West Fargo, North Dakota

West Fargo, North Dakota
City
Nickname(s): City on the Grow[1]

Location of West Fargo, North Dakota
Coordinates: 46°52′18″N 96°53′42″W / 46.87167°N 96.89500°W / 46.87167; -96.89500Coordinates: 46°52′18″N 96°53′42″W / 46.87167°N 96.89500°W / 46.87167; -96.89500
Country United States
State North Dakota
County Cass
Government
 • Mayor Rich Mattern
Area[2]
 • Total 14.72 sq mi (38.12 km2)
 • Land 14.44 sq mi (37.40 km2)
 • Water 0.28 sq mi (0.73 km2)
Elevation 896 ft (273 m)
Population (2010)[3]
 • Total 25,830
 • Estimate (2016)[4] 34,858
 • Density 1,800/sq mi (680/km2)
 • Demonym West Fargoan
Time zone Central (CST) (UTC-6)
 • Summer (DST) CDT (UTC-5)
ZIP code 58078
Area code(s) 701
FIPS code 38-84780
GNIS feature ID 1032733[5]
Highways I-94, I-94 Bus., US 10
Website www.westfargond.gov

West Fargo is a city in Cass County, North Dakota, United States. It is, as of the 2016 Census Estimates, the fifth largest city in the state of North Dakota with a population estimated at 34,858,[6] and it is one of the state's fastest growing cities.[7] West Fargo was founded in 1926. The city is part of the Fargo-Moorhead, ND-MN Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography

West Fargo is located at 46°52′18″N 96°53′42″W / 46.87167°N 96.89500°W / 46.87167; -96.89500 (46.871749, -96.894966).[8]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 14.72 square miles (38.12 km2), of which, 14.44 square miles (37.40 km2) is land and 0.28 square miles (0.73 km2) is water.[2]

Climate

This climatic region is typified by large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot (and often humid) summers and cold (sometimes severely cold) winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, West Fargo has a humid continental climate, abbreviated "Dfb" on climate maps.[9]

Demographics

Historical population
Census Pop. %±
1940707—
19501,632130.8%
19603,328103.9%
19705,16155.1%
198010,09995.7%
199012,28721.7%
200014,94021.6%
201025,83072.9%
Est. 201634,858[4]35.0%
U.S. Decennial Census[10]
2015 Estimate[11]

According to the 2008-2012 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, the ancestry is as follows:

2010 census

At the 2010 census,[3] there were 25,830 people, 10,348 households and 6,823 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,788.8 inhabitants per square mile (690.7/km2). There were 10,760 housing units at an average density of 745.2 per square mile (287.7/km2). The racial makeup was 93.5% White, 2.0% African American, 1.0% Native American, 1.4% Asian, 0.4% from other races, and 1.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.8% of the population.

There were 10,348 households of which 36.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.8% were married couples living together, 9.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 34.1% were non-families. 26.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 6.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 3.04.

The median age was 32.6 years. 26.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 9.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 32.9% were from 25 to 44; 23.2% were from 45 to 64; and 7.8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.6% male and 50.4% female.

2000 census

At the 2000 census, there were 14,940 people, 5,771 households and 4,091 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,049.2 per square mile (791.3/km²). There were 5,968 housing units at an average density of 818.6 per square mile (316.1/km²). The racial makeup was 96.40% White, 0.42% African American, 1.04% Native American, 0.28% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.67% from other races, and 1.16% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.41% of the population.

The top six ancestry groups in the city are German (47.9%), Norwegian (39.7%), Irish (8.3%), Swedish (7.2%), French (5.2%), English (4.8%).

There were 5,771 households of which 40.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.3% were married couples living together, 9.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.1% were non-families. 23.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 5.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.59 and the average family size was 3.09.

29.2% of the population were under the age of 18, 8.9% from 18 to 24, 34.0% from 25 to 44, 21.2% from 45 to 64, and 6.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females there were 97.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.4 males.

The median household income was $44,542 and the median family income was $51,765. Males had a median income of $32,105 and females $22,148. The per capita income was $19,368. About 4.7% of families and 6.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.8% of those under age 18 and 14.8% of those age 65 or over.

