Keith Harriger kharriger@forumcomm.com 701-241-5435
David Jones djones@forumcomm.com 701-388-1930
DESIGNER
Jen Phillips
ADVERTISING
advsales@forumcomm.com 701-241-5431
Siobhan Rafteseth
Cari-Ann and Rian Nostrum with their son Drake, a junior at Sheyenne High School watch voting results come in for three bond referendum questions on Monday, Feb. 17, 2025, at the Leidal Education Center.
Chris Flynn / The Forum
Students make their way to class at the new Horace High School.
David Samson/The Focus
NEWS AND FEATURES
West Fargo schools wasting no time after bond passes
Construction to begin this spring at Horace High in first of several high-dollar projects
By Wendy Reuer
The West Fargo school district is preparing for a spring start to many of the projects voters approved in the Feb. 17 bond referendum.
Voters approved a $99.7 million bond as part of the referendum to expand
Horace High School and Heritage Middle School, remodel South Elementary School, add inclusive playground equipment to the Early Education Center, add a multipurpose room to West Fargo High School and add security updates across the district.
Superintendent Beth Slette said district staff began working on the construction timeline the day after the election.
“With uncertainties surrounding construction workforce availability, cost fluctuations and supply
chain challenges — along with our district’s continued enrollment growth — time is of the essence,” Slette said. “West Fargo Public Schools is fully committed to
SCHOOL BOND: continued on page 5
Calendar of Events
MONTHLY MEETINGS
Airport Authority
Last Thursday of every month, 5:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo Municipal Airport Terminal Building
City Commission
Monday, April 7, 5:30 p.m.
Monday, April 21, 5:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo City Hall
Library Board
Second Thursday of every month, 5:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo City
Commission Chambers
Liquor Control Board
Second Tuesday of every month, 1 p.m.
@ West Fargo City
Commission Chambers
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.
@ West Fargo City
Commission Chambers
School Board
Second and fourth Monday of every month, 6 p.m.
@ Leidal Education Center
MONTHLY LIBRARY PROGRAMS
Monday Matinee
Every Monday, 1:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Visit westfargolibrary.org for movie listings
Baby Boost Story Time
(ages 0-2 + their adults)
Every Friday, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Teeter Tots Storytime (ages 2-3 + their adults)
Every Thursday, 10:15-11 a.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Ready to Read Story Time (ages 3-5 + their adults)
Every Wednesday, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Monday Night Readers Book Club
Second Monday of every month, 7-8 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Page Turners Book Club
First Tuesday of every month, 1-2 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Novel Afternoons Book Club
Third Wednesday of every month, 1-2 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Third Thursday Book Club
Third Thursday of every month, 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
West Fargo Cribbage Club
Every Tuesday, 6:30-8 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
APRIL EVENTS
Community Game Night
April 1, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
West Fargo City Budget Process Presentation
April 1, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Introduction to Ancestry Library Edition
April 3, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
STEM Saturday
April 5, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Mine-Crafts at the Library
April 5, 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Container Gardening with Master Gardener
Tristin Vane
April 7, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Chair Yoga at the Library
April 8, 10:30 -11:30 a.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Adult Dungeons & Dragons Campaign
April 8, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Monthly Community Resource Hours
April 10, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Writing Circle
April 10, 7-8 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Teen Dungeons & Dragons Game
April 12, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Scissors & Stories Collage Workship
March 13, 6-8 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Adult Craft & Chat
April 15, 6:30 - 8 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Coffee with a Cop
April 16, 10-11 a.m.
@ Rustad Recreation Center
Teen Trivia Night
April 17, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Poetry Open Mic Night
April 17, 7-8 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Adults Dungeons & Dragons Campaign
April 22, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
How to Use Libby
April 23, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Books & Brews
Community Book Club
April 24, 6-7 p.m.
@ Junkyard Brewing Company
Family Craft Night90s Theme
April 24, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Writing Circle
April 24, 7-8 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
West Fargo Library
Closing EarlyStaff Training
April 25, 1 p.m.
Civic Minds Roundtable
April 28, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Free Balance Screenings
April 29, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
*West Fargo Area Community Program
School Bond
continued from page 3
maximizing the resources entrusted to us by taxpayers as we work to address the district’s expansion and infrastructure needs efficiently and effectively.”
Voters took to the polls to decide three questions, each of which needed 60% of the vote to pass.
The first question, which garnered more than 63% of the vote, was the only to pass. The second question would have added money for projects the district anticipated needed in six to 10 years, such as building another elementary school. The third question asked school district voters to contribute $5 million to a joint project with the West Fargo Park Board and West Fargo Hockey Association to build a $20 million third sheet of ice at Veterans Memorial Arena.
The list of projects included in the first referendum question is meant to address the needs of the fastgrowing district in the next five years. West Fargo District Spokeswoman Heather Leas said plans are to begin construction on Horace High School to add classrooms as early as this spring. The $2.2 million addition of classrooms would be completed before the end of the year.
Before the February referendum, some residents questioned why the school district did not build Heritage Middle School and Horace High School to capacity when voters approved a 2018 bond referendum to build the schools. Leas said officials did that to lessen the burden to taxpayers asked to approve the $106.9 million referendum. Also, students were phased into the first classes at the two schools, making a larger building unnecessary at the time.
