West Fargo Focus March 2023

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

DESIGNERS

Sara Slaby & Mollie Burlingame

westfargond.gov

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES & STORY IDEAS: advsales@forumcomm.com

701-241-5431

ON THE COVER:

Kendra Kroshus and Madison Maddocks enjoy the nice Sunday weather on Feb. 12, 2023, by taking a sled down the big hill at Maplewood Park in West Fargo.

Alyssa Goelzer / West Fargo 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:

A mural is saved on the outside wall of South Elementary School in West Fargo.

Calendar of Events

MONTHLY

Airport Authority

5:30 p.m. last Thursday of every month

@ West Fargo Municipal Airport Terminal Building

City Commission

5:30 p.m. first and third Monday of every month

@ Commission Chambers, West Fargo City Hall

Forestry Committee

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

@ Commission Chambers, West Fargo City Hall

Library Board

5:30 p.m. second Thursday of every month

@ 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

School Board

6 p.m. second and fourth Monday of every month

@ Leidal Education Center

Technology Tutoring (adults)

3-6 p.m. every Tuesday

10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. every Saturday

@ West Fargo Public Library

West Fargo Cribbage Club (all ages)

6:30-8 p.m. every Tuesday

@ West Fargo Public Library

Ready to Read Storytime

(pre-K children + their adults)

10:30-11:30 a.m. every Wednesday

@ West Fargo Public Library

Baby Boost Storytime

(ages 0-2 + their adults)

10:30-11:30 a.m. every Friday

@ West Fargo Public Library

MARCH

WFACP Games - Whist 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 1

@ West Fargo High Rise

West Fargo Public Schools: 2022-23 State of the Schools

7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 1

@ West Fargo High School

Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre: Just Desserts

7-10 p.m. Thursday, March 2Saturday, March 4

@ DoubleTree by Hilton

WFACP Saturday Senior Breakfast

(free will offering)

9-10 a.m. Saturday, March 4

@ West Fargo High Rise

WFACP Fire Talk

12:15 p.m. Monday, March 6

@ West Fargo High Rise

WFACP Prize Bingo

12:15 p.m. Tuesday, March 7

@ West Fargo High Rise

WFACP Soup & More

5 p.m. Thursday, March 9

@ Blessed Sacrament Church

WFACP Crafts

12:15 p.m. Monday, March 13

@ West Fargo High Rise

WFACP Games - Chicken Foot

12:15 p.m. Tuesday, March 14

@ West Fargo High Rise

Coffee with a Cop

10 a.m. Wednesday, March 15

@ Sandy’s Donuts

WFACP Cop Talk

Monday, March 20

@ West Fargo High Rise

WFACP Monthly Meeting

12:15 p.m. Tuesday, March 21

@ West Fargo High Rise

WFACP Soup & More

5 p.m. Thursday, March 23

@ Blessed Sacrament Church

WFACP Sheriff Talk

12:15 p.m. Monday, March 27

@ West Fargo High Rise

HOLIDAY SCHEDULE CHANGES

SCHOOL HOLIDAY

SCHEDULE CHANGES

West Fargo Public Schools

• No school Wednesday, March 15 -

Friday, March 17

Park Christian School

• No school Thursday, March 16 -

Friday, March 17

Oak Grove Lutheran School

• No school Friday, March 17

Grace Lutheran School

• No school Thursday, March 16 -

Friday, March 17

Capstone Classical Academy

• No school

Thursday, March 16 -

Friday, March 17

Trinity Elementary School

Holy Spirit Elementary School

Sacred Heart Middle School

Nativity Elementary School

Shanley High School

• Storm Day - No school unless necessary - Thursday, March 9

• No school Friday, March 10 -

Monday, March 13

Dakota Montessori School

• No school Thursday, March 16 -

Friday, March 17

NEWS AND FEATURES

West Fargo grant proposal hopes to boost child care, workforce

By Wendy Reuer | West Fargo Focus

WEST FARGO — While parents, employees and other residents are sounding the alarm for help from government officials in finding solutions to the current area child care crisis, a proposed child care workforce grant could provide an answer.

West Fargo City Commissioner Mandy George,

along with Economic Development Manager Casey Sanders-Berglund presented the plan to help fund current and new day care operations in the city at the West Fargo City Commission meeting Monday, Feb. 6.

