Inside Event Spotlight City Information News and Features Calendar of Events High School Activities Calendar Your guide to everything in West Fargo June 2024 PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID WEST FARGO, ND PERMIT NO. 15 *****ECRWSSEDDM***** POSTAL CUSTOMER WEST FARGO ND 58078 Your guide to everything in West Fargo June 2024
EDITOR
Wendy Reuer wreuer@forumcomm.com
701-241-5530
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
Eric Groves egroves@forumcomm.com 701-241-5429
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
2 | June, 2024 WEST FARGO FOCUS Inforum.com/west-fargo A PUBLICATION OF: IN PARTNERSHIP WITH: westfargond.gov
Hundreds turned out for West Fargo Events’ Bubblemania event on Saturday, May 4, at The Lights Essentia Health Plaza in West Fargo. West Fargo Events/The Focus
ON THE COVER: Hundreds turned out for West Fargo Events’ Bubblemania event on Saturday, May 4, at The Lights Essentia Health Plaza in West Fargo. West Fargo Events/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: ADVERTISING INQUIRIES & STORY IDEAS: advsales@forumcomm.com 701-241-5431 inforum.com/west-fargo June 2024 | Volume 3 | Issue 6 A monthly publication
The League of Women Voters hosts a candidate forum for West Fargo City Commission candidates Amy Zundel, John Severson, DeAnn Reed, Rory Jorgensen and Tyler Erickson on Tuesday at West Fargo City Hall.
Alyssa Goelzer / The Focus
NEWS AND FEATURES
West Fargo City Commission candidates voice opinions at voter forum
By Wendy Reuer
WEST FARGO — In a candidate forum for West Fargo City Commission candidates, the first questions tested the five candidates’ general knowledge of one of the state’s fastest-growing cities that must balance the interests of its longtime residents as well as the new.
The Tuesday, April 30, candidate forum was hosted by the Red River Valley League of Women Voters along with CivicWest, a West Fargo civic organization, and AARP North Dakota at the West Fargo City Commission Chambers.
The five candidates, Amy Zundel, John Severson, DeAnn Reed, Rory
Jorgensen, and Tyler Erickson, are each seeking one of two open seats that will be vacated by departing commissioners Mark Simmons and Mandy George.
The first question asked was if the candidates knew where Rue Avenue is. Jorgensen and Reed said they knew where it was but the other
three candidates admitted to not knowing. Rue Avenue runs east from River Street to Sheyenne Street. East of Sheyenne Street, Rue Avenue becomes 14th Avenue East.
Candidates were then asked to state the city’s 2024 budget, which they
CANDIDATES: continued on page 5
Inforum.com/west-fargo WEST FARGO FOCUS June, 2024 | 3
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, June 3, 5:30 p.m.
Monday, June 17,, 5:30 p.m.
@ Commission Chambers, West Fargo City Hall
Library Board
Second Thursday of every month, 5:30 p.m.
@ Commission Chambers, West Fargo City Hall
Liquor Control Board
Second Tuesday of every month, 1 p.m.
@ Commission Chambers, West Fargo City Hall
Park Board
Second Wednesday of every month, 5:30 p.m.
@ Rustad Recreation Center
Planning and Zoning Commission
Second Tuesday of every month and the fourth Tuesday if needed, 5:30 p.m.
@ Commission Chambers, West Fargo City Hall
Ready to Read Story Time (ages 3-5 + their adults)
Every Wednesday, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
School Board
Second and fourth Monday of every month, 6 p.m.
@ Leidal Education Center
Teeter Tots Storytime
Every Thursday, 10:15-11 a.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
WFACP Card Games & Whist
Every Wednesday, 12:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo High Rise
Monday Matinee
Every Monday, 1:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Visit westfargolibrary.org for movie listings
West Fargo Cribbage Club
Every Tuesday, 6:30-8 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Book Club
Every third Thursday, 1:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Novel Afternoons
Book Club
Every third Wednesday, 1-2 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Little Red Reading Bus
Every Monday - Thursday, 5:30-7 p.m.
Every Tuesday, 9-10:30 a.m.
Visit thelittleredreadingbus. com for location information
JUNE
WFACP Senior Breakfast
June 1, 9-10 a.m.
@ West Fargo High Rise
Outdoor Movie - Elemental
June 3, 7:00 p.m.
@ POW/MIA Plaza
WFACP Chicken Foot
June 4, 12:15 p.m.
@ West Fargo High Rise
Summer Boost Craft Hour for Kids
June 4, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Teen Summer Event:
DIY Memory Boards & Photo Holders
June 5, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Summer Boost STEM Hour for Kids
June 6, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
The Great Outdoors
Family Event
June 6, 6-8 p.m.
