DISCOVER THE HIDDEN GEMS OF WESTERN NORTH DAKOTA: A Guide to Unforgettable Adventures!
Release Date: 05/20/2025
Living the Dream in Arnegard, North Dakota!
Living in McKenzie County
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 vibrant history, and the various ways residents can get involved. Learn about the town's annual 4th of July celebration, the contributions of the fire department, the Lions Club, and more. Whether you...
info_outline
DISCOVER THE HIDDEN GEMS OF WESTERN NORTH DAKOTA: A Guide to Unforgettable Adventures!
Living in McKenzie County
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 Dakota tourism. Joining this episode are Peggy Hellendsaas, owner of Tobacco Gardens Resort & Marina, Amy Krueger with the Williston CVB, Sarah Otte Coleman, Director of North Dakota...
info_outline
Grow Your Business During Small Business Month (And Beyond!)
Living in McKenzie County
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 Dakota. We discuss the importance of small businesses in McKenzie County, banking support, and the role of the Bank of North Dakota in fostering entrepreneurship. Plus, we engage in a thoughtful...
info_outline
Spring into Summer!
Living in McKenzie County
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 Schwan from the McKenzie County Sportsman's Club. They share updates on youth and adult programs, unique community events like NDPC's Birds & Birdies, and how to get involved, whether as...
info_outline
Rural Leadership North Dakota
Living in McKenzie County
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 University's Rural Leadership North Dakota. Our panel goes in-depth about the purpose and impact of the Rural Leadership North Dakota program, the experiences from their seminars, and their personal...
info_outline
WCHS Cultural Fair
Living in McKenzie County
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, students Kyra Delgado and Maxwell Hansen, and community member Gloria Asare. They delve into the origins, growth, and impact of the Cultural Fair, which celebrates the multicultural aspects of...
info_outline
Creating Community in Alexander
Living in McKenzie County
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 City Council and the McKenzie County Job Development Authority Board. They discuss the rich historical background of the area, the significant growth of Alexander Public Schools, bringing back...
info_outline
Building a People Pipeline
Living in McKenzie County
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 Conservation Service; Chelsea Bulzomi, Practice Manager at Legendary Smiles; and Susan Granrud, Region 1 Director at Job Service North Dakota in Williston. They share insights on CWE programs, job...
info_outline
Wintering Well
Living in McKenzie County
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 like snow kiting and snowshoeing to homesteading and mental health strategies. The discussion also highlights local events and the importance of community and personal growth during winter. Tune in...
info_outline
Cooperative Work Experience
Living in McKenzie County
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 Pelton, Addison George, and Kolin Klang, alongside CWE Coordinator Jill Leach. They share their personal experiences, future aspirations, and the program’s benefits for both students and local...
info_outlineLiving 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 Dakota tourism. Joining this episode are Peggy Hellendsaas, owner of Tobacco Gardens Resort & Marina, Amy Krueger with the Williston CVB, Sarah Otte Coleman, Director of North Dakota Tourism, and Kiera Fox Acting Director of MHA Tourism.
This episode highlights numerous attractions, accommodations, and cultural destinations. Discover why Western North Dakota is a prime vacation spot with its diverse activities, from historic sites and cultural festivals to recreational spots and culinary delights. Learn how recent developments, including the future Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library and expansions in local amenities, will elevate the region’s travel experience.
LINKS TO PLAN YOUR WESTERN NORTH DAKOTA VACATION:
https://www.visitwatfordcity.com
https://www.watfordcityevents.com/all/Calendar/List
https://www.ndnta.com/mhanation
00:00 Welcome to the North Dakota Tourism Conference 00:39 Exploring Western North Dakota's Attractions 02:27 Tobacco Gardens: A Hidden Gem on Lake Sakakawea 04:10 Williston: A Growing Destination 09:39 MHA Nation: Cultural and Recreational Highlights 12:44 Exploring the Earth Lodge Village 13:03 Summer Activities and Scenic Views 13:36 Unique Cultural Perspectives 14:24 Exciting Developments at the Museum 14:50 Expanding Tribal Parks and Celebrations 15:49 Collaborative Tourism Efforts 16:36 Promoting North Dakota's Attractions 19:26 The Impact of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library 21:31 Sustainable and Green Initiatives 22:02 Wrapping Up and Contact Information