Lester Park Elementary, Duluth. 5th graders making jiggle sticks and ice fishing at Boulder Lake Env. Learning Center
Dr. Wylin Wilson
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY SCHEDULE CHANGES
Monday, January 19 garbage/recycling picked up January 20; City offices closed
MOORHEAD – City of Moorhead Offices: City offices will be closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 19. They will reopen on Tuesday, January 20.
Garbage/Recycling: Monday, January 19, garbage/recycling will be picked up on Tuesday, January 20. All other garbage/recycling pickup that week will be on normal days. The Monday change may cause early or delayed collection on Tuesday; set your trash out by 4 am to ensure it is collected.
MATBUS: NDSU Routes 31, 33, 34 and On-Demand will not be running on January 19. All other routes will be operating as usual, and the Ground Transportation Center will be open on January 19. Administration offices will be closed.
PRAIRIE PUBLIC LAUNCHES ANNUAL PBS KIDS WRITERS CONTEST
FARGO – Prairie Public has launched its annual PBS KIDS Writers Contest to encourage children’s reading and writing skills through hands-on, active learning.
Children in kindergarten through fifth grade in the Prairie Public broadcast area are eligible to submit stories, and the deadline is March 27, 2026.
This year, to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary and the new PBS documentary “The American Revolution,” Prairie Public is encouraging entrants to consider the question: What does America mean to you?
A resource guide and lesson plans, created by Prairie Public’s Education Services team, will be available on Prairie Public’s website to help educators and caregivers explore the theme at each grade level.
Each story will be evaluated by Prairie Public staff and a team of local teachers and librarians until a First-Place Winner and three Red Ribbon Favorites are chosen for each grade level.
Every child who enters the contest will receive a Certificate of Achievement. First-Place Winners and Red Ribbon Favorites will receive prizes, and their stories will be featured on the Prairie Public website. First-Place Winners will also have the opportunity to read their stories on Prairie Public’s statewide radio network.
Entry instructions and complete rules are available at prairiepublic.org/writerscontest.
LAKE AGASSIZ REGIONAL LIBRARIES TO HOST DAY OF PLAY ACTIVITIES WITH BRAINY INK
MOORHEAD – In partnership with Brainy Ink, Lake Agassiz Regional Library has scheduled a tour of STEM activities around the library system’s seven-county region. Youth are invited to enjoy hands-on learning, joyful play, and a fun-filled day of STEM-inspired stations designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and learning through play with Brainy Ink. Families are invited to explore, discover, and play together as they engage in a variety of activities that support early learning, problem-solving, and joyful exploration.
This event is geared towards families with children ages 2-10, but all are welcome.
The tour is scheduled as follows:
Saturday, January 17 at 11:00 a.m. at the Breckenridge Public Library
Wednesday, January 21 at 5:00 p.m. at the Barnesville Public Library
Friday, January 30 at 4:00 p.m. at the Detroit Lakes Public Library
Wednesday, February 4 at 3:30 p.m. at the Hawley Public Library
Friday, February 6 at 3:30 p.m. at the Moorhead Public Library
CONCORDIA SETS PUBLIC EVENTS TO MARK MLK JR. DAY
MOORHEAD — The public is invited to join the Concordia College community in observing Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 19, with a keynote address by Dr. Wylin Wilson, a Martin Luther King Jr. chapel service with the Rev. Lamont Wells as guest of honor, and a variety of concurrent sessions focused on related topics.
The theme for the 2026 event is “A dream bigger than him, bigger than us,” reflecting celebration and challenge — the Concordia community honors the remarkable strides made toward realizing King’s dream while recognizing that the pursuit of justice is far from complete. The theme also serves to remind people that the dream belongs to everyone.
Wilson’s keynote address will be from 1:30 to 3 p.m. in the Centrum of the Knutson Campus Center at Concordia.
Wells is the executive director of the Network of ELCA Colleges and Universities, which includes Concordia as well as 27 other institutions. He earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in sociology and religion from Morehouse College, Atlanta, and Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Christian Education degrees from Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center, Atlanta.
MLK Jr. Day Schedule
9:30-10 a.m. Coffee hour, Atrium, Knutson Campus Center
10-10:45 a.m. Chapel — MLK Service, Centrum, Knutson Campus Center
11-11:45 a.m. Concurrent Sessions 1, various locations on campus
Noon-1:15 p.m. Break for lunch
1:30-3 p.m. Keynote
3:15-4 p.m. Concurrent Sessions 2, various locations on campus
For more information, visit ConcordiaCollege.edu/mlk.
YMCA OF THE NORTHERN SKY ACQUIRES PROFESSIONAL BUILDING IN DOWNTOWN FARGO
FARGO – The YMCA of the Northern Sky announced today that it has taken ownership of the Professional Building located across the street from the Fercho YMCA, a decision made possible through an extraordinary act of generosity from the Fercho family.
“Opportunities like this, where mission, stewardship, timing, and generosity align, are rare,” shared Steve Smith, YMCA President and CEO. “This decision strengthens the YMCA’s long-term stability, creates new flexibility in how the organization supports programs and administrative services, and positions the YMCA to thoughtfully improve the member and community experience over time.”
Future use of the building will be guided by planning, licensing, and operational considerations. No naming decisions have been made regarding the Professional Building.
MINNESOTANS CAN FISH FREE STATEWIDE WITH KIDS JAN. 17-19
Take a Kid Ice Fishing Weekend is Saturday, Jan. 17, through Monday, Jan. 19.
During this three-day weekend, any Minnesota resident can go fishing for free if fishing with a child 15 years old or younger. Minnesotans 15 years old or younger don’t need fishing licenses any time of the year.
“Ice fishing is fun. If you’ve ever considered it, this is a great winter to give ice fishing a try,” said Benji Kohn, volunteer mentor program coordinator with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. “Our weather this winter has generally been good for making ice on lakes across the state, though it’s always important to verify ice depth before venturing out to your chosen spot”
Groups new to ice fishing can find helpful tips, ice safety information, and a webinar about taking kids ice fishing on the Minnesota DNR take a kid ice fishing webpage (mndnr.gov/takeakidicefishing). Of further note, the fishing season for trout in lakes outside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness begins Jan. 17. The locations of trout fishing lakes and other tools to find trout fishing opportunities are available on the DNR trout fishing webpage (mndnr.gov/fishing/trout).
People can also consider fishing at a state park or recreation area — where they can combine fishing with other outdoor fun. The Minnesota DNR is waiving vehicle permit fees at all 73 state parks and recreation areas on Jan. 19 during Free Park Day (mndnr.gov/freeparkdays). Recreational opportunities at state parks and recreation areas include birding, winter hiking, nature photography, and enjoying a campfire with hot chocolate and s’mores. Visit the DNR winter activities guide (mndnr.gov/state_parks/winter_guide/index.html) for more ideas.