West Fargo Focus August 2023

EDITOR

Wendy Reuer wreuer@forumcomm.com

701-241-5530

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Lisa Tillotson ltillotson@forumcomm.com

701-241-5524

MULTIMEDIA SALES CONSULTANTS

Jessie Andren jandren@forumcomm.com

701-241-5451

Tim Couchman tcouchman@forumcomm.com

701-241-5490

Jamie Dettling jdettling@forumcomm.com

701-241-5493

Keith Harriger kharriger@forumcomm.com

701-241-5435

DESIGNER

Jamie Holte

westfargond.gov

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES & STORY IDEAS: advsales@forumcomm.com

701-241-5431

ON THE COVER:

Vietnam veterans begin the Independence Day parade Tuesday, July 4, 2023, at Bonanzaville, West Fargo.

Michael Vosburg/The Focus

Submit your photo for the chance to be featured on the cover of future editions. Submissions can be made online at https://inforum.news/WFPhotocontest or by scanning this code:

Thousands gathered at Bonanazaville for its annual 4th of July celebration. The Pioneer Village will host its largest fundraiser event, Pioneer Days, in August. Michael Vosburg/The Focus

-Bev Malnory, Ethos Hospice Volunteer

Calendar of Events

MONTHLY

Airport Authority

5:30 p.m. last Thursday of every month

@ West Fargo Municipal Airport Terminal Building

Baby Boost Story Time (ages 0-2 + their adults)

Every Friday, 10:30-11:30a.m.

@ West Fargo Public Library

City Commission

5:30 p.m. first and third Monday of every month

@ Commission Chambers, West Fargo City Hall

Forestry Committee

5:15 p.m. second Tuesday of February, April, June, August and November

@ Commission Chambers, West Fargo City Hall

Library Board

5:30 p.m. second Thursday of every month

@ Commission Chambers, West Fargo City Hall

Liquor Control Board

1 p.m. second Tuesday of every month

@ Commission Chambers, West Fargo City Hall

Park Board

5:30 p.m. second Wednesday of every month @ Rustad Recreation Center

Planning and Zoning Commission

5:30 p.m. second Tuesday of every month and the fourth Tuesday if needed

@ Commission Chambers, West Fargo City Hall

Public Art Advisory Committee

5:30 p.m. Wednesday of every month

@ Virtual, visit westfargond.gov for link

Ready to Read Story Time (ages 3-5 + their adults)

Every Wednesday, 10:30-11:30a.m.

@ West Fargo Public Library

School Board 6 p.m. second and fourth Monday of every month

@ Leidal Education Center

WFACP Card Games - Whist

Every Wednesday, 12:30 p.m.

@ West Fargo High Rise

AUGUST

Kids Craft: Team Spirit Pennants

August 1, 2:30-3:30p.m.

@ West Fargo Public Library

West Fargo Police Department Night to Unite

August 1, 5-8 p.m.

@ Elmwood Park

FootloosePresented by Stage West

August 1-4, 7:30p.m.

@ Essentia Health Plaza at the Lights

WFACP Saturday Senior Breakfast (free-will offering)

August 5, 9-10 a.m.

@ West Fargo High Rise

WFACP Crafts

August 7, 12:15 p.m

@ West Fargo High Rise

Monday Matinee: “In the Heights” (PG-13)

August 7, 1:30 p.m.

@ West Fargo Public Library

Outdoor Movie NightThe Parent Trap

August 7, 7 p.m.

@ POW/MIA Plaza

WFACP Money Bingo

August 8 12:15 p.m.

@ West Fargo High Rise

English Conversation Circle

August 8, 6:30-7:30p.m.

@ West Fargo Public Library

Job Service ND

Available for Walk-Ins

August 9, 1-3 p.m.

@ West Fargo Public Library

Free Family Movie: “Monsters Inc.” (PG)

August 9, 1:30 p.m.

@ West Fargo Public Library

Soup & More

August 10, 5 p.m.