“For years we have heard from the public that we need child care,” George said. “With this program, we hope

to keep centers open as well as open new centers. I really think this program can make a difference.”

Day care providers could apply for the grant which would be paid from the city’s economic development sales tax. City leaders have often considered different programs to use those funds.

Members of Girl Scout Troop 337 listen in to the West Fargo City Commission meeting on Monday, Feb. 6, 2023. Commissioner Mandy George submitted a proposal that would allow day care providers in town to apply for a grant that could assist in helping new businesses open or current day cares to stay open. David Samson/ West Fargo Focus

“We are not proposing financial support for parents for care or financial support around staffing,” Sanders-Berglund said. While the city encourages more support discussions at the state level, this grant focuses on assisting West Fargoans and West Fargobased businesses.

Sanders-Berglund stressed that providers must be in the city of West Fargo, not just in the West Fargo School District. The district encompasses parts of Fargo, Horace, Harwood, Reile’s Acres and rural areas.

Grant money would be eligible for improvements such as safety equipment, building security, large motor space equipment and expenses relating to capital improvements to buildings or deemed essential equipment.

Purchasing land, buildings and permits would not be allowed, along with refinancing existing debt, general operating costs or staffing costs.

Child care centers would also have the opportunity for a supplemental award of up to $15,000 in order to fit up an additional infant room.

After 18 months the program would be reviewed for

funding, impact and support. Providers would be limited to apply once per location every three years.

The grant idea sparked from a city-wide survey sent to residents revealing how great the lack of child care affects the workforce.

The survey garnered 461 responses to represent about 559 children in West Fargo. Of those surveyed, 104 responses were in the midst of seeking childcare for about 162 children. One primary need in many areas has been child care for infants.

The survey also found that 45% of respondents said their career has been affected by the lack of child care, and 14% actually left the workforce due to not having adequate child care. Another 24% of those would consider rejoining the workforce if child care was available.

“Child care is essential to our businesses because without care, we would lose a large percentage of our workforce,” Sanders-Berglund said.

Commissioner Brad Olson on Monday said he wanted to put a cap on the funds available and perhaps put a timeline on the program as a whole.

Eligible improvements for the grant, for example, should be strictly defined, Olson said.

The draft did not do so as “there may be things we haven’t thought of that would qualify,” George pointed out.

“Do we want to keep it going for 25 years or indefinitely?” asked Olson, suggesting there may be a need for the funds elsewhere.

Mayor Bernie Dardis said he, too, supported setting a limit on how much money could be used for the program.

The City Commission unanimously voted to move the proposal forward, but directed staff to consider additional language in the program materials which will be brought back to the City Commission at its next meeting.

The West Fargo City Commission will meet next on Tuesday, Feb. 21, due to the Presidents Day holiday on Monday.

Readers can reach West Fargo editor Wendy Reuer at wreuer@forumcomm.com or 701-241-5530. Follow her on Twitter @ForumWendy.

“Child care is essential to our businesses because without care, we would lose a large percentage of our workforce.”

Casey Sanders-Berglund

West Fargo City Commissioners approved a new bar, Noble Hare, that will move into The Firm building location at 344 Sheyenne Street in West Fargo.

David Samson/West Fargo Focus

NEWS AND FEATURES

NEW WHISKEY AND WINE BAR HEADING TO WEST FARGO

By Wendy Reuer | West Fargo Focus

WEST FARGO — After parking concerns led the West Fargo City Commission to deny a proposed cocktail and conversations bar downtown, commissioners reconsidered two weeks later and West Fargo may soon welcome the Noble Hare to The Firm on northern Sheyenne Street.

Isaac Olson plans to open a destination spot at 344 Sheyenne St. that will serve liberal libations unique to the metro area in a comforting space to allow for extended conversations. Or, in Olson’s words, a place to go for “date night.”

The Noble Hare would move into the vacant

first floor space at The Firm, which has not been home to a business since it was built. A restaurant was once interested in the space, but changed directions as the COVID-19 pandemic struck the industry hard, said West Fargo Economic Development Manager Casey Sanders-Berglund.

Planned in the space is a sectioned off area that will feature a wall of whiskey lockers as well as an egomatic wine service. Small foods that are not found commonly in our community will be served with plans for education and unique events.

