West Fargo Focus September 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:

Students gather for the first day of school at Aurora Elementary in West Fargo on Thursday, August 24, 2023. Dave 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:

Fifth graders Reagan Kniert and Ena Skadberg rack their bikes for the first day of school at Aurora Elementary in West Fargo on Thursday, August 24, 2023. Dave Samson/The Focus

Redistricting fears in WF prompt fourth bond referendum

Voters asked to approve record $133.4 million referendum Sept. 26

By Wendy Reuer | The Focus

WEST FARGO — If history is any indication, voters in the West Fargo School District could be on their way to passing a proposed $133.4 million bond referendum up for special election on Sept. 26.

The rapidly growing West Fargo School District, now the second largest in the state, encompasses not just West Fargo but Horace, Harwood, Reiles Acres and parts of southern Fargo. It’s expected to grow by 4.4% this year with a projected enrollment of 13,224 students for the 2023-2024 school year.

The continued growth has prompted education leaders to ask voters to approve a fourth bond referendum in West Fargo since 2011. A supermajority of 60% of voters is needed to pass the referendum.

This year’s $133.4 million referendum is the biggest ask of voters yet, and would help pay for multiple projects including another elementary school, an expansion of Heritage Middle School and Horace High School, and further

REFERENDUM: Page 5

Heritage Middle School in Horace is seen on Wednesday, June 15, 2022. David Samson / The Focus

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, 10:30-11:30 a.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.

@ West Fargo High Rise

SEPTEMBER

WFACP Saturday Senior Breakfast (free-will offering)

Sept. 2, 9-10 a.m.

@ West Fargo High Rise

English Conversation Circle

Sept. 5, 6:30-7:30p.m.

@ West Fargo Public Library

Adult CraftDIY Air Plant and Crystal Terrariums

Sept. 6, 7-8 p.m.

@ West Fargo Public Library

WFACP Crafts

Sept. 11, 12:15 p.m

@ West Fargo High Rise

Monday Matinee: “Turner and Hooch” (PG)

Sept. 11, 1:30 p.m.

@ West Fargo Public Library

Monday Night Readers Book Club

Monthly Meeting

Sept. 11, 7-8 p.m.

@ West Fargo Public Library

WFACP Prize Bingo

Sept. 12, 12:15 p.m.

@ West Fargo High Rise

Job Service ND

Available for Walk-Ins

Sept. 13, 1-3 p.m.

@ West Fargo Public Library

NDSU BBQ Bootcamp

Sept. 13, 5:30 p.m.

@ Essential Health Plaza at the Lights

Soup & More

Sept. 14, 5 p.m. @ Blessed Sacrament Church

Cruise Night

Sept. 14, 4:30p.m. - 9 p.m.

@ Downtown West FargoSheyenne Street and POW/MIA Plaza

Outdoor Concert38 Special & Elle King

Sept. 15, 7 p.m.

@ Essential Health Plaza at the Lights

West Fest Softball Tournament

Sept. 16, All Day

@ South Elmwood Softball Fields

West Fest Parade

Sept. 16, 12 p.m.

@ Sheyenne Street

Monday Matinee: “Marley and Me” (PG)

Sept. 18, 1:30 p.m.

@ West Fargo Public Library

WFACP Monthly Meeting

Sept. 19, 12:15 p.m.

@ West Fargo High Rise

Novel Afternoons Book Club

Sept. 20, 1-2 p.m.

@ West Fargo Public Library

Third Thursday Book Club

Sept. 21, 1:30-2:30p.m.

@ West Fargo Public Library

Monday Matinee: “The Art of Racing in the Rain” (PG)

Sept. 25, 1:30 p.m.

@ West Fargo Public Library

WFACP Prize Bingo

Sept. 26, 12:15 p.m.

@ West Fargo High Rise

Gardening Club

Sept. 26, 6:30–7:30 p.m.

@ West Fargo Public Library

Soup & More

Sept. 28., 5 p.m.

@ Blessed Sacrament Church

Books & Brews

Community Book Club

Sept. 28, 6-7 p.m.

Caribou Coffee (inside Hornbacher’s West Fargo)

*West Fargo Area Community Program

improvements to the aging schools like South Elementary to help the district’s older and newer buildings enjoy the same amenities.

The bond would also help the district in cost-sharing with West Fargo Hockey Association to help build a new ice sheet at Veterans Memorial Arena.

