Keith Harriger kharriger@forumcomm.com 701-241-5435
David Jones djones@forumcomm.com 701-388-1930
DESIGNER
Jen Phillips
K-9 Vito and handler Officer Bobbi Jo Nobles do a K-9 demonstration during Nite to Unite on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, in South Elmwood Park in West Fargo.
Alyssa Goelzer/The Focus
The West Fargo Police Department’s Chesney Braun, Garrett Dixon and Tyler Crouse hold up their large donuts before taking on the West Fargo Fire Department in a donut eating contest during Nite to Unite on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, in South Elmwood Park in West Fargo. Alyssa Goezler/The Focus
NEWS AND FEATURES
WF sets preliminary budget with less spending but more of a property tax ask
By Wendy Reuer
WEST FARGO — Although city staff made additional spending cuts to the city’s draft preliminary budget, the West Fargo City Commission approved a 2025 preliminary budget that will ask for more property taxes.
Cities, school districts and park districts must submit their preliminary budgets to Cass County
by Aug. 10. Once the city approves its preliminary budget and 2025 mill levels, which are levels of property taxes the city can collect, it can reduce the mill levy amount but it cannot increase it before submitting a final budget to the county by Oct. 10.
A single mill equates to the value of property taxes. The value of one mill
will increase in 2025 by about 6% from $256,026 to $271,696. The city expects to collect about $14.2 million in 2025 property taxes.
“I don’t think I’d ever vote for a 2-mill increase but I made the motion,” Mayor Bernie Dardis said at the commission’s Monday, Aug. 5 meeting. “We need to move
forward and give our staff some guidance here.”
Before Dardis made the motion to approve the preliminary budget with a 2-mill increase, Commissioner Brad Olson made a motion to increase the mill levy by 6 mills, which failed due to the lack of a second.
The city of West Fargo logo is seen on buildings and water towers throughout the city.
David Samson/The Focus
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
Tuesday, September 3, 5:30 p.m.
Monday, September 16, 5:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo City
Commission Chambers
Library Board
Second Thursday of every month, 5:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo City Commission Chambers
Liquor Control Board
Second Tuesday of every month, 1 p.m.
@ West Fargo City Commission Chambers
Park Board
Second Wednesday of every month, 5:30 p.m.
@ Rustad Recreation Center
Planning and Zoning Commission
Second Tuesday of every month and the fourth
Tuesday if needed, 5:30 p.m.
@ West Fargo City
Commission Chambers
Ready to Read Story Time
(ages 3-5 + their adults)
Every Wednesday, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
School Board
Second and fourth Monday of every month, 6 p.m.
@ Leidal Education Center
Teeter Tots Storytime
Every Thursday, 10:15-11 a.m.
@ West Fargo Public Library
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
Third Thursday 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
September
Goverment Building
Closed - Labor Day
September 2, All day
@ All West Fargo Goverment Buildings
Senior Chicken Foot
September 3, 12:15 PM
@ Hi-Rise Dining Room
Saturday
Senior Breakfast
September 7, 9 -10:00 AM
@ West Fargo Hi-Rise
Coffee with a Cop
September 18, 10 -11:00 AM
@ Rustad Recreation Center
Cruise Night
September 19, 4:30 PM
@ Sheyenne Street
West Fest Parade
Sepetember 21, 12-2:00 PM
@ Sheyenne StreetThe Downtown Yrads on Sheyenne Street
Humanities ND “No Cure for Being Human” Book Discussion
September 23, 6:307:30 PM
@ West Fargo Public Library
Senior Money Bingo
September 24, 12:15 PM
@ West Fargo Hi-Rise
Saturday STEM
September 7, 10:3011:30 AM
@ West Fargo Public Library
Senior Brithday’s and Prize Bingo
September 10, 12:00 PM @ Hi-Rise Dining Room
Senior Soup and More
Semtember 12, 5:00 PM
@ Blessed Sacrament Church
WFACP Monthly Meeting
September 17, 12:15 PM
@ West Fargo Hi-Rise
Chair Yoga
September 17, 10:3012:00 PM
@ West Fargo Library
Home Fire and Life Safety Class
September 17, 6 - 8:00 PM
@ West Fargo Fire Department Headquaters
Local Author TalkJoan Bachman
September 25, 7 - 8:00 PM
@ West Fargo Public Library
Senior Soup and More
September 26, 5:00 PM
@ Blessed Sacrament Church
Movies After DarkLegally Blonde
September 28, 8:00 PM
@ Essentia Health Plaza
LEGO Sunday at the Library
September 29, 2 - 4:00 PM
@ West Fargo Public Library
*West Fargo Area Community Program
West Fargo
continued from page 3
“Understanding this is a preliminary budget, and if we were say 5 or 6 mills, then it’s a placeholder but that is not how the public will receive it,” Dardis said. “They’ll think we are going to tax them some more and ask them for more of their hard-earned dollars.”