In January, the Economic Development Committee unanimously voted to support the Noble Hare by recommending Olson and the business receive a $75,000 city grant being offered to businesses considering a move to downtown West Fargo, also known as The Yards.

When the grant application came before the West Fargo City Commission, Commissioner Mark Simmons asked to table the vote as he felt that parking needs in the area have not yet been adequately addressed.

Commissioner Roben Anderson also had concerns at the time, saying that the area may not need another bar that will be close to residential

properties.

“I also feel like we’re starting to lose sight of what we want to do with the downtown,” Anderson said.

However, Olson assured the commission Noble Hare will not be like other “bars” in the area with loud music or TVs shouting sports.

“We believe there are more than enough sports bars in this area and we really don’t need any more,” he said. “We’re not trying to create a place where a whole bunch of rambunctious 22- year-olds can come and party. It’s more of a place where, I like to say, people can come and refine the art of conversation.”

At the January meeting, approval of the grant application failed by a tied vote, Simmons and Anderson voted against, while Mayor Bernie Dardis and Commissioner Brad Olson voted to advance. Commissioner Mandy George was not in attendance due to a work conflict.

BAR: Page 8

“We’re not trying to create a place where a whole bunch of rambunctious 22year-olds can come and party. It’s more of a place where, I like to say, people can come and refine the art of conversation.”

Proprietor Isaac Olson

BAR From Page 7

Sanders-Berglund pointed out that although her evidence was anecdotal, she and Olson have both spent time along Sheyenne Street during the peak business times and at no time was there no available parking. At the busiest time, Sanders-Berglund found 11 spots still open, with 37 spots open on one of the slowest days.

Olson pointed out that many of the businesses are open daytime hours, closing near 5 p.m., or 6 p.m., whereas much of the Noble Hare business will be visiting in the evening and later hours.

The Noble Hare will be open 11 a.m. to 12 a.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays and 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., Sundays. It will be closed Mondays.

On Monday, Feb. 6, Commissioner Simmons asked the full commission to reconsider the Noble Hare proposal, saying he believed it could be huge asset to the community. The grant was approved this time around unanimously.

Commissioner Anderson said he changed his vote after speaking to residents and the owners and found the proposal could be a good fit for The Yards.

“I don’t drink at all, but this looked like a place I would want to go to,” Commissioner George said.

Olson said he is hoping to open the Noble Hare around April.

Readers can reach West Fargo editor Wendy Reuer at wreuer@forumcomm. com or 701-241-5530. Follow her on Twitter @ForumWendy.

Commissioner Mandy George

Ready to Read Storytime

10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays

Ages 3 – 5 and their adults

Teen Hangout

4 – 6 p.m. Thursday, March 2

Ages 12-17

Baby Boost Storytime

10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Fridays

Ages 0 – 3 and their adults

Technology Tutoring

3 – 6 p.m. Tuesdays and 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Saturdays

Appointments encouraged. Sign up at WestFargoLibrary.org.

All-Ages Mad Hatter Tea Party

1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 4

Families

Monday Matinee Free Screening of “On the Basis of Sex”

1:30 p.m. Monday, March 6

Rated PG-13

West Fargo Cribbage Club

6:30 – 8 p.m. Tuesdays

All ages

Job Service ND at West Fargo Library

1 – 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 8

Library Board Meeting

5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 9 at City Hall Commission Chambers

College Planning 101

6:30 – 8 p.m. Thursday, March 9

Teens and their adults

Organize and Declutter your Home Class

1:30 – 3 p.m. Saturday, March 11

Adults

It’s a Mystery: Archeology and Fiction with Author Deb Watley

2 p.m. Saturday, March 11 at Bonanzaville

Ages 8+

Monday Matinee Free Screening of “Loving”

1:30 p.m. Monday, March 13 Rated PG-13

Monday Night Readers Book Club

7 – 8 p.m. Monday, March 13

English Conversation Circle

6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 14

Novel Afternoons Book Club

1 – 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 15

Third Thursday Book Club

1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Thursday, March 16

Lego Challenge for Kids

2:30 – 3:30 p.m. Thursday, March 16 (No school day for WFPS)

Financial Aid 101

6:30 – 8 p.m. Thursday, March 16 Teens and their adults

Family Movie: “Alice in Wonderland” (1951)

