from the City of Cheyenne, Cheyenne LEADS, Microsoft, Meta, Black Hills Energy, utilities, and planners. Throughout their discussion, the group describes their take away lessons on zoning and permitting, partner expectations, infrastructure costs, water and wastewater handling, and noise levels. The episode also previews the upcoming data center open house on June 25 from 5:30–8:30 PM at the McKenzie County Ag Expo to answer questions and share McKenzie County-specific information. 00:00 Introduction 02:04 Cheyenne Trip 05:45 Choosing the Right Partner 08:09 Crypto Data Centers 08:32 Cheyenne Data Centers 14:08 Why Do We Need More Data Centers? 16:23 Water Use 19:33 Job Opportunities 22:44 Cheyenne Data Center Moratorium 23:36 Noise and Power Grid Concerns 28:55 Youth Retention 31:15 Unanswered Questions 34:22 Data Center Open House 38:39 Permitting 39:52 Open House Details 42:02 Closing
S2 · E20
June 2 · 1 hr 20 min
Williston Basin Petroleum Conference Recap & Industry Outlook
Host Meghan Taunton welcomes McKenzie County Commissioner Joel Brown and North Dakota State Senator Dale Patten for a recap of the 2026 Williston Basin Petroleum Conference in Bismarck. They discuss the scale and purpose of the conference, consolidation among operators, and the central "Bakken 2.0: Crack the Code" theme focused on enhanced oil recovery to increase recovery rates and extend the Bakken's productive life. The conversation explains rising gas-to-oil ratios, North Dakota's flaring reductions and gas-capture investments, and the need for additional natural gas infrastructure. They go on to cover Artificial Intelligence and data centers, local ordinance control, and tax impacts from oil and gas revenue. 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 03:16 Williston Basin Petroleum Conference 09:47 Bakken 2.0 and Enhanced Oil Recovery 15:42 Energy Security and Demand 20:03 Rising Oil Gas Ratio 22:52 Natural Gas Capture and Pipelines 30:29 Competing for Capital 39:25 Utlizing Natural Gas in State 40:00 Artificial Intelligence and Data Centers 43:15 Property Taxes in North Dakota 45:10 Oil Industry Tax Revenues 54:20 Quality of Life 59:20 Local Siting and Ordinances 01:03:09 Data Center Discussion 01:08:39 Federal Lands in McKenzie County 01:13:47 Nuclear Energy 01:16:51 Closing
S2 · E19
May 19 · 36 min
Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Grand Opening!
In the latest Living in Mckenzie County episode, Doug Bolken hosts Brock White with the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation and Gretchen Stenehjem with the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library to preview Medora's major July 4th opening and America 250 celebrations. Alongside a detailed look at the new presidential library, they outline the programming taking place all week from July 2–5, including the July 4 ribbon cutting and a 1,776-drone light show. Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library: www.trlibrary.com/tickets Medora's America 250 Celebration: www.medora.com/america250 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 01:07 Library Vision and Design 04:11 Medora Year Round 05:46 Medora Upgrades 07:51 New Trolley Service 08:39 July Fourth Festival Plans 12:28 National Park and Trails 15:07 Library Tickets 16:58 Western North Dakota Experience 18:12 Medora Amenities and Attractions 19:59 America 250 20:50 Theodore Roosevelt Expressway Update 22:28 Theodore Roosevelt National Park 25:35 Inside the TR Library 27:23 Grand Opening
S2 · E18
May 5 · 53 min
Helping Your Business Thrive During Small Business Month
In this episode of the Living in McKenzie County podcast, host Meghan Taunton, McKenzie County Economic Development Director, welcomes Cyrena Weeks (Tri-County Regional Development Council), Keith Olson (Small Business Development Center), and Susan Granrud (Job Service Workforce Center) to preview Small Business Month and explain regional resources for entrepreneurs and employers. They discuss western North Dakota's dynamic business culture, business startup challenges, and how SBDC provides no-cost advising on plans, cash flow, and lender readiness. The group also explores practical uses and cautions around AI in small business, highlights workforce support, and reviews financing options such as revolving loan funds and Bank of North Dakota's Flex PACE interest buydown. Tri-County Regional Development Council: https://tricountyrdc.com Small Business Development Center: https://willistonstate.edu/about/Community/Small-Business-Development-Center Job Service Workforce Center: https://www.jobsnd.com/job-seeker/workforce-centers/williston 00:00 Welcome 00:46 Introductions 02:37 Business Culture Today 04:15 Where to Start 05:24 Small Business Development Center 08:57 AI in Small Business 13:39 Practical uses of AI 18:01 Beyond Oil and Gas 20:12 Outsourcing 22:50 Training and Funding Programs 25:39 Gap Financing Options 26:09 Flex PACE Interest Buydown 27:23 Grant Myths and Reality 28:43 Personal vs Business Credit 29:51 Bank of North Dakota 32:20 What Regional Councils Do 34:28 Grants and Programs 38:55 SBDC Funding and Structure 40:02 Business Needs 43:05 Bowling Alley in McKenzie County 46:51 Workforce Center Services 49:53 Rural Health Transformation Program 51:50 Wrap-Up
S2 · E17
April 21 · 1 hr 26 min
WCHS Students: The Programs & Initiatives Shaping Our Next Generation of Leaders
