In response to citizen input received during the 2012 Moorhead Neighborhood Parking Study, a Snow Removal District has been established within the City of Moorhead from 4rd Street to 17th Street South between 4th and 16th Avenues. Affected blocks are posted with Snow Removal District signs. Here’s how it works:

Normal parking requirements will be in place until the City Operations Department determines a Snow Removal Declaration is needed.

On the two days following a Snow Removal Declaration, parking will be restricted on one side of the street from 8 am to 8 pm. (No parking on the even side of the street (north and east) on Day 2, and no parking on the odd side of the street (south and west) on Day 3.)

Residents, students, and employees parking on city streets in the neighborhoods can check the City’s website to see whether a Snow Removal Declaration is in effect.

National Influenza Vaccination Week Highlights the Importance of Flu Vaccination

BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota Department of Health is reminding all North Dakotans of the importance of receiving flu vaccine as part of National Influenza Vaccination Week, observed Dec. 2-8, 2012.

“There is more than enough flu vaccine available this year for anyone who wants to be vaccinated,” said Amy Schwartz, Immunization Surveillance coordinator for the North Dakota Department of Health. “Everyone age 6 months and older is recommended to be vaccinated, regardless of age or health status. It’s important to remember that getting vaccinated not only protects you, but everyone around you as well.”

Influenza vaccinations are available at physician offices, local public health units and pharmacies. Thirty-one (31) cases of influenza have been reported to the North Dakota Department of Health so far this season. The flu season typically does not peak in North Dakota until after the New Year, so there is still sufficient time for people to get vaccinated.

“The flu vaccine protects against three flu viruses that research indicates will cause the most illness that year,” said Schwartz. “This season’s flu vaccine protects against different strains of flu compared to last year’s vaccine, so it’s important to get vaccinated again this season. Getting vaccinated each year is the only way to protect yourself and your family each flu season.”

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone be vaccinated against the flu, especially the following:

All children ages 6 months through 18 years

All adults ages 50 and older

Residents of long-term care facilities

Pregnant women

American Indians

People of any age who have long-term health problems, such as:

Heart disease.

Lung disease.

Kidney disease.

Diabetes.

Asthma.

Anemia.

Weakened immune systems due to HIV/AIDS and cancer treatments .

Breathing problems due to neuromuscular disorders.

Morbid obesity.

People who could spread the disease to those at high risk – such as health-care workers, out-of-home caregivers and household contacts – also should be vaccinated.

For information about vaccine availability, people should contact their local public health unit, health-care provider or pharmacist. For information about influenza, visit www.ndflu.com.

REMEMBER: The flu vaccine can protect not only you, but everyone around you.

NDSU Police add officer

Fargo, N.D., Nov. 30, 2012 – The NDSU Police Department recently added a new police officer. Christopher Potter joined the department Sept. 10 and was sworn in during an Oct. 25 ceremony in Beckwith Hall.

Originally from New Hope, Minn., Potter attended NDSU and graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead in 1992 with a bachelor’s degree in recreation management. He completed the Lake Region Peace Officer Training Program in 1993 before serving in the U.S. Army Reserve and National Guard.

Potter served the past 19 years with the Fargo Police Department in roles including patrol officer, narcotics investigator and field training officer. The past six years he also was school resource officer at Fargo South High School. Potter was named the Fargo Police Department’s Officer of the Year in 2011.

Senior Computer Practice Hour Every Wednesday at Moorhead Library

Seniors are invited to practice computer skills each Wednesday from 2 to 3 p.m. in Moorhead Library. Library staff will be able to help.