@ Essentia Health Plaza at The Lights
National Donut
Day Celebration
June 7, 5-7 p.m.
@ POW/MIA Plaza
Movie After Dark -
Happy Gilmore
June 7, 8 p.m.
@ Essentia Health Plaza at The Lights
Summer Splash
June 9, 12:30-2:30 p.m.
@ Essentia Health Plaza at The Lights
Run for Ice Cream 5K
June 9, 3-4 p.m.
@ Essentia Health Plaza at The Lights
Outdoor Movie - Paw
Patrol the Movie
June 10, 7 p.m.
@ Essentia Health Plaza at The Lights
WFACP Prize Bingo
June 11, 12:15 p.m.
@ West Fargo High Rise
Summer Boost Craft Hour for Kids
June 11, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Community Options & Job Service Available for Walk Ins
June 12, 1-3 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Teen Summer Event: Adventures in Snack Food
June 12, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
West Fargo Events Carnival
June 12, 6-8 p.m.
@ Essentia Health Plaza at The Lights
Summer Boost STEM Hour for Kids
June 13, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
WFACP Soup & More
June 13, 5:30 p.m.
@ Blessed Sacrament Church
West Fargo Street Fair
June 15, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
@ Sheyenne Street, Downtown West Fargo
Outdoor MovieBoss Baby
June 17, 7 p.m.
@ POW/MIA Plaza
WFACP Monthly Meeting
June 18, 12:15 p.m.
@ West Fargo High Rise
Summer Boost Craft Hour for Kids
June 18, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Get Growing Family Fun
June 18, 6-8 p.m.
@ POW/MIA Plaza
Teen Summer Event: Tie
Dye Party
June 19, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Summer Boost STEM Hour for Kids
June 20, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
West Fargo Cruise Night
June 20, 4:30-9 p.m.
@ Sheyenne Street, Downtown West Fargo
Bike Safety Rodeo
June 26, 5-7 p.m.
@ POW/MIA Plaza
Sounds of Summer
June 27, 7-9 p.m.
@ POW/MIA Plaza
CATS the Musical by Stage West
June 30-June 2, 7:30 p.m.
@ Essentia Health Plaza at The Lights
Constellation Watercolor Painting Class for Adults
June 22, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
WFACP Money Bingo
June 25, 12:15 p.m.
@ West Fargo High Rise
Summer Boost Craft Hour for Kids
June 25, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Teen Summer Event: Constellation Jars
June 26, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Summer Boost STEM Hour for Kids
June 27, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
WFACP Soup & More
June 27, 5:30 p.m.
@ Blessed Sacrament Church
Books & Brews
Community Book Club
June 27, 6-7 p.m.
@ Junkyard Brewing Co. West Fargo
*West Fargo Area Community Program
4 | June, 2024 WEST FARGO FOCUS Inforum.com/west-fargo
CANIDATES
continued from page 3
answered to be between $35 million and $38 million. The city’s 2024 general fund budget was $37 million.
Zundel is the owner of Move Chiropractic in Fargo, and her husband works in law enforcement. She decided to run after finding herself saying, “I just wish someone could do something about this.”
Zundel said she has lived in both “old” West Fargo and “new” West Fargo including living along Sheyenne prior to the developments that began around 2014 by Epic Co. and the city. Zundel stressed the need for a more straightforward and clear special assessment policy for the city. Zundel also said it is important for the city to consider the affordability of living in West Fargo for current and older residents.
”I think it’s pivotal we really focus on our current residents,” Zundel said. “So I’m more focused on fixing what we have to fix.”
Jorgensen is a longtime West Fargo resident who served as the West Fargo assistant fire chief beginning in 1995 before becoming the West Fargo rural fire chief. He retired from service in 2019. He said he has worked blue-collar jobs his entire life and wants to continue his public service by joining the commission.
”West Fargo is primed for growth in both residential and commercial,” Jorgensen said. He said he plans to be open-minded, fiscally responsible, and transparent.
”I want to bring fresh ideas and new solutions,” Jorgensen said.
Severson works in transportation management and is vying for one of the open seats.
”I think the city needs to find a way to be more open and make sure citizens know what is going on with the financial statements,” Severson said. “I think the city needs to have its books open so the residents can see.”
He said a strategic plan for infrastructure repairs is also needed in the core areas of West Fargo.
”The older part of town is just as important as the newer part of town,” Severson said adding that the city is currently in too much debt and the first step to lowering property taxes would be to eliminate the city’s debt.
Reed announced her campaign in March and serves as theDistrict 16 chair of the NDGOP.
”It became very clear to me some of the issues the city is facing,” Reed said Tuesday. She said while going door to door speaking with citizens, she heard three priorities from voters: special assessments, property taxes, and incentives. All three have been a common theme in recent elections.