At a special meeting of the city commission on July 29 to review the preliminary budget, City Administrator Dustin Scott presented a budget that would not change the total mill levy from the 2024 amount of 71.35 mills but there would be an increase of the West Fargo Library’s mill levy by 0.8 mills, which would help pay for operations.
“The mill valuation is up 6% yet we’re outpacing that with our spending,” Commissioner Roben Anderson said. “I feel better about this (budget) than I did a week ago but a 4% (cost-ofliving adjustment), I’m still on the fence about. I am not for increasing mills, except for the library because the library really needs it. I think we should increase spending on the library.”
The July 29 budget also called for hiring a total of 14 new fulltime positions in the city, as well as five new positions that include four additional officers for the police department and three new firefighters. Those 22 new positions would cost the city $2.3 million a year.
On Monday, Scott had cut about $733,000 in additional spending from the preliminary budget including the omission of adding a position in administration and one position in human resources. He said the fire, forestry and streets departments could delay the hiring of some of its requested new staff, which would save money. For example, the fire department would hold off hiring new firefighters until March.
The preliminary budget also calls for a 4% COLA increase for city staff. The COLA increase raises spending on salaries to a total of $34.1 million.
“If we have adequate reserves, then it’s like asking the taxpayer to put more money in our savings account.”
Mayor Bernie Dardis
For each percent of a COLA increase, it costs the city about $310,000.
The draft preliminary budget calls for deficit spending. The city has not yet clearly indicated how it would make up for the deficit in 2025, but one option could be to use funds in city reserves. However, the amounts of the reserves have not yet been calculated. Dardis said he has requested Scott provide the numbers only after the city receives the results of its 2023 audit.
“If we have adequate reserves, then it’s like asking the taxpayer to put more money in our savings account,” Dardis said.
Monday’s preliminary budget also showed an increase of $1.6 million in projected 2025 revenues, a majority of which is transfers from city funds. Fire Chief Dan Fuller also made cuts to his budget by finding savings in state insurance distribution, fees and CPR classes.
The preliminary budget accounts for increases to city fees and permits, including utility fee increases. For example, the average resident with one garbage can, who uses about 4,000 gallons of water per month and has a house valued at the median of $329,000 would see their overall utility bill that includes water, sewer, sanitation, forestry and vector fees increase from $85.33 to $103.74.
In a review of past city department budgets, Commissioner Rory Jorgensen found 12 departments that consistently went over their annual budget.
“I don’t understand why they constantly go over budget,” Jorgensen said.
Commissioner Amy Zundel said residents are strongly expressing that repeated tax increases are not affordable and while she supported cutting spending, she cautioned staff to make realistic cuts to the proposed budget that will not cause a department to have to return to the commission for a line item increase later in the year.
The commission approved the 2025 preliminary budget with a 4 to 1 vote, as Anderson dissented.
“We’re going to see a lot of movement in this budget before it is
final. We have to because we can’t operate at a deficit,” Dardis said.
The West Fargo City Commission will hold a public hearing for protests and objections to the budget at its regular meeting at 5:30 p.m., Monday, Sept. 16. The commission will then hold a special meeting at 5:30 p.m., Monday, Sept. 23, to review the final budget before it is submitted
Readers can reach Focus editor Wendy Reuer at wreuer@forumcomm.com or 701-241-5530.
The West Fargo Public Library recently unveiled a new library van. Pictured at the event are Cass Klos, Outreach Services Coordinator; Lauren Nephew, Youth Services Manager; Jenna Kahly, West Fargo Library Director; and Troy Ott, President of First International Bank and Trust in West Fargo.
