Your guide to everything in West Fargo
November 2023
Inside
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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A monthly publication
inforum.com/westfargo November 2023 | Volume 2 | Issue 11 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:
West Fargo residents get ready for Halloween with seasonal yard decorations. 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:
Courtney Brand and her sons, Corbin and Benjamin, shop for pumpkins at Hildebrant Farm in West Fargo. David Samson / The Focus
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NEWS AND FEATURES
Nielsen takes over as top cop in West Fargo By Wendy Reuer | The Focus
F
or West Fargo’s newest chief of police Pete Nielsen, the department is already on the right path to keep up with the city’s growing population and today’s technology, and he plans to keep his team on that same track. The City Commission unanimously approved Nielsen as the next chief effective Friday, Oct. 6 and he was officially sworn into office on Monday, Oct. 9. On Monday, Oct. 23, just weeks after Nielsen was officially sworn in as chief, officers and body camera vendors were wrapping up the final details of West Fargo’s body camera program so the cameras would go live the week of Oct. 23. West Fargo is the last department in the metro area to begin using body cameras. Dilworth police implemented body cameras in 2015 and Fargo police followed suit in 2021. Moorhead police started wearing body cameras in April after a testing process of their own. The Clay County Sheriff’s Office bought body cameras for deputies in 2020 and Cass County sheriff’s deputies began using body cameras in 2021. The West Fargo City Commission approved its program in 2022 and it began progressing in April.
United States Air Force for four years and worked as a police officer with North Dakota State University before joining his hometown’s force.
Rising through the department
During his tenure with West Fargo police, Nielsen served as the department’s first support services officer to manage officer training, began the West Fargo Police Volunteer Program to engage community members to assist with daily operations and implemented a neighborhood watch program.
Nielsen holds a Bachelor of Arts from Grantham University in Lenexa, Kansas, and graduated from the Lake Region Police Academy in Devils Lake. A native of West Fargo, Nielsen served as an active duty law enforcement specialist with the
NEILSEN: continued on page 5
Pete Nielsen smiles after being sworn in as the new West Fargo Police Chief during ceremonies at West Fargo City Hall on Monday, Oct. 9, 2023. David Samson / The Focus
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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. 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
Teeter Tots Storytime
10:15-11 a.m., every Thursday @ West Fargo Public Library
WFACP Card Games & Whist
Every Wednesday, 12:30 p.m. (no cards on Nov. 22) @ West Fargo High Rise
NOVEMBER Keeping Up with Friends & Family Using Technology
Nov. 2, 6:30 p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library
WFACP Senior Breakfast
Nov. 4, 9-10 a.m. @ West Fargo High Rise
STEM Saturday
Nov. 4, 10:30 a.m. @ West Fargo Public Library
Local Author Talk: Paulette Bullinger
Nov. 5, 1:30 p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library
WFACP Crafts
Job Service and Community Options available for walk-ins
Nov. 8, 1-3 p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library
Writing Circle
Nov. 9, 7-8 p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library
All City Buildings & Library Closed Nov. 10
Monday Night Readers Book Club
Nov. 13, 7 p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library
WFACP Chicken Foot
Novel Afternoons Book Club
Nov. 15, 1 p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library
Third Thursday Book Club Nov. 16 1:30 p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library
Light Up The Night: Holiday Tree Lighting
WFACP Monthly Meeting
Books & Brews Community Book Club
Nov. 19, 1:30 p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library Nov. 21, 12:15 p.m. @ West Fargo High Rise
WFACP Money Bingo
Food Drive at Library
English Conversation Circle
Virtual Author Talk: Robin Steinberg
Nov. 7, 6:30 p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library
Nov. 14, 7 p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library
Nov. 28, 12:15 p.m. @ West Fargo High Rise
Local Author Talk: Sylvan Loegering
Nov. 18, 10:30 a.m. @ West Fargo Public Library
Neighborhood Meeting 52nd Ave. and Sheyenne Street Roundabout
Nov. 14, 6 p.m. @ Legacy Elementary School
WFACP Prize Bingo
Local Author Talk: Marjorie Mathison Hance
Blanket Making for Project Linus
Nov. 7, 12:15 p.m. @ West Fargo High Rise
Nov. 23-24
F.a.S.T. Saturday
Nov. 14, 12:15 p.m. @ West Fargo High Rise
Nov. 6, 12:15 p.m. @ West Fargo High Rise
All City Buildings & Library Closed
Nov. 28, 6:30 p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library
Nov. 30, 5-7 p.m. @POW/MIA Plaza
Nov. 30, 6 p.m. @ Caribou Coffee inside Hornbacher’s on Sheyenne
Nov. 22, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library Nov. 22, All Day @ West Fargo Public Library
Teen Event: Cookies & Cards
Nov. 22, 2:30 p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library
*West Fargo Area Community Program
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“I think we need to take into account the calls for service that the police department responds to each year and look at the formula for that with the number of citizens in the city. Then once we get the numbers be cognitive of what we need,” Nielsen said. “We want to be mindful that we are not asking for more than we need. It’s a delicate line to walk.” Maintaining a good relationship between the force and the community it serves is a priority for Nielsen. “I believe we have a very good relationship with the community,” he said. “The community is extremely supportive of the police department. As the chief of police, I want to continue that relationship and make sure we are not doing anything that would jeopardize weakening that relationship.”
