West Fargo Focus May 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

Sara Slaby & Mollie Burlingame

The Sheyenne River Flood Control Project plaque commemorates the diversion that was completed in 1992.

David Samson / West Fargo Focus

West Fargo City Commission approves renewal of Neighborhood Revitalization Program

By City of West Fargo Staff

The West Fargo City Commission approved renewing the Neighborhood Revitalization Program during the April 3, 2023, meeting. This program is a partnership between the City of West Fargo and Gate City Bank to offer low interest loans and technical assistance to homeowners making major home improvements. Gate City Bank has once again set aside $2,000,000 for projects in West Fargo.

Owner occupied, single family homes valued at less than $275,000 and located north of I-94 within West Fargo municipal boundaries are eligible to apply. Projects with costs that range from $10,000 to $100,000 are eligible for a 10 or 15-year loan at rates starting at 3.01% APR.

The Neighborhood Revitalization Program

focuses on reinvesting in West Fargo’s older, aging neighborhoods – a key goal of the West Fargo 2.0 Comprehensive Plan.

The program is available for improvements that address code and structural corrections, energy improvements and general property improvements. Projects must include one of the following: foundation work, major exterior improvements, addition of bedroom or living space, major interior remodeling, replacement of major mechanical systems, conversion of a rental unit into an owner-occupied home, or sewer/water connection replacements.

Since the program’s inception in 2019, over $690,000 in loans have been issued to 25 different projects. Application and more information can be found at westfargond.

gov/N-R-P

Calendar of Events

MONTHLY

Airport Authority

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

@ West Fargo Municipal Airport Terminal Building

Board of Equalization

5:30 p.m. second Tuesday in May @ Commission Chambers, West Fargo City Hall

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

WFACP Card Games - Whist

12:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 3

@ West Fargo High Rise

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

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

MAY

WFACP Fire Talk 12:15 p.m. Monday, May 1 @ West Fargo High Rise

Monday Matinee:

“Where the Crawdads Sing”

1:30 p.m. Monday, May 1 @ West Fargo Public Library

Community ChatPublic Input Event

3-5 p.m. Wednesday, May 3 @ West Fargo Public Library

Hoopla 101 Class 10:30-11:30 a.m. Thursday, May 4 Register at westfargolibrary.org @ West Fargo Public Library

Teen Hangout (ages 12-17)

4-6 p.m. Thursday, May 4 @ West Fargo Public Library

Teen Anime Art Class (ages 12-17)

1-3 p.m. Saturday, May 6 Register at westfargolibrary.org @ West Fargo Public Library Spring STEM for Kids (ages 6-12)

1:30-2:30 p.m. Saturday, May 6 @ West Fargo Public Library

WFACP Saturday Senior Breakfast (free-will offering)

9-10 a.m. Saturday, May 6 @ West Fargo High Rise

WFACP Crafts

12:15 p.m. Monday, May 8 @ West Fargo High Rise

Monday Matinee: “Mrs. Harris Goes to Washington”

1:30 p.m. Monday, May 8 @ West Fargo Public Library

Spring Band Concerts

6:30 p.m. Monday, May 8 @ Sheyenne High School

Monday Night Readers Book Club

7-8 p.m. Monday, May 8 @ West Fargo Public Library

WFACP Prize Bingo

12:15 p.m. Tuesday, May 9 @ West Fargo High Rise

English Conversation Circle

6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 9 @ West Fargo Public Library

APQS Road Show Longarm Experience

12-3 p.m. Tuesday, May 9

@ DoubleTree by Hilton West Fargo

Job Service ND

1-3 p.m. Wednesday, May 10

@ West Fargo Public Library

Soup & More

5 p.m. Thursday, May 11

@ Blessed Sacrament Church

Mother’s Day Market

9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, May 13

@ SheyWest

Red River Market at The Downtown Yards on Sheyenne

10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, May 13 @ POW/MIA Plaza

Midwest Truck Fest

12-5 p.m. Saturday, May 13 @ Veterans Memorial Arena

Demystifying Death: End of Life Planning Panel

1:30-3:30 p.m. Saturday, May 13 @ West Fargo Public Library

WFACP Cop Talk

12:15 p.m. Monday, May 15 @ West Fargo High Rise

Monday Matinee: “Call of the Wild”

1:30 p.m. Monday, May 15 @ West Fargo Public Library

WFACP Monthly Meeting

12:15 p.m. Tuesday, May 16 @ West Fargo High Rise

Novel Afternoons Book Club

1-2 p.m. Wednesday, May 17 @ West Fargo Public Library

Third Thursday Book Club

1:30-2:30 p.m. Thursday, May 18 @ West Fargo Public Library

Kids to Parks Day

1-3 p.m. Saturday, May 20 @ Dakota Park

Genealogy Class - Discovering Your Roots: Your Ancestors in the County Courthouse

1:30-2:30 p.m. Saturday, May 20 @ West Fargo Public Library

WFACP Sheriff Talk

12:15 p.m. Monday, May 22 @ West Fargo High Rise

Monday Matinee: “Crazy Rich Asians”

1:30 p.m. Monday, May 22 @ West Fargo Public LIbrary

WFACP Money Bingo

12:15 p.m. Tuesday, May 23 @ West Fargo High Rise

Gardening Club: Plant Swap!

