Aerial seeding is one of several reforestation activities that take place on state-managed land in fall.
ARREST MADE IN CONNECTION TO ARMED ROBBERY AT MOORHEAD CONVENIENCE STORE
MOORHEAD – On October 3, 2025, an arrest was made in connection with the armed robbery that occurred at a Casey’s convenience store in Moorhead on September 30.
A potential suspect from Fergus Falls was identified following a traffic stop conducted by West Fargo Police Department officers on October 2. During the stop, officers recovered a stolen firearm from the vehicle, which was believed to be the same weapon used in the armed robbery.
Moorhead Police Department investigators worked in collaboration with the Fergus Falls Police Department to locate and arrest the suspect. A 16-year-old male was taken into custody without incident in Fergus Falls. He was transported to the West Central Regional Juvenile Center, where he is being held pending formal charges from the Clay County Attorney’s Office.
The investigation remains ongoing as the Moorhead Police Department works to determine if additional individuals were involved in the robbery. At this time, no further information is available for release.
COMSTOCK HOUSE FLASHLIGHT TOURS
MOORHEAD – Flashlight tours of the Comstock House on Thursday evenings in October starting at 7:30pm. Here a full description of the event:
“This October, take a journey through the hidden wonders of the Comstock House, all under the enchanting glow of flashlights. As the sun sets, the Comstock House transforms into a captivating spectacle. During this unique after-dark tour, we’ll plunge the house into darkness, making way for an exclusive adventure that unveils the essence of its artifacts and architectural marvels like never before. Our guides will illuminate various corners of the house, enabling you to appreciate its beauty and history from a whole new perspective.
You’ll have access to parts of the house that are typically off-limits to the public, adding an element of excitement and discovery to the experience.
The Nooks & Crannies Flashlight Tour is approximately 90 minutes long and starts promptly at 7:30 pm. To ensure the comfort and safety of our guests, each tour is limited to 10 guests.
We kindly request all participants to arrive at least 10 minutes before the start of the tour, as we will provide vital safety information to ensure your comfort throughout the tour.”
Tickets can be purchased here:
https://buytickets.at/historicalandculturalsocietyofclaycounty/1873816 and they are $15 per person. If fewer than 4 guests register by 9am for the tour that day, then the tour will be cancelled. Guests will be notified of the cancellation promptly and may request a refund or transfer to another day.
MENARDS FOOD DRIVE
MOORHEAD – Your local Menards home improvement store is now serving as a drop site for a local food pantry through the month of October, 2025. We’re excited to participate in this wonderful opportunity while lending a helping hand to the community!
Menards offers a wide variety of non-perishable food items that can be donated to the food pantries, from boxes of cereal to cans of soup that can be found in our grocery department for immediate donation. There is a large collection box near the exit doors to place donations.
The Menards Food Drive runs from October 1 until October 31, 2025.
MINNESOTA DNR COMPLETES PROJECT TO SOW TREES BY HELICOPTER
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has completed an aerial seeding project via helicopter to disperse jack pine, white pine and black spruce seeds on DNR-managed forests across the state. The flights are part of the DNR’s typical fall reforestation work, which can also include activities like direct seeding and planting, bud capping, prescribed burns, and other site preparation.
Reforestation is led by the DNR’s Silviculture Program. Silviculture is the art and science of tending forests to meet a variety of objectives, including recreation, wildlife habitat, clean air and water, sustainable timber production, and more.
“Reforestation is a lot more complex than simply planting a seedling,” said Chris Gronewold, DNR Silviculture Program coordinator. “Depending on each site and future goal, we choose the right mix of tree species and use every available tool to make sure we’re giving trees their best chance to grow.”
Some sites are too remote or geographically difficult to reach with a crew on the ground. In these instances, the DNR contracts a helicopter to aerially disperse seeds. Seeds are mixed with clay to help with even distribution, loaded into a hopper aboard the aircraft, and then flown over each site and distributed evenly from a height just above any surrounding trees.
This fall, 19 state forest sites were aerially seeded. Elsewhere throughout the state, crews are busy with other reforestation methods. Altogether, 589 acres will be planted or seeded this fall.
After planting, DNR foresters will continue to monitor sites as the trees grow. Additional work includes removing invasive species and competing vegetation to ensure the young trees have the opportunity to thrive and provide the many benefits of a growing forest.