1:30 p.m. Friday, March 17 All ages (No school day for WFPS)

Friends of the Library Used Book Sale

10 – 5 p.m. Saturday, March 18 and 1 – 5 p.m. Sunday, March 19

Monday Matinee Free Screening of “Spencer”

1:30 p.m. Monday, March 20

Rated R

ACT Study Sessions

6 – 8 p.m. Mondays, March 20 and 27

Teens

Fun with Fossils

6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 21 Ages 6 – 12

Books & Brews Book Club

6 – 7 p.m. Thursday, March 23 at Caribou Coffee in Hornbacher’s (2050 Sheyenne St, WF)

Demystifying Student Loans

6:30 – 8 p.m. Thursday, March 23 Teens and their adults

Music at the Library: Mellifluous Clarinet Ensemble

1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 25

Genealogy Class: Discovering Your Roots – Assembling and Account of your Findings

1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 25

Monday Matinee: Free Screening of “Queen of Katwe”

1:30 p.m. Monday, March 27 Rated PG

Gardening Club

6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 28 at Pansy Plants (300 Sheyenne Street Unit 150, West Fargo)

MARCH LIBRARY EVENTS All events held at West Fargo Public Library unless otherwise noted.

South Elementary opens for another school day on Jan. 31, 2023.

David Samson / West Fargo Focus

NEWS AND FEATURES

How can West Fargo’s oldest elementary school keep up with the new?

By Wendy Reuer | West Fargo Focus

WEST FARGO — New school buildings and renovations to current facilities have been apart of West Fargo School District’s game plan to meet the consistent growth in enrollment, but what to do with the district’s oldest elementary school remains a challenge.

As the West Fargo Long Range Facilities Planning Committee plans for future needs and additional buildings, the question of how to keep South

Elementary School updated has yet to be answered.

“South is a unicorn. It’s one of our oldest and most loved buildings,” said Rachael Agre, assistant elementary school superintendent.

The school’s age, size and location, coupled with a distinct layout due to previous additions and changes over the years make any future renovations difficult and no more equitable to newer schools.

Features like special education learning spaces, or study rooms for students having behavioral issues would be more difficult to add on.

The school, located at 117 6th Ave. W., was built in 1952, according to Principal Jody Sjolin-Nelson. The building received four separate additions in 1956, 1961, 1983 and 2003, as well as renovations in 2019, which were planned and paid for by the district’s 2018 bond referendum.

Sjolin-Nelson said the school is now sort of “land-locked” and has taken on a U-shape after renovations and additions over the years.

“It makes the flow kinda different,” she said.

The actual size of the classrooms at South is one of the major differences between the other schools. With smaller rooms, the school has had to get creative when trying to add small group spaces, which have become invaluable to staff at other schools equipped with such spaces.

Many newer schools also have unisex bathrooms, which South does not. The school would also likely have to update its entire locker system, which is no longer manufactured. Replacements parts have been fabricated by volunteers and school officials as needed.

Closing the school is not an option at this time, said business manager Levi Bachmeier, as the district needs the school to keep up enrollment.

SCHOOL: Page 13

FARMLAND FOR SALE

FOR SALE: 343 Acres Richland County, ND. Combination of productive, tillable land & beautiful trees along the Red River. Half a mile North of Abercrombie.

FOR SALE: 138 Acres Richland County ND Pastureland, Tillable with Building. South of Hankinson, ND

FOR SALE: 90.0 Acres Clay County, MN Very Productive Land, NW of Georgetown, MN

FOR SALE: 15.5 Acre Hobby Farm in West Fargo, ND across the road from the West Fargo Airport

FOR SALE: 898 Acres of McHenry County ND Continuous pasture land with excellent fences South of Towner ND

FOR SALE: 350 Acres Clay County MN Farmland North West of Barnesville, MN

SALE PENDING: 125 Acres of Barnes County Farmland currently in CRP, NW of Tower City, ND

SALE PENDING: 158 Acres Richland County ND Farm Land NE of Walcott, ND

Phone: 701-799-5213

Steven Johnson

steve@johnsonauctionandrealty.com

R.E. Broker Auctioneer Lic# 976

Consider one of our motor coach tours for your next vacation. You will ride in comfort on a modern coach bus with a friendly driver and host that will make your ride and trip fun!

