The Extra Newspaper

12/18/2025

HCSCC's Laura Forde -- Connecting with the Past

The new director of the Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County is embarking on the history of a new state.

Laura Forde, who joined the Moorhead-based historical organization in July, has left behind more than three years of educating museum-goers on tales of North Dakota. As education and engagement director of the State Historical Society of North Dakota, she oversaw galleries and programs at the Heritage Center in Bismarck. She also managed its dozen staffed historical sites, from Pembina State Museum and Fort Abercrombie to the Chateau de Mores in Medora, Writing Rock Historic Site in Alkabo and Fort Union near Williston.

Forde replaced Maureen Kelly Jonason, who had led the HCSCC since the merger of the Clay County Historical Society and Hjemkomst Heritage Interpretive Center in 2010. “Maureen showed me the ropes for three weeks, and then I was ‘it,’” the new executive director reports. “She was very generous with her time.” She adds, “Maureen is still writing grants for us.”

Then the newcomer, who grew up in Aneta, North Dakota, was on her own. “Mostly, I’ve concentrated on the things that keep us running – payroll and administrative tasks. When people ask me about Clay County at this point, I’m thinking, ‘Where’s Markus? Where’s Petra? Where’s Lisa/’” (Markus Krueger is HCSCC’s programming director; Petra Gunderson-Leith is its archivist; and Lisa Vedaa is collections manager.)

“They have really in-depth knowledge of the country, while I’m learning. I’m really blessed with the staff. They are excellent. They are knowledgeable. They are team players, and they believe in what they’re doing. They just love history, and they want to do what’s best for the society and the people in Clay County.”

Read more about executive director Laura Forde in the Dec. 18 issue of the FM Extra, on newsstands now, and online at https://www.thefmextra.com/hcsccs-laura-forde/

12/18/2025

Moorhead's Sen. Kupec To Run for Second Term

Moorhead’s Rob Kupec is seeking a second term in the Minnesota Senate.

First elected in 2022, the District 4 senator made his announcement Dec. 10. He’ll return to St. Paul Feb. 17 to complete his present term in the 2026 legislative session.

“I’m running again because of some of the original reasons that brought him into the political arena,” the DFL senator said. “While it is a difficult time, we need more people who want to go in and do the work. If we all just sit back, we’re leaving our state in the hands of people who may not have the best intentions.

“We’ve accomplished a lot of good things in the past three years, but there’s more to be done.”

Kupec, a member of the DFL, represents District 4, encompassing most of Clay County and the western part of Becker. It includes the cities of Moorhead and Detroit Lakes. He currently serves as vice chair of the Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development committees, and sits on Health and Human Services, Higher Education and Labor .

He pointed out several major issues facing state lawmakers. “First of all, we need a bonding bill. That’s a priority all over the district. For Moorhead and Clay County, it’s completing flood mitigation programs. Barnesville and probably every city in the district are trying to fund road projects. Detroit Lakes has a ball field. The longer you have to wait, the more prices will go up.”

Read more in the Dec. 18 edition of the FM Extra, on newsstands now, and online at https://www.thefmextra.com/sen-kupec-to-seek-second-term/

12/18/2025

Nick’s Auto Sales offers free vehicle for 11th year in a row
By admin | Posted 7 hours ago | Tweet
Nick's Auto Sales Gives Away Vehicle for 11th Year

Dan Haglund

Nick’s Auto Sales in south Moorhead will soon be giving away a free vehicle for the 11th year in a row.

A panel of judges will select the lucky individual(s) after reading all the nominations and messages on the Facebook site or business website at www.nicksauto1.com.

Sam Farok, who is in charge of operations at Nick’s., says giving back to a community so supportive of his business is the main purpose of the annual giveaway.

The vehicle will be chosen based on the situation of the individual or family, Farok said, so it could be a minivan or a sedan or even an SUV.

“It all depends on what the family needs,” Farok said. With about 75 vehicles on the lot, there are a few from which to choose.

Last year’s vehicle was given to a single father of three, and two years ago the vehicle was given to a Ukrainian family which was newer to the country. Previous awardees include a father of five and a Syrian family.

Read more in the Dec. 18 edition of the FM Extra. It's on newsstands now, and online https://www.thefmextra.com/nicks-auto-sales-offers-free-vehicle-for-11th-year-in-a-row/

12/18/2025

Having a Crisis? Call the Team

By Nancy Edmonds Hanson

Who do you call when you don’t know what to do? That’s when Lakeland Mental Health Center’s mobile mental health crisis teams come into the picture.

Keep this number on hand: 800-223-4512.

When residents of Clay County – or Otter Tail, or Wilkin – are facing a mental health challenge, the center’s mobile teams stand ready to step in. Perhaps callers’ behavior is out of control, putting them at risk of harming themselves or others. Maybe they’re experiencing extreme anxiety or confusion or expressing thoughts of su***de.