6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 23 @ West Fargo Public Library

Soup & More

5 p.m. Thursday, May 25 @ Blessed Sacrament Church

Books & Brews

Community Book Club

6-7 p.m. Thursday, May 25 @ Caribou Coffee inside Hornbacher’s

Sheyenne High School Graduation

1 p.m. Sunday, May 28 @ Scheels Arena

West Fargo High School Graduation

4 p.m. Sunday, May 28 Scheels Arena

Memorial Day

Monday, May 29

See page 9 for school and office closings

WFACP Chicken Foot

12:15 p.m. Tuesday, May 30 @ West Fargo High Rise

A Walk in the Park

9:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 31 @ Elmwood Park

West Fargo’s Sheyenne Diversion project celebrates 30 years

WEST FARGO — While Fargo and Moorhead look ahead to possible major flooding this spring as the F-M Diversion construction continues, West Fargo residents will celebrate 30 years of protection by the Sheyenne Diversion.

The Sheyenne Diversion runs southwest of Horace to north of West Fargo. It was completed in 1992 and rerouted the floodwaters of the Sheyenne River for the first time in 1993.

“Thirty years of having that protection for residents of

By Wendy Reuer | West Fargo Focus

West Fargo is something to celebrate,” Public Works Director Matt Andvik said.

West Fargo Assistant Administrator Dustin Scott said as the flows to the Sheyenne River increase, the diversion by Horace will begin to intercept the water, sending some to the diversion channel which then diverts the water around the cities.

As the area heads toward potential flooding this spring, Scott and Andvik said the Sheyenne Diversion and its levees are prepared to handle the rising water.

The Sheyenne River Diversion from Horace to West Fargo begins southwest of Horace and runs north 7.5 miles to the West Fargo Diversion just south of Interstate 94.

The West Fargo Diversion channel then wraps around the western edge of West Fargo, stretching about 13 miles. The West Fargo Diversion channel carries the flow of both the Horace to West Fargo leg and additional Sheyenne River inflow from south of I-94. The water rejoins the Sheyenne River north of 12th Avenue North, where the flow continues toward the Red River.

This aerial view shows the Sheyenne Diversion as seen looking southeast Friday April 17, 2009, from Interstate-94. Michael Vosburg / West Fargo Focus

“Thirty years of having that protection for residents of West Fargo is something to celebrate.”

Public Works Director Matt Andvik

DIVERSION From Page 5

The history of major spring flooding on the Sheyenne River stretches well before the 1990s. The earliest record of major flooding of the Sheyenne was in 1942. The U.S. Corps of Engineers got involved in 1950 when Congress directed it to study flooding of the Red River and its tributaries.

In the late 1960s and 1970s, the U.S. Corps of Engineers focused mostly on the Kindred dam. A committee was formed to study the topic and finally, in 1982, the Corps of Engineers based in St. Paul recommended the Sheyenne River Flood Control Project that would consist of levees and diversion channels from Horace to around West Fargo.

The project took a significant step forward in 1986 when Congress passed the Water Resources Development Act, authorizing the diversion along with a pool raise at Baldhill Dam and the Maple River Dam.

Construction began on the Sheyenne Diversion around 1990 and was finished two years later with a dedication ceremony held Sept. 14, 1992. The following spring, the area experienced major flooding and put the diversion project to the test with its first operations.

The Sheyenne Diversion would operate again during major flooding in 1995, 1996 and recordsetting flood of 1997.

Once the Sheyenne Diversion was in place, it changed the development landscape of West Fargo. Prior to the diversion, the roughly sevenmile stretch of the Sheyenne River was one of the most flood-prone areas of Cass County.

According to Moore Engineering, which was the lead project engineering firm, land adjacent to and several miles away from the river were in the floodplain, which limited West Fargo’s residential and commercial development.

DIVERSION: Page 8

West Fargo dignitaries, from left, Planner Larry Weil, Street Superintendent Dick Fuller, Commissioner Custer Huseby, Mayor Florenz Bjornson, Commissioner Linda Gaughan, and City Attorney Brian Neugebauer participate in ribbon cutting ceremonies celebrating the completion of the Sheyenne Diversion project on Sept. 14, 1992. David Samson / West Fargo Focus

West Fargo residents look over the newly completed Sheyenne Diversion during the dedication day on Sept. 14, 1992. David Samson / West Fargo Focus

Scrubs Camp

Once the diversion was complete and tens of thousands acres were removed from the threat of annual flooding, development of West Fargo south of I-94 began to boom.

The diversion was paid for in large part by assessments on properties that benefited from the new flood protection. A maintenance and operation levy remains on the books to keep the channel in good condition.

As the F-M Diverion takes shape, the project is expected to expand flood protection for West Fargo as the Sheyenne Diversion continues to work parallel to the project.

Mayor Bernie Dardis said the city of West Fargo has supported the F-M Diversion, which will not add flood protection for the city of West Fargo, and once complete, development in the northern corners of West Fargo is expected to increase.

“West Fargo remains well protected from the Sheyenne River,” Dardis said. “However, the growth of our city has brought our residents closer to the Maple River, Wild Rice River and the Horace Diversion, which is why it is important for us to engage in the construction of the F-M Diversion.”