Fargo Police Chief David Zibolski, left, Cass County Sheriff Jesse Jahner and West Fargo Assistant Chief Pete Nielsen prepare their burgers during the 18th Annual Chiefs and Sheriffs Burger Cook-Off at the Moorhead Law Enforcement Center on Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023. David Samson / The Focus
NEILSEN
continued from page 3 Nielsen, a sergeant at the time, was named assistant chief in November 2021 out of a pool of five internal candidates following Assistant Chief Jerry Boyer’s resignation. Boyer was placed on administrative leave during an internal investigation for insubordination. Nielsen is probably best known for spearheading the department’s K-9 program in 2011 when he introduced Officer Disco. Disco, a long-haired German Shepherd, retired in 2018 after seven years of service and over 1,000 calls. He assisted with felony arrests, seizing millions of dollars in drugs and tracking missing people. Discoheld the record for the two largest drug seizures in North Dakota. The department has grown to have five K-9s. Currently, there are three
police patrol dogs: Jazz, a Belgian malinois; Thor, a Belgian malinois and German shepherd mix; and Hondo, a Belgian malinois. Lab mix Bella and goldendoodle Labby round out the pack as school resource comfort dogs. Disco spent his retirement with Nielsen before his death at age 14 in August. After his retirement, Macho joined Nielsen in the program. Although Macho has also retired, he still lives with Nielsen. Nielsen remains active in the K-9 unit training, suiting up in the “bite suit” for K-9 practice and participating in K-9 training programs. “As police commissioner, I’ve worked with Pete for almost the last 20 years,” Commissioner Mark Simmons said at Nielsen’s appointment. “I’ve never seen a person as calm just like he sits now and doesn’t judge people until they’ve done something wrong. I think he’d make a great chief of police.”
Now that Nielsen has moved up to the top seat of police, a new assistant chief will need to be named. While Nielsen said that he will seek a new assistant chief eventually, he plans to take his time. Nielsen said that former Chief Denis Otterness has instilled leadership capabilities in many of the current staff and he’ll likely have many qualified candidates.
Setting future priorities
“Once I get myself settled into this role, I think that is when I will work with the city administrator and human resources to fill that position,” he said.
“Keeping good quality officers is the main goal,” Nielsen said. “Retention is huge. We do exit interviews anytime someone leaves and the majority have left for other areas. We haven’t lost any officers to other metro agencies. Keeping good quality officers here is the main goal and then trying to attract other officers from other agencies or new officers that have just graduated.”
In the meantime, Nielsen will remain focused on his hometown and those in it.
As Nielsen settles into his new role of leading the department, recruiting and retaining staff will be a priority for him as chief.
Over the past five years, West Fargo police have added officers nearly every year. The department is now authorized to have about 80 officers in 2024, 13 civilian staff and volunteers. Nielsen said the pattern of adding officers is not off the table, but it’s not a given in future years either.
“You hear this all the time but I say it as well, you have this small-town feel to it,” Nielsen said. “It’s really unique and I think that is what draws people here. It’s been voted safest city year after year and I want to make sure we continue as the safest city. I feel honored to serve in this role. Hopefully, you guys are stuck with me for a while.”
