West Fargo Focus April 2024

Wendy Reuer wreuer@forumcomm.com 701-241-5530

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Eric Groves egroves@forumcomm.com 701-241-5429

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David Jones djones@forumcomm.com 701-388-1930

Kids of all ages swing to different heights at Maplewood Park in West Fargo on Thursday, March 14, 2024.

Alyssa Goelzer

NEWS AND FEATURES

West Fargo students code their way to the top

Team from West Fargo’s Freedom Elementary qualify for world Lego league competition

Playing with Legos is strictly about fun for most kids, but for a group from West Fargo, it’s about that and so much more.

Seven students from Freedom Elementary have qualified for the

The Freedom Elementary First Lego League Team, The Digital Artists, beat 26 other teams to win the state competition held in February at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, qualifying them for world competition in April in Houston. Clockwise from left: Olivia Nelson, Andrew Dai, Logan Fischer, Maia Lindhag, Kenda Jali, Sathvik Arveity and Shristi Paladugu.

Chris Flynn / The Focus

World Lego League Competition in Houston April 17-20.

The team of 4th and 5th graders, who call themselves the Digital Artists, will compete against nearly 200 other teams from around the world.

is the first time a West Fargo team has made it to the world competition.

WEST FARGO

Tressa Lura, a teacher and organizer of the Lego League program at Freedom, said this

Calendar of Events

MONTHLY

Airport Authority

Last Thursday of every month, 5:30 p.m.

@ 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

Monday, Mar. 4, 5:30 p.m.

Monday, Mar. 18, 5:30 p.m.

@ Commission Chambers, West Fargo City Hall

Library Board

Second Thursday of every month, 5:30 p.m.

@ Commission Chambers, West Fargo City Hall

Liquor Control Board

Second Tuesday of every month, 1 p.m.

@ Commission Chambers, West Fargo City Hall

Park Board

Second Wednesday of every month, 5:30 p.m.

@ Rustad Recreation Center

Planning and Zoning Commission

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

@ Commission Chambers, West Fargo City Hall

Ready to Read Story

Time (ages 3-5 + their adults)

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

@ West Fargo Public Library

School Board

Second and fourth Monday of every month, 6 p.m.

@ Leidal Education Center

Teeter Tots Storytime

Every Thursday, 10:15-11 a.m.

@ West Fargo Public Library

WFACP Card Games & Whist

Every Wednesday, 12:30 p.m.

@ West Fargo High Rise

Monday Matinee

Every Monday, 1:30 p.m.

@ West Fargo Public Library

West Fargo Cribbage Club

Every Tuesday, 6:30-8 p.m.

@ West Fargo Public Library

Book Club

Every third Thursday, 1:30 p.m.

@ West Fargo Public Library

Novel Afternoons

Book Club

Every third Wednesday, 1-2 p.m.

@ West Fargo Public Library

APRIL

Total Eclipse of the Library (F.a.S.T. STEM program)

April 1, 1:30-3:30 p.m.

@ West Fargo Public Library

English

Conversation Circle

April 2, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

@ West Fargo Public Library

Poetry Open Mic Night

April 3, 6:30-8 p.m.

@ West Fargo Public Library

Monday Night Readers Book Club

April 8, 7-8 p.m.

@ West Fargo Public Library

Intro to Camping Class

April 16, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

@ West Fargo Public Library

Third Thursday Book Club

April 18, 1:30-2:30 p.m.

@ West Fargo Public Library

Teen Dungeons & Dragons Game

April 18, 6:15-8:15 p.m.

@ West Fargo Public Library

F.a.S.T. Saturday

April 20, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

@ West Fargo Public Library

Spring Cleaning, Decluttering, & Organization Class

April 20, 1-2:30 p.m.

@ West Fargo Public Library

STEM Saturday

April 6, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

@ West Fargo Public Library

Board of Equalization Meeting

April 9, 5:30 p.m.

@ West Fargo City Hall

Community Options and Job Service Available for Walk Ins April 10, 1-3 p.m.

@ West Fargo Public Library

Friends of the Library

Used Book Sale

April 13-14

@ West Fargo Public Library

Home and Fire Life Safety Class

April 16, 6-8 p.m.

@ West Fargo Fire Department Headquarters

Teen Garbage Art Party

April 22, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

@ West Fargo Public Library

Gardening Club: Seed Mosaic Craft & Gardening Chat

April 23, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

@ West Fargo Public Library

Books & Brews

Community Book Club

April 25, 6-7 p.m.

@ Junkyard Brewing Co.

West Fargo

Derby Day Celebration

April 27, 12-3:30 p.m.