Readers can reach West Fargo editor Wendy Reuer at wreuer@forumcomm.com or 701-2415530. Follow her on Twitter @ForumWendy.

Water flows through the West Fargo Diversion on Sept. 24, 2010. Michael Vosburg / West Fargo Focus

Aerial view of the Sheyenne Diversion. Courtesy of Moore Engineering

“However, the growth of our city has brought our residents closer to the Maple River, Wild Rice River and the Horace Diversion, which is why it is important for us to engage in the construction of the F-M Diversion”

- Mayor Bernie Dardis

CITY INFORMATION

City of West Fargo Memorial Day closures and schedule changes

By City of West Fargo Staff

The City of West Fargo will close Monday, May 29, in observance of Memorial Day. There will be no garbage or recycling collection Monday, May 29. To accommodate the holiday, Monday and Tuesday garbage routes will be collected Tuesday, May 30. Recycling collection will be delayed one day for the rest of the week, including Friday recycling collection Saturday.

All buildings will be closed to the public, including City Hall, Public Library, Sanitation, Public Works and the Transfer Station. Public safety agencies will be in full operation but the West Fargo Police and Fire Department buildings will close to the public.

For email or text message alerts regarding holiday closures and sanitation schedule changes, visit https://www.westfargond.gov/list.aspx.

MEMORIAL DAY

(MONDAY, MAY 23)

• City of West Fargo offices and building closed

• Monday and Tuesday garbage collected on Tuesday, May 30

• Recycling service will be delayed by one day all week

• West Fargo Public Library closed Sunday, May 28-Monday, May 29

SCHOOL SCHEDULE

CHANGES

West Fargo Public Schools

• Offsite learning Friday, May 5

• Last day of school Thursday, May 26

• Graduation Sunday, May 28

• 1 p.m. Sheyenne High School

• 4 p.m. West Fargo High School

Park Christian School

• Graduation Wednesday, May 24

• Last day of school Thursday, May 25

Oak Grove Lutheran School

• Graduation Sunday, May 28

Grace Lutheran School

• Last day of school Thursday, May 25

• Graduation Thursday, May 25

Capstone Classical Academy

• No school Monday, May 29

Trinity Elementary School

Holy Spirit Elementary School

Sacred Heart Middle School

Nativity Elementary School

Shanley High School

• Last day of school Wednesday, May 24

• Shanley High School graduation

Wednesday, May 24

Dakota Montessori School

• No school Friday, May 26Monday, May 29

HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITY CALENDAR

4 p.m.

Tennis: G/V

@Sheyenne High School

Tennis Courts

4 p.m.

Tennis: G/V

@West Fargo High School

Tennis Courts

4:30 p.m.

Softball: V

@DLHS

Sports Complex - Softball Field

4:30 p.m.

Softball: V

@Horace High School

5 p.m.

Baseball: C

@Central Cass High School

5 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@Sheyenne High School

Baseball Field

5 p.m.

Baseball: V

5 p.m.

Soccer: G/JV

@Fargo Davies High School

5 p.m.

Baseball: C

@West Fargo Exchange Club Field

5 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Young Field-West Fargo

5 p.m.

Soccer: G/JV

@West Fargo High School

5 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@Horace High School

Baseball Field

5 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Jack Williams Stadium

6:30 p.m.

Softball: JV

6:30 p.m.

Softball: JV

@DLHS Sports Complex - Softball Field

7 p.m.

Baseball: C @West Fargo Exchange Club Field

7 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@Fargo Davies High School

7 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Young Field-West Fargo

7 p.m.

Soccer: G/V

@West Fargo High School

7 p.m.

Soccer: G/V

@Fargo Davies High School

7 p.m.

Baseball: JV

7 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Jack Williams Stadium

MAY 3

7-9 p.m.

Teacher Basketball

@West Fargo High SchoolGym- Main- All Courts

MAY 4

9-10 a.m.

Mental Health Awareness

Month Annual Chalk Fest

@Sheyenne High School

4 p.m.

Tennis: G/V

@Fargo Davies High School

4 p.m.

Tennis: G/JV

@Fargo North High School

Tennis Courts

4 p.m.

Tennis: G/V

@Fargo North High School

Tennis-Elephant Park

4:30 p.m.

Softball: JV

G/JV

@Sheyenne High School

@Sheyenne High School

Baseball Field

YMCA Summer Programs

@Sheyenne High School

Softball Field

@Horace High School

Baseball Field

@West Fargo High School

Softball Field- Varsity

4:30 p.m.

Softball: V

@West Fargo High School

Softball Field- Varsity

4:30 p.m.

Softball: V

@Davies Softball Field 2

5 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@Fargo North High School

Baseball Field

5 p.m.

Track: G/V

@Fargo Davies High School Davies JV Invite

5 p.m.

Track: B/V

@Fargo Davies High School Davies Invite (JV)

5 p.m.

Soccer: G/JV

@Fargo South High School

Stadium Field

5 p.m.

Baseball: C

@Tharaldson ComplexMcCormick Field

5 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@Horace High School Baseball Field

6:15 p.m.

