City News

Important service impacts for Memorial Day (May 25):

• City of Moorhead offices will be closed for Memorial Day on Monday, May 25 and reopen on Tuesday, May 26.

• Garbage/Recycling: Monday (May 25) garbage and recycling routes will be collected on Tuesday. All other routes from Tuesday through Friday will be collected on their regularly scheduled day. Please be aware the shift in route schedules may cause early or delayed collection this week; set your trash out by 4 am to ensure it is collected.

• MATBUS: There will be no MATBUS or MAT Paratransit service on May 25. The Ground Transportation Center will also be closed. Services will resume on Tuesday, May 26.

On Monday, May 18, weather permitting, and lasting for approximately three weeks, motorists traveling in Fargo-Moorhead will encounter lane closures on Interstate 94 near the Red River Bridge, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

Crews are returning to install the bases and structure for a new overhead message board on the North Dakota side of the river as part of MnDOT’s communication upgrade project. During the upcoming work, there may be times when no workers are present while concrete is curing.

All construction activities and traffic impacts are weather dependent and subject to change at any time. MnDOT and the North Dakota Department of Transportation want to remind motorists to slow down and use caution throughout every work zone.

MnDOT Project Page: https://www.dot.state.mn.us/d4/projects/moorhead-its/index.html

For real-time travel information anywhere in Minnesota, visit 511mn.org.

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.”

The City of Moorhead has prepared a draft version of the 2026 Annual Action Plan for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program from the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The priorities established within the draft plan result from citizen participation in the development of the 2025- 2029 5-Year Plan and an April 20, 2026, community meeting. Communication tools included consultations with area agencies identifying assets and needs and analysis of Census and other statistical data.

2026 Action Plan Draft

Amendment to the 5 Year Consolidate Plan (2025-2029)

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!

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.

Would YOU like to create a streetlight banner design to celebrate the United States 250 anniversary?

The City of Moorhead is issuing a Request for Art for artistic submissions that celebrate the United States’ 250 anniversary to be printed onto banners that hang on streetlights throughout the downtown area.

Submission Criteria is as follows:

• Subject matter must be related to the United States’ 250 anniversary.
• Subject matter must utilize a red, white and blue color scheme.
• Subject matter must be appropriate for all that will discover it.
• Individuals may submit up to 2 original graphic designs.
• The final design must match the following specifications:
  • Dimensions: A right triangle, 48” tall x 20” wide (12:5 ratio)
  • Format: PDF
  • Resolution: 72dpi and under 10MB
  • Double-Sided: Each design submission should include a mirrored copy for placement on the front and back of the banner (view scaled templates on pages 4 and 5).
    • Note: If your design includes text, be sure to check your mirrored copy to ensure any/all text is facing the right direction and can be read.

All submissions will be anonymously reviewed and selected by the Art(ist) Review Team (A.R.T.)

Please review full details for the Request for Art and email any questions to art@moorheadmn.gov.

If this interests you, please submit your proposal(s) by 4:00pm on Thursday, April 16, 2026. We hope to hear from you!

Spring is here, and it’s time to clean up your yard! Here’s what you need to know about yard waste disposal, curbside pickup, and compost site availability in Moorhead:

Yard Waste Roll-Off Containers Now Available

Yard Waste Roll-Offs are now available for grass clippings and leaves only! You can drop off at these locations, but please remember-no branches or bags:

• The Oakport and Village Green Compost Collection Sites
• Woodlawn Point
• Public Works Facility
• Clay County Resource and Recovery Center

Curbside Yard Waste Collection & Compost Site Opening April 20

Starting April 20, the City will begin curbside yard waste pickup. Residents who do not want to wait for their garbage day can haul wood debris to the City’s Compost Site. Woody debris larger than 8 inches in diameter is subject to a disposal fee.

Important Reminders: Please do not drop off tree branches at the City's recycling drop-off locations—these sites are for grass clippings and leaves only. Grass and leaves need to be in 32-gallon garbage cans, paper bags or biodegradable plastic bags. Yard waste is not to be put in your recycling container.

Curbside Brush & Branch Pickup Begins May 4

The City's curbside brush and branch chipping service will operate every other week on residents' recycling day starting May 4.

Until May 4, brush pickup is available on a call-in basis only. Residents may request service by calling 218.299.5422 or submitting a request online.

Brush Pickup Guidelines:

• Pile Size Limit: 12 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 4 feet high (larger piles will be partially chipped, with the remainder left for the next scheduled pickup).
• Branch Diameter: 8 inches or smaller.
• Placement: Place branches on the boulevard, not in alleys.
• No Bundling: Do not bundle or place branches in bags, garbage cans, or wheelbarrows.
• Prohibited Materials: No root balls, leaves, trash, lumber, or construction materials.

The chipping service is for residents who prune trees on their own property. Any debris generated by contractors will not be collected by the City.

Supporting Pollinators During Spring Cleanup

Residents are encouraged to consider pollinator-friendly practices when cleaning up their yards. Many beneficial insects, such as bees and butterflies, overwinter in dead plant material. To support a healthy pollinator population:

• Delay cleanup until temperatures consistently reach 50°F.
• Leave dead or dying branches in a pile until late spring.
• Consider planting native pollinator-friendly plants.

For more information on yard waste disposal, brush pickup, and compost site details, visit www.moorheadmn.gov or call 218.299.5422.

The City of Moorhead and the Lake Agassiz Regional Library (LARL) are excited to announce the grand opening of The Loop, the community’s newest hub for learning, gathering, recreation, and innovation. The celebration will take place on Saturday, April 18, marking an exciting milestone for a project designed to bring people together in a modern and welcoming space.

Located at the prominent intersection of 5 St and Center Ave, The Loop is a vibrant, 21st-century facility that includes a library, indoor playspace for youth and more, blending comfort, creativity, and connection. 

The public is invited to join in a celebration of this exciting moment. 

Event Details:

• Ribbon Cutting: 9:45am on Center Ave and 5 St
• Grand Opening: Immediately following ribbon cutting
• Building Hours for Saturday, April 18: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Stay tuned for more fun details as we get closer to the event.