Readers can reach West Fargo Focus Editor Wendy Reuer at wreuer@forumcomm.com or 701-241-5530.
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CITY INFORMATION
West Fargo Public Library expands early literacy programming By West Fargo Public Library Staff
O
n Wednesday and Friday mornings, it’s not unusual to see 60 or 70 people crowded in the West Fargo Public Library’s children’s area, reading, dancing, playing, and making art together at storytime. Storytimes at the West Fargo Public Library are intended to help prepare children for Kindergarten by building a wide range of early literacy skills from a young age. “We read books, but we also do much more,” Children’s Services Librarian Sarah Davis said. “Kids are exposed to activities that help prepare them for school. We rhyme, move, do art projects, and play together. Kids and parents also get a chance to socialize with others, which has been huge.” The library worked with the West Fargo Public School District in recent years when developing its early literacy programming. “We learned that a staggering amount of West Fargo kids were starting Kindergarten behind in their early literacy skills,” Davis said. “Storytime at the library gives kids a safe and fun place to learn and practice. We also give parents tools to practice those important skills at home.” Attendance at the library’s storytimes has grown exponentially in recent years. The library has added additional storytime sessions to accommodate this growth. The library’s new storytime schedule is: • Ready to Read Storytime (ages 3 to 5) 10:30 a.m. Wednesday mornings and 5:45 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month
• Teeter Tots Storytime (ages 1 to 3) 10:15 a.m. Thursday mornings
for Baby Boost Storytime, but aren’t quite ready to join the “big kids” at Ready to Read Storytime.
• Baby Boost Storytime (ages infant to 2) 10:30 a.m. Friday mornings
The library also offers a 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program, where families can earn educational prizes for their infant to 5-year-old by encouraging reading and reading together at home.
Ready to Read Storytime is intended for children ages 3 to 5 who are not yet in school, while Baby Boost Storytime is intended for infants and toddlers. Teeter Tots Storytime is intended for children ages 18 months to 3 years who may be too advanced
West Fargo Public Library Ready to Read Story Time. City of West Fargo
To learn more about early literacy programming at the West Fargo Public Library, visit westfargolibrary.org.
The West Fargo Public Library aims to provide equitable access to resources and opportunities so residents of West Fargo and beyond can achieve their goals, explore their passions, and develop social connections. To achieve this, the West Fargo Public Library does not charge late fees for books and offers hundreds of programs and services like skillbuilding classes, entertainment and cultural events, technology tools, the Little Red Reading Bus, community meeting spaces and the latest in digital books and media. For more information, visit www.westfargolibrary.org or join the library on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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Black Friday? More like
RED FRIDAY!
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Giving Hearts Day gift cards available now
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CITY INFORMATION
Winter in West Fargo By City of West Fargo Staff
Snow Emergency Routes
Snow emergency routes serve a vital purpose in any city. They consist of a network of major and arterial roadways that can connect emergency responders to calls for service and to hospitals. If emergency responders reach a street that is impassable, they are either equipped to move snow or have planned for a snow plow to meet them to clear a path.
Ordinance Information
To ensure the Street Division of the Public Works Department can properly maintain these roads during a major snow event, the City of West Fargo has enacted an ordinance. This allows the City of West Fargo to declare a snow emergency as soon as three inches or more of snow and ice buildup on the roads. To be consistent across the metro area, the City of West Fargo will utilize a general standard operating
procedure of declaring when four inches of snow has built up, but has the ability to declare as early as three inches, if necessary. The
City will share a snow emergency declaration announcement on westfargond.gov, social media and with local news.
When a snow emergency is declared, vehicles cannot park on a snow emergency route. These routes are clearly marked with signs, or residents can visit the online snow emergency route map to check their address. Residents will have three hours after the emergency is declared to relocate their vehicles if parked on a snow emergency route. Snowplow crews do not need to wait for a snow emergency declaration before clearing snow. However, when an emergency is declared, crews will work to clear snow emergency routes of snow and ice from curb to curb making it essential for vehicles to be removed from the road. This will not include snow removal from residential driveways or frontage roads adjacent to the route. Crews will stay focused on snow emergency routes for as long as snow is Winter: continued on page 9
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sideways while driving due to snow drifts and hard snow packs.
