General

Congratulations to the First Congregational United Church of Christ (UCC) team! On Monday, June 22, the Moorhead City Council and Mayor Shelly Carlson honored them with the MoorHeart award.

The MoorHeart selection committee chose to recognize UCC for their efforts to provide services and make connections with the homeless community in Moorhead. These efforts include donating food from their community garden, working with service providers in the community and providing compassion through their fellowship. Through these efforts, the UCC stands out as a beacon of hope throughout Moorhead.

CAPLP Homeless Outreach wrote in the nomination: “They are a small but mighty crew showing everyone around them that we can all lend a hand to our neighbors in need.”

The City of Moorhead thanks the First Congregational United Church of Christ for their dedication to making sure all residents have caring support. Their dedication to improving the lives of those in need makes Moorhead a better place. Thank you, First Congregational United Church of Christ!

Starting Monday, June 15, construction will begin on 4 Ave N from 14 St N to 17 St N starting at 7 am. This phase of the project is expected to last 5-6 weeks, weather permitting.

Properties that are located on 4 Ave N between 14 St N & 17 St N may lose direct access to driveways during this construction phase. We ask that all affected addresses please utilize adjacent street parking locations outside of the designated construction area. We also ask that residents do not park directly adjacent or in front of the closures and construction signage.

The Pedestrian Bridge at Gooseberry Mound Park in Moorhead that connects to Lindenwood Park in Fargo will be closed through Thursday, June 11 for maintenance. Please use alternative routes during this time.

Gooseberry Mound Park is located at 100 22 Ave S, Moorhead.

We're kicking off summer with the first of three Safe City Nights, and you won't want to miss it!

Join us for 3 nights of community fun at its best. These events bring together the Moorhead Police Department, Fire Department, Moorhead Police Athletics and Activities League, Parks and Recreation, and local businesses for an evening packed with activities for all ages.

Mark your calendars for the summer series from 5:30-7:30:

• June 17 at Robert Asp Elementary (910 11 St N)
• June 24 at Queens Park (3201 20 St)
• July 15 at Romkey Park (800 19 St S)

Starting Tuesday, June 9 at 9am, 40 Ave S will be closed for a City roadway construction project from 9 St S through 11 St S, and from 16 St S to 20 St S. A portion of 14 St S from 40 Ave S to 41 Ave S will also be closed. During this time, a detour route utilizing 30 Ave S, 8 St S & 20 St S will be implemented. This phase of the project is anticipated to take 6 weeks to complete, weather permitting.

Drivers are encouraged to find alternate routes and expect delays and congestion in the area.

The City of Moorhead is excited to announce that the Moorhead Municipal Pool, including a brand-new splash pad, opens for the season today, Thursday, June 4, at 12:30 pm!

As part of the Reimagine Romkey improvements, visitors will enjoy new amenities throughout the pool designed to create a more welcoming, accessible, and enjoyable experience for all ages. From expanded recreation features to added comfort and convenience, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

In partnership with Essentia Health, free towels will be available for swimmers while supplies last.

Our updated aquatics facility includes a lap pool with slides, a climbing wall, and a diving board, a zero-depth wading pool, a party rental room, and a new splash pad located outside the pool fence, free for public use.

A few reminders for a safe and fun visit:

• Children 10 and under must be accompanied and supervised by an adult.
• Riders must be 48" tall to use the slides.
• A swim test is required for the diving board and climbing wall.
• No flotation devices are allowed.
• Complimentary lockers are available. Please bring a lock or purchase one at the front desk.
• Concessions are available on site. No outside food or beverages are permitted.

Pool hours are 12:30 – 4:30 pm and 6:30 – 8:30 pm.

We hope to see you at the pool!

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.

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.”