News Releases

Congratulations to Billy Ward, graduate of Moorhead High School and multi-level wrestling champion! On Monday, August 10, the Moorhead City Council and Mayor Shelly Carlson presented him with the MoorHeart award.

Billy is a 2026 graduate of Moorhead High School. While there, he was a 3-time state champion, including an undefeated senior season. After his senior season, he competed and won the NHSCA Senior National Championship in Virginia Beach, VA. He is also a two-time Rumble on the Red champion.

Anna Rajesh, former teammate of Billy submitted the nomination. She says that in addition to all his personal accomplishments, Billy took time to assist with younger teammates, taking on a leadership role. He would offer encouragement, demonstrate techniques and made sure every wrestler felt a valuable member of the team.

Billy represents the heart of Moorhead through his work ethic, integrity and the way he lifts others up. His success has brought immense pride to our community,” and that “He has inspired the next generation of Spud wrestlers.”

Billy is now a freshman at Arizona State and Moorhead is looking forward to cheering him on as he embarks on his collegiate wrestling career. The City of Moorhead thanks him for being a leader and powerful example to everyone on the Moorhead High wrestling team. His leadership and discipline will have positive impacts on our student athletes for years to come. Thank you, Billy! We’re rooting for you! 

The MoorHeart award is commemorated with a piece of art commissioned from local artist, Dennis Krull, especially for this purpose.

As you learn of others in our community doing great things, large and small, please consider submitting a nomination. Information on nominating others for MoorHeart consideration is found at moorheadmn.gov.

Starting Friday, July 31, 4 St between Center Ave and 3 St will close permanently to construct a new 4 St that will align just east of the existing parking ramp. Drivers can access 3 St at Center Mall Ave, 1 Ave N or 2 Ave S. Access to the parking ramp will remain open on Red River Ave, located on the north side.

This closure is to allow for additional redevelopment in the Loop District, the former site of the Moorhead Center Mall.

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

For a list of all road closures, view our road closures webmap: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/9847e4a4a5ad4b57ab9ef3d9170fd9c2

Calling all active adults 55 and older. Moorhead Parks, along with the Moorhead Public Library have partnered to create a walking club, where community members can enjoy a lap or more around the climate-controlled, indoor 1/8 mile walking track and take in scenic views of Moorhead. Collect 12 punches for attending and get a special prize provided by D&M Industries.

Refreshments and socializing will be offered. There is no charge to participate in the walking group, and registration is not required. Come as you are and stay as long as you like!

• What: Decades in Motion Walking Club
• When: First Thursday of the Month at 9:30 am, starting Thursday, August 6
• Where: The Loop (450 Center Ave, Moorhead)
• Who: Community members 55 and older (you do not need to register to attend)
• Cost: Free

Moorhead residents can apply to help make repairs and improvements with a low interest rate.

The program, which runs through October 31, partners Moorhead residents with Gate City Bank to revitalize mature neighborhoods, helping local homeowners make repairs and improvements with a low interest rate.

Program funds may be used to address code and structural issues, improve energy efficiency and make general property improvements. Applicants must be the owner-occupant of the home and meet credit requirements. Qualifying projects for the bank’s home improvement programs range from patio additions and new garages to safety repairs like furnace replacements and accessibility adjustments. Funds may also be used to address code and structural corrections, energy improvements and general property upgrades.

Applications must be received on or before October 31, 2026, and projects must be within Moorhead city limits. Each application is subject to credit qualification and a home evaluation, and will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis as funds are available. Loan amounts can range from $10,000 to $100,000, and each location may have varied rates and requirements. To learn more and apply, visit the Home Improvement Page on our website.

Questions on Property, Contractor, or Renovation Items?

Call the City of Moorhead at 218.299.5397 or email Governmental Affairs.

Would YOU like to create a moveable interactive art piece?

Proposals are due by Friday, September 4 at 10:00am.

The City of Moorhead is issuing a Call for Public Art to seek proposals for an inspirational and movable art piece to be located at different locations throughout Moorhead. Interactive elements are desired and encouraged for the piece. Examples of interactive elements include kinetic sculptures, digital installations, and tactile elements. The City invites artists to envision a piece that will engage the community through interactive elements in an innovative way.

A strong proposal will envision an art piece that: 

·         Has interactive elements that invite public participation; and

·         Promotes creativity and youth engagement; and

·         Is safe for all members of the public to interact with; and

·         Is durable and can be outside during various weather conditions; and

·         Entices people to gather.

Project submissions will be reviewed and ranked by the Artist Review Team (A.R.T.). Their recommendation will then be forwarded to the Art and Culture Commission, where they will provide a recommendation to City Council, who will make the final determination. 

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 by 10:00am on Friday, September 4, 2026. We hope to hear from you!

As construction gets underway on Center Ave, local businesses are teaming up to support one another through Tour De Cones, a rotating series of weekly specials and activities. Each featured business will offer deals or host activities during its spotlight week, helping keep the corridor vibrant during construction.

Featured Tour De Cones weeks:

• July 6-11: Words to Live By
• July 13-18: Starbird Lounge
• July 20-25: Historic Moorhead Dairy Queen
• July 27-August 1: Absolute Style Boutique
• August 3-8: Swing Barrel Brewing Co.
• August 10-15: Napa Auto Parts
• August 17-22: Swing Barrel, Armory Annex, Armory Event Center & Urban Foods Catering
• August 24-29: Mick’s Office
• TBD: Celebratory Block Party

Follow these businesses on social media for details on their deals and activities!

About the project: The Center Ave project will include removing and replacing pavement, curb and gutter, and sidewalks. To help accelerate construction, Center Ave will be closed for the duration of the project. Access to nearby businesses will remain available through adjacent parking areas. Construction is anticipated to take up to 90 days, and the contract includes early‑completion incentives for opening portions of the roadway ahead of schedule.

The City is coordinating regular meetings with business and property owners along the corridor to share updates.

This project is funded by State and local dollars, and no special assessments will be applied.

The City of Moorhead is studying the 11 St and 14 St corridors, which currently operate as a one-way street pair between Main Ave and 12 Ave S.

Take the survey and provide feedback on the potential conversion of both corridors to two-way streets by July 31.

https://www.moorheadmn.gov/11and14StCorridorStudy 

If you have tree damage and are wondering what to do, here are some helpful tips as you assess some of the damage.

Boulevard or Park Tree Damage

Residents that notice damage to a City tree (boulevard tree or in parks) should report it to Forestry by calling 218.299.5422 Option 4.

Branches and Private Tree Damage

Residents that experience damage to private trees can utilize the brush pickup program for smaller branches. Branches will be picked up on their recycling day. Branches are limited to 8 inches in diameter and a pile size of 4’x8’x12’.

Residents that have larger damage can haul and dispose of branches and wood debris at the Compost Site. 

• 1800 Hwy 75 N (Just north of Centennial Park Baseball Fields on Hwy 75)
• Monday-Friday 8:00 am to 4:15 pm
• Saturday 8:00 am to 11:45 am

Residents that have damage to a private tree but are unable to remove the tree themselves should seek a licensed contractor to perform the work.