West Fargo Focus January 2025 by The Forum of Fargo Moorhead

Your guide to everything in West Fargo January 2025

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 West Fargo Focus //// Inforum.com/west-fargo //// Wednesday, January 1, 2025

A monthly publication

inforum.com/west-fargo January 2025 | Volume 4 | Issue 1 EDITOR

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

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Coleen Tweten ctweten@forumcomm.com 218-779-0425

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

DESIGNER Jen Phillips

A PUBLICATION OF:

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

westfargond.gov

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

Dave Samson, center, received the Flame Award from the West Fargo Packer Backers on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024, at halftime of the West Fargo Packer basketball game against West Fargo Sheyenne. Samson stands with members of the WF Packer Backers and past award winners. The award is given to individuals who’ve shown support, service, and dedication to WFHS Packers, the school, and the community. SEE PAGE 3 for story. Chris Flynn / 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:

Octavio Ramirez with Rebecco’s Taco Bar serves a taco to a guest at the heritage event hosted by Civic West on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, at the Rustad Center in West Fargo. Alyssa Goezler/The Focus

Wednesday, January 1, 2025 //// Inforum.com/west-fargo //// West Fargo Focus

EVENT SPOTLIGHT

Photography passion still burns bright: Dave Samson honored with Flame Award

Native West Fargoan and retired West Fargo Pioneer and Forum photographer was honored by WFHS

n a surprise ceremony at the Tuesday, Dec. 17 PackerMustangs basketball game, longtime news photographer David Samson was honored with the Packer Backer Flame Award by the West Fargo Packer Backers booster club. The Flame Award is presented to a member of the community who is dedicated to supporting

By Wendy Reuer West Fargo High School Packers, ther school and the community. Samson grew up on a horse farm near Harwood and graduated from West Fargo High School in 1978. He graduated from both Moorhead Tech & Minnesota State University Moorhead with degrees in commercial art and mass communications. Samson

joined the West Fargo Pioneer as a photographer in 1981 and The Forum in 2005. Samson has won several national, state and local awards for his photos, many of which decorate the walls of The West Fargo Police Headquarters. FLAME AWARD: continued on page 5

4 West Fargo Focus //// Inforum.com/west-fargo //// Wednesday, January 1, 2025

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, Jan., 5:30 p.m. Monday, Jan 20, 5:30 p.m. @ West Fargo City Commission Chambers 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 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 STEM Saturday Every Saturday, 10:30-11:30 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 Visit westfargolibrary.org for movie listings

Government Buildings Closed - New Year’s Day Jan. 1 WFACP Prize Bingo & Birthdays Jan 7, noon @ West Fargo High Rise Page Turners Book Club Jan. 7, 1-2 p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library Community Game Night Jan 7, 6:30-8 p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library Intro to Libby Jan 8, 7-8 p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library Monthly Community Resource Hours Jan 9, 10 a.m. - noon @ West Fargo Public Library

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

WFACP Soup & More Jan 9, 5:30 p.m. @ Blessed Sacrament Church

Book Club Every third Thursday, 1:30 p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library

Paddington Bear Tea Party Jan 11, 10:15 a.m. - noon @ West Fargo Public Library

Novel Afternoons Book Club Every third Wednesday, 1-2 p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library

Teen Dungeons & Dragons Game Jan 11, 1:30-3:30 p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library

JANUARY EVENTS: Open Skate View schedule at westfargoevents.com @ The Lights Ice Rink at Essentia Health Plaza

WFACP Crafts Jan 13, 12:15 p.m. @ West Fargo High Rise Senior Luncheon Jan. 14, noon - 2 p.m. @ Rusted Recreation Center

WFACP Chicken Foot Jan 14, 12:15 p.m. @ West Fargo High Rise Adult Dungeons & Dragons Campaign (FULL) Jan 14, 6:30-8:30 p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library Coffee with a Cop Jan. 15, 10-11 a.m. @ Rustad Recreation Center Teen Dungeons & Dragons Character Creation Workshop Jan 18, 1:30-3:30 p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library StageWest: January Play in a Day Jan 20, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. @ Stage West Studio Bouncin’ Bash Jan 20, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. @ Rusted Recreation Center WFACP Monthly Meeting Jan 21, 12:15 p.m. @ West Fargo High Rise

Demystifying Death: Endof-Life Planning Panel Jan 25, 1:30-3:30 p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library Civic Minds Roundtable Jan 27, 6:30-7:30 p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library WFACP Money Bingo Jan 28, 12:15 p.m. @ West Fargo High Rise International LEGO Day Celebration Jan 28, 6-8 p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library Adult Dungeons & Dragons Campaign (FULL) Jan 28, 6:30-8:30 p.m. @ West Fargo Public Library Golden Puck Pond Classic Jan 31 - Feb 1 @ The Lights Ice Rink at Essentia Health Plaza

WFACP Soup & More Jan 23, 5:30 p.m. @ Blessed Sacrament Church Art Supply Grab & Go Jan 25, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m @ West Fargo Public Library