“With enrollment projections at that time, the district only requested funds for a middle school that would house 900 learners, knowing that we would eventually need the district’s standard middle school capacity of 1,200 learners,” Leas said.
“West Fargo Public Schools is fully committed to maximizing the resources entrusted to us by taxpayers as we work to address the district’s expansion and infrastructure needs efficiently and effectively.”
Superintendent Beth Slette
In the summer, the district plans to begin the estimated $22.6 million additions to Heritage Middle School. Construction is projected to be completed by summer 2027.
Leas said Heritage Middle School is expected to exceed its current capacity by the fall of 2027, so completing the building will provide necessary instructional space and supporting auxiliary spaces for middle school students in the Horace High School feeder system.
Installation of inclusive playground equipment, estimated to cost about $550,000, would start in fall and be completed by summer 2026.
School Bond: continued on page 6
A rendering by JLG Architects that displays the expansion of Horace High School. contributed / West Fargo Public Schools
An architect’s rendering by YHR Partners shows the expansion of Heritage Middle School in Horace. contributed / West Fargo Public Schools
School Bond
continued from page 5
By 2026, the school district expects work to begin on renovating and expanding South Elementary in early spring. The project is expected to cost about $17.8 million, slated to finish by the end of 2028.
The district would completely build out Horace High School starting in late spring 2026 and add a multi-purpose room for a price of $33.8 million.
In fall 2026, the district would begin adding a multi-purpose room to West Fargo High School. It will also be working on district-wide renovations, including upgrades for special education, as well as safety and security programs. The district also plans to change multi-stall restrooms into single-stall restrooms that have a communal wash center. The renovations are estimated to cost about $13.5 million.
Of that cost, the district plans to spend about $350,000 to add 60
surveillance cameras where needed and move or re-aim another 60 cameras to address current gaps in coverage, such as in stairwells and playgrounds, Leas said.
About $1.4 million will be spent across the district on improved sprinkler systems.
“Many of our schools were constructed at a time when fullbuilding sprinkler systems were not required,” Leas said.
A timeline for the $9.2 million expansion to the Early Childhood Special Education program has not been determined.
The district has created a website dedicated to tracking the progress of the construction projects based on the 2025 referendum. The site can be found at west-fargo.k12.nd.us/aboutus/construction-projects.
Readers can reach Focus editor Wendy Reuer at wreuer@forumcomm.com or 701-241-5530.
cITY InFoRMATIon
West Fargo Police department’s spring coffee with a cop
By City of West Fargo
The West Fargo Police Department’s Coffee with a Cop will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 16 at the Rustad Recreation Center in West Fargo (601 26th Ave. E.). The Coffee with a Cop program is designed to increase understanding between residents and the police. At these events, residents learn more about law enforcement and can interact with officers.
South Elementary School, one
the West Fargo school district’s oldest schools. contributed / West Fargo Public Schools
This event is sponsored by the Community Outreach Programs and Services (COPS) Unit. The COPS Unit organizes the department’s continued efforts to recognize West Fargo’s changing demographics and strengthen relationships with all members of the community. These efforts include community events, officers dedicated to the COPS Unit, and the completion of cultural awareness and diversity training for staff.
An architect’s rendering by YHR Partners depicts the renovations and expansion planned for
of
April 3
4:30 p.m.
Baseball: C
Horace High School Activity Calendar
@West Fargo Exchange Club Field
4:30 p.m.
Baseball: JV
@Tharaldson ComplexTeamsters Field
4:30 p.m.
Baseball: V
@Horace High School
4:30 p.m.
Softball: JV
@West Fargo High School
4:30 p.m.
Softball: V
@Horace High School
6:15 p.m.
Softball: JV
@West Fargo High School
6:15 p.m.
Softball: V
@Horace High School
6:30 p.m.
Baseball: C
@West Fargo Exchange Club Field
6:30 p.m.
Baseball: JV
@Tharaldson Complex
6:30 p.m.
Baseball: V
@Horace High School
April 4
Choir - Varsity
@Hope Lutheran South
Choir - EDC Vocal Solo & Ensemble Contests
Track: G/V
@University of North Dakota
EDC Indoor (V)
Track: B/V
@University of North Dakota
EDC Indoor (V)
4:30 p.m.
Baseball: JV
@Horace High School
6:30 p.m.
Baseball: JV
@Horace High School
April 5
TBD Track: G/V
@University of North Dakota
TBD Track: B/V
@University of North Dakota
8 a.m.
Speech: V
@Sheyenne High School
April 6
2 p.m.
Drama - Varsity
@West Fargo High School
District One Act Public Performances
April 7
Drama - Varsity @Devils Lake, Multiple Locations STATE One Act
5 p.m.
Baseball: C
@Horace High School
5 p.m.
Baseball: JV @Bennett Elementary School
7 p.m.
Baseball: C @Horace High School
7 p.m.
Baseball: JV @Bennett Elementary School
April 8
Drama - Varsity @Devils Lake, Multiple Locations STATE One-Act
4:30 p.m.
Baseball: C
@West Fargo Exchange Club Field
6:30 p.m.
Baseball: C
@West Fargo Exchange Club Field
April 10
TBD
Track: G/V @Horace High School
TBD Track: B/V @Horace High School
2 p.m.
Track: G/V
@Horace High School
2 p.m.
