West Fargo Focus December 2023

Your guide to everything in West Fargo

December 2023

Inside

Event Spotlight City Information

News and Features Calendar Of Events High School Activities Calendar *****ECRWSSEDDM***** POSTAL CUSTOMER WEST FARGO ND 58078

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID WEST FARGO, ND PERMIT NO. 15

2 | December, 2023

WEST FARGO FOCUS

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A monthly publication

inforum.com/westfargo December 2023 | Volume 2 | Issue 12 EDITOR

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

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Lisa Tillotson ltillotson@forumcomm.com 701-241-5524

MULTIMEDIA SALES CONSULTANTS Jessie Andren jandren@forumcomm.com 701-241-5451

Tim Couchman tcouchman@forumcomm.com 701-241-5490 Jamie Dettling jdettling@forumcomm.com 701-241-5493 Keith Harriger kharriger@forumcomm.com 701-241-5435

DESIGNER Jamie Holte

A PUBLICATION OF:

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

westfargond.gov ADVERTISING INQUIRIES & STORY IDEAS: advsales@forumcomm.com 701-241-5431 ON THE COVER:

The new West Fargo Fire Department headquarters is located at 1201 10th Ave. E. in West Fargo.

David Samson / The Focus Submit your photo for the chance to be featured on the cover of future editions.

Submissions can be made online at https://inforum.news/WFPhotocontest or by scanning this code:

Deputy Fire Chief Tom Clark talks about the patio space at the new West Fargo Fire Department Headquarters at 1201 10th Ave. E. in West Fargo.

David Samson / The Focus

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December, 2023 |

NEWS AND FEATURES

An inside look at West Fargo’s new fire headquarters

By Wendy Reuer | The Focus

WEST FARGO — While firefighters and administration staff are already moved in to the West Fargo Fire Department’s new headquarters, constructions crews are still adding the finishing touches on the $18.5 million building prior to its grand opening on Nov. 28.

“We got in, it’s functioning, but it’s not quite done,” Deputy Fire Chief Tom Clark said.

Initially estimated to cost $10 million, the building’s price ballooned to $18.5 million after a number of economical factors shot prices up following the COVID-19 pandemic. It is funded through capital improvement sales tax, cash reserves and a $10 million bond.

Crews broke ground on the nearly 48,000-square-foot building on May 25, 2022. Once fully operational, the headquarters will house nine 24-hour operations employees and 14 administrative, risk reduction, training and services employees.

The new West Fargo Fire Department headquarters is located at 1201 10th Ave. E. in West Fargo.

Firefighters stationed in the new headquarters at 1201 10th Ave. E., will respond to calls north of Interstate 94, reducing response times and lowering fire loss across West Fargo.

All full-time crews were originally based out of the West Fargo Fire Department’s south station with only part-time crews servicing the rented north station at 106 First St. The West Fargo Fire Department had rented the north station, where the administrative offices were housed, from the West Fargo Rural Fire Department since 2017.

While the large three-floor building can easily accommodate current staffing levels, it will also be ready for future growth, Clark added. “The purpose of this building this large is

David Samson / The Focus

that we’re not going to have to come back and expand,” he said.

Walking into the building’s public entrance on the west side, visitors are treated to a contemporary, sunny, welcoming open-air atrium adorned with two large collages that showcase some of the department’s historical photos. Guests will pass by the department’s vintage truck as they enter the atrium.

An ample meeting space is on the main level near the entrance and has

enough room for about 100 people.

It’s fully fitted with high-definition TVs and an array of technology and electrical hookups.

The meeting room can be divided into three smaller rooms, while additional meeting spaces are on the second floor. Offices of fire personnel, fire chief, fire marshal, chaplain and Emergency Management Coordinator Pierre Freeman are also on the second floor.

The east side of the building is home to the apparatus bay, or five-door garage, big enough to house the department’s various vehicles including a pumper truck. The bay is also home to the department’s full-time mechanic, Clark said, a former firefighter who will now service all of the department’s vehicles and work on building and fleet maintenance such as fixing a chair or repairing something in the kitchen when necessary.

Continued on page 5

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Monthly

Calendar of Events

Airport Authority 5:30 p.m. last Thursday of every month @ West Fargo Municipal Airport Terminal Building

Intro to Dungeons and Dragons Dec. 19, 6:30 p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library

City Commission 5:30 p.m. first and third Monday of every month @ Commission Chambers, West Fargo City Hall

West Fargo Cribbage Club Dec. 19, 6:30-8 p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library

Forestry Committee 5:15 p.m. second Tuesday of February, April, June, August and November @ 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

Monday Matinee: “The Greatest Showman” (PG-13) Dec. 18, 1:30 p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library WFACP Monthly Meeting Dec. 19, 12:15 p.m. @ West Fargo High Rise

Baby Boost Story Time (ages 0-2 + their adults) Every Friday, 10:30-11:30a.m. @ West Fargo Public Library

Library Board 5:30 p.m. second Thursday of every month @ Commission Chambers, West Fargo City Hall

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Novel Afternoon Book Club Dec. 20, 1-2p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library WFACP Money Bingo Dec. 26, 12:15 p.m. @ West Fargo High Rise 6 p.m. second and fourth Monday of every month @ Leidal Education Center

Puzzle Off Dec. 3, 1:00 p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library

