Your guide to everything in West Fargo
January 2024
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Event Spotlight City Information
News and Features Calendar of Events High School Activities Calendar *****ECRWSSEDDM***** POSTAL CUSTOMER WEST FARGO ND 58078
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2 | January, 2024
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Inforum.com/west-fargo
A monthly publication
inforum.com/westfargo January 2024 | Volume 3 | Issue 1 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
A PUBLICATION OF:
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:
westfargond.gov ADVERTISING INQUIRIES & STORY IDEAS: advsales@forumcomm.com 701-241-5431 ON THE COVER:
Holiday Lights at the Red River Valley Fairgrounds were a popular West Fargo destination in December, 2023. David Samson / 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:
Kaija Kirby and her daughter Else, 3, get materials from Sherri Toman to make arts and crafts at Christmas on the Prairie at Bonanzaville on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023. David Samson / The Focus
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January, 2024 |
Heritage Middle School in Horace is seen on June 15, 2022. David Samson / The Focus
NEWS AND FEATURES
Task force to reconvene over potential new bond for WF schools Group to better engage public, identify strategies should second bond fail
V
olunteers from across the communities that make up West Fargo Public School District will be asked to reconvene as the long-range facilities task force, which will again take up the task of recommending a potential bond referendum that could be voted on next spring. A $147 million bond referendum meant to address the district’s continuing growth boom failed on Sept. 26 after low voter turnout did not achieve the 60% “yes” vote needed for it to pass. The West Fargo School Board on Monday, Dec. 11, voted unanimously to reconvene the long-range facilities task force. The task force to be known as “Facility Plan 2.0” would convene in January and February. Superintendent Beth Slette said the task force would be similar to the one that helped decide
By Wendy Reuer | The Focus the projects to be included in the September referendum but it would also have “some additional voices, to explore the projects that we had in the bond referendum this fall.” The district has used a large task force comprised of school staff, parents, families, residents of the district and community leaders for its past bond referendums passed in 2015 and 2018 as well. Slette said the new task force would have more of a focus on developing strategies to engage stakeholders early on in the process. A subcommittee of the task force would be created to help determine alternatives to address the rapid growth. “Really, it’s to talk about what would we do should a second bond referendum fail,” Slette said. “We do get that question quite often,
what is Plan B, what are you going to do? Board President Patti Stedman said she supported the idea of a subcommittee of the task force addressing the issue of a Plan B. “We have no indication that this rapid growth is going to stop,” Slette said. “We had a slight reprieve this year. Our projections with RSP is telling us this will continue and we need space at Horace High School by 2026, Heritage Middle School by 2029 and at the elementary school level as well.” The new task force would engage the public more and earlier before the bond is put together, Slette added, and would be more involved in public meetings and engaging the public. The task force would then provide a report back to the West Fargo
School Board in early March. At that time, the school board would then determine what the next steps should be. The September bond would have been used to fund a new elementary school, several additions and renovations to existing school buildings and land to help with the extensive growth of the district. It also included $5 million to help fund another sheet of ice and addition at Veterans Memorial Arena. At a Dec. 4 meeting, the majority of the school board supported a spring 2024 bond referendum vote over a fall 2024 or spring 2025 vote in part due to rising construction costs. “The sooner we have it the less chance of the costs skyrocketing due to inflation,” Slette said.
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4 | January, 2024
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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. second and fourth Monday of January @ 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 Teeter Tots Storytime 10:15-11 a.m., every Thursday @ West Fargo Public Library WFACP Card Games & Whist Every Wednesday, 12:30 p.m. @ West Fargo High Rise
JANUARY West Fargo Municipal Buildings and Public Library Closed New Year’s Day, Jan. 1 WFACP Senior Breakfast Jan. 6, 9-10 a.m. @ West Fargo High Rise How to Run for Office Jan. 4, 6:30-8:30 p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library STEM Saturday Jan. 6, 10:30-11:30 a.m. @ West Fargo Public Library WFACP Crafts Jan 8, 12:15 p.m. @ West Fargo High Rise Monday Night Readers Book Club Monthly Meeting Jan. 8, 7-8 p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library
WFACP Prize Bingo Jan. 9 12:15 p.m. @ West Fargo High Rise
WFACP Monthly Meeting Jan. 16, 12:15 p.m. @ West Fargo High Rise
West Fargo Cribbage Club Jan. 9, 6:30-8 p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library
West Fargo Cribbage Club Jan. 16, 6:30-8 p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library