Track: B/V @Horace High School
4:30 p.m.
Softball: JV
@Meadowlark Park
4:30p.m.
Softball: V @Horace High School
6:15 p.m.
Softball: JV
6:15 p.m.
Softball: V @Horace High School
April 11
Orchestra - Varsity @Olivet Lutheran Church Fargo
TBD
Softball: V @Sanford Sports Complex
3:30 p.m.
Baseball: V @Sanford Sports Complex
4 p.m.
Tennis: G/JV @Horace High School
4 p.m.
Tennis: G/V @Horace High School
4:30 p.m.
Baseball: JV @Horace High School
5 p.m.
Baseball: C
@West Fargo Exchange Club Field
5:45 p.m.
Baseball: V @Sanford Sports Complex
6:30 p.m.
Baseball: JV @Horace High School
7 p.m.
Baseball: C
@West Fargo Exchange Club Field
April 12
TBD
Softball: V @Sanford Sports Complex
8 a.m.
Speech: V @Jamestown High School
12:45 p.m.
Baseball: V @Sanford Sports Complex
5:15 p.m.
Baseball: V @Sanford Sports Complex
April 13
8 a.m.
Speech: V @Baymont Inn & SuitesMandan
April 14
8 a.m.
Speech: V @Baymont Inn & SuitesMandan
9 a.m.
Golf: B/V @Village Green Golf Course
4:30 p.m.
Softball: JV @Horace High School
4:30 p.m.
Softball: V @Sheyenne High School
5 p.m.
Baseball: C
@Tharaldson Complex
6:15 p.m.
Softball: JV
@Horace High School
6:15pm
Softball: V
@Sheyenne High School
6:30 p.m.
Baseball: C @Tharaldson Complex
April 15
TBD
Tennis: G/JV
Track: G/V @Sheyenne High School
TBD
Track: B/V @Sheyenne High School
8 a.m.
Speech: V @Baymont Inn & SuitesMandan
4 p.m.
Tennis: G/V @West Fargo High School
4:30 p.m.
Baseball: JV
@Horace High School
5 p.m.
Baseball: C
@Central Cass High School
5 p.m.
Baseball: V @Jack Williams Stadium
6:30 p.m.
Baseball: JV
@Horace High School
7:00 p.m.
Baseball: C
Horace High School Activity Calendar
@Central Cass High School
7 p.m.
Baseball: V
@Jack Williams Stadium
April 17
4 p.m.
Tennis: G/V
@Sheyenne High School
4:30 p.m.
Baseball: C
@Exchange Club Baseball Field
4:30 p.m.
Baseball: V
@Horace High School
4:30 p.m.
Softball: V
@Horace High School
4:30 p.m.
Tennis: G/JV
@Sheyenne High School
5 p.m
Baseball: JV
@Fargo North High School
6:15pm
Softball: JV
@Horace High School
6:30 p.m.
Baseball: C
@Exchange Field
6:30 p.m.
Baseball: V
@Horace High School
7 p.m.
Baseball: JV
@Fargo North High School
April 21
5 p.m.
Baseball: C
@Jack Williams Stadium
7 p.m.
Baseball: C
@Jack Williams Stadium
April 22
TBD
Track: G/V
@Sheyenne High School
TBD
Track: B/V
@Sheyenne High School
4 p.m.
Tennis: G/JV
@Discovery Middle School
4 p.m.
Tennis: G/V
@Horace High School
4:30 p.m.
Baseball: C
@Exchange Field
4:30 p.m.
Baseball: JV
@Sheyenne High School
4:30 p.m.
Baseball: V
@Horace High School
Baseball Field
4:30 p.m.
Softball: JV
@Horace High School
4:30 p.m.
Softball: V @West Fargo High School
6:15 p.m.
Softball: JV @Horace High School
6:15 p.m.
Softball: V @West Fargo High School
6:30 p.m.
Baseball: C @Exchange Field
6:30 p.m.
Baseball: JV
@Sheyenne High School
6:30 p.m.
Baseball: V
@Horace High School
April 23
9 a.m.
Golf: B/V
@Kings Walk Golf Course
April 24
TBD
Track: G/V
@Shanley High School
TBD
Track: B/V
@Shanley High School
4 p.m.
Tennis: G/JV
@Fargo North High School
4 p.m.
Tennis: G/V
@Elephant Park
4:30 p.m.
Softball: V
@Fargo Davies High School
5 p.m.
Baseball: C
@Tharaldson Fields
6:15 p.m.
Softball: JV
@Fargo Davies High School
7 p.m.
Baseball: C
@Tharaldson Fields
April 25
Choir - Varsity
@University of Jamestown Vocal Music: STATE Contest
8 a.m.
Speech: V
4:30 p.m.
Baseball: V @John Randall Field
4:30 p.m.
Softball: JV @
4:30 p.m.
Softball: V
@Oxford Sports ComplexGF
5 p.m.
Baseball: JV
@Airport Park
6:30 p.m.
Baseball: V
Horace High School Activity Calendar
7 p.m.
Baseball: JV
@Airport Park
April 26
TBD
Baseball: JV
@Young Field-West Fargo
8 a.m.
Speech: V @TBA
8:30 a.m.
Golf: B/V
@Spring Creek Golf Course (South Dakota)
Noon
Baseball: V
@Horace High School
2 p.m.
