The Extra Newspaper

02/26/2025

02/26/2025

Congratulations to Brenda Richman, winner of this week's pair of beverages of her choice.

What does Brenda like most about Third Drop Coffee? "Moorhead centered!! We love our local businesses."

02/22/2025

Flour Power --
Moorhead Welcomes Two New Bakeries

February has been a banner month for bread … and cupcakes, cookies, muffins and more.

Two bakeries have opened in Moorhead in recent days. One is the much-anticipated re-opening of Black Cat Bakery in new quarters on the corner of Main and Eighth Street.

The other: Sweet and Sifted Baking Company, is the now-public face of Lindsay Piekutowski’s thriving five-year-old home-based business.

Black Cat Bakery reopened its doors Feb. 10 after moving from its original location in the northside building once known as Jerry’s Supper Club. Customers of the shop, perhaps best known for its breads and scones, have been waiting for nearly two months to stock up again on everything from kitchen essentials, from 10 kinds of cookies to house-made jams and jellies. Two best friends, owners Maggie Thoemke and Morgan Laite, have been hard at work – “panic baking,” Maggie calls it – satisfying the pent-up demand for their fresh-from-the-oven products.

Sifted and Sweet Baking Company opened Thursday, Feb. 20 … at last. “We’ve been waiting for our license from the state for three months. Finally!” owner Lindsay Piekutowski celebrates. While the delay forced her to set back several projected opening dates last fall, it gave the entrepreneur more time to polish up her shop in the former location of Altony’s Italian Restaurant on the northwest quadrant of the I-94/Eighth Street South interchange.

An avid fan of baking oven-fresh treats since the age of 4, Lindsay traded her former career as a high school English teacher for her passion exactly five years ago. Since then, she has built a local following with her baked doughnuts, cinnamon and caramel rolls, cookies, pies and breads. She posted an invitation to order her baked cinnamon-apple doughnuts on Facebook, and customers began to roll in. Then came cookies, her first love – more orders. Licensed by Minnesota as a cottage food producer, Sifted and Sweet began to soar. “I was doing it for fun,” she confesses. “I baked whatever I wanted to bake. Then I realized how much I like decorating cookies, and it took of from there.”

Read more about the two bakeries in the Feb. 20 edition of the FM Extra. Pick up your free copy on local newsstands, or read online at https://www.thefmextra.com/flour-power/

02/22/2025

Moorhead Volunteers Offer Free Tax Help

Volunteers are standing ready to help local taxpayers – especially elders, those with lower incomes and people with disabilities – meet the deadline for filing their 2024 income tax returns. But the demand is high, say organizers, and it’s important to make your appointment now.

Three programs are currently offering free tax assistance here in Moorhead. Local members of AARP, the American Association of Retired Persons, are once again providing the services than the group’s foundation has been sponsoring since 1968. Sessions are being held each week through at the Moorhead Public Library, the Hjemkomst Center and Fargo’s Carlson Library.

The Lakes and Prairies Community Action Program and Concordia College senior accounting students are both assisting taxpayers through grants from the Internal Revenue Service’s nationwide Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, which was established in 1969. The students meet with taxpayers on campus from 6 to 9 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays through the end of February. CAP-LP holds sessions on Monday and Wednesday at its office at 891 Belsly Boulevard, as well as in Hawley on Tuesdays, Barnesville on Wednesdays, and Breckenridge on Mondays and Thursdays.

(More information hours and how to make appointments is at the end of this story.)

Read more about how to obtain help filing your taxes in the Feb. 20th edition of the FM Extra. Pick up your free copy on local newsstands, or read it online: https://www.thefmextra.com/moorhead-volunteers-offer-free-tax-help/

02/22/2025

From the Kitchens of Amy and JJ --
Whole Wheat Bread

Whole Wheat Bread
By admin | Posted February 20th, 2025 | Tweet

From the Kitchens of Amy & JJ

Whole Wheat Bread
Ingredients –
4 cups whole wheat flour
2 1/2 cups white flour
2 pkg. dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water (110-115 degrees)
2 1/4 cups warm water
2/3 cups dry milk
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup shortening, melted
1 Tablespoon salt

Directions –
Dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup water. Add remaining water, dry milk, honey, shortening, and salt.
Beat in 1 cup whole wheat flour. Add remaining wheat flour.
Turn out on the counter and knead.
Place in a lightly greased bowl and let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk (about 45 minutes).
Punch down dough, divide and form into 2 balls.
Cover and let rest for about 5 minutes.
Roll each ball on a lightly floured surface into a 10”x6” rectangle.
Roll up jelly roll fashion and pinch ends with seam sides down.
Cover and let rise until doubled in bulk.
Bake at 400 degrees F for 40 minutes or until bread sounds hollow when tapped.
Remove from pans immediately and cool on a wire rack.