Community Options & Job Service ND Available for Walk-Ins Jan. 10, 1-3 p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library WFACP Soup & More Jan. 11, 5:00 p.m. @ Blessed Sacrament Winter STEM Event (grades 3-5) Jan. 13, 10:30-11:30 a.m. @ West Fargo Public Library Art & Craft Supply Swap Jan. 13, 12:30-4:30 p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library Snow Much Fun Snow & Ice Sculptures POW/MIA Plaza Jan. 13, 2-4 p.m. Library Closed Jan. 15
Novel Afternoon Book Club Jan. 17, 1-2p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library Third Thursday Book Club Jan. 18, 1:30-2:30p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library “Paint & Sip” Class for Teens Jan. 18, 6:30-7:30p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library Family Movie & National Popcorn Day Activities Jan. 19, 1:30-3:30 p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library F.a.S.T. Saturday Jan. 20, 10:30-11:30 a.m. @ West Fargo Public Library
Intro to Libby (the Library’s Mobile App) Jan. 24, 6:30-7:30 p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library WFACP Soup & More Jan. 25, 5:00 p.m. @ Blessed Sacrament Books & Brews Community Book Club Jan. 25, 6 p.m. @ Caribou Coffee inside Hornbacher’s on Sheyenne The Bar Down Bonspiel Jan. 26-27 @ The Lights LEGO Day Celebration Jan. 28, 2-4 p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library WFACP Prize Bingo Jan. 30, 12:15 p.m. @ West Fargo High Rise
WFACP Chicken Foot Jan. 23, 12:15 p.m. @ West Fargo High Rise West Fargo Cribbage Club Jan. 23, 6:30-8 p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library
*West Fargo Area Community Program
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January, 2024 |
NEWS AND FEATURES
Proposed industrial park promises to be ‘gateway to West Fargo’ By Wendy Reuer | The Focus
T
he city of West Fargo on Monday, Dec. 5, approved a Tax Increment Finance (TIF) District on the western edge of the city that will include a new industrial park that hopes to create a more attractive entrance to the city from the west and would increase the area’s tax base by nearly $1 million. By a 4-1 vote, the West Fargo City Commission approved a new 15-year, $6.6 million TIF for the southern portion of Meadow Brook Park near the area of 26th Street Northwest and Fourth Avenue Northwest. Enclave Development of Ocho Indy LLC and Ryan Restad of RJR LLC, are proposing to develop the 46-acre land into an industrial park, with plans to construct a warehouse along with manufacturing, distribution and storage facilities. In a memo to city leaders, Economic Development Manager Casey Sanders-Berglund said Enclave Development plans to develop the area to be a “gateway to West Fargo.” “Currently this area is not a welcoming or good impression of what our city is or intends to be,” Sanders-Berglund said in a memo to the City Commission. “This will install a new first impression for those entering West Fargo from Interstate 94.” West Fargo also recently purchased land in the same area in preparation for a potential interchange on I-94. TIF funds would help pay for infrastructure costs, which total roughly $7.4 million. While property values currently sit at $2.3 million, development of the area will increase values to $64.1 million, increasing taxes collected per year by the city from roughly $36,000 to $962,000.
Rendering of a proposed industrial park in the southern portion of Meadow Brook Park in West Fargo. Contributed
“Basically it’s almost a million dollars that we would collect,” Commissioner Mark Simmons said, which would be used to pay the city back for issuing the TIF. With a 15-year TIF, taxable entities within the park will pay their current tax rate until the end of the term. The tax rate will then be adjusted for the increased land values.
Buildings owned by Ocho Indy LLC would be completed by 2030, while the RJR LLC building aims for completion in 2025. Sanders-Berglund said there are currently some residential homes in the area, but the majority of the area to the north is zoned as industrial with agricultural land to the west. Developers met with property owners to discuss buyouts with the homeowners, Sanders-Berglund said, with most homeowners having either accepted a contract or are interested in moving forward should the project be approved. A “couple” homeowners plan to stay indefinitely, but they are aware that an industrial park would grow around them.
Sanders-Berglund added that the development will likely be attractive to businesses with current interest rates. Approving a TIF District in the area gives the properties a competitive edge because it qualifies them for state financing opportunities. Commissioner Roben Anderson was the lone commissioner who voted against the TIF. The TIF will still need to be approved by the West Fargo School District and Cass County Commission. Sanders-Berglund said representatives from both entities have been accepting of the project so far. Readers can reach Focus Editor Wendy Reuer at wreuer@ forumcomm.com or 701-241-5530.
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6 | January, 2024
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NEWS AND FEATURES
West Fargo fails to agree on garbage rates, ‘follow truck’ removal City commissioners table vote altering garbage rates, pick-up rules By Wendy Reuer | The Focus
The City of West Fargo logo is seen on a city garbage truck. David Samson / The Focus
WEST FARGO — After city leaders seemed split on how to move forward, the West Fargo City Commission decided to table a decision on whether to alter the city’s garbage rates and the use of the “follow truck” after residents voiced concerns about a fiveyear rate increase and having to scheduled larger pickups.