@ Blessed Sacrament Church

Outdoor ConcertSawyer Brown and BlackHawk

August 10, 7 p.m.

@ Essentia Health Plaza at the Lights

Outdoor ConcertGary Allen

August 12, 7 p.m.

@ Essential Health Plaza at the Lights

Monday Matinee:

“West Side Story” (PG-13)

August 14, 1:30 p.m.

@ West Fargo Public Library

Summer Splash

August 20, 1-3 p.m.

@ Essentia Health Plaza at the Lights

Monday Matinee:

“La La Land” (PG-13)

August 21, 1:30 p.m.

@ West Fargo Public Library

WFACP Games - Chicken Foot

August 22, 12:15 p.m.

@ West Fargo High Rise

Gardening Club

Summer Teen Book Club

August 14, 3:30-4:30p.m.

@ West Fargo Public Library

Outdoor Movie Night - Shrek

August 14, 7 p.m.

@ Essentia Health Plaza at the Lights

WFACP Monthly Meeting

August 15, 12:15 p.m.

@ West Fargo High Rise

Novel Afternoons Book Club

August 16, 1-2 p.m.

@ West Fargo Public Library

Teeter Tots Storytime

August 17,, 10:15-11 a.m.

@ West Fargo Public Library

Third Thursday Book Club

August 17, 1:30-2:30p.m.

@ West Fargo Public Library

Cruise Night

August 17, 4:30p.m. - 9 p.m.

@ Downtown West FargoSheyenne Street and POW/MIA Plaza

Outdoor Concert - Chris Lane

August 18, 7 p.m.

@ Essential Health Plaza at the Lights

Sunset Birding Walk

August 19, 7-8:30 p.m.

@ Rendezvous Park

August 22, 6:30–7:30 p.m.

@ West Fargo Public Library

First Day of School Grades 1-12

August 24

West Fargo Public Schools

Soup & More

August 24, 5 p.m.

@ Blessed Sacrament Church

Books & Brews

Community Book Club

August 24, 6-7 p.m.

Caribou Coffee (inside Hornbacher’s West Fargo)

Monday Matinee:

“Yellow Rose” (PG-13)

August 28, 1:30 p.m.

@ West Fargo Public Library

First Day of School

Kindergarten

August 29

West Fargo Public Schools

WFACP Prize Bingo

August 29, 12:15 p.m.

@ West Fargo High Rise

*West Fargo Area Community Program

West Fargo Mayor Bernie Dardis Speaks during the unveiling of a statue Thursday, June 29, 2023, at POW/ MIA Plaza, West Fargo, by local artist Jay Ray to honor Vietnam War veterans. The statue will be displayed seasonally.

Michael Vosburg/The Focus

Showcasing heroism

New war sculpture unveiled at POW/MIA Plaza in West Fargo

By West Fargo Focus Staff

WEST FARGO — A new statue to honor all of those who have served was unveiled Thursday night, June 29, at the POW/MIA Plaza, next to the West Fargo VFW Post 7564.

The sculpture shows two soldiers, one of them carrying the injured one to safety.

West Fargo artist Jay Ray designed the sevenfoot-tall sculpture that weighs 1,000 pounds to honor Vietnam War veterans.

Ray, who is not a veteran, spent the past six weeks working on it. “Just to represent the heroism of our military and just not to glamorize war, but basically acknowledge that the brotherhood and sisterhood of our veterans and what it takes... fighting for our country,” he said.

Maj. Gen. Alan Dohrmann, who has served as adjutant general for ND Air and Army National Guard since 2015, was the guest of honor and event speaker.

West Fargo Mayor Bernie Dardis and other military figures also provided remarks Thursday.

The art installation will remain on display in the plaza on Sheyenne Street and is expected to be displayed seasonally.

Jon Hansen donated $12,000 for the project. The event was hosted by the local nonprofit West Fargo Events.