Baseball: V @Horace High School
April 28
10 a.m.
Golf: B/V
@Bois de Sioux Golf Course
4:30 p.m.
Baseball: C @Thompson High School
6:30 p.m.
Baseball: C @Thompson High School
April 29
TBD
Tennis: G/JV
4 p.m.
Tennis: G/V
@Horace High School
4:30 p.m.
Baseball: C @Exchange Field
4:30 p.m.
Baseball: JV @Horace High School
4:30 p.m.
Softball: JV
@Sheyenne High School
4:30 p.m.
Softball: V @Horace High School
5 p.m.
Baseball: V
@Charlie Brown Memorial Field
6:15 p.m.
Softball: JV @Sheyenne High School
6:15 p.m.
Softball: V @Horace High School
6:30 p.m.
Baseball: C @Exchange Field
6:30 p.m.
Baseball: JV
@Horace High School
7 p.m.
Baseball: V @Charlie Brown Memorial Field
Sheyenne High School Activity Calendar
April 1
4:30 p.m.
Softball: V
@Sheyenne High School
6:30 p.m.
Softball: JV
@Sheyenne High School
April 3
5 p.m.
Baseball: JV
@Sheyenne High School
5 p.m.
Baseball: V @Sheyenne High School
April 4
11 a.m.
Softball: V
@University of Jamestown
11 a.m.
Track: G/V
@North Dakota State University
1:30 p.m.
Softball: V
@University of Jamestown
4 p.m.
Track: B/V
@North Dakota State University
4:30 p.m.
Baseball: JV
@Horace High School
6:30 p.m.
Baseball: JV @Horace High School
April 5
9 a.m.
Speech: V @Sheyenne High School
9 a.m.
Speech: V @Sheyenne High School
11:30 a.m.
Track: G/V
@University of North Dakota
11:30 a.m.
Track: B/V
@University of North Dakota
April 6
2 - 4 p.m.
One Act Play -
District Performance
@Multiple Location
April 7
4 p.m.
Softball: V
@Kindred High School
5 p.m.
Baseball: JV
@Tharaldson Complex
6 p.m.
Softball: JV
@Kindred High School
7 p.m.
Baseball: JV
@Tharaldson Complex
April 8
4:30 p.m.
Baseball: C
@West Fargo Exchange Club Field
4:30 p.m.
Softball: V
@Mickelson Field
5 p.m.
Soccer: G/JV
@Sheyenne High School
6:15 p.m.
Softball: JV
@Fargo North High School
6:30 p.m.
Baseball: C
@West Fargo Exchange Club Field
7 p.m.
Soccer: G/V
@Sheyenne High School
April 10
4:30 p.m.
Baseball: C
@West Fargo Exchange Club Field
4:30 p.m.
Softball: JV
@West Fargo High School
5 p.m.
Soccer: G/JV
@Sheyenne High School
6:15 p.m.
Softball: JV
@West Fargo High School
6:15 p.m.
Softball: V
@West Fargo High School
6:30 p.m.
Baseball: C
@West Fargo Exchange Club Field
7 p.m.
Soccer: G/V
@Sheyenne High School
April 11
2 p.m.
Track: G/V
@Sheyenne High School
2 p.m.
Track: B/V
@Sheyenne High School
4 p.m.
Tennis: G/JV
@Carl Ben Eielson Middle School
4 p.m.
Tennis: G/V
@Fargo South High School
5 p.m.
Baseball: JV
@Sheyenne High School
The City of West Fargo is now hiring Seasonal Laborers for Summer 2025!
By City of West Fargo
CoWF seasonal jobs are perfect for college and high school students, teachers, retirees, or anyone else looking to spend some time working outdoors this summer.
Seasonal hours are MondayThursday, 6 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. No Fridays, no weekends, and no nights! Start and end dates are flexible. Seasonal laborers earn $15.50-$16.50/hour.
Seasonal laborers can choose one of the following positions:
• Right-of-Way Mowing - includes mowing and trimming on public property, experience on zero turn mowers preferred.
• Right-of-Way Weed and Water - includes planting of flowers, shrubs, watering and weeding. Occasional help with landscaping, fertilizing, mowing, trimming, and general lawn care duties.
• Forestry - Includes tree planting, tree pruning, tree watering and other seasonal forestry tasks. Must be 18 years of age. Only 2 positions available.
All positions require a valid driver’s license.
5 p.m.
Baseball: V
Sheyenne High School Activity Calendar
@Sheyenne High School
April 12
8 a.m.
Track: G/V
@Sheyenne High School
8 a.m.
Track: B/V
@Sheyenne High School
9 a.m.
Speech: V
@Jamestown High School
April 13
10 a.m.
Speech: V
@Mandan High School
April 14
9 a.m.
Golf: B/V
@Village Green Golf Course
4:30 p.m.
Softball: JV
@Horace High School
4:30 p.m.
Softball: V
@Sheyenne High School
5 p.m.
Baseball: JV
@Tharaldson ComplexTeamsters Field
6:15 p.m.
Softball: JV
@Horace High School
6:15 p.m.
Softball: V
@Sheyenne High School
7 p.m.
Baseball: JV
@Tharaldson Complex
April 15
4:30 a.m.
Softball: V
@Sheyenne High School
1 p.m.
