opinion

Common Core, an effort to upgrade standards in key fields of study, has rallied a cadre of opponents who see the tentacles of the federal government reaching into school districts and destroying local control. The boogey word is “takeover.” It’s as old as the U.S. Constitution. Even...

The legislative session is going strong with committee hearings on bills every day, along with afternoon sessions in the Senate and House, when bills are up for votes. There are many interesting issues being discussed, and one of the biggest hearings this past week was on the “surge...

As defined in the North Dakota Century Code, domestic violence includes physical harm, bodily injury, sexual activity compelled by physical force, assault, or the infliction of fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury, sexual activity compelled by physical force, or assault,...

The School Board’s Community Relations and Advocacy Committee recently organized a breakfast meeting with representatives and senators from the legislative districts that encompass West Fargo Public Schools. This meeting allowed School Board members to become acquainted with new...

While preparing for the 2014 Year in Review, it was noted seven new officers were added during 2014. Three of the officers were hired based on the approval of the City Commission. Four others were hired to replace a retired employee; two officers who relocated to be closer to family;...

That headache we are feeling as we see the mailperson dropping off bulging letters from credit card companies is called “doorbuster hangover.” The retailer’s Black Friday now becomes red January because we overdid it. Maybe our ardor for reckless spending would be cooled if...

Considerable discussion has taken place following the death of an area police officer by suicide in March 2014. Personal pressures from a discipline issue the officer faced at work have been cited by the family as a contributing factor in his death. A potential loss of status as...

It was 2006 when Parshall No. 1 was first drilled for oil. It has been an unbelievable story here in the west ever since. Before 2006, western North Dakota was seeking solutions for losing population and enticing new businesses to relocate, and look at us now. In some eyes, the envy...

As we wrap up the holiday season, it’s a great time to take note of all the things we have to be thankful for. We all know North Dakotans everywhere are enjoying the benefits of our state’s robust economy. We have the nation’s lowest unemployment rate, we’re considered the...

The West Fargo Police Department has undergone a year of change during 2014. Arland Rasmussen retired on June 21 after having served as chief of police since Jan. 9, 1995. Rasmussen had replaced long-term Chief of Police Ken Hansen, who retired due to medical reasons. Rasmussen’s...