MDH ANNOUNCES LAYOFFS AND REDUCED PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES
This week, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) sent layoff and separation notices to 170 employees whose positions were funded by recently terminated federal grants. Additionally, “at risk” notices will be going to MDH staff at risk for layoffs due to seniority rules around layoffs. An estimated 300 notices have been sent out to MDH employees. Additionally, nearly 20 employees slated to start with the department in the last week have had their offers rescinded.
These layoffs and separations are a direct consequence of the unprecedented and unexpected action by the federal government last week to cut more than $220 million in previously approved federal funding. These layoffs and separations will impact services across the agency that Minnesotans rely on, including those that support the state’s response to measles and H5N1, wastewater surveillance, the state’s public health laboratory, and community clinics and vaccination efforts.
“We are working now to figure out how much of this critical public health work we can save and continue,” said Minnesota Commissioner of Health Dr. Brooke Cunningham. “The sudden and unexpected action from the federal government left us with no choice but to proceed with layoffs immediately. It is devastating to be forced to reduce critical services and give notices to so many dedicated public health professionals because the federal government decided to renege on its commitment to our state. They left us in the lurch, with no advance notice, no close-out period, halting work that would have helped us address chronic gaps in the system and be better prepared for future threats.”
The impact of these cuts to our public health system also include:
Significantly reduced support for nursing homes, including funding for HVAC upgrades and staff training around disease prevention, as well as support for county jails and other congregate settings.
Slower response times to infectious disease outbreaks.
Immediate suspension of partner-led vaccine clinics and emergency preparedness activities.
Reduced laboratory support for hospitals and health care systems that could delay lab results and patient care.
An inability to upgrade the Minnesota Immunization Information Connection, the state’s immunization information system, which means it will remain outdated.
Suspension of the INSPIRE Program, a program to get middle and high school students excited about and interested in public health.
Reduced funding for Tribal Public Health.

SPRING YARD WASTE & BRUSH PICKUP SERVICES BEGIN IN MOORHEAD
MOORHEAD – As spring approaches, the City of Moorhead is preparing to help residents with yard waste disposal and brush pickup services. Here’s what residents need to know about upcoming services:
Yard Waste Roll-Off Containers Available Week of March 31.
Roll-off containers will be placed throughout the city for grass clippings and leaves only. Residents are reminded that branches and plastic bags are not allowed in these containers.
Curbside Yard Waste Collection & Compost Site Opening April 14.
Starting April 14, the City will begin curbside yard waste pickup. Residents who do not want to wait for their garbage day can haul wood debris to the City’s Compost Site. Woody debris larger than 8 inches in diameter is subject to a disposal fee.
Important Reminders: Please do not drop off tree branches at the City’s recycling drop-off locations—these sites are for grass clippings and leaves only. Grass and leaves need to be in 32-gallon garbage cans, paper bags or biodegradable plastic bags. Yard waste is not to be put in your recycling container.
Curbside Brush & Branch Pickup Begins May 5.
The City’s curbside brush and branch chipping service will operate every other week on residents’ recycling day from May 5 to September 26, 2025.
Until May 5, brush pickup is available on a call-in basis only—residents may request service by calling 218.299.5422 or submitting a request online.
Brush Pickup Guidelines:
Pile Size Limit: 12 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 4 feet high (larger piles will be partially chipped, with the remainder left for the next scheduled pickup).
Branch Diameter: 8 inches or smaller.
Placement: Place branches on the boulevard, not in alleys.
No Bundling: Do not bundle or place branches in bags, garbage cans, or wheelbarrows.
Prohibited Materials: No root balls, leaves, trash, lumber, or construction materials.
The chipping service is for residents who prune trees on their own property. Any debris generated by contractors will not be collected by the City.
Supporting Pollinators During Spring Cleanup:
Residents are encouraged to consider pollinator-friendly practices when cleaning up their yards. Many beneficial insects, such as bees and butterflies, overwinter in dead plant material. To support a healthy pollinator population:
Delay cleanup until temperatures consistently reach 50°F.
Leave dead or dying branches in a pile until late spring.
Consider planting native pollinator-friendly plants.
For more information on yard waste disposal, brush pickup, and compost site details, visit www.moorheadmn.gov or call 218.299.5422.