*West Fargo Area Community Program

Wednesday, January 1, 2025 //// Inforum.com/west-fargo //// West Fargo Focus

Flame Award continued from page 3

Although he retired from The Forum in 2024, Samson continues working part-time. He remains active as a volunteer for the West Fargo Area Education Foundation, Communications Advisory Committee for West Fargo and other area public schools and Maple Sheyenne Lutheran Church. Previous Flame Award winners are: 2004 Terry Rust 2005 Larry Lubben 2006 Harold Kozojed 2007 Anna Frissell 2008 Roger Eckert 2009 Tonya Vetter 2010 Bill Kozojed & Bob Kozojed 2011 Greg Warren 2012 Mike Hayden 2013 Judy Millar 2014 Ed Sklebar 2015 Curt Jones 2016 Ben Potter 2017 WFHS Food Service Team 2018 Pete Diemert 2019 Mark Berntson 2020 WFHS Student Body 2021 Officer Jason Balvik 2022 Jen Fremstad & Jay DeCann 2023 Jim Jonas Readers can reach Focus editor Wendy Reuer at wreuer@forumcomm.com or 701-241-5530.

Dave Samson, center, a photographer for The Forum newspaper, received the Flame Award from the West Fargo Packer Backers on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024 at West Fargo High School. The award is given to individuals who’ve shown support, service and dedication to WFHS Packers, the school and community. Chris Flynn / The Focus

The Forum’s editor-in-chief, Matt Von Pinnon, congratulates Forum photographer Dave Samson for receiving the Flame Award from the West Fargo Packer Backers on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024, at West Fargo High School. The WF Packer Backers surprised Samson with the award at halftime of a West Fargo boys basketball game he was photographing. The award is given to individuals who’ve shown support, service, and dedication to WFHS Packers, the school, and the community. Chris Flynn / The Focus

Forum photographer Dave Samson received the Flame Award from the West Fargo Packer Backers on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024, at West Fargo High School. The WF Packer Backers surprised Samson with the award at halftime of a West Fargo boys basketball game he was photographing. The award is given to individuals who’ve shown support, service, and dedication to WFHS Packers, the school, and the community. Chris Flynn / The Focus

6 West Fargo Focus //// Inforum.com/west-fargo //// Wednesday, January 1, 2025 CITY INFORMATION

City of West Fargo Launches City-Wide Ash Tree Removal and Replacement Program in Response to Emerald Ash Borer By City of West Fargo

he City of West Fargo announces the launch of a comprehensive Ash Tree Removal and Replacement Program to combat the impact of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). EAB is an invasive insect that kills ash trees by feeding on their bark. Recent assessments predict a significant spread of EAB into West Fargo’s ash tree population. Forestry Staff will be marking trees and notifying property owners of all removals and replacements beginning in December 2024. Residents with ash trees in their boulevards will be notified via mail of any work taking place on their

property. The program will prioritize the safe removal of infected or highrisk ash trees on public property and boulevards. Healthy trees will be given a treatment to help reduce the future spread of EAB.

overall quality of life,” said City Forester, Chad Zander. “This proactive initiative is an essential step toward safeguarding our natural resources and ensuring a vibrant, green future for our community.”

Removed ash trees will be replaced with a diverse mix of native and resilient tree species. This approach will enhance biodiversity and reduce vulnerability to future infestations. This will be an ongoing project, with no projected end date.

Residents can utilize resources at westfargond.gov/272/Forestry to determine if there are ash trees on their property, and if those trees may be infected. The City of West Fargo will not remove, replace, or treat trees on private property, however, the City’s Certified Arborists may help property owners determine treatment plans and provide resources for addressing EAB on private property.

“We understand the critical role trees play in our city’s environment, providing shade, improving air quality, and contributing to our

This proactive initiative aims to protect public safety, preserve urban forestry, and maintain the ecological and aesthetic integrity of our community.

Wednesday, January 1, 2025 //// Inforum.com/west-fargo //// West Fargo Focus

CITY INFORMATION

First Coffee With a Cop of the New Year

Radon Gas Testing + Mitigation

By City of West Fargo

he West Fargo Police Department’s Coffee with a Cop will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15 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.

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.

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8 West Fargo Focus //// Inforum.com/west-fargo //// Wednesday, January 1, 2025 CITY INFORMATION

Residents reminded of dangers of iced over Sheyenne River and public retention ponds By City of West Fargo

Iced over Sheyenne River

he West Fargo Fire and Police Departments remind residents of the dangers of iced over retention ponds and the Sheyenne River. The best way to stay safe is by staying off any iced over body of water. “With the recent winter weather, area retention ponds and the Sheyenne River have begun to ice over,” said Dan Fuller, West Fargo Fire Chief. “This creates potential dangers for our residents, especially children, as

these bodies of water are not meant for recreation of any kind.” The strength of ice on public retention ponds and area rivers is lowered by several factors including layers of water flowing under the ice, changing water levels due to pumps, daily temperature changes, salt water drainage and agitation pumps placed throughout the ponds. Snow can serve as additional insulation on the ice, impacting ice formation and masking signs of unsafe ice conditions.