”The voters of West Fargo, they’re concerned, and they’re why I’m running,” Reed said.
Reed said she will have a plan in place to address long-term financial goals such as lessening special assessments. She said that consideration should be made to not assess residents over the age of 70 to retain affordable housing for older residents in the city.
Erickson said his main priority will be addressing city staff turnover.
The city of West Fargo experienced an exodus of employees in 2023 when seven city department heads, including the city administrator, resigned within months.
”We’re not a managerial group for the city employees. We’re a leadership group for city staff,” Erickson said. He said he is running because he considers himself a student in many areas of his life and is eager to learn more about West Fargo.
”I believe the city is at an inflection point,” Erickson said.
If elected, Erickson said he hopes to closely examine economic development incentives, foster a better long-term working environment for city employees and prioritize a whole government
approach by collaborating with other local government entities.
When asked about their potential support for a senior center in West Fargo, all candidates stated potential support except for Reed, who said she would ask voters to consider if it is something they want to pay for.
Candidates were also asked if they supported building a new library. Zundel said that while she is happy the West Fargo Library will open a small satellite area in the former WEX Building that the city will lease for staffing, additional information is needed, such as what the city could afford and the rate of use of the satellite library. Erickson said he believes the current library fulfills the city’s needs and would not likely be a financially prudent decision. Jorgensen said he needed more specifics about what the library needs before a definitive statement could be made. Reed and Severson also stressed the importance of balancing the cost of a new library.
The candidate forum was originally open to both West Fargo City Commission and West Fargo School Board members, but school board members Trisha Page, Dan Schaeffer and Board President Patti Stedman are running unopposed in the race with three open seats.
A video of the forum can be found at the city of West Fargo’s YouTube channel.
“The voters of West Fargo, they’re concerned, and they’re why I’m running.”
DeAnn Reed
“I believe the city is at an inflection point.”
Tyler Erickson
“I think it’s pivotal we really focus on our current residents.”
Amy Zundel
“The older part of town is just as important as the newer part of town.”
John Severson
“West Fargo is primed for growth in both residential and commercial..”
Rory Jorgensen
Inforum.com/west-fargo WEST FARGO FOCUS June, 2024 | 5
June 3
5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
WF Fusion Practice
Horace High School Activity Calendar*
@Horace High School
June 6
5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
WF Fusion Practice @Horace High School
June 7
1:30 – 5 p.m.
Volleyball Practice @Horace High School
June 8
9 a.m. - Noon
Volleyball Practice @Horace High School
2 - 4:30 p.m.
Volleyball Practice @Horace High School
June 9
1:30 – 4 p.m.
Volleyball Practice @Horace High School
June 10
8:30 – 11 a.m.
Volleyball Practice @Horace High School
5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
WF Fusion Practice @Horace High School
7- 9 p.m.
Volleyball All-Star Match @Horace High School
June 13
5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
WF Fusion Practice @Horace High School
*All dates and times are subject to change.
June 17
5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
WF Fusion Practice @Horace High School
June 20
5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
WF Fusion Practice @Horace High School
June 24
5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
WF Fusion Practice @Horace High School
June 24-28
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
SRO Training @Horace High School
Sheyenne High School Activity Calendar*
June 1
8 a.m.
Tennis: G/V
@Grand Forks
June 3
7:15 - 8:30 a.m.
BBB
@Sheyenne High School
9 a.m. - Noon
Boys Basketball Camp @Liberty Middle School
Noon
Golf: B/V
@Kings Walk Golf Course
4 - 9 p.m.
Volleyball Camp
@Multiple Location
June 4
7:15 - 8:30 a.m.
BBB
@Sheyenne High School
9 a.m. - Noon
Boys Basketball Camp @Liberty Middle School
9 a.m.
Golf: B/V @Kings Walk Golf Course
4 - 9 p.m.
Volleyball Camp @Multiple Location
June 5
7:15 - 8:30 a.m.
BBB
@Sheyenne High School
9 a.m. - Noon
Boys Basketball Camp @Liberty Middle School
9 a.m.
Golf: B/V @Kings Walk Golf Course
June 6
7:15 - 8:30 a.m.
BBB
@Sheyenne High School
9 a.m. - Noon
Boys Basketball Camp @Liberty Middle School
June 10
7:15 - 8:30 a.m.
BBB
@Sheyenne High School
9 a.m. - Noon
Boys Basketball Camp @Liberty Middle School
June 11
7:15 - 8:30 a.m.
BBB
@Sheyenne High School
9 a.m. - Noon
Boys Basketball Camp @Liberty Middle School
4 - 9 p.m.
Volleyball Camp @Multiple Location
June 12
7:15 - 8:30 a.m.
