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Articles by David Olson
Fargo rules regarding sale of nicotine products focus of roundtable
FARGO — A recent gathering at Fargo City Hall brought city officials, health officials and owners of businesses that sell nicotine products to the same table. Hosted by the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce, the event aimed at fostering wider agreement on proposed changes to city regulations relating to the sale of tobacco and other nicotine products, including vaping.
Randall S. Schnitzer Original
Oct. 14, 1960 - May. 13, 2026 DETROIT LAKES, Minn. - Randall S. Schnitzer, 65, Detroit Lakes, Minn. died Wednesday, May. 13. Memorial Service Thursday, June 4, 2026; 11 am at Zion Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes. Visitation will be one hour prior to service. Interment will be in the Oak Grove Cemetery, Detroit Lakes, MN. Arrangements by West-Kjos Funeral Home of Detroit Lakes.
Joshua P. Lindblad
Feb. 05, 1980 - May. 18, 2026 CIRCLE PINES, Minn. - Joshua P. Lindblad, 46, Circle Pines, Minn. died Monday, May. 18. Memorial Services will be held on Thursday May 28, 2026; 2:00 p.m. at the West-Kjos Funeral Home in Detroit Lakes, MN. Visitation will be one hour prior to services. Interment will be in the Oak Grove Cemetery, Detroit Lakes, MN. Arrangements by West-Kjos Funeral Home of Detroit Lakes.
Judith C. LaFleur
Judith C. LaFleur, 82, of Osage, MN, died peacefully on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at her daughter’s home in Fontana, California, after battling a chronic respiratory illness for many years. Judith was born on April 24, 1944, in Pelican Rapids, MN to Justus Carl Naumann and Pearl Priscilla Naumann. Judith graduated from Central High School in St. Paul, MN, and obtained her bachelor’s degree in English from Bemidji State University, in Bemidji, MN.
Judith C. LaFleur
Judith C. LaFleur, 82, of Osage, MN, died peacefully on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at her daughter’s home in Fontana, California, after battling a chronic respiratory illness for many years. Judith was born on April 24, 1944, in Pelican Rapids, MN to Justus Carl Naumann and Pearl Priscilla Naumann. Judith graduated from Central High School in St. Paul, MN, and obtained her bachelor’s degree in English from Bemidji State University, in Bemidji, MN.
Vonthia Olson
Vonthia D. Olson "BOOTS", 99, passed away peacefully on April 23, 2026, at PioneerCare in Fergus Falls, MN. Vonthia was born on October 2, 1926 to Walter and Alice Miller as one of nine children. She was united in marriage to William G Olson on February 27, 1973. Their union was blessed with four children: Bill, Diane, Donna Mae, and Dorothy. She enjoyed her time living at PioneerCare. She particularly loved playing Bingo there and appreciated the care that she received from her staff.
Earl Byron Moore
Earl Moore, passed away on April 20, 2026. He resided in Sturgeon, MO. A graveside service will be held at Riverside Cemetery in Campbell, MN on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. All family and friends are invited to attend. A gathering will immediately follow at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Campbell, MN. www.oliverfuneralhome.net
Jeffrey Christopherson
Jeffrey Lee Christopherson, 74, formerly of Wahpeton, ND, passed away in Naples, FL, on January 5, 2026. A memorial service honoring Jeff will be held Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 1:30 pm, at Vertin-Munson Funeral Home in Wahpeton.
Roger Roseth
Jul. 17, 1939 - Dec. 09, 2025 HUDSON, Wis. - Roger Roseth, 86, Hudson, Wis. died Tuesday, Dec. 9. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center, Fargo, ND. Burial will take place at 4:00 PM Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Lower Wild Rice and Red River Cemetery, Horace, ND. Arrangements by Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center.
James Pauly
Jun. 17, 1951 - Oct. 01, 2025 PERHAM, Minn. - James A. Pauly, 74, Perham, Minn. died Wednesday, Oct. 1, in Perham Living. Visitation will be at 11:00-12:00 p.m. followed by the Memorial Mass at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, May 29, 2026 at St. Henry’s Catholic Church in Perham. Interment will be at St. Stanislaus Cemetery in Perham. Arrangements by Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service, Perham, MN (218) 346-5175 www.schoenebergerfh.com.