“Public retention ponds and the Sheyenne River may appear to be frozen solid, but there is no guarantee the ice will be thick enough to withstand additional weight,” said Pete Nielsen, West Fargo Police Chief. “Parents and guardians are reminded to discuss the dangers of frozen bodies of water with their children.” If residents travel to a body of water meant for winter recreation, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department recommends

always checking the thickness of the ice first. If ice is less than 4 inches thick, stay off the body of water. More information on ice safety can be found online at https://gf.nd.gov/ice-safety If an individual does fall through the ice, call 911 immediately. The West Fargo Fire Department has specialized equipment and completes training to respond safely to these situations.

Wednesday, January 1, 2025 //// Inforum.com/west-fargo //// West Fargo Focus

CITY INFORMATION

City of West Fargo hires Paul Fracassi as City Assessor

By City of West Fargo

he City of West Fargo has hired Paul Fracassi as City Assessor. Fracassi was officially appointed to the role by the West Fargo City Commission at their Dec. 2, 2024 meeting. The City Assessor’s office is tasked with the fair and equitable assessment of all property within city limits. The Assessor oversees property appraisers in the department who compile records regarding real estate transactions, new construction, remodels or alterations, as well as administer a variety of property tax exemption and credit programs instituted by the North Dakota State Legislature.

“It is great to welcome Paul back to the City of West Fargo to lead our Assessing Department,” said Nick Lee, Senior Director of Administrative Services. “He is bringing a depth of experience in the field of mass appraisal and assessment in our area, which will serve as a great asset to our City and our residents.” “I am excited to continue to serve the West Fargo community as the City Assessor,” said Fracassi. “I look forward to working with a great group of appraisers and the entire City of West Fargo Team.”

Fracassi was a Property Appraiser for the City of West Fargo from 2006-2016. Since 2016, he has served as the Director of Tax Equalization for Cass County, leading a department which maintains over 20,000 parcels throughout the county. He held the

role of President of the North Dakota Association of Assessing Officers from 2022-2024 and has been an active member of the North Dakota Association of Counties and the International Association of Assessing Officers. Fracassi holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Minnesota State University – Moorhead.

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10 West Fargo Focus //// Inforum.com/west-fargo //// Wednesday, January 1, 2025

Horace High School Activity Calendar* January 2 9 a.m. Wrestling: G/All @North Dakota State University January 3 8 a.m. Debate: V @Fargo Davies High School 9 a.m. Wrestling: G/All @North Dakota State University 4:15 p.m. Basketball: G/JV @Horace High School 4:15 p.m. Basketball: B/JV @Heritage Middle School 5:45 p.m. Basketball: G/V @Horace High School 5:45 pm Basketball: B/C @Heritage Middle School 7 p.m. Hockey: G/V @West Fargo Sports Arena 7:15 p.m. Basketball: G/C @Heritage Middle School 7:30 p.m. Basketball: B/V @Horace High School January 4 8 a.m. Debate: V @Fargo Davies High School 2 p.m. Hockey: G/V @West Fargo Sports Arena January 6 7 p.m. Basketball: B/9B @Horace High School

December 7 4:15 p.m Basketball: G/C @West Fargo High School 4:15 p.m. Basketball: B/C @Horace High School 5:45 p.m. Basketball: G/JV @West Fargo High School

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

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

7:15 p.m. Basketball: G/V @Shanley High School

January 16 4:15 p.m. Basketball: B/C @Horace High School

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

January 18 8 a.m. Debate: V @TBA 9 a.m. Wrestling: G/All @Moorhead High School

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

11 a.m. Basketball: B/9A @Horace High School

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

12:15 p.m. Basketball: B/9B @Horace High School

January 17 4:15 p.m. Basketball: G/C @Horace High School

7:30 - 9:30 p.m. @Horace Auditorium Horace HS Musical: Between the Lines

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

January 19 2 - 4 p.m. @Horace Auditorium Horace HS Musical: Between the Lines

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

January 11 TBD Basketball: G/V @Sanford Pentagon

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

8 a.m. Debate: V @Shanley High School

7:30 p.m. Basketball: G/V @West Fargo High School

9 a.m. Wrestling: G/All @Bismarck Civic Center

January 9 7 p.m. Basketball: G/9A @Horace High School

January 14 4 p.m. Basketball: B/C @Northern Cass High School

January 10 10 a.m. Wrestling: G/All @Bismarck Civic Center

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

7:15 p.m. Basketball: G/V @Horace High School

6 p.m. Wrestling: G/All @Central Cass High School

7:30- 9:30 p.m. @Horace Auditorium Horace HS Musical: Between the Lines

4:15 p.m. Basketball: G/C @Shanley High School 4:15 p.m. Basketball: B/C @Horace High School 5 p.m. Basketball: B/9B @West Fargo High School 5:45 p.m. Basketball: G/JV @Shanley High School 5:45 p.m. Basketball: B/JV @Horace High School 6:15 p.m. Basketball: B/9A @West Fargo High School

