Keith Harriger kharriger@forumcomm.com 701-241-5435
David Jones djones@forumcomm.com 701-388-1930
DESIGNER JEN PHILLIPS
David Samson / The Focus
Team North Dakota Snow Sculpture member Josh Zies chisels away on a sword on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, at the POW/MIA Plaza along Sheyenne Street in West Fargo.
David Samson / The Focus
From left, Marlene Christenson, Mary Margaret Nelson, Frank Lenzmeier, Father Lew Troska and Randy Reichert share peace with each other during worship at a St. Odilia Church service in 2012 in downtown Fargo.
Carrie Snyder / The Focus
WEST FARGO — Late last fall, 85-year-old Frank Lenzmeier softly whistled — as he always did — while holding the door for others en route to another West Fargo Public Schools community meeting at Heritage Middle School. It was another government meeting out of hundreds Lenzmeier has attended over the
SPOTLIGHT
‘A legacy of dedication’ EVENT
By Wendy Reuer Former West Fargo Commissioner Frank Lenzmeier
dies at 85
decades he lived and served the West Fargo community.
Despite declining health, Lenzmeier continued to attend various meetings across the community.
That community meeting was one of the last Lenzmeier attended. The active resident, former West Fargo city commissioner, planning
committee member and president of the West Fargo Seniors Group, died Wednesday, Jan. 15.
“He was a great community leader, a great collaborator,” West Fargo Mayor Bernie Dardis said Monday, Jan. 20. “If you ever went to a West Fargo School Board meeting that was important to our community, he was there. City Commission meetings,
he was there. Planning meetings, he was there. I am awful proud to call Mr. Frank Lenzmeier a dear friend of mine. We will miss him. The community will miss him.”
Lenzmeier was born June 16, 1939, and raised in Wahpeton on the family
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, March. 3, 5:30 p.m.
Monday, March 17, 5:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo City Hall
Library Board
Second Thursday of every month, 5:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo City Commission Chambers
Liquor Control Board
Second Tuesday of every month, 1 p.m.
@ West Fargo City Commission Chambers
Park Board
Second Wednesday of every month, 5:30 p.m.
@ Rustad Recreation Center
Planning and Zoning Commission
Second Tuesday of every month and the fourth Tuesday if needed, 5:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo City Commission Chambers
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 SaturdayEvery 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
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
MARCH EVENTS:
Open Skate
While weather allowsvisit westfargoevents.com for calendar
@ Essentia Health Plaza at the Lights Ice Rink
Stage West: Murder
Mystery - Lethal Lecture
February 28 - March 2
@ Fargo Holiday InnHarvest Hall
STEM Saturday
March 1, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Fraud Watch Basics Class
March 4, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Community Game Night
March 4, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Intro to Camping Class
March 6, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
PBS Kids Writers Contest Workshop
March 8, 1:30 - 3 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Teen Dungeons & Dragons Game
March 8, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Chair Yoga
March 11, 10:30 - 11:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Adult Dungeons & Dragons Campaign
March 11, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Monthly Community Resource Hours
March 13, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Scissors & Stories Collage Workshop
March 13, 6-8 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Letter Writing & Wax Sealing
March 15, 1:30 - 3 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Adult Craft & Chat
March 18, 6:30 - 8 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Coffee with a Cop
March 19, 10-11 a.m.
@ Rustad Recreation Center
Spring Crafts for Kids
March 20, 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
LEGO Day at the Library
March 21, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Murder Mystery Escape Room Experience
March 22, 12:30 - 4 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
West Fargo Parks - Boys Night Out
March 22, 4:30 - 7 p.m.
@ Rustad Recreation Center
Civic Minds Roundtable
March 24, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Adults Dungeons & Dragons Campaign
March 25, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
Books & Brews
Community Book Club
March 27, 6-7 p.m.
@ Junkyard Brewing Company *West Fargo
continued from page 3
farm. He operated a service station before working for the Great Northern Railway, according to his obituary. He moved to West Fargo in 1969.