BBB
@Sheyenne High School
9 a.m. - Noon
Boys Basketball Camp @Liberty Middle School
*All dates and times are subject to change.
June 13
7:15 - 8:30 a.m.
BBB
@Sheyenne High School
9 a.m. - Noon
Boys Basketball Camp @Liberty Middle School
June 17
9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Boys Basketball Camp @Liberty Middle School
4 - 9 p.m.
Volleyball Camp
@Multiple Location
June 18
9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Boys Basketball Camp @Liberty Middle School
4 - 9 p.m.
Volleyball Camp
@Multiple Location
June 19
9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Boys Basketball Camp @Liberty Middle School
June 20
9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Boys Basketball Camp @Liberty Middle School
June 24
4 - 9 p.m.
Volleyball Camp
@Multiple Location
June 25
4 - 9 p.m.
Volleyball Camp
@Multiple Location
6 | June, 2024 WEST FARGO FOCUS Inforum.com/west-fargo
CITY INFORMATION
West Fargo Police Department launched tip411
By City of West Fargo Staff
The West Fargo Police Department launched a new app, tip411, to help residents submit anonymous tips, view alerts and find information. The department’s tip411 app, West Fargo PD, is available for download for free via the Google Play Store, iTunes App Store or by visiting westfargopolice.com.
“This app is another example of the department’s commitment to provide the services our community needs and embrace innovative tactics to support public safety,” said Chief Pete Nielsen. “The addition of the tip411 app helps us achieve that goal by providing residents with a safe, easy, and secure way to provide our department with information.”
The new West Fargo PD app allows the public to share an anonymous tip with police and lets designated staff members respond to create an anonymous two-way conversation.
“We’ve listened to feedback from partners like West Fargo Police and have built a more advanced and innovative product to help departments better engage their communities,” said tip411 President Terry Halsch. “The West Fargo PD app, powered by tip411, will greatly improve the public’s access to agency alerts, social media channels, important information, and more to help fight crime.”
The West Fargo PD app and the tip411 anonymous text-a-tip system are 100% anonymous, as the technology removes all identifying information before law enforcement reviews the tips.
Those without a smartphone can share information by sending an anonymous tip via a cell phone to the police by texting the keyword WFPD and the message or tip to 847411 (tip411). Anonymous tips can also be submitted via the department’s website at westfargopolice.com.
Inforum.com/west-fargo WEST FARGO FOCUS June, 2024 | 7 Proudly servicing Minnesota, North Dakota, Northeast Iowa, and Western Wisconsin. EXPERTS IN: Basement Waterproofing Concrete Lifting + Leveling Radon Mitigation Bowing Walls Settling Foundation Crawl Space Encapsulation FREE ESTIMATES! (701)394-5559 AMERICAN-WATERWORKS.COM FC24 Concrete Lifting + Leveling Foundation Repair Before Before After After
CITY INFORMATION
West Fargo Public Library Summer Events
By West Fargo Public Library Staff
The West Fargo Public Library is preparing for a busy summer, with special events, reading challenges, and a nine-week Little Red Reading Bus route.
The festivities will begin with a Summer Kickoff Party at the West Fargo Library from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 30. The party is free and open to the public and marks the start of the library’s schedule of over 60 summer events for all ages. To view the library’s event schedule, visit westfargolibrary.org.
The party is also an opportunity for the public to sign up for the library’s annual Summer Boost reading challenge, which runs June 1 to July 31. Through the challenge, readers can win various prizes for reaching reading milestones.
“Reading during the summer has been shown to benefit children
when they return to school in the fall,” said Lauren Nephew, the youth services manager. “Even reading for just fifteen minutes a day can help curb summer learning loss, which naturally occurs when children are out of school for the summer.”
Teens and adults are also encouraged to participate in the reading challenge. Registration begins May 1 at westfargolibrary.org/beanstack.
“Reading at any age can benefit your mental health and cognitive function, reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and much more,” Nephew said.
The library will also bring books and other activities to five local parks from June 3 through Aug. 8 through the Little Red Reading Bus summer outreach route. At route stops, visitors can check out books with a valid West Fargo Public Library card.
Library users can also pick up holds, sign up for or renew a library card, or return any West Fargo Public Library materials at route stops.
The route schedule is:
• 5:30 – 7 p.m. Mondays at Meadowlark Park (8873 Lost River Rd, Horace)
• 9 – 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays at Rendezvous Park (1055 32nd Ave. W, West Fargo)
• 5:30 – 7 p.m. Tuesdays at Dakota Park (5600 Ninth St. W, West Fargo)
• 5:30 – 7 p.m. Wednesdays at Goldenwood Park (1330 Fifth St. NW, West Fargo)
• 5:30 – 7 p.m. Thursdays at Rivers Bend Park (2548 First St. E, West Fargo)
For more information, visit thelittleredreadingbus.com.
