Moorhead CARES Small Business Relief Grant Program Application is LIVE

MOORHEAD – The Moorhead CARES Small Business Relief Grant Program is officially launched and now open for applications. The Moorhead City Council approved the use of $2 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding for the development of the Moorhead CARES Small Business Relief Grant Program. Mayor Judd notes, “The City of Moorhead values all of our businesses, non-profits and community organizations. The Moorhead CARES program will help these entities deal with the difficult financial impacts resulting from COVID-19. It is important that our businesses are supported, not only because they provide jobs to dedicated employees, but also because they are essential to Moorhead’s character and quality of life by the products and services they provide for our residents.”

The grant program offers grants of up to $10,000 to small businesses and community organizations with 20 or fewer employees, and up to $3,000 for eligible sole proprietors. While there are other federal and state programs addressing COVID-19 impacts, some of them left out non-profits, very new businesses, or those whose owners live out of state, which doesn’t work well in our metro area. Acting City Manager Dan Mahli said, “We want to reach start-ups and entrepreneurs with these resources, as well as long-time Moorhead business owners. All are welcome to help steer the future toward the city we want to live in.”

Full program details and an on-line application are available at Moorheadcares.com. The application opened at 9 am on August 17 and closes at midnight August 31. Applications are not first-come, first-served, and will not be distributed by a lottery system. Downtown Moorhead Inc. President, Derrick LaPoint stresses, “We want to have robust communication of this important opportunity to ensure our business owners hear about it within the two week application period.”

Sign up for Cass Clay Alerts

MOORHEAD – The City of Moorhead, along with other local government partners in Cass and Clay Counties, are converting from the CodeRED emergency messaging system to a new system, Cass Clay Alerts. The CodeRED emergency alert system will be discontinued locally on September 1, 2020. All residents must register with Cass Clay Alerts to receive local emergency notifications. Subscriber information from CodeRED will not be transferred automatically to the new system.

Whether you previously subscribed to CodeRED or not, please sign up for Cass Clay Alerts here:

https://member.everbridge.net/431562608869438/login

The new system has flexibility to tailor your subscription to your notification preferences. You may register up to 5 addresses to get alerts about home, work, school, family members’ locations, or other locations important to you. Visit the FAQ page to learn more about data protection and other program details.

Residents that want assistance signing up may contact FirstLink by dialing 2-1-1 or 701.235.7335.

Traffic Alert: Road Closure on 12th Ave South

MOORHEAD – Beginning Wednesday morning, August 19, 12 Ave S will be closed from 16 St to 20 St for work related to the ongoing project. 12 Ave S will be detoured on 14 Ave S via 16 St & 20 St. The work is expected to take approximately 4 weeks, weather dependent.

River Paddling Excursion rescheduled

MOORHEAD – Due to high river levels, the river paddling excursion Animals and Habitats, hosted by Nicole Lee has been rescheduled for August 26.

Moorhead Parks and Recreation offers canoe and kayak rentals June 2-September 1. For more information, visit the On the River section of Moorhead Parks website. 

Annual Fire Hydrant Inspection Program has begun

MOORHEAD – Moorhead Public Service (MPS) has begun their annual fire hydrant inspection and flushing program in several locations throughout its water distribution system, which services the city of Moorhead. Hydrant inspections will take place Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and should take approximately four to six weeks to complete.

The primary purpose is to verify the proper operation of the city of Moorhead’s approximately 1,750 fire hydrants through annual inspections and preventative maintenance. A pro-active hydrant maintenance program is the key to ensure that the City maintains adequate fire protection, and all hydrants, valves, and watermains are in working order.

This Program does require the operation of the hydrant during inspection. As a result, there may be some minor and temporary inconveniences, such as a reduction in water pressure and aesthetic issues, i.e., discoloration of the drinking water. Operating fire hydrants stirs up sediment, iron, and manganese mineral deposits in the watermains causing temporary discoloration. Discolored water poses no threat to the public’s health, but may stain laundry and may have an unpleasant taste. Customers should refrain from laundering clothes or using hot water during flushing times.

Census Enumerators working to finish the 2020 count

MOORHEAD – Minnesota currently has the highest Census “self-response” rate in the nation at (72.6%). What’s even more impressive is Moorhead’s rate is even higher at 73.6%. But everyone needs to be counted. If you are one of the 26.4% who have not yet completed your Census form, you may get a visit from a Census enumerator to assist you. This in-person work is occurring between now and the end of the Census campaign on September 30. The US Census Bureau indicates staff will follow Federal, state, and local guidance for COVID-19 safety.

If someone visits your home to collect information for the 2020 Census, check to make sure they have a valid ID badge with their photograph, a U.S. Department of Commerce watermark, and an expiration date. Census workers may also carry Census Bureau bags and other equipment with the Census Bureau logo. If you still have questions about their identity, you can contact the Chicago Regional Census Center to speak with a Census Bureau representative.

Don’t want to wait? Need help filling out your form?

• ONLINE: my2020census.gov

• PHONE: 844.330.2020 – US Census Bureauw

4 Luv of Dog Rescue to Host “Mutt March” Saturday

MOORHEAD – 4 Luv of Dog Rescue will host its seventh annual “Mutt March” on Saturday, August 22 from 1 – 3 PM in M.B. Johnson Park. This year’s walk will benefit 4 Luv of Dog Rescue’s SNIP program (Spay/Neuter Impact Project). Registration for the fundraising walk begins at 1 PM, with the 20-minute March commencing at 2 PM through M.B Johnson Park in Moorhead. Walk registration is $30 with a “Mutt March” t-shirt (subject to availability) or $15 without a t-shirt; children 12 and under are free (extra t-shirts available for purchase, subject to availability). Participants may register onsite the day of the event. 

For those unable to attend due to COVID-19, attendees can participate in a virtual Mutt March. Participants can join the March from a location of their choice, snap a photo or video with their dog, and upload it to the 4 Luv of Dog Rescue Facebook page. Additionally, a virtual costume contest will take place, with the winner receiving a prize.

A variety of other free events will also take place at the park from 1 – 3 PM, including a dog costume contest with amazing prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places, photo booth, dog-related vendors, and more. For more information, please visit 4luvofdog.org.