West Fargo currently offers a garbage “follow truck” that essentially follows regular garbage trucks on daily routes to pick up additional larger items that are placed beside residents’ garbage bins. After city consultants returned a survey of city garbage and recycling services, consultants
recommended the city consider cutting the service or changing it to be more cost efficient. Public Works Director Matt Andvik and staff suggested that the city continue to pick up additional garbage and bulky items, but instead of doing so with a follow truck, residents would have to
use a scheduling system that would be completed online or by phone. There would be 40 to 50 collections per day. For residents who often have more garbage set outside the regular 64-gallon bins, a new 96-gallon bin would be made available. Garbage: continued on page 7
Garbage
continued from page 6 Andvik said the majority of residents who answered a public survey conducted last month said they only put out a few additional bags each week that are picked up by the follow truck. Andvik also recommended that the city charge those with the 64-gallon bin $21 per month in 2024, up from $17.50 per month in 2023. The city would then charge $23.73 in 2025, $26.34 in 2026, $28.45 in 2027 and $29.87 in 2028. For a 96-gallon bin, it would cost $23 in 2024 and rise each year, ending at $31.87 by 2028. At the West Fargo City Commission meeting Monday, Dec. 18, Commissioner Roben Anderson said the percentage increase for multi-family units is less than that for single-family homes, which seems unfair. He said he did not support the city raising increases while increasing barriers to accessing services. “I feel that we’re putting a barrier with some of the services we are going to be providing residents by asking them to schedule pickups, charge potentially for pickups on the boulevard and with that reduction in service, we’re also increasing our rates and that is not something I am comfortable with,” Anderson said. Commissioner Mandy George, whose portfolio includes public
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WEST FARGO FOCUS works, said the department now has software that can create a special “follow-truck” route for properties that continually have additional pickup needs. She said a second truck would not have to move throughout the city, which would save costs and the city could add $1 increases to all rates to cover the modified additional route. Commissioner Brad Olson said the additional charge would equal all residents subsidizing bulky-item pickup. Resident Christopher Mace, who spoke at the Monday meeting, recalled the changes to garbage pickup in a previous city where he lived, which mirrored the proposed changes but resulted in a failed recycling program and poor garbage collection. He urged the commission to reconsider creating a scheduling system for bulky pickup. Steve Marquart, a frequent voice at government meetings, also requested that the city not change its policy and reconsider the rate increases, which he said ultimately looks to increase by 87% in the next five years.
“We had professionals working on these numbers, it’s not something we just made up,” George said. Mayor Bernie Dardis suggested the city do a one-year rate increase but keep the five-year plan as a benchmark for future rates. He also suggested staff get a better “handle” on the multi-family properties and single-family properties. “I’m not prepared to vote for it in the full context of the five years,” Dardis said. Commissioner Mark Simmons said he felt there were too many questions remaining around the rate increases and that the questions over rates should be addressed separately from the bulky item pickup, or follow-truck issues. He moved to table the issue,which was seconded by Anderson but George objected, saying the commissioners should try to find a solution now.
January, 2024 |
“My thought is we should sit here all night until we get this done,” George said. “I don’t see the point in tabling it.” Tabling the issue passed on a 3-2 vote. Dardis, Anderson and Simmons voted to table to issue. George and Olson voted against it. The commission will meet again Jan. 8. Andvik said rate hikes are needed to keep up with the increasing cost of providing garbage services. He said equipment costs are increasing and the third-party recycling contract has increased 3% each year for the past five years. West Fargo last raised sanitation rates in 2019, when it cost the city $43 per ton to dispose of solid waste at the Fargo Landfill. It now costs $51 per ton.
Readers can reach Focus Editor Wendy Reuer at wreuer@ forumcomm.com or 701-241-5530.
“It is outrageous,” Marquart said. David Withee, another resident voice, suggested the city reduce water rates to the amount that it plans to increase sanitation rates. George said she was more supportive of the lowest increase possible for residents, but that something must be done to combat the rising costs of providing the services.