In 1972, Lenzmeier was elected to a four-year term as a West Fargo city commissioner. While a commissioner, he served as the liaison to the Metropolitan Council of Governments, the organization formed to ensure cohesive planning among the cities of Fargo, West Fargo, Moorhead and Dilworth. Lenzmeier was also appointed to terms on West Fargo’s planning and zoning committee.
“He was really instrumental in transforming the growth of the city,” West Fargo City Administrator Dustin Scott said.
Along with serving in city government, Lenzmeier was active politically, serving in the District 13 North Dakota Democratic-NPL, including as chairman. In 2011, he was awarded the West Fargo Civic Excellence Award, which recognizes community leaders for their work and dedication to the community. In 2023, he became a member of the steering committee that formed Civic West, a nonprofit that aims to inform and educate the community on civic issues.
Very few City Commission meetings were held in the past decade that did not include Lenzmeier sitting in the audience. Donning his trademark suspenders and button-down shirt in the third row, he primarily listened as the local government processed, occasionally voicing a question or concern when called to speak by elected officials.
Mary Tintes, a leader with the Red River Valley League of Women Voters, Civic West and the DemNPL party, worked with Lenzmeier in the political realm and got to know him through his many hours of volunteer work.
“He was a champion of good and ethical government,” Tintes said. “Frank truly enriched any gathering
Frank Lenzmeier.
Contributed / Hanson runsvold Funeral Home
“He (Frank) was really instrumental in transforming the growth of the city.”
Dustin
Scott, West Fargo City Administrator
he attended with positivity, wise and funny quips and thoughtful insights. He loved his community, and he was more than just a beloved and respected community leader — he was Mr. West Fargo.”
Although active in city and state politics, Lenzmeier was no more passionately active than when involved with the school district or West Fargo Seniors Group.
Marlene Batterberry worked closely with Lenzmeier over the past 25
said, calling the senior center his “biggest dream.”
“Frank spent a great deal of his time working for the group assisted by his wife, Darla,” she said. “I learned a lot from Frank from a political, religious and social view. He will be missed. To fill his desire for a senior center will be difficult.”
Lenzmeier was a member of the school district’s facilities planning committee that helped organize and support bond referendums in 2015, 2018 and 2023.Although the last bond was not passed by voters, Lenzmeier was a part of the Facilities 2.0 Committee that reformed in 2024and planned for the upcoming bond referendum that will be put to voters on Feb. 17.
“Frank Lenzmeier has been a passionate advocate for West Fargo Public Schools since the ‘70s, dedicating decades of his life to supporting education in our community,” said West Fargo Public Schools Superintendent Beth Slette.
“Frank’s contributions helped shape the direction of our schools, leaving a legacy of dedication and a deep impact on the generations of learners, educators and leaders who benefited from his wisdom and advocacy,” she said. “He will be missed.”
In 1976, Lenzmeier founded Lenzmeier Trucking Inc. in West Fargo. He also built homes in the late 1970s and early ‘80s as the companies LM and LBL Development in West Fargo. He was an active member of Compassionate Friends and served as president and board member of Holy Cross Cemetery Association, according to his family.
years, primarily on senior issues. Lenzmeier long hoped a senior center or community center would be built in West Fargo and lobbied for projects to bring the center to fruition. He helped found the West Fargo Area Community Program or West Fargo Seniors Group, serving as president and helping it become an official 501c3.
“His future idea was to create a community center in West Fargo to provide activities for all ages youth to seniors,” Batterberry
A Mass of Christian burial will held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 24, with visitation one hour prior. A prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, with visitation from 5-7 p.m., at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, West Fargo.
Readers can reach Focus editor Wendy Reuer at wreuer@forumcomm.com or 701-241-5530.
Lenzmeier
CITY INFORMATION
West Fargo Police Department announces third comfort dog and School Resource Officer team
By West Fargo Police Department
The West Fargo Police Department is excited to announce the arrival of the department’s third comfort dog, K-9 Clover. K-9 Clover is made possible through a partnership with West Fargo Public Schools.