@ West Fargo Public Library

continued from page 3

“It’s a huge accomplishment for these kids,” she said.

The competition is not only a test of skills, but a measure of innovation, creativity and teamwork.

“I love coding. I like doing research. I also love Legos, too. I mean, doesn’t everybody?” said fifth-grader Olivia Nelson with a shrug of her shoulders.

Teams competing must code and program a Lego robot to accomplish a series of complex tasks. The West Fargo students have named their robot Leonardo da Vinci.

“Once we code the robot, we can add extra extensions… to make it do other missions,” said fifth-grader Sathvik Arveity.

“We have to do certain missions that give us a certain amount of points, and we code to try and do those missions in the quickest time, which is two minutes and 30 seconds,” said fifth-grade teammate Andrew Dai.

An equally important part of the competition is an innovation project developed by the students that reflects their core values and helps others. The team gives a presentation about that project, which includes skits and videos.

Core values for the West Fargo students include teamwork, fun, impact, discovery and innovation.

The team came up with ways to make musical instruments more accessible

to kids by constructing them out of everyday household items.

They’ve posted their ideas on social media and held community gatherings.

“We want everyone in the world to be able to enjoy how great music is,” said Maia Lindhag, a fourth-grader on the team.

The students are also researching the positive effects music can have on mental health, hoping to incorporate that further into their project.

The team’s path to world competition began in January with regionals at North Dakota State University.

“The more invested they got in their project, the more they believed in what they were doing”

Tressa Lura

They had some mistakes there but qualified for state.

“The more invested they got in their project, the more they believed in what they were doing,” Lura said.

Justin Nelson, one of four parent coaches for the team, said the students took feedback from judges at regionals to heart and fixed their weak spots.

At the state competition, held in February at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, they beat 26 other teams to come out on top.

“They did the work, they did research, and every single one of them can answer any questions about the entire project, inside and out,” Nelson said, adding, “That’s

Freedom Elementary students, from left, Kenda Jali, Olivia Nelson, and Maia Lindhag at school with their First Lego League team on March 6, 2024. Freedom Elementary has participated in the First Lego League since 2014.

Chris Flynn / The Focus

continued from page 5

absolutely one of the reasons they’re able to have this opportunity.”

Some of the students had been involved in the Lego League before; for others, it was new.

“When I started it, I didn’t know what I signed up for at all but then I just kept doing it,” said Logan Fischer, a fifth-grade team member.

Kenda Jali said she wasn’t really interested in building Legos at first.

“I thought I didn’t really have the right amount of intelligence to do it. But this year, I thought it would be good to try it,” she said.

Lura said the group is special because of their deep belief in what they’re doing.

Each team member brings something different to the table.

“I’m like so happy about this team and how it was formed.. We’re a

“I love coding. I like doing research. I also love Legos, too. I mean, doesn’t everybody?”

fifth-grader Olivia Nelson with a shrug of her shoulders

unique team,” said fourth-grader Shristi Paladugu.

The students are keeping expectations in check for world competition, with a focus on having fun and spending time together as a team. Still, they’re aiming to impress.

“I’m looking forward to doing our presentation because the previous judges really liked it, so I think that will get us a lot of points,” Lindhag said.

Between now and the time the students and coaches leave for

Texas, they’re hoping to raise money to offset expenses that include a $2,000 entry fee, transportation and hotel stays.

The John Deere company has been a main sponsor, as has the Freedom PTA, Lura said.

A GoFundMe account has been set up to raise funds.

The team will also hold demonstrations to show their skills and make a pitch for donations.

On Monday, March 18, a STEM sponsor night will be held from 6:307:30 p.m. at Freedom Elementary for businesses and community members who might be interested in contributing.

On Monday, March 25, a demonstration open to the whole school will be held from 6-8 p.m.

West Fargo Freedom Elementary’s First Lego League team named their robot “Leonardo da Vinci.” Fourth- and fifth-grade team members programmed their robot using a coding language called Scratch. Chris Flynn / The Focus

From left: Andrew Dai, Shristi Paladugu and Sathvik Arveity practice for First Lego League at Freedom Elementary in West Fargo on March 6, 2024. In February, the seven-member team beat 26 other teams to win the state competition held at UND in Grand Forks, qualifying them for the world competition in Houston. Chris Flynn / The Focus

Applications now open for West Fargo Fire Department’s 2024 Citizens Fire Academy

By City of West Fargo Staff

The West Fargo Fire Department is now accepting applications for the 2024 Citizens Fire Academy. This session will run 6-8 p.m. on Wednesdays from May 1 to June 12. Applications are due Friday, April 19, and can be found online at https://lf.westfargond.gov/ Forms/fireacademy.

