The Extra Newspaper

07/02/2025

Congratulations to Joel Paulsen, winner of this week's pair of beverages from Third Drop Coffee.

06/26/2025

From the Kitchens of Amy and JJ --
Sticky Finger Salad

This salad is one of those viral recipes from TikTok. And, if you are looking for a really easy, satisfying meal, this is it!

Ingredients
Chicken Tenders (bare chicken tenders from Costco are great!)
Colby Jack Cheese
Romaine Lettuce

Sauce Ingredients
1 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
1/3 Cup Frank’s Hot Sauce
1 Tbsp Water

Instructions
1. Cook chicken tenders. (Air fryer is probably the easiest option!)
2. Mix sauce ingredients all together in a sauce pan and bring to a boil then remove from stove top.
3. Dump the cut up chicken into the sauce and mix until the chicken is smothered.

Oh, and don’t forget to make homemade ranch!
3 Tbsp Ranch Seasoning Mix
1 Cup Mayo
1 Cup Milk
Mix ingredients in a container and throw in the fridge!
(Or, maybe you are a buttermilk person… just make homemade ranch – it will make everything better! Trust us.)

Assemble your salad – first, the lettuce, then the cheese, pour on your smothered chicken and top with some homemade ranch dressing. You could add more veggies if you wanted, but sometimes you just need something simple and quick.

06/26/2025

Display of Norse Treasures Opens July 1 at Hjemkomst Center

When the first Norwegians set out 200 years ago to build new lives in the New World, many brought little more than the clothes on their backs – and a precious few treasured possessions to remind them of home.

Some of those reminders of the families and homeland left behind will be featured at the Hjemkomst Center starting July 1. The Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County will be hosting its newest exhibit, “Treasures from Norway,” through June 22, 2026.

“The bicentennial of Norwegian immigration is being celebrated this year on Oct. 9,” HCSCC communications manager Levi Magnuson explains. “The date is based on the day that the first organized group – 53 Norwegian Quakers – landed in New York City aboard the sloop Restauration.”

The date coincides with the annual observance of Leif Erikson Day, commemorating the voyage of the Norse Viking explorer believed to have been the first European to visit North America. He is believed to have crossed the Atlantic 500 years before Christopher Columbus. The day has been federally recognized since 1935, though it is not an official federal holiday.

“The first Norwegian families arrived in Minnesota in the 1860s. They reached our area in the 1870s,” Magnuson says. “Minnesota was open to settlement at that time. They were drawn here by the availability of cheap land here on what was then the frontier.”
The HCSCC exhibit features personal possessions that crossed the sea on some of the hundreds of immigrant ships that brought families to America: Bunads and other clothing, furniture and a variety of household items.

Some have special significance to Clay Country residents. Among them is the Syverson family’s hardanger fiddle, created by the grandfather of Gunner Helland, the Fargo violin maker who passed his knowledge of fiddle making on to Bud Larsen. Larson, who now lives in Brainerd, is teaching students in the Fargo-Moorhead area the same traditional techniques he learned from Helland..

A small wooden rosemaled box, owned by Inger Peterson (nee Hansdatter), will also be on display. Born in Telemark, Norway, she moved to the United States after marrying Peter Peterson; they arrived at Moorhead together on May 28, 1880. Inger died at age 92 in April 1939.

Another artifact with an intriguing story, a large copper pot, was brought to Clay County in 1878. When the family’s ship caught fire in a coal explosion, the family who owned it placed their 2-year-old and 6-month-old children inside to keep them safe. “Later, they used the pot for making cheese,” Levi adds.

The year-long Treasures exhibit is one of a number of bicentennial events planned throughout the year. In September and October, archivist Petra Gunderson-Leith will offer a series of talks on Norwegian immigration at the Moorhead Public Library. A hardanger fiddle concert is planned at Concordia College Oct. 9.
The HCSCC museum at the Hjemkomst is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free on Tuesdays from 5 to 8 p.m.

06/26/2025

Silver Lining Apartments Offers Permanent Home for 55+ Formerly Unhoused Residents

Churches United’s newest project was never just about building spaces for formerly homeless seniors to live. Its real goal, says executive director Devlyn Brooks, has been to lay the groundwork for something even more ambitious – building genuine community.

