Fargo Cass Public Health has launched a new campaign to promote the balance of breastfeeding for working mothers and their employers as well as incentives for businesses interested in becoming Infant Friendly Workplaces and free classes for new mothers. Interestingly enough, we have 40 employers in the city that do that and the City of Fargo is one of the participants.
On April 11, Dakota Medical Foundation and the Fargo Cass Public Health will host “Day for Prevention,” a live-streamed learning event for area substance abuse and mental health professionals. A number of substance abuse professionals will speak on this important topic throughout the day, which runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m on April 11.
This is National Library Week and this year’s theme is “Libraries Lead.” National Library Week celebrates how libraries of all types are places of learning, discovery and entertainment.
The Fargo Public Library has added RB Digital to its Digital Downloads Collection. The online service offers downloading of audiobooks and eBooks. Anyone with a valid Fargo Public Library card can access thousands of audiobook titles including bestsellers, classics and selections for teens and children. Content on RB Digital is always available and has an automatic return feature, which eliminates late and overdue fines.
The Fire Department recently spent several days working with a consultant to develop a new Community Driven Strategic Plan. Meetings were held over several days with members of the community and City of Fargo departments. The plan is scheduled to be completed on July 31st.
Assistant Fire Chief Gary Lorenz was recently named Fire Chief for the City of Grand Forks. Lorenz will being his duties in Grand Forks on May 7 after serving the Fargo community for 28 years. Fire Inspector/Investigator Doug Nelson has been named Fire Marshal by the North Dakota Attorney General. Nelson began his duties on March 19th after serving the Fargo community for 12 years. Fire Investigator Jamie Garvey recently completed the training and testing necessary to become a certified fire investigator through the International Code Council.
Police Personnel from the Fargo Police Department provided different aspects of security for Vice President Mike Pence’s recent visit to Fargo. Chief Todd reports he received many compliments and gratitude from the Secret Service for all of those involved in the planning and operations of the visit.
Retired Lt. John Sanderson passed away on March 25th. John served with the Fargo Police Department for 27 years, founded the SWAT team and was the team’s first commander. Another longtime Fargo PD employee, Gert Neubauer, died on March 21st. She worked for the department for 33 years.
Lastly, there is someone on the Commission that always wishes happy birthday to everybody; knows their dates, times and everything. So we kind of missed John's birthday. I read all of the birthday wishes and comments on Commissioner Strand's Facebook page and there were many. John's responses were humble and considerate, which is a reflection of a man I have come to know and appreciate.
Spring is on the way, Fargo!
Mayor Tim Mahoney