Alvina Lillibridge
Alvina F. Lillibridge, of Fargo, ND, passed away on Sunday, May 17, 2026, in Essentia Health, Fargo, ND. Alvina Faye Stone was born the daughter of Glenson and Albertha (Wolfswinkel) Stone in Breckenridge, MN. She was raised in Wahpeton, ND, and graduated from Wahpeton High School. Alvina pursued high education at North Dakota School of Science, Wahpeton and Valley City (ND) State University before receiving her degree in Education from Moorhead (MN) State University.
Gerald Davis
Gerald D. Davis, 95, of Wahpeton, ND, passed away Monday, March 30, 2026, at St. Catherine South in Fargo, ND, surrounded by the love of his family. Gerald was born at home during a snowstorm on March 17, 1931, in Barney Township, to Embert and Agnes (Hafner) Davis. He attended the Barney school district and graduated from Wyndmere High School in 1949. On January 3, 1952, he married Bernice Heitkamp at St. Anthony’s Church in Mooreton, ND. They spent 74 years together and raised 8 children.
Bertha Baumer
A funeral service was held on Monday, May 18 at 1 PM at St John’s Catholic Church in Wahpeton. The service was followed by a gravesite gathering at Calvary Cemetery, followed by refreshments, bars, and cookies with family and friends at St John’s. Flowers and plants are welcome. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bertha’s memory to your local food shelf or homeless shelter would be appreciated and encouraged.
Mick's Office food truck rolls into second season
MOORHEAD — Mick's Office, downtown Moorhead's legacy burger joint, rolled out a food truck last summer. The inaugural outing was so successful the truck is again hitting the streets as a new outdoor season unfolds. This time around, the rig sports a fresh new wrap with graphics that let customers know exactly what Mick's has to offer.
Mark Schaar
Apr. 08, 1949 - Apr. 28, 2026 FARGO, N.D. - Mark Schaar, 77, Fargo, N.D. died Tuesday, Apr. 28, in Sanford Medical Center. Memorial services will be held Friday, July 3, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Pierce Congregational Church in rural Scranton, ND with Pastor Mary Peterson and Paul Hendrickson officiating. Arrangements by Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home – Fargo, ND.
Rhonda Goehring
Rhonda Faye Goehring was born on Sept. 3, 1969, in Jamestown, ND to Gerald and Mavis (Fornshell) Goehring. She attended school in Carrington thru 10th grade and then finished high school in Harvey, ND. She graduated May of 1987. She was a nanny in California for the summer of 1987 and then attended NDSU in Fargo, ND. Rhonda worked various jobs over the years in Fargo and was currently working for Lutheran Social Services of Moorhead, MN as a bookkeeper.
Marvin Albert
Marvin R. Albert, 78, of West Fargo, ND, died Sunday, May 10th, 2026, at his family's home in Port Hadlock, WA surrounded by his family. Marvin Rynold Albert was born October 27, 1947, near Erie, ND to Mabel (Covel) and Arnold R. Albert. He graduated from Erie high school in 1966. Marvin served with the Army National Guard for four years following high school. He then attended Hanson Mechanical Trade School in Fargo, ND.
Jerold Fenno Original
Apr. 30, 1938 - May. 09, 2026 CROOKSTON, Minn. - Jerold "Jerry" Fenno, 88, Crookston, Minn. died Saturday, May. 9. A funeral service honoring Jerold’s life will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. with visitation one hour prior. An evening prayer service will be held Friday, May 15, at 7:00 p.m. with visitation two hours prior. Both services will be held at the Cathedral of The Immaculate Conception in Crookston, MN.
Donald J. Birmingham
Jan. 27, 1931 - Apr. 28, 2026 MOORHEAD, Minn. - Donald J. Birmingham, 95, Moorhead, Minn. died Tuesday, Apr. 28, in his home. A Visitation for Don will begin at 9:30 AM, Friday, May 22, 2026, followed by his Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM, in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Moorhead, MN. He will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Moorhead. Arrangements by Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service, Moorhead, MN.