Law and government

The City of West Fargo is governed by a Board of City Commissioners, which consists of the President of the Board (Mayor) and four City Commissioners. The current mayor of West Fargo is Richard Mattern.[13]

City Hall

City of West Fargo City Hall

Staff
Sharon Schacher[14] retired in 2011 after 35 years as the City of West Fargo’s finance director. Tina Fisk[15] replaced Schacher in that year. Two new director positions were created: human resources, which was filled by Carmen Schroeder,[16] and information technology, which was filled by James Anderson,[17] both in 2011. In 2015, Tina Fisk was named city administrator, replacing Jim Brownlee.[18]

Building
City Hall's official ground breaking was held 9 May 1975,[19] in 2005, City Hall was renovated when the library moved to its new facility.[20] City Hall's most recent renovation concluded in 2016, which brought building inspections and information technology under the same roof and included secure underground police parking. The $19 million renovation added 34,000 square feet to City Hall.[21]

Police Department

The Police Department has grown from three officers, in 1968, to its current 50 employees. "The West Fargo Police Department’s Mission is to provide quality service to residents and guests of West Fargo, ensuring a safe community by protecting their constitutional rights in the most professional manner possible."[22] Police officers and other city employees enforce West Fargo city ordinances.[23] Mike Reitan is the current Police Chief.[24] The police department's community programs include Citizen Police Academy, Police Explorers Post 281, Night to Unite, Neighborhood Watch Program, TRIAD and Crime Free Multi-Housing.[25]

Economic Development and Community Services

Business
"The Business Development Department connects new and existing business owners and operators with city officials, helping to pave the way for the growth and expansion that is making West Fargo part of North Dakota’s new economic frontier."[26] Economic Development Director Matthew Marshall "says some of West Fargo’s growth is a reflection of the recent trendiness of the greater Fargo area, which has attracted young workers and families and translated into a low median age that businesses desire."[27] Incentives for businesses include loans (PACE Loan and Flex PACE Loan) as well as "tax incentives for purchasing, leasing, or making improvements to real property located in a North Dakota renaissance zone."[28]

Community
In 2015, West Fargo became a "North Dakota Cares" community. North Dakota Governor Jack Dalrymple has "pledged $500,000 from his executive budget" to support "service members, veterans, families and survivors."[29]

Public Works

Public Works Department oversees streets, sewer and water, sanitation and forestry for the city.[30] "There are eight (8) existing wells within the City. The total pumping capacity of all wells together is 3,500 galloons per minute (5 million gallons per day)."[31] In 2014, Chris Brungardt, the former assistant director, was appointed as the public works director[32] and The West Fargo City Commission unanimously approved a "contract with Twin Cities based Waste Management to start a no-sort recycling program in the city in April."[33]

Fire Department

The Fire Department is a private non-profit corporation.[34] The City of West Fargo contracts with the Fire Department for its services. The Department has three full-time employees (Fire Chief, Fire Marshal and Fire Inspector) and over 40 volunteers. Daniel Fuller is the current fire chief.[35] The Board of Directors oversees the Fire Department.[34]

Parks

The West Fargo Park District maintains 30 parks, bike paths, and facilities that include Scheels Soccer Complex, Veterans Memorial Arena, Rustad Recreation Center and Veterans Memorial Pool.[36] A five-member park board oversees the Park District; Barb Erbstoesser is the executive director.[37] West Fargo Winter Days, an annual event, includes a Silver Snowflake Search, sleigh rides and a chili cookoff.[38]

Public Library

The West Fargo Public Library is located in the Clayton A. Lodoen Center. The library moved into its current facility in 2005.[39] Freda Hatten, the first Librarian of the West Fargo Public Library, retired in 1976.[40] Sandra Hannahs, the current library director, accepted her position in 2007, when the previous library director Miriam Arves resigned. Arves had been the library director for 31 years.[41] Janice Bober, hired in 1972, is currently the longest employed library staff member. 2012 was Bober’s 40th anniversary with the library.[42] In 2014, two new positions were created - a children's librarian and adult services librarian.[43] In 2016, the library unveiled North Dakota's first library vending machine.[44]

Awards

National recognition

Transportation

West Fargo works with North Dakota Department of Transportation,[55] Fargo-Moorhead Metropolitan Council of Governments (Metro COG),[56] and Fargo Moorhead Metro Area Transit[57] to meet the transportation needs of West Fargo citizens. In addition, The West Fargo Municipal Airport, 6 miles northwest of Fargo, is operated by the West Fargo Airport Authority[58] and has a paved and lighted 3,300 x 50 foot runway.[59]

Education

West Fargo School District

West Fargo School District serves the city of West Fargo, much of southwestern Fargo, the suburb of Reile's Acres, and the communities of Horace and Harwood. Seven West Fargo residents are elected to serve on the school board, these residents govern the school district and serve 4-year terms.[60]

Dr. David Flowers, the current superintendent, was hired in 2010.[61] Flowers was named the North Dakota Superintendent of the Year by the North Dakota Association of School Administrators in 2012.[62] Holly Ripley, an assistant principal at West Fargo High School, was named the 2016 National Assistant Principal of the Year.[63]