Monday Matinee: “Holes” (PG) Dec. 11, 1:30 p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library

West Fargo Winter Classic Dec. 27-31 @ The Lights Ice Rink at the Essentia Health Plaza

Teeter Tots Storytime 10:15-11 a.m., every Thursday @ West Fargo Public Library

West Fargo Public Library Closed for Staff Training & Maintenance Dec. 4

Monday Night Readers Book Club Monthly Meeting Dec. 11, 7-8 p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library

Snowman Crafts for Kids Dec. 28, 10:30-11:30 a.m. @ West Fargo Public Library

WFACP Card Games & Whist Every Wednesday, 12:30 p.m. (no cards on Nov. 22) @ West Fargo High Rise

DECEMBER WFACP Senior Breakfast Dec. 2, 9-10 a.m. @ West Fargo High Rise STEM Saturday Dec. 2, 10:30 a.m. @ West Fargo Public Library Opening Day of Skating at The Lights, Sponsored by Marvin Dec. 2, 12-9 p.m. @ The Lights Ice Rink at the Essentia Health Plaza Make Your own Herbal Tea/Wassail Tea Dec. 2, 1:30 p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library

WFACP Chicken Foot Dec. 5, 12:15 p.m. @ West Fargo High Rise English Conversation Circle Dec. 5, 6:30-7:30 p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library West Fargo Cribbage Club Dec. 5, 6:30-8 p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library West Fargo Cribbage Club Dec. 5, 6:30-8 p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library WFACP Soup & More Dec. 7, 5:00 p.m. @ Blessed Sacrament Demystifying Death: End-of-Life Planning Panel Dec. 9, 1:30-3:30 p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library WFACP Crafts Dec. 11, 12:15 p.m. @ West Fargo High Rise

WFACP Prize Bingo Dec. 12, 12:15 p.m. @ West Fargo High Rise West Fargo Cribbage Club Dec. 12, 6:30-8 p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library Humanities ND GameChanger Virtual Talk: Jason Steinhauer Dec. 12, 7-8 p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library Community Options & Job Service ND Available for Walk-Ins Dec. 13, 1-3 p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library

Teen Dessert Challenge Dec. 28, 2:30-3:30 p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library Books & Brews Community Book Club Dec. 28, 6 p.m. @ Caribou Coffee inside Hornbacher’s on Sheyenne Writing Circle Dec. 28, 7-8 p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library Free Family Movie: “Elemental” (PG-13) Dec. 29, 1:30 p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library

F.A.S.T. Saturday Dec. 16, 10:30-11:30 a.m. @ West Fargo Public Library Tips & Tricks for Travel Dec. 16, 10:30a.m. - 12 p.m., 1-2:30 p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library

*West Fargo Area Community Program

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·····

The firefighter can then retire to one of nine individual sleeping rooms, each equipped with a bed, workstation and private bathroom.

Adjoined to the apparatus bay is a training tower, a four-story set of stairs that the department will use for training and to dry hoses while they hang over the railings to drip dry into the first-floor drain.

The dorm rooms are located in the building’s neutral, more southwestern wing. Each room is equipped with high-tech alarms that can waken only those who are on duty for a particular call and with red lighting, a soothing light that will help crews wake up and adjust their eyes more easily as they head to a dead-of-night emergency or fire.

Continued from page 3

Each floor of the tower has railings that can be uplifted and windowsized doors that can be opened into the fresh air for firefighters to train with.

The building flow intentionally moves from east to west, or from hot, warm areas to cold areas. The hot areas on the far east side are where firefighters will return from calls and remove most of their equipment to be cleaned. First responders will then move into the warm area, where individual steam showers open pores and help release any contaminants the firefighters may have come in contact with while on scene.

“This is a huge part of the cancer prevention efforts being done throughout the country,” Clark said of the separated areas.

December, 2023 |

“This new station has already allowed our department to reduce response times to better serve West Fargo in times of emergency.”

- Fire Chief Dan Fuller

“The completion of the headquarters building gives us the ability to provide the high-quality fire service that our community and residents need,” Fire Chief Dan Fuller said in a release. “This new station has already allowed our department to reduce response times to better serve West Fargo in times of emergency.”

A grand opening was held Tuesday, Nov. 28. Additional tours can be scheduled upon request.

Readers can reach Focus Editor Wendy Reuer at wreuer@forumcomm.com or 701-241-5530.

David Samson / The Focus Deputy Fire Chief Tom Clark walks through the stairwell of the training fire tower at the new West Fargo Fire Department Headquarters at 1201 10th Ave. E. in West Fargo.

David Samson / The Focus The truck bay space is seen at the new West Fargo Fire Department Headquarters at 1201 10th Ave. E. in West Fargo.

David Samson / The Focus Typical sleeping quarters are seen at the new West Fargo Fire Department Headquarters at 1201 10th Ave. E. in West Fargo.

David Samson / The Focus The locker space area is seen at the new West Fargo Fire Department Headquarters at 1201 10th Ave. E. in West Fargo.

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CITY INFORMATION

West Fargo Police Department launches body worn camera program

By City of West Fargo Staff

The West Fargo Police Department launched its new body worn camera program department wide. The use of body worn cameras is intended to enhance the mission of the West Fargo Police Department by accurately capturing contacts between members of the department and the public.