West Fargo downtown master plan sets vision, mission and goals

By City of West Fargo Staff

In April 2023, West Fargo launched the Downtown Master Plan project by looking at existing conditions of the downtown area and engaging with the community to better understand issues and opportunities in creating a plan. Analyzing existing conditions included reviewing existing plans and studies that analyzed parking, mapping community assets, and researching top issues. The goal of the master plan is to establish the downtown as a cultural center with a distinct look and feel.

From the beginning of the project through the end of June, print and digital engagement opportunities were employed to gather information from the community. This engagement included website creation and updates, social media posts, newsletters, steering committee and stakeholder meetings, focus group meetings, pop-up events, interactive mapping, an online survey, and other print advertising. Over 237 comments were received through in-person engagement and comments on the online interactive map. An additional 56 people responded to the online survey

The comments from this round of engagement were analyzed to determine common themes that allowed the team to quantify the issues and opportunities for the Master Plan. The top themes to emerge were safety, facilities that were lacking in the downtown area, children and family friendly infrastructure, pedestrian access, aesthetics, and parking.

After finding common threads from community engagement, the project team developed a mission and vision statement for the Downtown Master Plan as well as more specific, actionfocused goals. The team reviewed the proposed mission, vision, and goals

with the steering committee and made refinements based on their feedback.

Based on the public input received, the top issues were grouped into specific goals which the team will develop further into placemaking ideas and make recommendations during the next development phase of the Master Plan.

Visit the project website at www. tinyurl.com/westfargodtmasterplan to learn more about project goals, future engagement opportunities, and to leave your feedback for the project team.

A family enjoys the West Fargo Street Fair on Sheyenne Street. City of West Fargo

In-Person Registration Dates

West Fargo Police Department announces newest comfort dog and School Resource Officer team

By City of West Fargo Staff

The West Fargo Police Department is launching a second School Resource Officer (SRO) and comfort dog team with the addition of K-9 Labby. This second comfort dog is made possible through a generous donation from Labby’s Grill and Bar and a partnership with West Fargo Public Schools.

“Labby’s Grill and Bar is honored to partner with the West Fargo Police Department to grow such an impactful program,” said John Krumm and Dan Labernik, Owners at Labby’s Grill and Bar. “We are committed to giving back to the community, and this is another great way to help our region’s youth.”

K-9 Labby is a 9-month-old Goldendoodle from the United States. K-9 Labby and her handler, SRO Dora Roll, are the second comfort dog SRO team in the City of West Fargo. K-9 Labby is a trained comfort dog and will achieve certification in the coming months.

“We have seen firsthand the positive benefits that a comfort dog has had for our residents and students,” said West Fargo Police Chief Denis Otterness. “K-9 Labby will enhance our ability to help even more students and community members struggling with mental health or other concerns.”

K-9 Labby and SRO Roll primarily serve the southside elementary schools

West Fargo Police Department K-9 Labby. City of West Fargo

within West Fargo Public Schools. The two SRO and comfort dog teams rotate throughout all West Fargo Public Schools when possible or requested.

“We are excited to welcome our second comfort dog to West Fargo Public Schools,” said Dr. Rachael Agre, Elementary Assistant Superintendent. “Bella and SRO Pearson have provided support in various situations throughout the district this year and have brought calm, comfort, and many smiles. Labby will be paired with SRO Roll, and we look forward to meeting her and introducing her to our learners and staff as they return in the fall.”

K-9 Labby will assist SRO Roll in her role fostering positive relationships with students, parents, faculty, and staff. K-9 Labby will join K-9 Bella in their role as comfort dogs assisting students struggling with mental health, improving morale and increasing positive interactions throughout the community.

As a part of the larger Community Outreach Programs and Services Unit, the two will assist with public events and community outreach, as well as respond to traumatic and crisis response incidents. K-9 Labby will also assist in the department’s officer wellness programs and Peer Support Team.

The West Fargo Police Department will continue to work with West Fargo Public Schools to proactively address issues related to students’ allergies or fears. K-9 Labby is a hypoallergenic Goldendoodle.