Consider one of our motor coach tours for your next vacation. You will ride in comfort on a modern coach bus with a friendly driver and host that will make your ride and trip fun!

CHECK OUT THESE MOTOR COACH TRIPS ONLINE AT WWW.HARTTRAVEL.NET

CHECK OUT THESE MOTOR COACH TRIPS ONLINE AT WWW.HARTTRAVEL.NET

• Shipshewana, Indiana: June 11-17

• Christmas in July including Frankenmuth (MI): July (TBD)

• NASCAR in Kansas City: Sept 8-11

• Norsk Høstfest in Minot, ND: Sept 27-Oct 1

• Christmas in Branson: Nov 1-6; Nov 15-20; Nov 26-Dec 1

WE CAN ALSO ASSIST WITH FLY-IN GUIDED TRIPS THROUGH MAYFLOWER TOURS

Featured upcoming tours:

• Sedona’s Red Rocks and The Grand Canyon: Apr 23-28 or Sept 17-22

• Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta: Oct 6-11

• Polar Bear Discovery (Churchill, Manitoba): Oct 17-21

• Lyon & Provence River Cruise: Oct 17-28

221 N McCornell Ave. • Parkers Prairie, MN 56361 Desire more information? A brochure is just a call or click away; toll free at 1-877-250-8857 or by email at jillharttravel@gmail.com.

“South is a unicorn. It’s one of our oldest and most loved buildings.”

Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education Rachael Agre

HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITY CALENDAR

*Alldatesandtimesaresubjecttochange.

Black = Multiple Schools

Green = West Fargo High School

Orange = Sheyenne High School

Gold = Horace High School

MARCH 1

6:00pm - 9:00pm

State of the Schools – Slette @ West Fargo High SchoolCommons (129C)

6:00pm - 7:30pm

Wrestling: Boys

@ Sheyenne High School -

Wrestling Room

MARCH 2

TBD

Basketball: G/V

@ Sanford Health Athletic Complex -

Scheels Center

3:30pm - 6:00pm

Swimming: B/V

@ Bismarck Aquatic Center

7:30pm - 10:00pm

9-12 WFHS Choir Concert

@ West Fargo High SchoolTheater (111C)

MARCH 3

TBD

Basketball: B/V

@Sanford Health Athletic Complex -

Scheels Center

10:00am

Swimming: B/V @ Bismarck Aquatic Center

12:30pm

Swimming: B/V @ Bismarck Aquatic Center

3:30pm

Swimming: B/V @ Bismarck Aquatic Center

MARCH 4

TBD

Basketball: G/V

@ Sanford Health Athletic Complex -

Scheels Center

TBD

Basketball: B/V

@ Sanford Health Athletic ComplexScheels Center

8:00am

Speech: V @ Horace High School

10:00am

Swimming: B/V

@ Bismarck Aquatic Center

MARCH 6

6:00pm - 7:30pm

Wrestling: Boys

@ Sheyenne High School -

Wrestling Room

7:00pm - 9:00pm

Choir - Sheyenne/Liberty 8th

Combined Choir Concert @ Sheyenne High School - Theater

MARCH 7 5:00pm - 9:00pm

Regional Acalympic @ Sheyenne High School

6:30pm - 9:00pm

Raging Red Festival Home Concert @ Sheyenne High School - Theater

MARCH 8

6:00pm- 7:30pm

Wrestling: Boys

@Sheyenne High School -

Wrestling Room

8:00am - 5:00pm

Raging Red Band Festival @ NDSU

MARCH 9

7:30am - 8:30pm

Choir Concert @ Horace High SchoolTheater- All

7:30pm

Basketball: G/V

@ Sanford Health Athletic ComplexScheels Center

7:30pm

Basketball: B/V @ Sanford Health Athletic ComplexScheels Center

MARCH 10 7:30pm

Basketball: G/V

@ Sanford Health Athletic ComplexScheels Center

7:30pm

Basketball: B/V

@ Sanford Health Athletic ComplexScheels Center

MARCH 11

6:00am - 12:00pm

Jr. High All State Band @ Mandan

8:00am

Speech: V

@ Grand Forks Central High School

5:00pm - 7:00pm

One West Fargo – BlackCloud @ West Fargo High SchoolCommons (129C)

