MOORHEAD LIBRARY TO HOST EXHIBIT, RECEPTION FEATURING PHOTOGRAPHER BRUCE FINGERSON
MOORHEAD – The Moorhead Public Library will host an exhibit featuring the works of local photographer Bruce Fingerson beginning March 15. Fingerson’s works feature his travels in Minnesota State Parks, National Parks and even his own backyard.
The exhibit will be available until April 4, concluding with a reception on Thursday, April 4 at 6:30 p.m. At the reception, Bruce Fingerson will share about his experiences photographing Minnesota as well as his philosophy as a photographer and how that influences his work. This program is offered free-of-charge, thanks in part to funding from the Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund. Learn more at larl.org/legacy.
The Moorhead Public Library is located at 118 5th Ave. S., and can be reached at 218-233-7594 or at www.larl.org.

VICTIM OF CAMPER FIRE IDENTIFIED
Richard Branson, NPA, died in a camper fire in the 1900 block of 1 Avenue North on February 8.
MOORHEAD – Moorhead Fire and Police Departments responded to a camper fire on the morning of Thursday, February 8, 2024. Inside the camper, firefighters located a deceased adult male victim. The victim was transported to the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office. The victim has positively identified as Richard Branson, age 68. The provisional autopsy report states the cause of death as soot and smoke inhalation. The fire was ruled accidental and caused by a portable propane heat source being too close to combustibles inside the camper.
The final autopsy report, including toxicology, is still pending.

MOORHEAD MAN FACING FELONY DRUG CHARGES
Taha Abdullah, of Moorhead, is facing felony drug charges after an operation finds a large sum of cocaine, marijuana, and a firearm.
On Tuesday, February 20, 2024, investigators with the Moorhead Police Department, with the assistance of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and Cass County (ND) Drug Task Force, conducted an operation, including a search warrant, in Moorhead that resulted in the seizure of approximately 1 kilogram, or 2.2 pounds, of cocaine, nearly 4 pounds of marijuana, and a shotgun along with ammunition. The drugs have an estimated street value of approximately $40,000.
As a result, Taha Abdullah, age 29, of Moorhead, was transported to the Clay County Correctional Facility. Abdullah was charged with Felony Aggravated 1st Degree Controlled Substance with a firearm relating to the seized cocaine. The investigation remains ongoing.

GATE CITY BANK GIFTS OVER $250K THROUGH 2024 GIVING HEARTS DAY FESTIVITIES
Gate City Bank team members pose for a celebratory group picture with representatives of Rape and Abuse Crisis Center on February 8, after the bank revealed the charity as the big winner of its $50,000 Giving Hearts Day nomination contest.
ND & MN – From surprise financial donations to a larger-than-life initiative to tackle food insecurity and everything in between, when it came to Giving Hearts Day 2024, one thing was certain – Gate City Bank’s appetite to give was BIG.
When all was said and done, Gate City Bank donated more than $250,000 toward Giving Hearts Day charities that keep communities strong, bringing its total giving over the past 10 years to $2 million. The bank has been proud to partner with Giving Hearts Day since 2014, helping 300 charities and matching 100% of team member donations (including volunteer hours).
“At Gate City Bank, we wholeheartedly believe in giving back to the places we call home – because it leads to a better way of life,” said Kevin Hanson, President & CEO. “A giving heart brings out the very best in each of us, and as we celebrate a decade of our wonderful partnership with Giving Hearts Day, we continue to be reminded of the passion that exists for our amazing charities, which is a true testament to the goodness that lives in our communities.”