(RIGHT) Mayor Shelly Carlson presented January’s MoorHeart award to historian Markus Krueger of the HCSCC.

Historian Markus Krueger, program director of the Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County, was presented with Moorhead’s highest honor Monday.
Mayor Shelly Carlson presented Krueger with the MoorHeart Award at Monday’s city council meeting. Krueger’s contributions to residents’ appreciation of their own rich, diverse history was cited as he accepted the honor.

Krueger was nominated by Rick Henderson, who focused on Krueger’s role in designing and erecting the statue of pioneer Black resident Felix Battles on the campus of Minnesota State University Moorhead. Pointing to his role in both the statue and the society’s exhibit on Black citizens of the area, Henderson wrote, “The statue and exhibit invite all Moorhead residents to feel like they belong here as members of a dynamic, diverse and welcoming community.”
Accepting the award, Krueger – who has lived in Moorhead since ninth grade – said, “I may be slightly biased, but I believe we live in the greatest town in Minnesota. Everybody has such great stories … and I get to tell them.”
The MoorHeart Award is given each month to an individual or group who, according to the city’s website, “goes above and beyond to demonstrate community by their actions and service.” The award is commemorated with a work of art created by Dennis Krull.
Winners are chosen by a team of volunteers from city boards and commissions. For information and to nominate a candidate, go to www.cityofmoorhead.com and search for “MoorHeart.”