8 | June, 2024 WEST FARGO FOCUS Inforum.com/west-fargo E A R N M O R E . E X P E R I E N C E M O R E . 5 . 2 5 % A PY * 9 - M O N T H C D *Annual Percentage Yield (APY) effective 1/16/24. Personal and business accounts only No municipalities or institutional funds. Minimum $1,000 deposit required. Early withdrawal penalties may apply Member FDIC. 701-277-5003 • westernbanks.com
WEST FARGO FOCUS
West Fargo High School Activity Calendar*
June 3
9-11:30 a.m.
WF Park District Tennis
@West Fargo High School
June 4
9-11:30 a.m.
WF Park District Tennis
@West Fargo High School
June 5
9-11:30 a.m.
WF Park District Tennis
@West Fargo High School
June 6
9-11:30 a.m.
WF Park District Tennis
@West Fargo High School
June 10
9-11:30 a.m.
WF Park District Tennis
@West Fargo High School
June 11
9-11:30 a.m.
WF Park District Tennis
@West Fargo High School
June 12
9-11:30 a.m.
WF Park District Tennis
@West Fargo High School
June 13
9-11:30 a.m.
WF Park District Tennis
@West Fargo High School
*All dates and times are
June 17
9-11:30 a.m.
WF Park District Tennis @West Fargo High School
June 18
9-11:30 a.m.
WF Park District Tennis
@West Fargo High School
June 19
9-11:30 a.m.
WF Park District Tennis
@West Fargo High School
June 20
9-11:30 a.m.
WF Park District Tennis
@West Fargo High School
June 24
9-11:30 a.m.
WF Park District Tennis @West Fargo High School
June 25
9-11:30 a.m.
WF Park District Tennis
@West Fargo High School
June 26
9-11:30 a.m.
WF Park District Tennis
@West Fargo High School
June 27
9-11:30 a.m.
WF Park District Tennis
@West Fargo High School
subject to change. Inforum.com/west-fargo
June, 2024 | 9 May 17 at 2 p.m. Sheyenne Crossings Apartments 225 13th Ave W, West Fargo No homework. No tests. Just fun, lifelong learning. Tracy Briggs Local news, lifestyle and history reporter The Forum All classes are free and open to the public. Find more at eventide.org/eventide-university or scan the QR code. COMPASSIONATE STAFFBEAUTIFULSERVICESSIMPLEPREPLANS Hanson-RunsvoldFuneralHome 215S.7th Street, Fargo, ND(WestofIsland Park) | 701-232-3222 www.hansonrunsvold.com Pr eplanningcanbeawalkinthepark. TERR Y &BONNIE YO NEY We trulywantedourwishestobeknownwhenwepass,andthatmay soundabitselfish,butit’snot. Itshowsconsiderationofothers.
CITY INFORMATION
Get out the Vote - June 11
By City of West Fargo Staff
The 2024 City and Primary Election is coming up on Tuesday, June 11. Here’s what you need to know to vote in West Fargo!
Who’s on the ballot?
The June Election features City Elections as well a primary voting for the November General Election. West Fargo Residents will vote on the following races in the City Election portion of the ballot (all candidates listed in alphabetical order, ballot order may differ):
West Fargo City Commission - Vote for 2
• Tyler Erickson
• Rory Jorgensen
• DeAnn Reed
• Amy Zundel
• John Severson
West Fargo School Board - Vote for 3
• Trisha J. Page
• Patti F. Stedman
• Danial Schaeffer
West Fargo Park Board - Vote for 2
• Ryan Gellner
• Write In
The following ballot measures will also appear on the ballot in the City Election:
• Shall the City of West Fargo publish the minutes of its governing body in the official city newspaper for the next four years?
• An Initiated Measure to add a new article to the North Dakota Constitution. Under the measure, no person may be elected or appointed to serve any portion of a term representing North Dakota in the U.S. Senate or the U.S. House of Representatives if that person could be 81 years old by December 31 of the year immediately preceding the end of the term, and any such person is prohibited from appearing on the ballot.
The following races are on the Primary Election Political Party portion of the ballot, with the top vote getters advancing to the 2024 General Election in November. In this Primary Election, voters may only vote for candidates in one political party:
US Senator
• One candidate from each party advances to General Election
US Representative in Congress
• One candidate from each party advances to General Election
Governor and Lt. Governor
• One candidate from each party advances to General Election
State Auditor
• One candidate from each party advances to General Election
State Treasurer
• One candidate from each party advances to General Election
Insurance Commissioner
• Shall the school district spend money to publish the minutes of its governing body in the official newspaper of the school district in addition to posting minutes on its website?