If the referendum fails, boundaries would need to change and many students would have to be moved to Sheyenne High School and West Fargo High School due to overcrowding at Horace High School and Heritage Middle School.

Temporary classrooms would also likely be used, which would be paid for by the district’s general fund, the same fund that is used for teacher salaries.

Business Manager Levi Bachmeier estimates that a successful $133.4 million bond impact would increase the mill levy by a range of 2 to 14 mills, depending on which projects the district decides to complete in any given year.

As a result, the highest increase in taxes for a home valued at about $100,000 would be $72. That number is not likely to be reached, however, Bachmeier said. The district is trying to keep the impact on taxpayers as small as possible, even after it is approved, he said.

Bachmeier said the impact could also be considerably less due to the upcoming $500 property tax credit over the next biennium that the North Dakota state Legislature recently approved.

The impact will be similar to the $106.9 million bond passed in 2018, he added, which has been offset over the years by the growth and increasing valuations in the district.

“Yes, this is the biggest (bond) number in history, but the tax base is the biggest it’s ever been,” Bachmeier said. “The goal is to keep this as no more burdensome than it was in 2018.”

While the vote in 2018 was the latest referendum passed by voters, West Fargo School District voters also took to the polls to approve a $98.1 million bond in 2015 after approving an $82 million referendum in 2011, all of which the district used to build needed spaces for its

growing student population.

The 2011 bond helped turn Sheyenne 9th Grade Center into a second high school, while Liberty Middle School and Freedom, Independence and Legacy elementary schools were also built off the 2011 bond.

In 2015, 79.6% of voters passed its second referendum, which helped add the Hulbert Aquatic Center and the West Fargo Sports Arena. The existing pool at L.E. Berger Elementary was also remodeled thanks to the 2015 bond, along with new schools in Brooks Harbor and Willow Brook elementary. Additions were also made to West Fargo High School, Horace Elementary, along with conversions and various upgrades at other school buildings.

The focus of the 2018 referendum was the creation of the district’s third high school — Horace High School — along with Heritage Middle School.

Property taxes as a whole have also stayed down despite the referendums,

with the school district timing elections to coincide with previous bonds or debt being paid off.

When the West Fargo School Board unanimously approved its preliminary 2023-2024 budget last week, the mill levy was reduced by 6.45 mills.

Should it pass, this year’s bond referendum would also help the district improve school security and add a multipurpose room to West Fargo High School, which is the only high school without such a space, according to West Fargo High School Principal Rachel Bachmeier.

The third sheet of ice to be built in partnership with West Fargo Hockey Association would also allow the West Fargo Packers to play home games at their own school.

In a message to families, Bachmeier noted that if the referendum does not pass in September, the long-range facilities task force, a community working group that

recommended the bond referendum, would likely return to meeting and may go back to voters with another bond referendum amount.

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

Sept. 26 polling sites

The following polling sites will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sept. 26:

• Westside Elementary School, 945 7th Ave. W., West Fargo

• Lutheran Church of the Cross, 1402 16th St. E., West Fargo

• Rustad Recreation Center, 601 26th Ave. E., West Fargo

• Triumph West Church, 3745 Sheyenne St., West Fargo

• Horace Lutheran Church, 650 1st. St. N., Horace

• Harwood Community Center, 210 Freedland Drive, Harwood

The commons space inside Horace High School on Wednesday, June 15, 2022. David Samson / The Focus

1BOOK, 1COMMUNITY

Metro-wide adultreading program

One Book, One Community is an annual fall program series hosted by area libraries. This project aims to get hundreds of people in our metro to read the same book, participate in discussions, attend events and get excited about reading and lifelong learning together. This year's read is "Hudson Bay Bound" by Natalie Warren.

The program launches in August and features avariety of events including book discussions, presentations, films, Beanstack challenges, and more. The event series concludes with an author visit on Oct. 19 at the Knutson Campus Center Centrum at Concordia College.

Physical copies of "Hudson Bay Bound" can be checked out from the West Fargo Public Library. The book is also available on Libby in multiple formats.

Related Events

Sunset Birding Walk

7-8:30p.m.Saturday,Aug.19

Adults |Rendezvous Park

Water Under the Bridge: Sheyenne RiverEcological Talk

6-7p.m. Monday, Sept.18 Adults |WestFargo Library

Novel Afternoons BookClub

1-2p.m. Wednesday,Oct. 18

Adults |WestFargo Library

Third Thursday Book Club

1:30- 3:30 p.m. Thursday,Sept.21

Adults |WestFargo Library

September is Library Card Signup Month

By City of West Fargo Staff

As summer ends and students return to school, the West Fargo Public Library is excited to join public libraries nationwide in celebrating Library Card Signup Month.

