News

On April 24, 2026, at approximately 11:55 p.m., officers were dispatched to a report that an adult male had been struck by a vehicle. Emergency responders located the victim, who was transported to a local hospital and remains in critical condition.

During the initial investigation, officers learned that the caller knew both the suspect and the victim, and the incident was not random. Officers identified the suspected driver as 40‑year‑old Roel Rivera of Moorhead. Rivera was located, arrested, and taken into custody without incident. He is currently being held at the Clay County Correctional Facility on charges of Attempted Second‑Degree Murder and Felony First‑ and Second‑Degree Assault.

This incident remains under active investigation. No additional details are available at this time.

Planning Commission 5/4/2026 at 5:30 PM 

On April 17, 2026, at approximately 2:41 am, the Moorhead Police Department responded to a report of gunshots in the 1100 block of 3 St S. Officers were unable to verify the initial report and found no damage or victims. 

At around 4:45 am, the Red River Regional Dispatch Center received additional calls of gunfire in the same area. Officers returned to investigate. Shortly after 5 am, a resident reported that a possible suspect had entered a home in the 1100 block of 3 St S. As officers approached the residence, they located a discarded rifle near the front of the property. The firearm was secured, and officers made phone contact with a person inside. 

Officers attempted to safely resolve the situation with the suspect, later identified as 28-year-old Malachi Shabaiash of Moorhead. Those efforts were unsuccessful and Shabaiash fled the residence on foot, armed with what appeared to be a rifle. Officers immediately established a perimeter, and a shelter-in-place alert was issued to nearby residents.

A coordinated search was conducted, with assistance from a Clay County Sheriff’s Office K9 team and the Moorhead Fire Department who deployed a drone. The drone assisted in locating Shabaiash, who was hiding in a backyard and was still in possession of a rifle. The K9 team was utilized to take them into custody. 

Shabaiash was transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries sustained from the K9 apprehension and later booked into the Clay County Jail. Shabaiash is being held pending longform complaint charges from the Clay County Attorney’s Office.

After Shabaiash was safely detained, a second alert was issued lifting the shelter-in-place.

Following Shabaiash’s arrest, investigators received additional information; a victim came forward and reported that earlier in the morning, Shabaiash fired at them as they drove away in a vehicle. The vehicle appears to have been struck several times and has been towed for processing and evidence collection. The victim and Shabaiash are known to one another. 

This incident unfolded rapidly, and the Moorhead Police Department is grateful for a safe resolution; there is no ongoing threat to the public. 

Moorhead Police Department is asking that if residents discover property damage consistent with this incident or have any video that capture shots fired, to contact Red River Regional Dispatch Center and request to speak with a Moorhead Police Department supervisor.

The Moorhead Police Department would like to thank the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Minnesota State Patrol, and Moorhead Fire Department for their assistance.

Golfers can take advantage of driving ranges at Village Green and the Meadows starting at 9am on Wednesday, April 15. The Village Green course is open for walking only. The Meadows course will be open for walking only on Wednesday, April 15 at 12pm. Tee-times will be available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Hours and course conditions are weather-dependent and evaluated daily. Call ahead for current hours and additional information (218.299.PUTT).

Before your first round, purchase your season pass online. Visit moorheadgolf.activityreg.com and get ready to hit the greens. All passes are now digital and require a photo to be uploaded for each pass holder. A QR code will be emailed to you after purchase, to scan to enter the facility.

Congratulations to Joey Schmit and Pete Karl! On Monday, April 13, the Moorhead City Council and Mayor Shelly Carlson presented them with the MoorHeart award.

Back in 2023, the Recreation Department began connecting with local disc golf enthusiasts about improving the course. Joey Schmit quickly emerged as a standout volunteer, and what started as a discussion about small repairs soon grew into a full redesign.

With support from the Park Advisory Board in 2024, course designer Pete Karl joined the project. Over the next year, Joey and Pete partnered with Recreation and Public Works staff to finalize a brand-new layout. Renovation work kicked off in September 2025.

Today, the course features an updated 18‑hole design with alternate basket placements, new tee pads and baskets, refreshed signage, and enhanced landscaping.

This free community amenity continues to draw families, college students, and disc golf fans from across the metro—and we’re excited for everyone to enjoy the improved experience!

Looking for the perfect spot to host a birthday party, team celebration, or family get‑together? The Oasis Room at the Moorhead Municipal Pool in Romkey Park (800 19 St S) will be ready for all your summer fun starting June 15!

Conveniently located right off the lobby, this private party space gives you the best of both worlds: a comfortable room and access to the pool.

What’s inside the Oasis Room:

• Kitchenette with refrigerator, freezer, and sink
• 5 tables and 30 chairs
• Restrooms
• Air conditioning (stay cool between splash sessions!)
• Capacity: 30 people

Dive into the Fun!
Reservations for the Oasis Room Party Package open June 15, 2026. Enjoy a private space for gifts and snacks plus pool admission for your whole group, making it an easy, memorable way to celebrate all season long.

Learn more and reserve your party spot.

Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, promotes freedom for all people, and honors the contributions that enslaved African Americans and their descendants have made to this country.

Destiny Holiday organized the first community celebration of Juneteenth in Moorhead in 2019. In 2020, the Moorhead City Council passed a resolution on the recommendation of the Moorhead Human Rights Commission to designate June 19 as Juneteenth Independence Day in Moorhead.

In addition to leading efforts to have Juneteenth commemorated in Moorhead, Holiday was the founder of “The Birthing of a Diamond” and “Diamond Kids” nonprofits, which empower and support single mothers and children from disadvantaged and underrepresented communities. Moorhead is more united and resilient because of the efforts of Destiny “Grandmamma” Holiday, who was able to take the hardships she endured as a struggling black woman and create programs and community that strive to give others the resources and tools they need to succeed.

Holiday passed away in 2022. The Moorhead Human Rights Commission established the Destiny Holiday Community Champion Award in 2023 to be given annually to a Moorhead resident whose contributions to the community exemplify the compassion, resilience, and commitment to lifting up others exhibited by Destiny Holiday.

Nominate a Community Champion!

As the spring showers roll in, the City of Moorhead wants to remind residents that it’s time to direct your sump pump discharge outside.

Between now and October 1, sump pumps must not drain into the sanitary sewer system. Instead, they should be directed:

• Into the storm sewer via a proper connection
• On the ground at least 20 feet away from your home
• Through a buried line to the curb

Why it matters:
Sending sump pump water into the sanitary sewer overwhelms the system, especially during heavy rains, leading to potential sewer backups and costly property damage. This excess water can impact not just your home, but your entire neighborhood.

Before you redirect your discharge line outdoors, double-check that the line is clear of ice and blockages to avoid any overflow or flooding.

It’s a small switch that makes a big difference.
By helping prevent sewer backups and keeping our system running efficiently, you’re protecting your home, and doing your part for the community.

Learn more about sump pump requirements and wastewater management.

Building & Housing Update