HCSCC CELEBRATES ST. DISTAFF DAY AT THE HJEMKOMST CENTER
MOORHEAD – The Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County invites the public on Saturday, January 11 to celebrate St. Distaff Day from 10am -3pm at the Hjemkomst Center. Also known as Rok Day, the holiday originated in England and was used to commemorate women’s return to working following the Christmas season. Women were traditionally the weavers or spinners of the home and as such this holiday heavily emphasizes these customs.
Although the holiday is called St. Distaff Day, it is not an official church holiday and there is no saint with this name. A distaff is a tool used by weavers to hold fibers that they need close by or aren’t using. The holiday traditionally is marked on January 7, following the Twelve Days of Christmas.
The Northern Prairie Fiber Artist guild (NPFA) will be demonstrating various weaving and spinning techniques on this day for the public in the Atrium of the Hjemkomst Center. The public is invited to participate in this event, though regular admission prices will be charged.
NPFA is a guild whose members are interested in the fiber arts and meet regularly to collaborate and learn from each other. Members practice various fiber customs including spinning, dyeing, knitting, weaving, crocheting, and more. For more information on the NPFA contact Barb Gilder at gary-barb@msn.com.
Regular museum hours are Mon.-Sat. 9am to 5pm and open until 8pm on Tuesday nights and Sundays 12-5pm. Admission is $12 for adults, $11 for seniors, $9 for college students, $8 for youth 5-17, and free for under 5, for active military families, and HCSCC members. Tuesday nights 5-8pm admission is free for everyone. For more information, see www.hcscconline.org.

FIVE LOCAL HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS SIGN COURSE EXCHANGE AGREEMENT
MOORHEAD – Five higher education institutions – Concordia College, Minnesota State University Moorhead, North Dakota State College of Science, North Dakota State University, and Minnesota State Community and Technical College – came together Wednesday to enter into the
Metro College Alliance course exchange agreement to benefit students.
A signing ceremony was held at M State, with presidents and additional representatives from each institution in attendance. Speakers included M State President Carrie Brimhall, NDSU President David Cook, Tri-College Provost Tim Flakoll, and MSUM nursing student Carley Berg. The agreement, effective January 1, 2025, will allow degree-seeking students at any of the member institutions to enroll in undergraduate courses at the other institutions without undergoing separate admission procedures.
The Metro College Alliance course exchange agreement replaces the previous Tri-College University consortium, which has facilitated cross-institutional course enrollment since 1970. The new agreement is designed to adapt to the evolving higher education landscape, ensuring that students continue to benefit from the collaborative spirit of the member institutions.
Key highlights of the agreement include seamless course enrollment and enhanced academic flexibility. Students can register for courses at any of the member institutions through a streamlined process, broadening their educational opportunities and keeping them local. The agreement supports students in completing their degrees by providing access to courses that may not be available at their home institution, especially in their final academic year or for specific program requirements.
“This agreement exemplifies our commitment to providing flexible and comprehensive educational opportunities for our students. By collaborating, we can offer a richer academic experience and support our students in achieving their educational goals,” said M State President Carrie Brimhall.

SECOND BRIDGE OVER THE STORMWATER DIVERSION CHANNEL OPENS TO TRAFFIC
FARGO – Red River Valley Alliance is excited to announce the opening of the County Road 32 crossing over the stormwater diversion channel, a portion of the larger, FM Area Diversion project. This second bridge opening is an exciting milestone which signifies another step toward permanent reliable flood protection.
Located northwest of Harwood, North Dakota, construction on the CR 32 bridge began in September 2023, and opened to traffic on December 17, 2024. As part of this crossing, the existing CR 32 and 168th Avenue SE are being realigned.
Like the previously opened CR 4/31 bridge, the CR 32 bridge also uses lightweight geofoam blocks, which are used in the approaches to the bridges in place of an earthen embankment. “Geofoam blocks have a high compressive resistance rate which makes it perfect to support oncoming traffic and the repeated stress and compression that takes place on structures like bridges,” according to Geofoam International, LLC.
Using geofoam at the approaches of the bridge provides multiple benefits that are cost effective and more optimal than traditional fill material such as soil, concrete or rock. It also decreases construction timelines.
Work on the bridge and realigned roadways was completed by ASN Constructors and subcontractors Industrial Builders, Inc and Park Construction Co.

DISPOSE OF HOLIDAY GREENS AND CHRISTMAS TREES CORRECTLY
Holiday greenery and Christmas trees bring joy throughout the season, but they can also hide dangerous pests. Diseases and invasive species can make their way into our landscapes on trees and boughs brought into Minnesota from other states.
To protect our environment, the State of Minnesota is asking residents to take these steps to properly dispose of greenery and trees after the holiday season:
The best option is to use a curbside tree collection or bring trees to a designated drop-off site. Check with your waste hauler, city, or county to see what services are offered in your area. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has a map of yard waste compost locations; contact locations directly to see if they accept trees and greenery.
Don’t toss trees and greenery into your backyard woods or residential compost pile, which can spread the invasive species or disease.
Wreaths and other decorative greens can be disposed of in trash cans.
If your city or county does not have an organized pick-up or drop-off, the last resort is to burn the greens. Always check fire danger conditions and burning restrictions before burning and follow local ordinances.
Pests of concern include elongate hemlock scale, a small insect established in the eastern U.S. where many decorative Fraser firs are grown. Feeding damage caused by this invasive insect can cause the needles of hemlocks, firs, and spruces to yellow and prematurely drop. Also, boxwood blight, a fungal disease, and round leaf bittersweet, an invasive noxious weed, are sometimes found on wreaths and centerpieces and can endanger native trees and other landscaping.
If you suspect your greenery or tree may be infested with an invasive insect or disease, contact the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Report a Pest line at 1-888-545-6684, reportapest@state.mn.us, or through the online reporting form.