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High School Activity Calendar *All dates and times are subject to change. Black = Multiple Schools Green = West Fargo High School Orange = Sheyenne High School Gold = Horace High School
6 a.m. Wrestling: B/V @Bismarck Civic Center
4:15 p.m. Basketball: G/C @Shanley High School
8 a.m. Debate: V @Fargo South High School
4:15 p.m. Basketball: B/C @Sheyenne High School
10 a.m. Wrestling: B/JV @Bismarck Event Center
5 p.m. Wrestling: G/V @Moorhead High School
10 a.m. Wrestling: B/V @Bismarck Event Center
5 p.m. Basketball: B/9A @Moorhead High School
10:30 a.m. Swimming: B/V @Hulbert Aquatics Center
5:15 p.m. Hockey: B/JV @West Fargo Sports Arena
10:30 a.m. Swimming: B/V @Sheyenne High School
5:15 p.m. Hockey: B/JV @Red River High School
6 p.m. Swimming: B/V @Fargo Davies High School
2 p.m. Hockey: G/V @West Fargo Sports Arena
5:45 p.m. Basketball: G/JV @Red River High School
6:15 p.m. Basketball: B/9B @Horace High School
5:30 p.m. Basketball: B/V @Sanford Pentagon
5:45 p.m. Basketball: B/JV @West Fargo High School
7 p.m. Hockey: G/V @West Fargo Sports Arena
7 p.m. Basketball: G/V @Sanford Pentagon
5:45 p.m. Basketball: G/JV @Shanley High School
7:15 p.m. Basketball: B/V @Grand Forks Central High School
January 8
5:45 p.m. Basketball: B/JV @Sheyenne High School
7:30 p.m. Basketball: G/V @West Fargo High School
5:30 p.m. Basketball: G/9A @Kindred High School
7:30 p.m. Basketball: B/9A @Horace High School
6 p.m. Basketball: B/9A @Jamestown High School
January 6
6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. Packer Backers Meeting @West Fargo High School
January 2
4:45 p.m. Basketball: B/9B @Horace High School 5:15 p.m. Hockey: B/JV @West Fargo Sports Arena 6 p.m. Basketball: B/9A @Horace High School
For more information and/or schedule changes please visit www.west-fargo.k12.nd.us/Page/8662
7:15 p.m. Basketball: G/9A @Horace High School
@West Fargo High School
@Fargo South High School
7:30 p.m. Hockey: B/V @West Fargo Sports Arena
6:30 p.m. Basketball: G/9A @Moorhead High School
10:30 a.m. Wrestling: B/JV @Bismarck Event Center
January 4
7:15 p.m. Basketball: G/V @Horace High School
10:30 a.m. Wrestling: B/V @Bismarck Event Center
7:30 p.m. Basketball: B/9A @West Fargo High School
4 p.m. Debate: V @Fargo South High School
7:30 p.m. Hockey: B/V @West Fargo Sports Arena
4:15 p.m. Basketball: G/C @West Fargo High School
7:30 p.m. Basketball: B/V @Shanley High School
4:15 p.m. Basketball: B/C @Grand Forks Central High School
4:15 p.m. Basketball: G/C @Horace High School 4:15 p.m. Basketball: B/C @Shanley High School 4:30 p.m. Basketball: B/9B @Agassiz 5:15 p.m. Hockey: B/JV @West Fargo Sports Arena 5:45 p.m. Basketball: B/9A @Agassiz
January 5
TBD Wrestling: B/JV @Central Cass High School
5:45 p.m. Basketball: G/JV @Horace High School
6 a.m. Wrestling: G/V @Bismarck Civic Center
5:45 p.m. Basketball: B/JV @Shanley High School
6 a.m. Wrestling: B/V @Bismarck Civic Center
6:15 p.m. Basketball: B/9B
8 a.m. Debate: V
4:30 p.m. Basketball: G/9A @East Grand Forks High School 5:45 p.m. Basketball: G/JV @West Fargo High School 5:45 p.m. Basketball: B/JV @Grand Forks Central High School
TBD Wrestling: B/JV @Central Cass High School 6 a.m. - 11 p.m. Dance Show Invite @Sheyenne High School 6 a.m. Wrestling: G/V @Bismarck Civic Center
2:45-3:35 p.m. Guitar Concert @Sheyenne High School
January 9
4:15 p.m. Basketball: G/C @Red River High School 4:15 p.m. Basketball: B/C @West Fargo High School
6 p.m. Wrestling: B/JV @Moorhead High School 6 p.m. Basketball: B/9B @Sheyenne High School 6 p.m. Wrestling: B/JV @Grand Forks Central High School 6 p.m. Basketball: B/9B @Moorhead High School 6:30 p.m. Basketball: G/9A @Horace High School
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January, 2024 |
High School Activity Calendar 7 p.m. Hockey: G/V @West Fargo Sports Arena 7 p.m. Wrestling: B/V @Moorhead High School 7 p.m. Wrestling: B/V @Grand Forks Central High School 7:15 p.m. Basketball: G/V @Red River High School 7:30 p.m. Basketball: B/V @West Fargo High School 7:30 p.m. Hockey: B/V @West Fargo Sports Arena 7:30 p.m. Basketball: G/V @Shanley High School
7:30 p.m. Basketball: B/9A @Sheyenne High School
4:15 p.m. Basketball: B/C @Grand Forks Central High School
7:30 p.m. Hockey: B/V @Red River High School
5:15 p.m. Basketball: G/C @Fargo Davies High School
7:45 p.m. Basketball: B/V @Sheyenne High School
January 11
5:15 p.m. Hockey: B/JV @Sheyenne High School
TBD Basketball: B/9A @Valley City Jr. Sr. High School
5:45 p.m. Basketball: B/JV @Grand Forks Central High School
9:30-11:30 a.m. Feed My Starving Children @Fargo Dome
6 p.m. Swimming: B/V @Hulbert Aquatics Center
2 p.m. Guitar Concert @Sheyenne High School
