News

What began as a routine day of inspections quickly turned into a moment of decisive action for Building Inspectors Blake Krueger and DJ Stephan.

On Monday, May 11 As they were driving south on 20 St, a thick cloud of black smoke rising above a nearby neighborhood caught Blake’s eye. Without hesitation, DJ accelerated toward the source. The closer they got, the more obvious it became. Flames were pouring from the back of a home, and no first responders had arrived yet.

They were the first on scene.

Blake immediately called 911 while DJ pulled up in front of the burning twin home. Both were moving, no discussion needed. Blake ran south to alert the neighboring homeowner, whose own property had already begun to burn. She was unaware of the danger, and despite initial reluctance, Blake was able to convince her to leave her home.

At the same time, DJ raced to the front door of the burning home. When the locked door wouldn’t open, he rang the doorbell and pounded repeatedly, checking to see if anyone was inside. Moments later, the homeowner’s son burst out the door with his dog and a few belongings, shaken and panicked. DJ and Blake quickly helped calm him, confirming he was the only person inside.

Another neighbor, noticing the smoke, ran over to help. Blake stayed with the resident while DJ sprinted to the north unit of the twin home, where he found another confused homeowner just opening her door. He guided her safely to the boulevard.

Within minutes, police arrived, followed by fire crews who took control of the scene. But in those critical early moments, the coordinated, instinctive response from Blake and DJ had ensured that everyone, including pets, were safely evacuated.

Reflecting on the experience, both inspectors say the speed and intensity of the fire stands out the most. They shared how quickly a home can become overwhelmed by heat and smoke, emphasizing the importance of getting out immediately and hope residents take away just how important it is to have an emergency plan, working smoke alarms, and an understanding of how to operate all windows and doors.

Looking back, both men express a similar sentiment: gratitude. Gratitude that they saw the smoke when they did. Gratitude that they were close enough to act. Gratitude that everyone made it out safely.

“I’m glad we were able to help alert everyone,” DJ said. “Even if we provided comfort for just a few seconds in a chaotic moment, that matters.”

Blake echoed the feeling: “We were just thankful to be in the right place at the right time and being able to make that call, and able to help.”

Their quick thinking and steady teamwork made all the difference that day. Kristie Leshovsky, Community Development Director said, “They create safe spaces every day for people, but that day, their actions may have saved lives in real time.” A powerful reminder of the everyday heroes who often don’t see themselves that way at all.

The City of Moorhead Assessing Division will be reviewing residential properties in your neighborhood in the coming weeks.

Neighborhoods included: Village Green Addition.

You may see a clearly identified City assessor taking photos of the outside of your home and checking exterior measurements. Please let others in your household know.

These reviews help us make sure your property value is current and accurate, as required by the State of Minnesota. An interior inspection helps us confirm the most accurate information.

Property information can be viewed at www.moorheadproperty.org.

If you would rather call to schedule an appointment or confirm interior information, please contact the Assessor’s Office at 218.299.5310. 

A search warrant executed on Tuesday, May 19, by the Moorhead Police Department has resulted in the arrest of two adults connected to an incident earlier in the week at Horizon Middle School.

On Monday, May 18, at approximately 12:40 p.m., the Moorhead Police Department responded to Horizon Middle School after receiving a report that several students had become ill after consuming candy brought to school by another student.

The City Council will consider a second reading of Ordinance 2026-01: An Ordinance to Amend the Official Zoning Map Rezoning Industrial Parcels and to Amend and Reenact Title 10, Chapter 15B, MU-2: Neighborhood Mixed Use and Chapter 18, Use Regulations on May 26, 2026.

These zoning text and map amendments are part of the Onward Moorhead! Comprehensive Plan Update, which was approved in 2022. The City is in the process of updating all zoning code chapters and the citywide zoning map. The code updates clarified setbacks in MU-2 and added/clarified use language for cannabis/hemp-related uses. 

For more information, please visit the City Council Meetings web page. Scroll down to the bottom of this page to review the First Reading of Ordinance 2026-01 in the May 11, 2026 meeting packet (click item 10B in the Agenda Packet (PDF) to download item).

If you have questions, please contact staff at planning@moorheadmn.gov or 218.299.5374.

The City of Moorhead Assessing Division will be reviewing residential properties in your neighborhood in the coming weeks.

Neighborhoods included: Country Club Addition, Arnold F Miller Addition, Roens Addition, Roens 1st Addition, Voll Addition and Outlots.

You may see a clearly identified City assessor taking photos of the outside of your home and checking exterior measurements. Please let others in your household know.

These reviews help us make sure your property value is current and accurate, as required by the State of Minnesota. An interior inspection helps us confirm the most accurate information.

Property information can be viewed at www.moorheadproperty.org.

If you would rather call to schedule an appointment or confirm interior information, please contact the Assessor’s Office at 218.299.5310. 

The City of Moorhead Assessing Division will be reviewing residential properties in your neighborhood in the coming weeks.

Neighborhoods included:  Mulligans 1st Addition, and Village Green 18th Fairway Addition.

You may see a clearly identified City assessor taking photos of the outside of your home and checking exterior measurements. Please let others in your household know.

These reviews help us make sure your property value is current and accurate, as required by the State of Minnesota. An interior inspection helps us confirm the most accurate information.

Property information can be viewed at www.moorheadproperty.org.

To schedule an interior inspection, scan the QR code on the left.

If you prefer not to schedule an in‑person visit, you may scan the QR code on the right and complete a short questionnaire instead.

If you would rather call to schedule an appointment or confirm interior information, please contact the Assessor’s Office at 218‑299‑5310. We’re happy to answer any questions—thank you!

Congratulations to the Moorhead Spudniks Robotics Team! On Monday, May 11, the Moorhead City Council and Mayor Shelly Carlson presented them with the MoorHeart award.

The Moorhead Spudniks Robotics team, using their problem-solving skills and electronics talents, built a “digital hand” for their classmate Amarah Ramirez, to enable her to participate with the rest of her class.

This lighted sign allows her to signal to the teacher when she wishes to ask or answer a question. Through the Spudniks’ hard work and innovation, Amarah can better engage in the classroom. From the nomination – “This is what it means to be in a community, we look out for each other because we are all Spuds.”