When the Silver Lining Apartments hosted its grand opening Thursday, June 26, the elements of that dream quickly came into focus. Certainly, there are the living quarters for 36 men and women, including 16 studio apartments grouped around central common areas, plus 20 one-bedroom units. But guests also got a first glimpse of a facility thoughtfully designed from top to bottom to more than merely housing for older adults. Their goal: To build a community that formerly unhoused tenants can truly call their permanent home.

Adults over the age of 55 are one of the fastest-growing segment of the homeless population both here and across the nation, says Brooks. He and Churches United’s operations manager, Ginny Stoe, have observed that trend at Micah’s Mission, the organization’s Moorhead shelter.

“The greatest catastrophic cause of their situation is the loss of community,” he asserts. “They are alone, without family to support their needs. They’re on fixed incomes, too, so they’re vulnerable when they face a crisis due – medical costs, housing increases, rising grocery costs, or mental and physical ailments. They have nowhere to turn.

“Traditional public housing programs are part, but only part, of the answer. Housing vouchers help them find public housing … if, that is, they can meet strict requirements like credit checks and clean criminal and rental histories. But then they’re on their own, with four bare walls and no support.”

Silver Linings, like Churches United’s neighboring Bright Sky Apartments, is based on a different model. While the new facility provides comfortably furnished and well-equipped living spaces, as well as “soft goods” like bedding and dishes, its tenants will also find plenty of help in building their new lives.

“At our shelter, you can feel the sense of community among our residents,” Stoe says. “That bond becomes so important to them that sometimes they don’t want to leave. That’s what we’re creating here – not isolated strangers, but a community where residents can live until they’re ready to go to their next destination.”

Read more about Churches United's latest project in the June 26 edition of the FM Extra, on newsstands now, and online at

The 36-unit Silver Linings Apartments have been designed as homes for unhoused adults, ages 55 and older. (Photo/Nancy Hanson.)

06/26/2025

Tuition-Free College at MSUM for Top MHS Grads

After years of diminishing enrollment, Minnesota State University Moorhead is turning the corner. That’s good news not only on the 138-year-old campus, a staple of city life since 1887, but for Moorhead’s brightest high school graduates – who now can attend tuition-free.

Introduced in time for the past school year, the Moorhead Scholars program guarantees four years of affordable education to graduates of Moorhead High School who’ve maintained a 3.0 grade point average throughout their four years as Spuds.

During its first season in 2024-25, the brand-new Scholars program drew about 40 fresh MHS grads. This year, says the school’s vice president of strategic enrollment management, that number has already tripled last year’s total. Last year’s fall enrollment was 15% higher than the year before; the spring number, usually lower than at the start of the term, was up 8%. Total fall enrollment exceeded 4,000.

After two decades of diminishing enrollment, President Tim Downs and college leaders are pleased with signs the tide has turned. those inbound Dragons are turning the tide. In 1990, the university had the largest student body in Fargo-Moorhead – 9,151, compared to its Fargo rival NDSU with 8,780. But in the decades since then, that picture has changed. Throughout the 2000s, it remained in the 7,000s. It steadily declined over the next dozen years, dipping to just 3,700 in 2022.

Dr. Jason Trainer joined MSUM in early 2024 to take on the challenge of increasing enrollment. Of the Scholars program’s success, he says, “It’s going better than any of us could have imagined – maybe even too well, if that’s even possible. We’ve historically had between 40 and 45 Moorhead High graduates who choose to enroll. We’re currently on pace to triple that number.

“What’s also very exciting is what we have heard from families of underclassmen in the community. They’re saying it has pushed their students – motivating them to strive for those higher GPAs. As we invest in those honors-level students, students who have high ambitions to be impactful in their careers, I think this will snowball.”

Read more about Minnesota State Moorhead's plans to support top students in the June 26 edition of the FM Extra. It's on newsstands now, and online at https://www.thefmextra.com/tuition-free-college-for-top-mhs-grads/

06/26/2025

Local Aging Services Gets a Listen at County Commission

The Dancing Sky Area Agency on Aging program director rolled through her budget presentation with numerous highlights – and no need for notes.