6:45 p.m. Basketball: B/9A @Horace High School 7 p.m. Hockey: G/V @West Fargo Sports Arena

6:30 p.m. Hockey: G/V @VFW Sports Center

8:30 p.m. Hockey: G/JV @VFW Sports Center

January 21 6 p.m. Basketball: B/9A @Shanley High School 6 p.m. Wrestling: G/All @Grand Forks Central High School 6 p.m. Wrestling: G/V @Red River High School 6:30 p.m. Basketball: G/9A @Horace High School

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Wednesday, January 1, 2025 //// Inforum.com/west-fargo //// West Fargo Focus

Horace High School Activity Calendar* 7 p.m. Hockey: G/V @Eagles Arena

5:45 p.m. Basketball: B/JV @Fargo Davies High School

January 23 4:30 p.m. Basketball: B/9B @Agassiz

7:15 p.m. Basketball: G/V @Horace High School 7:15 p.m. Basketball: B/V @Fargo Davies High School

5:45 p.m. Basketball: B/9A @Agassiz

7:30 - 9:30 p.m. @Horace Auditorium Horace HS Musical: Between the Lines

January 24 4:15 p.m. Basketball: G/C @Horace High School 4:15 p.m. Basketball: B/C @Fargo Davies High School

January 25 8 a.m. Debate: V @Horace High School

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

9 a.m. Wrestling: G/All @West Fargo Fairgrounds

1 p.m. Hockey: G/V @Starion Sports Complex Schwan Cadillac Rink

January 28 4:15 p.m. Basketball: G/C @Fargo South High School

January 30 4:30 p.m. Basketball: G/C @Fargo North High School

7:30 - 9:30 p.m. @Horace Auditorium Horace HS Musical: Between the Lines

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

4:30 p.m. Basketball: B/9B @Fargo North High School

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

6 p.m. Basketball: G/9A @Shanley High School

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

6 p.m. Basketball: G/JV @Fargo North High School

7:15 p.m. Basketball: G/V @Fargo South High School

6 p.m. Basketball: B/9A @Fargo North High School

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

7:30 p.m. Basketball: G/V @Fargo North High School

January 26 2 - 4 p.m. @Horace Auditorium Horace HS Musical: Between the Lines January 27 6:30 p.m. Basketball: B/9A @Horace High School 7:45 p.m. Basketball: B/9B @Horace High School

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12 West Fargo Focus //// Inforum.com/west-fargo //// Wednesday, January 1, 2025

Horace High School Activity Calendar* January 31 4:15 p.m. Basketball: B/C @Horace High School Main Gym- All Courts

5 p.m. Hockey: G/V 5 p.m. Wrestling: G/All @Sheyenne High School

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

7 p.m. Hockey: G/JV @Dickinson High School

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

Sheyenne High School Activity Calendar* January 3 5:15 p.m. Hockey: B/JV @Sheyenne High School

4:30 p.m. Wrestling: G/All @Wahpeton Elementary School

9 a.m. Wrestling: B/JV @Wahpeton Elementary School

7 p.m. Hockey: G/V @Scheels Arena - Farmers Union Rink

4:45 p.m. Basketball: B/C @Bismarck High School

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

5:30 p.m. Hockey: G/V @West Fargo Sports Arena

11 a.m. Basketball: G/C @Sheyenne High School

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

11:45 a.m. Basketball: B/C @Minot High School

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

6 p.m. Wrestling: B/JV @Wahpeton Elementary School

Noon Hockey: G/JV @West Fargo Sports Arena

5 p.m. Wrestling: B/V @Sheyenne High School

6:15 p.m. Basketball: B/JV @Bismarck High School

5:15 p.m. Hockey: B/JV @Eagles Arena

7:15 p.m. Basketball: G/V @Sheyenne High School

5:30 p.m. Hockey: G/JV @East Grand Forks Civic Center

7:45 p.m. Basketball: B/V @Bismarck High School

7:30 p.m. Hockey: B/V January 5 6:15 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Band - EDC/State Solo Concert*

7:30 p.m. Hockey: B/V @Eagles Arena January 6 4:15 p.m. Basketball: G/C @Sheyenne High School

7:45 p.m. Hockey: G/JV @West Fargo Sports Arena January 7 8 a.m. Debate: V @Red River High School 9 a.m. Dance: All @Fargo North High School Fargo North Invitational

12:30 p.m. Basketball: G/JV @Sheyenne High School 1:15 p.m. Basketball: B/JV @Minot High School 2 p.m. Basketball: G/V @Sheyenne High School 2:30 p.m. Hockey: G/V @West Fargo Sports Arena 3 p.m. Basketball: B/V @Minot High School January 10 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Chamber Orchestra*