Winter
continued from page 8 accumulating on the routes because of falling snow or wind conditions.
Snow Plow Safety
The City of West Fargo offers a Snow Plow Tracker on the website or through the West Fargo Gov app that allows residents to track the plows’ progress. Motorists on the road can help the drivers operate more safely and efficiently by following these rules: • When a snow emergency is declared, vehicles cannot park on a snow emergency route. These routes are clearly marked with signs. • Do not crowd the plows. Stay at least five car lengths behind the plow. • Practice caution when passing a snowplow. Snowplows can move
• Stay alert as snowplows turn or exit roadways. Snowplows may travel over centerlines or partially into traffic to further improve road conditions. • During inclement weather conditions, keep vehicles off the road to provide snowplow crews with room to operate safely and efficiently. • Do not attempt to drive through impassable roads. This can lead to stranded vehicles and dangerous situations for residents. • Following major snow storms, residents are encouraged to move vehicles off the streets and utilize all off-street parking, if possible. This allows plows to efficiently clear residential areas. • Follow the City of West Fargo social media pages for updates during major snow events.
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CITY INFORMATION
City of West Fargo November closures and sanitation schedule changes
T
By City of West Fargo Staff
he City of West Fargo is closed Friday, Nov. 10, 2023, in observance of Veterans Day. There is no garbage collection that day. Crews will work ahead, and Thursday and Friday sanitation collection will take place Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023. There are no changes to the recycling schedule. On Friday, Nov. 10, all municipal government buildings are closed to the public, including City Hall, Public Library, Sanitation, Public Works and the Transfer Station. Public safety agencies are in full operation,
but the West Fargo Police and Fire Department buildings are closed to the public on this day. The City of West Fargo has three sites for residents who would like to honor veterans on Veterans Day. The POW/MIA Plaza, located at 400 Sheyenne Street, is a public park recognizing prisoners of war and those missing in action next to the West Fargo VFW Post #7564. Maplewood Park, located at 1504 Holidays: continued on page 11
Holiday H oliday
NOVEMBER, 30 2023 5:00-7:00 PM POW/MIA PLAZA
VISIT WESTFARGOEVENTS.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION
A MAGI CAL
2023 FARGO, ND - DEC. 17 • AVALON CENTER Noon Brunch with 1:30 matinee show* VALLEY CITY DECEMBER 9 3:00 7:30 Show Only cash11beer & wine bar) WAHPETON DECEMBER 7:30
FARGO DECEMBER 17 1:30 & 7:30 * Brunch includes: Scrambled eggs with cheddar cheese, BARNESVILLE DECEMBER bacon, 7:30 seasonal fruit American fried potatoes, thick sliced20 ham, and banana bread. Orange juice, coffee CASSELTON DECEMBER 21 and 7:30water are included.
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Holidays
continued from page 10 17 th Ave. E., is home to the Veterans Memorial in memory of those who served. The 4 th Street E. tree dedication, north of 31 st Avenue E. near Maple Ridge Park, contains trees planted in dedication to local fallen heroes. Thanksgiving closures and garbage schedule changes The City of West Fargo is closed Thursday, Nov. 23, – Friday, Nov. 24, for the Thanksgiving holiday. No garbage or recycling will be collected Thursday, Nov. 23. Thursday and
WEST FARGO FOCUS Friday garbage collection, and Thursday recycling collection will take place Friday, Nov. 24. Friday recycling collection will take place Saturday, Nov. 25. Thursday, Nov. 23, – Friday, Nov. 24, all municipal government buildings are closed to the public, including City Hall, Public Library, Sanitation, Public Works and the Transfer Station. Public safety agencies are in full operation but the West Fargo Police and Fire Department buildings are closed to the public on this day. For email or text message alerts regarding holiday closures and sanitation schedule changes, visit westfargond.gov/List.aspx.