Heather Pender, Aging program director, laid out the numbers and program tentacles for the Clay County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday in Moorhead.

Included in the presentation was a request for matching funds for area seniors of just over $9,000, which Pender said equates to about 75 cents per adult over 60 years old.

The presentation comes along with a request for 25 percent matched funding out of her organization’s federal funding under the Older Americans Act of 1965 Title III programs.
These include senior nutrition, caregiver support and evidence-based classes. The organization redistributes those funds within the northwestern Minnesota geographic area.

Various local programs benefit from this funding as well, under the Title III(b) program, including Chore, Homemaker, Information and Assistance, Northwest Legal Services, Lakes & Prairies Community Action Partnership (CAPLP), the Rural Enrichment and Counseling Headquarters (REACH) program in Hawley and the Barnesville Helpers.

Pender said Dancing Sky also operates the Senior Linkage Line, which is available for caregivers or older adults who may have questions about Medicaid, Medicare or other support service.
“Primarily, our work is the Older Americans Act funding, regranting those dollars,” Pender said.

Pender also said there has been a push to designate Moorhead “age-friendly” as a community, and working with AARP and Mayor Shelly Carlson.

Read more in the June 26 edition of the FM Extra, on newsstands now, or at

The Dancing Sky Area Agency on Aging program director rolled through her budget presentation with numerous highlights – and no need for notes. Heather Pender, Aging program director, laid out the numbers and program tentacles for the Clay County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday in Moorhead. Inclu...

06/26/2025

MPD Detective Honored for Investigative Work

Moorhead police detective Adam Torgerson was honored at Monday's city council meeting for outstanding investigative work. He was one of 18 Minnesota officers recently recognized by the U.S. Attorney's Office in Minneapolis.

Torgerson's statewide award recognizes his outstanding investigative work in “Operation Nobody's Home,” a major drug case with multiple arrests and federal prosecution that originally stemmed from a kidnapping case. He collaborated with a Clay County Sheriff's detective and a U.S. Postal inspector in the case, which involved Jamie White.

White, who had previously been convicted of drug charges resulting from another case led by Torgerson, held a woman captive in the basement of his Moorhead home, restrained with duct tape. After she managed to escape, Red River Valley SWAT surrounded his home and assisted with his arrest.

While awaiting trial, White coordinated the delivery of large quantities of methamphetamine, nearly 9.5 pounds in one intercepted package, to vacant rental properties in the area. A controlled delivery led to his arrest as well as several accomplices. He ultimately pled guilty to drug charges in August 2024.

According to the official award, “Detective Torgerson’s professionalism, investigative skill, and previous rapport with the suspect led to a full confession and a comprehensive case presentation to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Minnesota, which ultimately agreed to prosecute, a significant step in strengthening cross-state collaboration.”

06/26/2025

Matson Field Groundbreaking is June 30

Matson Field, the Moorhead baseball park at the corner of 11th Street and 15th Avenue North, is getting a new look.

The groundbreaking for the first phase of the ballpark renovations has been set for 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 30, between games of the Moorhead Legion Gold’s last doubleheader of the season. The ceremony – and the games – are open to the public at no charge, with guests invited to bring their own lawn chairs.

The event formally marks the start of construction of a new grandstand. The concrete structure to be built in the southwest corner of Matson Field will stand on the spot where the original seating was demolished in 2008; since then, visitors have been seated on portable aluminum bleachers.

To be built of precast concrete, the new grandstand will include four sections of seating accommodating 325 spectators. Seats in the two center sections will have backs. The stadium will also include a new press box and sound system above the seating.

The structure’s cost is estimated at $1.2 million. Among the contributions received to date are a $500,000 grant from the Fargo-Moorhead Convention and Visitors Bureau and $250,000 from American Legion Post 21. Fundraising efforts continue, with opportunities remaining for individuals and businesses to get involved through sponsorships or donations.

“Matson Field will provide Moorhead baseball players and fans with the quintessential baseball experience,” said Mayor Shelly Carlson. “This project reflects the strength of our community and the generosity of those who have already invested in making this dream a reality. We look forward to seeing this space continue to inspire athletes and fans for generations.”