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

Noon Wrestling: G/All @Carrington High School

5 p.m. Hockey: G/JV @Kent Freeman Arena

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

5:15 p.m. Hockey: B/JV @Sheyenne High School 6:30 p.m. Basketball: B/9B @Sheyenne High School 7:30 p.m. Hockey: B/V 7:45 p.m. Basketball: B/9A @Sheyenne High School January 12 9 a.m. Wrestling: B/V @Rapid City, South Dakota 5:15 p.m. Hockey: B/JV 6:30 p.m. Basketball: B/9B @Sheyenne High School 7:30 p.m. Hockey: B/V 7:45pm Basketball: B/9A @Sheyenne High School January 13 9 a.m. Wrestling: B/V @Summit Arena, Rapid City, SD

3 p.m. Debate: V @Fargo South High School 5:30pm Swimming: B/V @Fargo North High School 6 p.m. Hockey: G/V @Capital Ice Complex/ Schaumberg Arena and Wachter Arena 8:15 p.m. Hockey: G/JV @Capital Ice Complex/ Schaumberg Arena and Wachter Arena January 14 8 a.m. Debate: V @Fargo South High School 9 a.m. Dance: All @West Fargo High School West Fargo Invitational 9:00 a.m. Wrestling: G/All @Grand Forks Central High School

Wednesday, January 1, 2025 //// Inforum.com/west-fargo //// West Fargo Focus

Sheyenne High School Activity Calendar* 9 a.m. Wrestling: B/JV @Grand Forks Central High School 9:00 a.m. Wrestling: B/V @Summit Arena, Rapid City, SD 4:30 p.m. Basketball: B/9A @Fergus Falls High School 4:30 p.m. Basketball: B/JV @Fergus Falls High School 6:00 p.m. Basketball: B/V @Fergus Falls High School January 16 6:15pm Basketball: G/C @West Fargo High School

@Valley City Jr. Sr. High School

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

6 p.m. Wrestling: B/JV @Red River High School

6 p.m. Basketball: B/9B @Sheyenne High School

January 17 4 p.m. Hockey: G/JV @West Fargo Sports Arena

7 p.m. Basketball: B/9B @Wahpeton Elementary School

6:00pm Wrestling: B/JV @Fargo South High School

4 p.m Dance: All @Bismarck Legacy High School

4 p.m. Hockey: G/JV

7 p.m. Hockey: G/V @John L Wilson Arena

7 p.m. Basketball: G/9A @Sheyenne High School

4:15pm Basketball: G/JV @Sheyenne High School

7 p.m. Wrestling: B/V @Fargo South High School

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

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

5:30 p.m. Hockey: G/V @West Fargo Sports Arena

7:30 p.m. Hockey: B/V @Purpur Arena

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

January 20 2:00 p.m. Wrestling: G/All

5:45 p.m. Basketball: B/C @Sheyenne High School Gym (Aux-1025)

4:15 p.m. Basketball: G/JV @West Fargo High School 5:15 p.m. Hockey: B/JV @Sheyenne High School 5:30 p.m. Basketball: B/JV @West Fargo High School 5:45 p.m. Basketball: G/V @West Fargo High School

7 p.m. Wrestling: B/V @Red River High School 7:30 p.m. Basketball: B/V @West Fargo High School 7:30 p.m. Hockey: B/V January 19 5:15 p.m. Hockey: B/JV @Purpur Arena

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14 West Fargo Focus //// Inforum.com/west-fargo //// Wednesday, January 1, 2025

Sheyenne High School Activity Calendar* 7:15 p.m. Basketball: G/C @Sheyenne High School

10 a.m. Swimming: B/V @Fargo North High School

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

3:30 p.m. Basketball: B/V @Mandan High School

7:15 p.m. Basketball: B/V @Sheyenne High School

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

1:45 p.m. Basketball: G/V @Mandan High School

January 26 7:15 p.m. Hockey: G/JV @West Fargo Sports Arena

7:45 p.m. Hockey: G/JV @West Fargo Sports Arena January 21 8 a.m. Debate: V @Sheyenne High School

Noon Basketball: G/JV @Mandan High School Noon Basketball: B/JV @Mandan High School

1:45 p.m. Basketball: B/C @Mandan High School 3:15 p.m. Hockey: G/JV @West Fargo Sports Arena 3:30 p.m. Basketball: G/C @Mandan High School

January 27 11 a.m. Hockey: G/JV @West Fargo Sports Arena 1 p.m. Wrestling: G/All @Lisbon High School

January 28 8 a.m. Wrestling: G/All @Lisbon High School 1:15 p.m. Hockey: B/JV @Alexandria High School 3:15 p.m. Hockey: B/V @Alexandria High School 4 p.m. Hockey: G/V @The Lights Rink

West Fargo High School Activity Calendar* January 1 8- 10:30 a.m. Boys Basketball C/JV/V @West Fargo High School 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Girls Basketball @West Fargo High School January 2 9 a.m. Wrestling: G/All @North Dakota State University 10 a.m. Wrestling: B/JV @FARGODOME 10 a.m. Wrestling: B/V @FARGODOME 3:45 - 5:45 p.m. Boys Basketball C/JV/V @West Fargo High School 3:45- 5:45 p.m. Girls Basketball @West Fargo High School 4 - 6 p.m. Winter Play @West Fargo High School