NEWS AND FEATURES

City of West Fargo approves ADA transition plan

By City of West Fargo Staff

The West Fargo City Commission approved a city-wide ADA Transition Plan at their June 19, 2023 meeting.

Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires cities to conduct a self-evaluation of its current pedestrian infrastructure and develop a transition plan to achieve accessibility on pedestrian routes.

The City’s self-evaluation identified 3,591 curb ramps and 30 intersections with city-owned traffic signals. Staff visited each located to determine which ramps

and intersections are currently in compliance and which areas need improvement.

The City’s Engineering Department will work over the course of 10 years to update this pedestrian infrastructure to meet ADA compliance. Areas near medical centers, schools, and government facilities will be prioritized.

The department will include curb ramp updates into all on-going street projects to pace the transition and it’s cost over many years. Mill and overlay projects happening later this summer will be

the first to implement updated curb ramps in construction.

The transition plan includes a public outreach and grievance procedure and has designated Assistant City Engineer Andrew Wrucke as the City’s ADA Coordinator.

“Safety for all residents is our number one priority,” said Wrucke. “This transition plan gave us a great opportunity to assess our current pedestrian infrastructure and helps us to get started immediately on making the City of West Fargo more accessible.”

NEWS AND FEATURES

West Fargo Library to host Summer Send-off Celebration at POW/MIA Plaza

Tuesday, Aug. 8

By City of West Fargo Staff

WEST FARGO — All are invited to celebrate summer with the West Fargo Public Library at the POW/ MIA Plaza from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8. The carnival-themed Summer Send-off Celebration is intended to bring the community together while also celebrating another successful year of the West Fargo Public Library’s Annual Summer Boost Reading Program.

“This year’s summer reading theme was ‘All Together Now,’ so we wanted to open our closing party up to the entire community and host it at the plaza,” said Interim Director Kirsten Henagin.

The event will include various stations with fun for all ages including free popcorn and cotton candy, temporary tattoos, jumbo games, balloon twisting

Those who participated in the library’s Summer Boost Reading Program, which ends July 31, can pick up any unclaimed prizes during the event.

by Jeffrey Salveson, the Little Red Reading Bus, a community art project, and a dunk tank fundraiser to benefit the Friends of the West Fargo Public Library nonprofit group.

The Little Red Reading Bus at the POW/MIA Plaza during West Fargo Street Fair in June 2023. City of West Fargo

West Fargo Police Department provides safety tips for back-to-school season

By City of West Fargo Staff

With back-to-school approaching, the West Fargo Police Department would like to offer the following safety tips for a safe school year.

Driving safety tips:

• Expect more traffic in school zones. Schedule extra time for your commute when driving through school zones.

• Slow down. Stay alert. Reduce speeds and take extra care to look out for children in school zones, near parks, and in residential areas.

• Always yield to pedestrians. Stop and yield to pedestrians crossing the intersection or crosswalk in a school zone. Watch for children walking

to and from school and waiting at bus stops.

• Do not block the crosswalk. Blocking a crosswalk forces pedestrians to go around you. This could put them in the path of moving traffic.

• Always watch for stopped school buses in the morning and afternoon hours.

• Always keep your eyes on the road and put down the distractions.

School zone driving safety tips:

• Be on the lookout for school zone signals and obey speed limits.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL: Page 13

Pr eplanningcanbeawalkinthepark.

We trulywantedourwishestobeknownwhenwepass,andthatmay soundabitselfish,butit’snot. Itshowsconsiderationofothers.

TERR Y &BONNIE YO NEY

*All dates and times are subjecttochange.

Black = Multiple Schools

Green = West Fargo High School

Orange = Sheyenne High School

Gold = Horace High School

AUGUST 2

4:30-6 p.m.

Packatahna Varsity

Practice

@Clayton Lodoen Community High

AUGUST 3

4:30-6 p.m.

Packatahna JV Practice

@Clayton Lodoen Community High

4:30-6 p.m.

Packatahna Varsity Practice

@Clayton Lodoen Community High

AUGUST 6

7-8:30 p.m.

