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Fargo Force Embraces Hometown Talent

Vampire Penguin Asks for Help, Support for School Meals, RedHawks Reload Roster

January 16, 2026

TOGETHER WITH

Weather Forecast

Friday, January 16, 2026
🌧️ 31°F | Freezing Rain | High: 31°F, Low: 2°F

Saturday, January 17, 2026
☁️ 2°F | Cloudy | High: 2°F, Low: -3°F

Sunday, January 18, 2026
🌬️ 19°F | Windy | High: 19°F, Low: -1°F

Good afternoon, Fargo-Moorhead! It’s Thursday, and the weekend is almost here! As the week winds down, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about what’s ahead. Whether you’re planning to get out and about or just looking forward to some well-earned downtime, we’ve got the local buzz to help you kick things off!

In today’s FM Scoop:

  • A Sweeter Takeoff at Hector

  • Support for School Meals

  • Redhawks Reload Roster

"Let’s stir things up!"

In Partnership with Eat the FM Area

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Scoops of the Day

Scooping Up Support for School Meals 🍨🥪

A group called Together for School Meals is kicking off a statewide push to bring free school meals to all North Dakota students, and they’re looking for volunteers to help make it happen. The coalition has launched trainings in Fargo, Bismarck, and online to teach supporters how to collect signatures and spread the word. To get the measure on the ballot, organizers have one year to gather 31,164 valid signatures from across the state.

If those signatures are submitted by July 6 and approved, the proposal would appear on the general election ballot this November. The plan carries an estimated price tag of $134 million to cover free meals during the 2027–29 biennium. The first in-person training is set for Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the Radisson Blu in downtown Fargo, with additional online options available through the group’s website and Facebook page. For more details, read the full article here.

RedHawks Reload the Roster for 2026 🍦⚾

The Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks are already scooping up talent for another playoff push, announcing nine player signings as they gear up for the 2026 American Association season. The group includes seven familiar faces and two new additions, led by veteran slugger Jose Sermo and standout pitcher Kyle Crigger. Sermo returns after a big second half in 2025, bringing power and experience back to the lineup as one of the league’s all-time home run leaders. Crigger, meanwhile, is back after anchoring the rotation last season and delivering a clutch playoff performance that helped propel the team forward.

The RedHawks are also leaning into continuity, re-signing several infielders who contributed throughout last season, including Peter Brookshaw, Aidan Byrne, Osmy Gregorio, and Andy Nelson. On the pitching side, Angelo Cabral and Hunter Day return to add depth, while left-handed reliever Liu Fuenmayor joins the staff after a strong save-filled season in the Frontier League. With the roster taking shape, Fargo-Moorhead opens the 2026 season on the road May 14 before welcoming fans home for the opener on May 22. For more details, read the full article here.

Vampire Penguin Cafe Shares Heartfelt Plea for Weekend Support ☕

Vampire Penguin, a local Fargo cafe, is reaching out to the community with a candid message about the importance of supporting small businesses. The owner shared that this weekend is pivotal, emphasizing that running the cafe is about more than serving drinks—it’s about honoring the craft, the staff, the farmers behind the ingredients, and the community that walks through the door.

The message highlighted that passion alone isn’t enough for small businesses to thrive, and that every visit from customers makes a meaningful difference. The owner thanked patrons for their support, encouraging anyone who has enjoyed Vampire Penguin or has been meaning to stop by to show up this weekend. For more details, read the full article here.

The stories featured in FM Scoop are summarized with the assistance of AI and reviewed for accuracy. We do not claim credit for the original reporting. Our goal is to keep you informed about the latest happenings in the Fargo-Moorhead area while respecting the work of local journalists. For the full articles and details, please follow the provided links.

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A Swirl of Events

(Concerts, Community Events, Local Markets, Etc.)

Friday

Parents' Night Out at Code Ninjas 🥷 - Give yourself a night off while kids dive into an evening full of fun and creativity at Code Ninjas Fargo. With pizza, Xbox, Minecraft, Roblox, STEM activities, puzzles, and origami, it’s a playful and educational night that keeps young ninjas entertained from 6 to 9 PM.