“The addition of the body worn camera program will continue to reinforce community trust and commitment to transparency,” said Chief Pete Nielsen. “Our officers are excited to utilize the body worn cameras as an additional tool for the security of our residents, officers and city.”

Every sworn officer will be equipped with a body worn camera for their entire shift. The camera is to be activated to record all calls for service including the following situations: • All enforcement activities and investigative contacts including stops, field interviews, and the service of search warrants and arrest warrants • Traffic stops including, but not limited to, traffic violations, stranded motorist assistance and all crime interdiction stops • Self-initiated activity in which a member would normally notify Central Dispatch • Any other contact that becomes adversarial after the initial contact in a situation that would not otherwise require recording The body worn cameras automatically activate when triggered by events including removal of a duty weapon from the holster, lights and sirens engaged, elevated patrol vehicle speeds, a vehicle collision and removal of a rifle from patrol vehicles.

The footage will be stored on secure online servers for review and will be retained for a period consistent with the requirements of the organization’s records retention schedule but in no event for a period less than 180 days. Requests for the release of audio/video recordings shall be processed in accordance with the Records Maintenance and Release Policy.

The West Fargo Police Department selected WatchGuard body worn cameras after testing the system on an initial group of officers in May 2023. Motorola Solution’s WatchGuard system was selected as the program is cost-effective due to the compatibility with the department’s current in-car and interview room camera systems. Motorola Solution’s WatchGuard is a leading provider in the body worn camera industry and is used widely throughout the law enforcement community.

A West Fargo Police Department Sergeant is pictured with a body worn camera.

City Of West Fargo

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December, 2023 |

CITY INFORMATION

City of West Fargo Christmas and New Year’s Day closures and garbage schedule changes

By City Of West Fargo Staff

The City of West Fargo will close Monday, Dec. 25 and Tuesday, Dec. 26, in observance of Christmas. The City will also close Monday, Jan. 1, in observance of New Year’s Day. These holidays affect City services in the following ways.

Christmas

Monday and Tuesday garbage collection will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 26.

Recycling service will be delayed by one day all week. The Transfer Station will close Saturday, Dec. 23.

All municipal government buildings will close to the public Monday, Dec. 25 and Tuesday, Dec. 26. These locations include West Fargo 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 will close to the public on these days.

New Year’s Day

There is no garbage collection Monday, Jan. 1. Monday’s garbage collection is Tuesday, Jan. 2. Recycling service will be delayed by one day all week.

All municipal government buildings will close Monday, Jan. 1. These locations include West Fargo 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 Departments will close to the public on these days.

A MAGI CAL

2023

ADVENT SERVICES

Wednesdays 6:30pm November 29 - December 20

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES

10am: Carols and Coffee 2:30pm: Christmas Carol Sing-a-long 3pm: Christmas Eve Worship/Holy Communion 6pm: Christmas Carol Sing-a-long 6:30pm: Christmas Eve Worship/Holy Communion

FARGO, ND - DEC. 17 • AVALON CENTER Noon Brunch with 1:30 matinee show* VALLEY CITY  DECEMBER 9 3:00 7:30 Show Only cash11beer & wine bar) WAHPETON  DECEMBER  7:30

FARGO  DECEMBER 17  1:30 & 7:30 * Brunch includes: Scrambled eggs with cheddar cheese, BARNESVILLE  DECEMBER  bacon, 7:30 seasonal fruit American fried potatoes, thick sliced20 ham, and banana bread.

Orange juice, coffee CASSELTON  DECEMBER 21  and 7:30water are included.

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For more information andand tickets go to www.MedoraChristmas.com.

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FAITH JOURNEY LUTHERAN CHURCH 127 2nd Ave E, West Fargo, ND 58078 (701) 282-3309

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8 | December, 2023

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High School Activity Calendar *All dates and times are subject to change.

Black = Multiple Schools Green = West Fargo High School Orange = Sheyenne High School Gold = Horace High School

December 1

TBD Wrestling: B/JV @Wahpeton Senior High School

5:45 p.m.

Basketball: B/JV @Sheyenne High School 6 p.m.

Basketball: G/JV @Bismarck 7 p.m.

Basketball: G/V @Minot High School 7 p.m.

Basketball: B/V @West Fargo High School

4:15 p.m.

Basketball: G/C @Bismarck

7 p.m.

Hockey: G/V @West Fargo Sports Arena

4:15 p.m.

Basketball: B/C @Sheyenne High School

7:30 p.m.

Basketball: G/V @Bismarck High School

5:30 p.m.

Basketball: G/JV @Minot High School

7:30 p.m.

Basketball: B/V @Sheyenne High School

5:30 p.m.

Basketball: B/JV @West Fargo High School

December 2

TBD Wrestling: B/JV @Wahpeton Senior

High School

@Sheyenne High School

@Bismarck High School

6 a.m.

Wrestling: G/V @Cavalier High School

12:30 p.m.

Basketball: B/JV @West Fargo High School

3:15 p.m.

Basketball: B/V @Sheyenne High School

9 a.m.

Wrestling: B/JV @Hillsboro High School

1 p.m.

Basketball: G/C @Minot High School

4 p.m.

Basketball: G/V @Minot High School

9 a.m.

Wrestling: B/V @Hillsboro High School

1:30 p.m.

