• FM Scoop
  • Posts
  • FM Scoop: Arby’s AES Foundation Donates $120K to Local Groups

FM Scoop: Arby’s AES Foundation Donates $120K to Local Groups

Enrollment Rises, Change in Backpack Program, O'Kelly's to Close

Author

FM Scoop
August 30, 2024

Weather Forecast

Friday, August 30, 2024
☀️ 79°F | Sunny | High: 79°F, Low: 53°F

Saturday, August 31, 2024
🌬️ 80°F | Windy | High: 80°F, Low: 58°F

Sunday, September 1, 2024
☀️ 73°F | Sunny | High: 73°F, Low: 50°F

Good morning, Fargo-Moorhead! It’s Friday, and the weekend is just around the corner! As we wrap up the week, the sun is peeking out, giving us a perfect start to the day. Whether you’re making plans to soak up the last bit of summer or just looking forward to some downtime, we’ve got all the local buzz to get you ready. So, grab your coffee, dive into today’s scoop, and get set for a fantastic weekend ahead!

In today’s FM Scoop:

  • School Enrollment Up 🏫

  • Backpack Program Changes 🍎

  • O’Kelly’s Closing 🏚️

Let’s jump in!

Scoops of the Day

($) Enrollment Rises Across Fargo-Moorhead Public Schools 📚

As the new school year kicks off, public schools in the Fargo-Moorhead metro area are seeing an uptick in enrollment. Fargo Public Schools welcomed 11,402 students from kindergarten to 12th grade, a slight increase from last year, although still below 2022 figures. Notably, Fargo Davies High School saw a decline, while Dakota, the district’s alternative high school, experienced a 29% jump in students.

Moorhead Area Public Schools set a new record with 7,466 students, continuing a trend of rising enrollment, and West Fargo Public Schools also reported growth, with 13,262 students, reinforcing its position as the second-largest district in North Dakota. For more details, read the full article here.

Great Plains Food Bank Eyes Changes for Backpack Program 🎒

The Great Plains Food Bank is considering significant adjustments to its “Backpack” program, which provides students in Fargo, Moorhead, and West Fargo with food for weekends. Currently, the Food Bank fully funds this initiative in these areas, while other districts cover the costs themselves. The proposed shift would see the Food Bank cover 50% of the program's cost for all 155 schools it serves, aiming for a more equitable distribution of resources. Local schools are already planning meetings to address potential funding gaps. The new structure, set to take effect on January 1, 2025, is intended to strengthen the Food Bank’s financial stability while continuing to support the fight against childhood hunger. For more details, read the full article here.

Biltmore Hotel and O’Kelly’s to Close, Building to be Demolished 🏗️

After nearly 40 years of serving the Fargo community, the Biltmore Hotel & Suites and its neighboring bar & grill, O’Kelly’s, will be closing their doors for good. Located at 3800 Main Ave., the establishments will soon be demolished, marking the end of an era for a beloved local spot. O’Kelly’s, which opened in 1985, expressed heartfelt gratitude to its patrons, many of whom have been loyal since day one. The announcement was filled with nostalgia as they bid farewell to a place that became more than just a dining spot—it became a cherished community hub. Employees were informed of the closure on Wednesday, but management at both venues declined to comment further. For more details, read the full article here.

Stories with ($) require a third-party subscription.

A Swirl of Events

Friday
🎸Styx and Scheels Arena: Iconic rock group Styx has announced a special show in Fargo, ND, on Friday, August 30, at Scheels Arena.

🎤Ice Cube at the Lights: Ice Cube is comin’. Ice Cube will perform live on the MIDCO Stage at Essentia Health Plaza at The Lights on Friday, August 30th at 7:00 pm. The suggested age is 18+. Presale: December 6th at 9 AM through December 7th at 9 PM Public on sale.

Saturday
🌽Red River Market: Shop from over 60 local vendors. Including produce, meat, eggs, bakery, pantry items, household goods, and art.

🎶Billy Currington: Experience Billy’s album Summer Forever. Learn more and get your tickets here.

Sunday
☕️T&T Cafe: Come and invite your friends, neighbors, and co-workers to coffee, where you can connect with other women, hear a woman’s powerful life story, and receive prayer for the needs in your life! Find out more here.

Rest assured, nothing in this section is sponsored. We'll always be transparent and let you know when something is.

The Evening Delights

(Trivia, Music, Bingo, Comedy)

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

  • Bingo | 701 eateries | 2:00 - 4:00pm

  • Looks like it's a quiet Sunday in Fargo-Moorhead! Take the day to relax, recharge, and enjoy some downtime. We'll have more events lined up for you soon!

Rest assured, nothing in this section is sponsored. We'll always be transparent and let you know when something is.

A Sundae of Giving

🍟 Arby’s Day of Giving: Fargo Non-Profits Receive $120K Boost

Arby’s AES Foundation brought its Day of Giving to Fargo, donating a generous $120,000 to local non-profits. Fargo is the third city to benefit from this initiative, with various organizations receiving substantial support. Kamp KACE, a camp dedicated to giving kids with cancer a carefree experience, was one of the beneficiaries, receiving enough funding to send thirty kids to camp. Jessy’s Toybox, another local non-profit, received $10,000 to fill their shelves with toys, ensuring a thousand children will receive a gift. This day of giving highlights the community-focused spirit of the AES Foundation, bringing much-needed resources to those who make a difference. For more details, read the full article here.

Thank You!
Thanks for joining us for another edition of the FM Scoop! We hope you enjoyed today’s highlights. If you found the scoop as refreshing as we did, don’t hesitate to share it with friends and family. Stay tuned for more updates, and have a fantastic weekend ahead!