CITY INFORMATION
West Fargo Public Library continues Little Red Reading Bus program with new vehicle
By West Fargo Public Library
The West Fargo Public Library celebrated a new chapter for the beloved Little Red Reading Bus program on August 13, unveiling a new vehicle sponsored by First International Bank & Trust.
The Little Red Reading Bus, which had been serving the community
since 2018, was retired due to high mileage and mechanical issues. In its place, the library introduced a cargo van branded the “West Fargo Public Library on Wheels.”
“We are excited to keep the mission of the Little Red Reading Bus alive while also expanding the service
to serve seniors, daycares, and the greater West Fargo community in new ways,” Library Director Jenna Kahly said.
According to Kahly, the new vehicle is equipped with enhanced safety features for visitors, staff, and fellow motorists. Additionally, this upgrade
will enable the library to offer year-round services, expanding the program’s reach and impact.
Visit westfargolibrary.org to find out where to find the Library on Wheels this fall.
Horace High School Activity Calendar*
September 3
9 a.m.
Golf: G/JV
@Lincoln Golf Course
9 a.m.
Golf: G/V @Kings Walk Golf Course
5:30 p.m.
Football: JV @Jamestown High School
6 p.m.
Football: 9th @Wahpeton High School
6:15 p.m.
Volleyball: 9A
@Horace High School
7:30 p.m.
Volleyball: 9B @Horace High School
September 5
4:15 p.m.
Cross Country: V @Detroit Country Club
4:30 p.m.
Volleyball: C @West Fargo High School
5 p.m.
Volleyball: 9A @Horace High School
5:45 p.m.
Volleyball: JV @West Fargo High School
6 p.m.
Swimming: G/V @Hulbert
Aquatics Center
6:15 p.m.
Volleyball: 9B @Horace High School
7 p.m.
Volleyball: V @West Fargo High School
September 6
7 p.m.
Football: V @University of Jamestown
September 7
10 a.m.
Swimming: G/V @Jamestown High School
September 9
5 p.m.
Football: 9th @West Fargo High School
6:15 p.m.
Volleyball: 9A @Horace High School
7 p.m.
Football: JV @West Fargo
September 10
9 a.m.
Golf: G/JV @Prairiewood Golf Course
9 a.m.
Golf: G/V @Rose Creek Golf Course
4:30 p.m.
Volleyball: C @Devils Lake High School
5:45 p.m.
Volleyball: JV @Devils Lake
7 p.m.
Volleyball: V @Devils Lake High School
September 11 9 a.m.
Golf: G/JV @Bois de Sioux Golf Course
September 12
4:30 p.m.
Volleyball: C @Horace High School
5:45 p.m.
Volleyball: JV @Horace High School
7 p.m.
Volleyball: V
Horace High School Activity Calendar*
@Horace High School
7:45 p.m.
Volleyball: 9B
@Shanley High School
September 13
6 p.m.
Football: V @Horace High School
September 14
TBD
Volleyball: 9B
TBD Volleyball: 9A
10 a.m.
Swimming: G/V
@Hulbert Aquatics Center
September 16
9 a.m.
Golf: G/JV
@Village Green Golf Course
9 a.m.
Golf: G/V
@Fargo Country Club
4 p.m.
Cross Country: V @Bluestem
5 p.m.
Football: 9th @Detroit Lakes High School
7 p.m.
Football: JV @Central Cass High School
September 17
4:30 p.m.
Volleyball: C @Wahpeton High School
5 p.m.
Volleyball: 9B @Horace High School
5:45 p.m.
Volleyball: JV @Wahpeton High School
6:15 p.m.
Volleyball: 9A @Horace High School
7 p.m.
Volleyball: V @Wahpeton High School
September 18
9 a.m.
Golf: G/JV
@Cottonwood Golf Club
9 a.m.
Golf: G/V
@Maple River Golf Club
September 19
4:30 p.m.
Volleyball: C @Horace High School
4:30 p.m.
Volleyball: 9A
@Horace - Heritage Middle School
5:45 p.m.
Volleyball: 9B
@Horace - Heritage Middle School
5:45 p.m.
Volleyball: JV
@Horace High School
6 p.m.
Swimming: G/V
@Hulbert Aquatics Center
7 p.m.
Volleyball: V @Horace High School
September 20
7 p.m.
Football: V
@Bismarck St. Mary Central High School
September 21
TBD
Volleyball: C @Moorhead High School
September 23
9 a.m.
