MOORHEAD AND BARNESVILLE LIBRARIES SCHEDULE FOOD PRESERVATION SAFETY WORKSHOPS
MOORHEAD – As gardeners prepare for harvest season, local libraries are hosting Food Preservation Safety Workshops featuring University of Minnesota Extension Horticulture Educator for Clay County Jillian Patrie. Patrie will walk attendees through the basics of safely preserving fruits and vegetables, with topics including safety tips, frequently asked questions, supplies and equipment and more.
The workshops are scheduled Monday, August 25 at 5:30 p.m. at the Moorhead Public Library, 118 5th St. S., and Thursday, August 28 at 5:30 p.m. at the Barnesville Public Library, 205 7th St. N. The events are offered free-of-charge and are open to all.
BETHANY OFFERING FAMILY SUPPORT
FARGO – Bethany Retirement Living will host a support and education program for family members who have a loved one with dementia living in a nursing facility. “Endings & Beginnings” will be offered from 5:15 to 7:15pm on six consecutive Tuesday evenings starting September 30. Each session will focus on a specific topic related to Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia and will introduce the roles of various caregivers.
The program will take place at Bethany on University (201 University Dr S, Fargo.) Snacks are provided. There is no cost but registration is necessary.
Topics include Family Changes, Losses and Growth; Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease; Treatment and Medications; How Far We Have Come in Alzheimer’s Research; Effective Communication; The Nature of a Memory Care Unit; Behaviors; Dietary Changes Through the Disease Process; and End-of Life Issues.
For additional information or to register, contact Laura Enderson, Social Services, at 701.478.8848 or lenderson@bethanynd.org.
MOORHEAD TRAFFIC STOP LEADS TO SIGNIFICANT ARRESTS
Two individuals were arrested and a firearm seized.
MOORHEAD – On August 19, Moorhead Police Officers conducted a traffic stop in the 500 block of 32 Avenue South for an equipment violation. The driver of the vehicle was identified as 18-year-old Azarel Chappell of Moorhead. A 17-year-old juvenile passenger was also identified during the stop.
The juvenile passenger was suspected of being involved in a drive-by shooting that previously occurred in Moorhead on June 19, 2025. As part of that ongoing investigation, the Clay County Attorney’s Office had charged the juvenile for aiding and abetting the use of a dangerous weapon during a drive by shooting and a nationwide arrest warrant was issued. The juvenile was arrested during the traffic stop for the outstanding warrant. Chappell was also arrested for offenses unrelated to the shooting.
During the traffic stop, officers conducted a vehicle search and located a loaded handgun. The firearm was seized and will undergo forensic testing to determine if it was used in the June 19th shooting as well as any other crimes.
Chappell was arrested for:
Gross Misdemeanor Carrying a Handgun without a Permit
Misdemeanor Improper Handling of a Firearm in a Motor Vehicle
The 17-year-old juvenile was arrested for the warrant as well as:
Gross Misdemeanor Carrying a Handgun without a Permit
The Moorhead Police Department, in collaboration with other law enforcement partners is continuing it active efforts to locate and apprehend a second juvenile suspect involved in the June 19, 2025, drive by shooting. However, due to State of Minnesota data privacy laws, the name of the juvenile cannot be released. The white Chrysler 300 with Minnesota plates EJJ379 has not been located.
PROPERTY ASSESSMENT REVIEWS TO OCCUR IN SELECTED NEIGHBORHOODS
Homeowners may contact the Assessor’s Office to request an interior inspection, if desired.
MOORHEAD – The City of Moorhead Assessing Division will be conducting residential property reviews in selected neighborhoods in the coming weeks. Clearly identified City assessors may be walking around, viewing and taking photos of your property’s exterior.
Property reviews help the City Assessor determine current and accurate property values as required by the State of Minnesota. An interior inspection ensures the most accurate valuation.
To schedule an interior inspection, to confirm any data regarding the interior of your home in lieu of a physical interior inspection, or if you have questions about the assessment process, please call the Assessor’s Office at 218.299.5310.
Reviews will occur in the following subdivisions: Whites 1st Addition.
NORTH DAKOTA REPORTS ON WEST NILE VIRUS ACTIVITY
BISMARCK, ND – North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) has seen a rise in reported West Nile virus cases in recent weeks. State health officials are reminding people to continue taking precautions against mosquito bites that can cause West Nile virus infection.
As of Aug. 14, North Dakota reported 26 human West Nile virus cases, with additional cases pending further results. Of the 26 cases, 11 were hospitalized and nine had nervous system complications. In addition to human cases, 38 mosquito pools and three birds have also tested positive for West Nile virus.
“People should be aware of the increase in mosquitoes spreading West Nile virus and take proper precautions to protect themselves from bites,” said Amanda Bakken, HHS epidemiologist. “Peak West Nile virus activity historically has occurred in late August, but with earlier human cases and high mosquito populations, this is the time to be vigilant and safeguard against disease.”
Most people infected with West Nile virus experience no symptoms. Those who develop symptoms will commonly report fever, headache, body/joint aches or rash. People who develop severe illness may experience stiff neck, altered mental status, paralysis, coma and possibly death. People over 60 or those who have underlying health issues are at greater risk for developing West Nile neuroinvasive disease.
FARGO AIR MUSEUM UNVEILS ARTIFACT EXPANSION
FARGO – The Fargo Air Museum expands artifact collection with new World War I exhibit titled “The First in the Fight” and a flight helmet for “Blue Angels in Fargo” collection. “The First in the Fight” is now available for public viewing. The flight helmet is set for display beginning Friday, August 22 at 3pm.
“The First in the Fight” centers North Dakotan and western Minnesotans in the World War I air war. Photos, equipment, and personal items belonging to several pilots and mechanics offer a glimpse at the war with a local connection. Printed displays share the influence of Eddie Rickenbacker, Dusty Falkingham, John Donaldson and more.
Rounding out the “Blue Angels in Fargo” exhibit is a yellow US Navy flight helmet donation from former commander of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, Captain Brian Kesselring. The helmet joins Blue Angel memorabilia including uniforms and blue helmets from Captain Kesselring and Captain Gil Rud, USN (Ret.).
“We are beyond excited to share these donations and our research efforts with the community so they can learn more about our heroes, past and present, and see some interesting artifacts in the process! The Fargo Air Museum team would like to thank the families of the WWI pilots and mechanics, Captain Kesselring, Dick Walstad, and Major General Michael Haugen (Ret.) for their help in making these exhibit expansions possible.”
– Maxwell Sabin, Fargo Air Museum Collections Manager
MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
The University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program is accepting applications statewide now through Oct. 1, 2025. The Horticulture Core Course for the program is offered online beginning in January 2026, including optional weekly live Zoom Q&A sessions on Tuesday nights January through May with University of Minnesota and Extension educators and faculty. Fees are $340-$399; some financial assistance is available. To learn more about the program and apply, visit z.umn.edu/MG_info or call 612-625-9864.