History

The West Fargo School District (then referred to as "School District No. 6 in Cass County") was formed on 9 October 1876. In January 1887, Nina Hall was hired to teach for two months. She was paid $40. "This first school was large enough to handle the pupils of the district until 1910 when it became necessary to build the Fairview School in the western part of the district. The two schools continued to operate until 1923."[64] In 1922, North School[65] was built, which included two classrooms and a gymnasium.[64] The following year, Jennie Worman Colby became the first principal.[66] In 1939, a new school building was built for grades 7-12. Today the building, The Clayton A. Lodoen Community Center, houses the West Fargo Community High,[67] Clayton A. Lodoen Kindergarten Center,[68] and West Fargo Public Library.[64][69]

Growth
The City of West Fargo's growth has caused the building of new schools to meet the needs of its students. Aurora Elementary School (located in the Eagle Run development in southern West Fargo) opened for the 2007-2008 school year and Sheyenne 9th Grade Center opened on 27 August 2007 in response to the district's growing enrollment and overcrowding at West Fargo High School (2007 was the first year that freshmen were educated outside the High School since 1993). The Sheyenne 9th Grade Center may serve as a second middle school for West Fargo, as it was decided in March 2009 to be voted on by the public. In January 2015, Superintendent David Flowers presented a 10-year RSP Associates demographics study which "predicts the district will continue to add between 400 and more than 600 students each year".[70]

Schools

The school district operates two early childhood schools (Clayton A. Lodoen Kindergarten Center and Osgood Kindergarten Center), ten elementary schools (Aurora Elementary, Eastwood Elementary, Freedom Elementary, Harwood Elementary, Horace Elementary, Independence Elementary, L.E. Berger Elementary, Liberty 5th Grade, South Elementary, and Westside Elementary), two middle schools (Cheney Middle and Liberty Middle) and three high schools (West Fargo High School, Sheyenne High, and Community High).[71]

Hulbert Aquatic Facility

In 2016, the school district began construction of an $18.5 million competitive pool facility at the L.E. Berger Elementary School. The facility will include the pool used for the USA Swimming trials for the 2016 Summer Olympics at the CenturyLink Center Omaha in which Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte competed. The Omaha pool which was built by Myrtha Pools was dismantled after the competition and moved to West Fargo. It is named for the Hulbert family which donated $1 million for the project.[72]

Technology

Since it began in 2009, West Fargo School’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) program [73] has taken top honors in several competitions, including the Technology Student Association State Competition in 2012,[74] the Bison BEST competition in 2009,[75] and students won first place for Best Web Page Design at the 2009 Frontier Trails BEST Regional Robotics Competition [76]

In 2015, "an education partnership" was "launched to help high school students in West Fargo, Fargo and Northern Cass school districts prepare for college and 21st century technical careers." While a business partnership already exists between West Fargo High School and Microsoft, Cass County Career and Technical Education Consortium hopes to expand to industries to include "agricultural science, diesel technology, health science, aviation, information technology and engineering".[77]

A group of Liberty Middle School students won ‘Best of State’ in the 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17 Verizon Innovative App Challenge.[78]

National awards

In 2016, "West Fargo High School teacher Michelle Strand earned the Presidential Award of Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching as named by President Barack Obama."[79]

North Dakota State Teacher of the Year Awards

1996 - Marcia Kenyon, Eastwood Elementary School
1998 - Vickie Boutiette, District Reading
2008 - Verna Rasmussen, Westside Elementary School
2013 - Andrea Noonan, Cheney Middle School
2014 - Aaron Knodel, West Fargo High School[80]
2017 - Nanci Dauwen, Sheyenne High School[81]

Churches

Catholic

Lutheran

Methodist

Presbyterian

Other denominations

Businesses

The West Fargo community supports businesses through the city of West Fargo and The Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce. The city of West Fargo supports business owners through The West Fargo Economic Development Advisory Committee, West Fargo Economic Development Department and City Assessor’s Office.[97] The Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce is a bi-state organization representing over 2,000 firms and 94,000 people. The Chamber supports its members through "advocacy, education, and engagement".[98]

Technology companies with West Fargo locations, include:

Newspapers and magazines

West Fargo news is covered in several newspapers and magazines including:

Annual events

Annual West Fargo events include:

Sites of interest

Notable people

References

  1. ↑ "Developments proving West Fargo is really "A City on the...".
  2. 1 2 "US Gazetteer files 2010". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 14 June 2012.
  3. 1 2 "American FactFinder". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 14 June 2012.
  4. 1 2 "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". Retrieved 9 June 2017.
  5. ↑ "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. 25 October 2007. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
  6. ↑ "2010 Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171) Summary File". American FactFinder. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2 May 2011.
  7. ↑ "City of West Fargo Official Website".
  8. ↑ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. 12 February 2011. Retrieved 23 April 2011.
  9. ↑ "West Fargo, North Dakota Köppen Climate Classification (Weatherbase)".
  10. ↑ "U.S. Decennial Census". Census.gov. Retrieved 26 May 2013.
  11. ↑ "Population Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 1 June 2016.
  12. ↑ http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?src=bkmk
  13. ↑ "City of West Fargo > Home > Government > City Commission".
  14. ↑ "Schacher entering new life chapter".
  15. ↑ "Gustafson taking over as Finance Director".
  16. ↑ "Schroeder assumes Human Resource position".
  17. ↑ "City moves forward with Information Technology position".
  18. ↑ "News".
  19. ↑ "This Week in History". Retrieved 27 June 2016.
  20. ↑ "Expansion blueprint proceeding for city hall, police department...". Retrieved 27 June 2016.
  21. ↑ "Grand opening of West Fargo City Hall, Police Department". Retrieved 27 June 2016.
  22. ↑ "City of West Fargo > Home > Departments".
  23. ↑ "City Ordinances".
  24. ↑ "City of West Fargo > Home > Departments".
  25. ↑ "City of West Fargo > Home > Departments".
  26. ↑ "City of West Fargo > Home > Departments > Economic Development & Community Services".
  27. ↑ http://www.prairiebizmag.com/event/article/id/18382
  28. ↑ "West Fargo Economic Development > Incentives".
  29. ↑ "West Fargo stepping up for veterans".
  30. ↑ "City of West Fargo > Home > Departments > Public Works".
  31. ↑ http://www.westfargond.gov/Portals/0/Public%20Works%20Duties.pdf
  32. ↑ "City appoints heads of police, public works".
  33. ↑ "No-sort recycling to debut in April".
  34. 1 2 "City of West Fargo > Home > Departments".
  35. ↑ "West Fargo names new fire chief". Inforum.com. Retrieved 26 June 2015.
  36. ↑ "Parks & Facilities - West Fargo Park District".
  37. ↑ "About Us - West Fargo Park District".
  38. ↑ "Winter days flying by".
  39. ↑ http://www.westfargopioneer.com/content/library-welcomes-first-patrons
  40. ↑ https://www.flickr.com/photos/westfargopubliclibrary/8751800994/
    - http://www.inforum.com/event/obituary/id/26994/publisher_ID/1/
  41. ↑ "Hannahs new Library director".
  42. ↑ http://www.westfargopioneer.com/content/historically-speaking-flipping-through-years-west-fargo-public-librarys-longest-employee
  43. ↑ "Library coordinator brought 'em in for more than books".
    - http://www.westfargolibrary.org/vertical/sites/%7B61157EF4-17C9-47CD-921E-0FEC6DE5C786%7D/uploads/December_2014_Newsletter_.pdf
  44. ↑ "West Fargo Public Library to offer 'Redbox' for books".
  45. ↑ http://www.westfargopioneer.com/content/west-fargo-named-2013-city-year
  46. ↑ "City receives state award for lift station projects".
  47. ↑ "City’s ‘point guard’ Brownlee gets Employee of Year a...".
  48. ↑ "Hannahs named ND Librarian of the Year".
  49. ↑ "West Fargo Arbor Day celebration May 2".
  50. ↑ "What is Tree City USA? - The Arbor Day Foundation".
  51. ↑ https://secure.forumcomm.com/?publisher_ID=1&article_id=399027
  52. ↑ "Program Details - KaBOOM!".
  53. ↑ "5 Safest Cities in North Dakota - SafeWise". 16 February 2015.
    - "Details".
  54. ↑ "Amazing Libraries in All 50 States".
  55. ↑ Transportation, North Dakota Department of. "DOT Home Page".
  56. ↑ http://www.fmmetrocog.org
  57. ↑ "MATBUS--Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo".
  58. ↑ "City of West Fargo > Home > Government > Airport Authority".