• One candidate from each party advances to General Election
Public Service Commissioner
• One candidate from each party advances to General Election
Even Numbered Legislative Districts
• One State Senate candidate from each party advances to General Election
• Two State Representative candidates from each party advance to General Election
The following races are on the Primary Election No Party portion of the ballot, with the top vote getters advancing to the 2024 General Election in Novembr:
Superintendent of Public Instruction
• Two candidates advance to the General Election
District Court Judges
• Two candidates advance to the General Election
County Commissioners, Districts 1, 3, 5
• Two candidates advance to the General Election
Contests included on a ballot may differ based on resident’s address, legislative district, school district, etc.
Voters can visit vote.nd.gov to download a sample ballot and review all candidates prior to election day.
When and where can I vote?
There are four voting locations in West Fargo. Residents can visit any location to vote.
Voting Locations open on June 11, 2024 from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m:
• Triumph West: 3745 Sheyenne St, West Fargo, ND 58078
• Doubletree Inn: 825 E Beaton Dr, West Fargo, ND 58078
• *RRVF - Hartl Ag Building: 1805 Main Ave W, West Fargo, ND 58078
• Hulbert Aquatic Center: 620 7th Ave E, West Fargo, ND 58078
*There will be early voting available at Hartl Ag Building June 4-7 from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
An absentee or vote by mail ballot can be requested from the Cass County Auditor or at vote.nd.gov.
How can I learn more?
Residents can learn more about candidates and their positions by visiting Vote411.org/north-dakota
For election information contact the Cass County Election Administrator at casscountynd.gov or the North Dakota Secretary of State and sos.nd.gov/elections.
10 | June, 2024 WEST FARGO FOCUS Inforum.com/west-fargo
CITY INFORMATION
City of West Fargo Sanitation Division announces new residential collection routes and schedule
Changes
to take effect Monday, July 1
By City of West Fargo Staff
The City of West Fargo’s Sanitation Division releases its new residential collection routes and schedule to take effect Monday, July 1, 2024. The operational changes approved will move the City of West Fargo from a five-day residential sanitation and recycling collection schedule to a four day a week pickup schedule.
The Friday residential route will be split and added to Wednesday and Thursday collection days. All residential recycling routes have been updated with adjusted zones. There will be no changes to the annual Spring Cleanup Week. The full
residential sanitation and recycling collection schedule, including holiday changes, is available on the City of West Fargo’s website.
Bulky item collection:
Bulky item collection will need to be scheduled through the City of West Fargo’s website or by calling the Sanitation Division at 701-515-5400. When scheduled, bulky item pick up does not need to align with the resident’s garbage collection day. There will be no charge for bulky item collection unless it is a previously identified specialty item. Excess bagged residential trash, including
items not listed on the approved bulky item pick up list, will not be collected curbside beginning July 1, 2024.
Please visit the City of West Fargo’s website for a full list of acceptable items and bulky item collection changes.
The West Fargo City Commission approved the sanitation rate and schedule changes during the Monday, Jan. 22 City Commission meeting.
Inforum.com/west-fargo WEST FARGO FOCUS June, 2024 | 11 Convenient Care Clinic Convenient Care Clinic Primary Care & Walk-In 505 32nd Ave East, Suite B, West Fargo We are thrilled to welcome you to our new Convenient Care Clinic location. FAST. CONVENIENT. AFFORDABLE. NEW LOCATION THE MUSICAL JUNE 30-JULY 2 JULY 7-10 JULY 14-18 ESSENTIA HEALTH PLAZA AT THE LIGHTS FOR TICKETS AND MORE INFORMATION VISIT WESTFARGOEVENTS.COM @ W E S T F A R G O E V E N T S
West Fargo Public Library and Lodoen Community Center in West Fargo.
NEWS AND FEATURES
West Fargo Public Library sets records and challenges the thought that ‘libraries are dying’
By Wendy Reuer
WEST FARGO — More people are using the West Fargo Library than ever before.
With West Fargo’s population growing by about 9% over the past five years, one might expect the growth of library users to mimic that trajectory,
West Fargo Library Director Jenna Kahly said. But, according to the library’s annual report that Kahly presented to the West Fargo City Commission, the numbers of library visitors, materials checked out, and program participation have skyrocketed past that expectation.
“You’ve probably heard the rhetoric out there that, ‘libraries are dying’ or ‘people don’t read hard books anymore,’ but this just isn’t true,” Kahly said.
There are currently 17,945 active library cardholders at the West
Fargo Library. There were 58,975 visitors and 3,905 new library cards activated in 2023. Of the 200,747 materials checked out in 2023, more than 147,000 of those were physical items such as books or magazines.
LIBRARY: continued on page 15 12 | June, 2024 WEST FARGO FOCUS Inforum.com/west-fargo
David Samson/The Focus
Uncorked Lounge creates an environment to capture beautiful life moments; allowing you to revel in your experience.