Softball: JV

@West Fargo High School

Softball Field- JV

6:15 p.m.

Softball: V

@West Fargo High School

Softball Field- Varsity

6:30 p.m.

Baseball: C

@Tharaldson ComplexMcCormick Field

6:30 p.m.

Softball: JV

@Davies Softball Field 2

7 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@Fargo North High School Baseball Field

7 p.m.

Soccer: G/V

@Sheyenne High School

Sheyenne Mustang Stadium

7 p.m.

Soccer: G/V

@Fargo South High School

Stadium Field

MAY 5-6

12:30 p.m.

Tennis: G/V Bismarck

Crossover Invitational

@Multiple Locations

MAY 5

TBD

Baseball: C

@West Fargo Exchange Club Field

TBD Track: G/V

@Howard Wood Field

Howard Wood Relays

Sioux Falls

TBD

Track: B/V

@Howard Wood Field

Howard Wood Relays

Sioux Falls

TBD

Softball: V

9 a.m.

Golf: B/V

@Wildflower Golf Course

9 a.m.

Golf: B/V

@Wildflower Golf Course

11 a.m.

Track: G/V

@West Fargo High School

Track Complex

11 a.m.

Track: B/V

@West Fargo High School

Track Complex

4:30 p.m.

Softball: JV

@West Fargo High School

Softball Field- JV

4:30 p.m.

Softball: V

@West Fargo High School

Softball Field- Varsity

5 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Sheyenne High School Baseball Field

5 p.m.

Soccer: G/JV

@Sheyenne High School

Sheyenne Mustang Stadium

5 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@Young Field-West Fargo

5 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Tharaldson Complex -

Starion Field

5 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Horace High School

Baseball Field

6:15 p.m.

Softball: JV

@West Fargo High School

Softball Field- JV

6:15 p.m.

Softball: V

@West Fargo High School

Softball Field- Varsity

7 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Sheyenne High School

Baseball Field

7 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@Young Field-West Fargo

7 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Tharaldson ComplexStarion Field

7 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@Horace High School

Baseball Field

MAY 6

TBD

Track: G/V

@Howard Wood Field

Howard Wood Relays

Sioux Falls

TBD

Track: B/V

@Howard Wood Field

Howard Wood Relays

Sioux Falls

9 a.m.

Golf: B/V

@Wildflower Golf Course

9 a.m.

Golf: B/V

@Edgewood Golf Course

1:30 p.m.

Softball: V

@Sheyenne High School

Softball Field

7-11 p.m.

Prom

@Horace High School

7:30-9 p.m.

Student One Act

@Sheyenne High School Theater

MAY 7

2:30-5 p.m.

Student One Act

@Sheyenne High School Theater

MAY 8

1 p.m.

Track: G/V Invitational

@Fargo South High School Stadium Field

1 p.m.

Track: B/V Invitational

@Fargo South High School

Stadium Field

2 p.m.

Golf: B/JV Invitational

@Wildflower Golf Course

4:30 p.m.

Baseball: C

@Exchange Club Baseball Field - West Fargo

4:30 p.m.

Softball: V

@Apollo Fields

Diamond 2

5 p.m.

Baseball: C

@West Fargo Exchange Club Field

6:30 p.m.

Softball: JV

@Apollo Fields

Diamond 2

6:30-8 p.m.

Band - 9th and Symphonic/ Wind Ensemble

@Sheyenne High School Theater

7 p.m.

Baseball: C

@West Fargo Exchange Club Field

HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITY CALENDAR

7-9 p.m.

Band Concert

@Horace High School Theater

7-10 p.m.

6-12 WFHS Packer

Orchestra Concert

@Multiple Location

8-10 p.m.

Band - 9th and Symphonic/ Wind Ensemble

@Sheyenne High School Theater

MAY 9

TBD

Baseball: JV

@West Fargo

TBD

Baseball: V

@West Fargo

9 a.m.

Golf: B/V

@Grand Forks Country Club

9 a.m.

Golf: B/V

@Grand Forks Country Club

4 p.m.

Softball: JV

@Sheyenne High School Softball Field

4 p.m.

Tennis: G/JV

@Choice Health & Fitness, Grand Forks Outdoor Tennis Courts

4 p.m.

Tennis: G/V

@Register Courts Register Tennis Courts

4 p.m.

Tennis: G/JV

4 p.m.

Tennis: G/V

@West Fargo High School Tennis Courts

4:30 p.m.

Softball: V

@Davies Softball Field 2 Fargo Davies High School

4:30 p.m.

Softball: V

@Horace High School

5 p.m.

Baseball: C

@Tharaldson Fields

5 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@Jack Williams Stadium

5 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@Sheyenne High School

Baseball Field

5 p.m.

Soccer: G/JV

@Red River High School

Cushman Track & Field

5 p.m.

Soccer: G/JV

@West Fargo High School

5 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Valley City

Jr. Sr. High School

Charlie Brown Memorial Field

6:15 p.m.

Softball: V

@Sheyenne High School

Softball Field

6:30 p.m.

Softball: JV

@Davies Softball Field 2

Fargo Davies High School

6:30 p.m.

Softball: JV

@Horace High School

Softball Field

7 p.m.

