Dave Piepkorn Archives - KVRR Local News

City Of Fargo Proposes Changes For Matbus Services

West Acres Mall operators dispute commissioners comments about not wanting MATBUS hub

September 3, 2025

TJ Nelson,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — West Acres Mall operators are disputing comments made last night by Commissioner Dave Piepkorn. He said the mall doesn’t want the MATBUS hub saying, quote, “this is West Acres telling us to get out so I just want people to be aware of that.” West Acres Mall COO Alissa Adams in a statement said “we were…

People protest MATBUS route changes at Fargo City Hall

September 2, 2025

TJ Nelson,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — A number of people showed up at tonight’s Fargo City Commission meeting to speak out against route changes proposed by MATBUS. Of particular concern is the realignment of Route 24. It would do away with West Acres Transit Hub and instead utilize the 13th Avenue South Walmart bus shelter. Nearly 22,000 people ride that route each…

Resignation letters from City of Fargo communications employees describe ‘toxic’ workplace

August 13, 2025

Juliana Pelaez,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — The City of Fargo’s Communications team is down four employees after they submitted their resignations. Their reasoning, the department’s toxicity, and the lack of support for its employees. Those stepping down are Chief Communications Officer Gregg Schildberger, Deputy Chief Communications Officer Katie Ettish, Creative Services Director Ryan Green, and Project Manager Emily Groth. “The stress, anxiety,…

City commissioner Dave Piepkorn calls out mayor and police chief for their lack of leadership

August 5, 2025

Juliana Pelaez,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — After Monday afternoon’s press conference, two city commissioners have called for the dismissal of Police Chief Dave Zibolski. He became defensive with reporters when asked about the delay in releasing information on the Sunday shootings and his whereabouts. KFGO’s Joel Heitkamp invited commissioners and the chief on his morning show. City Commissioner Dave Piepkorn took part…

Commissioners Disagree On Extending Night Shelter for the Homeless in Fargo

April 28, 2025

TJ Nelson,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — A debate over the efforts to end homelessness gets a little heated at Fargo City Hall. Commissioners disagreed about a sudden motion to extend the winter warming shelter by one month to continue to house around 50 people each night. It is covered by a grant. Two commissioners said the measure is just enabling those people…

Fargo City Commission Delays Action On Making Mayor Full-Time, Adding 2 Commissioners

April 14, 2025

TJ Nelson,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Fargo City Commissioners are delaying any action on making the mayor full-time or adding two commissioners, until next month. City staff presented findings of research into what steps would need to be taken and the impact on the budget. Commissioners can vote to make the mayor’s position full-time. Right now the mayor’s position is only part-time…

Convention Center Planning Committee Hosted First Meeting After Measure Passed By Fargo Voters

February 14, 2025

Juliana Pelaez,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) –Members of the Convention Center Project Committee introduced their anticipated square footage requirements. “When I talk to them about the 50,000 square foot room they get kind of depressed and say well we have to call it a multipurpose room. And but it’s ballroom space and exhibit space, he says yeah it’s really a multipurpose room. So…

“Operation Safe Fargo” Voted Down By City Commission, 3-2, New Plan Coming In 2 Weeks

December 9, 2024

TJ Nelson, Eric Bolin,

Fargo City Commissioner Michelle TurnbergFARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — An urgent move by Fargo City Commissioner Michelle Turnberg to address the homeless situation as the temperatures drop is voted down by the commission. Turnberg’s proposal called “Operation Safe Fargo” was defeated 3-2, with her only support coming from Commissioner Dave Piepkorn. She proposed outlawing homeless camping on any city property and…

Winter Warming Center To Be Located At Former Fargo Police Headquarters on 25th Street South

Commissioners Also Voted 3-2 Against Ending The Needle Exchange Program

November 25, 2024

TJ Nelson,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Fargo is taking a proactive rather than reactive approach to prevent cold weather related injuries or deaths this winter. The Winter Warming Initiative was started in 2023 as a temporary plan to help the homeless during the winter months since most local shelters are at or over capacity. Last year, they helped nearly 700 people with…

Fargo City Commission directs staff to prepare Winter Warming Plan

October 29, 2024

KVRR Staff,

File imageFARGO (KVRR-KFGO) – After some heated debate, the Fargo City Commission voted 3-2 to direct city staff to prepare a winter warming plan. The approved motion, brought forward by Commissioner John Strand, gives city staff approval to run a program to keep the homeless population warm during the winter months. Last winter, the program warmed 40-50 people a night….