Mom, Daughter & The WPRA, Rebuilding Watford City, and an 11 Year Old Student Athlete of the Week
Born and raised in western North Dakota, these leading ladies have some insightful words to say about the western way of life and how the sport of rodeo has influenced their career paths.
Watford City transformed from a chaotic free for all boom town to a family friendly city with strong community amenities and retail choices. Former economic development director Gene Veeder discusses what he and his team endured in what has turned out to be a very positive transition for this community. Gene is also a McKenzie County rancher who holds the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame near and dear to his heart. Gene was involved in numerous committees during the formative years of the hall and is very proud of how far it has come. Wild Bill sat down with Gene at the all new McKenzie County Ag Expo and they conversed about all the above and much more.
Born Sept. 22, 1900, in Mandan, Frank E. Wetzstein was a Mandan businessman, a rancher and a long-time supporter of the Mandan Rodeo, especially during the 1940s and early 50s. His efforts helped bring big-time rodeo to Mandan, with rodeo performers like Toots Mansfield, Casey Tibbs and the North Dakota ‘Six Pack’ and movie stars like Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, Dale Evans and the Sons of the Pioneers. Frank Wetzstein is the NDCHF Hall of Honorees Inductee of the Week.
The Dakota Cowboy Student Rodeo Athlete of the Week is Gentry Hoovestol from Almont. At 11 years old, it is likely that she is the youngest student ever to receive this honor.