Wrestling Open Gym

@West Fargo High School

AUGUST 8

6-7 p.m.

Girls Basketball Open Gym

@West Fargo High School

AUGUST 11

TBD

Soccer: B/JV

@Pepsi Soccer Complex

TBD

Soccer: B/V

@Pepsi Soccer Complex

9 a.m.

Golf: G/JV

@Valley City Town and Country Club

9 a.m.

Golf: G/V

@Bjornson Park Golf Course

AUGUST 13

7-8:30 p.m.

Wrestling Open Gym

@West Fargo High School

AUGUST 14

1 p.m.

Golf: G/V

@Jamestown Country Club

HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITY CALENDAR

4-8 p.m.

Packatahna Varsity Clinic w/ Mankato

@Clayton Lodoen Community High

AUGUST 15

9 a.m.

Golf: G/JV

@Bjornson Park Golf Course

9 a.m.

Golf: G/V @Jamestown Country Club

AUGUST 17

9 a.m.

Golf: G/JV

@Osgood Golf Course

9 a.m.

Golf: G/V

@Bois de Sioux Golf Course

AUGUST 18

8 a.m.

Volleyball: JV

@Fargo North High School

8 a.m.

Volleyball: V

@Fargo North High School

3 p.m.

Volleyball: C

@West Fargo High School

5 p.m.

Soccer: B/JV

@West Fargo High School

6 p.m.

Football: V

@Horace High School

7 p.m.

Soccer: B/V

@West Fargo High School

AUGUST 19

1 p.m.

Soccer: B/JV

@West Fargo High School

3 p.m.

Soccer: B/V

@West Fargo High School

AUGUST 21 TBD

Football: 9th TBD

Football: JV

9 a.m.

Golf: G/V

@Oxbow Country Club

4:30 p.m.

Football: 9th

@Cushman Field

Central Cass will play also

5 p.m.

Football: 9th

@Horace High School

7 p.m.

Football: JV

@Fargo South High School

7 p.m.

Football: JV

@Cushman Field

AUGUST 22

9 a.m.

Golf: G/JV

@Ray Richards Golf Course

9 a.m.

Golf: G/V

@Grand Forks Country Club

5 p.m.

Soccer: B/JV

@West Fargo High School

7 p.m.

Soccer: B/V

@West Fargo High School

AUGUST 24

First Day of School

5 p.m.

Soccer: B/JV

@West Fargo High School

5 p.m.

Soccer: B/JV

@Cushman Field

7 p.m.

Soccer: B/V

@Cushman Field

7 p.m.

Soccer: B/V

@West Fargo High School

AUGUST 25

8 a.m.

Volleyball: V

@TBA

1 p.m.

Volleyball: V

@Bismarck Event Center

6 p.m.

Football: V

@Horace High School

6 p.m.

Swimming: G/V

@Hulbert Aquatics Center

AUGUST 26

TBD

Swimming: G/V

@Jamestown High School

TBD

Volleyball: V

@Bismarck Event Center

8 a.m.

Volleyball: V

@TBA

10:00 a.m.

Cross Country: V

@Parkhurst Recreation Area

10:00 a.m.

Cross Country: V

@Perham High School

AUGUST 28

5 p.m.

Football: 9th

@Shanley High School

5 p.m.

Football: 9th

@Fargo North High School

5:30-7 p.m.

Packatahna Varsity Practice

@Clayton Lodoen

Community High

7 p.m.

Football: JV

@Shanley High School

7 p.m.

Football: JV

@Fargo North High School

AUGUST 29

4:30 p.m.

Volleyball: C

@West Fargo High School

4:30 p.m.

Volleyball: C

@Wahpeton Senior High School

5 p.m.

Soccer: B/JV

@Fargo North High School

5 p.m.

Soccer: B/JV

@Sheyenne High School

5:30-7 p.m.

Packatahna Varsity Practice

@Clayton Lodoen

Community High

For more information and/or schedule changes please visit www.west-fargo.k12.nd.us/Page/8662

5:45 p.m.

