City of Watford City

06/24/2026

Did you miss the latest episode of Living in McKenzie County?

With the Natural Gas Utilization & Data Center Open House happening tomorrow, the latest episode offers more context on data centers and digital information storage.

This clip is part of a broader conversation with County Commissioners Howdy Lawlar and Craig Hystad, farmer and rancher Nathan Brenna, and host Meghan Taunton about an educational trip to Cheyenne, Wyoming, and what they heard about data center development.

McKenzie County Economic Development is hosting the open house on Thursday, June 25 from 5:30–8:30 p.m. at the McKenzie County Ag Expo.

Learn more: https://www.watfordcityevents.com/all/Calendar/Details/Natural-Gas-Utilization-Data-Center-Open-House/4548

Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/F0nVvbNCfF4?si=xTs-zPjOFKOt-11W

06/23/2026

Seasonal reminder for residents and property owners 🏡🌱

Recent rain can lead to quick grass growth and standing water around properties.

Residents and property owners are reminded to keep grass trimmed in areas that can be easy to overlook, including alleys and areas outside of fences.

Please also remove standing water from items like buckets, dishes, planters, and old tires, as these can become breeding areas for mosquitoes. 🦟

The City of Watford City reminds residents and property owners to keep grass trimmed and remove standing water to help reduce pests and mosquitoes.

06/23/2026

McKenzie County Economic Development will be hosting a Natural Gas Utilization and Data Center Open House and Information Session on Thursday, June 25 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the McKenzie County Ag Expo.

This event is intended to provide residents, landowners, business owners, elected officials, and community members with an opportunity to learn more about natural gas utilization opportunities and data centers through an educational, station-based format. Rather than formal presentations, attendees will be able to visit information stations at their own pace, ask questions directly to subject matter experts, and engage in one-on-one discussions.

Participating organizations include the North Dakota Department of Commerce, North Dakota Pipeline Authority, North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality, North Dakota Department of Water Resources, McKenzie Electric Cooperative, the North Dakota Small Business Development Center, the City of Ellendale, and McKenzie County Planning & Zoning.

This open house is not affiliated with any data center developer or company; and its purpose is not to advocate for or against any specific project or policy. Rather, the goal is to provide factual information specific to North Dakota and McKenzie County, answer questions, and facilitate informed community discussions about the potential impacts, considerations, and opportunities associated with data center development and natural gas utilization opportunities

06/21/2026

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads and father figures in our community!

Thank you for all you do for your families and our community. We hope you have a great day!

06/18/2026

A great day for the McKenzie County Fair Parade on Main Street! 🇺🇸

Enjoy the rest of the fair weekend, Watford City!

06/16/2026

Welcome to Watford City, Jonesy!

A new addition celebrating the history, heritage, and western roots of our community.

Check out the details below and join the celebration on July 10!

06/16/2026

New episode of Living in McKenzie County 🎙️

Host Meghan Taunton is joined by County Commissioners Howdy Lawlar and Craig Hystad, along with farmer and rancher Nathan Brenna, to recap a recent educational trip to Cheyenne, Wyoming focused on data center development.

The episode also previews the upcoming Data Center Open House on June 25 at the McKenzie County Ag Expo.

Listen to the full episode now⬇️

County Commissioners Howdy Lawlar and Craig Hystad, along with farm...

06/07/2026

⚠️ Storm Shelter Open
The Watford City Civic Center is now open as a storm shelter for anyone needing a safe place during tonight’s weather. Please see the Watford City Police Department’s post below for details and shelter information.

6:30 PM Update: The Watford City Civic Center - 213 2nd St NW, Watford City - is now open as a storm shelter. Please use the 2nd Street NE entrance. Families are welcome to come there to stay safe. There are bathrooms, water fountains and plug in’s available to charge phones and other items. Animals MUST be kenneled, otherwise they will not be allowed. Officers will be checking in throughout the night. Please continue to watch local news sources and weather apps for storm updates.

06/07/2026

⚠️ Severe Thunderstorm Watch
McKenzie County is under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch tonight. Please see the McKenzie County Emergency Management post below for important preparedness information and updates. Stay safe.

06/04/2026

“The only energy source that has declined in use is whale oil.”

From the future of the Bakken to growing energy demand and emerging technologies, this episode explores some of the key topics discussed at the 2026 Williston Basin Petroleum Conference.

Listen to the full episode on YouTube⬇️ or wherever you get your podcasts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9F44emZkAvQ&t=1s