This free, seven-week program is designed to allow citizens to experience the daily work of the West Fargo Fire Department. Participants have the opportunity to participate in activities like classroom training, ride-a-longs and real-life scenario drills. Participants will gain a better understanding of the West Fargo Department’s operations, capabilities

and responsibilities. The academy will be limited to 15 participants.

“We are excited to offer the fourth annual Citizens Fire Academy after continued interest from our residents,” said West Fargo Fire Chief Dan Fuller. “This is one of many programs that our Community Risk Reduction Division offers to strengthen relationships with residents while learning more about our department’s capabilities.”

Applicants must be a resident of West Fargo or currently employed in West Fargo and at least 18 years old. Selected applications will be notified by the West Fargo Fire Department. Only chosen and notified applicants

are able to participate in the program. Citizens Fire Academy participants are not trained or

qualified to act as a firefighter or first responder.

*All dates and times are subject to change.

Black = Multiple Schools

Green = West Fargo

High School

Orange = Sheyenne High School

Gold = Horace High School

April 1

4 p.m.

Tennis: G/V

@West Fargo High School

April 2

4:30 p.m.

Softball: V

@Tharaldson Little League Complex

4:30 p.m.

Softball: V

@Apollo Park

4:30 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@AIRPORT

4:30 p.m.

Softball: V

@Horace High School

5 p.m.

Baseball: C

@Exchange Club Baseball Field

5 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@Sheyenne High School

5 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Young Field-West Fargo

5 p.m.

Baseball: V

@John Randall Field

6:15 p.m.

Softball: JV

@Tharaldson Little League Complex

6:15 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@AIRPORT

WEST FARGO FOCUS

High School Activity Calendar

For more information and/or schedule changes

please visit www.west-fargo.k12.nd.us/Page/8662

6:15 p.m.

Softball: JV

@Horace High School

6:30 p.m.

Softball: JV

@Apollo Park

7 p.m.

Baseball: C

@Exchange Club Baseball Field

7 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@Sheyenne High School

7 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Young Field-West Fargo

7 p.m.

Baseball: V

@John Randall Field

April 4

8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Orchestra Concert

@Hope Lutheran South

4 p.m.

Softball: V

@Grafton High School

4:30 p.m.

Baseball: C

@Exchange Club Baseball Field

6 p.m.

Softball: JV

@Grafton High School

6:30 p.m.

Baseball: C

@Exchange Club Baseball Field

April 5

6 a.m.

Track: B/V

@Dickinson State University

8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

EDC Vocal Contest

@Hope Lutheran South

5 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Sanford Sports Complex SD

5 p.m.

Baseball: C

@Central Cass High School

TBD

Track: G/JV

@Minot High School

TBD

Track: G/V

@Minot High School

TBD

Track: B/V

@University of North Dakota

6 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Inspired Athletics Volleyball Tournament @Multiple Location

8 a.m.

Speech: V

@West Fargo High School

10 a.m.

Track: G/V

@University of North Dakota

10 a.m.

Track: B/V

@University of North Dakota

Noon

Baseball: V

@Sanford Sports Complex SD

5 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@Fargo Davies High School Baseball Field

7 p.m.

Baseball: C

@Central Cass High School

7 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@Fargo Davies High School

7:15 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Sanford Sports Complex SD

April 6

TBD

Track: G/V

@University of North Dakota

Noon

Track: B/V

@University of North Dakota

2:15 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Sanford Sports Complex SD

4 p.m.

Softball: V

@Jamestown High School

6 p.m.

Softball: V

@Jamestown High School

7:30 - 10 p.m.

District One Act Public Performance

@Horace High School

April 7

6 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Inspired Athletics

Volleyball Tournament @Sheyenne High School

5 - 7 p.m.

Girls Basketball

@West Fargo High School

April 8

8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

One Act Play Performance

@Lake Region CC

1 - 5 p.m.

One Act Play

@Devils Lake Regional College

4:30 p.m.

Softball: JV

@West Fargo High School

5 p.m.

Baseball: C

@Exchange Field

High School Activity Calendar

6:15 p.m.

Softball: V

@West Fargo High School

7 p.m.

Baseball: C

@Exchange Field

April 9

8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

One Act Play

@Devils Lake Regional College

8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

One Act Play Performance @Lake Region CC

4:30 p.m.

Softball: V

@Sheyenne High School

4:30 p.m.

Softball: V

@Apollo Park

5 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@Fargo Davies High School

5 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@Young Field-West Fargo

5 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Horace High School

5 p.m.