7:30pm

Basketball: G/V

@ Sanford Health Athletic ComplexScheels Center

7:30pm

Basketball: B/V

@ Sanford Health Athletic ComplexScheels Center

MARCH 13 – 17

No School Spring Break

MARCH 13

7:30pm

March Soup-er Concert

@ West Fargo High SchoolTheater (111C)

MARCH 17

8:00am

Speech: V @ Mandan High School

MARCH 17 – 18

5:00pm

Cheerleading: V @ Bismarck Legacy High School

MARCH 18

8:00am

Speech: V @ Roseville Area High School

MARCH 21

3:30pm - 6:30pm

Physics Boat Regetta

@ Hulbert Aquatics Center (West Fargo)

6:00pm

Orchestra, Solo/Ensemble Concert

@ Sheyenne High School

7:00pm - 8:30pm

Band Concert

@ Horace High School - Theater- All

MARCH 23 - 26

8:00am - 10:00pm

ND All State Band/Choir/Orchestra @ Bismarck Event Center

MARCH 24

Time TBD

Baseball: V

@ Horace High School Baseball Field

4:00pm - 11:30pm

Spring Fling Dance

@ West Fargo High School -Commons

MARCH 25

8:00am - 4:00pm

Speech @Grafton

8:00am

Speech: V @ Fargo Davies High School

MARCH 27 TBD

Soccer: G/V

@ Sheyenne High School/Sheyenne Mustang Stadium

MARCH 28

6:00pm - 9:00pm

Choir - Sheyenne Solo/Ensembles

Concert @ Sheyenne High School

MARCH 31

8:00am - 10:00pm

EDC Vocal Contest

@ Hope Lutheran ChurchSouth Campus

8:00am - 5:00pm

eSports @ Alerus Con

4:30pm

Softball: JV @ West Fargo High School

Softball Field- JV

4:30pm

Softball: V @ West Fargo High School Softball Field- Varsity

6:15pm

Softball: JV @ West Fargo High School Softball Field- JV

6:15pm

Softball: V @ West Fargo High School

Softball Field- Varsity

7:30pm - 10:00pm

One Act Play

@ West Fargo High School - Theater

SCHOOL

Page

“It is imperative that no one mistakenly believes its closure is being considered at this time,” Bachmeier said. “We very clearly need South in the Packer feeder system.”

Bachmeier estimated that a deferred maintenance package, or one that makes minimal updates and changes to the school could cost about $2 million to $4 million. A middle ground plan for renovations with an expansion could cost $5 million to $10 million, while a major renovation of the building, including increasing classroom size could cost about $17 million to $21 million.

At the Long Range Facilities Planning Committee’s last meeting, an exit survey showed members were divided about how to proceed with South Elementary.

Some members want to ensure the building can stay open long term, while others wanted more short-term plans with consideration again.

The committee will meet again in February, with plans to report to the West Fargo School Board in March on potential recommendations for new and current facilities.

West Fargo Schools Business Manager Levi Bachmeier

West Fargo Police Department implements new fixed beat system

By City of West Fargo Staff

The West Fargo Police Department’s Patrol Division has launched a new fixed beat system. With a fixed beat, officers work primarily in one beat and can address issues within their designated area long-term.

“The goal is for residents and business owners to develop relationships with the officers assigned to their beat,” said Chief Denis Otterness. “The reorganization focuses on decreasing crime, improving the community’s quality of life and increasing department accountability.”

A Sergeant is assigned to each beat to ensure officer accountability, analyze police activity, coordinate with stakeholders and identify problem solving opportunities. The information gathered throughout each officer’s shift is shared during shift briefings and through the Department’s Criminal Intelligence Analyst.

This proactive approach is part of the West Fargo Police Department’s commitment to ensuring and preserving a high quality of life for residents, businesses and visitors in the City of West Fargo.

Residents who would like to talk to their beat Sergeant or Officers regarding a specific problem can call the West Fargo Police Department at 701-515-5500.

POPULATION SPIKE EXPECTED

F-M area projected to grow by at least 100,000 people by 2050, Metro COG says

By Wendy Reuer | West Fargo Focus

FARGO — A recent demographic forecast by the Fargo-Moorhead Metropolitan Council of Governments, or Metro COG, says the population of the Fargo-Moorhead area could grow to over 350,000 by 2050, adding more than 100,000 people in the next 25 years to surrounding rural and urban areas.