Basketball: G/JV @Bismarck High School

December 3

9 a.m.

Wrestling: B/V @St. Michael-Albertville HS

1:45 p.m.

Basketball: B/C @Sheyenne High School

11 a.m.

Basketball: B/C @West Fargo High School

2 p.m.

Basketball: B/V @West Fargo High School

11 a.m.

Hockey: B/JV @West Fargo Sports Arena

2 p.m.

Hockey: G/V @West Fargo Sports Arena

Noon Basketball: G/C @Bismarck High School

2:30 p.m.

Basketball: G/JV @Minot High School

12:15 p.m.

Basketball: B/JV

3 p.m.

Basketball: G/V

December 5

TBD Wrestling: B/JV @Long Prairie-Grey Eagle High School 4 p.m.

Wrestling: B/V @Long Prairie-Grey Eagle High School

7 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Relay for Life Winter Fest @West Fargo High School

4:15 p.m.

Basketball: G/JV @Sheyenne High School

December 4

4:15 p.m.

Basketball: B/JV @Sheyenne High School

6 - 9 p.m.

Band Concert @Multiple Location 7:30 p.m.

Basketball: G/C @Sheyenne High School 7:30 p.m.

Basketball: B/C @Sheyenne High School 7:30 - 9 p.m.

Orchestra Concert @West Fargo High School

5:15 p.m.

Hockey: B/JV @Scheels Arena 5:45 p.m.

Basketball: G/V @Sheyenne High School 6 p.m.

Hockey: B/V @West Fargo Sports Arena

WEST FARGO FOCUS

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December, 2023 |

High School Activity Calendar 7 p.m.

Hockey: G/V @Eagles Arena-Jamestown 7:30 p.m.

Hockey: B/V @Scheels Arena 7:45 p.m.

Basketball: B/V @Sheyenne High School

December 7

5 p.m.

Basketball: G/9A @Grand Forks Central High School

@Shanley High School

@West Fargo Sports Arena

6 p.m.

Hockey: B/V @Grafton High School

7:30 p.m.

Basketball: B/9A @Horace High School

6 p.m.

Wrestling: B/JV @Sheyenne High School

December 8

6:15 p.m.

Basketball: B/9B @West Fargo High School 6:15 p.m.

Basketball: B/9B @Horace High School

TBD Wrestling: B/JV @Grand Forks Central High School

@Bismarck St. Mary Central High School 4 p.m.

Basketball: B/JV @Bismarck St. Mary Central High School 4:15 p.m.

Basketball: G/C @West Fargo High School

8 a.m.

Wrestling: B/V @TBA

5:30 p.m.

Basketball: B/JV @Jamestown High School

3 p.m.

Wrestling: B/JV @Grand Forks Central High School

5:30 p.m.

Basketball: G/V @Bismarck St. Mary Central High School 5:30 p.m.

Basketball: B/C @Bismarck St. Mary Central High School

5:15 p.m.

Hockey: B/JV @West Fargo Sports Arena

7 p.m.

Wrestling: B/V @Sheyenne High School

6 p.m.

Wrestling: B/JV @Fargo South High School

7:30 p.m.

Basketball: B/9A @West Fargo High School

3 p.m.

Wrestling: B/V @Grand Forks Central High School

6 p.m.

Wrestling: B/V @Fargo South High School

7:30 - 9 p.m.

Choir Concert @West Fargo High School

4 p.m.

Basketball: B/C @Jamestown High School

5:45 p.m.

Basketball: G/JV @West Fargo High School

6 p.m.

Basketball: G/9A

7:30 p.m.

Hockey: B/V

4 p.m.

Basketball: G/JV

6 p.m.

Swimming: B/V

@Sheyenne High School

@Fargo Davies High School

6:30 - 9:30pm Holiday Music Extravaganza I & II @Multiple Location

TBD Basketball: G/C @Williston High School

7 p.m.

Basketball: B/V @Jamestown High School 7 p.m.

Hockey: G/V @West Fargo Sports Arena 7 p.m.

Basketball: G/C @Bismarck St. Mary Central High School 7 p.m.

Basketball: B/V @Bismarck St. Mary Central High School 7:30 p.m.

Basketball: G/V @West Fargo High School

December 9

TBD Swimming: B/V

TBD Basketball: G/JV @Williston High School TBD Basketball: G/V @Williston High School TBD Basketball: B/C @Williston High School TBD Basketball: B/JV @Williston High School TBD Basketball: B/V @Williston High School 6 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Packatahna Dance Invitational @Multiple Location

CELEBRATING 90 YEARS OF QUALITY REPAIR

+ ASE CERTIFIED + TIMELY AND AFFORDABLE + 3 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS 308 1st Ave N, Fargo • 3232 28th St SW, Fargo • 728 Meyer Dr, West Fargo

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10 | December, 2023

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High School Activity Calendar 6 a.m.

Wrestling: G/V @Grand Forks 8 a.m.

Wrestling: B/V @TBA 9 a.m.

Wrestling: B/JV @Grand Forks Central High School

December 11

10 - 11 a.m.

West Acres Concert @West Acres Mall 6:30 p.m.

Basketball: G/9A @Horace High School 7 - 8:30pm Band Concert @West Fargo High School

9 a.m.