“The crisis is whatever the caller defines it as,” Brenda Schleske says. “It can be extreme anxiety or depression or something they can’t exactly name. Sometimes they’re exremely upset and just don’t know what else to do.

“That’s when our mobile crisis teams can help. Getting the right help at the right time can make all the difference."

Learn more about the Mobile Mental Health Crisis Teams in the Dec. 18 edition of the FM Extra, on newsstands now and online at https://www.thefmextra.com/having-a-crisis-call-the-team/

12/18/2025

From the Kitchens of Amy and JJ --
White House Shrimp

This recipe was generously shared by Dale Lammi of Fargo, North Dakota. And, if you want to make seafood a part of the Christmas menu, here’s a fun appetizer idea!

He says these are “White House Shrimp – From the J.F.Kennedy Administration”… and we didn’t do any background work to verify this claim.

White House Shrimp

2 lbs. Shrimp – Large – Deveined, Tails On
1 cup Mayo
1/4 cup salad oil (canola)
3 Tbsps. chili or ketchi
1 tsp. celery seeds
1 clove minced garlic
1/2 medium onion – chopped fine
1 stalk celery – leaves chopped
2 strings dill, or 1/2 tsp. dry

Combine all ingredients; add cooked shrimp; marinate overnight in fridge.

Dale says he, “Doubles everything – including the shrimp! And, you know, it somehow all disappears!”

12/18/2025

Leiseith Named to Head Downtown Moorhead Inc.

Moorhead native Matt Leiseth has been named president and CEO of Downtown Moorhead Inc. He succeeds Derrick LaPoint, who has headed the organization behind downtown redevelopment since its formation in 2018.

He will begin his work as president and CEO in January.

Leiseth was employed by Hornbacher’s supermarkets for some three decades, starting as a grocery bagger whil a student at Concordia College. He served as the stores’ president for eight years. After their purchase from Supervalu by Coborn’s Inc. in 2018, he became that regional corporation’s senior vice president for operations, a post he held until 2024.

He has served on Downtown Moorhead’s board, as well as the governing bodies of the United Way of Cass Clay, the Village Family Service Center and its foundation, and the F-M Area Foundation

Downtown Moorhead Inc. board chair Carrie Brimhall announced the change Dec. 8. She said, “We are deeply grateful for Derrick LaPoint’s vision, dedication and tireless efforts. His impact on our organization and the community will be felt for years to come, and he has set us up for continued success well into the future.”

Under LaPoint’s leadership, DMI reached significant milestones and became a trusted partner for public, private, and nonprofit stakeholders in Moorhead. He played a key role in developing Moorhead’s Downtown Master Plan, which paved the way for record-setting investments and historic redevelopment in the downtown district. He championed initiatives such as the Moorhead Renaissance Zone, the 18-acre Center Mall redevelopment, and the modernization of citywide incentive programs, including commercial/industrial exemptions and storefront rehab.

Mayor Shelly Carlson noted, “The insights and vision that Derrick has provided to Moorhead’s economic development, and particularly our downtown, have set us on a path to growth in tax base and vitality. We’re sorry to see him leave his current role, but we’re also excited that he remains a strong advocate for Moorhead’s future as he works in a new capacity. We wish him well, with our gratitude for a job well done.”

12/18/2025

Clay sheriff, 3 attorneys get pay hike atop 4% COLA bump

by Dan Haglund

The Clay County sheriff, the county attorney and two assistant attorneys received their requested pay hikes at the Board of Commissioners meeting Tuesday night in Moorhead.

“Sheriff Mark Empting, heading into his eighth year in that job, received the largest pay bump with a 14 percent increase for 2026. All county employees received a 4-percent cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) approved by the board, and Empting got a 10-percent increase on top of that.”

That boosts his salary from $161,432 to $184,032, an $18,646 increase.

County Attorney Brian Melton, along with assistant attorneys Pam Foss and Kathleen Stock, requested and received 7-percent increases atop their COLA.

Read more about the commission's decisions in the Dec. 18 editiion of the FM Extra, on the newsstands now, and online at

The Clay County sheriff, the county attorney and two assistant attorneys received their requested pay hikes at the Board of Commissioners meeting Tuesday night in Moorhead.

12/18/2025

12/13/2025

Moorhead Police Department Swears In Five More Officers

The Moorhead Police Department’s once-depleted staff roster came closer to full strength at Monday’s city council meeting, where Chief Chris Helmick introduced new five hires.

“With these five officers, we’ve sworn in 19 men and women since August,” Chief Chris Helmick told the council members. “That’s about one-third of our full roster of 63.” He noted three openings remain, along with several coming up due to 2026 retirements.

In the past, the police force has had as many as 20 unfilled sworn positions. Helmick credited recruiting sergeant Joe Brannan with much of the success in filling the openings. He also applauded the rest of the force for their resilience during times of short staffing.

