Remove Snow & Ice from Sidewalks

FARGO, N.D. (Dec. 2, 2013) – With the recent snowfall, Fargo Public Works is reminding residents to clear and de-ice their sidewalks. This is necessary to ensure public safety and provide an opportunity for residents to enjoy the outdoors. Public Works is recommending that all property owners and occupants take the needed measures to clear all snow and ice from sidewalks fronting or adjoining their property in accordance with City Ordinance 18-0301 “Removal of snow and ice from sidewalks”.

Ordinance 18-0301 states “The owner or occupant of any building or grounds within the city fronting upon or adjoining any street, when a sidewalk exists, shall clear the sidewalk in front of or adjoining such building and grounds or unoccupied lot or building, as the case may be, of snow and ice to the width of such sidewalk on or before nine o’clock p.m.”

For more information on Fargo City Ordinance 18-0301, visit the City of Fargo website at www.cityoffargo.com/CityInfo/Departments/Auditor/Ordinances

prepared for their mistakes.

Road Closure at 42nd

Street and 36th Avenue South

FARGO, N.D. (Nov. 26, 2013) – On Monday, Dec. 2, the intersection of 42nd Street and 36th Avenue South closed in order to repair the sanitary sewer. Traffic is detoured to 45th Street via 32nd or 40th Avenues South. The closure is expected to be in place for two weeks.

For a complete list of road closures and projects visit www.FargoStreets.com or follow us on Twitter.

NDSU Extension Begins Smart

Choices Health Insurance Selection Program

Sweeping health-care reform legislation means many North Dakotans have more health insurance options. “However, some people are uncomfortable, overwhelmed or intimidated when it comes to making decisions about health insurance coverage,” says Lori Scharmer, North Dakota State University Extension Service family economics specialist.

To help, a team of NDSU Extension agents is bringing a new program to North Dakota.

“The Smart Choice health insurance program is a comprehensive, research-based, unbiased curriculum plan designed to equip people with the tools they need to make the best decision possible for their families,” Scharmer says.

Through workshops, participants will learn how to analyze what they need and want from health-care providers, compare plans, calculate how health insurance will affect their financial budgets, and apply the information and knowledge gained to make a smart health insurance choice. Consumer workbooks allow participants to enter and use their own information to evaluate their health insurance choices.

“The Smart Choice program is not about pushing consumers to select any one specific plan,” Scharmer says. “It’s designed to help people gain a set of skills so they can choose a plan that best fits their family’s needs and then use that plan efficiently once enrolled.”

“As a local NDSU Extension agent, I’m pleased to bring this program to our area,” says Crystal Schaunaman, an NDSU Extension agent in McIntosh County. “People want to make smart choices about their health and finances. This workshop can help them do just that.”

With health insurance in the public spotlight, the Smart Choice health insurance program seeks to capitalize on this teachable moment by helping North Dakotans take control of their personal and family financial health needs.

“Keeping your head above water can be extremely difficult when navigating the waters of health insurance, whether you’ve been insured throughout your life or are faced with selecting coverage for the very first time,” Scharmer says. “The Smart Choice program acts like a life vest because it empowers people by eliminating the intimidation factor, explains the steps in the process and shows people how to find the best health insurance to fit their needs.”

The workbook to assist consumers in making a decision on a health insurance policy can be found at http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/money.

For more information about a Smart Choice workshop, call your local NDSU Extension office or go to http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/money.

CLAY COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT

SERVING UP EXTRA HELPINGS OF

DWI ENFORCEMENT DURING HOLIDAY SEASON

DWI crackdown continues through Dec. 28

DWI Consequences

A DWI offense can result in loss of license for up to a year, thousands in costs and possible jail time.

Repeat DWI offenders, as well as first-time offenders arrested at 0.16 and above alcohol-concentration level, must use ignition interlock in order to regain legal driving privileges, or face at least one year without a driver’s license. Offenders with three or more offenses are required to use interlock for three to six years, or they will never regain driving privileges.

Tips to Prevent Drunk Driving

• Plan for a sober ride — designate a sober driver, use a cab/public transportation or stay at the location of the celebration.

• Offer to be a designated driver, or be available to pick up a loved one anytime, anywhere.

• Buckle up — the best defense against a drunk driver.

• Report drunk driving — call 911 when witnessing impaired driving behavior. Be prepared to provide location, license plate number and observed dangerous behavior.

Reminder for Snow Birds before

leaving town to protect their homes

FARGO, N.D. (Dec. 3, 2013) – The Fargo Police Department wants to remind those who leave town during the cold winter months to take a few extra steps to ensure their home is as safe as possible.

· Try to make your home look occupied; connect lamps to automatic timers to turn them on in the evening and off during the day.

· Do not allow daily deliveries such as mail, newspapers and flyers to build up. Arrange with the Post Office to hold or forward your mail, or have a friend or neighbor take them regularly.

· Arrange for snow removal for your driveway and sidewalks.

· Check the locks on your doors and windows to ensure they secure properly and replace if necessary. Make sure you have deadbolt locks on all outside doors, and brace sliding glass doors.

· Keep a detailed inventory of your valuable possessions for free on http://myproperty.cityoffargo.com/

· Install good exterior lighting such as motion sensor lights.

· Do not announce your absence on answering machine messages and do not tell anyone who does not need to know that you will be gone.

· Consider installing a burglar alarm system.

· Notify a neighbor or your Neighborhood Watch group of your absence. If you do not belong to a Neighborhood Watch group and would like to start one, visit fargopolice.com for more information.

Remember crime can occur during the day and night. Always report suspicious activity immediately by dialing 9-1-1. For more information please contact Officer Jessica Schindeldecker, (701) 461-7872.