Soccer: G/JV

@West Fargo High School

5 p.m.

Baseball: C

@Sheyenne High School

5 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Sheyenne High School

5 p.m.

Soccer: G/JV

@Sheyenne High School

6:15 p.m.

Softball: JV

@Sheyenne High School

6:30 p.m.

Softball: JV

@Apollo Park

7 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@Fargo Davies High School

7 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@Young Field-West Fargo

7 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Horace High School

7 p.m.

Soccer: G/V

@West Fargo High School

7 p.m.

Baseball: C @Exchange Club Baseball Field

7 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Sheyenne High School

7 p.m.

Soccer: G/V

@Sheyenne High School

April 11

2 p.m.

Track: G/V

@Horace High School

2 p.m.

Track: B/V

@Horace High School

4:30 p.m.

Softball: JV

@West Fargo High School

4:30 p.m.

Softball: V

@Sheyenne High School

4:30 p.m.

Softball: V

@Horace High School

Susan Nordquist & Jamie Upton

5 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@West Fargo Sheyenne High School

5 p.m.

Soccer: G/JV

@West Fargo High School

5 p.m.

Soccer: G/JV

@Cushman Field

5 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Horace High School

6:15 p.m.

Softball: JV

@West Fargo High School

6:15 p.m.

Softball: V

@Sheyenne High School

6:15 p.m.

Softball: JV

@Horace High School

7 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@West Fargo Sheyenne High School

High School Activity Calendar

7 p.m.

Soccer: G/V

@West Fargo High School

7 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Horace High School

7 p.m.

Soccer: G/V

@Cushman Field

April 12

TBD

Softball: V

@Minot High School

2 p.m.

Golf: B/V

@Lakeview Golf Course

2 p.m.

Golf: B/JV

@Lakeview Golf Course

2 p.m.

Track: G/V

@Sheyenne High School

2 p.m.

Track: B/V

@Sheyenne High School

4 p.m.

Softball: JV

@Minot High School

4:30 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@Perham High School

5 p.m.

Baseball: C

@Jack Williams Stadium

5 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@West Fargo Exchange Club Field

5 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Young Field-West Fargo

5 p.m.

Baseball: C

@Central Cass High School

5 p.m.

Baseball: C

@Horace High School

6:30 p.m.

Baseball: C

@Jack Williams Stadium

6:30 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@Perham High School

7 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@West Fargo Exchange Club Field

7 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Young Field-West Fargo

7 p.m.

Baseball: C

@Central Cass High School

7 p.m.

Baseball: C

@Horace High School

April 13

TBD

Softball: V

@Minot High School

Noon

Baseball: JV

@Bismarck Municipal Stadium

Noon

Softball: JV

@Meadowlark Park

Noon

Softball: V

@Horace High School

2 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@Bismarck Municipal Stadium

2 p.m.

Softball: JV

@Minot High School

2 p.m.

Softball: JV

@Meadowlark Park

2 p.m.

Softball: V

@Horace High School

4:30 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Bismarck Municipal Stadium

April 14

8 a.m.

Speech: All

@Baymont Inn & SuitesMandan

April 15

TBD

Speech: V

@Mandan Baymont Inn

TBD

Softball: JV

@West Fargo High School

Softball Field

9 a.m.

Golf: B/V

@Village Green Golf Course

High School Activity Calendar

9 a.m.

Golf: B/JV

@Village Green Golf Course

4:30 p.m.

Softball: V

@West Fargo High School

5 p.m.

Baseball: C

@Exchange Field

5 p.m.

Baseball: C

@Tharaldson Complex

5 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@Horace High School

6:30 p.m.

Baseball: C

@Tharaldson Complex

7 p.m.

Baseball: C

@Exchange Field

7 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@Horace High School

April 16

8 a.m.

Speech: V

@Mandan High School

3:30 p.m.

Tennis: G/V

@Sheyenne High School

4:30 p.m.

Softball: V

@Fargo Davies High School

4:30 p.m.

Softball: V

@Tharaldson Little League Complex

5 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@West Fargo Exchange Club Field

5 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Young Field-West Fargo

5 p.m.

Soccer: G/JV

@West Fargo High School

5 p.m.

Soccer: G/JV

@Sheyenne High School

5 p.m.

Baseball: C

@Bennett Elementary School

5 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@Horace High School

5 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Fargo Davies High School

5:30 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@Tharaldson Complex

5:30 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Tharaldson Complex

6:15 p.m.

Softball: JV

@Tharaldson Little League Complex

6:30 p.m.