K-9 Clover is a two-year-old Chocolate Lab from the United States. K-9 Clover and her handler, School Resource Officer (SRO) Sari Skwiera, are the third comfort dog SRO team in the City of West Fargo and will achieve their certification in the coming months.
“Our comfort dog program continues to see such positive results for both our residents and learners,” said Pete Nielsen, West Fargo Police Chief. “K-9 Clover allows us to grow the program and bring even more help to those struggling with mental health or other concerns in the community.”
K-9 Clover and SRO Skwiera primarily serve five elementary schools within West Fargo Public Schools. The three SRO and comfort dog teams rotate throughout all West Fargo Public Schools when possible or requested.
“We are beyond excited to welcome a third comfort dog to West Fargo Public Schools, rounding out our elementary SRO team! Bella and Labby have helped learners and staff cope with stress, grief, and trauma, all while fostering a positive school environment. I am confident that our newest addition will continue this important work, and we look forward to introducing Clover to our learners and staff over the next few weeks.”
K-9 Clover assists SRO Skwiera in her role fostering positive relationships with learners, parents, faculty and
K-9 Clover joins K-9s Labby and Bella in their role as comfort dogs assisting learners struggling with mental health, improving morale and increasing positive interactions throughout the community.
As part of the larger Community Outreach Programs and Service (COPS) Unit, the two will assist
with public events and community outreach, as well as respond to traumatic and crisis response incidents. K-9 Clover will also assist in the department’s officer wellness programs and Peer Support Team.
The West Fargo Police Department will continue to work with West Fargo Public Schools to proactively
address issues related to learners’ allergies or fears.
staff.
West Fargo Police’s Coffee with a Cop Wed., March 19
By City of West Fargo
The West Fargo Police Department’s Coffee with a Cop will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 19 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.
CITY INFORMATION
Homestead Property Tax Credit Application Open through March 31
By City of West Fargo
The Homestead Property Tax Credit and Renter’s Refund are property tax credits available to eligible North Dakotans. Individuals may qualify for a property tax credit or partial refund of the rent they pay.
Eligibility Requirements:
• 65 years of age or older in the year for which the application is made
• Annual income cannot exceed $70,000
• Live at and be invested in the property OR
• Permanently disabled
• Proof of total disability must be established
• There is no age requirement for those permanently disabled
• A homeowner with a disability must meet the same qualifications, except for age, as a senior citizen homeowner.
Benefit:
• The credit reduces the homeowner’s taxable value depending on the homeowner’s income. The maximum reduction of taxable value may vary from $4,500 to $9,000.
Application Process:
• Homeowners must apply for a property tax credit with their local assessor by March 31, 2025
To apply or to get more information contact the West Fargo Assessor’s Office at (701)515-5300 or stop in
CITY INFORMATION
West Fargo City Hall Open House
By City of West Fargo
The City of West Fargo will host a Ribbon Cutting and Open House at West Fargo City Hall on Monday, March 17, 2025.
Residents and members of the Public are invited to attend a Ribbon Cutting, hosted by the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber Ambassadors at 4 p.m. followed by guided tours of West Fargo City Hall and the newly remodeled Commission Chambers. Tours will be available until 5 p.m.
West Fargo City Hall was relocated to 2515 6th Street E. in June 2024, and the Commission Chambers were opened in February 2025. The move has allowed City services to become more centrally located and provides room for future growth. The site will also be home to a West Fargo Public Library Satellite Location.
March 1
8 a.m.
Basketball: G/C
Horace High School Activity Calendar
@Fargo South High School
8 a.m.
Speech: V @TBA
8 a.m.
Speech: V @Lakeview, Minnesota
March 4
TBD
Basketball: G/V @High Seed
TBD
Basketball: B/V @High Seed
7 p.m.
Orchestra - Varsity @Horace Auditorium
March 6
TBD
Basketball: B/V @Sanford Health Athletic Complex
7:30 p.m.