Golf: G/V
@Bois de Sioux Golf Course
5 p.m.
Football: 9th
@Horace High School
7 p.m.
Football: JV @Horace High School
September 24
4:30 p.m.
Volleyball: C @Fargo Davies High School
5 p.m.
Volleyball: 9B @Fargo Davies High School
5:45 p.m.
Volleyball: JV @Fargo Davies High School
6:15 p.m.
Volleyball: 9A @Fargo Davies High School
7 p.m.
Volleyball: V @Fargo Davies High School
September 26
4:30 p.m.
Volleyball: C @Fargo South High School
5:45 p.m.
Volleyball: 9A @Fargo South High School
5:45 p.m.
Volleyball: JV @Fargo South High School
7 p.m.
Volleyball: V @Fargo South High School
September 27
6 p.m.
Football: V @Cushman Field
6 p.m.
Swimming: G/V @Hulbert Aquatics Center
September 28
8 a.m.
Volleyball: JV @Sheyenne High School
10:30 a.m.
Cross Country: V @Lincoln Drive Park
September 30
5 p.m.
Football: 9th @Sheyenne High School
6:30 p.m.
Volleyball: 9A @Horace High School
7 p.m.
Football: JV @Sheyenne High School
7:45 p.m.
Volleyball: 9B @Horace High School
September 3
9 a.m.
Golf: G/JV
Sheyenne High School Activity Calendar*
@Lincoln Golf Course
9 a.m.
Golf: G/V @Kings Walk Golf Course
5 p.m.
Soccer: B/JV
@Sheyenne High School
Sheyenne Mustang Stadium
7 p.m.
Soccer: B/V @Sheyenne High School
September 5
3:30 p.m.
Tennis: B/JV @Sheyenne High School
3:30 p.m.
Tennis: B/V
@Sheyenne High School
4 p.m.
Cross Country: 7/8
@Detroit Lakes Country Club
5 p.m.
Football: 9th
@Sheyenne High School
5 p.m.
Soccer: B/JV @Cushman Field
7 p.m.
Football: JV @Sheyenne High School
7 p.m.
Soccer: B/V @Cushman Field
September 6
Noon
Tennis: B/V
@Bismarck Legacy High School
4:30 p.m.
Tennis: B/V @Mandan High School
5:30 p.m.
Swimming: G/V @Hulbert Aquatics Center
7 p.m.
Football: V @Sheyenne High School
8 p.m.
Cross Country: V @Yankton Trail Park
September 7 9 a.m.
Swimming: G/V @Fargo South High School
9 a.m.
Tennis: B/V @Sertoma Park
9:30 a.m.
Soccer: B/C @Fargo North High School
11 a.m.
Soccer: B/JV @Fargo North High School
1 p.m.
Soccer: B/V @Fargo North High School
3:30 p.m.
Tennis: B/V @Jamestown High School
September 9
5 p.m.
Football: 9th
@Fargo South High School
6:15 p.m.
Volleyball: 9A @Horace High School
7 p.m.
Football: JV @Fargo South High School
7:30 p.m.
Volleyball: 9B @Horace High School
September 10
9 a.m.
Golf: G/JV @Prairiewood Golf Course
9 a.m.
Golf: G/V
@Rose Creek Golf Course
3:30 p.m.
Tennis: B/JV
Sheyenne High School Activity Calendar*
@Sheyenne High School
3:30 p.m.
Tennis: B/V
@Sheyenne High School
4:30 p.m.
Volleyball: C
@Red River High School
5 p.m.
Soccer: B/JV
@Sheyenne High School
5:30 p.m.
Swimming: G/V
@Fargo Davies High School
5:45 p.m.
Volleyball: JV
@Red River High School
6:15 p.m.
Volleyball: 9A
@Red River High School
7 p.m.
Soccer: B/V
@Sheyenne High School
7 p.m.
Volleyball: V
@Red River High School
September 11
9 a.m.
Golf: G/JV
@Bois de Sioux Golf Course
September 12
3:30 p.m.
Tennis: B/JV
@Sheyenne High School
3:30 p.m.
Tennis: B/V
@Sheyenne High School
4:30 p.m.
Volleyball: C
@Sheyenne High School
5 p.m.
Soccer: B/JV
@Cushman Field
5 p.m.