Track: G/V
@Sheyenne High School
Sheyenne Mustang Stadium
1 p.m.
Track: B/V
@Sheyenne High School
Sheyenne Mustang Stadium
2 p.m.
Track: G/V
@Sheyenne High School
2 p.m.
Track: B/V
@Sheyenne High School
4:30 p.m.
Tennis: G/JV
@Sheyenne High School
4:30 p.m.
Tennis: G/V
@Sheyenne High School
5 p.m.
Baseball: JV
@Oxford Sports ComplexGF
5 p.m.
Baseball: V
@Oxford Sports ComplexGF
5 p.m.
Soccer: G/JV
@Shanley High School
6:15 p.m.
Softball: JV
@Sheyenne High School
7 p.m.
Soccer: G/V
@Shanley High School
April 17
TBD
Baseball: JV
2:30 p.m.
Track: G/V
@Fargo Davies High School
2:30 p.m.
Track: B/V
@Fargo Davies High School
4 p.m.
Tennis: G/V
@Sheyenne High School
4:30 p.m.
Baseball: V
@Fargo Davies High School
4:30 p.m.
Tennis: G/JV
@Sheyenne High School
5 p.m.
Baseball: C
@Bennett Elementary School
5 p.m.
Soccer: G/JV
@Sheyenne High School
6:30 p.m.
Baseball: V
@Fargo Davies High School
7 p.m.
Baseball: C
@Bennett Elementary School
7 p.m.
Soccer: G/V
@Sheyenne High School
April 22
3 p.m.
Track: G/V
@Sheyenne High School
3 p.m.
Track: B/V
@Sheyenne High School
4 p.m.
Tennis: G/JV
@Choice Health & Fitness
4 p.m.
Tennis: G/V
@Register Courts
4:30 p.m.
Baseball: C @Exchange Field
4:30 p.m.
Baseball: JV @Sheyenne High School
4:30 p.m.
Baseball: V @Horace High School
4:30 p.m.
Softball: V @
5 p.m.
Soccer: G/JV
@Fargo Davies High School
6:15 p.m.
Softball: JV @
6:30 p.m.
Baseball: C @Exchange Field
6:30 p.m.
Baseball: JV @Sheyenne High School
6:30 p.m.
Baseball: V @Horace High School
7 p.m.
Soccer: G/V @Fargo Davies High School
April 23
9 a.m.
Golf: B/V @Kings Walk Golf Course
April 24
11 a.m.
Track: G/V @Shanley High School
11 a.m.
Track: B/V @Shanley High School
4 p.m.
Tennis: G/JV @Kennedy Elementary School
4 p.m.
Tennis: G/V @Concordia College
4:30 p.m.
Softball: V @Sheyenne High School
5 p.m.
Soccer: G/JV @Sheyenne High School
6:15 p.m.
Softball: JV @Sheyenne High School
7 p.m.
Soccer: G/V
@Sheyenne High School
April 25
TBD
Baseball: C
@West Fargo Exchange Club Field
TBD
Baseball: C @West Fargo Exchange Club Field
7 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Stat @University of Jamestown
1 p.m.
Golf: B/V
@Madison Golf & Country Club (South Dakota)
4:30 p.m.
Baseball: V @Sheyenne High School
6:45 p.m.
Baseball: V @Sheyenne High School
April 26
6 a.m. - 11:55 p.m.
Prom @Sheyenne High School
8:30 a.m.
Golf: B/V
@Spring Creek Golf Course (South Dakota)
9 a.m.
Track: B/V
@North Dakota State University
5 p.m.
Soccer: G/JV @Sheyenne High School
7 p.m.
Sheyenne High School Activity Calendar
Soccer: G/V @Sheyenne High School
9 p.m.
Track: G/V @North Dakota State University
April 27
8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
North Dakota Elite Dance Show @Multiple Location
2 - 6 p.m.
Set Strike @Cheney Middle School
April 28
10 a.m.
Golf: B/V @Bois de Sioux Golf Course
April 29
4:30 p.m.
Baseball: C @Exchange Field
4:30 p.m.
Baseball: V @Sheyenne High School
4:30 p.m.
Softball: JV @Sheyenne High School
4:30 p.m.
Softball: V @Horace High School
4:30 p.m.
Tennis: G/JV @Sheyenne High School
4:30 p.m.
Tennis: G/V @Sheyenne High School
5 p.m.
Baseball: JV
@Sheyenne High School
6:15 p.m.
Softball: JV @Sheyenne High School
6:15 p.m.
Softball: V @Horace High School
6:30 p.m.
Baseball: C @Exchange Field
West Fargo High School Activity Calendar
April 1
4:30 p.m.
Softball: JV @West Fargo High School
6:15 p.m.
Softball: V @West Fargo High School
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Boys Swim & Dive Banquet @West Fargo High School
April 2
8:00am - 5:00pm
E Sports Minot Great Plains @Minot State University
4 - 5:30 p.m.
Packerettes Practice @West Fargo High School
April 3
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
E Sports Minot Great Plains @Minot State University
CELEBRATING 90 YEARS OF QUALITY REPAIR
4:30 p.m.
Softball: JV
West Fargo High School Activity Calendar
@West Fargo High School
4:30 p.m.
Softball: V
@Horace High School
5 p.m.