The new officers include Brock Wakefield, Sam Larson, Martin McClain-Hayes, Stephanie Nolasco and Meshach K. Adablah.

Read more in th Dec. 11 edition of the FM Extra, on newsstands now, and online at https://www.thefmextra.com/mpd-swears-in-five-more-officers/

12/13/2025

Four Honored by Moorhead's Human Rights Commission

Three women and one man were honored for their work in human rights at Monday’s meeting of the Moorhead City Council.

Erienne Fawcett was honored for her work in education. The coordinator of Minnesota State Moorhead’s gender and sexuality program in the university’s Diversity and Inclusion Office was cited for her work as a mentor in the Rainbow Dragon Center and Women’s Center, partnering with several student organizations to build and maintain those communities on campus.

Rev. Michelle Webber of First Congregational United Church of Christ received one of two awards in the Human Rights Commission’s nonprofit category. Her nomination noted her support of those in need through the church’s food pantry and meals program, as well as serving the LGBTQ community.

The second nonprofit award winner was Kavitha Gundala, assistant director of housing and operations for the Jeremiah Program. She was nominated for devoting more than a decade to housing equity, including both public and permanent supportive housing, as well as refugee resettlement in Moorhead and Fargo. She leads Narayana Seva, a group of volunteers who prepare and serve home-coked meals in local shelters.

Tyler Strand, a social worker She has worked at M State, was named winner in the education category. He coordinates and maintains the Campus Cupboards for the college’s students, as well as oversees grants like the Parents/Pregnant Student Initiative.

The awards were presented by Human Rights commissioners Siham Amedy, Evett Ellis, Jennifer Aranda and Anna Rajesh.

12/13/2025

Special Services for Moorhead Kids with Special Needs

by Nancy Edmonds Hanson

Half a century ago, youngsters with disabilities faced a steep climb to get an education. For some, that meant spending their days in classrooms not geared to their special needs. For those with more severe physical and mental challenges, it could mean no real school at all.

That changed, says Duane Borgeson, in November 1975, when the U.S. Congress passed what’s now come to be called IDEA – the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Each state has enacted the law and oversees implementation of its version. Minnesota’s requirements, adds Borgeson, “greatly exceeds the federal minimum.

“IDEA gives kids the opportunity to be in public schools, instead of being institutionalized or kept at home,” says the Moorhead Area School District’s director of special learning services. “IDEA requires that kids with disabilities receive a ‘free and appropriate public education.’

“What’s ‘appropriate’? That’s different for every kid. Each student must make ‘progress appropriate in light of the child’s circumstances,’” he explains. Now IEPs – Individualized Education Programs – must include “appropriately ambitious” objectives that give every child with disabilities the chance to meet challenging goals.

In 2024, 1,540 Moorhead students between kindergarten and grade 12 received those services. Another 275 preschoolers took part in preschool services integrated with the district’s Jump Start program. A smaller number of young people who’ve completed four years of high school go on to a program to develop more skills at Minnesota State Moorhead. Operated by the school district in Bridges Hall, participants work with the college’s teacher candidates.

That’s 16.22% of the total enrollment who qualified for special services at the end of 2024, compared with 12.35% in 2010.

Read more about MAPS' services for kids with special needs in the Dec. 11 edition of the FM Extra -- on newsstands now, and online at https://www.thefmextra.com/special-services-for-kids-with-special-needs/

12/13/2025

Fairchild Systems Opens Branch in Moorhead Industrial Park

by Michael Stein

An award-winning systems engineering company, Fairchild Systems, established a physical presence in Fargo-Moorhead this year with an office and warehouse in the Moorhead Industrial Park. The building, located at 1921 26th Street South, formerly housed Schwan’s Food Service.

Branch Manager Jeremy Guthmiller said the site’s warehouse and service area is still being developed. “This is the first branch that’s being built from the ground up. Part of the work was removing a huge walk-in cooler. So, it’s still a work in progress, but then we usually drive to our customers’ sites.”

Prior to opening a branch in Moorhead, Fairchild Systems already had a presence in the FM area and beyond. “Locally and regionally, our customers include Crystal Sugar, Menards, and Cardinal Glass and businesses in cities such as Wahpeton, Valley City, and Fergus Falls,” Guthmiller said. “The new Moorhead branch allows us to better serve our existing customers in the area and build additional business in the region.”

Sales Director Doug Larsen, who is based in Bloomington, Minn., added that the new location improves the company’s ability to offer warehouse services and solutions. The Moorhead branch provides in-house service and houses vehicles to perform on-site service their customers’ locations.

Read the rest of the story in the Dec. 11 edition of the FM Extra, on newsstands now, and online at https://www.thefmextra.com/fairchild-systems-opens-branch-in-moorhead-industrial-park/