Overbooked readies to open in downtown Fargo
FARGO — As Michelle Forness worked to set up Overbooked, her new independent bookstore in downtown Fargo, she got a little help from her friends. The high school English teacher of 25 years says students, former students and teachers have pitched in to assist with everything from shelving and organizing books to mopping floors.
West Fargo City Commission, Park Board candidates field questions
WEST FARGO — Candidates for the West Fargo City Commission and the West Fargo Park Board took part in a candidate forum held Thursday evening, April 23, in the West Fargo Fire Hall. The forum was moderated by the League of Women Voters of the Red River Valley. Races for seats on the City Commission and the Park Board will be decided in the June 9 election. Four people are vying for two City Commission seats up for election and four people are running for three Park Board sets.
Fargo native says late-inning career move has been a kick
FARGO — Mark Monson grew up on the northside of Fargo and graduated from North High in 1969, the year Monson was part of an American Legion baseball team that made it to the World Series of legion baseball. Monson went on to attend college at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, where he continued to play baseball, a sport he has loved since an early age.
Co-op building new $15M warehouse/office complex in Dilworth
DILWORTH — Rural Electric Supply Cooperative, a member-owned, not-for-profit electrical wholesaler and one of the largest full-line distributors of high-voltage electrical products in the Midwest and Northern Plains, will soon have a new warehouse and offices in Dilworth. The warehouse/office complex will sit on 15 acres of land and give the cooperative the ability to expand its operations as needed, according to company officials.
David Olson
Dave Olson is a reporter, photographer and occasional videographer. He graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead with a degree in mass communications, and during his time at The Forum he has covered many beats, from cops and courts to business and education. Currently is writing business stories, but jumps on daily news as needed. He’s also written about UFOs, ghosts, dinosaur bones and the dwarf planet Pluto. You may reach Dave at 701-241-5555, or by email at dolson@forumcomm.com.
Fargo Commissioner Turnberg wants interim police chief to get job permanently
FARGO — Fargo City Commissioner Michelle Turnberg is proposing that Travis Stefonowicz, who was recently named the city's interim police chief, be appointed to officially take over the position recently vacated by Dave Zibolski. Turnberg has placed the idea on the agenda of the City Commission's next meeting set for Monday evening, April 13.
Alex 'A-Rod' Rodriguez to give 2026 Voices of Vision address
FARGO — Alex "A-Rod" Rodriguez will be the keynote speaker for the 2026 Voices of Vision event set for April 16 in Fargo. Hosted by the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce and presented by First International Bank & Trust, the event is scheduled to start at 3:45 p.m. at the Sanford Health Athletic Complex in Fargo. Rodriguez is a 14-time Major League Baseball All-Star and 2009 World Series Champion with the New York Yankees.
Kwik Star planned for far south Fargo
FARGO — The number of Kwik Trip and Kwik Star locations in the Fargo-Moorhead appears to be growing. Building permit information on file with the city of Fargo indicates a new structure will be built at 5246 43rd St. S. that will be home to a convenience store associated with the Kwik Trip brand, which in Fargo is badged as Kwik Star. The value of the construction project is approximately $4.5 million, according to the permit information.
Tobias "Toby" Larson
Mar. 18, 1929 - Jan. 22, 2026 VALLEY CITY, N.D. - Tobias "Toby" Larson, 96, Valley City, N.D. died Thursday, Jan. 22, in SMP Health-St. Raphael. The funeral service will be 2 pm Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Grace Free Lutheran Church, Valley City. Visitation will be one hour before the service at the church. Arrangements by Traditions Funeral Services - Oliver-Nathan.
Former head of Downtown Moorhead Inc. accepts position with Bell Bank
FARGO — Derrick LaPoint recently stepped away from his job as head of Downtown Moorhead Inc. to take a job with Bell Bank, a position he officially assumed on Jan. 5. As vice president of market development at Bell Bank, LaPoint describes his new job as a sort of "jack-of-all-trades" for the bank as Bell embarks on expanding its public finance division.