Softball: JV

@Fargo Davies High School

7 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@West Fargo Exchange Club Field

7 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Young Field-West Fargo

7 p.m.

Soccer: G/V

@West Fargo High School

7 p.m.

Soccer: G/V

@Sheyenne High School

7 p.m.

Baseball: C

@Bennett Elementary School

7 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@Horace High School

7 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Fargo Davies High School

April 18

8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Orchestra @Hope Lutheran South

1 p.m.

Golf: B/V

@Madison Golf & Country Club

2 p.m.

Golf: B/JV

@Lakeview Golf Course

3:30 p.m.

Tennis: G/JV

@Sheyenne High School

3:30 p.m.

Tennis: G/V

@Sheyenne High School

5 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@Young Field-West Fargo

5 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Tharaldson Complex

5 p.m.

Soccer: G/JV

@Fargo South High School

5 p.m.

Baseball: C

@Exchange Club Baseball Field

5 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@Sheyenne High School

5 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Sheyenne High School

High School Activity Calendar

5 p.m.

Baseball: C

@Tharaldson Fields

5 p.m.

Softball: V

@Mickelson Field

6:30 p.m.

Softball: JV

@Mickelson Field

7 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@Young Field-West Fargo

7 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Tharaldson Complex

7 p.m.

Baseball: C

@Exchange Club Baseball Field

7 p.m.

Soccer: G/V

@Fargo South High School

7 p.m.

Baseball: C

@Tharaldson Fields

April 19

TBD

Softball: V

@Dickinson State University

TBD

Softball: JV

@Dickinson High School

TBD

Softball: V

@Dickinson High School

9 a.m.

Golf: B/V

@Spring Creek Golf Course

2:45 p.m.

Track: G/V

@Fargo Davies High School

2:45 p.m.

Track: B/V

@Fargo Davies High School

4 p.m.

Softball: V

@Hillsboro High School

4:30 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Bismarck Municipal Ballpark

4:30 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Dickinson High School

5 p.m.

Baseball: C

@West Fargo Exchange Club Field

5 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@Tharaldson Fields

5 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Horace High School

6 p.m.

Softball: JV

@Hillsboro High School

6:30 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Dickinson High School

6:30 p.m.

Baseball: C

@West Fargo Exchange Club Field

7 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@Tharaldson Fields

7 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Horace High School

April 20

TBD

Softball: V

@Dickinson State University

TBD

Softball: JV

@Dickinson High School

TBD

Softball: V

@Dickinson High School

TBD

Track: G/V

@North Dakota State University

8 a.m.

Speech: V

@Jamestown High School

8 a.m.

Track: B/V @Sheyenne High School

Noon

Baseball: V @Astoria Field

Noon

Baseball: V @Bismarck Municipal Stadium

2 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Astoria Field

2 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Bismarck Municipal Stadium

April 21

8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

State Conference National Honor Society

@Bismarck

April 22

8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

State Conference National Honor Society

@Bismarck

5 p.m.

Baseball: C @Exchange Field

5 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@Horace High School

5 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Northern Cass High School

5:30 p.m.

Baseball: C

@Sheyenne High School

7 p.m.

Baseball: C @Exchange Field

7 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@Horace High School

7 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Northern Cass High School

7:30 p.m.

Baseball: C

@Sheyenne High School

April 23

2 p.m.

Track: G/V

@ Sheyenne High School

3 p.m.

Track: B/V

@Sheyenne High School

4 p.m.

Tennis: G/V

@West Fargo High School

4 p.m.

Tennis: G/JV

@Carl Ben Eielson Middle School

4 p.m.

Tennis: G/V

@Fargo South High School

4:30 p.m.

Softball: JV

@Meadowlark Park

4:30 p.m.

Softball: V

@Horace High School

5 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@Fargo North High School

5 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Young Field-West Fargo

5 p.m.

Soccer: G/JV

@West Fargo High School

5 p.m.

Baseball: C

@Sheyenne High School

5 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@Roosevelt Park

5 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Roosevelt Park

5 p.m.

Baseball: C

@Horace High School

5 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@Kraft Field

5 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Kraft Field

6:15 p.m.

Softball: JV

@Meadowlark Park

6:15 p.m.

Softball: V

@Horace High School

6:15 p.m.

Softball: JV

@Sheyenne High School

High School Activity Calendar

7 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@Fargo North High School

7 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Young Field-West Fargo

7 p.m.

Soccer: G/V

@West Fargo High School

7 p.m.

Baseball: C

@Sheyenne High School

7 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@Roosevelt Park

7 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Roosevelt Park

7 p.m.