For residents and property owners in West Fargo, a West Fargo Public Library card is a gateway to an extensive collection of physical books, audiobooks, and movies. Additionally, this card offers complimentary access to many valuable services, such as:

• Libby and Hoopla, where you can read and listen to books and stream TV shows, movies, and music on your computer or mobile device.

• Consumer Reports, where you can find unbiased product ratings, user reviews, buying advice, and more before making your next big purchase.

Monday NightReaders Book Club

7- 8p.m. Monday, Oct. 9 Adults |WestFargo Library

Natalie Warren Author Talk

7- 8p.m. Thursday,Oct. 19

Adults |Concordia College

Sign

• Peterson’s Test and Career Prep, where you can practice taking academic and careerrelated standardized tests, build your resume, and find other career resources.

• Mango Languages, where you can practice and learn from your choice of 70+ languages.

• Genealogy resources, like Ancestry, where you can explore your family tree.

A library card also grants access to research databases for all ages, technology for checkout such as Wi-Fi hotspots and tablets, state park passes, community reading challenges, one-on-one services like technology tutoring and reference help, hundreds of events and programs, and more.

To sign up for your free West Fargo Public Library card or to learn more, visit westfargolibrary.org/cards.

AllOne Book, One Community events are free and open to the public. This project is made possible in part with funding from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, Lake Agassiz Regional Library, and the Friends of the Fargo Public Library. Additional support provided by Concordia Cultural Events, Moorhead Community Education, Friends of the West Fargo Public Library and the Friends of the Moorhead Library.

City of West Fargo Labor Day closures and sanitation schedule changes

By City of West Fargo Staff

The City of West Fargo is closed Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in observance of Labor Day. There is no garbage or recycling collection on that day. Monday and Tuesday garbage collection will occur Tuesday, Sept. 5. Recycling service is delayed by one day all week. The West Fargo City Commission meeting will be held Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023, instead of Monday.

On Monday, Sept. 4, 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.

For email or text message alerts regarding holiday closures and sanitation schedule changes, visit www.westfargond.gov/List.aspx.

Cruise Night and West Fest Parade scheduled in Downtown West Fargo

By City of West Fargo Staff

The final Cruise Night of 2023 is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 14 on Sheyenne Street in Downtown West Fargo. Cruise Night, a summer celebration presented by the City of West Fargo, West Fargo Events and Toppers Car Club, will take place from 4:30 to 9 p.m. on Sheyenne Street from Main Avenue W. to 7th Avenue W.

During the event, classic cars and motorcycles can line Sheyenne Street and attendees can cruise one-way, southbound starting at Main Avenue W. Food vendors will also be available near the POW/MIA Plaza. Businesses in The Yards Business Association will also be open during the event.

No registration is required to participate

with a classic car during the event. Classic car parking begins at 4:30 p.m. During the event, access to Sheyenne Street from side streets on the east and west sides of the road will be closed. There is no parking on Sheyenne Street in the event area beginning at 2 p.m. for event setup and the road will close at 4 p.m. Fourth Avenue W., just east of Sheyenne Street, will close beginning at noon for event vendor setup. A detour will be available on 1st Street for northbound traffic between Main Avenue W. and 7th Avenue W. during the event.

The West Fest Parade will be held on Saturday, Sept. 16 at noon. The route will begin on Main Avenue and travel south on Sheyenne Street to 7th Avenue

W. The West Fest Grand Parade is one of North Dakota’s largest parades and features floats from local organizations and businesses as well as school bands, and other entertaining entries. The 2023 West Fest Theme is “Community Togetherness” and floats will be decorated for the opportunity to win Best in Theme, Best in Show, Community Pride, and Mayor’s Choice awards.

A celebration with vendors and kids activities is planned following the parade at the POW/MIA Plaza on Sheyenne Street.

More information on these and other West Fest Community events can be found at westfargoevents.com.

2022 West Fest Parade from above. City of West Fargo

West Fargo Police Department graduates second annual local Peace Officer Academy with Lake Region State College

By City of West Fargo Staff

The West Fargo Police Department is proud to graduate seven students in the second annual class of the local Peace Officer Academy. The graduation ceremony is 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023, at West Fargo High School (801 9th Street E.). The Peace Officer Academy was held in partnership with Lake Region State College.