06/26/2025

$41.2M Wastewater Plant Improvements Planned

“You’re going to hear a lot of big, scientific words tonight,” Dan Mahli cautioned the Moorhead City Council at Monday’s meeting. “But here’s the basis of what we’re talking about: How are we going to flush in 2040?”

The city manager was introducing a complex, detailed report by Andy Bradshaw, manager of the city’s wastewater treatment plant. Built in 1983, he told the council that major improvements are needed to comply with new state regulations. Increased capacity is also a priority, since the current facility is projected to be able to process what comes through the city’s sewers only until 2040.

“Until then, we’re just trying to maintain a functioning facility,” Bradshaw said.

One big issue is the mandate to reduce phosphorus content in processed water ejected into the Red River. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s permit requires compliance by 2030. Moorhead’s current discharge rate of 26 ppm must be reduced to 20 ppm by the deadline.

The wastewater plant manager presented the council with a detailed plan to accomplish that goal, along with other needed upgrades. Its estimated cost: $41.2 million.

Read more in the June 26 edition of the FM Extra, on the newsstands now, or online at

“You’re going to hear a lot of big, scientific words tonight,” Dan Mahli cautioned the Moorhead City Council at Monday’s meeting. “But here’s the basis of what we’re talking about: How are we going to flush in 2040?” The city manager was introducing a complex, detailed report by Andy...

06/26/2025

06/23/2025

Moorhead Youngsters Can Wade In

With highs in the 80s through the coming weekend, kids will be making a big splash at Moorhead’s five neighborhood pools.

The pools, which opened June 2 and will close Aug. 10, are open on sunny days when temperatures reach at least 60 degrees or 65 degrees under cloudy skies. If severe weather is detected, everyone must clear the areas and take shelter immediately. They’ll reopen half an hour after the last observed lightning or thunder.

The wading pools are situated in Hansmann, Northeast, Ridgewood, Riverview Estates and Village Green Parks. The pools are limited to youngsters 10 years old and younger. No lifeguards are on duty, so children must be closely supervised by an adult. Small flotation devices and toys are allowed, but no food can be brought beyond the pool gates.

The wading pools are open daily from 1 to 7 p.m. With the exception of the Fourth of July, when hours at three – Northeast, Village Green and Ridgewood – are from 12:30 to 4:30. There is no admission charge.

Teens and adults, however, will have to wait til 2026 for their next swim in a public pool. The Moorhead Municipal Swimming Pool at Romkey Park is no more – just for now. It is being replaced this summer, along with other facilities at the site on 20th Street South, as part of the $10 million Reimagine Romkey project.

A new pool and other park amenities are expected to reopen next summer after the major upgrade. The pool will be equipped with a diving board and water slides. A wading pool is also included in the plan, along with a splash pad. The area will feature a universal locker room and a community room for gatherings and events.

06/23/2025

Young Vocalists Raise Voices at Concordia

Beginning Sunday, the Concordia College campus will be alive with the voices of high school singers from throughout the area.

Concordia’s annual Choir Camp offers a week of singing, with rehearsals and performances, along with experiences in musical theater, songwriting, choral conducting and musical theory. The week’s climax is a public concert at Trinity Lutheran Church at 1:30 Sunday, June 28.

“Students get to engage in choral music-making with other students from around the state and region,” said Dr. Michael Culloton, artistic director and conductor of the camp for high school age singers. “The energy and excitement that they show throughout the week is contagious! The camp has become a highlight of the summer for me.”

Concordia Choir Camp has been a summer tradition in the region for nearly 60 years. The summer camp was founded in 1969 by Mark Aamot as the Minnesota All-State Lutheran Choir. The youthful ensembles have performed in more than 150 venues over the years.

Dr. Thomas Rossin conducted and guided the choir, along with more than 1,450 alumni singers, for 26 years. Culloton, who now directs the group, is the Paul J. and Eleanor Christiansen Chair of choral music and conducts the Concordia Choir.

Greta Nelson is the camp’s assistant conductor and dean of students, with Andrew Steinberg accompanying on the piano and organ. College-aged musicians serve as section leaders and lead the camp.