Baseball: C

@Horace High School

April 24

9 a.m.

Golf: B/JV

@Valley Golf Course

9 a.m.

Golf: B/V

@Kings Walk Golf Course

April 25

9 a.m.

Golf: B/JV

@Detroit Country Club

3:30 p.m.

Tennis: G/JV

@University Courts

3:30 p.m.

Tennis: G/V

@Riverside Courts

4 p.m.

Tennis: G/V

@Fargo Davies High School

4:30 p.m.

Softball: V

@Apollo Park

4:30 p.m.

Softball: V

@Horace High School

5 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@Kraft Field

5 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Kraft Field

5 p.m.

Soccer: G/JV

@Cushman Field

5 p.m.

Track: G/JV

@Fargo Davies High School

5 p.m.

Track: G/V

@Fargo Davies High School

5 p.m.

Track: B/JV

@Fargo Davies High School

5 p.m.

Track: B/V

@Fargo Davies High School

5 p.m.

Soccer: G/JV

@Sheyenne High School

5 p.m.

Baseball: C

@D-G-F Junior High School

5:30 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@Sheyenne High School

6:15 p.m.

Softball: JV

@Horace High School

6:30 p.m.

Softball: JV

@Apollo Park

7 p.m.

Soccer: G/V

@Cushman Field

7 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@Sheyenne High School

7 p.m.

Soccer: G/V

@Sheyenne High School

7 p.m.

Baseball: C

@D-G-F Junior High School

April 26

TBD

Baseball: JV

@West Fargo Exchange

Club Field

TBD

Baseball: JV

@Young Field-West Fargo

TBD

Track: G/V

@Fargo South High School

TBD

Track: B/V

@Fargo South High School

8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

State Vocal Contest

@Valley City State University

5 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Sheyenne High School

5 p.m.

Baseball: C

@Exchange Field

High School Activity Calendar

5 p.m.

Baseball: JV

5 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Horace High School

7 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Sheyenne High School

7 p.m.

Baseball: C

@Exchange Field

7 p.m.

Baseball: JV

7 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Horace High School

April 27

TBD

Baseball: JV

@West Fargo Exchange Club Field

TBD

Baseball: JV

@Young Field-West Fargo

TBD

Baseball: V

@Bismarck High School

8 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Prom

@Sheyenne High School

April 28

10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

North Dakota Elite Dance Show

@Horace High School

April 29

5 p.m.

Baseball: C

@Exchange Field

5 p.m.

Baseball: JV @Jack Williams Stadium

7 p.m.

Baseball: C @Exchange Field

7 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@Jack Williams Stadium

April 30

TBD

Tennis: G/JV

TBD

Golf: B/JV

@Meadows Golf Course

1 p.m.

Golf: B/V

@Detroit Country Club

2 p.m.

Track: G/V

@Kindred High School

2 p.m.

Track: B/V

@Kindred High School

3:30 p.m.

Tennis: G/JV

@Sheyenne High School

3:30 p.m.

Tennis: G/V

@Sheyenne High School

4 p.m.

Tennis: G/V

@West Fargo High School

4:30 p.m.

Softball: JV

@West Fargo High School

4:30 p.m.

Baseball: JV @Moorhead High School

4:30 p.m.

Softball: V @Sheyenne High School

5 p.m.

Baseball: C @Bennett Elementary School

5 p.m.

Baseball: JV @West Fargo Exchange Club Field

5 p.m.

Baseball: V @Fargo Davies High School

5 p.m.

Soccer: G/JV

@Fargo South High School

5 p.m.

Baseball: C @D-G-F High School

5 p.m.

Soccer: G/JV

@Sheyenne High School

5 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Horace High School

6:15 p.m.

Softball: V

@West Fargo High School

6:15 p.m.

Softball: JV

@Sheyenne High School

6:30 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@Moorhead High School

7 p.m.

Baseball: C

@Bennett Elementary School

7 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@West Fargo Exchange Club Field

7 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Fargo Davies High School

7 p.m.

Soccer: G/V

@Fargo South High School

7 p.m.

Baseball: C

@D-G-F High School

7 p.m.

Soccer: G/V

@Sheyenne High School

7 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Horace High School

The City of West Fargo has launched a new Community Calendar on westfargond.gov.

This calendar will include community and family programs, local tournaments and sporting events, concerts and entertainment, and community meetings and gatherings. Residents, organizations, and businesses will have the opportunity to submit events happening in West Fargo to be included on this calendar.