The Peace Officer Training Program (POTP) allows an individual to become a licensed peace officer in the state of North Dakota. The program has nearly a 100% employment rate for graduates

who pursue positions as full-time police officers in North Dakota.

“We are excited to bring this program back to West Fargo with three students receiving conditional job offers from our department,” said West Fargo Police Chief Denis Otterness. “We look forward to the ongoing partnership with Lake Region State College for future academies in West Fargo to support public safety recruitment throughout North Dakota.”

The Peace Officer Academy is a 14-week

rigorous training program. Students complete physical fitness training every morning and classroom hours from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Instructors cover a variety of topics ranging from crime scene processing to North Dakota criminal law.

Lake Region State College is the only college in the state authorized to deliver a North Dakota POST basic curriculum. Thank you to the officers from the West Fargo Police Department and Cass County Sheriff’s Office for assisting as instructors throughout the academy.

Members of the second annual class of the local Peace Officer Academy are recognized at the graduation ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 17. City of West Fargo

*All dates and times are subjecttochange.

Black = Multiple Schools

Green = West Fargo High School

Orange = Sheyenne High School

Gold = Horace High School

SEPTEMBER 1

8 a.m.

Cross Country: V

@Yankton Trail Park

6 p.m.

Football: V

@Horace High School

7 p.m.

Football: V

@West Fargo High School

7 p.m.

Football: V

@Sheyenne High School

SEPTEMBER 5

9 a.m.

Golf: G/JV

@Lincoln Park Golf Course

HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITY CALENDAR

9 a.m.

Golf: G/V

@Kings Walk Golf Course

4 p.m.

Football: JV

@Legacy High School

4:30 p.m.

Volleyball: C

@Valley City Jr. Sr. High School

4:30 p.m.

Volleyball: 9A @Valley City Jr. Sr. High School

4:30 p.m.

Football: 9th

@Horace High School

4:30 p.m.

Volleyball: C

@Fargo South High School

4:30 p.m.

Volleyball: C

@Horace High School

5 p.m.

Soccer: B/JV

@West Fargo High School

5:45 p.m.

Volleyball: JV

@Valley City Jr. Sr. High School

5:45 p.m.

Volleyball: 9A

@Fargo South High School

5:45 p.m.

Volleyball: JV

@Fargo South High School

5:45 p.m.

Volleyball: JV

@Horace High School

6:15 p.m.

Volleyball: 9B

@Fargo Davies High School

7 p.m.

Soccer: B/V

@West Fargo High School

7 p.m.

Volleyball: V

@Valley City High School

7 p.m.

Football: JV

@Horace High School

7 p.m.

Volleyball: V

@Fargo South High School

7 p.m.

Volleyball: V

@Horace High School

SEPTEMBER 6

10 a.m.

Cross Country: V

@Leonard Golf Course

3:45-5:30 p.m.

Cross Country Practice

@West Fargo High School

SEPTEMBER 7

TBD

Volleyball: 9B

3:30 p.m.

Tennis: B/V

@Sheyenne High School

4 p.m.

Tennis: B/JV

@Fargo North High School

4 p.m.

Tennis: B/V

@Elephant Park

4 p.m.

Tennis: B/V

4:30 p.m.

Volleyball: C

@Shanley High School

4:30 p.m.

Volleyball: C @Sheyenne High School

4:30 p.m.

Cross Country: V

@Detroit Lakes Country Club

4:30 p.m.

Volleyball: C

@Horace High School

5 p.m.

Soccer: B/JV

@Cushman Field

5 p.m.

Soccer: B/JV

@Sheyenne High School

5 p.m.

Swimming: G/V

@Hyslop Pool

5 p.m.

Volleyball: 9B

@Sheyenne High School

5:30 p.m.

Football: 9th

@West Fargo High School

5:30 p.m.

Swimming: G/V

@Fargo South High School

5:45 p.m.

Volleyball: JV

@Shanley High School

5:45 p.m.

Volleyball: JV

@Sheyenne High School

5:45 p.m.

Volleyball: JV

@Horace High School

6 p.m.

Volleyball: 9A

@Sheyenne High School

6:30 p.m.