• 56 self-pour wine taps
• largest sparking list
• small bites
• velvet & leather seating
can't wait to see you in person!
Inforum.com/west-fargo WEST FARGO FOCUS June, 2024 | 13 Wine’s now flowing HOURS OF OPERATION M-F 3P – MIDNIGHT, SAT: 11A – MIDNIGHT & SUN: NOON TO MIDNIGHT.
5601 33 AVENUE SOUTH, FARGO, ND • 701-541-9800 • UNCORKEDFARGO.COM
CITY INFORMATION
West Fargo City Hall has a new location
By City of West Fargo Staff
As of Monday, June 3rd West Fargo City Hall will be located at 2515 6th Street E, South of Costco and North of Rustad Recreation Center in West Fargo.
All essential resident services will be available at this location on June 3, including Utility Billing, Permitting, Building Inspections, and Assessing. All departments currently housed at City Hall and the Pioneer Center offices will be moved to the new location.
The West Fargo Police Department and West Fargo Municipal Court will remain at 800 4th Ave E.
For more information, visit westfargond.gov.
“Being able to walk a little bit farther, a little bit more effectively can make a huge difference.”
- Jenny, Ethos Physical Therapist
14 | June, 2024 WEST FARGO FOCUS Inforum.com/west-fargo ethoscare.org | 701.515.0991 Is home health care right for me? Take our free online assessment. Nurturing step-by-step progress from the c omf
of home.
or t
LIBRARY
continued from page 12
Kahly estimates that library book readers saved more than $3 million in 2023 by checking out items from the library instead of purchasing those materials themselves.
“We continue to set record-breaking numbers, even when we least expect it,” Kahly said. “In 2023, more books were checked out from the West Fargo Public Library than ever before.”
While there was a clear upward trend in library interest, library programming, which includes events like storytimes or learning opportunities such as technology education classes, has grown even more. More than 19,000 people attended library programs in 2023, which is about 1,000 more than in 2022 and more than 4,000 more than in 2019.
“In 2023, more books were checked out from the West Fargo Public Library than ever before.”
Jenna Kahly
“West Fargo residents are definitely showing up for these programs,” Kahly said. “Our storytime attendance has quadrupled in the past five years. I think this is really indicative of the community.”
The West Fargo Public Library staff consists of 16 full-time employees
and eight part-time employees, who are divided into four teams: administration, programming, patron services, and technical services. The city commission recently approved hiring an additional full-time staffer who will help at the planned satellite location that will be inside the new West Fargo City Hall.
Library staff is currently negotiating with city staff to open a satellite location at the new City Hall as the city plans to lease the former WEX building at 2515 6th St E. Kahly said the satellite location will mostly be used for pick up and drop off as it is not meant to replace the current library.
In 2023, the library’s operating expenses were about $1.7 million, $1.2 million of which was staffing costs. The library generated close to $2 million in revenue.
Kahly said the library is facing some physical needs in the current location at 215 3rd St. E., such as new carpeting at the main library, which the library leases from the West Fargo School District.
The library is also looking forward to the revival of the Little Red Reading Bus routes which will begin soon. The Little Red Reading Bus is a small renovated bus that brings books and other activities out to local parks during its annual 10-week summer route. Kahly said the library hopes to have a bus available year-round in the near future as well.
Readers can reach the Focus Editor Wendy Reuer at wreuer@forumcomm.com or 701-241-5530. Inforum.com/west-fargo
The West Fargo Library will celebrate 50 years in the city. David Samson/The Focus
June, 2024 | 15
WEST FARGO FOCUS
NEWS AND FEATURES
Styled with Strength boutique aims to help abuse victims — one T-shirt sale at a time
By Tammy Swift
WEST FARGO — Jodi Jordheim appeared to be on top of the world.
Eleven years ago, the then-25 year old was briskly climbing the corporate ladder at Victoria’s Secret in Fargo, where she was one of
the top 10 store managers in the whole company.
But she had another kind of secret.
“I was in a three-year relationship that was extremely emotionally,
verbally and physically abusive,” Jordheim said.
In April of 2013, while a blizzard raged outside, Jordheim’s carefully compartmentalized life fell apart. Her roommate and her roommate’s boyfriend came home
to discover Jordheim’s then-partner attacking her.
They called 911 and the police intervened. Jordheim found herself being interviewed by officers, getting
Styled with Strength Founder Jodi Jordheim chats in the store.
BOUTIQUE: continued on page 17 16 | June, 2024 WEST FARGO FOCUS Inforum.com/west-fargo
Photos by Alyssa Goelzer / The Focus
BOUTIQUE
continued from page 16
photographed to show the bruises on her body and “giving an account of this hell that I’d walked the last three years,” she said.