Baseball: C

@Tharaldson Fields

7 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@Jack Williams Stadium

7 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Sheyenne High School

Baseball Field

7 p.m.

Soccer: G/V

@Red River High School

Cushman Track & Field

7 p.m.

Soccer: G/V

@West Fargo High School

7:30-10 p.m.

Cabaret Night

@West Fargo High School

Theater

MAY 10

8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Jazz Ensemble

@Multiple Location

7-9 p.m.

Teacher Basketball

@West Fargo High School Gym

MAY 11

4:30 p.m.

Softball: JV

@Sheyenne High School Softball Field

4:30 p.m.

Softball: V

@Horace High School

5 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@Fargo North High School

Baseball Field

6:15 p.m.

Softball: V

@Sheyenne High School Softball Field

6:30 p.m.

Softball: JV

@Horace High School Softball Field

7 p.m.

Packer Jazz Night Concert

7-12 @West Fargo High School Theater

7 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@Fargo North High School Baseball Field

7:30-9 p.m.

Jazz Bands - Sheyenne/ Liberty Jazz Bands Concert

@Sheyenne High School Theater

MAY 12

TBD

Baseball: C

@TBA

9 a.m.

Golf: B/JV

@Wildflower Golf Course

DL Northwest Classic

9 a.m.

Golf: B/V

@Detroit Lakes Country Club

11 a.m.

Tennis: G/V

@West Fargo High School

Tennis Courts

11:30 a.m.

Tennis: G/V

@Sheyenne High School Tennis Courts

2 p.m.

Track: G/V

@Fargo South High School

2 p.m.

Track: B/V

@Fargo South High School

3 p.m.

Track: G/V

@Fargo Davies High School

Davies Invite

3 p.m.

Tennis: G/V

@West Fargo High School

Tennis Courts

3:30 p.m.

Softball: V

@North Softball Complex

5 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@Sheyenne High School

Baseball Field

5 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Valley City Jr. Sr. High School

Charlie Brown Memorial Field

5 p.m.

Soccer: G/JV

@Sheyenne High School

Sheyenne Mustang Stadium

5 p.m.

Baseball: JV

5 p.m.

Baseball: V

5 p.m.

Soccer: G/JV

@Cushman Field

Cushman Track & Field

5 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@Kindred High School

5 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Horace High School

Baseball Field

5:30 p.m.

Softball: V

@North Softball Complex

7 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@Sheyenne High School

Baseball Field

7 p.m.

Soccer: G/V

@Sheyenne High School

Sheyenne Mustang Stadium

7 p.m.

Baseball: JV

7 p.m.

Baseball: V

7 p.m.

Soccer: G/V

@Cushman Field

Cushman Track & Field

7 p.m.

Baseball: JV @Kindred High School

7 p.m.

Baseball: V @Horace High School Baseball Field

7-10 p.m. Theater Banquet

@West Fargo High School Theater

MAY 13 TBD

Softball: V @Central Cass High School

8 a.m. Track: G/V

@Fargo South High School Stadium Field

EDC JV Meet

8 a.m. Track: B/V

@Fargo South High School Stadium Field

EDC JV Meet

9 a.m.

Golf: B/JV

@Forest Hills Golf Course

DL Northwest Classic

9 a.m.

Golf: B/V

@Detroit Lakes Country Club

9 a.m.

Tennis: G/V

@Sheyenne High School

Tennis Courts

Sheyenne Invite

10 a.m.

Softball: V

@North Softball Complex

Noon Softball: V

@North Softball Complex

4 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@Sheyenne High School

Baseball Field

4 p.m.

Softball: V

@Central Cass High School

4:30 p.m.

Softball: V

@North Softball Complex

MAY 14

2-4 p.m.

Choir - All District 9-12

Choir Concert

@Sheyenne High School Theater

MAY 15

9 a.m.

Golf: B/V

@Bois de Sioux Golf Course

9 a.m.

Golf: B/V

@Bois de Sioux Country Club

3 p.m. Track: G/V

@Cushman Field

Last Chance Meet

3 p.m. Track: B/V

@Cushman Field

Last Chance Meet

3 p.m. Track: G/V

@Valley City Jr. Sr. High School

3 p.m. Track: B/V

@Valley City Jr. Sr. High School

5 p.m.

Baseball: C

@West Fargo Exchange Club Field

7 p.m.

Baseball: C

@West Fargo Exchange Club Field

7:30-9 p.m.

Orchestra Concert

@Horace High School

MAY 16

2:45 p.m.

Sheyenne Guitar Concert

@Sheyenne High School

Auditorium

4 p.m.

Tennis: G/V

@Sheyenne High School

Tennis Courts

4 p.m.

Tennis: G/JV

@Carl Ben Eielson Middle School

Tennis Courts

4 p.m.

Tennis: G/V

@Fargo South High School Tennis Courts

4:30 p.m.

Softball: V

@Davies Softball Field 2

Fargo Davies High School

4:30 p.m.

Softball: V

@Mickelson Field Senior Night

5 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@Sheyenne High School

Baseball Field

5 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Horace High School Baseball Field

5 p.m.

Soccer: G/JV

@Sheyenne High School

Sheyenne Mustang Stadium

5 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@West Fargo Exchange Club Field

5 p.m.