JLG settles into new home high above Broadway
FARGO — On a recent morning, Tracy Jordre, a principal architect of JLG Architects, took a pair of visitors on a tour of the company's new offices in the RDO Tower, 225 Broadway N. in downtown Fargo. The location is not far from JLG's former offices, which included space the company leased at 214 Broadway. "We loved that space, it's a great building.
Woof Gang Grooming & Bakery opens in south Fargo
FARGO — Fargo's new Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming location is now open at 2701 Uptown Way S., suite 108. And while the address says "Uptown Way," the front door of the business actually faces Veterans Boulevard. So, if anyone finds themselves at the back door of the business, which faces Uptown Way, they can simply walk to the other side of the strip mall to find the front door, said Colleen Winters, owner and operator of the new business, which will be managed by her sister, Krista Voltin.
Junkyard Brewing teams with lefse maker to offer new flavor
MOORHEAD — Just in time for the holidays, Junkyard Brewing in Moorhead and Freddy's Lefse in West Fargo have teamed up to create a lefse-based beer. Whether the potato-infused beverage actually tastes like lefse is open for debate, according to Aaron Juhnke, Junkyard's owner, but he said some are convinced it does.
Travel center planned for north Fargo
FARGO — A convenience store and car wash are planned for what is now vacant land at 4300 County Road 81 N., in Fargo, according to building permit information filed with the city. The permit relates to site development work associated with a travel center.
Laurie Jane Foreman
Laurie Jane Foreman, 71, of Davenport, ND, passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by family, on the morning of Friday, October 10, 2025. A visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 20, 2025, with a memorial service to follow at 6:00 p.m. at West Funeral Home (321 Sheyenne St., West Fargo, ND). To view a full obituary, please visit www.westfuneralhome.com
Marrion Emily (Jahnke) Walsh
Aug. 01, 1924 Oct. 08, 2025 FARGO, N.D. - Marrion Emily (Jahnke) Walsh, 101, Moorhead, N.D. died Wednesday, Oct. 8, in Fargo Elim. Funeral Service: 10 AM Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center in Fargo - with a visitation one hour prior. Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Fargo. Arrangements by Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center in Fargo.
Gale "Tom" Lesher Jr.
Gale "Tom" Thomas Lesher Jr. age 80, of Woodbury, Minnesota Passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 4, 2025 after battling Alzheimer's for almost 9 years. He was surrounded by family for two days prior as they reflected on his life, sharing stories of precious memories and events. He grew up in Cavalier, ND. Tom served in the US Army prior to earning his pharmacy degree at NDSU in Fargo, ND and went on to work many years in hospital and community pharmacies in the metro area.
Fargo convenience store project faces foreclosure
FARGO — A foreclosure action seeks the sale of a south Fargo property that involves a stalled convenience store project. The civil suit, which was filed Aug. 20, in Cass County District, is tied to a construction site at 901 38th St. S., in Fargo, that appears to have seen little or no activity since late 2024 or early 2025.
Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming coming to Fargo 'soon'
FARGO — Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming, a national franchise, will have a Fargo presence soon. That's according to a website as well as a Facebook page set up for the future Fargo location, which will be at 2701 Uptown Way S., suite 108. Attempts to reach someone at the local business for comment were not successful at the time this story was published. The brand's national website states that Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming formed as a company in 2007. Today, the brand has more than 350 locations.
Scheels to open second Oklahoma store
FARGO — Scheels will soon open a second store in Oklahoma. The Fargo-based and employee-owned chain of sporting good stores plans to open a store in Oklahoma City in the spring of 2028. The Oklahoma City store will be the brand's second location in Oklahoma, joining a store that opened in Tulsa last year.
Moorhead man arrested after standoff in Fargo
FARGO — A Moorhead man was arrested Saturday evening, June 14, after a standoff with authorities at a Fargo apartment building. According to a report released by the Fargo Police Department: Around 6 p.m. Saturday, Fargo police responded to a report of a wanted person in the 100 block of 12th Street South.
