Dave Olson
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FARGO—A new cafe is planned for 524 Broadway in Fargo, formerly home to Josie's Corner Cafe & Bake Shop. Information filed with the city of Fargo Inspections Department indicates the name of the new business may be the Madrid Cafe, but when it comes to building permit information names can sometimes change by the time a project is completed. Attempts to reach individuals associated with the project were not successful. Jose's Corner closed late last year. It had operated at that location since 2006.
FARGO—At a time when many downtown churches around the country are struggling to fill their pews, Fargo's First Lutheran Church is embarking on a $12 million expansion project. Growth in the congregation is one reason for the project, according to Dave Rogness, head of the building project committee, and Terry Yoney, a retired administrator of the church who now serves as liaison between the church and the contractors during construction.
WEST FARGO—A West Fargo fine dining eatery has apparently closed for good. Loren Lee's opened at 3179 Bluestem Drive in August of 2016 in what had been home to the District Waterhouse & Kitchen. The business closed in March when a post on the the Loren Lee's Facebook announced the the business was closing temporarily for kitchen maintenance and expected to reopen in April. The Facebook page now says the business is permanently closed. A message left at the phone number for the business was not returned.
FARGO—Kone's Kreamery has opened at 1650 45th St. S., in Fargo. The business specializes in Italian ice cream, coffees and boba milk teas, said Vena Pham, who owns the business with her husband, Kevin. She said business has been good, with animal-shaped ice cream cones being the big seller so far. Pham said the business makes its ice cream, coffee and tea fresh daily. Hours at the store are: 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon to 8:30 p.m. Sunday.
FARGO—Darren and Janet Baumgartner know just how quickly life can change. For them, it happened in early March. One day, Darren Baumgartner was shoveling snow. A day later, he woke up with a back ache. Two days after that he could barely move. Tests showed he had Guillain Barre Syndrome, also known as French Polio, a rare autoimmune disorder that affects the nervous system, and in Baumgartner's case caused paralysis. Treatment was started to slow the disease and Baumgartner started rehab.
FARGO— Stabo Scandinavian Imports, which began as an original tenant of West Acres Shopping Center, has completed a move to downtown Fargo. The original store opened in 1972 in the then-new West Acres. Now, it operates out of 406 Broadway N., joining a bevy of other boutiques that can be found throughout downtown Fargo. Owner Sue Rusch has said the move will allow more space for the Scandinavian gift and import store and more flexibility for store hours.
MOORHEAD—If Fargo-Moorhead area employers want qualified employees it's crucial they understand the importance that affordable, quality child care plays in the decisions families make. And the time for the community to invest in child care is now, according to several speakers who presented at an "Eggs & Issues" breakfast in Moorhead Tuesday, June 5, that was hosted by the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce. "Families are deciding whether to join the workforce based on child care," said Thomas Hill, community impact director with the United Way of Cass Clay.
MOORHEAD—City and state officials gathered here Monday, June 4, to discuss ways to help Moorhead residents avoid what one nonprofit organization calls the "debt trap" of payday loans. Exodus Lending, which helped organize Monday's meeting, says many residents in the region who take out payday loans face fees and interest rates upwards of 200 percent after they become stuck in a cycle of debt marked by constant renewal of loans and the paying of interest and fees on an ongoing basis.
FARGO—Antoinett Hair Salon has opened in Fargo. The business at 1200 1st Ave. N. is co-located with A&E Beauty Supply. Both businesses are operated by Antoinett Peal, who opened the beauty supply store in early 2015. The hair salon offers specialties that include: braiding, crochet braids, sewing weaves, lace frontal sewing, and more.
WEST FARGO—A driver shortage has recruitment efforts in overdrive as area trucking companies seek to attract a younger generation to an industry that touches nearly every aspect of the American economy. "Just look around, almost every item you see in a work space or other setting was on a truck at some point," said Melissa Dixon, president of the North Dakota Motor Carriers Association, a group that is keenly aware of how difficult it is for companies to find and keep qualified drivers.