Wrestling: B/V @Grand Forks Central High School

7 - 8:30 p.m.

Holiday Music Extravaganza III @Multiple Location

10:30 a.m.

Swimming: B/V @Fargo Davies High School

December 12

2 p.m.

Hockey: G/V @West Fargo Sports Arena

December 10

8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

West Fargo Just for Kix Winter Dance Show @West Fargo High School

4:15 p.m.

Basketball: G/JV @Fargo South High School 4:15 p.m.

Basketball: B/JV @Fargo South High School 4:15 p.m.

Basketball: G/C @Horace High School

4:30 p.m.

Basketball: B/9B @Agassiz

5:45 p.m.

Basketball: G/JV @Horace High School

7:15 p.m.

Wrestling: G/V @Sheyenne High School

4:30 p.m.

Basketball: B/C @Fargo North High School

6 p.m.

Wrestling: B/JV @West Fargo High School

7:15 p.m.

Basketball: G/V @Horace High School

5 p.m.

Wrestling: B/JV @Sheyenne High School

6 p.m.

Basketball: B/9B @Sheyenne High School

7:30 p.m.

Basketball: G/V @Fargo South High School

5:15 p.m.

Hockey: B/JV @West Fargo Sports Arena

6 p.m.

Wrestling: B/V @Sheyenne High School

7:30 p.m.

Basketball: B/C @Fargo South High School

5:15 p.m.

Hockey: B/JV @Fargo Coliseum

6 p.m.

Basketball: B/JV @Fargo North High School

7:30 p.m.

Basketball: B/9A @Sheyenne High School

5:45 p.m.

Basketball: B/9A @Agassiz

6:30 p.m.

Basketball: B/9B @Wahpeton Middle School

7:30 p.m.

Hockey: B/V @Fargo Coliseum

5:45 p.m.

Basketball: G/C @Fargo South High School

7 p.m.

Hockey: G/V @West Fargo Sports Arena

7:30 p.m.

Hockey: B/V @West Fargo Sports Arena

5:45 p.m.

Basketball: B/V @Fargo South High School

7 p.m.

Wrestling: B/V @West Fargo High School

7:30 p.m.

Basketball: B/V @Fargo North High School

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December 14

4:15 p.m.

Basketball: B/JV @West Fargo High School 4:15 p.m.

Basketball: G/JV @Sheyenne High School 4:15 p.m.

Basketball: B/JV @Sheyenne High School 5 p.m.

Basketball: B/9A @Shanley High School 5 p.m.

Basketball: G/9A @Horace High School 5:30 p.m.

Basketball: G/JV @West Fargo High School 5:30 p.m.

Wrestling: G/V @Ashley Public School 5:45 p.m.

Basketball: B/V @West Fargo High School

WEST FARGO FOCUS

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December, 2023 |

11

High School Activity Calendar 5:45 p.m.

Basketball: G/V @Sheyenne High School 5:45 p.m.

Basketball: B/C @Sheyenne High School 5:45 p.m.

Basketball: B/9B @Horace High School 7 p.m.

Wrestling: B/V @Ashley Public School 7 p.m.

Basketball: B/9A @Horace High School 7:15 p.m.

Basketball: G/C @Sheyenne High School 7:30 p.m.

Basketball: G/V @West Fargo High School 7:45 p.m.

Basketball: B/V @Sheyenne High School

December 15

@John E. Carlson Coliseum

6 a.m.

Wrestling: G/V @Valley City Jr. Sr. High School

7:30 p.m.

Hockey: B/V @West Fargo Sports Arena

5:15 p.m.

Hockey: B/JV @West Fargo Sports Arena 6:15 p.m.

Basketball: G/C @West Fargo High School 6:15 p.m.

Basketball: B/9B @West Fargo High School 7:30 p.m.

Basketball: B/C @West Fargo High School 7:30 p.m.

Basketball: B/9A @West Fargo High School 7:30 p.m.

Hockey: G/V @Scheels Arena 7:30 p.m.

Hockey: B/JV

December 16

TBD Wrestling: B/JV @Valley City Jr. Sr. High School All Day Debate Meet @Sheyenne Auditorium 10:30 a.m.

Basketball: G/9A @Sheyenne High School 10:30 a.m.

Swimming: B/V @Fargo North High School Noon Basketball: G/JV @Sheyenne High School Noon Basketball: B/JV @Sheyenne High School

1 p.m.

Basketball: G/C @Bismarck Century High School

7 p.m.

Wrestling: B/V @Valley City Jr. Sr. High School

1:45 p.m.

Basketball: G/C @Sheyenne High School

December 18

1:45 p.m.

Basketball: G/V @Sheyenne High School 2:30 p.m.

Basketball: G/JV @Bismarck Century High School 3:30 p.m.

Basketball: B/C @Sheyenne High School 3:30 p.m.

Basketball: B/V @Sheyenne High School 4:15 p.m.

Basketball: G/V @Bismarck Century High School

6 p.m.

Hockey: G/V @East Grand Forks Civic Center 6 p.m.

Basketball: G/9A @Wahpeton Senior High School

5:15 p.m.

Basketball: B/9B @West Fargo High School 5:15 p.m.

Hockey: B/JV @Scheels Arena 5:45 p.m.

Basketball: G/JV @Horace High School 5:45 p.m.

