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Forum Communications finalizes purchase of western ND newspaper
The newspaper joins Forum’s growing network of more than 30 publications across four states, company officials said.
On Sunday, May 31, Forum Communications finalized its acquisition of the McKenzie County Farmer in Watford City, expanding its network of community publications in western North Dakota and the Upper Midwest.
Partners Steve Hallstrom and Scott Hennen of Flag Family Media announced their intention to sell in April, with Hallstrom writing that finding an organization that "lives and breathes North Dakota news" was vital.
CEO Bill Marcil leads the family-owned company, which operates more than 30 publications across four states, including the Grand Forks Herald, Jamestown Sun, and WDAY-TV.
General manager Patrice Bumstead will continue in her Watford City role, while Chief Operating Officer Bill Rouse said, "Watford City is a great community and a great fit for our company."
The addition joins the Dickinson Press and the Williston Herald in western North Dakota, as Forum Communications officials see "a lot of opportunity to increase our overall coverage in the Bakken and of the energy industry.