MOORHEAD PUBLIC SERVICE CELEBRATES DRINKING WATER WEEK 

MOORHEAD – Drinking Water Week is May 1-7 this year. MPS is observing Drinking Water Week by recognizing the vital role tap water plays in daily life, the infrastructure that is required to carry it to and from homes and businesses, and the critical work that water professionals accomplish behind the scenes to ensure the delivery of quality tap water. Whether it’s an engineer designing a capital project, an operator ensuring the safety and quality of drinking water in a treatment facility like MPS’ Water Treatment Plant, or a member of a pipe crew maintaining the watermains beneath our streets, water professionals work around the clock to ensure tap water is “There When You Need It.”

“Safe and high-quality tap water is a critical piece to our everyday lives,” said American Water Works Association (AWWA) CEO David LaFrance. “Whether it is used for health, hygiene or hydration, high-quality tap water plays an integral role. Water professionals work around the clock every single day to ensure their consumers’ safety…The infrastructure they work to design, create, and maintain and the treatment process all work in harmony to ensure safe tap water is “There When You Need It.”

PAUL KRABBENHOFT TO RUN FOR CLAY COUNTY COMMISSIONER, DISTRICT 1

Paul Krabbenhoft has announced his intention to run for Clay County Commissioner, District 1, for the November 2022 election. 

Krabbenhoft is a lifelong Clay County resident who grew up and farmed on the family farm south of Moorhead until 1990. He then moved to south Moorhead and has been a Fargo-Moorhead Realtor for the past 34 years. Paul is married to Carol Krabbenhoft and they have two married daughters and five grandchildren.

Krabbenhoft has a lifetime of experience participating in local and state leadership roles and activities. Paul has been elected for the past 37 years to the Clay Soil and Water Conservation District Board. In addition, he currently serves as the President of Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, presiding over 88 Minnesota districts. Over the last 25 years he has been appointed to multiple committees with Clay County and the City of Moorhead in the areas of planning and zoning, board of adjustments and long-term planning. Currently, Paul represents Clay County on the Buffalo Red River Watershed District Board. 

As a Realtor, Paul has always been a strong proponent for a wide range of housing in Clay County. He currently serves on the Minnesota Association of Realtors Board of Directors and Government Affairs Committee, representing the Fargo-Moorhead Area Association of Realtors. 

JENNA KAHLY ANNOUNCES REELECTION BID FOR CLAY COUNTY COMMISSIONER, DISTRICT 1

MOORHEAD – Jenna Kahly, a resident of south Moorhead, has announced a bid for reelection to the District 1 seat on the Clay County Commission.

Jenna Kahly has spent the last 13+ years working in the local public library system and has served on numerous and varied committees advocating for families in the areas of childcare, mental health, literacy, and access to other vital services. As a commissioner she has been a strong advocate for the well-being of all of Clay County’s citizens, particularly for families, seniors, and new Americans.

Kahly says she is running again because of the unique perspective she has brought to decision making saying, “I have spent my career working with the public, helping people access the resources they need to thrive and meet their needs. I am a working mom with young children and I know the struggles our families are facing because I am in the thick of it with you. My role as commissioner allows me to elevate the concerns and needs of our community to work toward achieving better outcomes for everyone.” She also notes that the District 1 Commissioner’s committee assignments are a perfect fit for her areas of expertise. She holds 33 committee appointments, the majority of which are in health and human services.

Kahly invites community members to follow her Facebook page at facebook.com/JennaKahlyMhd for more information on issues, campaign updates, or to reach out for a conversation on what you are experiencing in our county.

Kahly and her husband live in south Moorhead and have three young children.

TRAFFIC STOP LEADS TO LARGE FENTANYL BUST

MOORHEAD – On Sunday, May 1, a Moorhead Police Officer observed a vehicle struck the median on 20 Street near Belsly Boulevard. The officer also noted the car had equipment violations, and a traffic stop was conducted in the 3000 block of 20 Street South.

The officer noted the vehicle’s occupants acting suspiciously during the traffic stop. The driver initially gave a false name to the officer. During the investigation, the car was searched, and suspected drugs were found. Three hundred suspected M30 fentanyl pills were seized during the traffic stop. The street value of the dangerous drugs is approximately $10,200.

Shananda Fleming and Abraham Johnson were transported to the Clay County Correctional Facility, and long-form complaints were submitted for felony charges to the Clay County Attorney’s Office. Flemings faces Felony First Degree Controlled Substance, Gross Misdemeanor False Name to Police, and Misdemeanor Driver’s License charges. Johnson faces Felony First Degree Controlled Substance charges.

Since March, this is the fourth significant fentanyl seizure in Clay County. The total amount of suspected fentanyl includes 50 grams of powdered and over 2,300 M30 pills.

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE: SE MAIN|20 ST|21 ST UNDERPASS PROJECT

As of April 27, 2022, the project is approximately 90 percent complete. 

Both the BNSF and OTVR railroad tracks are completed and operational.

Approximately 85% of excavation has been completed (204,000 cubic yards).

Approximately 90,000 feet of structural support piling (98% of total contract amount) has been installed.

Upcoming Milestones:

Finish storm sewer installation (early May)

Complete remaining piling (approximately mid-May)

Finish retaining walls (end of May/beginning of June)

Concrete paving, curb & gutter, medians and sidewalks from late May through early July

Complete underpass and open to traffic; anticipated mid-July 2022

Complete BNSF wye track and close 1 Ave S to through traffic; anticipated July-August 2022