Volleyball: JV

@West Fargo High School

5:45 p.m.

Volleyball: JV

@Wahpeton High School

6 p.m.

Swimming: G/V

@Hulbert Aquatics Center

6:15 p.m.

Volleyball: 9A

@West Fargo High School

7 p.m.

Soccer: B/V

@Fargo North High School

7 p.m.

Volleyball: V

@West Fargo High School

7 p.m.

Volleyball: V

@Wahpeton High School

AUGUST 30

9 a.m.

Golf: G/JV

@El Zagal Golf Course

9 a.m.

Golf: G/V

@Edgewood Golf Course

AUGUST 31

4 p.m.

Tennis: B/JV

@West Fargo High School

4 p.m.

Tennis: B/V

@West Fargo High School

4 p.m.

Tennis: B/JV

@Discovery Middle School Tennis Courts

4 p.m.

Tennis: B/V

@Fargo Davies High School

4:30 p.m.

Volleyball: C

@Horace High School

5 p.m.

Soccer: B/JV

@West Fargo High School

5 p.m.

Soccer: B/JV

@Fargo South High School

5:30-7 p.m.

Packatahna Varsity Practice

@Clayton Lodoen Community High

5:30 p.m.

Swimming: G/V

@Hulbert Aquatics Center

5:45 p.m.

Volleyball: JV

@Horace High School

6:15 p.m.

Volleyball: 9A

@West Fargo High School

6:15 p.m.

Volleyball: 9B

7 p.m.

Soccer: B/V

@Fargo South High School

7 p.m.

Soccer: B/V

@West Fargo High School

7 p.m.

Volleyball: V

@Horace High School

• Slow down when entering a school zone and obey all traffic laws.

• Always stop for school buses that are loading or unloading children.

• Be aware of and watch out for children near schools, bus stops, sidewalks, in the streets and in school parking lots.

Walking to school safety tips:

• Use the same route every day and avoid shortcuts.

• Tell students to go straight home after school. Do not go anywhere else without permission.

• Always use public sidewalks and streets when walking to school.

• Only cross streets at designated crosswalks.

• Look left, right and left again to check for cards before crossing the street.

• Always walk and never run across intersections.

School bus safety tips:

• Students who cross the street should cross in front of the bus.

• Students should wait to cross the street until instructed by the bus driver.

• Students should not approach the bus from the bus stop before the door is opened.

• Students should remain seated when the bus is in motion. Remain seated until the entrance door is opened.

• Outside, students should remain on the sidewalk at least 10 feet from the bus at all times.

These are just a few safety tips for this upcoming school year. The West Fargo Police Department will have extra patrol during school hours to ensure a safe return to school. For more information and to enter the West Fargo Police Department’s back-to-school coloring contest, visit westfargopolice.com or scan the QR code.

5

NEWS AND FEATURES

West Fargo Sheyenne finishes 22nd at High School Golf Nationals

ND golfers moved up leaderboard on Day 3 as players battled through the extreme Texas heat and blowing wind during final-round play at PGA

Frisco

Wednesday

While many K-12 students in the Fargo-Moorhead area are ready to burst out of the school doors and into a three-month vacation, others aren’t so excited to leave the school year behind.

“There’s quite a few students who don’t want a summer break,” said Stacy King, a secondary school counselor for West Fargo Public Schools. Some students need

By Ryan Spitza | The Focus

stability and resources that are provided to them during the school year, and other students simply love learning and being at school, she said.

School social workers do their best to set students up for success during the summer months, getting them set up with case managers and sending out emails with community resources for the summer, King said.

She noted that her office will hold emergency hours during the summer, but “typically we like to get them pretty set up for the summer,” she said.

Sometimes, however, that isn’t enough.

When school is out, some students have less regular access to food and social services, as well as less time with their friends, said Robin

The West Fargo Sheyenne boys golf team poses before final-round play at the PGA High School Golf National Invitational in Frisco, Texas Wednesday, July 19, 2023.