Volleyball: 9A

@Shanley High School

HS EVENTS: Page 12

West Fargo Fire Department releases fire transparency dashboard

By City of West Fargo Staff

The West Fargo Fire Department is announcing a new, all-inclusive data dashboard for the public. The dashboard provides public data on incident responses by the West Fargo Fire Department into one easily accessible location. The data is formatted in multiple dashboards and provides a visual representation of the work done by the West Fargo Fire Department.

“The dashboard builds upon our department’s dedication to transparency with our residents,” said West Fargo Fire Chief Dan Fuller. “The dashboard allows residents to see in-depth information on the call types our crews are responding to throughout the community.”

The dashboard lists incident types, calls for service, response times, year-to-date counts, incident counts, inspection statistics and a public incident map. The information will update regularly and is subject to change.

The West Fargo Fire Department will continue to update the information provided on the dashboard throughout the year. The dashboard will continue to evolve to include additional statistics as new information becomes available.

The fire department transparency dashboard is available through the West Fargo Fire Department’s website or by scanning the QR code below.

HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITY CALENDAR

@Register Courts

4 p.m.

Tennis: B/V

@West Fargo High School

4:30 p.m.

Volleyball: C

@Grand Forks

Central High School

4:30 p.m.

Volleyball: C

@Sheyenne High School

4:30 p.m.

Volleyball: C

@Horace High School

5 p.m.

5 p.m.

Volleyball: 9B

@Sheyenne High School

5:45 p.m.

Volleyball: JV

@Grand Forks

Central High School

5:45 p.m.

Volleyball: JV

@Sheyenne High School

5:45 p.m.

Volleyball: JV

@Horace High School

6 p.m.

Volleyball: 9A

@Sheyenne High School

Central High School

7 p.m.

Soccer: B/V

@Fargo Davies High School

7 p.m.

Volleyball: V

@Sheyenne High School

7 p.m.

Volleyball: V

@Horace High School

SEPTEMBER 20

9 a.m.

Golf: G/JV

@Cottonwood Golf Club

4 p.m.

Tennis: B/JV

@West Fargo High School

4 p.m.

Tennis: B/V

@West Fargo High School

4:30 p.m.

Volleyball: C

@West Fargo High School

4:30 p.m.

Volleyball: C

@Fargo North High School

4:30 p.m.

Volleyball: C

School

7 p.m.

Football: JV

@Cushman Field

SEPTEMBER 19

3:30 p.m.

Tennis: B/JV

@Register Courts

3:30 p.m.

Tennis: B/V

Soccer: B/JV

@West Fargo High School

5 p.m.

Volleyball: 9B

@Grand Forks

Central High School

5 p.m.

Soccer: B/JV

@Fargo Davies High School

6:15 p.m.

Volleyball: 9A

@Grand Forks

Central High School

7 p.m.

Soccer: B/V

@West Fargo High School

7 p.m.

Volleyball: V

@Grand Forks

9 a.m.

Golf: G/V

@Maple River Golf Club

SEPTEMBER 21

3:30 p.m.

Tennis: B/JV

@Sheyenne High School

3:30 p.m.

Tennis: B/V

@Sheyenne High School

@Grand Forks

Central High School

5 p.m.

Soccer: B/JV

@West Fargo High School

5 p.m.

Soccer: B/JV

@Sheyenne High School

HS EVENTS: Page 14

HS EVENTS

From Page 13

5 p.m.

Volleyball: 9B

@Fargo North High School

5 p.m.

Volleyball: 9B

@Grand Forks Central High School

5:30 p.m.

Swimming: G/V

@Hulbert Aquatics Center

5:30 p.m.

Swimming: G/V

@Fargo South High School

5:45 p.m.

Volleyball: JV

@West Fargo High School

5:45 p.m.

Volleyball: JV

@Fargo North High School

5:45 p.m.

Volleyball: JV

@Grand Forks Central High School

6:15 p.m.

Volleyball: 9A

@West Fargo High School

6:15 p.m.

Volleyball: 9A

@Fargo North High School

6:15 p.m.

Volleyball: 9A

@Grand Forks Central High School

7 p.m.

Football: V

@Bismarck Community Bowl

7 p.m.

Soccer: B/V

@West Fargo High School

7 p.m.

Volleyball: V

@West Fargo High School

7 p.m.

Soccer: B/V

@Sheyenne High School

7 p.m.

Volleyball: V

@Fargo North High School

HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITY CALENDAR

7 p.m.

Volleyball: V

@Grand Forks Central High School

SEPTEMBER 22

3:45 p.m.