5:45- 7:45 p.m. Boys Basketball C/JV/V @West Fargo High School

5:15 p.m. Hockey: B/JV @West Fargo Sports Arena

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

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

January 3 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Fargo Davies Debate @Fargo Davies High School

5:30 p.m. Swimming: B/V @Hulbert Aquatics Center

9 a.m. Wrestling: G/All @North Dakota State University 9 a.m. Wrestling: B/JV @FARGODOME 9 a.m. Wrestling: B/V @FARGODOME 4:15 p.m. Basketball: B/JV @West Fargo High School 5 p.m. Basketball: B/9A @Jamestown High School

5:45 p.m. Basketball: B/V @West Fargo High School 6:30 p.m. Basketball: B/9B @Jamestown High School 7 p.m. Hockey: G/V @West Fargo Sports Arena 7:30 p.m. Basketball: G/V @West Fargo High School 7:30 p.m. Hockey: B/V @West Fargo Sports Arena

January 4 8 - 10:30 a.m. Boys Basketball C/JV/V @West Fargo High School 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Fargo Davies Debate @Fargo Davies High School 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Shanley PMJ Debate @Shanley High School 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Girls Basketball @West Fargo High School 10:30 a.m. Swimming: B/V @Hulbert Aquatics Center 11:30 a.m. Hockey: G/JV @West Fargo Sports Arena 2 p.m. Hockey: G/V @West Fargo Sports Arena January 6 3:45 - 5:45 p.m. Boys Basketball C/JV/V @West Fargo High School

3:45 - 5:45 p.m. Girls Basketball @West Fargo High School 4 - 6 p.m. Winter Play @West Fargo High School 5:45 - 7:45 p.m. Boys Basketball 9th @West Fargo High School 6 p.m. Wrestling: B/JV @Grand Forks Central High School 7 p.m. Wrestling: B/V @Grand Forks Central High School January 7 4 - 6 p.m. Winter Play @West Fargo High School 4:15 p.m. Basketball: G/C @West Fargo High School 4:15 p.m. Basketball: B/C @Horace High School

Wednesday, January 1, 2025 //// Inforum.com/west-fargo //// West Fargo Focus

West Fargo High School Activity Calendar* 5:30 p.m. Swimming: B/V @Hulbert Aquatics Center

5:15 p.m. Hockey: B/JV @West Fargo Sports Arena

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

4:45 p.m. Hockey: B/JV @Fargo North High School

4:30pm Basketball: B/9B @Fargo North High School

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

6 p.m. Wrestling: B/JV @West Fargo High School

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

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

5:15 - 6:45 p.m. Boys Basketball C/JV/V @West Fargo High School

5:45pm Basketball: B/JV @Horace High School

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

5:45 p.m. Basketball: B/JV @Red River High School

5:15 p.m. Hockey: B/JV @West Fargo Sports Arena

6 p.m. Basketball: B/9B @Sheyenne High School

7 p.m. Wrestling: B/V @West Fargo High School

7:15 p.m. Basketball: G/V @Grand Forks Central High School

6 p.m. Wrestling: G/All @Central Cass High School

6 p.m. Basketball: B/9A @Fargo North High School

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

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

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

6 p.m. Wrestling: B/JV @West Fargo High School

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

7:30 p.m. Hockey: B/V @West Fargo Sports Arena

7 p.m. Hockey: B/V @Fargo North High School

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

7:30 p.m. Basketball: G/V @West Fargo High School

January 10 TBD Swimming: B/V @Minnetonka High School

7:15 p.m. Basketball: B/V @Red River High School

7 p.m. Wrestling: B/V @West Fargo High School

7:30 p.m. Basketball: G/V @West Fargo High School

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

January 15 3:45 - 5:45 p.m. Boys Basketball C/JV/V @West Fargo High School

7:30 p.m. Hockey: B/V @West Fargo Sports Arena

January 8 3:45- 5:45 p.m. Boys Basketball C/JV/V @West Fargo High School

TBD Wrestling: B/V @Bismarck Event Center

3:45- 5:45 p.m. Girls Basketball @West Fargo High School

10 a.m. Wrestling: G/All @Bismarck Civic Center

5:45- 7:45 p.m. Boys Basketball 9th @West Fargo High School

4:15 p.m. Basketball: G/C @Grand Forks Central High School

January 9 3:45 - 5:45 p.m. Boys Basketball C/JV/V @West Fargo High School

4:30 p.m. Basketball: B/C @West Fargo High School

4 - 5:30 p.m. Packerettes Practice @West Fargo High School

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

4 - 6 p.m. Winter Play @West Fargo High School Theater (111C)

5:45 p.m. Basketball: G/JV @Grand Forks Central High School

5:15 - 6:45 p.m. Girls Basketball @West Fargo High School Gym (Aux A102)