02/22/2025

Clay Board OKs Funding to Complete Judicial Formation of Water District

The Clay County Board of Commissioners approved up to $78,000 to finalize the judicial formation of the West Central Regional Water District on Tuesday in Moorhead.

To dovetail on a Feb. 5 presentation to the board by AE2S engineer Steven Slick and Lucas Spaeth, WCRWD board chair, detailing the need and formation of the rural water district, Clay County Administrator Stephen Larson made the official monetary request
“When we started this process, there had not been a water district formation going back to the 1980s,” Larson said. “At the initial process, we were given an estimate of around $300,000.”
Larson said unfortunately, the first estimate was about $500,000 low.

Larson said take make up for this gap, additional funding is being requested from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in order to keep the process and project moving forward.

The request is for an additional $150,000 to $200,000 based on funds received in the summer.

Larson said the project would be looking to utilize those funds in the same way percentagewise as in the initial ask of Polk County (45 percent), Clay County (39 percent) and Norman County (16 percent), which roughly spreads the financial amounts on geographic percentage of the water district.

Read more about the County Commission's decision in the Feb. 20 edition of the FM Extra, now on the newsstands, and online at

The Clay County Board of Commissioners approved up to $78,000 to finalize the judicial formation of the West Central Regional Water District on Tuesday in Moorhead. To dovetail on a Feb. 5 presentation to the board by AE2S engineer Steven Slick and Lucas Spaeth, WCRWD board chair, detailing the need...

02/19/2025

Congratulations, Marc Shannon, on winning two beverages of your choice!

"The employees friendly customer service and the atmosphere is always enjoyable."

02/13/2025

From the Kitchens of Amy and JJ --
Swedish Meatballs!

The Swedes have given the world a lot. Especially meatballs. The term meatball is great…but SWEDISH MEATBALLS are the best of the best. This recipe dates back to the 1970s and will delight anyone looking to warm up a winter night.

Swedish Meatballs
Ingredients:
1 Cup Bread Crumbs
1/3 Cup Milk
1/4 Cup Minced Onion
1 lb Ground Beef
1 Egg, Slightly Beaten
1 1/2 tsp Salt
1/8 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp nutmeg
2 Tblspn Butter
2 tsp Flour
1 Cup Hot Water
1 Bouillon Cube
1/2 Cup Milk
1/2 cup light cream

Soak bread crumbs in 1/3 cup milk. Add onion, meat, egg and seasonings – mix well. Shape into 1 inch balls. Saute in butter until lightly browned. Remove meat, add flour to fat and blend. Add water, bouillon cube, 1/2 cup milk and cream. Cook and stir over medium heat until sauce is smooth and thickened, about 2 minutes. Add meatballs, cover and simmer 15 minutes. Serves four.

02/13/2025

2024 Was 'Great Year' for Community Development

The past year was “a great year for Moorhead,” community development director Kristie Leshovsky told the Moorhead City Council at its meeting Monday night, marked with “a lot of movement, a lot of growth and opportunity."

She went on to highlight some of the achievements detailed in the city’s just-completed 2024 Annual Development Report. Among them: $58.75 million in new commercial construction, the highest valuation in the city’s history; 1,414 building permits issued, spurred by more than 800 roofing permits; modernization of zoning and the development code; and an increase of 2% in MATBUS ridership.

Read more about Leshovsky's report to the council in the Feb. 13 edition of the FM Extra. It's on the stands now, and online at

The past year was “a great year for Moorhead,” community development director Kristie Leshovsky told the Moorhead City Council at its meeting Monday night, marked with “a lot of movement, a lot of growth and opportunity,”. She went on to highlight some of the achievements detailed in the cit...

02/13/2025

Chief Monroe: Looking Back, Looking Forward

After 31 years with the Moorhead Police Department, Chief Shannon Monroe is handing in his badge at the end of March.

Along with Deputy Chief Tory Jacobson, whose last day is Feb. 28, Monroe’s retirement signals a change – both for the two top officers, who have led the MPD since 2018, and for the department itself. But the chief sees better days ahead, especially in the recruitment problem that has plagued law enforcement in recent years, and in young adults’ perception of the role officers play in their community.