Choir - Varsity @Horace Auditorium
March 7
TBD
Basketball: G/V @Sanford Health Athletic Complex
March 8
TBD
Basketball: G/V @Sanford Health Athletic Complex
TBD
Basketball: B/V @Sanford Health Athletic Complex - Scheels Center
8 a.m.
Speech: V @Horace High School
March 11
7 p.m.
Band - Varsity @Horace Auditorium
March 14
8 a.m.
Speech: V @Roseville Area High School
March 15
8 a.m.
Speech: V @Roseville Area High School
8 a.m.
Speech: V @TBA
March 18
TBD
Baseball: C @Horace High School
March 20
TBD
Track: B/V @North Dakota State University
March 21
8 a.m.
Speech: V @Sheyenne High School
March 22
8 a.m.
Speech: V @Fargo Davies High School
March 28
TBD
Track: B/V
@North Dakota State University
4 p.m.
Baseball: JV @Jamestown High School
4 p.m.
Baseball: V @Jamestown High School
6 p.m.
Baseball: JV @Jamestown High School
6 p.m.
Baseball: V @Jamestown High School
March 29
TBD
Track: B/V
@North Dakota State University
8 a.m.
Speech: V @Fargo Davies High School
Sheyenne High School Activity Calendar
March 1
8 a.m.
Basketball: G/C @Fargo South High School
9 a.m.
Speech: V
@Grand Forks Central High School
10 a.m.
Swimming: B/V
@Hulbert Aquatics Center
March 4
TBD
Basketball: G/V
@High Seed
TBD
Basketball: B/V @High Seed
11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. RED @North Dakota State University
March 5
8:15 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. RED @North Dakota State University
March 6 TBD
Basketball: B/V
@Sanford Health Athletic Complex
March 7 TBD
Basketball: G/V @Sanford Health Athletic Complex
6 p.m.
Speech: V @Richardton- Taylor High School
March 8
TBD
Basketball: G/V @Sanford Health Athletic Complex
TBD Basketball: B/V @Sanford Health Athletic Complex
9 a.m.
Speech: V @Dickinson State University
March 9
6 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Tournament Corner @Multiple Location
March 15
9 a.m.
Speech: V @West Fargo High School
10 a.m.
Track: G/V @Concordia College
10 a.m.
Track: B/V @Concordia College
March 20
1 p.m.
Track: G/V @North Dakota State University
1 p.m.
Track: B/V @North Dakota State University
March 21
9 a.m.
Speech: V @Sheyenne High School
March 22
9 a.m.
Speech: V @Fargo Davies High School
March 23
7:45 a.m. - 9 p.m.
ND All State Honor
Music Ensembles @Bismarck Event Center
March 24
7:45 a.m. - 9 p.m.
ND All State Honor
Music Ensembles @Bismarck Event Center
Sheyenne High School Activity Calendar
March 1
8 a.m.
Basketball: G/C
West Fargo High School Activity Calendar
@Fargo South High School
10 a.m.
Swimming: B/V
@Hulbert Aquatics Center
March 3
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
March 4
TBD
Basketball: G/V @High Seed
TBD
Basketball: B/V @High Seed
March 5
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- 5:30 p.m.
Packerettes Practice
@West Fargo High School
March 6
TBD
Basketball: B/V @Sanford Health Athletic Complex
March 7
TBD
Basketball: G/V @Sanford Health Athletic Complex
3:45 - 5:30 p.m.
One West Fargo @West Fargo High SchoolB 105B (Multi-Purpose/ Dance/Aerobic Room)
March 8
TBD
Basketball: G/V
@Sanford Health Athletic Complex
State Qualifiers / Championship
TBD
Basketball: B/V
@Sanford Health Athletic Complex
March 9
7- 8:30 p.m.
Boys Soccer
@West Fargo High School
March 13
4 - 5:30 p.m.
Packerettes Practice @West Fargo High School
March 14
3:45- 5:30 p.m.
One West Fargo @West Fargo High SchoolB 105B (Multi-Purpose/ Dance/Aerobic Room)
March 16
7 - 8:30 p.m.
Boys Soccer
@West Fargo High School
March 17
7:30- 8:30 p.m.