FRIENDS OF THE MOORHEAD LIBRARY TO HOST SPRING SOCIAL APRIL 6 & FUNDRAISER AT SWING BARREL BREWING APRIL 12
MOORHEAD – The Friends of the Moorhead Public Library invites the public to a Spring Social on Sunday, April 6 from 1-4 p.m. The event will be held at the Moorhead Public Library, 118 5th St. S., and will feature entertainment by jazz guitar duo Twelve Strings, light appetizers, a book sale and a sale of art from the library’s collection. This event is offered free-of-charge and is in celebration of National Library Week, which is held April 6-12. All are welcome.
The following weekend, the Friends will conclude the weeklong celebration of National Library Week with “Bookmarked! Celebration of the Arts,” a fundraiser offered in partnership with Swing Barrel Brewing and Zoltar Tattoo. The event is scheduled Saturday, April 12 from noon-10 p.m. and will feature the launch of Swing Barrel’s latest beer developed in celebration of libraries, appropriately titled, “Card Cata-Lager,” as well as a flash tattoo fundraiser with 40% of proceeds going to the Friends of the Moorhead Library in support of the new Moorhead Public Library, which is currently under construction and will be located in The Loop. Additional activities will include a mini book sale, music by Pat Lenertz and Friends from 7-9 p.m. and more. This all-ages event will be held at Swing Barrel Brewing Co., 814 Center Ave. A. Admission is free but additional costs for drinks, food, tattoos and more may be incurred.

MOORHEAD POLICE IDENTIFY MAN RECOVERED IN THE RED RIVER
MOORHEAD – The male recovered from the Red River on March 26, 2025 has been positively identified as 63 year old Robert Shane Cartwright.
The manner of death is still under investigation with assistance from the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office. Preliminary autopsy information does not indicate any suspicious circumstances.
Moorhead Police were dispatched to a report of a missing person in the area of the 4300 block of South River Haven Road. Officers located a 63-year-old adult male from Moorhead unresponsive in the Red River. The Moorhead Fire Department deployed resources, and the male was removed from the river. Sanford Ambulance transported the victim to Sanford Medical Center in Fargo. Life saving measures were unsuccessful and the male was later pronounced deceased. The circumstances leading up to the male entering the water are still under investigation. The department does not believe there is a risk to public safety.

MOORHEAD COMMUNITY EDUCATION SPRING & SUMMER CLASSES ARE NOW OPEN
Moorhead Community Education spring and summer classes are now open for registration. Hundreds of class options provide unique learning experiences for everyone.
Through Community Education, people of all ages and all abilities have the opportunity to learn and have fun in a multitude of classes.
Anyone in the Fargo-Moorhead and surrounding areas can take a class through Moorhead Community Education. District residents receive a discount on most classes.
Register for classes online at www.moorheadschools.org/ce or call 218-284-3400. To stay up to date on new classes, like and follow Moorhead Community Education on Facebook.

PLANNING YOUR FUNERAL, A COMMUNITY DISCUSSION’
MOORHEAD – Memory Cafe of the Red River Valley and Salem Free Church of Moorhead are partnering with several local funeral homes to offer free public education on ‘Planning Your Funeral, A Community Discussion’. Refreshments will be served and all community members are welcome to attend. Free; no reservations are required.
This educational session will be held on April 9th, 2025 from 1:00-2:30 PM at the Hjemkomst Center (202 1st Ave N. Moorhead, MN)
Panelists include:
– Ken Bohney,Connections and Care Pastor, Salem Free Church – Moderator
– Russ Danielson, Family member/recent widower, “Our Story”
– Tom Pence , Korsmo Funeral Home – Pre-planning Your Funeral
– Alex Rydell, Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home – Cremation vs. Burial
– Angie Schulz – Wright Funeral Services – Grief Support and Resources
Memory Cafe of the Red River Valley offers weekly programs for individuals and families impacted by memory loss. Memory Cafe is free to attend and no reservation is required.
For more information – https://memorycaferrv.org/
Memory Cafe of the Red River Valley, 701-404-6712, hello@memorycaferrv.org.

MINNESOTA “POETRY BUS” TO STOP AT MOORHEAD PUBLIC LIBRARY APRIL 5
MOORHEAD – Meet some Minnesota poets on the move! In honor of National Poetry Month, the Moorhead Public Library will host a stop of the “Poetry Bus,” a group of four poets who are traveling around Minnesota sharing their work. The program will feature readings, Q&A and conversation with poets Sara Dovre Wudali, Athena Kildegaard, Michael Kleber-Diggs, and Su Love. The program is scheduled Saturday, April 5 at 2 p.m.
All are welcome and the program is offered free-of-charge.