Area Briefs

THE FIRST CENSUS 2020 DATA ARE IN – MINNESOTA KEEPS 8 CONGRESSIONAL SEATS

SAINT PAUL – The U.S. Census Bureau released the first population data from Census 2020, showing that Minnesota’s population grew by 7.6 percent to 5,706,494, outpacing most Midwestern states and keeping pace with the national average. The nationwide head count showed that the country’s population on April 1, 2020 was 331,449,281, up from 308,745,538 in 2010, for a 7.4 percent increase. The state grew just enough to hold on to all 8 of its congressional seats.

“I want to thank Minnesotans for their nation-leading civic engagement, which made us the number one state in responding to the Census,” said Governor Tim Walz. “Because of that participation, we will be fully represented in Washington and will have access to federal resources we need to improve our infrastructure, fund our schools, and support our health care system.”

Minnesota hung on to the 435th seat in Congress by a close margin—less than 1,000 people. Keeping all 8 representatives in the U.S. House means maintaining the clout that helps bring home federal funding for schools, highways, and healthcare.

Minnesota led the nation in self-response to the census, with 75.1% of households returning their census form without additional follow up from a census taker. Efforts by governments, non-profit groups, and advocates ensured that residents that are typically undercounted, like college students, the homeless, apartment dwellers, snowbirds, rural areas, and black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) were motivated to fill out their census forms.

“Our great self-response rate gave Minnesota an edge over other states that didn’t respond as thoroughly,” said Brower. “Minnesotans are historically very civically-engaged and that carried through to their participation in the 2020 Census.”

CONTROLLED BURN TO BE CONDUCTED

The Buffalo-Red River Watershed District, City of Moorhead, Audubon Dakota, and Red Rock Fire will conduct a controlled burn at the following Urban Woods and Prairies Initiative nature sites: North River Drive Prairie (2700 N River Dr), Riverview Circle (3509 Riverview Cl), and Oakport Prairie (5700 4 St NW). The burning is scheduled to occur between April 28 and May 21. The exact time and date will depend on when weather and site conditions are favorable.

RENTHELPMN IS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS

Minnesota Housing has announced that RentHelpMN is now open and accepting applications. RentHelpMN makes it possible for eligible renters to get caught up on overdue rent and utilities dating back to March 13, 2020. It also makes provisions for those at risk of falling behind on rent payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Please note that RentHelpMN is in Phase One, in which people with past due rent who meet eligibility requirements are invited to apply.

To apply for RentHelpMN, please visit renthelpmn.org or call 211. The 211 helpline has dedicated multilingual staff available to answer questions about RentHelpMN, 8 am – 8 pm Monday through Saturday.

Visit renthelpmn.org to learn more about the program and eligibility requirements and to apply.

MOORHEAD SPRING CLEAN-UP WEEK IS AROUND THE CORNER

MOORHEAD – To improve and ensure safety, clean-up will be split up over the first two full weeks of May

This annual Moorhead tradition was interrupted in 2020 because of COVID-19 safety concerns.

Instead of one Clean-Up Week similar to past years, it will be split into two weeks. That will allow the City of Moorhead to complete the work using full-time staff, mitigating the risk to workers and citizens.

The Clean-Up Weeks will run OPPOSITE your recycling schedule.

•If your property is on recycling schedule A, your clean-up week will be May 3-7.

•If your property is on recycling schedule B, your clean-up week will be May 10-14.

•If you are not sure which recycling schedule you are on, you can find that information here.

•Please do not begin putting trash on your yard more than two days before the start of your Clean-Up-Week.

NOTE: For your Clean-Up Week only, you can use your big blue recycling totes for excess garbage.

The City can then tip the blue totes with the auto-loaders to eliminate a portion of the manual workload.

As in past years, electronics, hazardous waste, demo/construction material, and vehicles will NOT be picked up. Tires will no longer be picked up curbside during the Clean-Up Weeks but can be dropped off (without rims) 24 hours a day during Clean-Up Weeks at the Public Works Facility, 700 15 Ave N. A dumpster will be clearly marked.

For electronics and hazardous waste, see the information below for disposal options.

During a traditional Clean-Up Week, more than 1,600 additional tons of trash is collected. This is a huge endeavor for City staff but disposing of excess trash contributes to the cleanliness and beauty of our City together, we can all make these Spring Clean-Up Weeks a success!

Clay County Household Hazardous Waste and Electronics Recycling Facilities will be open during their normal business hours.

Household Hazardous Waste, 2729 Highway 10 E, Moorhead, MN: Mondays and Wednesdays, 8am – 4pm. Questions? Call 218.299.5077.

Electronics Recycling, Department of Motor Vehicles Shed, 1300 15 Ave N, Moorhead, MN: Tuesdays, 4pm-6pm. Questions? Call 218.299.5002.

For additional information on Clean-Up Week, visit cleanupweek.com. If you have questions, please call the Public Works Department at 218.299.5422.

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE: 

SE MAIN|20 ST|21 ST UNDERPASS PROJECT

MOORHEAD – A temporary noise wall made of hay bales was installed this week to help reduce noise generated by pile driving and sheet pile driving affecting nearby neighborhoods.

Concrete bridge decks will be poured next week for two bridges over 21 St, one for BNSF Railway train traffic and the other for Otter Tail Valley Railroad traffic. The Otter Tail Valley Railroad traffic is scheduled to be switched from a temporary to a permanent track the first week of June. Following that transition, work will begin on the retaining walls and south bridge abutment for the BNSF bridge over SE Main Ave.

Total Contract Work Completed To Date: 77%.

Man Arrested for 

Hate Related Crimes

Benjamin Stewart Enderle, age 22, of Moorhead, MN, was arrested Tuesday in South Moorhead for the hate-related messaging spray-painted on the exterior walls of the Moorhead Fargo Islamic Center Mosque, located at 2215 12 Avenue South, in Moorhead.

On April 25, officers took a report from members of the Mosque who arrived early in the morning to find several hate-based messages spray-painted on the building’s exterior. The Moorhead Police Department led the investigation, worked through tips from the public, and received important information from a local business employee who provided important details that led to the identification of the suspect.

Benjamin Enderle has been booked into the Clay County Jail, and the reports have been forwarded to the Clay County Attorney’s Office with the request for the following charges: Felony Harassment and Felony Criminal Damage to Property in the Second Degree. These crimes were enhanced due to hate related acts.

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