Living in McKenzie County

 In this episode, we're excited to kick off summer by discussing the vibrant Watford Market in Watford City. Our special guests include Vastie Castellanos, Watford Market Manager, and young vendors Casen and Tylee Thorne. Learn about the rich history of the market, key dates (July 17th to September 18th), and its scenic location at Ken Pelton Nature Park. Discover the variety of vendors, from fres...

Welcome to the Living in McKenzie County Podcast! This episode dives into the excitement of the upcoming 2025 McKenzie County Fair, themed 'Mardi Gras.' As we gear up for fair week, host Vawnita Best gets together with several guests, including Cassie Haak, Dylan Cargo, and Shantell Jepson, who share their experiences and roles in the 4-H community. Listen as they talk about the importance of coun...

Welcome back to another episode of 'Living in McKenzie County'! In today's episode titled 'Living the Dream in Arnegard,' we delve into the unique history, community spirit, and daily life in Arnegard, one of the three incorporated towns in McKenzie County. Join host Daniel Stenberg us as we chat with Rick Schreiber, Michelle Schreiber, and Brian Bjornstad about their personal stories, the town's...

Living in McKenzie County is on the road at the 2025 North Dakota Tourism Conference! Join us as we explore the incredible offerings of Western North Dakota, and learn why you should make Watford City your Western North Dakota vacation hub to take it all in!  Hosted by Doug Bolken with McKenzie County Tourism/Visit Watford City, our panel of guests are true leaders in statewide & Western North Dak...

Welcome to the Living in McKenzie County Podcast! Join us for Episode 14 as we celebrate Small Business Month and dive into key topics with special guests including Keith Olson from the Small Business Development Center, Bobby Kaloustian from Cornerstone Bank, Justin Voll from First International Bank and Trust, and a special remote conversation with Don Morgan, President of The Bank of North Dako...

In this episode of Living in McKenzie County, Vawnita Best,, the Community and Business Development Director for Watford City, hosts an insightful discussion with local leaders about the exciting recreational opportunities available as the community springs into summer. Guests include Krystal Pickelsimer from Watford City Parks & Recreation, Tony Carmichael from Fox Hills Golf Course, and Brent Sc...

What makes a strong rural community? Great leaders. Where do we get great leaders? Through programs like NDSU's Rural Leadership ND. Join hosts Vawnita Best & Daniel Stenberg (both RLND alumni) as they welcome fellow McKenzie County RLND Alumni Vicki Monsen, Market President at Cornerstone Bank in Watford City; and Katie Tyler, Program Director and Extension Specialist for North Dakota State Unive...

Welcome to the 'Living in McKenzie County' podcast, guest hosted by Jessie Veeder Scofield, the Director of the Long X Arts Foundation!  In this episode, Jessie is joined by key figures from the community to discuss the upcoming Cultural Fair and Food Fair at Watford City High School on March 25th. The conversation features Amy Polivka, the Student Council Advisor at Watford City High School, stud...

In this episode, we delve into the life and community of Alexander, a notable part of McKenzie County. Host explores the history, schooling, and communal spirit of Alexander with the help of some esteemed guests. Joining the discussion are Jim Jacobson, a long-time resident, farmer, and rancher; Leslie Bieber, Superintendent of Alexander Public Schools; and Tyler Fixen, who serves on the Alexander...

Welcome to Season 1, Episode 9 of the Living in McKenzie County podcast!    In this episode, join our host, Vawnita Best, as she dives into an engaging discussion about Cooperative Work Experience (CWE) from an employer's perspective and workforce development in McKenzie County, North Dakota. Special guests include Nikki Darrington, District Conservationist for the USDA Natural Resources Conservat...

In episode eight of Living in McKenzie County, host Daniel Stenberg explores the beauty and challenges of winter in McKenzie County, featuring conversations with trail maker Nick Ybarra, Heritage Park Director and homesteader Bekah Engebretson, and local entrepreneur and personal coach Calli Thorne. Each guest offers unique perspectives on embracing and enjoying the season, from outdoor activities...

In this episode of the Living in McKenzie County podcast, we dive deep into the Cooperative Work Experience (CWE) Program, a long-standing initiative that offers high school seniors valuable job experience within their career pathways. Hosted by a former CWE participant in McKenzie County Economic Development Director Daniel Stenberg, the discussion features insights from current students Aidan Pe...

Join us for an engaging discussion in Season 1, Episode 6 of 'Living in McKenzie County,' as we delve into the 69th North Dakota Legislative Session and explore key topics with our esteemed guests - Senator Dale Patten & Representatives Jeremy Olson and Roger Maki. Dive into discussions about committee assignments, property tax, and the future of energy and infrastructure in North Dakota. Discover...

In this episode of 'Living in McKenzie County'' guest host Jessie Veeder Scofield, Director of The Long X Arts Foundation, is joined by Chris Kubal, Executive Director of The McKenzie County Ag Expo, and Joshua Nollmeyer, Events & Recreation Director for The Rough Rider Center and Watford City Parks and Rec, to discuss events and community vibrancy.  They discuss the transformation of the communit...

Join us for episode four of 'Living in McKenzie County' where we explore the impactful role of community giving and nonprofits in Western North Dakota. Host Daniel Stenberg welcomes John Heinen from the North Dakota Community Foundation, and Angie Hartel, a multifaceted community advocate, to discuss the profound ways people can contribute their time, talent, and treasure. From improving local inf...

Join host Vawnita Best and a panel of local leaders including McKenzie County Auditor Erica Johnsrud, Watford City Mayor Phil Riely, and Chairman of The McKenzie County Commission Howdy Lawlar, for a deep dive into the workings of public governance and community projects in Watford City and McKenzie County. This episode covers a variety of topics such as the budgeting process, the impact of gross...

In this episode of 'Living in McKenzie County,' we delve into the evolution of McKenzie Health. We're joined by McKenzie Health CEO Pete Edis, Dr. Gary Ramage, MD, and Connie Wold Welness Center Director Trica Sundeen, as they discuss the current state, historical growth, and future vision of McKenzie Health. They also share personal stories and reflect on community culture, the importance of heal...

 Welcome to the inaugural episode of "Living in McKenzie County"!  Hosts Vawnita Best, from Watford City's Community and Business Development Department,  and Daniel Stenberg, McKenzie County Economic Development Director,  are joined by Dr. Wayne Heckaman, Director of the Bakken Area Skills Center, and Mr. Jim Green, Principal of Watford City High School, to explore the evolution and future of ed...

Welcome to the teaser episode for a new original content series, "Living in McKenzie County"! Hosted by City of Watford City Community and Business Development Director Vawnita Best, and McKenzie County Economic Development Director Daniel Stenberg, join us twice a month as we interview the people that drive our culture and make McKenzie County one of the most dynamic and vibrant communities in No...