Baseball: JV
@Charlie Brown Memorial Field
5 p.m.
Baseball: V
@Charlie Brown Memorial Field
6:15 p.m.
Softball: JV
@West Fargo High School
6:15 p.m.
Softball: V
@Horace High School
April 4
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
E Sports Minot Great Plains
@Minot State University
3:45 - 5:30 p.m.
One West Fargo
@West Fargo High School
April 5
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
E Sports Minot Great Plains
@Minot State University
12:30 p.m.
Track: G/V
@University of North Dakota
12:30 p.m.
Track: B/V
@University of North Dakota
April 6
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Boys Soccer
@West Fargo High School
April 7
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
State One Act Play Contest
@Devils Lake Regional College
6:30 - 8 p.m.
Packer Backers Meeting @West Fargo High School
April 8
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
State One Act Play Contest
@Devils Lake Regional College
5 p.m.
Baseball: C @West Fargo Exchange Club Field
5 p.m.
Soccer: G/JV @Cushman Field
7 p.m.
Baseball: C @West Fargo Exchange Club Field
7 p.m.
Soccer: G/V @Cushman Field
April 9
10:15 a.m. - 1 p.m.
F M Community Theater @West Fargo High School
April 10
4 - 5:30 p.m.
Packerettes Practice @West Fargo High School
4:30 p.m.
Baseball: C
@West Fargo Exchange Club Field
4:30 p.m.
Softball: JV @West Fargo High School
5 p.m.
Soccer: G/JV
@West Fargo High School
6:15pm
Softball: JV
@West Fargo High School
6:15 p.m.
Softball: V @West Fargo High School
6:30 p.m.
Baseball: C
@West Fargo Exchange Club Field
7 p.m.
Soccer: G/V
@West Fargo High School
April 11
4 - 8:30 p.m.
OneWestFargo
@West Fargo High School
4 p.m.
Tennis: G/JV
@West Fargo High School
4 p.m.
Tennis: G/V
@West Fargo High School
4:30 p.m.
Softball: JV
@West Fargo High School
5 p.m.
Baseball: C
@West Fargo Exchange Club Field
6:15 p.m.
Softball: V
@West Fargo High School
7 p.m.
Baseball: C
@West Fargo Exchange Club Field
April 13
7- 8:30 p.m.
Boys Soccer
@West Fargo High School
April 14
9 a.m.
Golf: B/V
@Village Green Golf Course
April 15
TBD
Tennis: G/JV
1 p.m.
Track: G/V
@Sheyenne High School
1 p.m.
Track: B/V @Sheyenne High School
4 p.m.
Tennis: G/V @West Fargo High School
4:30 p.m.
Baseball: JV
@West Fargo Exchange Club Field
4:30 p.m.
Baseball: V
@Young Field-West Fargo
4:30 p.m.
Softball: JV
@West Fargo High School
4:30 p.m.
Softball: V
@West Fargo High School
Softball Field- Varsity
5 p.m.
Soccer: G/JV
@West Fargo High School
6:15 p.m.
Softball: JV
@West Fargo High School
6:15 p.m.
Softball: V
@West Fargo High School
6:30 p.m.
Baseball: JV
@West Fargo Exchange Club Field
6:30 p.m.
Baseball: V
@Young Field-West Fargo
7 p.m.
Soccer: G/V
@West Fargo High School
April 16
4 - 5:30 p.m.
Packerettes Practice
@West Fargo High School
April 17
2:30 p.m.
Track: G/V
@Fargo Davies High School
2:30 p.m.
Track: B/V
@Fargo Davies High School
4 p.m.
Tennis: G/JV
@Choice Health & Fitness
4 p.m.
Tennis: G/V
@Register Courts
4:30 p.m.
Baseball: C
@McKinley Elementary Baseball Field
4:30 p.m.
Softball: V
West Fargo High School Activity Calendar
@Oxford Sports ComplexGF
5 p.m.
Soccer: G/JV
@Cushman Field
6 p.m.
Baseball: C
@McKinley Elementary Baseball Field
6:30 p.m.
Softball: JV
@Oxford Sports ComplexGF
7 p.m.
Soccer: G/V
@Cushman Field
April 18
5 p.m.
Baseball: JV
@Oxford Sports ComplexGF
5 p.m.
Baseball: V
@Oxford Sports ComplexGF
April 20
7 - 8:30 p.m.
Boys Soccer
@West Fargo High School
April 22
TBD Tennis: G/JV
4 p.m.
Tennis: G/V
@West Fargo High School
4:30pm
Baseball: JV
@Young Field-West Fargo
4:30 p.m.
Softball: JV
@Horace High School
4:30 p.m.
Softball: V
@West Fargo High School
5 p.m.
Baseball: C
@Bennett
Elementary School
5 p.m.
Baseball: V
@Fargo Davies High School
5 p.m.
Soccer: G/JV
@West Fargo High School
6:15 p.m.
Softball: JV
@Horace High School
6:15 p.m.
Softball: V @West Fargo High School
6:30 p.m.
Baseball: JV
@Young Field-West Fargo
7 p.m.
Baseball: C @Bennett Elementary School
7 p.m.
Baseball: V @Fargo Davies High School
7 p.m.
Soccer: G/V @West Fargo High School
April 23
9 a.m.
Golf: B/V @Kings Walk Golf Course
4- 5:30 p.m.