Cross Country: V

@Les Bolstad

Golf Course U of M

5 p.m.

Volleyball: 9A

@Horace High School

6 p.m.

Swimming: G/V

@Hulbert Aquatics Center

7 p.m.

Football: V

@Sheyenne High School

7 p.m.

Football: V

@Valley City High School

SEPTEMBER 23

8 a.m.

Volleyball: JV

@Sheyenne High School

10 a.m.

Soccer: B/JV

@Sheyenne High School

11 a.m.

Cross Country: 7/8

@Bjornson Park Golf Course

11 a.m.

Cross Country: JV

@Bjornson Park Municipal Golf Course

Noon

Soccer: B/V

@Sheyenne High School

SEPTEMBER 24

TBD

Golf: G/V

@Grand Forks

SEPTEMBER 25

9 a.m.

Golf: G/V

@Grand Forks Country Club

4:30 p.m.

Volleyball: C

@Horace High School

4:30 p.m.

Volleyball: 9B

@Moorhead High School

5 p.m.

Football: 9th

@West Fargo High School

5 p.m.

Football: 9th

@Fargo North High School

5 p.m.

Football: JV

@Elks Field

5:30 p.m.

Volleyball: 9A

@Moorhead High School

5:45 p.m.

Volleyball: JV

@Horace High School

6- 8 p.m.

2024 Homecoming Coronation

@West Fargo High School Theater

7 p.m.

Football: JV

@West Fargo High School

7 p.m.

Football: JV

@Fargo North High School

7 p.m.

Volleyball: V

@Horace High School

SEPTEMBER 26

4 p.m.

Tennis: B/V

@Wahpeton High School

4 p.m.

Tennis: B/JV

@Shanley

4 p.m.

Tennis: B/V

@Island Park - Fargo

4:30 p.m.

Volleyball: C

@Red River High School

4:30 p.m.

Volleyball: C

@Shanley High School

4:30 p.m.

Volleyball: C

@Horace High School

5 p.m.

Soccer: B/JV

@Sheyenne High School

5 p.m.

Volleyball: 9B

@Red River High School

5 p.m.

Football: 9th

@Hawley High School

5 p.m. Swimming: G/V

@Fargo Davies High School

5:30 p.m.

Volleyball: 9A

@Heritage Middle School

5:45 p.m.

Volleyball: JV

@Red River High School

5:45 p.m.

Volleyball: JV

@Shanley High School

5:45 p.m.

Volleyball: JV

@Horace High School

6 p.m.

Volleyball: 9A

@Shanley High School

6:15 p.m.

Volleyball: 9A

@Red River High School

7 p.m.

Soccer: B/V

@Sheyenne High School

7 p.m.

Volleyball: V

@Red River High School

7 p.m.

Volleyball: V

@Shanley High School

7 p.m.

Volleyball: V

@Horace High School

SEPTEMBER 28

TBD

Volleyball: C

TBD

Volleyball: JV

TBD

Volleyball: V

4 p.m.

Tennis: B/JV

@Fargo North High School

4 p.m.

Tennis: B/V

@Elephant Park

4:30 p.m.

Volleyball: C

@West Fargo High School

4:30 p.m.

Volleyball: C

@Sheyenne High School

4:30 p.m.

Volleyball: C

@Fargo Davies High School

5 p.m.

Soccer: B/JV

@West Fargo High School

5 p.m.

Soccer: B/JV

@Cushman Field

5 p.m.

Volleyball: 9B

@Sheyenne High School

5 p.m.

Volleyball: 9B

@Horace High School

5:45 p.m.

Volleyball: JV

@West Fargo High School

5:45 p.m.

Volleyball: JV

@Sheyenne High School

5:45 p.m.

Volleyball: JV

@Fargo Davies High School

6 p.m.

Volleyball: 9A

@Sheyenne High School

6:15 p.m.

Volleyball: 9A

@West Fargo High School

6:15 p.m.

Volleyball: 9A

@Horace High School

7 p.m.

Soccer: B/V

@West Fargo High School

7 p.m.

Volleyball: V

@West Fargo High School

HS EVENTS: Page 17

NEWS AND FEATURES

Cookie Krums to reopen after makeover with more baked goods, scoop ice cream

By David Olson | The Focus

WEST FARGO — Katie Krumwiede opened her Cookie Krums store in West Fargo in early 2022, offering artistic sugar cookies in a variety of designs and shapes.

