Good morning, Fargo.

North Dakota’s Department of Health and Human Services will get $199 million in initial funding for its Rural Health Transformation Plan — a five-year program set to total $500 million — as Senators Cramer and Hoeven say it will boost rural healthcare.

Fargo Public Works will begin removing snow from downtown east/west avenues between 2nd Avenue South and 7th Avenue North from 2nd Street to University Drive starting at 2 a.m. tonight; vehicles in no-parking areas will be impounded while north/south streets remain available for parking.

Fargo Fire Chief Gary Lorenz recapped 2025 achievements—such as passing the public safety sales tax, re-accreditation, and station renovations—and highlighted challenges from a new tax cap and staffing issues.

He said the department will update alerting systems and manage rising apparatus costs in 2026.

The City of West Fargo introduces a digital sanitation calendar that lets residents check garbage, recycling, and holiday schedule changes; property owners can enter their address to sync or print a personalized calendar at no extra cost.

Fargo Fire Chief Gary Lorenz recapped a busy 2025, noting the department’s national accreditation, rebuild of Fire Station 5, and passed sales tax to support public safety.

He said the department will update alert systems + hire new staff in 2026 while managing rising costs.

The City of West Fargo has launched a digital sanitation calendar that lets residents check garbage and recycling collection days.

The in-house tool built with its GIS Department is free to use and includes holiday schedule changes for the full 2026 calendar.

DEA warns that purple fentanyl—a potent opioid mixed with lidocaine—may not respond to naloxone and advises contacting law enforcement immediately if encountered in our region.

DEA officials warned that a purple variant of fentanyl mixed with lidocaine has been seized in parts of the Midwest including here, and they advise families to stay informed & report any suspicious encounters since naloxone may not work as well.

North Dakota’s Health Department received $199 million from CMS for its Rural Health Transformation Plan — senators Kevin Cramer and John Hoeven backed the move.

The five-year plan will channel $500 million to strengthen rural hospitals.

Essentia Health in Fargo shared the top baby names for newborns in 2025 today; Theodor led the boys' list and Charlotte led the girls' list, and the hospital welcomed 1,255 births this year while being recognized as baby-friendly by Baby-Friendly USA.

Essentia Health officials revealed the most popular baby names for 2025 from their Fargo hospital, noting that 1,255 babies were born this year (Theodor/Theodore leads for boys and Charlotte tops the girls list).

Hygge Charm Jewelry Workshop

6-12 p.m. — Unglued Craftatorium — Ticket required — Create a cozy charm necklace or bracelet while embracing the Danish concept of hygge.

Nice Boy Haircut Concert

9:30 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. — Dempsey's Public House — Free entry — Enjoy a polished, high-energy cover band that keeps the dance floor moving all night long.

Lunch Hour Creativity Practice with Soulful Creations

11:30 a.m. — Brewhalla - Market / Events / Hotel — Ticket required — Engage in a relaxing creative process during lunch and rejuvenate your soul.

Day of Bliss: Live Grunge Music

9:00 PM – 1:30 AM — Dempsey's Public House — Free — Experience a high-energy grunge revival with Fargo's own Day of Bliss.

Donny Dahl Band Live Performance

9:30 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. — Dempsey's Public House — Free — Experience high-energy covers from a variety of genres with the electrifying Donny Dahl Band.

Stained Glass Mosaic Coasters Workshop

10 AM – 12 PM — Unglued Craftatorium — Ticket required — Create your own unique stained glass snowflake with expert guidance and all materials provided.

Lunch-Time Creativity Workshop

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Unglued Craftatorium — Ticket required — Unwind and spark your creativity while enjoying lunch and a simple drawing practice.

Stained Glass Hearts Workshop

10 a.m. — Brewhalla - Market / Events / Hotel — Ticket Required — Create your own unique stained glass snowflake while learning the art of glasswork with hands-on guidance.