Packerettes Practice @West Fargo High School
April 24
11 a.m.
Track: G/V @Shanley High School
4:30 p.m.
Baseball: JV
@West Fargo Exchange Club Field
4:30 p.m.
Baseball: V
@Young Field-West Fargo
4:30 p.m.
Softball: JV
@West Fargo High School
4:30 p.m.
Softball: V @West Fargo High School
5 p.m.
Baseball: C
@Jack Williams Stadium
5 p.m.
Soccer: G/JV
@Shanley High School
6:30 p.m.
Baseball: JV
@West Fargo Exchange Club Field
6:30 p.m.
Baseball: V
@Young Field-West Fargo
7 p.m.
Baseball: C
@Jack Williams Stadium
7 p.m.
Soccer: G/V @Shanley High School
April 25
TBD
Softball: JV @Dickinson State University
TBD
Softball: V @Dickinson State University
10 a.m.
Baseball: JV
@Young Field-West Fargo
1 p.m.
Golf: B/V
@Madison Golf & Country Club (South Dakota)
4 - 8 p.m.
Relay for Life
@Multiple Location
4:30 p.m.
Track: G/JV
@Fargo Davies High School
4:30 p.m.
Track: B/JV
@Fargo Davies High School
5 p.m.
Soccer: G/JV @Shanley High School
7 p.m.
Soccer: G/V
@Shanley High School
April 26
TBD
Softball: JV
@Dickinson State University
TBD
Softball: V @Dickinson State University
8:30 a.m.
Golf: B/V
@Spring Creek Golf Course (South Dakota)
9 a.m.
Baseball: JV
@Young Field-West Fargo
12 p.m.
Track: G/V
@North Dakota State University
12 p.m.
Track: B/V
@North Dakota State University
5 p.m.
Soccer: G/JV @Sheyenne High School
7 p.m.
Soccer: G/V @Sheyenne High School
April 27
2 - 6 p.m.
Set Strike @Cheney Middle SchoolTheatre (1204)
7 - 8:30 p.m.
Boys Soccer @West Fargo High School
April 28
10 a.m.
Golf: B/V
@Bois de Sioux Golf Course
7:30 - 9 p.m.
Band 9th Awards Concert @West Fargo High School
April 29
3 p.m.
Track: G/V @Ndscs Blikre Center
3 p.m.
Track: B/V @Ndscs Blikre Center
4 p.m.
Tennis: G/V @West Fargo High School
4:30 p.m.
Baseball: V @Young Field-West Fargo
4:30 p.m.
Softball: V @Devils Lake High School
5 p.m.
Baseball: C @Tharaldson Complex
5 p.m.
Soccer: G/JV @West Fargo High School
6:30 p.m.
Baseball: C @Tharaldson Complex
6:30 p.m.
Baseball: V
@Young Field-West Fargo
6:30 p.m.
Softball: JV @Devils Lake High School
7 p.m.
Soccer: G/V @West Fargo High School
April 30
4 - 5:30 p.m.
Packerettes Practice @West Fargo High School
CITY INFORMATION
Residents reminded to switch sump pumps to discharge outside beginning Tuesday, April 15
By City of West Fargo
All sump pumps in West Fargo should switch to discharge outside beginning Tuesday, April 15, 2025, 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 to have 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 considered illegal in the City of West Fargo.
CITY INFORMATION
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 a sump pump outside, please contact Public Works at 701-515-5400.
The City of West Fargo reminds residents of new curbside brush collection guidelines
By City of West Fargo
The City of West Fargo has a grapple truck in its fleet for the purpose of curbside brush pickup.
Below are the guidelines to ensure all brush gets collected:
• The Curbside Brush Pickup Program runs from May 1 to Oct. 31.
• Branch collection must be scheduled by calling the Public Works Department at 701-5155400 or by visiting the city’s website at westfargond.gov.
• All brush must be out by 7 a.m. on your scheduled day.
• All brush must be in one pile.
• Branches should be in lengths of four-feet or less. They do not need to be bundled.
• All piles must be at least 10 feet away from any tree, hydrant, streetlight, mailbox, utility box or anything in the boulevard that would impede the grapple from collecting the brush.
• Branches should be placed next to curbs, but not on concrete or over sprinkler heads.
• Roots and stumps cannot be collected by the grapple truck. Bring these items to the Transfer Station at no cost at 1620 Main Ave W, West Fargo between 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, or 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.
For free disposal, residents can also take branches to the City of West Fargo Department of Sanitation Transfer Station (1620 W Main Ave.).
NEWS AND FEATURES
West Fargo schools names new administrative building
By Wendy Reuer
The new administration building for West Fargo Public Schools will be known as the “District Support Center.”
The administration staff will move from the Leidal Education Center at 207 W. Main Ave. to the building the district purchased in November at 2028 Second Ave. NW.
School district staff had grappled with cramped quarters at the district’s main office for years.
Before the 2023 bond referendum, the facilities task force discussed including money to build an administration building but a plan was scrapped.
In August 2024, a realtor offered the 30,000 square-foot office building to the district for about $3.6 million, a price tag that included many fixtures and office furniture.
On Monday, March 3, the West Fargo School Board voted on the name for the building that came from staff suggestions.