From left to right: Sheyenne assistant coach Aaron Knodel, Aiden Knodel, Kristian Knodel, Andrew Wilhelm, Nate Peyerl, Chase Swenson and Quinn Breidenbach. Breanna Breidenbach / Submitted

West Fargo Sheyenne’s Kristian Knodel completes a drive at the boys PGA High School Golf National Invitational in Frisco, Texas Wednesday, July 19, 2023..

Jeanine Peyerl / Submitted

West Fargo Sheyenne’s Chase Swenson looks on with the flag stick at the boys PGA High School Golf National Invitational in Frisco, Texas Wednesday, July 19, 2023. Breanna Breidenbach / Submitted

West Fargo Sheyenne’s Nate Peyerl completes a drive at the boys PGA High School Golf National Invitational in Frisco, Texas Wednesday, July 19, 2023.

Jeanine Peyerl / Submitted

West Fargo Sheyenne’s Quinn Breidenbach hits out of the sand trap at the boys PGA High School Golf National Invitational in Frisco, Texas Wednesday, July 19, 2023. Breanna Breidenbach / Submitted

West Fargo Sheyenne’s Aiden Knodel liens up a shot at the boys PGA High School Golf National Invitational in Frisco, Texas Wednesday, July 19, 2023..

Breanna Breidenbach / Submitted

West Fargo Sheyenne’s Andrew Wilhelm completes a drive at the boys PGA High School Golf National Invitational in Frisco, Texas Wednesday, July 19, 2023. Jeanine Peyerl / Submitted

A rendering of the proposed expansion at The Lights and West Fargo Sports Arena, which would include an additional hockey arena, hotel, event center and multiple mixed-use buildings. Courtesy of EPIC Co.

NEWS AND FEATURES

Lighting up West Fargo

Expansion of The Lights would add new hotel, event center and hockey facility

By Wendy Reuer | The Focus

WEST FARGO — A major proposed expansion at The Lights and West Fargo Sports Arena could transform the area into a $100 million taxable venue with an additional hockey facility, hotel and event center.

Earlier this year, the city of West Fargo and the West Fargo School District jointly asked for development proposals at 520 32nd Ave. W., or the area southwest of The Lights and West Fargo Sports Arena, which is on land the school district currently owns.

City and school officials on Monday, June 26, were pitched the project by sole developer EPIC Companies, who along with CBE Construction, architects BKV Group and Lowry Engineering, presented a plan highlighted

by a 500-spot parking ramp, hotel and hockey facility.

EPIC partnered with the city to build The Lights on Sheyenne after starting its development relationship with the city by building Sheyenne Plaza, Pioneer Place and The Firm along northern Sheyenne Street.

The $12 million parking ramp would be of first priority, followed by a $20.6 million hotel and $5.3 million hockey arena, bringing a third sheet of ice to the West Fargo Sports Arena.

The hotel would be part of a new hotel chain called Imagine by EPIC, and would have five floors with 140 rooms and 15 upscale condos on the top floor. The hotel would also feature a pool, hot tub, fitness room and meeting rooms.

“I love that hotel idea, I can’t believe one hasn’t come in already,” West Fargo School Board President Patti Stedman said.

A 30,000-square-foot ice rink, which can be transformed into an event space, would be built allowing all three hockey rinks to be connected to the parking ramp and hotel.

A trade show event center will have 18,000 square feet of space for events such as weddings, reunions and meetings, and is expected to cost about $4.1 million.

Multi-family housing will also be added to the development. A south-side mixed-use building would be constructed, similar to the Envy at the Lights, and another seven-story mixed-use building will be built on the west side.

A two-story office building and office/retail building is also in the development plan.

Green space including patios, a grill/ picnic area and a dog park is also drawn into the proposal, along with a set of public restrooms that would be owned by the city.

EPIC is also proposing public art displays, structures and walking bicycle trails. Water features including stormwater ponds would add to the surrounding landscape.