She was referred to Fargo’s Rape & Abuse Crisis Center, which started her on a path toward healing.
It took a few more years — along with a loving husband, a beautiful baby boy and another impressive corporate job — until Jordheim felt she could open up about her past.
“That part of my story was just kind of tucked back in the closet,” she said. “I grew up in poverty, with a single mom. So I kind of had all these other things that I felt were messy enough.”
But Jordheim would leverage what she learned from that past
“The goal of the shop is to start to break down those walls for those who may not be willing to go to Rape & Abuse Crisis Center or YWCA, but they might be able to take that first step with us.”
Jodi Jordheim
trauma — along with her natural gifts for organizing, communicating and inspiring teams — to launch a nonprofit for domestic violence survivors called Styled with Strength.
At its simplest, Styled with Strength is a pop-up boutique located in Suite 107 of the Northern Lights Building at 2920 Sheyenne St. in West Fargo.
The front showroom is an Instagramworthy collection of Dreamsicle-hued
tees, trendy bangles, chapsticks by women-owned companies, cute tchotchkes, anxiety devotionals and break-up journals.
But look closer, and it’s much more. In fact, Styled with Strength’s many missions are so plentiful that it takes times to grasp it all.
“We’re kind of a walk around the block. We’re not an elevator pitch,” Jordheim said, grinning.
Sales from the boutique help fund Styled with Strength’s many initiatives, which range from informal
family dinners for abuse survivors and their children to helping a victim find an affordable apartment despite poor credit.
The shop also provides a friendly, non-threatening space where a survivor could connect with one of Styled with Strength’s peer support specialists, mentors or trained volunteers.
BOUTIQUE: continued on page 18
Inforum.com/west-fargo WEST FARGO FOCUS June, 2024 | 17 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 It’s not a day in a lifetimeIt’s a lifetime in a single day 321 Sheyenne St . 701-282-6699 westfuneralhome.com
Styled with Strength’s storefront.
BOUTIQUE
continued from page 17
In some cases, Jordheim said the abused person may feel less intimidated to approach a friendlylooking helper at the shop than to walk into a police station or shelter.
“The goal of the shop is to start to break down those walls for those who may not be willing to go to Rape & Abuse Crisis Center or YWCA, but they might be able to take that first step with us,” Jordheim said. “But we have a great partnership with those organizations so we can help them navigate that route when they’re ready.”
Sidney Compton, a Styled with Strength board member, said she’s amazed to see how women open up in the shop’s friendly, welcoming environment. “The amount of time clients have come in and have just been an open book is really remarkable,” Compton said. “It shows me that this is a safe space and they
feel it almost immediately, whether I’m a stranger or not. That shows what Jodi has done is working.”
More recently, Styled with Strength has taken on some larger projects, such as helping a woman sell her home after she had successfully completed an escape plan and divorced her abuser.
“I couldn’t reconcile someone who had done all the work to achieve freedom and to protect her children, having to go back to a place and fix someone else’s mistakes and someone else’s anger,” Jordheim said.
And so volunteers gathered to fix holes in walls and broken door frames and do whatever was needed to make the house ready for the sales block.
“Our goal is that the shop kind of keeps that door open, but also through the family dinners and connecting with community, they truly feel they are a part of this because they are,” Jordheim said.
Learn more about Styled with Strength by calling 701-760-4565 or searching for “shestyledwithstrength” on Facebook.
Tammy Swift is a business reporter at The Focus. She can be reached at tswift@forumcomm.com.
designed a special meeting room to discuss the domestic violence help group’s
Styled with Strength’s Sidney Compton, Rachel Stellwag, Jamie Moe, Shelby Miller and Founder Jodi Jordheim chat in the kitchen behind the boutique’s display area on April 30. Although Jordheim said they
business, they typically wind up hanging out in the kitchen.
18 | June, 2024 WEST FARGO FOCUS Inforum.com/west-fargo
The Styled with Strength pop-up boutique features a variety of message tees and fun gifts. Proceeds help to benefit the nonprofit’s various services for domestic violence victims.
Inforum.com/west-fargo WEST FARGO FOCUS June, 2024 | 19 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 COMPASSIONATE STAFFBEAUTIFULSERVICESSIMPLEPREPLANS Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home 215 S 7th Street, Fargo, ND (West of Island Park) | 701-232-3222 www.hansonrunsvold.com eplanningcanbeawalkinthepark. Wetruly wanted our wishes to be known when we pass, and that sound a bit selfish, but it’s not. It shows consideration of others. T ERR Y & BONN IE YONEY SHEYENNE CROSSINGS Thank You To Our Community
20 | June, 2024 WEST FARGO FOCUS Inforum.com/west-fargo