Tuesday, October 31, 2023 |
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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
November 2
8 a.m. - 4 p.m. State Congress @Bismarck State Capitol 6:30 p.m. Orchestra @Sheyenne High School
November 3
November 7 9 a.m. Volleyball: V @High Seed
November 9
1 p.m. Swimming: G/V @Bismarck Aquatic Center
November 10
TBD Swimming: G/V @Bismarck Aquatic Center 9 a.m. Volleyball: V @Fargo Davies High School
8 a.m. - 4 p.m. State Congress @Bismarck State Capitol
7 p.m. Football: V @TBA
7 p.m. Football: V @TBA
7:30 - 10 p.m. Musical Performance @Multiple Location
7:30 - 10 p.m. Musical Performance @Multiple Location
November 11
For more information and/or schedule changes please visit www.west-fargo.k12.nd.us/Page/8662
TBD Swimming: G/V @Bismarck Aquatic Center
11:30 a.m. Hockey: G/V @West Fargo Sports Arena
8 a.m. - 4 p.m. State Congress @Bismarck State Capitol
6 a.m. - 5 p.m. Debate @Multiple Location
7:30 - 10 p.m. Musical Performance @Multiple Location
9 a.m. Swimming: G/V @Hulbert Aquatics Center
9 a.m. Volleyball: V @Fargo Davies High School
November 12
10 - 11 a.m. Girls Basketball @West Fargo High School Gym
2 - 4:30 p.m. Musical Performance @Multiple Location
November 4
9 a.m. Volleyball: C @Shanley High School 10 - 11 a.m. Girls Basketball @West Fargo High School Gym 7:30 - 10 p.m. Musical Performance @Multiple Location
November 5
2 - 4:30 p.m. Musical Performance @Multiple Location
6 a.m. - 7 p.m. Kamp Kace @West Fargo High School
November 14
7:30 - 10 p.m. Horace HS Play @Multiple Location
7:30 - 10 p.m. Horace HS Play @Multiple Location
November 18
November 19
7:30 - 10 p.m. Fall Play @Multiple Location
10 a.m. Wrestling: B/JV @Lisbon High School
2 - 4 p.m. Fall Play @Multiple Location
November 17
7:30 - 10 p.m. Fall Play @Multiple Location
2 - 5 p.m. Horace HS Play @Multiple Location
3:30 - 6 p.m. SBLT @West Fargo High School 7 p.m. Band @Sheyenne High School
November 16
7:30 - 10 p.m. Fall Play @Multiple Location
6 a.m. - 9 p.m. TENTATIVE -Dance Showcase @Sheyenne High School
7 a.m.- 8 p.m. WFHS Travel BB Tournament @Multiple Location
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November 21
5:15 p.m. Hockey: B/JV @Fargo Coliseum 6:30 p.m. Wrestling: G/V @Fargo South High School
7:30 p.m. Hockey: B/V @West Fargo Sports Arena
7 p.m. Wrestling: B/V @Red River High School
November 25
7 p.m. Wrestling: B/V @Fargo North High School
11 a.m. Basketball: G/V @University of Jamestown
7 p.m. Hockey: G/V @West Fargo Sports Arena
Noon Hockey: G/V @Thief River Falls
7:30 p.m. Hockey: B/V @Fargo Coliseum
3:15 p.m. Hockey: B/V @West Fargo Sports Arena
7:30 p.m. Hockey: B/V @West Fargo Sports Arena
5:15 p.m. Hockey: B/JV @West Fargo Sports Arena
November 24
November 28
5 p.m. Hockey: G/V @Thief River Falls
5:15 p.m. Hockey: B/JV @Purpur Arena
5 p.m. Hockey: B/JV @Roseau High School
5:15 p.m. Hockey: B/JV @Scheels Arena
5:15 p.m. Hockey: B/JV @West Fargo Sports Arena
6 p.m. Wrestling: B/JV @Red River High School
7 p.m. Hockey: B/V @Roseau High School
6 p.m. Wrestling: B/JV @Fargo North High School
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November 30
TBD Wrestling: B/V @Fargo North High School 5:15 p.m. Hockey: B/JV @Devils Lake Park Board 7:30 p.m. Hockey: B/V @Devils Lake Park Board Burdick Arena
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CITY INFORMATION
West Fargo Public Library adds new technology items available for checkout By West Fargo Public Library Staff
T
he West Fargo Public Library recently added more items for the public to check out with their library card.
