Good morning, Fargo.

Fargo’s Downtown Community Partnership is asking the public for input on refreshing downtown amenities by adding benches, more signage, and extra seating beyond Broadway—efforts planned with city officials and the design firm Confluence.

Laine Schwehr, a driver who rolled over during a heat race at Jamestown Speedway on September 20, was taken to a Fargo hospital where he stayed alert and talking, and his racing community has supported him via a benefit account—set up by his friend Greg Freistad—for his recovery.

Cass County Electric Cooperative President Paul Matthys said the new AI data center in Harwood will not cause a rate increase because the utility has secured the power contract to handle the increased load—although rates may still rise due to inflation and labor costs.

Cass County Electric Cooperative president Paul Matthys said rates will not increase to power the new AI data center near Harwood—he explained that the cooperative has secured the power load without raising bills—while noting that inflation and higher labor costs could affect costs later.

North Dakota’s State Board of Higher Education appointed interim Chancellor Brent Sanford as commissioner of the University System at a meeting at Minot State University on Sept.

23. Sanford, a former lieutenant governor, said he would soon focus on reviewing presidential search policies and improving communication with K-12 programs.

Researchers at NDSU have tracked 60 bird deaths on campus as a result of birds colliding with reflective windows and warn the issue may worsen with the ongoing fall migration — a trend that could affect nearby areas.

At the State Capitol, legislators are debating whether lawmakers’ home addresses should remain public or be redacted to safeguard their personal security after politically motivated attacks affected Minnesota officials.

House Minority Leader Zac Ista said the debate began when lawmakers’ addresses were removed from the website for safety—officials are now considering policy changes on public records.

The North Dakota Tax Department estimates state income tax collections will drop by $129 million in the 2025-27 biennium due to federal tax law changes, with reductions projected to fall to $93 million in the 2027-29 biennium and $26 million in the 2029-31 biennium.

Officials will know more about impacts in summer when most of this year's tax returns are filed—North Dakota is affected less than many other states.

North Dakota lawmakers approved a draft bill on Tuesday to clarify responses to a governor's veto and set the third Wednesday of June as the reconvening date—this measure lets officials access vetoed bills and addresses confusion over Gov. Kelly Armstrong's line-item veto.

Both drafts will be considered for advancement to the 2027 session.

The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services reported 78 West Nile Virus cases so far this year—16 in Cass County and 14 in Burleigh County—and Minnesota has reported 70 cases including two in Clay County.

Fargo Force Associate Head Coach Jimmy Mullin joined Big Game James McCarty and Jace Denman for a weekly conversation—recorded on September 24—where he discussed his return to Fargo as a coach and recapped the Fall Classic opening weekend.

Junkin' Market Days Fall Event

4-7 p.m. — Veterans Memorial Arena — $5 admission — Discover over 80 small businesses featuring unique finds and delicious local food trucks.

3D Stained Glass Pumpkin Workshop

10 AM – 12 PM — Brewhalla — Cost included — Create a charming 3D stained glass pumpkin for the fall season with expert guidance.

Woodland Watercolor Workshop

6-8 p.m. — Brewhalla - Market / Events / Hotel — Ticket required — Embrace fall by painting whimsical watercolor ferns and acorns in a cozy environment.

Live Trivia Night at Louie's Sports Bar & Grill

7-9 p.m. — Louie's Sports Bar & Grill — Free entry — Engage your wits in weekly trivia contests featuring fun challenges and great camaraderie.

Stained Glass Skull or Bat Workshop

6-8 p.m. — Brewhalla - Market / Events / Hotel — Ticket required — Create your own spooky stained glass masterpiece for Halloween with expert guidance.

Oktoberfest Celebration at Drekker

10 a.m. to close — Drekker Brewing Company — Cost varies — Enjoy a full day of beer-fueled fun, fall vibes, and lederhosen.

Brewhalla Fall Craft Market

12-6 p.m. — Brewhalla - Market / Events / Hotel — Free entry — Discover unique crafts and local flavors in a festive fall atmosphere.

Clem Snide Live Performance

7-12 p.m. — The Aquarium — $15 admission — Experience the poignant sounds of Clem Snide with heartfelt explorations of life and love.

Stained Glass Spiderweb Workshop

6-8 p.m. — Brewhalla — Ticket required — Craft a unique stained glass spiderweb in preparation for fall with guided instruction.

Voices of Dyslexia Conference 2025

8:00 AM – 5:30 PM — Dakota Medical Foundation — Registration required — Engage with experts and peers in the dyslexia community for tools and strategies to support individual learning.