5:45 p.m. Basketball: B/JV @West Fargo High School

7:30 p.m. Basketball: B/V @West Fargo High School January 11 TBD Wrestling: B/V @Bismarck Event Center 8- 10:30 a.m. Boys Basketball C/JV/V @West Fargo High School 9 a.m. Wrestling: G/All @Bismarck Civic Center 10:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Girls Basketball @West Fargo High School January 13 3:45 - 5:45 p.m. Boys Basketball C/JV/V @West Fargo High School 3:45 - 5:45 p.m. Girls Basketball @West Fargo High School 5 - 8 p.m. Winter Play @West Fargo High School January 14 4:15 p.m. Basketball: G/C @West Fargo High School 4:15 p.m. Basketball: B/C @Red River High School 4:30 p.m. Basketball: B/9A @Shanley High School

3:45 - 5:45 p.m. Girls Basketball @West Fargo High School

January 17 Noon Dance: V @Minot High School

4 - 5:30 p.m. Packerettes Practice @West Fargo High School

4 p.m. Swimming: B/V @Hulbert Aquatics Center

4 - 6 p.m. Winter Play @West Fargo High School

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

January 16 3:45- 5:45 p.m. Girls Basketball @West Fargo High School

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

4 - 6 p.m. Winter Play @West Fargo High School Theater (111C)

5:45 p.m. Basketball: G/V @West Fargo High School 6:30 p.m. Hockey: G/V @VFW Sports Center

16 West Fargo Focus //// Inforum.com/west-fargo //// Wednesday, January 1, 2025

West Fargo High School Activity Calendar* 7:30 p.m. Basketball: B/V @West Fargo High School

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

4 - 5:30 p.m. Packerettes Practice @West Fargo High School

January 18 8 - 10:25 a.m. Boys Basketball C/JV/V @West Fargo High School

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

4 - 6 p.m. Winter Play @West Fargo High School

4:30 p.m. Basketball: B/9B @Agassiz

5:45- 7:45 p.m. Boys Basketball 9th @West Fargo High School

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

January 23 3:45- 5:45 p.m. Boys Basketball C/JV/V @West Fargo High School

9 a.m. Wrestling: G/All @Moorhead High School Gadberry Tournament 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Kamp Kace @West Fargo High School 11:00am Swimming: B/V @University of North Dakota January 20 1 - 6 p.m. Winter Play @West Fargo High School 3:45 - 5:45 p.m. Boys Basketball C/JV/V @West Fargo High School 3:45 p.m. - 5:45p.m. Girls Basketball @West Fargo High School 4:15 p.m. Basketball: G/C @Fargo Davies High School 5:15 p.m. Hockey: B/JV @Devils Lake Park Board 5:45- 7:45 p.m. Boys Basketball 9th @West Fargo High School 7:30 p.m. Hockey: B/V @Devils Lake Park Board January 21 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Bismarck Debate @Bismarck State Capitol 4- 8 p.m. Winter Play @West Fargo High School

5:45 p.m. Basketball: B/9A @Agassiz 6 p.m. Wrestling: G/All @Grand Forks Central High School 6 p.m. Wrestling: G/V @Red River High School 6 p.m. Wrestling: B/JV @West Fargo High School 7 p.m. Hockey: G/V @Eagles Arena 7 p.m. Wrestling: B/V @West Fargo High School 7:15 p.m. Basketball: B/V @Fargo Davies High School January 22 3:45- 5:45 p.m. Boys Basketball C/JV/V @West Fargo High School

3:45 - 5:45 p.m. Girls Basketball @West Fargo High School 4- 8 p.m. Winter Play @West Fargo High School 5 p.m. Basketball: B/9B @Grand Forks Central High School 5:15 p.m. Hockey: B/JV @West Fargo Sports Arena 5:45- 7:45 p.m. Boys Basketball 9th @West Fargo High School 6:15 p.m. Basketball: G/C @West Fargo High School 7:30 p.m. Basketball: B/C @West Fargo High School 7:30 p.m. Hockey: B/V @West Fargo Sports Arena

3:45 - 5:45 p.m. Girls Basketball @West Fargo High School Gym- Main- All Courts

January 24 4:15pm Basketball: B/JV @West Fargo High School

4 - 6 p.m. Auditions @Multiple Location

5 p.m. Swimming: B/V @Hulbert Aquatics Center

5 p.m. Wrestling: B/V 5:30 p.m. Basketball: G/JV @West Fargo High School 5:45 p.m. Basketball: B/V @West Fargo High School 7:30 p.m. Basketball: G/V @West Fargo High School January 25 8:00am - 5:00pm HMB @TBA 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Horace HS Debate @Horace High School

3:45 - 5:45 p.m. Girls Basketball @West Fargo High School 4 - 8:30 p.m. Winter Play @West Fargo High School 5 p.m. Hockey: G/JV @Crookston Sports Center January 28 4 - 9 p.m. Winter Play @West Fargo High School Theater (111C) 4:15 p.m. Basketball: G/JV @Sheyenne High School Gym (Aux-1025)