Basketball: B/JV @West Fargo High School

7 - 9 p.m.

Horace Holiday Concert @Horace High School

6 p.m.

Swimming: B/V @Hulbert Aquatics Center

December 19

6 p.m.

Basketball: B/9B @Sheyenne High School

TBD Basketball: G/9A @TBA 4:15 p.m.

Basketball: G/C @Horace High School 4:15 p.m.

Basketball: B/C @West Fargo High School

6:30 p.m.

Basketball: B/9A @West Fargo High School 7:15 p.m.

Basketball: G/V @Horace High School

CONVENIENT HEALTH CARE

Convenient Care Clinic on Sheyenne

$50 visits $30 sports physicals $60 DOT physicals

Preplanning can be a walk in the park.

Susan Nordquist & Jamie Upton

We truly wanted our wishes to be known when we pass, and that may sound a bit selfish, but it’s not. It shows consideration of others.

TERRY & BONNIE YONEY

Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home 215 S. 7th Street, Fargo, ND (West of Island Park) | 701-232-3222 www.hansonrunsvold.com COMPASSIONATE STAFF

BEAUTIFUL SERVICES

SIMPLE PREPLANS

12 | December, 2023

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Thank You To Our Community Thank you to our business community for supporting local journalism and ensuring that important local stories can be told.

For more great West Fargo news visit Inforum.com/west-fargo

Preplanning can be a walk in the park.

SHEYENNE CROSSINGS We truly wanted our wishes to be known when we pass, and that may sound a bit selfish, but it’s not. It shows consideration of others.

TERRY & BONNIE YONEY

Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home 215 S. 7th Street, Fargo, ND (West of Island Park) | 701-232-3222 www.hansonrunsvold.com COMPASSIONATE STAFF

BEAUTIFUL SERVICES

SIMPLE PREPLANS

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December, 2023 |

High School Activity Calendar 7:30 p.m.

Basketball: B/V @West Fargo High School

5:30 p.m.

Basketball: G/V @Moorhead High School

7:30 p.m.

Hockey: B/V @Scheels Arena

5:45 p.m.

Basketball: B/JV @Horace High School

7:30 p.m.

Basketball: B/9A @Sheyenne High School

6 p.m.

Wrestling: B/JV @West Fargo High School

7:30 p.m.

Hockey: B/V @Sheyenne High School

6 p.m.

Wrestling: B/JV @Devils Lake High School

December 21 4 p.m.

Basketball: G/JV @Moorhead High School

7 p.m.

Wrestling: B/V @West Fargo High School

4:15 p.m.

Basketball: G/C @Fargo South High School 4:15 p.m.

Basketball: B/C @Horace High School 5 p.m.

Swimming: B/V @Hyslop Pool

7 p.m.

Wrestling: B/V @Devils Lake High School

December 27

TBD Hockey: B/V @Sheyenne High School 10 a.m.

Hockey: B/V @The Lights Rink 12:30 p.m.

Hockey: B/JV @West Fargo Sports Arena 7 p.m.

Hockey: G/V @The Lights Rink

December 28

TBD Basketball: G/JV @St. Cloud Apollo High School

7:15 p.m.

Basketball: G/V @Fargo South High School

TBD Basketball: B/JV @St. Cloud Apollo High School

7:15 p.m.

Basketball: B/V @Horace High School

TBD Hockey: B/V @Sheyenne High School

Casselton West Fargo

701-347-4422 701-282-6699

westfuneralhome.com

“It’s The Little Things That Make The Difference” VALLEY CITY  DEC. 9  3:00 WAHPETON  DEC. 11  7:30 FARGO  DEC. 17  1:30 & 7:30 BARNESVILLE  DEC. 20  7:30 CASSELTON  DEC. 21  7:30 Promotion by:

A Magical, Musical Christmas Variety Show

This popular show features past and present members of the Medora Musical, Gospel Brunch and more!

For more information and tickets go to www.MedoraChristmas.com.

6 a.m.

Wrestling: G/V @FARGODOME

6 a.m.

Wrestling: G/V @FARGODOME

10 a.m.

Wrestling: B/JV @FARGODOME

9 a.m.

Wrestling: B/JV @FARGODOME

10 a.m.

Wrestling: B/V @FARGODOME

9 a.m.

Wrestling: B/V @FARGODOME

3:15 p.m.

Hockey: B/JV @West Fargo Sports Arena

5:45 p.m.

Basketball: G/V @Sauk Rapids-Rice High School

5:30 p.m.

Hockey: B/V @West Fargo Sports Arena

December 29

TBD Basketball: G/JV @St. Cloud Apollo High School TBD Basketball: B/JV @St. Cloud Apollo High School

7:15 p.m.

Basketball: B/V @Sauk Rapids-Rice High School

11 a.m.

Basketball: G/V @St. Cloud Apollo High School 12:15 p.m.

Basketball: B/JV @Sheyenne High School 12:30 p.m.

Basketball: B/V @St. Cloud Apollo High School 2 p.m.

Basketball: B/V @Sheyenne High School

December 30

TBD Basketball: G/JV @Jamestown High School TBD Basketball: G/V @Jamestown High School

For more information and/or schedule changes please visit www.westfargo.k12.nd.us /Page/8662

Holiday

Pop-up Shop

15 vendors, 1 convenient location Enjoy cider, hot chocolate and Christmas treats while checking off your shopping list!