  59. ↑ "AOPA airports/aptdetail.cfm". www.aopa.org. 3 April 2016.
    - "AirNav: D54 - West Fargo Municipal Airport".
  60. ↑ "West Fargo Public Schools - West Fargo, North Dakota".
  61. ↑ "West Fargo School Board: Flowers receives high marks after first...".
  62. ↑ "Flowers named N.D. Superintendent of the Year".
  63. ↑ "West Fargo assistant principal wins national honor".
  64. 1 2 3 http://www.west-fargo.k12.nd.us/district/history/
  65. ↑ "Historical Center - School Exhibit".
  66. ↑ "West Fargo History Exhibit".
  67. ↑ "Community High :: West Fargo Public Schools".
  68. ↑ "Clayton A. Lodoen Kindergarten Center :: West Fargo Public Schools".
  69. ↑ "About the Library - West Fargo Public Library".
  70. ↑ "Study shows city may need third high school, more elementary...".
    - http://www.west-fargo.k12.nd.us/district/schoolboard/2014-15/agendas/01-26-2015/Attachment3B.pdf
  71. ↑ "West Fargo Public Schools - West Fargo, North Dakota".
  72. ↑ "Local swim group purchases Olympic Trials competition pool for...".
    - "Pool naming rights given to longtime swim family".
  73. ↑ "Science Technology Engineering and Math".
  74. ↑ "Cheney, STEM students take top honors at TSA State Competiti...".
  75. ↑ http://www.westfargopioneer.com/content/stem-team-places-second-bison-best-competition
  76. ↑ "STEM students excel for web page design".
  77. ↑ "Education partnership aligns students, needs of workforce".
  78. ↑ "Liberty sixth-grade team’s project wins ‘Best of State’". West Fargo Pioneer.
    - "EduTech Southeast Region Blog - Verizon Innovative App Challenge 2014-15". West Fargo Pioneer.
    - "Liberty students chosen as "Best in State" for Verizon...". West Fargo Pioneer.
    - https://www.west-fargo.k12.nd.us/district/news/2016-17/01162017a.pdf
  79. ↑ "West Fargo teacher wins Award of Excellence". West Fargo Pioneer.
  80. ↑ Schools, West Fargo Public. "West Fargo Public Schools - West Fargo, North Dakota". www.west-fargo.k12.nd.us.
  81. ↑ "West Fargo's Dauwen named ND Teacher of the Year".
  82. ↑ "Blessed Sacrament - Home".
  83. ↑ "Holy Cross Catholic Church".
  84. ↑ "Grow In Faith".
  85. ↑ "Lutheran Church of the Cross - West Fargo, ND".
  86. ↑ "Home - St Andrew Lutheran Church".
  87. ↑ "Account Suspended".
  88. ↑ "Triumph Lutheran Brethren Church MN".
  89. ↑ "Flame of Faith United Methodist Church".
  90. ↑ "Home".
  91. ↑ "Changing Lives Tabernacle - Welcome To - Welcome To".
  92. ↑ "Meadow Ridge Bible Chapel".
  93. ↑ "NEW BEGINNINGS ASSEMBLY OF GOD".
  94. ↑ "Home".
  95. ↑ "Welcome to Red River Church".
  96. ↑ "shilohefc".
  97. ↑ "City of West Fargo > Home > Business".
  98. ↑ http://fmwfchamber.com/about.php
  99. ↑ Applied Industrial Technologies website
  100. ↑ BNG Technologies website
  101. ↑ "New Page 1".
  102. ↑ High Point Networks website
  103. ↑ Network Center Communications website
  104. ↑ Norse Technologies website
  105. ↑ Razor Tracking website
  106. ↑ Red Chair Solutions website
  107. ↑ TrueIT website
  108. ↑ Digital Famous Media website
  109. ↑ Area Woman Magazine
  110. ↑ Fargo Forum website
  111. ↑ Monthly website
  112. ↑ "Prairie Business magazine".
  113. ↑ "West Fargo Pioneer to be delivered every Wednesday Free to West...".
    - "West Fargo Pioneer".
    - "Former West Fargo Pioneer publisher Witham dies at age 95". West Fargo Pioneer.
    - "Don Witham Obituary". Tributes.com.
  114. ↑ "About Us - Big Iron Farm Show".
  115. 1 2 "West Fargo Event Listings - A Complete List of Events in West Fargo, North Dakota".
    - "Bonanzaville Pioneer Village and Cass County Museum - Bonanzaville".
  116. ↑ "Red River Radio Amateurs". rrra.org.
    - "American Radio Relay League - Ham Radio Association and Resources". www.arrl.org.
  117. ↑ "City of West Fargo > Home > Departments".
  118. ↑ "Contact Us".
  119. ↑ "West Fargo Public Library".
  120. ↑ "Summer reading program a success".
  121. ↑ "Event Details". West Fargo Shakers.
  122. ↑ http://www.greatplainsfoodbank.org/programs/backpack_program.html
  123. ↑ "West Fest". City of West Fargo.

Further reading

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