Alexander Mayor reflects on development in first half of 2025
Steve Hallstrom
Special to The Farmer
In the heart of McKenzie County, the small town of Alexander is experiencing a quiet transformation under the leadership of Mayor Kenneth Willcox. Having served as the city’s top official for eight years, Willcox has had a front row seat to significant infrastructure improvements and community projects that are positioning Alexander as an attractive destination for families and educators in the Bakken region.
With a population that has stabilized at just under 300 residents, according to recent estimates from online municipal data source niche.com, Alexander is leveraging its strategic location and community-driven initiatives to enhance quality of life for its residents.
Willcox, a construction supervisor for ONEOK and a resident of Alexander for nearly 19 years, reflects on the town’s recent progress with pride.
“It probably started last fall or late summer when the new daycare started building. As the new year came, they’d already had it started, and now it’s enclosed and progressing along quite a ways. They’re down to the final checklist right now, so that’s wrapping up here pretty soon,” Willcox said.
The daycare, tentatively named Bright Minds and spearheaded by local childcare leader Nikki Holmes, is a cornerstone of Alexander’s efforts to support its workforce and attract new residents. The daycare, expected to serve 63 to 65 children from infancy to early childhood, addresses a critical need in the region.
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