8 a.m. - 5 p.m. North Sargent @North Sargent High School

4:15 p.m. Basketball: B/JV @Sheyenne High School Gym- Main (1010)

9 a.m. Wrestling: G/All @West Fargo Fairgrounds

5:15 p.m. Hockey: B/JV @West Fargo Sports Arena

9:30 a.m. Wrestling: B/V

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

10:30 a.m. Swimming: B/V @Hulbert Aquatics Center 12:30 p.m. Basketball: B/JV @West Fargo High School 1 p.m. Hockey: G/V @Starion Sports Complex 2 p.m. Basketball: B/V @West Fargo High School January 26 6 a.m. - 8 p.m. IPOP Dance Show @Multiple Location January 27 3:45 - 5:45 p.m. Boys Basketball C/JV/V @West Fargo High School

5:45 p.m. Basketball: B/C @Sheyenne High School 6:15 p.m. Basketball: B/9B @West Fargo High School 7 p.m. Wrestling: B/V @West Fargo High School 7:15 p.m. Basketball: G/C @Sheyenne High School 7:15 p.m. Basketball: B/V @Sheyenne High School 7:30 p.m. Basketball: B/9A @West Fargo High School

Wednesday, January 1, 2025 //// Inforum.com/west-fargo //// West Fargo Focus

West Fargo High School Activity Calendar* 7:30 p.m. Hockey: B/V @West Fargo Sports Arena

3:45 - 5:45 p.m. Girls Basketball @West Fargo High School

January 29 3:45 - 5:45 p.m. Boys Basketball C/JV/V @West Fargo High School

4 - 5:30 p.m. Packerettes Practice @West Fargo High School

January 30 TBD Wrestling: B/JV @Central Cass High School TBD Wrestling: B/V @Central Cass High School

3:45 - 5:45 p.m. Boys Basketball C/JV/V @West Fargo High School

7:30 p.m. Hockey: B/V @West Fargo Sports Arena

3:45 - 5:45pm Girls Basketball @West Fargo High School

7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Play Performance @Multiple Location

5:15 p.m. Hockey: B/JV @West Fargo Sports Arena

18 West Fargo Focus //// Inforum.com/west-fargo //// Wednesday, January 1, 2025 CITY INFORMATION

2025 Garbage and Recycling Holiday Schedule Changes By City of West Fargo New Year’s Day 2025 (Wednesday, Jan. 1) • Wednesday garbage and recycling collected Thursday, Jan. 2. • Thursday garbage and recycling collected Friday, Jan. 3. President’s Day 2025 (Monday, Feb. 17) • Garbage and recycling collection will be delayed by one day all week. Memorial Day 2025 (Monday, May 26) • Garbage and recycling collection will be delayed by one day all week. Independence Day 2025 (Friday, July 4) • No changes to garbage or recycling service.

Labor Day 2025 (Monday, Sept. 1) • Garbage and recycling collection will be delayed by one day all week. Veterans Day 2025 (Tuesday, Nov. 11) • Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday garbage and recycling collection delayed by one day all week. Thanksgiving 2025 (Thursday, Nov. 27) • Thursday garbage and recycling collected on Friday, Nov. 28. Christmas 2025 (Thursday, Dec. 25) • Thursday garbage and recycling collected on Friday, Dec. 26.

• The Transfer Station will close Thursday, Dec. 25. New Year’s Day 2026 (Thursday, Jan. 1) • Thursday garbage and recycling collected on Friday, Jan. 2. REMINDERS: • Place bins curbside by 7 a.m. to ensure collection. • Bulky items and appliance collection must be scheduled online or by calling 701-515-5400. • Holiday tree collection takes place Jan. 6-9. • Curbside branch collection takes place May 12 - Oct. 31 and must be scheduled online or by calling 701-515-5400.

NEWS AND FEATURES

Return of recipe sharing: Send us your favorite recipes to be published in an upcoming Focus

By Wendy Reuer

re you looking for a new dish to try or want to share your family’s favorite fare with a how-to-make-it guide? Readers have been asking for a return of recipe sharing and the West Fargo Focus hopes to continue that tradition in 2025. Please send in your favorite recipes or requests for specific dish recipes to wreuer@forumcomm.com and we will publish those in upcoming editions of the West Fargo Focus. If possible, please include a photo of the finished product of the recipe. A photo will not be required but it is appreciated when possible.

Grandma Edie’s apple pie recipe continues to create new family memories. Jessie Veeder / Special to The Forum

This tasty recipe can help you eat more fruit. Special to the Forum

This is an easy “comfort food” recipe. Photo courtesy North Dakota State University

Wednesday, January 1, 2025 //// Inforum.com/west-fargo //// West Fargo Focus

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.

We truly wanted our wishes to be known when we pass, and that may SHEYENNE CROSSINGS 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

20 West Fargo Focus //// Inforum.com/west-fargo //// Wednesday, January 1, 2025

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