In May of this year, Krumwiede closed her shop for an extensive remodel and at around the same time she had a baby.

“We did all those things at the same time,” said Krumwiede, who plans to reopen her shop at Pioneer Place on Sheyenne Street in West Fargo on Thursday, Aug. 10.

She will again be offering artistic sugar cookies, but going forward she will be selling other goodies as well, including

bars and cakes as well as scoop ice cream.

With Cookie Krums now a “full-on bakery,” Krumwiede said she plans to give customers a bit more of what they’ve been asking for — a wider array of choices.

Once her shop reopens, Krumwiede plans to operate three days a week, on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

She will also continue to fill custom cookie orders, which she has continued to do since closing the shop temporarily.

When she first opened Cookie Krums,

COOKIE KRUMS: Page 16

Katie Krumwiede is welcoming customers back to her remodeled Cookie Krums location on Sheyenne Street in West Fargo. David Samson / The Focus

COOKIE KRUMS From Page 15

Krumwiede stepped away from her work as a teacher, stating at the time that she planned to take several years off from that profession.

Today, she considers herself retired from teaching, with her energies focused on her baking business, but she said the spirit of the educator remains and she periodically holds cookie decorating classes.

Krumwiede said her interest in baking and cookie decoration was born out of watching cookie artists on Instagram.

She added that once she tried it herself, “I literally have not stopped since.”

Krumwiede said she’s excited about continuing to contribute to West Fargo’s retail world and she’s happy with how the store’s makeover has gone.

“My shop looks totally different now. It definitely gives more of a bakery vibe,” Krumwiede said.

“It’s a really cool little place we have going on over here,” she added.

“My shop looks totally different now. It definitely gives more of a bakery vibe,”

- Katie Krumwiede

Cookie cutters hang from the wall at Cookie Krums on Sheyenne Street in West Fargo.

Katie Krumwiede wears her passion as she sports milk and cookie earings at her Cookie Krums location on Sheyenne Street in West Fargo.

A variety of cookies are displayed at Cookie Krums on Sheyenne Street in West Fargo. Photos by David Samson / The Focus

HS EVENTS

From Page 14

7 p.m. Soccer: B/V @Cushman Field

7 p.m. Volleyball: V @Sheyenne High School

7 p.m. Volleyball: V

@Fargo Davies High School

SEPTEMBER 29

4-7 p.m.

Hall of Fame Presentation

@West Fargo High School Theater

5 p.m.

Swimming: G/V

@Hulbert Aquatics Center

6 p.m.

Football: V

@West Fargo High School

6 p.m.

Football: V @Horace High School

HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITY CALENDAR

7 p.m.

Football: V

@Sheyenne High School

8-11 p.m.

2024 Homecoming Dance

@West Fargo High School

SEPTEMBER 30

TBD

Tennis: B/JV @TBA

TBD

Volleyball: 9A

@Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton High School

10:30am

Swimming: G/V

@Hulbert Aquatics Center

11 a.m. Cross Country: 7/8 @Lincoln Drive Park

11 a.m. Cross Country: JV @Lincoln Drive Park 11 a.m.

Cross Country: V @Lincoln Drive Park

West Fargo Sheyenne football head coach Jeremy Newton gives instructions during practice on Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023, at Sheyenne High School. Alyssa Goelzer / The Forum

Homestead Property Tax Credit Application Now Open

By City of West Fargo Staff

Qualified Homeowners may receive a reduction in property taxes and qualified renters can receive a partial refund of the rent. On April 27, 2023, Governor Doug Burgum signed HB 1158 into law. This legislation broadens the eligibility requirements and maximum reduction amounts for those applying for the North Dakota Homestead Property Tax Credit Program.

Eligibility Requirements:

• 65 years of age or older in the year for which the application is made

• Annual income cannot exceed $70,000

• Live at and be invested in the property OR

• Permanently disabled

o Proof of total disability must be

established

o There is no age requirement for those permanently disabled

o A homeowner with a disability must meet the same qualifications, except for age, as a senior citizen homeowner.

Benefit:

• The credit reduces the homeowner’s taxable value depending on the homeowner’s income. The maximum reduction of taxable value may vary from $4,500 to $9,000.

Application Process:

• Homeowners must apply for a property tax credit with their local assessor by February 1.

To apply or to get more information contact the West Fargo Assessor’s Office at (701)515-5302 or stop in at 1405 Prairie Parkway, Suite A, West Fargo, ND 58078