Ozobots, a popular item at library STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) events in the past, are now available to check out. These bots help kids practice simple coding by signaling the bot to perform specific movements through color patterns.
The library also now has additional LaunchPad learning tablets available to check out. These tablets come preloaded with educational games and puzzles. Funded through a North Dakota State Library grant, the library was able to expand its collection of LaunchPads to include versions for youth, teens, and adults. Adult LaunchPads range in topics from English language learning to entertaining puzzle games. The library also added a puzzle exchange in the spring. Dozens of puzzles are available for the public to take home and enjoy. Upon completion, patrons are encouraged to return the puzzle for someone else to use. Members of the public can donate puzzles at the library service desk to be added to the puzzle exchange collection. A library card is not necessary to participate in the puzzle exchange.
Other non-traditional items available for checkout at the West Fargo Library include iPads, Wi-Fi hotspots, VoxBooks (which have a built-in speaker that reads aloud for a child to follow along), state park passes, and more.
CONVENIENT HEALTH CARE
Convenient Care Clinic on Sheyenne
$50 visits $30 sports physicals $60 DOT physicals
Preplanning can be a walk in the park. Susan Nordquist & Jamie Upton
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
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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HEALTH INFORMATION
How Insurance Works for Covering Health Care Visits By Susan C. Nordquist NP-C
H
ealth insurance plays a critical role in making healthcare costs more manageable for individuals, given the high expenses associated with medical care in the United States.
We’ve learned through our efforts to provide access to affordable healthcare in our community there are some important insurance terms and concepts that are often misunderstood by enrollees:
Important aspects of how U.S. health insurance works:
1. Out-of-pocket expenses: These are the costs you are responsible for paying when you receive healthcare, separate from your monthly premium.
1. Premium Payments: Consumers pay an upfront premium to a health insurance company. This payment allows the to share the financial ‘risk’ with many other enrollees who are also paying premiums. 2. Risk Management: Since most people are healthy most of the time, the premium dollars collected by the insurance company are used to cover the medical expenses of the relatively small number of enrollees who become sick or injured. 3. Diverse Plans and Rules: There are numerous types of health insurance plans in the U.S., each with its own rules and arrangements for healthcare coverage.
2. Annual deductible: The amount you must pay each plan year before the insurance company starts paying its share of costs. 3. Copayment (or ‘Copay’): A fixed, upfront amount you pay each time you receive care subject to a copay. 4. Coinsurance: A percentage of the cost of your medical care that you pay, with the insurance company covering the remainder. 5. Annual out-of-pocket maximum: The maximum cost-sharing you’ll be responsible for in a year, including deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.
Once you reach this limit, the insurance company covers 100% of your covered costs for the rest of the plan year. 6. Covered Benefit: A health service included in your health insurance policy. Being ‘covered’ means the insurance company considers paying some portion of the allowable cost, but it doesn’t necessarily mean 100% coverage. Copays and deductibles may still apply. Understanding these terms is essential for making informed decisions about your health insurance coverage and managing your healthcare costs effectively. Here at Convenient Care Clinic, we accept a number of insurance plans - but we also provide you the option to forgo the use of your insurance coverage and pay a $50 flat rate for walk-in visit, plus any additional testing such as laboratory results and/or prescribed medication as needed.
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Local firefighter Nick Withnell will be headed to Antarctica this week for a six-month assignment as a firefighter at McMurdo Station at Antarctica. Ryan Longnecker / WDAY News
NEWS AND FEATURES
West Fargo firefighter headed to Antarctica
Nick Withnell of West Fargo is getting ready to leave for Antarctica to be a firefighter there during winter
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By Kevin Wallevand | The Focus
est Fargo Fire Department firefighter Nick Withnell has packed for trips before, but this trip is a work trip for six months as a firefighter in Antarctica. Withnell has been a firefighter in the metro area for a half-dozen years. But for several months he has been
tested and interviewed for a job he’s thought about for years. On Friday, Oct. 20, he takes off for the southernmost continent in the world. Close to 50 firefighters Withnell: continued on page 17
“I’m excited. It’ll be a great adventure.” Nick Withell
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Withnell
continued from page 16 are needed for protection across Antarctica. Withnell says they come from all across America. “I’m excited. It’ll be a great adventure,” he said. “I already have a couple friends that are down there and have been sending pictures. But also a little apprehensive maybe, you know, the a fear of the unknown.” Withnell’s main mission in Antarctica will be aircraft rescue firefighting, he said. “I don’t have to pack too much as we’ll work 48 hours on, so it’ll be mostly my duty gear and then we’ll have two days off,” Withnell said. It’s currently summer in Antarctica. “It will be light 24 hours a day now in the summer,” Withnell said. The temperatures there are similar to springtime here. “It’ll get as low as -10 degrees, but right now, like our fall, it’ll range around that 40, maybe 30 degrees above (zero). So there’s people wearing shorts down there right now,” Withnell said. Since summer is the only time the National Science Foundation and others can fly in people and supplies, Withnell will be busy. But it is a challenge and opportunity he’s thought about for years.