Volleyball: 9B
@Sheyenne High School
5:45 p.m.
Volleyball: JV
@Sheyenne High School
6 p.m.
Volleyball: 9A
@Sheyenne High School
7 p.m.
Soccer: B/V
@Cushman Field
7 p.m.
Volleyball: V
@Sheyenne High School
September 13
9:30 a.m.
Tennis: B/V
@Sheyenne High School
Noon
Tennis: B/V
@Sheyenne High School
3:30 p.m.
Tennis: B/V
@Sheyenne High School
4 p.m.
Cross Country: 7/8
@Minnesota State University Moorhead
4 p.m.
Cross Country: JV
@Minnesota State University Moorhead
4 p.m.
Cross Country: V
@Minnesota State University Moorhead
5:30 p.m.
Swimming: G/V
@Fargo South High School
7 p.m.
Football: V
@Bismarck Community Bowl
September 14
TBD
Tennis: B/V
@Sheyenne High School
8 a.m.
Volleyball: 9B
@Moorhead High School
September 16
9 a.m.
Golf: G/JV
@Village Green Golf Course
9 a.m.
Golf: G/V
@Fargo Country Club
5 p.m.
Football: JV
@Sheyenne High School
September 17
4 p.m.
Tennis: B/JV
@Fargo North High School
4 p.m.
Tennis: B/V
@Fargo North High School
4:30 p.m.
Volleyball: C
@West Fargo High School
5 p.m.
Soccer: B/JV
@Sheyenne High School
5 p.m.
Volleyball: 9B
@West Fargo High School
5:45 p.m.
Volleyball: JV
@West Fargo High School
6:15 p.m.
Volleyball: 9A @West Fargo High School
7 p.m.
Soccer: B/V @Sheyenne High School
7 p.m.
Volleyball: V @West Fargo High School
September 18
9 a.m.
Golf: G/JV
@Cottonwood Golf Club
9 a.m.
Golf: G/V
@Maple River Golf Club
September 19
TBD
Tennis: B/JV
4 p.m.
Soccer: B/C
@Fargo South High School
4 p.m.
Tennis: B/V
4:30 p.m.
Volleyball: C @Sheyenne High School
5 p.m.
Football: 9th @Bismarck Community Bowl
5:15 p.m.
Soccer: B/JV
@Fargo South High School
5:45 p.m.
Volleyball: JV @Sheyenne High School
7 p.m.
Soccer: B/V
@Fargo South High School
7 p.m.
Volleyball: V @Sheyenne High School
September 20
4 p.m.
Cross Country: V @Les Bolstad Golf Course
4:30 p.m.
Volleyball: C @Fargo Davies High School
5 p.m.
Volleyball: 9B
@Fargo Davies High School
5:45 p.m.
Volleyball: JV
@Fargo Davies High School
6:15 p.m.
Volleyball: 9A
@Fargo Davies High School
7 p.m.
Football: V
@Bismarck Community Bowl
7 p.m.
Volleyball: V @Fargo Davies High School
September 21
8 a.m.
Volleyball: 9A @Moorhead High School
10:30 a.m.
Swimming: G/V @Hulbert Aquatics Center
1 p.m.
Cross Country: 7/8 @Bjornson Park Golf Course
1 p.m.
Cross Country: JV @Bjornson Park Municipal Golf Course
Cross Country: V @Minnesota State University Moorhead
5:30 p.m.
Swimming: G/V
@Fargo Davies High School
7 p.m.
Football: V @West Fargo High School
September 14
TBD
Tennis: B/V @Sheyenne High School
TBD
Volleyball: JV @Dilworth Glyndon Felton High School
8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Packatahna
@Clayton Lodoen Community High
1 p.m.
Cross Country: V @McDowell Dam Recreation Area
September 15
8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Packatahna
@Clayton Lodoen Community High
September 16
9 a.m.
Golf: G/JV @Village Green Golf Course
9 a.m.
Golf: G/V @Fargo Country Club
4 p.m.
Cross Country: V @BlueStem Park
5 p.m.
Football: 9th @West Fargo High School
5 p.m.
Volleyball: 9B @Fargo North High School
AUCTION
Good Things are Happening in Scouts Scout Me In
6:15 p.m.
Volleyball: 9A
@Fargo North High School
7 p.m.