Baseball: V

7 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@Sheyenne High School Baseball Field

7 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Horace High School Baseball Field

7 p.m.

Soccer: G/V

@Sheyenne High School

Sheyenne Mustang Stadium

7 p.m.

Baseball: JV

@West Fargo Exchange Club Field

7 p.m.

Baseball: V

7 -10 p.m.

Concerto/Awards Orchestra Concert

@West Fargo High School Theater

7:30-8:30 p.m.

Choir Concert

@Horace High School Theater

MAY 17

7-9 p.m.

Teacher Basketball

@West Fargo High School Gym

MAY 18

4 p.m.

Tennis: G/V

@Sheyenne High School Tennis Courts

4 p.m.

Tennis: G/JV

@West Fargo High School

4 p.m.

Tennis: G/V

@West Fargo High School Tennis Courts

4:30 p.m.

Softball: V

@Jamestown High School

4:30 p.m.

Softball: V

@DLHS

Sports Complex - Softball Field

Refera Friend and Receive $50

7 -10 p.m.

10-12

WFHS Wind Ensemble Awards Concert

@West Fargo High School Theater

6:30 p.m.

Softball: JV

@Davies Softball Field 2

Fargo Davies High School

5 p.m.

Baseball: V

Proudly NOW HIRING Construction Crew Members

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6:15 p.m.

Softball: V

@Sheyenne High School

Softball Field

6:15 p.m.

Softball: V

@Jamestown High School

6:30 p.m.

Softball: JV

@DLHS

Sports Complex - Softball Field

7 p.m.

Baseball: V

@Watertown SD

7-9 p.m.

Orchestra - Senior Honors Concert

@Sheyenne High School Theater

7:30-10 p.m.

9-12 WFHS Choir Awards Concert

@West Fargo High School Theater

MAY 19

TBD

Golf: B/JV

@Town & Country Country Club-Devils Lake, ND

9 a.m.

Golf: B/V

@Town & Country Country Club-Devils Lake, ND

10 a.m.

Baseball: JV

@Tharaldson Fields

10 a.m.

Tennis: G/V

@Sertoma Tennis Courts

11 a.m.

Baseball: JV

@Tharaldson Fields

JV Tournament

1 p.m.

Tennis: G/V

@Sertoma Tennis Courts

HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITY CALENDAR

3 p.m.

Track: B/V

@Fargo South High School Stadium Field

3 p.m.

Track: G/V

@Fargo South High School Stadium Field

4:30 p.m.

Softball: V

@Apollo Fields

Diamond 2

4:30 p.m.

Tennis: G/V

@Sertoma Tennis Courts

5 p.m.

Soccer: G/JV

@West Fargo High School

6:30 p.m.

Softball: JV

@Apollo Fields

Diamond 2

7 p.m.

Soccer: G/V

@West Fargo High School

7 p.m.

Soccer: G/V

@Fargo Davies High School

MAY 20

TBD

Baseball: JV

@Tharaldson Fields

JV Tournament

TBD

Golf: B/JV

@Headwaters Golf Course North/South Invite

9 a.m.

Golf: B/V

@Headwaters Golf Course

MAY 22

9 a.m.

Golf: B/V

@Fargo Country Club

7-9 p.m.

Choir - Sheyenne Spring Concert

@Sheyenne High School Theater

7:30-10 p.m.

Symphonic Band Awards

Concert

@West Fargo High School Theater

MAY 23

TBD

Baseball: V

@TBA

EDC Championships

TBD

Softball: V @TBA

EDC Championships

10:45 a.m.- Noon

WFHS Guitar Concert

@West Fargo High School Theater

5 p.m.

Baseball: V @TBA

5 p.m.

Soccer: G/JV

@Sheyenne High School

Sheyenne Mustang Stadium

5 p.m.

Soccer: G/JV

@West Fargo High School

6:15 p.m.

Softball: V @TBA

7 p.m.

Soccer: G/V

@Sheyenne High School

Sheyenne Mustang Stadium

7 p.m.

Soccer: G/V

@West Fargo High School

MAY 24

9 a.m.

Golf: B/JV

@Maple River Golf Club

West Fargo Invite

7-9 p.m.

Teacher Basketball

@West Fargo High School Gym

MAY 25

6 a.m.

Track: G/V

@Bismarck Community Bowl State

TBD

Track: B/V

@MDU Resources

Community Bowl

8 a.m.

Track: G/V

@MDU Resources

Community Bowl

9 a.m.

Golf: B/V

@Rose Creek Golf Course

10 a.m.

Tennis: G/V

@Courts Plus Community Fitness

2 p.m. Track: G/V

@Bismarck Community Bowl State T&F Meet

2 p.m. Track: B/V

@Bismarck Community Bowl State Meet

7-9 p.m.

Community HS Graduation

@West Fargo High School Theater

MAY 26

TBD

Baseball: V

@John Randall Field

EDC Championships

TBD

Track: G/V

@MDU Resources

Community Bowl

TBD

Track: B/V

@MDU Resources Community Bowl

6 a.m. Track: G/V

@Bismarck Community Bowl State

9 a.m.