6 p.m. Wrestling: G/V @Fargo South High School
6 p.m. Wrestling: B/JV @Fargo North High School 6:15 p.m. Basketball: B/9B @West Fargo High School 6:15 p.m. Basketball: G/9A @Horace High School 6:30 p.m. Basketball: G/9A @Sheyenne High School 7 p.m. Hockey: G/V @Devils Lake Park Board 7 p.m. Wrestling: B/V @Fargo North High School 7 p.m. Wrestling: B/V @Sheyenne High School
7:15 p.m. Basketball: B/V @Grand Forks Central High School 7:30 p.m. Basketball: B/9A @West Fargo High School 7:30 p.m. Basketball: B/C @Fargo Davies High School 7:30 p.m. Hockey: B/V @Sheyenne High School
January 12
4:15 p.m. Basketball: G/JV @Fargo Davies High School 4:15 p.m. Basketball: B/JV @Fargo Davies High School
4:15 p.m. Basketball: G/C @Horace High School 4:30 p.m. Basketball: G/JV @Fargo North High School 4:30 p.m. Basketball: B/JV @Fargo North High School 5:15 p.m. Hockey: B/JV @West Fargo Sports Arena 5:45 p.m. Basketball: G/V @Fargo Davies High School 5:45 p.m. Basketball: G/JV @Horace High School 6 p.m. Basketball: G/V @Fargo North High School
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10 | January, 2024
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High School Activity Calendar 6 p.m. Basketball: B/C @Fargo North High School
6:30 p.m. Basketball: G/9A @Sheyenne High School
7:30 p.m. Basketball: B/V @Detroit Lakes High School
7 p.m. Basketball: G/9A @Horace High School
4:15 p.m. Basketball: G/JV @West Fargo High School
7:15 p.m. Basketball: B/V @Fargo Davies High School
January 16
7:30 p.m. Hockey: B/V @West Fargo Sports Arena
7:15 p.m. Basketball: G/V @Red River High School
4:15 p.m. Basketball: B/C @Horace High School
7:30 p.m. Basketball: B/9A @Sheyenne High School
7:30 p.m. Basketball: B/C @West Fargo High School
4:30 p.m. Swimming: B/V @Minot High School
7:30 p.m. Basketball: B/9A @Horace High School
7:45 p.m. Basketball: B/V @Sheyenne High School
5 p.m. Wrestling: B/V @Sheyenne High School
7:45 p.m. Basketball: G/V @Sheyenne High School
January 19
5 p.m. Swimming: B/V @Jamestown High School
7:15 p.m. Basketball: G/V @Horace High School 7:30 p.m. Basketball: G/C @Fargo North High School 7:30 p.m. Basketball: B/V @Fargo North High School 7:30 p.m. Hockey: B/V @West Fargo Sports Arena
January 13
TBD Wrestling: B/JV @Northern Cass High School 8 a.m. Debate: V @Shanley High School 8 a.m. Speech: V @Valley City Jr. Sr. High School 8 a.m. Wrestling: G/V @Moorhead High School 10:30 a.m. Swimming: B/V @Fargo Davies High School
4:15 p.m. Basketball: G/C @Sheyenne High School 4:15 p.m. Basketball: B/C @Red River High School 5:15 p.m. Basketball: B/9B @West Fargo High School 5:15 p.m. Hockey: G/V @Fargo Coliseum 5:15 p.m. Hockey: B/JV @West Fargo Sports Arena 5:45 p.m. Basketball: B/JV @Red River High School 6 p.m. Basketball: B/C @Detroit Lakes High School 6 p.m. Basketball: B/JV @Detroit Lakes High School 6 p.m. Basketball: G/JV @Sheyenne High School 6 p.m. Basketball: B/9B @Sheyenne High School
11 a.m. Basketball: B/9A @Horace High School
6:15 p.m. Basketball: B/9B @Horace High School
12:45 p.m. Basketball: G/9A @Sheyenne High School
6:30 p.m. Basketball: B/9A @West Fargo High School
January 15
6 a.m. Wrestling: B/V @D-G-F High School
7:15 p.m. Basketball: B/V @Red River High School
January 18
TBD Wrestling: B/JV @Sheyenne High School
4:15 p.m. Basketball: B/C @Sheyenne High School
TBD Wrestling: B/V @Sheyenne High School
4:15 p.m. Basketball: G/C @Red River High School
8 a.m. Debate: V @Watertown High School
5:15 p.m. Hockey: B/JV @Sheyenne High School 5:30 p.m. Basketball: B/JV @West Fargo High School
5:30 p.m. Basketball: G/JV @Grand Forks Central High School 5:45 p.m. Basketball: G/V @West Fargo High School 5:45 p.m. Basketball: B/JV @Horace High School 6 p.m. Basketball: B/9B @Wahpeton Middle School 7 p.m. Hockey: G/V @Starion Sports Complex 7:15 p.m. Basketball: B/V @Horace High School 7:30 p.m. Basketball: B/V @West Fargo High School
4:30 p.m. Basketball: B/9B @Fargo North High School 5:45 p.m. Basketball: B/JV @Sheyenne High School 5:45 p.m. Basketball: G/JV @Red River High School 5:45 p.m. Basketball: B/9A @Fargo North High School 6 p.m. Hockey: B/V @Centennial Center 6:15 p.m. Basketball: G/C @West Fargo High School
Preplanning can be a walk in the park. We truly wanted our wishes to be known when we pass, and that may sound a bit selfish, but it’s not. It shows consideration of others. TERRY & BONNIE YONEY
6:15 p.m. Basketball: B/9A @West Fargo High School 6:30 p.m. Basketball: G/9A @Sheyenne High School
Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home 215 S. 7th Street, Fargo, ND (West of Island Park) | 701-232-3222 www.hansonrunsvold.com COMPASSIONATE STAFF
BEAUTIFUL SERVICES
SIMPLE PREPLANS
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January, 2024 |
High School Activity Calendar 7:30 p.m. Hockey: B/V @Sheyenne High School 7:30-10:30 p.m. Drama Winter Musical @Multiple Location 7:45 p.m. Basketball: G/V @Grand Forks Central High School