Football: JV
@West Fargo High School
September 17
TBD
Tennis: B/JV
@West Fargo High School
4 p.m.
Tennis: B/V
@West Fargo High School
4:30 p.m.
Volleyball: C
@West Fargo High School
5 p.m.
Soccer: B/JV
@Fargo North High School
5 p.m.
Volleyball: 9B
@West Fargo High School
5:45 p.m.
Volleyball: JV
@West Fargo High School
6:15 p.m.
Volleyball: 9A
@West Fargo High School
7 p.m.
Soccer: B/V
@Fargo North High School
7 p.m.
Volleyball: V
@West Fargo High School
West Fargo High School Activity Calendar*
September 18
9 a.m.
Golf: G/JV
@Cottonwood Golf Club
9 a.m.
Golf: G/V
@Maple River Golf Club
September 19
3:30 p.m.
Tennis: B/JV @University Courts
3:30 p.m.
Tennis: B/V @Riverside Courts
3:45 - 5 p.m.
Cross Country Practice @West Fargo High School
4:30 p.m.
Volleyball: C @Fargo North High School
5 p.m.
Soccer: B/JV @West Fargo High School
5:45 p.m.
Volleyball: JV @Fargo North High School
7 p.m.
Soccer: B/V @West Fargo High School
7 p.m.
Volleyball: V @Fargo North High School
September 20
9 a.m.
Cross Country: V @TBA
10:30 a.m.
Cross Country: V @Les Bolstad Golf Course
6 p.m.
Football: V @West Fargo High School
7 - 11:30 p.m.
Homecoming - Dance @West Fargo High School
September 21
6:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Tournament Corner @West Fargo High School
10:30 a.m.
Swimming: G/V @Hulbert Aquatics Center
1 - 7 p.m.
Packatahna
@Clayton Lodoen Community High
September 22
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Packatahna @Clayton Lodoen Community High
September 23
9 a.m.
Golf: G/V
@Bois de Sioux Golf Course
4:30 p.m.
Football: 9th @Red River High School
6 - 7 p.m.
VolleyBuds @West Fargo High School
7 p.m.
Football: JV @Cushman Field
September 24
4 p.m.
Tennis: B/JV
@West Fargo High School
4 p.m.
Tennis: B/V @West Fargo High School
4:30 p.m.
Volleyball: C @West Fargo High School
5 p.m.
Soccer: B/JV @West Fargo High School
5 p.m.
Volleyball: 9B @West Fargo High School
5:45 p.m.
Volleyball: JV @West Fargo High School
6:15 p.m.
Volleyball: 9A @West Fargo High School
7 p.m.
Soccer: B/V @West Fargo High School
7 p.m.
Volleyball: V @West Fargo High School
September 26
3:30 p.m.
Tennis: B/JV @Sheyenne High School
3:30 p.m.
Tennis: B/V @Sheyenne High School
4:30 p.m.
Volleyball: C @West Fargo High School
5 p.m.
Soccer: B/JV @Cushman Field
5 p.m.
Volleyball: 9B @West Fargo High School
5:45 p.m.
Volleyball: JV @West Fargo High School
6:15 p.m.
Volleyball: 9A @West Fargo High School
7 p.m.
Soccer: B/V @Cushman Field
7 p.m.
Volleyball: V
@West Fargo High School
September 27
5 p.m.
Swimming: G/V @UND Hyslop Pool
7 p.m.
Football: V @West Fargo High School
September 28
8 a.m.
Volleyball: JV @Sheyenne High School
10:30 a.m.
Cross Country: V @lincoln park
September 30
TBD
Tennis: B/V @High Seed
6 p.m.
Football: 9th @West Fargo High School
6 - 7 p.m.
VolleyBuds @West Fargo High School
7 p.m.
Football: JV @Moorhead High School
CITY INFORMATION
Learn more about the West Fargo Police Department’s COPS Unit
By City of West Fargo
In 2021, the West Fargo Police Department strengthened its relationship with the community by formalizing the Community Outreach Programs and Services (COPS) Unit.
The goal of the COPS Unit is to enhance and build trust between the West Fargo Police Department and every resident in the community. As the department grows, the COPS Unit aims to find additional ways to interact with increase number, and diversity, of residents.
The COPS Unit consists of a Sergeant, nine School Resource Officers, and a Community Engagement Officer. These officers will work together to be a presence and resource in the community.