Tennis: G/V

@Courts Plus Community Fitness

9 a.m. Track: G/V

@Bismarck Community Bowl State Meet

9 a.m. Track: B/V

@Bismarck Community Bowl State Meet

10 a.m.

Baseball: V

@Wahpeton Babe Ruth Field

4 p.m.

Soccer: G/JV

@Fargo South High School

JV Tournament

4 p.m.

Softball: V

@West Fargo High School

6:15 p.m.

Softball: V

@West Fargo High School

Softball Field- Varsity EDC Championships

MAY 27

TBD

Baseball: V @John Randall Field EDC Championships

TBD

Track: G/V

@MDU Resources Community Bowl

TBD Track: B/V

@MDU Resources Community Bowl

6 a.m.

Track: G/V State

@Bismarck Community Bowl

8 a.m.

Soccer: G/JV

@Fargo South High School Stadium Field

JV Tournament

9 a.m.

Softball: V

@West Fargo High School

9 a.m.

Tennis: G/V @Courts Plus Community Fitness Individual Tournament.

9 a.m.

Track: G/V

@Bismarck Community Bowl State T&F Meet

9 a.m.

Track: B/V

@Bismarck Community Bowl State Meet

10 a.m.

Baseball: V @Wahpeton Babe Ruth Field

6:15 p.m.

Softball: V

@West Fargo High School Softball Field- Varsity EDC Championships

MAY 28

10 a.m.

Golf: B/V @Edgewood Golf Course

MAY 31

9 a.m.

Golf: B/V @Edgewood Golf Course

5 p.m.

Soccer: G/V @Starion Sports Complex

7-9 p.m.

Teacher Basketball @West Fargo High School Gym

EVENT SPOTLIGHT

PROFESSIONAL BULL RIDING RETURNING TO WEST FARGO

West Fargo Events and Bailey Pro Rodeo are proud to announce PRCA Extreme Bulls Professional Bull Riding coming to the City of West Fargo’s Essentia Health Plaza at The Lights on June 3rd and 4th 2023. The 2-day professional Bull Riding event will feature some of the top international riders and stock competing for points in the Badlands PBR Tour in West Fargo. “After last year’s success and incredible community response we are excited to bring the action-packed sport of Professional Bull Riding back to West Fargo again in June 2023” - Mike Amundson, Executive Director of West Fargo Events.

The 2-day event will be a family friendly affair with FREE Mutton Busting (sheep riding) for up to 35 kids (must be

By West Fargo Events Staff

under 65lbs) and a live auction to bet on riders called a Calcutta before all the big action starts with professional riders and stock from around the country. Tickets will be available starting at 10am on Monday April 10th with General Admission, Reserved tables of 8 and VIP tables of 8 available. Online ticket buyers through Ticketmaster will even receive a FREE pass for the Red River Valley Fair in 2023!

“The partnerships are what help make these dynamic special events possible and we couldn’t do any of this without the support of the business community.” This event is being made possible due to partnership with Essentia Health, Midco, EPIC Companies, Red River Valley Fair, Dirt Dynamics, Cass County Electric

Cooperative, Swanston Equipment, Wimmer’s Diamonds, NG Gaming, TrueNorth Steel and the City of West Fargo just to name a few.

Doors will open 90 minutes before the show at 5:30pm on Saturday June 3 and 1:30pm on Sunday June 4. Full event details including tickets on sale now can be found online at www.westfargoevents.com.

About West Fargo Events

West Fargo Events is a 501c3 organization providing community events to enhance the public experience in West Fargo and the surrounding area. For more information visit www.westfargoevents.com

West Fargo Events

“The partnerships are what help make these dynamic special events possible and we couldn’t do any of this without the support of the business community.”

West Fargo Events

West Fargo middle schooler heading to national music competition with new sax donated by supporters

WEST FARGO — Three years ago, Enoch Orukotan had never played a saxophone. This weekend, he’s in Reno, Nevada, playing against kids from all over the country in the biggest student competition in America, the Music Teachers National Association Competition.

The 8th grader at Liberty Middle School in West Fargo earned a spot as one of six finalists in the junior age bracket for woodwinds. He represents the West Central Division, an area that extends from North Dakota and Minnesota south through Kansas and Missouri. He first won the state category earlier this year and in February discovered he won the regionals.

“I was surprised. I knew it was people all over the nation and I didn’t think I’d be good enough to win,” he says, sitting in his school’s band room.

Orukotan flew to Reno with his father, Moses, on Thursday. The competition is on Saturday and on Sunday the winners play for everyone.

His dad plays a little piano and his mom sings, but the band is in his and his

By John Lamb | West Fargo Focus

brothers’ blood. His older brother plays trumpet and his younger brother is set to play trombone next year

Orukotan only picked up the saxophone when he started the 6th grade. Now he plays in the school’s jazz band and concert band.

“I really loved how it sounded,” he explains. “The sounds you make with this are better than all of the other instruments. It’s not too low, not too high.”

He’s drawn to jazz saxophonists like Charlie Parker, Cannonball Adderly, Sonny Rollins and Phil Woods, but at this weekend’s competition, he’ll play a concerto by Jascha Gurewich, “Aria” by Eugene Bozza and a sonata by Johann Sebastian Bach.

