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Land of Opportunity
Pat Bertagnolli
Pat Bertagnolli could have moved with his career to Hawaii. Instead, he chose Watford City…and the rest of his family followed.…
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On a “What if” or a “Maybe”
Karen George
When Karen George’s husband lost his job in Georgia, she sent him on a four day bus trip to Watford City to meet with a recruiter, pinning their life plans…
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Home in Watford City
Shilo Chavez
Denver area native Shilo Chavez and her husband moved their three children to the growing town of Watford City, North Dakota in 2017. In their search for a place…
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Health and Happiness
McKenzie County Healthcare System Staff
Watford City’s healthcare system has expanded to fill the needs of our growing community, making a positive impact for residents and employees.…
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Moved back and Loving It
Jarrett & Kelcee Wold, Aaron Pelton, and Rachel Meuchel
Watford City is growing with new residents—some of whom are living here for the first time, and others who have returned to their childhood homes. Hear the stories…
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Get Reel…Go Fishing!
Matt Liebel
Western North Dakota isn’t widely thought of as a hot bed for fisherman…. that is, unless you know where to drop your line. Watford native Matt Liebel leads fishing…
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Maah Daah Hey in a Day
Ben Welnak
It’s been called the Raddest Race in the Baddest Place…and for good reason! It’s 100 miles across some of the toughest terrain a mountain biker will ever encounter…
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Public Pow Wow
Charlie Moran
North Dakota is a state rich in Native American culture and McKenzie County is no exception. Northeast of Watford City, along the Missouri River, the traditions…
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Building for the Future
Justin Johnsrud
Justin Johnsrud’s life has come full circle since returning to Watford City — not as a student, but rather a high school teacher and athletic coach. With…
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100 Years of Faith
Jean Wold
Church council member, Sunday school teacher, WELCA leader, quilter, …these are just a few of the roles Jean Wold has assumed since becoming a member of First…
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Fun in the Sun
Bambi and Allen Shelley
Basketball, softball, tennis, swimming, fishing….there’s no shortage of things to do in Watford City! Thanks to one of the most extensive parks and…
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Saddled Up for Success
Jason Gillen
Jason Gillen isn’t a North Dakota native, but as co-owner and manager of the recently opened Roughrider Stables & Equestrian Center, this Utah native …
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National Park…Local Treasure
Belle and Cory Brown
A job in the oil business brought Belle and Cory Brown from Michigan to Watford City…but it was the beauty of Theodore Roosevelt National Park that convinced…
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Putting Patients First
Larry Larsen, Debbie Larsen, and Jenna Wahlstrom
A lot has changed at Larsen Service Drug since it first opened its doors in 1952. What hasn’t changed? The family that owns it and the personalized care they’ve…
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Hometown Pride
Mary Gumke
Family, friends, food and fun is the recurring theme of Watford City’s annual Homefest held the last weekend every June. It’s just one of many annual, community…
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A Family Affair
Sandy Updegrave & Samantha Utshall
North Dakota is a long way from Oregon, but that didn’t stop this mother-daughter duo who came to Watford City with a husband and fiancé in tow, in search of new…
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Watford City Elementary School
Brad Foss & Alex Veeder
The staff at Watford City Elementary School has seen their enrollment more than double in size since the beginning of the oil boom. Despite the inherent challenges…
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Help Wanted!
Heidi Brenna
Oil-field workers aren’t the only ones greeted with opportunity in the wake of the oil development. Employers with job openings in hospitality, construction,…
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Driving Hope Home
Jim Svihovec
After spending more than 30 years in healthcare, Jim’s career took a detour shortly after his 23-year old daughter was killed in a car crash just outside of Watford…
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Letting Business Take Flight
Luke Taylor
Born and raised in Watford City, Luke grew up flying crop dusting planes with his dad. After attending college,he moved back home to find a revitalized Watford…
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Best Friends Forever
Sam and Nick
Meet two best friends who were nearly separated when one’s family was unable to find suitable housing after relocating from Oklahoma to Watford City. A short…
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The Next Generation
Calli Thorne
Calli has fond memories of growing up on her family’s ranch just outside of Watford City, caring for the land and the animals. Now a third generation rancher,…
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Taking The Wheel
Diane Campbell
After teaching for 27 years on a reservation in a declining economy, Diane decided a career change was in order and left to become a truck driver in the oil industry.…
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Wolf Pup Daycare
Tessa Moberg
It takes a special kind of person to care for other people’s kids – especially when there are a 190 of them! As director of the recently opened Wolf Pup Daycare,…
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Boomtown – Music Video
Jessie Veeder
Jessie Veeder sings about the people of western North Dakota’s oil boom and takes to the streets of her hometown of Watford City to tell their story. Jessie’s…
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Rolling out the Welcome Wagon
Bev Parton, Betsy + Danny Ryan
The people of Watford city are known for their hospitality. But it wasn’t just the words; rather it was the actions of a longtime resident who helped make one…
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Home Sweet Home
Jeremy + Kristy Fowler
With experience working in the natural gas industry in Searcy, Arkansas, Jeremy Fowler came to Watford City with a job offer in hand. Living in a trailer with…
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Don’t Call Them Mancamps
Greg Hauck
Private sleeping quarters, a 24-hour dining facility, fitness center and rec room are only some of amenities that make up Target Logistics “temporary workforce…
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Faith in the Oil Fields
Sheldon McGorman
Serving at the Watford City Assembly of God Church for the past 15 years, Pastor Sheldon McGorman has seen tremendous change within the community. …
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Caring for All Creatures
Dr. Bruce Pedersen
With cattle far outnumbering people in Watford City, the need for high quality veterinary care has always been great. Now, with an increasingly diverse …