8 a.m. Debate: V @Watertown High School 9 a.m. Debate: V @Bismarck Century High School
11 a.m. Swimming: B/V @Minot High School Noon Basketball: G/JV @Bismarck Legacy High School
3:30 p.m. Basketball: B/C @Bismarck Legacy High School 7:30-10:30 p.m. Drama Winter Musical @Multiple Location
Noon Basketball: B/JV @Bismarck Legacy High School
January 21
10 a.m. Swimming: B/V @Jamestown
1:45 p.m. Basketball: G/C @Bismarck Legacy High School
January 22
TBD Wrestling: B/JV @Sheyenne High School
10:30 a.m. Basketball: G/9A @Bismarck Legacy High School
1:45 p.m. Basketball: B/V @Bismarck Legacy High School
8 a.m. Debate: V @Bismarck Legacy High School
10:30 a.m. Basketball: B/9A @Bismarck Legacy High School
3:30 p.m. Basketball: G/V @Bismarck Legacy High School
January 20
TBD Debate: V @Bismarck Century High School
9:30 a.m. Wrestling: B/V @Sheyenne High School
2-5 p.m. Drama Winter Musical @Multiple Location 4:15 p.m. Basketball: G/C @Fargo Davies High School 5:45 p.m. Basketball: G/JV @Fargo Davies High School 6:15 p.m. Basketball: B/C @West Fargo High School
6:15 p.m. Basketball: B/9B @West Fargo High School
4:30 p.m. Basketball: G/JV @Fargo North High School
6:30 p.m. Basketball: G/9A @Horace High School
4:30 p.m. Basketball: B/JV @Fargo North High School
7:15 p.m. Basketball: G/V @Fargo Davies High School
5 p.m. Swimming: B/V @Jamestown High School
7:30 p.m. Basketball: G/C @West Fargo High School
5 p.m. Swimming: B/V @Hulbert Aquatics Center
7:30 p.m. Basketball: B/9A @West Fargo High School
5:15 p.m. Hockey: B/JV @Red River High School
January 23
5:30 p.m. Basketball: B/JV @West Fargo High School
4:15 p.m. Basketball: G/JV @West Fargo High School 4:15 p.m. Basketball: B/C @Horace High School
5:45 p.m. Basketball: G/V @West Fargo High School
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12 | January, 2024
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High School Activity Calendar 5:45 p.m. Basketball: B/JV @Horace High School 6 p.m. Basketball: G/V @Fargo North High School 6 p.m. Basketball: B/C @Fargo North High School 6 p.m. Basketball: B/9B @Sheyenne High School 6 p.m. Hockey: B/V @Sheyenne High School 7:15 p.m. Basketball: B/V @Horace High School
January 25
TBD Wrestling: B/V @Valley City Jr. Sr. High School 4:15 p.m. Basketball: B/C @Fargo South High School 5 p.m. Basketball: G/9A @May-Port-CG High School 5:15 p.m. Hockey: B/JV @Scheels Arena 5:15 p.m. Hockey: B/JV @Sheyenne High School
7:30 p.m. Basketball: B/V @West Fargo High School
5:45 p.m. Basketball: B/JV @Fargo South High School
7:30 p.m. Hockey: B/V @Red River High School
6 p.m. Basketball: B/9B @Wahpeton Middle School
7:30 p.m. Basketball: G/C @Fargo North High School
6 p.m. Wrestling: B/JV @Valley City Jr. Sr. High School
7:30 p.m. Basketball: B/9A @Sheyenne High School
6 p.m. Wrestling: B/JV @Sheyenne High School
7:30 p.m. Basketball: B/V @Fargo North High School
6 p.m. Basketball: G/9A @Shanley High School
Casselton West Fargo
6:15 p.m. Basketball: G/C @West Fargo High School
5 p.m. Hockey: G/V @VFW Sports Center
7:15 p.m. Basketball: G/V @Horace High School
8 a.m. Debate: V @Horace High School
6:15 p.m. Basketball: B/9B @Horace High School
5 p.m. Swimming: B/V @Sheyenne High School
7:30 p.m. Basketball: B/V @West Fargo High School
7-9:30 p.m. Jazz I, Jazz II & Madrigals @Sheyenne High School
5:15 p.m. Hockey: B/JV @Detroit Lakes High School
7:30 p.m. Hockey: B/V @Detroit Lakes High School
8 a.m. Speech: V @North Sargent High School
5:30 p.m. Basketball: B/JV @West Fargo High School
7:30-10:30 p.m. Drama Winter Musical @Multiple Location
7:30-10:30 p.m. Drama Winter Musical @Multiple Location
5:45 p.m. Basketball: G/V @West Fargo High School
January 27
January 28
7 p.m. Wrestling: B/V @Sheyenne High School 7:15 p.m. Basketball: B/V @Fargo South High School 7:30 p.m. Basketball: B/C @West Fargo High School 7:30 p.m. Hockey: B/V @Scheels Arena - Farmers Union Rink 7:30 p.m. Basketball: B/9A @Horace High School
January 26
8:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. Jazz @UMary 4:15 p.m. Basketball: G/JV @West Fargo High School 4:15 p.m. Basketball: G/C @Horace High School
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5:45 p.m. Basketball: G/JV @Horace High School 6 p.m. Wrestling: G/V @Central Cass High School
6:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. Band and Choir Jazz Festival @UMary 7 a.m. Wrestling: G/V @Central Cass High School
10:30 a.m. Swimming: B/V @Sheyenne High School
2-5 p.m. Drama Winter Musical @Multiple Location
January 29
4:30 p.m. Basketball: B/9B @Grand Forks Central High School
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WEST FARGO FOCUS
January, 2024 |
Thank You To Our Community Thank you to our business community for supporting local journalism and ensuring that important local stories can be told.
