TECH TUESDAY SERIES SCHEDULED AT MOORHEAD LIBRARY
MOORHEAD – The Moorhead Public Library will host a four-part event series to help community members tackle technology. The programs will feature local IT professional Jeff Carney of DarkHorse IT covering a variety of technology-related topics, including: using a password manager, setting up a Gmail email account, using Google documents, an overview of ChatGPT and more.
The Tech programs are scheduled Tuesdays at 10 a.m. at the Moorhead Public Library and will focus on the following topics:
September 3 – Get the Basics of Password Managers
September 10 – Learn about ChatGPT, a virtual assistant that uses Artificial Intelligence
September 17 – Create a Gmail Account for Email
September 24 – Get an overview of free web-based Google Workspace software including documents, spreadsheets, calendar and more.
More information can be found at larl.org/techtuesdays. All are welcome and the programs are offered free-of-charge.

MOORHEAD AREA PUBLIC SCHOOLS REPORTS OPENING ENROLLMENT FOR THE 2024-25 SCHOOL YEAR
MOORHEAD – Moorhead Area Public Schools had 7466 students in grades K-12 enrolled for the first day of school on August 26. The 2024-25 school year’s opening enrollment is 118 students more than last year’s opening enrollment. The enrollment numbers do not include preschool students. The new Kindergarten class has 553 students. The district’s largest class is the second grade at 629 students. The eighth grade class is the smallest at 515 students. The number of students in the district will fluctuate over the next few weeks before stabilizing in October and November, according to historical trends.
The current 2024-25 school year enrollment figures represent record enrollment and show a return to the trend of increasing enrollment in the district. Opening enrollment for the 2023-24 school year was 7348; 2022-23 school year was 7427: 2021-22 school year was 7,336; 2020-21 school year was 7,153 and the 2019-20 school year was 7,087.
“We are pleased to welcome all of our students back to school,” said Dr. Brandon Lunak, Superintendent. “We started school before Labor Day to accommodate the Moorhead High School phase two construction project.” Students moved into phase one of the Moorhead High School in January, 2024. Phase two of the project includes a theater, music and performing arts spaces and administration areas as well as an additional parking lot and is scheduled to open in phases during the 2025-26 school year.
To support the growing student body, the district is seeking to pass a capital projects levy in November that will provide essential funding for curriculum investments, facility improvements, technology enhancements and transportation updates to benefit student learning.

WEST FARGO POLICE DEPARTMENT WARNS RESIDENTS OF SCAM
WEST FARGO – The West Fargo Police Department has learned of a scam caller contacting residents claiming to be Sergeant Tyler Williams from the West Fargo Police Department.
In the scam, residents are receiving phone calls with instructions to provide payment via gift cards regarding an alleged outstanding warrant. Residents are always encouraged to call the West Fargo Police Department directly at a verified number if they receive any suspicious phone calls or voicemails from individuals claiming to be members of the department.
If a resident is contacted with a similar scam call, please contact the Red River Regional Dispatch Center at 701-451-7660.

THE MAYOR’S MONARCH PLEDGE
MOORHEAD – As the monarch migration is upon us, there are ways that you can be a part of protecting the monarch butterflies.
How You Can Help:
Plant native milkweed and nectar plants. Milkweed is the only host plant for monarch caterpillars, making it essential for their survival. By planting milkweed in your garden, you’re directly supporting their breeding cycles.
Native nectar plants provide food for adult monarchs, helping them fuel up for their long journey.
Ensuring there’s enough native habitat is crucial for the monarchs. Every bit of native planting contributes to a healthier environment where monarchs can thrive.
Moorhead is actively working to preserve monarch habitats through a variety of initiatives, including:
Passing a natural lawn ordinance to encourage native plant growth.
Planting demonstration gardens at city-owned buildings and parks.
Removing invasive species from our parks to protect native ecosystems.
Mayor Carlson and the City of Moorhead are committed to the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge for the fourth year in a row, continuing our efforts to protect these vital pollinators.
To learn more about how you can get involved, visit the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge website: https://mayorsmonarchportal.nwf.org/Community?CommunityId=304&ProgramYearId=5

PUBLIC ASSISTANCE IS REQUESTED LOCATING FELONY ASSAULT AND ROBBERY SUSPECTS
MOORHEAD – The Moorhead Police is requesting assistance locating Francisco Vargas Jr. and Kaitlyn Michelle Kay Smith, suspects of a felony robbery and assault that occurred on Monday, August 26.
On Monday, August 26, at approximately 6:15 a.m., officers responded to a report of an assault and robbery that occurred in the 3000 block of 33 Street South. The adult male victim stated that the female suspect, Kaitlyn Smith, brought the suspect to the location where two males physically assaulted and robbed him. The victim sustained facial injuries and fractured ribs, and the victim’s backpack was taken that contained several items of the victim’s personal property. The victim was able to leave the scene and later contacted police.
The victim knew the suspects, identified as Francisco Vargas Jr., age 31, NPA, and Kaitlyn Smith, age 32, of Moorhead. The other male’s information is not known at this time. It is believed no weapons were used during the incident.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Red River Regional Dispatch Center at 701.451.7660.