UPDATED: 80,000 sandbags filled so far today at Fargo's Sandbag Central; more volunteers needed tonight

Volunteers fill sandbags — Jess Spieker, left, and Kristi Kraft, both employees of The Title Company of Fargo, spend part of Tuesday morning at Fargo's Sandbag Central as they volunteer to fill sandbags. Plastic palm trees and a few other beach-style decorations were added to lighten up the facility. At far left, Del Sanders uses a shovel to add sand to a bag. Dave Wallis / The Forum

By Amy Dalrymple

February 15, 2011 at 3:36 PM

FARGO - Volunteers at Fargo's Sandbag Central filled 80,000 sandbags as of 4 p.m. today.

Jesse Schmidt, public information officer, said there's been a strong turnout today with volunteer groups from Discovery Middle School, Oak Grove and several area businesses.

However, there's a lull now and volunteers are needed through 8 p.m. today, Schmidt said.

The goal is to produce 100,000 to 150,000 sandbags per day.

On Monday, volunteers filled 61,000 sandbags.

"We're optimistic that today is going to be even better," Schmidt said.

People are encouraged to call (701) 476-4000 to see if volunteers are needed.

For more on this story, read Wednesday's Forum.

Readers can reach Forum reporter Amy Dalrymple at (701) 241-5590

UPDATED: 80,000 sandbags filled so far today at Fargo's Sandbag Central; more volunteers needed tonight

FARGO - Volunteers at Fargo's Sandbag Central filled 80,000 sandbags as of 4 p.m. today. Jesse Schmidt, public information officer, said there's been a strong turnout today with volunteer groups from Discovery Middle School, Oak Grove and several...