“This name reflects the essential role of the office in providing critical services and resources that support learners, staff, families and the broader school community,” according to a memo sent to the board.
District Spokeswoman Heather Leas said the district has set a tentative move-in date of July 1, but the date is dependent on fiber/network connections and furniture delivery.
The Leidal Education Center is named for Marvin Leidal, a longtime West Fargo principal and superintendent. The center was built in 2000 on the site of the North Elementary School, as home to administration staff and
Community High School. The former school was razed to make room for a parking lot to service the Leidal Education Center.
The district has not yet decided what it will do with the Leidal Education Center, but it is likely to be repurposed.
“For the upcoming school year, the LEC will continue to house our technology department and many of our training spaces,” Leas said.
Superintendent Beth Slette plans to convene a small working group to discuss the types of student-facing programming that could be housed at the Leidal Education Center starting in 2026, Leas said.
Cass County assessed the new administration building at about $4 million. The property includes 158 parking spots.
The district paid for the building through building reserve funds.
NEWS AND FEATURES
West Fargo ‘talks parks’ at event
Civic West holds
Fire Hall Chat so residents can learn more about Park District
By Wendy Reuer
Apark district is often just a department of a city or county, but in West Fargo, the park district is its own entity, governed by an elected park board and one that is able to leverage property taxes on residents.
As part of its monthly series of Fire Hall Chats, Civic West invited West Fargo Park District officials to discuss the park district’s role as an independent taxing entity and role as a community servant on Thursday, March 6.
Civic West is a nonprofit formed to help engage and inform West Fargoans on civic matters.
West Fargo Park Board President Jake Lauritsen and West Fargo Park District Executive Director Amy Zundel fielded questions from about a dozen attendees Thursday.
“A lot of people, even me, aren’t always aware of how things work and how we are all tied together,” Lauritsen said.
Lauritsen has served six years on the board and is serving his first term as president. Lauritsen noted there can be confusion about the roles of West Fargo’s three government boards — the City Commission, Park Board and School Board — how they work together and on their own.
For example, unlike the park district and city government, the school district comprises not only West Fargo but areas of Fargo along with the cities of Horace, Harwood, Reiles Acres and rural areas.
“I was made aware that many, many people didn’t even know that,” Lauritsen said.
Zundel, who is also a first-term West Fargo City Commissioner, began as Park District executive director on Dec. 1 after the retirement of longtime director Barb Erbstoesser.
She agreed with Lauritsen that the districts’ makeup can be confusing to residents, but it also creates a need for the entities to work together. A common struggle for all three entities is often keeping up West Fargo’s fast-growing population.
“That creates some unique challenges. It creates some difficult decisions when you’re trying to decide where you’re going to grow and how you’re going to meet all the needs,” Zundel said. “What I love
about the relationship between the Park Board and the city is they work really hard together.”
West Fargo Park Board
President Jake Lauritsen and Parks Executive Director Amy Zundel speak at the Civic West Fire Hall chat, Thursday, March 6, 2025.
Wendy Reuer / The Focus
Zundel said the district attempts to balance the needs of “old West Fargo,” or the area primarily north of Interstate 94 and the newer areas south of the interstate.
“I think our park district does a phenomenal job of being fiscally responsible,” Zundel said. “There is a lot of work that makes sure we provide equitable spaces across West Fargo.”
This summer, the district is focusing on an upgrade to the Veterans Memorial Arena and smaller improvements but will be discussing long-term projects. The Park District just finished remodeling Rendezvous Park by adding a new warming house and a new skate park among other
continued from page 18
upgrades, which was paid for in part by a $1 million state grant.
The district owns and operates 34 parks as well as Veterans Memorial Arena, which is connected to West Fargo High School, and the Rustad Recreation Center. The district is governed by Park Board members who serve four-year terms and, as a board, elect a president.
The district has 34 full-time employees, including department heads, a business manager and facilities managers, as well as positions such as those in special events, marketing and communications. The district employs at least 250 part-time employees, some of which are seasonal or event-specific. An army of volunteers also help the district, such as more than 200 volunteers who helped with the flag football program. Zundel estimated roughly 600 people per year are involved
“A lot of people, even me, aren’t always aware of how things work and how we are all tied together.”
Jake Lauritsen
as employees or volunteers of the district.
The Park District has a general fund of about $6.2 million.
caps on taxing entities’ abilities to leverage property taxes.
“We’ve always been fiscally conservative,” he said.
Next month, the West Fargo Fire Hall Chat will be discussing the West Fargo Public Library. The library will open its first satellite location at City Hall on March 18. Parks
Business Manager Justin Germundson said the district has been able to keep its tax rate flat over the past few years because it builds only what it can afford rather than deficit spending, which means the district can “shoulder the costs” should valuations remain flat or a cap on property taxes becomes a reality. The North Dakota Legislature has discussed bills that would place
Lauritsen also discussed the working relationship with West Fargo Events, the nonprofit governed by a board of West Fargo Park District officials, city commissioners and members of the School District. West Fargo Events manages the West Fargo Sports Arena, the city’s parking ramp and the Essentia Health Plaza at The Lights, and also helps organize a number of community events.
“As a West Fargo citizen, I think it’s a wonderful idea,” Lauritsen said.
Readers can reach Focus editor Wendy Reuer at wreuer@forumcomm.com or 701-241-5530.