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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
Preplanning can be a walk in the park. SHEYENNE CROSSINGS 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
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Tuesday, October 31, 2023 |
NEWS AND FEATURES
Fundraising for 5th ice sheet in WF continues despite failed bond By Wendy Reuer | The Focus
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hile the West Fargo School Board on Monday, Oct. 9, officially finalized the votes from the failed September bond referendum, hockey association officials say hope is not lost on a desired fifth sheet of ice for the community.
was comprised of nearly 80 community members. The task force met regularly for months in 2022 to decide what was needed to keep up with the school district’s student population growth. The district has grown by about 400 students each year for the past decade and is expected to grow in the same increments in the future.
The School Board Monday canvassed the votes from the Sept. 26 special election, with the final count totaling 1,917 yes votes and 1,928 no votes. The referendum needed a supermajority or 60% of the vote to pass.
As part of the canvassing of votes, or finalizing the referendum votes, the school board voted to approve four mail-in ballots postmarked by Sept. 25.
In addition to adding a fifth ice sheet, the $147 million bond would have also paid for the construction of additions to Horace High School, Heritage Middle School, increased safety features, South Elementary School renovations and a new elementary school on the district’s north side. Superintendent Beth Slette said the board’s planning committee will meet Monday, Oct. 16, to discuss a potential survey to gauge whether or not the district should move forward with similar plans, or if the long-range facilities task force should reconvene to determine a set of new projects for another potential bond. The school district hinged its $5 million pledge to add a third sheet of ice at Veterans Memorial Arena and fifth in total for West Fargo, on the bond passing. The West Fargo Hockey Association (WFHA) is actively fundraising for the additional ice sheet and asked the West Fargo School Board and the West Fargo Park District, which operates the Veterans Memorial Arena at West Fargo High School, to each pledge $5 million. Although the bond’s failure was disappointing for the hockey association, officials said they have not given up and expansion plans will continue.
“I think all votes should count,” Board Member Jim Jonas said. Two ballots were marked by the absentee review board as having signatures that didn’t appear to match. The School Board approved one of the ballots and rejected the other. Courtesy West Fargo Hockey Association A rendering by Ion Architects of the entrance to Veterans Memorial Arena in West Fargo, where the West Fargo Hockey Association hopes to build a third sheet of ice and fifth total for the community. “West Fargo Hockey Association is committed to getting this project completed, and fundraising will continue,” West Fargo Hockey Association Executive Director Jeremy Jorgenson said. Meetings since the referendum vote have been positive, Jorgenson said, and the WFHA is still hopeful that the school district will be able to contribute funds in the end. “It make take some time for West Fargo Public Schools to come back in the fold, but we would welcome that,” Jorgenson said. “The needs that brought everyone to the table in the first place have not gone away.”
The referendum included a list of items consented to by a longrange facilities task force that
The district was assisted by Cass County to conduct the election.
Readers can reach West Fargo Focus Editor Wendy Reuer at wreuer@forumcomm.com or 701-241-5530.
VALLEY CITY DEC. 9 3:00 WAHPETON DEC. 11 7:30 FARGO DEC. 17 1:30 & 7:30 BARNESVILLE DEC. 20 7:30 CASSELTON DEC. 21 7:30 Promotion by:
A Magical, Musical Christmas Variety Show
This popular show features past and present members of the Medora Musical, Gospel Brunch and more! For more information and tickets go to www.MedoraChristmas.com.
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