Friday, December 1st 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sheyenne Crossings Apartments 225 13th Ave W, West Fargo

13

14 | December, 2023

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NEWS AND FEATURES

Opening night at Junkyard Brewing West Fargo was a hoppy happening

By Helmut Schmidt | The Focus Junkyard Brewing West Fargo is now open, and the converted bank building did booming business Wednesday, Oct. 25, as several hundred people flowed in to deposit their cash and withdraw round after round of tasty craft beer.

The taproom at 409 Sheyenne St. opened at 4 p.m. By 4:30, it was packed, with customers trooping in from cars already parking a couple blocks away. Nearly every seat in the two-level 1970s vintage building was occupied by suds-sipping adults.

Owner Michelle Juhnke says it was a welcome sight.

“But there’s always a part of you that feels like, ‘Did I do everything that I needed to do to get people here?’” Juhnke said.

Juhnke has poured herself into creating Junkyard West Fargo, including raiding her own living room to make it more homey.

“I brought my own living room furniture (and plants) in. I wanted it to be almost like you brought your friends in” to your own home, she said, as she gave a nickel tour around the two floors and the patios.

David Samson / The Focus Continued on page 15 The Junkyard West Fargo taproom at 409 Sheyenne St. buzzes with activity on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023, during its opening to the general public.

Now Offering No-Cost Health Screens.

Participants could receive up to a $25 gift card.

Visit AXISpays.com or call 218-284-2947

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December, 2023 |

“The neighbors have all been super welcoming.

It’s been great.”

- Michelle Juhnke

·····

Continued from page 14 “I just like how cozy it is,” Juhnke said. “People will come out and hang out with a good view.”

She’s looking forward to creating events and bringing people together.

“The neighbors have all been super welcoming. It’s been great,” Juhnke said.

Among the first to raise a glass at Junkyard West Fargo were a happy group of 10 who used to call the former Bell Bank their workplace.

“It’s like coming home,” said Kris Hasbargen, now a branch manager at the Bell Bank at The Lights complex a few miles to the south. She had worked at the Sheyenne Street location for 15 years.

“Wow!” said Hasbargen of the revamped building. “You can identify where all our offices were, and the teller line and the vault. Pretty neat!”

David Samson / The Focus The Junkyard West Fargo taproom at 409 Sheyenne St. buzzes with activity on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023, during its opening to the general public.

Shannon Dye had put in 29 years in the building.

Both women liked the energy the taproom had tapped into.

“We’re pretty much sitting in my (old) office right now,” Dye joked. “I’m just very thankful that they kept the building intact and kept the history of it.”

“We’ve been looking forward to coming here a long time,” Hasbargen said.

“It’s kind of fun,” Dye added. “I think it’s going to draw the younger people, which will get more business (in the downtown area). It should be great.”

Whether it was the pull of camaraderie - or of a party - Maureen Holden had the honor of traveling the furthest distance to toast her former banking buddies.

The San Tan Valley, Arizona, resident bought a ticket and flew into Fargo’s Hector International Airport on Tuesday.

“It’s fantastic. Absolutely love it. This is perfect,” Holden said.

The bartenders at each of Junkyard West Fargo’s three 16-tap bars were steadily pulling porters, stouts, ales, lagers, kolsches and kombucha as the evening got into gear.

Junkyard West Fargo offers a diverse selection of beers, starting with offerings from Junkyard Brewing in Moorhead; Icewind Brewing of Mapleton, North Dakota; and Drastic Measures Brewing of Wadena, and Portage Brewing Co. of Walker,

David Samson / The Focus Michelle Juhnke keeps tabs on opening day of the Junkyard West Fargo taproom on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023.

Continued on page 16

15

16 | December, 2023

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Kate Bustrom pours a glass of beer on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023, during the opening of the Junkyard West Fargo taproom.

David Samson / The Focus

Patrons gather on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023, during the opening to the general public of Junkyard West Fargo taproom.

David Samson / The Focus

·····

Continued from page 15 both Minnesota; as well as other craft brewers.

The conversation Wednesday was a pleasant rumble, as people relaxed, munched free popcorn, sipped beer, checked out T-shirts, hoodies and hats, or stepped out to the Lupe’s Tacos food truck in the parking lot to grab a bite to eat.

Current and former Bell Bank employees Eileen Teberg, Maureen Holden, Linda Rodgers and Kris Hasbargen have a toast as Michelle Juhnke shows them the cooler area in the space that housed the safety deposit boxes during the opening of the Junkyard West Fargo taproom on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023. David Samson / The Focus I wanted people to be able to bring their dogs in the summertime.”

Refrigerators are also filled with canned beer for off-sale purchase.

The building’s open atrium and the large plate-glass windows give the taproom an airy feel. Patrons sitting on the second floor can also look down and people watch.

Jodi Buresh, who used to bank there, was impressed with both the beer and the remodel.

“I really love the open concept of the building,” Juhnke said. “The second level is my favorite. The loft area. You get to sit up there and feel like you’re almost in a home in a way, especially by the windows.”

Gray skies and a chilly breeze kept most of the crowd indoors, though a hearty few, some with friendly pups, sipped their IPAs and sours out on the rooftop and main floor patios.

