Join us in this episode as we welcome Gretchen Stenehjem, a board member of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, to discuss the groundbreaking developments and anticipated benefits of the new presidential library in western North Dakota. Hosted by Doug Bolken from McKenzie County Tourism, this conversation covers Gretchen's role and contributions, the unique architectural design by Snohetta, the library's experiential features, and its impact on Watford City and surrounding areas. Discover how this remarkable addition, set to open on July 4th, aligns with North Dakota's rich history and culture, making it a must-visit destination. Tune in to learn about the various attractions, accommodations, and the collaborative efforts to bring more visitors to this hidden gem of America.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:30 Gretchen's Role and Background

01:12 The Presidential Library Project

01:41 Architectural Design and Features

02:27 Experiential Learning at the Library

04:38 Impact on Watford City and Western North Dakota

05:30 Tourism and Future Developments

07:01 Excitement and Anticipation

11:52 North Dakota's Hidden Gems

17:22 Excitement for North Dakota's Attractions

18:11 Promoting Western North Dakota

19:11 Enhancing Visitor Experience

20:31 Welcoming New Visitors

21:22 Collaborative Tourism Efforts

22:34 Highlighting Hidden Gems

23:27 Authentic North Dakota Experiences

27:29 Upcoming Events and Attractions

30:13 Concluding Thoughts on North Dakota Tourism

#podcast #presidentiallibrary #theodoreroosevelt #medora #watfordcity #mckenziecounty #president #library #history #northdakota #northdakotalegendary

www.visitwatfordcity.com

The Benefit Fund of McKenzie Health is on a mission to enhance McKenzie Health's services and care for patients and customers through fundraising and advocacy, but they can't do it alone.

Join The President of The Benefit Fund & McKenzie Health Chief of Marketing Lynn Welker-Fevold and host Vawnita Best as they discuss a crucial day for The Benefit Fund: Giving Tuesday on December 2nd, 2025.

This coordinated day of giving plays a major role in making big goals attainable. From a dining room expansion, to a transportation vehicle for The Good Shepherd Home, every dollar committed goes towards making these dreams a reality. Learn how you can get involved, what past campaigns have funded, and other opportunities on how to create real, lasting change for our region.

HOW TO DONATE: https://mckenziehealth.com/benefit-fund/giving-tuesday/

McKenzie Health's 2025 Annual Report: https://mckenziehealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2025-Annual-Report-November-2025_web.pdf

00:00 Welcome to the Special Edition Podcast

00:49 Meet Lynn Welker-Fevold: President of the Benefit Fund

02:08 Understanding Giving Tuesday

03:02 Impactful Projects Funded by Donors

04:01 How to Participate in Giving Tuesday

05:03 Upcoming Fundraising Initiatives

12:54 The Grace Fund: Supporting Our Own

16:09 Final Thoughts and How to Get Involved

Our latest episode of Living in McKenzie County finds us diving into the realm of rural healthcare with Cardiologist Dr. Richard Howard, Oncologist Dr. Chad Pedersen, and Pediatrician Dr. Goodnight from McKenzie Health. Our discussion spans the importance of providing specialized medical care in rural areas, the challenges and rewards of practicing medicine away from urban centers, and the collaborative efforts to build comprehensive healthcare services in McKenzie County. Tune in for insights on cardiology, oncology, pediatrics, and the vision driving rural healthcare advancements in this tight-knit community. Plus, learn about the annual meeting of McKenzie Health and how you can get involved!

00:00 Welcome to the Living in McKenzie County Podcast

01:13 Introduction to Guests and Rural Healthcare

02:09 Dr. Richard Howard's Journey and Expertise

03:39 Dr. Chad Pedersen's Background and Cancer Care

06:13 The Importance of Local Specialty Care

10:45 Building Healthcare Programs in Rural Areas

5:39 Introducing Dr. Goodnight and Pediatric Care

20:45 The Mission-Driven Focus of McKenzie Health

26:04 Maintaining Collegiality in Medicine

27:28 The Evolution of Healthcare Facilities

28:24 Regional Healthcare and Community Growth

29:13 The Old Hospital and the Oil Boom

30:58 Building a Regional Healthcare Hub

31:29 Cancer Care and Prevention

41:35 The Importance of Primary Care

46:16 Community Engagement and Future Plans

Learn more about McKenzie Health: www.mckenziehealth.com

#ruralhealthcare #health #ruralhealth #oncology #cardiology #pediatrics #healthcare #ruralliving #rurallife #rurallifestyle

Join us for a special episode of 'Living in McKenzie County' featuring Cory Hepola from the My Town documentary series.