“Our goal is to crowdsource this calendar, using residents to help us populate events to share with their neighbors and the community as a whole,” said City of West Fargo Communication Manager, Rachel Richter Lordemann. “Organizations

Community Calendar CITY

By City of West Fargo Staff

and those hosting events can also use the calendar to share what they have going on to reach a city-wide audience.”

The calendar will be updating on a rolling basis, and there are no deadlines for event submission. Events included on the calendar must be held in the City of West Fargo. City Staff does reserve the right to approve or deny posting an event on the calendar based on content.

Those who wish to submit an event, view the calendar, or subscribe for event notifications can visit https:// westfargond.gov/1365/West-FargoCommunity-Calendar or scan the QR Code.

Residents are encouraged to switch sump pumps to discharge outside beginning Monday, April 15

By City of West Fargo Staff

All sump pumps in West Fargo should switch to discharge outside beginning Monday, April 15, 2024, if possible. If unable, residents are asked to monitor weather conditions so that sump pumps can switch to discharge outdoors as soon as possible.

The City of West Fargo requires this action to meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requirement for separate stormwater and sanitary sewer water systems. Sump pumps discharging outside help to ensure the sewer system is not overwhelmed during snow melt and rain events, which can lead to sewage backup in properties and partially treated sewage water emptying into the Sheyenne River.

Sump pump water diverted outside should drain away from buildings to prevent recirculation. The City recommends discharging into backyards and coordinating with neighbors

to ensure sump pump water is not causing drainage concerns.

Additionally, sump pump drainage hoses cannot cross sidewalks or positioned in a way that allows the water to pool on sidewalks. Both scenarios are safety hazards and are considered illegal in the City of West Fargo.

Residents must obtain a sump pump variance and pay a $5 monthly fee year-round to discharge water from the sump pump into the sanitary sewer system during winter months. The variance is only valid from Oct. 15 to April 15. The $5 fee is paid through the property’s utility bill. The sump pump water must divert outside during the remainder of the year.

If you have questions or concerns about discharging your sump pump outside, please contact Public Works at 701-515-5400.

Urban Toad Media

First West Fargo Board of trustees Back Row Peter Zwack, Joseph Jameson, Arvid Anderson Front Row Charles Hanson, Eric Lindblom, William Leonard, 1931.

April 1-5 is City Government Week celebrated by the North Dakota League of Cities. City Government Week is an opportunity for you to get to know your city!

Here some interesting history of the City of West Fargo you may or may not have known:

West Fargo began as a small railroad community along the Sheyenne River called Haggart, named for John E. Haggart who came to North Dakota in 1871. Mr. Haggart went on to serve as the Cass County Sheriff and was a member of North Dakota’s first State Senate.

For many years, agriculture and livestock were West Fargo’s primary industries. The Equity Cooperative Packing Company was founded in 1916 and is responsible for the City’s first period of economic growth. Equity was bought by Armour and Company in 1922. The West Fargo Union Stockyards were in operation from 1935 through the late 1990s and were the 10th largest livestock market in the United States.

Residents held an election in 1930 to incorporate their community into the Village of West Fargo which included only residents North of what is now Main Avenue. The vote passed 60-1. The first ‘Mayor’ of the City was Joseph A. Jameson, elected in 1931

City Government Week April 1-5

By City of West Fargo Staff

to Chair a Board of Trustees that were the City’s first version of a City Commission.

In 1935 the Village of West Fargo began offering high school, and appointed their first Police Officer.

Residents south of Main Avenue, then Highway 10, incorporated into the City of Southwest Fargo in 1937. Ole Anderson was the first elected official in the City of Southwest Fargo, overseeing its Board of Trustees from 1937-1941.

The first volunteer Fire Department was organized in 1940.

Sewer and Water were first installed in the City of Southwest Fargo in 1949.

In 1967, the growing community of Southwest Fargo took on the name of City of West Fargo. The Village to

the north was renamed West Fargo Industrial Park, which didn’t last long before the residents renamed to the City of Riverside in 1974.

In 1975 West Fargo City Hall was built with a Public Library next door.

West Fargo as it is today was formed in 1989 which the City of Riverside merged with the City of West Fargo. Development south of I-94 began in the year 2000 beginning the expansion of West Fargo to its current boundaries.

West Fargo is currently the fifth largest City in North Dakota with a 2023 population of 41,595 and has the second largest School District in North Dakota.

Learn more about West Fargo’s History and it’s past elected leaders at westfargond.gov

Clayton Lodoen and LaVerne Eid shake hands as Southwest Fargo becomes West Fargo and the village of West Fargo becomes West Fargo Industrial Park.

Ole Anderson being sworn in, 1937.

Haggart Train Depot.