Fargo's Boiler Room now featuring food by Detroit Deli
FARGO — Detroit Deli has taken over food preparation at the Boiler Room in downtown Fargo. That's according to a Facebook post on the Detroit Deli Facebook page.
ND state workers gain AI skills via Microsoft connection
FARGO — Nearly 70 North Dakota state workers have received AI training in connection with a Microsoft initiative and ideas spawned by that training could someday result in real-world applications. That's according to Taya Spelhaug, the local lead for Microsoft's TechSpark program. Created in 2017, TechSpark has since secured more than $700 million in community funding and trained 65,000 people in technology skills worldwide.
Dunlop leaving FMWF Chamber after three-decade connection
FARGO β Darren Dunlop will retire in late March from the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce after a decades-long affiliation with the organization. That includes 17 years as a volunteer Chamber ambassador and 13 years as an employee of the Chamber. He currently holds the title of vice president of corporate partnerships for the Chamber.
Downtown Fargo's Boiler Room shifting its focus
FARGO β The Boiler Room's days as a downtown restaurant are numbered, but it's not disappearing completely. That's according to a post on the eatery's Facebook page, which stated the business's last day with full menu service will be Saturday, March 15, with Sunday being the Boiler Room's final weekend offering a brunch buffet.
NP Avenue project in downtown Fargo takes shape
FARGO — A multifaceted building project expected to cost upwards of $60 million is beginning to take shape on NP Avenue in downtown Fargo. Workers are erecting the skeleton of what will become the six-story Avery apartment complex, which will have about 168 housing units when it is completed in 2026. The Avery is part of a larger project that includes the construction of a city-owned parking garage and a new Fargo Moorhead Community Theatre complex.
Valley Hardwood Supply to reopen Dilworth store heavily damaged by fire
DILWORTH â Valley Hardwood Supply is going home. A fire in mid-January 2024 heavily damaged the business at 900 Center Ave. W. in Dilworth and for a time the seller of hardwoods had to close. By late last spring, however, owners Brandon and Janet Thompson were operating out of a temporary store at 2721 20th Ave. S. in Moorhead.
New mixed use development planned in Mapleton, ND
MAPLETON, N.D. â Construction is to begin this spring on a 24-unit upscale condominium/commercial space development in Mapleton. That's according to Katherine Kiernan, owner of Aspire Realty and a partner in the project along with others, including Renee and Justin Forde, who a few years ago purchased land for the project near the Maple River Golf Club. Kiernan said the development has been given the name Eagle's Landing as a nod to the views that it will provide of the nearby golf course.
Jenny Lacher
Jan. 3, 1942 - Dec. 5, 2024 WISHEK, N.D. - Jenny Lacher, 82, Wishek, N.D., died Thursday, Dec. 5, in her home. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m., followed by a prayer service at 7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 12, at Feist Funeral Home in Wishek. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 13, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Wishek. Arrangements by Feist Funeral Home Wishek.
Ray Abentroth
Ray Louis Abentroth, age 98, of Hillsboro, ND died Friday, December 6, 2024, at Sanford Hillsboro Long Term Care facility under the care of Hospice. Ray was born April 26, 1926, twin of Fay Abentroth, to Charles and Daisy (Bingham) Abentroth, of rural Cummings, ND. Ray grew up on the family farm and attended Bingham School, graduating from Caledonia High School in 1944. Ray and Fay took over the family farm with the untimely death of their father in 1943. They farmed all their lives.
Roger Owen Livdahl
Roger Livdahl (90), Child of God, husband, father, grandfather, and amateur harmonica player, passed away peacefully 11/27/24. Born to William and Ruth Livdahl he joined siblings; Amy, Buddy, Evonne, Eva, Jim, and later, Gerry on their farm in Rustad, MN. Roger graduated from Comstock HS, Concordia College, and Luther Seminary. Ordained in 1961, he served Lutheran parishes: 4 near Grand Forks; Olivet in Fargo; Tofte & Lutsen; and Concordia in Superior, WI.
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