Band Souper Concert @West Fargo High School
March 19
4 - 5:30 p.m.
Packerettes Practice @West Fargo High School
March 20
1 p.m.
Track: G/V
@North Dakota State University
1 p.m.
Track: B/V
@North Dakota State University
March 23
7 - 8:30 p.m.
Boys Soccer @West Fargo High School
March 26
4 - 5:30 p.m.
Packerettes Practice @West Fargo High School
March 27
8 a.m - 5 p.m.
E Sports Fenworks State Tourney @University of North Dakota
March 28
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
E Sports Fenworks State Tourney @University of North Dakota
11 a.m.
Track: G/V
@North Dakota State University
3:45 - 5:30 p.m.
One West Fargo @West Fargo High School
4 p.m.
Track: B/V @North Dakota State University
March 29
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
E Sports Fenworks State Tourney @University of North Dakota
8 a.m.
Track: G/JV @North Dakota State University
8 a.m.
Track: B/JV @North Dakota State University
West Fargo Seniors Group seeks new leadership
EST FARGO — The West Fargo Area Community Program, commonly known as the “Senior’s Group” is searching for new leadership and hoping West Fargoans can step up to meet the need.
The leadership role activities include
such as West Fargo City Commission and Cass County Valley Senior Services and managing the group within an annual budget.
Anyone interested in this role for at least a year is asked to contact vice chair Marlene Batterberry at 701-282-4575 or
AND FEATURES
Skydiving museum takes off in West Fargo
Newly opened museum pays homage to skydiving pioneer Don Solberg
By Kevin Wallevand
WEST FARGO — Cooperstown has the “National Baseball Hall of Fame.” Cleveland has the “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.”
But West Fargo has just become home to the North Dakota Skydiving Museum.
The museum pays tribute to the sport and the pioneer who jumped out of planes for 50 years and helped “jump-start” skydiving in this part of the Midwest.
Just off main avenue in West Fargo, tucked in next to a Subway, a new space packed full of everything related to North Dakota skydiving.
“These are the skydiving suits from the 50s and 60s,” Megean Solberg, museum director and daughter of Don Solberg, said. “This is a Pegasus suit from 1978, one of his parachutes he jumped with for a long time,” Megean said.
Megean Solberg is talking about the man behind the parachute: Don Solberg, her father.
“To be dedicated to a sport that many years, and especially skydiving, he just had so much passion for it,” Megean said.
Don started skydiving at age 22. His skydiving groups changed names over the years, but in the end, “Skydive Fargo” became the popular organization where hundreds of people in our region learned to skydive. Don would teach it in the basement of his house and then jump with those students. He loved the sport that much.
“It is just a feeling, that he was so proud of it , and I was so happy to be a part of something he was an entrepreneur in,” Megean said.
The museum is packed full of jump suits, photos, awards and history of skydiving in North Dakota.
“It is a testament to what one person can do,” Jim Krogh, longtime skydiver, said.
Krogh learned to skydive from Don Solberg back in the 80s.
“He was a character, and even if you didn’t know him, you would find out quickly that he was a skydiver,” Jim said of Don.
Jim has been jumping a lot since. A lot.
Megean Solberg, director of the new ND Skydiving Museum in West Fargo, talks about her father, Don Solberg, who is considered the “father” of skydiving in this part of the state.
Abby Makay / The Focus
“4,610 jumps, actually,” Jim said of his jump total, so far. He is in Arizona this week for a big formation jump.
He called Don the constant promoter of skydiving in North Dakota. Never missing a chance to talk about it. When Don passed last year at the age of 79, he left all this behind. Decades of skydiving, along with close to 3,000 jumps and hundreds of people who now jump because of him.
“He was just one of those people who wanted to share his love for the sport,” Megean said.
There is no fee to see the museum.
The ND Skydiving Museum is located at 113 E. Main Ave. in West Fargo. For more information on the museum, you can reach out to (701) 866-3317 or mlsolbergjobcoach@gmail.com
Reach WDAY reporter Kevin Wallevand at kwallevand@wday.com. NEWS
The West Fargo City Commission meeting takes place at the new West Fargo City Hall on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025.