The entire development would be connected by skyways. “What we’re really proposing is an indoor facility that really links everything together,” said Trace Jacques, a senior architectural designer with BKV Group.

The city and school district first entered into a joint powers agreement seeking development proposals in June 2022.

The West Fargo Sports Arena, which has two sheets of ice, is owned by the West Fargo School District, while the Essentia Health Plaza at The Lights is owned by the city. Both facilities are operated by the nonprofit West Fargo Events.

The school district owns the remaining acres surrounding the arena, which it held on to in the event it would need to build a third sheet of ice. However, the district has since said it does not want to take on the building of more ice sheets.

The Lights, a residential and commercial multiplex owned by EPIC Companies, was granted a tax increment finance district to develop the original project.

THE LIGHTS: Page 19

Grand Opening Specials!

A rendering of the proposed expansion by EPIC Companies at The Lights on Sheyenne. Courtesy of EPIC Co.

Bonanzaville brings the fun for the fourth

Michael

WEST FARGO — Families took to the streets of Bonanzaville to celebrate Independence Day on Tuesday, July 4. Among the attractions were inflatable bouncy houses, historic displays, a pie eating contest and a parade through the village. Here are some photos of the fun:

Riders in a model Burlington Northern train wave during the Independence Day celebration Tuesday, July 4, 2023, at Bonanzaville, West Fargo. Michael Vosburg / The Focus

Vosburg / The Focus

A tractor passes in front of the former Kathryn station during the Independence Day celebration Tuesday, July 4, 2023, at Bonanzaville, West Fargo. Michael Vosburg / The Focus

A Jaguar hood ornament is pictured during the Independence Day celebration Tuesday, July 4, 2023, at Bonanzaville, West Fargo. Michael Vosburg / The Focus

Steiger tractor number 1, built in 1958, rolls through Bonanzaville during the Independence Day celebration Tuesday, July 4, 2023, in West Fargo. Michael Vosburg / The Focus

A tractor driver throws candy during the Independence Day celebration Tuesday, July 4, 2023, at Bonanzaville, West Fargo. Michael Vosburg / The Focus

“Right now all of this pays absolutely zero in property tax, so we wanted to ask people to compete to see how we could take this from an economic dead zone to an economic prosperity,” West Fargo Schools Business Manager Levi Bachmeier said.

Todd Berning, president of EPIC Companies, said he would pay the school district the appraised value of the land to create the development. EPIC and the city would then potentially partner on publicfacing projects such as the parking ramp and restrooms.

“The first thing we have to do is a ramp. After that, I’m pretty flexible,” Berning said. Berning said despite a rule that would allow for additional tax abatement, EPIC would want to pay the necessary taxes on the land. “At the end of the day, we want to own it and pay taxes on it,” he said.

EPIC proposed a tight timeline, with construction to begin as early as 2024 on the hockey facility and to have it finished

by fall 2025. The hotel would be finished by the summer 2025 and construction on the event center would start by fall 2026. Construction and design on the multiple projects would vary, with the final mixeduse building completing construction in spring 2027.

Although the joint committee members said the timeline may be too tight to be possible, the current economic situation may be a driver.

“The inflation factor is so high right now,” West Fargo Mayor Bernie Dardis

said. “I understand why they want to be aggressive.”

The joint committee members will now return to their respective boards and communicate the proposal. The West Fargo City Commission will likely hear the project at its July 10 meeting, while thee West Fargo School Board would hear the proposal at is July 24 meeting.

“We’re not saying that if the city approves it and the school board approves it, it doesn’t necessarily mean shovels are going in the ground, we will negotiate further, “ Bachmeier said.

Continued discussions will be ongoing until likely late August or September.

“We all leave here today with the message we want to take that property and get it on the tax rolls,” Commissioner Mark Simmons said.

Readers can reach Forum reporter Wendy Reuer at wreuer@forumcomm. com or 701-241-5530.

A rendering of the proposed expansion by EPIC Companies at The Lights on Sheyenne. Courtesy of EPIC Co.