In this episode, recorded during Cory's time filming the Watford City episode in May of 2025, we delve into the unique aspects of rural life, the misconceptions about small towns, and the vibrant community spirit in Watford City and McKenzie County. Highlights include Cory's experiences with local families, branding events, and mountain biking in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. We also discuss the critical role of McKenzie Health and the regional healthcare system, educational opportunities provided by the Bakken Area Skills Center, and the continuous innovation in energy production by Lund Oil.

Tune in to discover the essence of rural living and why so many people choose to call these small towns home!

00:00 Welcome to Living in McKenzie County Podcast

00:40 Introducing Cory Hepola and My Town

02:02 Exploring Watford City and McKenzie County

02:34 Adventures in North Dakota

03:13 Experiencing Ranch Life

03:52 Community and Branding

06:23 Healthcare in Rural Communities

09:13 Educational Opportunities in Rural Areas

15:22 Energy Production and Innovation

16:32 Exploring the Impact of Energy & Oil on Local Communities

17:03 Embracing Curiosity and Asking Questions

18:17 A Journey Through Broadcast Journalism

20:14 Championing Small Towns and Their Stories

20:51 Understanding Different Rural Demographics

24:51 The Independent Spirit of North Dakota

29:34 Reflections and Community Appreciation

30:26 Where to Watch the My Town Series

WATCH WATFORD CITY NOW ON MY TOWN SERIES YOUTUBE CHANNEL!

https://youtu.be/GbeiKFXf9OI?si=5jE7e5njYVOdtCuY

#rurallife #documentary #smalltown #midwest #agriculture #energy #nationalpark #theodoreroosevelt #podcast #longformcontent

In this episode of the Living in McKenzie County Podcast, we delve into the McKenzie County Ag Expo, exploring its history, significance, and impact on the community.

Join us for a lively discussion with special guests: Jess Hollenbeck from Lund Oil, Chris Kubal – Ag Expo Director and Foundation Director, and Howdy Lawlar – County Commission Chairman and Foundation President. We cover a wide array of topics, from the origins of the Ag Expo, community support, employee attraction, and retention, to the various events and programs hosted at the facility. Whether you're interested in agriculture, community development, or just curious about McKenzie County, this episode is packed with valuable insights and fun conversations.

00:00 Welcome to the Living in McKenzie County Podcast

00:35 Introduction to the McKenzie County Ag Expo

02:45 Meet the Guests: Community Leaders and Sponsors

05:16 The Importance of the Ag Expo to the Community

12:14 Educational Programs and Community Engagement

14:35 Sponsorship and Community Support

18:47 The Legacy and Future of McKenzie County

34:01 Challenges and Successes of the Ag Expo

46:56 Community Gatherings and Trade Shows

47:16 The Exceptional Staff Behind the Scenes

47:37 Community Tours and Orientation

48:13 The Importance of Community Relationships

48:44 Team Ag Expo and County Team

54:21 Employee Attraction and Retention

56:11 Investments in Community Facilities

56:43 The Growth and Development of Watford City

01:09:47 Upcoming Events and Programs

01:18:09 Final Thoughts and Community Spirit

FOR FUTURE EVENTS AND MORE: www.mcagexpo.com

#agriculture #community #ruralliving #ranching #western #smalltown #northdakota #communitybuilding #rodeo #motorsports #watfordcity #mckenziecounty

Join Long X Arts Director & Co-Founder Jessie Veeder Scofield and a tremendous panel of guests for an in-depth look at the work of The Long X Arts Foundation on the latest episode of 'Living in McKenzie County.' Jessie is joined by founding member and longtime resident Jan Dodge, current Board President Brooke Braunberg, and new education & outreach director Oksana Zvyagelskiy. They discuss their roles in promoting arts and culture in the region, the foundation's impact since its inception in 2016, and their vision for the future. From community art classes and cultural fairs to concert series and visitor center initiatives, learn about how this dynamic team fosters creativity and connection in McKenzie County.