Season 2, Episode 17 of the Living in McKenzie County Podcast features Watford City High School students as they share their experiences in leadership, Student Council, and community involvement. They also promote the annual Cultural Fair, which will take place on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 from 3–6 p.m. in the Rough Rider Center arena. The students discuss how the event showcases the community's growing diversity through 22 food booths, community booths, and live entertainment, along with the extensive planning, grants, food ordering, and volunteer coordination behind the scenes. The conversation also highlights the Christmas lights on Main Street, the Buddy Program, National Honor Society outreach, and homecoming planning. Additionally we get to hear from the seniors about graduation and their post-graduation plans. 00:00 Welcome 01:26 Introductions 09:18 Why the cultural fair matters 11:45 Cultural fair stories and food 18:17 Behind the scenes planning 25:00 Cultural Fair time and place 26:39 Exchange students at the fair 28:03 Light Up Main Street origin 32:47 Seniors future plans 40:54 Graduation 46:03 Ambassadors Program 49:18 Buddy Program impact 53:10 Serving across generations 58:03 Homecoming week 59:36 WCHS mentors 01:08:36 Teachers And school board thanks 01:20:00 Final gratitudes
S2 · E16
April 7 · 1 hr 17 min
Signs of Spring: Golf Season & Sign Updates in Watford City
In this episode of the Living in McKenzie County Podcast, host Vawnita Best is joined by City of Watford City staff including Tony Carmichael of Fox Hills Golf Course, Chief Wellen of the Watford City Police Department, and City Planner Jake Walters. Walters shares updates on the long-planned Monument Sign project at three entrances to town, the new Main Street median sign cabinets and checkout process, and key changes to the city's updated sign ordinance, including limits on right-of-way and off-premise signage. Chief Wellen discusses the Keith Braddock memorial highway and roadway dedication, upcoming memorial ride plans, spring safety reminders, and the May 4–8 Pick Up the Patch cleanup. Carmichael outlines golf course opening preparations, youth golf growth, major tournaments and leagues, sponsorship support, and course maintenance improvements ahead of the April 14 opening of the course. City of Watford City Latest News: https://cityofwatfordcity.gov/news/ Junior Golf Leagues and Events: https://foxhillsgc.com/golf-instructions/junior-golf 00:00 Welcome 01:02 Introductions 04:12 Monument Sign Project 07:57 Braddock Memorial Dedication 11:24 Golf Season and Events 21:47 Summer Safety Tips 24:10 Pick Up the Patch Cleanup 27:22 Main Street Sign Cabinets 33:10 New Sign Ordinances 40:25 Sign Rules Made Simple 41:48 Youth Golf Focus 46:54 Golf Programs Registration 52:18 Course Crew Shoutouts 59:33 Golf Course Opening Day 01:01:37 Foxhole Returns 01:04:42 Police Shoutouts 01:06:41 Police Conference 01:09:28 Planning Team Thanks
S2 · E15
March 31 · 1 hr 20 min
Meet the Long X Development Team
In this bonus episode of the Living in McKenzie County the Long X Development team explains how their shared work supports Watford City and all of McKenzie County. Team members include City of Watford City Community & Business Development Director Vawnita Best, Tourism Attractions and Promotions Lead Doug Bolken, Long X Arts Foundation Director Jesse Veeder Scofield, Technology and Communications Specialist Cauy HarteI, Administrative Assistant to Community Development Jess Hunt, McKenzie County Economic Development Director Meghan Taunton, and Marketing and Communications Coordinator Hope Felli, with a shoutout to Regional Director for the Small Business Development Center at Williston State College Keith Olson. They discuss the evolution of economic and community development, tourism's role in workforce attraction, storytelling initiatives like "Faces of the Patch," community orientations, new resident connections, local events resources, and preparing for the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library opening July 4. 00:00 Welcome 00:50 Meet The Team 01:41 Keith 03:15 Doug 04:00 Jessie 06:31 Cauy 08:02 Jess 09:38 Meghan 12:21 Hope 15:00 What Economic Development Does 17:04 Tourism as an Economic Driver 24:40 Outdoor Recreation And Events 30:55 Employee Recruitment 33:31 Arts, Culture, And Belonging 37:46 Community Alignment In Action 42:37 Small Business Development Center 45:12 Community Orientation 46:15 Chess Club Origin Story 47:52 Role of Economic Development 50:10 Moving to Watford 53:59 Rough Rider Fund Opportunity 57:18 Sharing our Boomtown Story 59:03 Faces of the Patch Series 01:03:50 Brand Kit and Tagline 01:06:20 2035 Comprehensive Plan 01:12:34 Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library 01:16:21 2025 Year in Review Report 01:18:42 In Closing Development Team Year in Review: https://econdev.mckenziecounty.net/wp-content/uploads/Development-Loft-2025-Year-in-Review.pdf Rough Rider Fund: https://cityofwatfordcity.gov/roughrider-fund McKenzie County 2035 Comprehensive Plan: https://mckenziecounty2035.com Living in McKenzie County Magazine: https://econdev.mckenziecounty.net/living-in-mckenzie-county Area Events: https://watfordcityevents.com
S2 · E14
March 17 · 1 hr 13 min
Planning McKenzie County's Future: A Look at Capital Improvement Plans
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/
S2 · E13
March 3 · 1 hr 7 min
NRCS and the Soil Conservation District
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
S2 · E12
February 17 · 1 hr 2 min
2026 Watford City High School Hall of Fame Inductees!
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
S2 · E11
February 3 · 1 hr 44 min
From Past to Present: Watford City High School Hall of Fame
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

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