For more great West Fargo news visit Inforum.com/west-fargo
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WEST FARGO FOCUS
14 | January, 2024
Inforum.com/west-fargo
High School Activity Calendar
5:45 p.m. Basketball: B/9A @Grand Forks Central High School
4:30 p.m. Basketball: G/C @Fargo North High School
7:30 p.m. Basketball: G/9A @Horace High School
5:15 p.m. Hockey: B/JV @Purpur Arena
7:30 p.m. Jazz & Madrigal Concert @Horace high School
5:45 p.m. Basketball: B/C @Sheyenne High School
January 30
TBD Basketball: B/9B @TBA 4:15 p.m. Basketball: G/JV @Sheyenne High School 4:15 p.m. Basketball: B/JV @Sheyenne High School 4:15 p.m. Basketball: B/C @Horace High School
5:45 p.m. Basketball: B/JV @Horace High School 6 p.m. Wrestling: B/JV @Wahpeton Senior High School 6 p.m. Basketball: G/V @Sheyenne High School 6 p.m. Basketball: G/JV @Fargo North High School
7 p.m. Hockey: G/V @West Fargo Sports Arena 7 p.m. Wrestling: B/V @Wahpeton High School 7:15 p.m. Basketball: B/V @Horace High School 7:30 p.m. Basketball: B/9A @TBA 7:30 p.m. Hockey: B/V @Purpur Arena 7:30 p.m. Basketball: G/V @Fargo North High School
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7:45 p.m. Basketball: G/C @Sheyenne High School 7:45 p.m. Basketball: B/V @Sheyenne High School
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WESTFARGOEVENTS.COM
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WEST FARGO FOCUS
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January, 2024 |
CITY INFORMATION
Residents reminded of dangers of iced over Sheyenne River and area retention ponds By City of West Fargo Staff
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he West Fargo Fire and Police Departments remind residents of the danger of iced over retention ponds and the Sheyenne River. The best way to stay safe is by staying off iced over bodies of water. “Area retention ponds and the Sheyenne River have begun to ice over, creating potential dangers for our residents,” said Dan Fuller, West Fargo Fire Chief. “There is no such thing as safe ice, the best way to stay safe is to stay off iced over bodies of water.”
The strength of ice on public retention ponds and area rivers is lowered by several factors, including layers of water flowing under the ice, daily temperature changes, salt water drainage and agitation pumps placed throughout retention ponds. Snow can serve as insulation on the ice, impacting ice formation and masking signs of unsafe ice conditions.
Appearances may be deceiving when it comes to ice forming on bodies of water. It may appear to be frozen solid, but there is no guarantee the ice will be thick enough to withstand additional weight.
If residents travel to a body of water meant for winter recreation, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department recommends always checking the thickness of the ice first. If ice is less than 4 inches thick, stay off the body of water. More information on ice safety can be found online at https://gf.nd.gov/ice-safety
“Retention ponds and the Sheyenne River should never be walked on or used for recreation once iced over,” said Pete Nielsen, West Fargo Police Chief. “Parents and guardians are reminded to discuss the dangers of these bodies of water with their children.”
If an individual does fall through the ice, call 911 immediately. The West Fargo Fire Department has specialized equipment and completes training to respond safely to these situations.
Sheyenne River in the City of West Fargo. City of West Fargo
CITY INFORMATION
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By City of West Fargo Staff
he West Fargo City Commission has set its meeting schedule for 2024. The City Commission meets the first and third Monday of each month, with the exception of January, at 5:30 p.m. in the West Fargo City Hall Commission Chambers, 800 4th Ave E, Suite 1, West Fargo, ND 58078. Due to holiday schedules, the Commission will meet the second and fourth Mondays in January. All meetings are open to the public, agendas can be found at westfargond. gov and residents may sign up to participate in public comment. 2024 West Fargo City Commission Meeting Schedule: Jan. 8, 2024 Jan. 22, 2024 Feb. 5, 2024 Feb. 19, 2024 March 4, 2024 March 18, 2024 April 1, 2024 April 15, 2024 May 6, 2024 May 20, 2024 June 3 2024 June 17, 2024 July 1, 2024 July 15, 2024 Aug. 5, 2024 Aug.19, 2024 Sept. 2, 2024 Sept. 16, 2024 Oct. 7, 2024 Oct. 21, 2024 Nov. 4, 2024 Nov. 18, 2024 Dec. 2, 2024 Dec. 16, 2024
West Fargo City Commission
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16 | January, 2024
WEST FARGO FOCUS
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CITY INFORMATION
The City of West Fargo, West Fargo Police Department, and West Fargo Fire Department celebrates years of service for long-time employees By City of West Fargo Staff
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he City of West Fargo is proud to celebrate 48 employees with over ten years of service at the end of 2023, including nine employees with over 25 years of service. “We are so grateful for these hardworking employees that have dedicated their careers to the community and residents of West Fargo,” said City Administrator Dustin Scott. “To those that retired in 2023, we thank you for your years of service and wish you the best in your next chapters.” 10-14 Years: Dave Arntson, Assessing Cody Beilke, West Fargo Police Department Craig Danielson, West Fargo Police Department Judy Holzhey, Assessing Arthur Peterson, Public Works - Sanitation Dane Pranke, Public Works Sewer & Water John Remmen, Public Works - Sanitation Dean Rolie, Public Works - Sanitation Dora Roll, West Fargo Police Department Scott Rudolph, Public Works - Electrician Sylvie Schweyen, West Fargo Police Department Sarahanne Skwiera, West Fargo Police Department Kayla Volness, Engineering 15-19 Years: Jason Balvik, West Fargo Police Department