Alyssa Goelzer / The Focus
NEWS AND FEATURES
Modern meeting
Commission holds first session at new City Hall south of Interstate 94
By Wendy Reuer
WEST FARGO — The West Fargo City Commission held its first meeting in its new digs at the new City Hall, 2515 Sixth St. E., on Monday, Feb. 3.
In 2024, the city began leasing space for about $725,000 per year atthe former Wex building at 2515 Sixth St. E. to serve as a new City Hall location while allowingthe police department to expand into the empty
areas of the former City Hall, 800 Fourth Ave. E.
“We’ve come a long way,” City Administrator Dustin Scott said.
While city staff moved into offices in the new building by June, construction on the
CITY INFORMATION
West Fargo Public Library to open satellite location March 18
By West Fargo Public Library
The West Fargo Public Library is expanding south of the interstate. A satellite location inside West Fargo City Hall (2515 Sixth St. E, West Fargo) will open on March 18. This new space is part of the library’s efforts to expand library access, especially south of the interstate, where residents have long requested more library services.
While not a full library branch, this mini library will offer key services, including a rotating selection of books for checkout, a place to pick up holds, and public amenities like seating, study areas, computers and printing services. The space will be open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and have a maximum capacity of roughly 30 people at a time.
“West Fargo residents have been requesting a library south of the interstate for years,” Library Director Jenna Kahly said. “We are excited to provide a space so those who live and work in the area can more easily access library resources.”
The library, which currently leases its main location at the Lodoen Community Center, routinely evaluates long-term space needs. A 2024 study found the West Fargo Public Library’s current facilities and collection to be significantly undersized for the city’s growing population. At the same time, the library has seen significant growth in library usage, especially in program attendance and circulation.
“More people are using the library than ever before,” Kahly said. “This satellite location is a great step toward meeting the needs of our growing community.”
Inside the new West Fargo Public Library satellite location.
Funding for this project came from multiple sources, including generous community support.
“We tried to be as cost-efficient as possible while creating a welcoming space that will meet the expectations of library users,” Kahly said. “We are so grateful to the City
Commission and our community supporters for helping make this a reality.”
The construction and fit-up of the new space was funded with $111,412 in capital improvement sales tax funds. The Friends of the West Fargo Public Library non-profit group
donated $15,000 to help purchase furniture and shelving. The space will also feature furnishings and technology repurposed from the main library, approximately $8,000
“West Fargo residents have been requesting a library south of the interstate for years. We are excited to provide a space so those who live and work in the area can more easily access library resources.”
Jenna Kahly, Library Director
worth of shelving donated by the Divide County Public Library, and a repurposed book drop at the building’s entrance.
The library plans to host a grand opening event in April. Learn more at westfargolibrary.org.
City Hall
continued from page 15
commission chambers and a library satellite continued.
Officials hope the library project will be finished by March 17, when the city and Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce will hold an open house at the new City Hall. Renovation of the firstfloor space and fit-up costs for the library were estimated to be about $126,400, plus construction costs of just over $83,000 and furniture and technology needs will total about $42,700.
About $325,000 was set aside for the creation of the new City Commission chambers and installation of a backup generator,
Scott said. The city has also designated about $250,000 to cover the costs of expanding the police department in the former City Hall, where the West Fargo Municipal Court remains.
The new West Fargo City Hall is open to the public from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Utility billing, permitting, building inspections and assessments are located at the site.
West Fargo City Commission meetings are held the first and third Monday of each month, starting at 5:30 p.m.
Readers can reach Focus editor Wendy Reuer at wreuer@forumcomm.com or 701-241-5530.
The new West Fargo City Hall is located at 2515 6th St. E. in West Fargo, it is on the north side of the WEX building. troy Becker / the Focus
The West Fargo City Commissioner Roben Anderson is seen at the West Fargo City Commission meeting on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, at the new West Fargo City Hall. alyssa Goelzer / the Focus
