In this episode of Living in McKenzie County, join host Vawnita Best and representatives from the Watford City Police Department, Officer Jeffrey Jensen and Chief Jesse Wellen, as they discuss their personal experiences, the department's mission, and the various programs they support. The episode covers the importance of community policing, the role of School Resource Officers (SROs), and the impactful initiatives like the Watford City Police Foundation and Blue Santa program. Learn about the upcoming National Night Out event on August 5th, 2025, and how it's designed to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community. Tune in to understand the dedication of the Watford City Police Department to serve, protect, and engage with their residents.

00:00 Welcome to the Living in McKenzie County Podcast

01:11 Meet Officer Jensen: From Wisconsin to Watford City

04:35 Chief Wellen's Journey: From Minnesota to Watford City

07:46 Opportunities in Law Enforcement and Community Growth

20:39 National Night Out: Building Bridges with the Community

35:41 Recognizing the Unsung Heroes: Fire and EMS Volunteers

42:29 Watford City Police Department Foundation and Blue Santa Program

46:14 Supporting DARE Programs and Youth Initiatives

48:40 Community Engagement and Fundraising Efforts

50:48 Blue Santa Program and Holiday Support

57:34 Community Policing and Building Relationships

01:07:16 School Resource Officer (SRO) Program

01:17:19 Social Media and Community Communication

01:29:50 National Night Out and Community Events

#police #Lawenforcement #northdakota #smalltown #ruralliving #backtheblue #nationalnightout #watfordcitynd #mckenziecounty

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 fresh vegetables and Yellowstone River Beef to delightful cookies and caramel popcorn balls. Organizations like the Lions Club and the Long X Arts Foundation enhance the market with delicious food and live music.

Whether you're a seasoned vendor, new to the community, or just passing through, find out what makes Watford Market a cherished summer event for everyone.

00:00 Welcome to Living in McKenzie County Podcast

00:44 Meet the Market Manager

01:34 Watford Market Details and Community Involvement

02:00 Young Vendors Share Their Experiences

02:24 The Hard Work and Fun of Being a Vendor

05:15 Community Organizations and Their Contributions

08:45 Becoming a Vendor: Tips and Advice

11:45 The Market's Impact on the Community

15:53 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

#farmersmarket #community #sellingfood #foodbusiness #homesteading #homebasedfood #ruralliving #ruralamerica

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 county fairs in North Dakota, reminisce about past fairs, and outline all the amazing events coming up—from livestock shows to grandstand spectacles like the ranch rodeo, demolition derby, and NDRA rodeo.

Whether you’re a fair veteran or a first-timer, we cover everything families in McKenzie County need to know to make the most of this exciting week. Tune in to get all the details, including the highlights of the premium livestock sale, showmanship competitions, and the fun-filled parade. Don’t miss out on the biggest event of the year in McKenzie County!

2025 McKenzie County Fair Exhibits & Exhibitors BY THE NUMBERS!

• 329 Participants
• 913 Projects
• 144 4-H Members Showing Livestock
• 89 Steers
• 24 Goats
• 31 Sheep
• 64 Pigs
• 4 Rabbits
• 5 Poultry
• 14 Horse Showmen

314 Livestock Lots

• 102 Beef Lots
• 44 Goat Lots
• 54 Sheep Lots
• 80 Swine Lots
• 20 Rabbit Lots
• 14 Poultry Lots

00:00 Welcome to the Living in McKenzie County Podcast

00:40 Meet the Guests: Former and Current 4-H Members

01:41 Cassie Haak: A 4-H Mom and Leader

02:49 Dylan Cargo: Junior Leader and Cattle Enthusiast

04:34 Shantell Jepson: Family Consumer Wellness Agent

05:31 Planning for the McKenzie County Fair

06:45 4-H Projects: From Livestock to Woodworking

11:18 The Importance of Interview Judging

12:29 Memories of the Old Fairgrounds

18:33 Excitement for the 2025 McKenzie County Fair

22:29 Exciting Events to Look Forward to at the Fair

23:07 Grandstand Highlights and Fair Board Appreciation

24:26 Favorite Fair Foods and Morning Routines

26:14 4-H Livestock Show and Parade Day

28:37 FFA Livestock Show and Farm Olympics

31:48 Showmanship Day

36:29 Community Spirit and Fair Etiquette

40:34 Final Thoughts and Fair Dates

2025 McKenzie County Fair 4H Exhibit Entry Book: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-2Je-6Mo6Een_lNdR-7ypwhRhmfNfG4r

Fair Lineup & Venue Information: https://www.mcagexpo.com/events