Dan Birnbaum, Public Works - Streets Randy Burkhartsmeier, West Fargo Police Department Ryan Denis, West Fargo Police Department Troy Freadrich, Public Works - Sanitation Patrick Hanson, West Fargo Police Department Al Johnson, Buildings and Grounds Travis Johnson, West Fargo Police Department Shane Marcuson, Assessing Brian Matzke, Public Works - Operations Trent Stanton, West Fargo Police Department Chad Zander, Forestry 20-24 Years: Tom Clark, West Fargo Fire Department Derek Cruff, West Fargo Police Department Gerald Grossman, Public Works - Diversion Rhonda Jorgensen, West Fargo Police Department Robert Klein, Public Works - Sanitation Margy Larson, West Fargo Police Department Mark Morris, West Fargo Police Department Pete Nielsen, West Fargo Police Department Todd Pearson, West Fargo Police Department Tim Runcorn, West Fargo
West Fargo City Hall. City of West Fargo
Police Department Tyler Williams, West Fargo Police Department 25-29 Years: Jason Anderson, West Fargo Police Department Chris Davidson, West Fargo Police Department Jason Dura, West Fargo Police Department John Freeman, Public Works Sewer & Water Tracy Haugen, West Fargo Police Department 30+ Years: Myron Hummel, Public Works - Streets
Lisa Sankey, Planning & Zoning 40+ Years: Joe Birrenkott, West Fargo Police Department Pam Cota, West Fargo Police Department 2023 Retirees: Denis Otterness, West Fargo Police Department Greg Warren, West Fargo Police Department Joe Goulet, Public Works Mike Clark, Public Works Lynda Lee, Building Inspections
WEST FARGO FOCUS
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January, 2024 |
17
Commander Dura visits with Coffee with a Cop attendees at Sandy’s Donuts. City of West Fargo
CITY INFORMATION
West Fargo Police Department’s next Coffee with a Cop on Thursday, Jan. 18 at Sandy’s Donuts
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GET THE RATES AND SERVICE YOU DESERVE. Stop by to learn more about our CD special.
By City of West Fargo Staff
he West Fargo Police Department’s Coffee with a Cop will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 18, at Sandy’s Donuts in West Fargo (301 Main Ave. W.) with guest speaker Leah Kelm from Vision Zero. The Coffee with a Cop program is designed to increase understanding between residents and the police. At these events residents learn about law enforcement and can interact with officers. This event is sponsored by the Community Outreach Programs and Services Unit (COPS). The COPS Unit organizes the department’s continued efforts to recognize West Fargo’s changing demographics and strengthen relationships with all members of the community. These efforts include community events, officers dedicated to the COPS Unit, and the completion of cultural awareness and diversity training for staff.
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18 | January, 2024
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NEWS AND FEATURES
West Fargo woman selected to help decorate White House By Kevin Wallevand | WDAY/The Focus
WEST FARGO — Delaney Rick has some great reminders of a lifetime highlight: decorating the White House.
There were long days. Rick and her team trimmed trees and helped the president and first lady get “The People’s House” ready for Christmas.
“Robots and checkers and teddy bears and lots of bows, it was a real tree,” Rick said of the decorations on the tree.
“It’s kind of like a dream, thinking I would never be even picked and accepted and to have this honor to do this for the People’s House. There are no words to describe it,” Rick said.
It all started when she was watching a TV show about the White House at Christmas. She wanted to know if she could ever help decorate. “So I just simply did a Google search, and I saw that the application was open to the public,” Rick said. A big application process began, including a background check. “The rest is history,” she said. Only 300 out of 3,000 applicants were chosen.
Delaney calls herself a DIYer. While not a professional decorator, she said it proves if you have a dream, go for it. “For me just to apply on a whim, it’s something that I’ll never forget,” Rick said.
January, 2024 |
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She said she won’t hesitate to apply again next year. Reach WDAY reporter Kevin Wallevand at kwallevand@wday.com
“I got the first invite on the night of my birthday. I couldn’t sleep that night, I was just too excited,” Rick said. A few days ago, Rick flew to Washington and spent a week helping decorate the White House with the theme of magic, wonder and joy. “I didn’t have words, I couldn’t speak, I was like, ‘OK, this is it, we’re doing this, it’s actually happening,’ “ Rick said. “I did the state dining room, and the ground floor corridor, my team,” she said.
Delaney Rick, West Fargo, was selected to be a volunteer decorator at the White House. She and her team focused on the state dining room and ground floor corridor. Contributed / Delaney Rick
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2ND ADDITION
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