Community and Transportation Analyst Adam

Altenburg said Metro COG approved its 2050 forecast in November. The last forecast was completed in 2017 and forecast through 2045.

The study included 31 townships across Cass and Clay counties in North Dakota and Minnesota, respectively. It also includes 21 cities, including Fargo, West Fargo, Horace, Moorhead and Dilworth.

Metro COG outlined two different scenarios, one using a lower rate of growth labeled “most likely,” and one using a higher growth rate labeled the “best case.”

Using the lower projections, Metro COG said Cass and Clay counties combined could grow from 249,843 people to 357,322 in 2050. The bestcase scenario shows the population could climb to 395,323 in 2050, an increase of 58.4% over 2020.

POPULATION: Page 17

In the most likely scenario, Metro COG projects the Fargo-Moorhead area’s population growing to over 350,000 by 2050..

Troy Becker / The Forum

POPULATION From Page 15

Historically, Altenburg said, Metro COG’s forecast has projected lower growth in the Fargo area than what ended up happening.

So, in the 2017 study, Metro COG focused more on its best-case scenario projections, which ended up fairly in line with the 2020 U.S. Census report. The only exception was West Fargo, which grew faster than Metro COG projected, he said.

“We went with the more robust scenario,” he said. “In 2017, the only city we under-projected for was West Fargo, they grew faster than we projected. Overall, we probably weren’t growing as fast as we were first predicting, but it’s still growing pretty fast.”

The study is used by cities, counties and townships for planning purposes, such as the West Fargo Exploratory Building Committee, which used Metro COG’s population projections as a baseline for planning a new police headquarters and City Hall.

However, Metro COG’s core purpose for the study is to maintain and update the regional travel demand model.

Fargo was recorded as having a population of 125,990 in 2020. Metro COG’s projections say it could grow to 145,195 in 2035 and 164,507 by 2050, which is an addition of about 38,500 people.

West Fargo’s 2020 population was 38,626. It is projected to grow to 47,688 in 2035 and 62,789 by 2050. This means West Fargo would add

about 24,000 people in the next 25 years.

Moorhead would grow from 44,505 to 54,638 in 2035 and 66,766 in 2050 in the most likely scenario. With that addition of about 22,000 people, Moorhead would remain the secondlargest city in the metro, behind Fargo but still larger than West Fargo, the “City on the Grow.”

Dilworth will continue to grow at the slowest rate, going from 4,612 in 2020 to 5,644 in 2035 and 6,586 in 2050.

Other cities may nearly double or more in size, such as Horace, which is projected to go from 3,085 to 13,615 in 2050. Casselton is also projected to grow significantly, going from a population of 2,479 in 2020 to 4,023 in 2050.

As the population grows, Metro COG said, the metro area could add about 51,000 to 69,000 jobs by 2050.

Jobs across the area could increase from the 2020 baseline estimate of 183,356 to 235,326 in 2050 under the most likely scenario, or as high as 252,531 under a high-growth scenario.

Metro COG’s final report on the demographic study can be found in full at www.fmmetrocog.org/projectsrfps/completed-projects/metrocog-baseline-2050-demographicforecast.

Readers can reach West Fargo editor Wendy Reuer at wreuer@ forumcomm.com or 701-241-5530. Follow her on Twitter @ForumWendy.

“As the population grows, the metro area could add about 51,000 to 69,000 jobs by 2050.”

Metro COG

NEWS AND FEATURES

West Fargo water usage rates increasing 40 cents per 1,000 gallons

By City of West Fargo Staff

The City of West Fargo water usage rate is increasing 40 cents per 1,000 gallons. The new rate for a typical residential water user is now $7.40 per 1,000 gallons. The monthly fixed charge, typically $7.25 for a residential customer, will stay the same. The change will appear on

February bills that are due on March 15, 2023.

The increase is due to the City of Fargo increasing their water supply cost by 40 cents per 1,000 gallons. The City of West Fargo’s water rate is adjusting the exact amount to cover this

cost. The City of West Fargo will also conduct a comprehensive utility rate study in the coming year that may lead to additional rate changes.

For more information on your water rates, visit westfargond.gov/water-rates.

Alyssa Goezler / West Fargo Focus