The Fargo Project receives

a 2014 ArtPlace America Grant

FARGO, N.D. (June 30, 2014)– The Fargo Project has been selected as one of 55 recipients to receive a grant from ArtPlace America (ArtPlace) to support creative placemaking across the country. The $450,000 grant will implement World Commons Gardens – a master plan to transform Rabanus Park, an existing 18-acre storm water detention basin, into a multifunctional commons. World Gardens Commons will celebrate multiple cultures, provide public amenities, and restore prairie ecology.

“We are thrilled to be recognized by ArtPlace. Many people in our community have come together to develop The Fargo Project master plan,” said Fargo City Commissioner Melissa Sobolik. “To now be able to continue our efforts to refine and implement the specific features of the plan, and continue our partnerships on this project are wonderful.” 

The next step of this project is to initiate construction. The City of Fargo and the Fargo Park District will work with local artists to transform the park over the next few years. There will be many opportunities for community members to get involved, and the project can be tracked on our Facebook site: The Fargo Project.

“Investing in and supporting the arts have a profound impact on the social, physical, and economic futures of communities,” said ArtPlace Executive Director Jamie L. Bennett. “Projects like these demonstrate how imaginative and committed people are when it comes to enhancing their communities with creative interventions and thoughtful practices.”

To date, ArtPlace has awarded $56.8 million through 189 grants to projects serving 122 communities across 42 states and the District of Columbia. For more information about ArtPlace, visit www.artplaceamerica.org.

Police Remind Citizens to

Protect their Property this 4th of July

FARGO, N.D. (July 1, 2014)– The Fargo Police Department wants to remind the citizens of Fargo to keep crime prevention in mind.  Last year, Fargo experienced 48 property crimes over the 4th of July holiday (July 1-8, 2013).  These crimes include burglary, theft of motor vehicle, and unlawful entry to motor vehicle.

City Office, Library &

Garbage Schedules for July 4

FARGO, N.D. (June 26, 2014)– Non-essential City offices will be closed for the Independence Day holiday on Friday, July 4. All Fargo Public Library locations will be closed on Friday, July 4. Garbage collection during the week of June 30 will operate as follows: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday will be collected on schedule, Friday will be collected one day early on Thursday. The Sanitary Landfill will be closed on Friday, July 4.

Alcohol Compliance Check Results

FARGO, ND. (July 1, 2014)— The Fargo and West Fargo Police Departments and the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, with the assistance of Fargo Cass Public Health, conducted alcohol compliance checks in Fargo, West Fargo and Cass County on Monday, June 30, 2014.

A random pick determined which establishments were to be checked. There were 83 establishments checked, with 76 of these establishments passing.

63 establishments checked in Fargo with seven failing         

17 establishments checked in West Fargo with none failing

3 establishments checked in Cass County with none failing

Failed in Fargo:

D’VineLakemode Liquors

Monte’s DowntownOld Chicago

Residence InnSammy’s Pizza

Sweeto Burrito

In Fargo, establishments failing for the first time in a one-year period are automatically placed on probation for one year and assessed an administrative penalty of $500. The penalty may be waived, however, if the server and management have current Server Training certification. If they fail again within a year, they are automatically assessed a $750 penalty.

Lane Closures on 32nd Avenue South at 28th Street

FARGO, N.D. (July 1, 2014)–Starting Monday, July 7, traffic on 32nd Avenue South at 28th Street will be reduced to one lane in each direction and vehicles will not be able to turn north onto 28th Street. Access to the Dr. James Carlson Library and senior center will be provided off of 27th Street through the parking lot of Bethel Church. Signs will be in place helping motorists find their way. The closures, part of the 28th Street South construction project which will provide access to the new Ed Clapp Elementary School, are expected to be in place for 28 days. The project is scheduled to be completed this fall.

Assistant Fire Chief

Larry Schuh retires after 40 years

FARGO, N.D. (June 30, 2014)– On Wednesday, July 2, Assistant Fire Chief Larry Schuh retired after 40 years of service. Schuh began his career with the Fargo Fire Department in 1974; he is one of only 16 employees in department history to have served for over 40 years. He was promoted to the rank of Fire Captain in 1981 and Assistant Fire Chief in 1994.

Congratulations Larry on your retirement and thank you for your many years of service to the citizens of Fargo.

Fire Damages Walking Bridge at Johnson Park

FARGO, N.D. (June 30, 2014)– On Monday, June 30, Fargo fire crews responded to a reported bridge fire at Johnson Park near NDSU. First reports indicated that a walking bridge over the drainage ditch that runs though the park was on fire. The first arriving unit reported that part of the railing and walking deck was on fire. The first arriving engine quickly used a hand line to extinguish the fire.

The fire damage was limited to an eight foot section of railing and small section of the structure of the bridge. Total damage estimate is around $3,000. Crews remained on scene overhauling the fire to make sure the fire didn’t extend to more of the bridge. The cause of the fire is still under investigation at this time.