Donut Painting Fun 🍩 - Bring the kids downtown for a sweet and creative activity at Sandy’s Downtown. Children ages 2–12 can enjoy a free donut painting craft with any purchase while supplies last, making it a tasty and fun way to spend the afternoon.

Wine Tasting & Menu Vote 🍷 - Bring a non perishable food item for admission and enjoy tasting a variety of wines while voting on which should be added to the menu. The event also features live music by Brett Pauly, happy hour specials, bonus prizes, and a lively atmosphere for a fun evening out.

Saturday

Chunky Blanket Handknitting Workshop 🧶 - Learn how to hand knit your own cozy chunky blanket in this beginner friendly workshop led by Busy Fingers Creationz. With no experience required, participants will be guided step by step using soft, durable yarn to create a blanket in the size of their choice, with all supplies included for a relaxing and creative experience.

12th Annual Hometown Heroes Game 🏒 - Cheer on local heroes and support a great cause at this annual game raising funds for life saving equipment in Cass and Clay counties. It’s a fun community event that brings first responders and fans together for an exciting night while giving back.

Vendor & Craft Show 🛍️ - Browse unique handmade goods and shop local while supporting small businesses at this vendor and craft show. Stop by the Fargo Masonic Center to explore a variety of booths and enjoy lunch during the event for an easy and fun afternoon out.

Stained Glass Snowflake Workshop ❄️ - Design and create a one of a kind stained glass snowflake using colorful pre cut glass, gems, and guided instruction from Morgan of Morgan’s Stained Glass. All supplies are provided, and you’ll learn foiling and soldering techniques before taking home a finished piece that shines beautifully in the light.

FPL Puzzle Competition & Exchange 🧩 - Put your puzzling skills to the test at this fast paced competition where teams race to complete a 500 piece puzzle in just two hours. Prizes are on the line for the top finishers, and participants are welcome to swap puzzles while enjoying a fun challenge for adults, teens, and families at the downtown library.

Silver Snowflake Search ❄️ - Hunt for hidden silver snowflakes around West Fargo and win cash prizes! Five snowflakes are tucked in public spots, each worth $400, for a total of $2,000 up for grabs. Daily clues drop from January 17–24, and participants can bundle up and follow the trail for a chance to strike it lucky this winter.

Sunday

Stained Glass Sunset Workshop 🌅 - Create a beautiful stained glass sunset over rolling hills in this hands on workshop led by Morgan of Morgan’s Stained Glass. With guided instruction and all supplies provided, you’ll leave with a finished piece that captures warm glowing colors perfect for displaying at home.

Lutefisk & Meatballs Dinner 🍽️ - Enjoy a delicious traditional meal of lutefisk and meatballs at the Sons of Norway, complete with sides and a beverage for just $30. Served from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM, it’s a tasty way to savor classic flavors and a fun outing for the whole family.

For all the details on these events, be sure to click the hyperlinked event titles.

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

Frozen in Time

Fargo Force Skates with Local Talent 🏒

This season, the Fargo Force is making history with the most local players on their roster ever. Players like Moorhead’s Brooks Cullen and West Fargo’s Bryce Mattern bring hometown pride and experience to the USHL, with Cullen returning as a veteran and Mattern living out a childhood dream of playing for the team he grew up cheering for.

Associate Head Coach Jimmy Mullin credits the area’s strong hockey development system for producing skilled players, noting the dedication of local coaches and the passion he sees in young athletes across North Dakota and Minnesota. With a mix of local stars and out-of-town talent, the Force is showing that the region continues to be a hockey powerhouse. For more details, read the full article here.

The stories featured in FM Scoop are summarized with the assistance of AI and reviewed for accuracy. We do not claim credit for the original reporting. Our goal is to keep you informed about the latest happenings in the Fargo-Moorhead area while respecting the work of local journalists. For the full articles and details, please follow the provided links.

The Evening Delights

(Trivia, Music, Bingo, Comedy, Etc.)

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

For the latest updates and any last-minute changes, click the event links hyperlinked in the titles.

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

See You After the Weekend!

We’re wrapping up this edition of FM Scoop, just in time for the weekend! Share the latest updates, and enjoy everything the weekend has to offer. We’ll catch you next week with more local scoops!