00:00 Welcome to Living in McKenzie County

00:29 Meet the Long X Arts Foundation Team

01:57 Brooke's Journey and Contributions

03:03 Oksana's Artistic Path and Role

04:49 Jan's Vision and Community Impact

07:06 The Birth of the Long X Arts Foundation

14:35 Supporting Local Artists and Musicians

19:23 Cultural Connections and Community Events

30:24 Future Goals and Programming Initiatives

32:34 Community Outreach

33:24 Balancing Motherhood and Community Involvement

35:07 Encouraging Artistic Interests in Children

39:19 The Impact of Art During COVID-19

41:02 Concert Series and Community Reactions

43:25 Personal Stories of Artistic Influence

49:09 Future Visions and Community Support

59:42 Conclusion and Call to Action

Learn more and how to get involved at www.longxartsfoundation.com

Find more episodes and blog content at www.livinginmckenziecounty.com

#arts #culture #community #ruralart #rurallife #volunteer #music #podcast #longformcontent #watfordcitynd #mckenziecounty #northdakota #nonprofit

Join us for an exciting episode of the Living in McKenzie County Podcast as we dive into the vibrant cowboy culture and upcoming Wild West Rodeo Weekend in McKenzie County. Hosted by Vawnita Best, this episode features including Stan Headings from the McKenzie County Cowboys Association, high school rodeo competitor Kally Sorenson, and Jessie Veeder Scofield, representing the Long X Arts Foundation. Hear about the NDRA State Finals, the importance of rodeo in the community, and a special preview of the Wild West Weekend filled with art, music, and family-friendly activities. Perfect for rodeo enthusiasts and newcomers alike!

00:00 Welcome Back to the Podcast

01:34 Meet Stan: The Cowboy Culture Advocate

05:10 Kally's Rodeo Journey

08:10 Jessie's Artistic Contributions

13:42 Upcoming Rodeo Events

20:47 Stan's PRCA Extreme Bares and Broncs Event

26:52 Cheering for Competitors

27:14 Understanding Rodeo Events

28:07 Calculating Points and Strategies

29:13 Conversations with Teammates

32:37 The Role of Family and Teammates

33:25 NDRA Finals and Vendor Show

34:36 Western Art and Cultural Experiences

40:20 Mutton Busting and Other Events

41:11 Encouragement to Attend in Person

42:12 Acknowledging Sponsors and Community Support

44:33 Final Thoughts and Farewell

#rodeo #northdakota #cowboy #livestock #western #watfordcity #rodeos #cattle #Agriculture #mckenziecounty

Welcome back for Season 2 of The Living in McKenzie County podcast!

In today's episode, we dive into all things McKenzie County Heritage Park with special guests Heather and Bekah. We discuss their personal connections to the park, its rich history, and the exciting events it hosts, including the highly anticipated Heritage Day. Heather, who followed in her mother's footsteps to work at the park, and Bekah, who has deep roots in the county, share their favorite buildings and activities. Learn about the park's unique features, such as various historical buildings, hands-on activities, and seasonal events. Don't miss out on getting the full scoop on Heritage Day and more! Tune in and get a thorough understanding of this gem in McKenzie County.

This episode also marks a goodbye to our co-host Daniel Stenberg, as he transitions from his job as McKenzie County Economic Development Director to a new role with the McKenzie County Soil Conservation District. From all of us at The Long X Development Team & Living in McKenzie County podcast, we wish Daniel the best of luck and thank him for his time and dedication towards making not just this podcast but life in McKenzie County better for all!

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:19 Meet Heather and Bekah

00:35 Heather's Journey to Heritage Park

01:08 Bekah's Connection to Heritage Park

03:16 History and Buildings of Heritage Park

07:23 Activities and Events at Heritage Park

08:31 Heritage Day Celebration

16:59 Daniel's Farewell Announcement