WF to continue recycling program through Waste Management

By Wendy Reuer

West Fargo is renewing its recycling contract with the Twin Cities-based Waste Management after finding no local companies that could to take over the city’s recycling program.

On Monday, March 4, Public Works Director Matt Andvik asked the commission to approve a two-year contract with Waste Management that offers two one-year extensions.

Andvik said the city’s 2023 contract cost about $1.08 million for recycling, whereas the new recycling plan will cost about $924,000 in 2024. This means the city will pay about $152,000 less for recycling in 2024 than it did in 2023.

The two-year Waste Management contract will increase about 5% at the time of renewal.

“It’s kind of standard with Waste Management on all their contracts,” Andvik said.

Prior to signing a new contract with Waste Management, Andvik said his department contacted local recycling companies, but none were

able to commit to taking on the city’s recycling program.

“There’s just nobody around that would be able to handle the volume intake of West Fargo,” Andvik said.

West Fargo officials decided to partner with Waste Management for a no-sort recycling program in April 2015,signing a three-year, fullservice contract at that time. Waste Management provides the no-sort recycling curbside pickup to all family homes and mobile homes in West Fargo. No-sort bins are available throughout the city for apartment residents to drop off recycling.

The recycling program has since become popular in West Fargo, saving the city money on landfill costs as it pays to dump garbage at the Fargo Landfill. Residents are not billed separately for the recycling program, but the city recently raised its sanitation rates by 17%, which went into effect March 1. Anvik said the anticipated reduced recycling fees were factored into the decision to raise rates.

The commission unanimously approved continuing the partnership with Waste Management on Monday.

NEWS AND FEATURES

Career Innovation Center track for 2025 completion after delays

By Wendy Reuer

WEST FARGO — While funding and other construction delays for the NDSCS Career Innovation Center may have pushed the opening date back to August 2025, the Cass County Career and Technical Education program still thrives in area schools.

The Career Innovation Center is a $30 million, 92,000-square-foot academy for high school career and technical education, or CTE, students and North Dakota State College of Science students on 15 acres at 4230 64th Ave. S. in Fargo.

Career and technical education programs allow students to “explore career pathways with varying levels of education, including industryrecognized credentials, postsecondary certificates, and two- and four-year degrees, giving them a jumpstart on personal, academic, and career planning,” according to the Cass County CTE website.

The academy is expected to create more than 100 jobs to help provide area employers with needed workers and prepare future workers for careers in such areas as agriculture, biodiesel, nursing, aviation and construction.

A partnership among NDSCS, Fargo Public Schools, West Fargo Public Schools, Central Cass School District and Northern Cass School District will help fund operational costs.

Crews broke ground in July 2021 and were expected to complete work by fall 2022, but the project was delayed by weather and supply chain issues followed by funding delays. A $10 million grant for the building awarded through the Federal Coronavirus Capital Grants Program was delayed until this year.

The project is funded by private and public donations and grants. By

2021, about $11 million was secured from private sources, and $9 million was raised from public entities through federal grants and local government pledges.

Cass County Director of CTE Denise Jonas said the grant funds ended up being delayed until July 2024, which resulted in some bids not being placed until this January. However, bids came in lower than expected, and construction work will be in full swing this year.

CTE continues

In the meantime, CTE is continuing within school districts. In West Fargo Public Schools, students can choose to take classes to prepare them for a variety of careers such as early childhood development, teaching, coaching and counseling, peer-to-peer work —which is working with special education students — and even aviation, a program

A view from the northeast of the NDSCS Career Innovation Center under construction in south Fargo on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024.

Chris Flynn / The Focus

administered at Sheyenne High School but open to all CTE students.

Through CTE, students can earn a certificate, practice an apprenticeship or prepare for the military. Career advisors work with students to decide on a pathway to a career and then organize classes accordingly.

Jonas said there are around 57 CTE educators in 14 programs and around 2,000 students enrolled in CTE programs.

“It can range anywhere from 2,000 to 2,300 unique students taking classes,” Jonas said.

Just over 85% of students graduate ready to work in their chosen field with an overall 97% graduation rate, she said.

CTE also offers classes such as business and finance, marketing, management and school stores, IT/programming and graphic communications.

“We have a lot of interest in podcasts right now,” Jonas said.

She said the CTE program is working hard to garner student interest in future teaching careers.

“We are really trying to inspire students to become (teachers) and think about teaching in a different way,” Jonas said. “Teaching is a wonderful profession. It’s not easy all the time, and sometimes we have hurdles to jump over, but at the same time, we’re really trying to encourage students to think about that.”

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