Shortly after he started playing, Orukotan signed up for lessons from Russ Peterson, who teaches at Concordia College and plays in the Fargo- Moorhead Symphony Orchestra and Post-Traumatic Funk Syndrome.

“I have been working with Enoch for two years and have seen amazing potential in

his playing,” Peterson says. “Competitions are a great motivator to work up a difficult program and keep you excited. Enoch is playing three difficult pieces that I normally assign to college students. He has really risen to the challenge.”

It’s a challenge the young student is up to.

“He gives me motivation to one day be as good as him. Maybe better,” Orukotan says.

The teacher keeps pushing him, having recently assigned his pupil “Scaramouche” by Darius Milhaud and “The Carnival of Venice,” by FrederickHemke.

“Again, these are pieces I would only give to college students,” Peterson says.

Orukotan wants to keep playing after high school. Having heard Peterson’s tales of playing around Europe and using music as a universal language, the student wants to follow in his teacher’s steps and play in Germany.

“I have a lot of work to do to be a real jazz player,” he says, explaining he needs to learn more about improvisation.

This weekend, however, he’s just focusing on the music in front of him. To combat nerves, he plans on just keeping his eye on the music and letting his hands do the talking.

Even if Orukotan doesn’t take home top honors, he’s already won something.

To make sure he’d be able to make it to the competition, Peterson started a fundraiser. The amount made not only paid for transportation, but also covered a new saxophone for the emerging artist.

“I was really excited. I felt like I really outgrew the other one,” he says.

“I was not totally surprised when I heard Enoch won the regional division of MTNA,” Peterson says. “He is very talented and playing extremely well,. The truth is, I don’t even care if he goes to Reno. The growth I have seen in him working up this program is worth it. Competitions are more about pushing you to do your best than what some judges say after you play. That being said, go get them Enoch!”

“He gives me motivation to one day be as good as him. Maybe better.”

Enoch Orukotan

CITY INFORMATION

City of West Fargo launches storm drain reporting form

By City of West Fargo Staff

The City of West Fargo has launched a form for residents to report problems with storm drains. Residents who notice a storm drain that is not operating correctly can use the map on the reporting form to identify the location of the problem and notify the proper City department of the damage. The map also identifies which storm drains are privately maintained by property owners and those that are already being worked on.

Storm drains are an important stormwater and flood management tool that collect rainwater, melting snow and other run-off. Their grated openings collect trash, leaves and prevent other waste from entering the storm sewer system. Storm

drains may clog or flood over time, or become damaged from the rising and sinking of concrete caused by temperature swings and water flow. The new form will help residents and the City work together to maintain the storm sewer system.

CITY INFORMATION

Standard spring melt operations in West Fargo

In the City of West Fargo, the Sheyenne River Diversion Flood Control Project provides excellent protection from overland flooding. The diversion has successfully protected West Fargo through historic floods, such as the events that took place in 1997 and 2009.

The City is coordinating with Southeast Cass Water Resource District to manage the Sheyenne River Diversion and maintaining normal spring operations this year. To prepare for the melt, crews check the City’s infrastructure to ensure water is properly channeling throughout the system. This include clearing storm drains, ensuring diversion gates are operational, servicing and testing equipment like pumps and generators, and securing additional equipment and supplies in case sandbags and emergency structures are needed.

During the melt, the City of West Fargo and Southeast Cass Water Resource District continuously monitor and evaluate the condition of the flood control system, including the diversion, riverbanks and levees, and prepare multiple contingencies to

By City of West Fargo Staff

respond to any risks. The diversion still allows water to flow through the river south of I-94, but completely channels water around the city north of I-94. Officials predict the river south of I-94 will flow full this spring, meaning the water will reach a few feet shy of riverbanks. Therefore, the condition of the riverbanks south of I-94 is critical to contain the flow of the river and require extensive monitoring during the spring melt.

For residents with homes that border the Sheyenne River, it is imperative to notify the City of any changes made to the riverbank. Berms and dikes were constructed on many of these properties to protect against flooding and any changes to these structures and the riverbank could lead to flooding. Additionally, homeowners who have blocked culverts or drains on their property need to remove these devices or contact the City of West Fargo to report them.

To report any changes to riverbanks, berms or dikes, please email springmelt@westfargond.gov.

In emergency cases of riverbank failure or extreme sloughing, residents should call Red River Regional Dispatch Center’s non-emergency line at 701-451-7660.

Residents should also keep storm drains clear on the street and in yards. This ensures water is flowing into the system at an even pace, as a large influx of water can cause backups. Property owners are also encouraged to divert all sump pumps to discharge outside. This assists in managing the flow of water into the system and ensures it does not get overwhelmed, which can lead to water and sewage backups in basements. Residents can also push snow away from foundations to ensure foundations and basements do not become over saturated, which could result in damage.

For more information and updates regarding spring melt and flooding in West Fargo, visit www. westfargond.gov/springflood.

To report any changes to riverbanks, berms or dikes, please email springmelt@westfargond.gov. In emergency cases of riverbank failure or extreme sloughing, residents should call Red River Regional Dispatch Center’s non-emergency line at 701-451-7660.

City of West Fargo Staff