News Releases

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.”

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.

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.