The walls are covered with murals of favorite Junkyard Brewing beer can art. Behind the bar taps, tile is patterned to look like three-dimensional cubes.

“When I heard that the building structure could handle a full rooftop patio … I got really excited about that,” Juhnke said. “I love being outdoors. That was super important.

The bank vault remains. Hello beer cooler and storage?

Another nod to the past is a plaque, which marks the 1979 opening of First National Bank of West Fargo.

“I absolutely love it. I can’t believe they revamped the place I used to bank,” she said.

Buresh said she used to stop by and get handed a lollipop, and “now we can have beer!”

Tracie Tvieto said she liked Junkyard Brewing in Moorhead, but it was a bit of a hike to get a beer.

Now “we’re walking distance, so we’re happy,” Tvieto said. “It’s going to change the whole cityscape for West Fargo.”

Juhnke said help from the city of West Fargo was instrumental in making Junkyard West Fargo a reality.

“The city of West Fargo really welcomed us with open arms, which was incredible. They worked with us pretty closely,” Juhnke said.

The ‘70s architecture of the bank building caught Juhnke’s eye, and the Downtown Yards district seemed right, surrounded by a mix of apartments and single family homes.

“I wanted to be part of a neighborhood. Also, West Fargo is growing, and the downtown area is growing. And I wanted to be part of that,” Juhnke said.

Regular operating hours will be 4 p.m to 10 p.m. Monday and Tuesday; noon to 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; noon to midnight Friday and Saturday; and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday.

Readers can reach Forum reporter Helmut Schmidt at (701) 241-5583 or by email at hschmidt@forumcomm.com.

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CITY INFORMATION

City of West Fargo Downtown Placemaking Master Plan

By City of West Fargo Staff

West Fargo’s Master Plan is one of Balance

Goal #4: Infill, Density & Redevelopment

Over the past six months, the City has been working with various boards and commissions, community stakeholders, and the public to develop a Downtown Placemaking Master Plan that balances interests of existing area residents with attracting customers from across the region to support local businesses.

Connect and strengthen the downtown assets by redeveloping underutilized or vacant spaces and calibrate intensity of development to create a thriving mix of uses.

The master plan identifies 4 goals and prioritizes 21 strategies, with 117 action steps guided by 10 principles aimed at creating a vital downtown:

Top 4 Goals

Goal #1: Placemaking Make the Downtown Yards a vibrant place that displays West Fargo’s heritage, and character that offers engaging experiences for all ages and families.

The West Fargo Master Plan will be presented at a joint meeting with the City Commission and Planning & Zoning Commission in mid-December.

Thank you to the community for taking the time to provide feedback which helped shape this plan.

December, 2023 |

17

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Goal #2: Business & Economic Development Attract and retain businesses, visitors, and residents that seek innovative enterprise and contribute to the economic vitality.

Goal #3: Pedestrians, Parking & Access Provide accessibility and parking options that foster walkability, pedestrian safety, and enhance the public realm.

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Give the gift that

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gives back

Giving Hearts Day gift cards available now!

GivingHeartsDay.org GHD-0426 Rev. 11/23

GivingHeartsDay.org

Supporting Local Charities

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December, 2023 |

19

CITY INFORMATION

West Fargo Public Library hosts annual Mitten Tree Drive

By City of West Fargo Staff

The West Fargo Public Library is hosting its 15th annual Mitten Tree Drive this December to collect winter gear for West Fargo children.

From Dec. 1 through Jan. 6, donors can drop off new or like-new child-sized mittens, gloves, sweatpants, boots, underwear, or coats at the library.

Handmade mittens and gloves are welcome. The items will be donated to West Fargo Public School District students in need.

The Mitten Tree can be found on the main floor of the West Fargo Public Library near the selfcheckout machine.

Donors can hang their items on the tree or drop them off at the library service desk.

“Winters in our area can be brutal,” Lauren Nephew, youth services manager, said. “Donations of essentials, especially things like coats and snow pants, make a real impact for West Fargo kids in need.”

Over 360 items were donated to the West Fargo Public Library Mitten Tree in 2021. City Of West Fargo

This holiday season, Lend A Hand Up to your neighbors.

Make an online gift or a check payable to “LAHU Holiday Hand Up,” to help many local families through one charitable gift.

Donate Now!

Matching gifts generously provided by Alex Stern Family Foundation & Gateway Chevrolet and your Heartland Chevy Dealers.Contributions to Holiday Hand Up may NOT be designated to support a specific individual/family.

December 1-15 | LendAHandUp.org ca n y o u n g el , w ho y A A sk H o l i d a 2661. be a 701-356

4141 28th Ave. S. Fargo, ND 58104 The only giving site with a boost.

Lend A Hand Up is a 501c3 subsidiary nonprofit of Dakota Medical Foundation that raises financial help for area families experiencing hardship due to a health issue or other traumatic event.

LHU-00116 11/23

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Cub Creek

NEWEST COMMUNITY IN HORACE Cub Creek - 2nd Addition This is the location you or your family have been waiting for. Settle into a close-knit community with thriving local businesses, two new schools (Horace High & Heritage Middle) and beautiful recreation areas — all just a short drive from West Fargo & South Fargo.

Connect with us this holiday season to find the perfect lot to build your next dream home!

cubcreeknd.com | 701.373.9125

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