The COPS Unit continues the department’s continued efforts to recognize West Fargo’s changing demographics and strengthen relationships with all members of the community. These efforts include planned community events, sponsored coloring contests, adding comfort dogs, hiring a Community
Engagement Officer, and the completion of cultural awareness and diversity training for staff.
For more information on the West Fargo Police Department’s COPS Unit, including upcoming events such as the back-to-school coloring contest, visit: westfargopolice.com.
CITY INFORMATION
West Fargo Police Department’s Coffee with a Cop returns
By City of West Fargo
The West Fargo Police Department’s Coffee with a Cop will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18, 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.
West Fargo Police Department’s Back-toSchool Coloring Contest
2024 West Fest Event Schedule
By
City of West Fargo
Get ready to join the fun at West Fest, West Fargo’s week-long community celebration!
Festivities are happening across West Fargo Sept 17-24.
West Fest 2024 Schedule
Tuesday, Sept. 17
Woofstock 2024
This event is a family-friendly gathering designed for dog lovers of all ages. It features a variety of activities and attractions, including dog-friendly crafts, vendors offering pet-related products, and pup cups for furry friends. There are also water activities for dogs to enjoy, a 1-mile pup walk for a fun and active outing, and a special “Dog Dash” as part of the Run West Fargo 5K series.
• Essentia Health Plaza at The Lights
• 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Run West Fargo 5k Series:
Dog Dash
Grab your four legged friends and check out this paws-itively awesome Run West Fargo 5K
• Essentia Health Plaza at The Lights
• 6:30 p.m. Start Time
Wednesday, Sept. 18 No events
Thursday, Sept. 19
West Fargo Cruise Night
This event showcases hundreds of unique cars and motorcycles along Sheyenne Street, stretching from Main Avenue W. to 7th Avenue W. Cruise Night also offers various food vendors and live music in the POW/MIA Plaza.
• Sheyenne Street, Main Avenue to seventh Avenue
• 4:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 20 No events
Saturday, Sept. 21
Run West Fargo 5K Series: West Fest Run
Start your morning with the West Fest 5K. Register to participate here www.westfargoevents.com/ event/west-fest-5k/
• POW/MIA Plaza
• 7:30 a.m. Start Time
West Fest Softball Tournament
This coed event will be held at the South Elmwood Diamonds in West Fargo, starting at 9 AM. With a $150 entry fee per team, the tournament offers two divisions: Division 1 with a three home run limit, and Division 2 with a two home run limit. Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams in each division. All teams are guaranteed at least three games. Register at www.westfargoevents.com/ event/west-fest-softballtournament-2/
• South Elmwood Fields
• 9 a.m. Start Time
Craft and Vendor Show
Come check out the cool finds at the West Fest Craft and Vendor Show. All vendors will be located in the Berg Auto Parking Lot, south of Sheyenne Plaza.
• 502 Sheyenne Street
• 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
West Fest Parade
Our parade showcases businesses and nonprofits from West Fargo and the region. It is a great opportunity to connect with the public and get the name of your organization out in the community. Floats are also entered into a competition for prizes from $500 to $1,000.
You can find the parade registration form at www.westfargoevents.com.
• Sheyenne Street, Main Avenue to seventh Avenue
• 12 p.m. Start Time
Family Fun
For more details visit westfargoevents.com
• Herb Tintes Park
• 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Street Dance
Join us at the POW/MIA Plaza for the West Fest Street Dance! For more details visit westfargoevents.com
• POW/MIA Plaza
• 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
To learn more about this year’s events, visit westfargoevents.com.
CITY INFORMATION
CITY INFORMATION
West Fargo Public Library collecting donations for used book sale
By West Fargo Public Library
The Friends of the West Fargo Public Library non-profit group is collecting items to sell during their upcoming used book sale.
Members of the public are invited to bring donations of gently used books, DVDs, audiobooks, games, and educational toys to the West Fargo Public Library service desk during the month of September.
Donated items will be sold at an upcoming Used Book Sale on Oct. 12 and 13 at the West Fargo Public Library. All proceeds support the West Fargo Public Library’s various programs and services for all ages, including furnishings for the potential library branch at West Fargo City Hall, the Library on Wheels program, storytimes, technology tutoring, free movie screenings, and more.
