WEST NILE VIRUS CASES INCREASING IN MINNESOTA
Health officials have confirmed 20 cases and two deaths in 2025
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has reported 20 cases of West Nile virus so far in 2025. Two of the affected people have died. Case numbers can vary significantly from year to year due to factors like heat and rainfall, but the recent increase has health officials encouraging people to take precautions.
West Nile virus is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people who are bitten by infected mosquitoes will experience either no symptoms or a mild flu-like illness. Less than 1% of people who are infected develop encephalitis or meningitis (inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissues). Symptoms usually show up within one to two weeks. There is no treatment for the illness other than supportive care.
Elderly patients and those with weakened immune systems are at greatest risk for severe disease, followed by people who work outside or participate in outdoor activities.
In Minnesota, cases of West Nile virus disease have been found throughout the state. The highest risk areas for West Nile virus include the agricultural regions of western and central Minnesota. Nationally, other states in the western and central U.S., including Iowa, North and South Dakota, are also seeing increased activity.
“This is a high-risk time of year for West Nile virus transmission,” said Elizabeth Schiffman, supervisor of MDH’s Vectorborne Diseases Unit. “It’s important to prevent mosquito bites when people are enjoying time outside while the weather is still nice. That’s the best way to avoid getting West Nile virus.”
Traffic Alert:
11th St North Closure
This work is anticipated to take 4 weeks to complete.
MOORHEAD – Starting Wednesday, August 27th, 11th St N will be closed from 10 Ave N to 15 Ave N for private gas utility work. During this time, a detour route utilizing 14 St N will be implemented.
This work is anticipated to take 4 weeks to complete, and the roadway will reopen to full traffic use by the end of the day September 24, weather permitting. Motorists are encouraged to find alternate routes and expect delays and congestion in the area.
LABOR DAY HOLIDAY SCHEDULE
FARGO – The City of Fargo offices, Municipal Court, all Fargo Public Library branches and Fargo Cass Public Health, including WIC and the clinic, will be closed for the Labor Day holiday on Monday, September 1, and will re-open to the public on Tuesday, September 2.
Garbage and recycling routes normally scheduled for Monday, September 1, will be collected on Tuesday, September 2. Collections for Tuesday through Friday will occur on schedule. Residents are encouraged to place their bins on the boulevard or alley by 8 a.m. to ensure prompt pickup. Please be aware the shift in route schedules may cause a slight delay in collection. The Fargo Sanitary Landfill and Household Hazardous Waste Facility will be closed on Monday, September 1.
MATBUS offices and the Ground Transportation Center will be closed Monday, September 1. MATBUS will have no bus or paratransit services operating on Monday, September 1; services will resume on Tuesday, September 2.
All Fargo Public Library locations will be closed Monday, September 1, for the Labor Day holiday. For a full list of hours, please visit fargolibrary.org.
The public lobbies of Fargo Police Department Headquarters (105 25th St. N.) and Fargo Fire Department Station 1 (637 NP Ave.) will be closed on Monday, September 1. However, full police and fire protection will continue during the holiday.
MINNESOTA STATE MOORHEAD SETS RECORD FIRST-YEAR ENROLLMENT GROWTH
First-year enrollment jumps 30%, marking the largest year-over-year growth in two decades
MOORHEAD – Classes started Monday, Aug. 25, and Minnesota State Moorhead opened the academic year with historic momentum by setting a record for first-year enrollment growth. The university reports a preliminary 31.2 percent increase in first-time domestic students, up from 590 last year to 774 this fall. It’s the university’s third consecutive semester of new student enrollment increases.
Moorhead is now the fastest-growing four-year public university in the Minnesota State system. Enrollment growth extends across all student segments, including international students and new degree-seeking graduate students. Returning students are also up, signaling increased student satisfaction and retention. The university’s preliminary total headcount is 4,282.
“This is more than a numbers story, it’s a story of momentum,” said President Tim Downs. “We are redefining what it means to be a regional public university by embracing innovation, honoring our liberal arts foundation, and positioning ourselves as the institution that graduates the region’s most sought-after professionals.”
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: Bergquists 1st Addition, Northside Development, 2nd Northside Development, 3rd Northside Development, and Possehls 2nd Addition.
Moorhead Labor Day
Schedule Changes
Monday’s trash routes picked up on Tuesday; City offices closed, no MATBUS service on September 1
Monday, September 1, please see important service impacts:
City of Moorhead Offices: City offices will be closed for Labor Day on Monday, September 1, and reopen on Tuesday, September 2.
Garbage/Recycling: Monday (September 1) 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 September 1; the Ground Transportation Center will also be closed. Services will resume September 2.