“These have been a few tough years for bringing recruits into the department – not just here or in Minnesota, but all over the country,” the nearly 55-year-old chief reflects. “When I was applied to the department in 1992, they received 250 applications for this job. Right now, we have nine openings, and the advertisement says ‘open until filled.’ There are hardly any applicants right now. Departments are competing to steal each others’ officers.” He adds, “One of our people is leaving for New Hope, Minnesota, with a $28,000 increase in his salary.”

But the tide is turning. After a total of 34 years in law enforcement, here and in Mahnomen County where he grew up, Monroe sees signs of a welcome new attitude among the newest generation. “I’m hearing encouraging things from our young applicants,” he says. “They tell us they’re feeling called to the law enforcement profession. As our community is getting diverse, so are our future officers.”

Read more about Chief Shannon Monroe in the Feb. 13 edition of the FM Extra, on the stands, and online at https://www.thefmextra.com/chief-monroe-looking-back-looking-forward/

02/13/2025

Rourke Gallery Director Receives MoorHeart Award

Jonathan Rutter, executive director and curator of the Rourke Art Gallery + Museum, was presented with the city’s MoorHeart Award at Monday’s meeting of the Moorehad City Council. According to the selection committee, the award recognizes “his leadership in preserving, promoting, and making the arts accessible to all in Moorhead.”

Nominator Tiffany Ross called Rutter “a true champion for the arts in Moorhead.” She cited his continuing the legacy of the Midwestern Art Invitational, now celebrating its 65th year, as one of his efforts to honor the region’s artistic traditions.

Another: Restoration of the Cyrus Running mural originally installed in Concordia’s Ylvisaker Library in 1966, which had suffered significant water damage.

She added, “From making the museum admission-free to collaborating on the Moorhead Sculpture Walk project, he has worked to make art visible throughout the city.”

An artist and educator himself, Rutter collaborates with universities, marginalized groups and youth, making sure all perspectives are given space and representation. Under his guidance, the Rourke has introduced programs and exhibitions showcasing his dedication to honoring the legacy of local artists while promoting new talent. His efforts extend beyond the gallery walls, including involvement in the Moorhead Sculpture Walk project, which will connect sculpture sites, encouraging residents and visitors to explore and appreciate public art.

The MoorHeart award is commemorated with a piece of art commissioned from local artist Dennis Krull. The city invites nominations of other individuals and groups, according to its website, who are “ doing great things, large and small.” Information on nominating others for MoorHeart consideration is found at cityofmoorhead.com.

02/13/2025

Clay Board Adds Support for FM Diversion Appropriation

The Clay County Board of Commissioners approved the final $60.4 million of the state’s legislative appropriation toward the Fargo-Moorhead flood diversion project on Tuesday in Moorhead.
The last monetary infusion from St. Paul is earmarked for construction improvements and land acquisitions necessary on the Minnesota side of the project.
The whole of the project protects nearly 260,000 people, their homes, businesses and property from flood events.
Darren Brooke, Clay County human resources director and assistant administrator, presented the official request for approval of the resolution in the absence of County Administrator Stephen Larson.
“This number ($60.4 million) is probably not a surprise to our citizens,” said Commissioner Jenny Mongeau, Dist. 3. “This is something we’ve been advocating for the need for this funding for a long time.”

Mongeau reported that the previous day, she and other local officials met with six state representatives including two senators as well as Gov. Tim Walz.

She said having the county board’s resolution of support will help when local officials travel to St. Paul to complete the pitch for the final project dollars.

“It will be really helpful to have this resolution of support as part of the packet,” Mongeau said. “Even moreso for those of you that sit around the Diversion table.”

Read more about the County Commission's resolution in the Feb. 13 edition of the FM Extra, on the stands now, and online at https://www.thefmextra.com/clay-board-adds-support-for-60-4m-flood-diversion-monies/

02/06/2025

Global Market Offers Foods and Crafts at the Hjemkomst

Culinary treats and crafts from around the world will be on sale at the Hjemkomst Center during its second Global Market on Tuesday, Feb. 11.

Sponsored by the Immigrant Development Center, Inclusive Moorhead and the Indigenous Association, it’s the second of what’s planned as monthly evenst showcasing the global cultures of Moorhead residents to build excitement for the proposed downtown cultural mall.

Seven vendors are expected Tuesday, including Seema Market, Woke Soap, Jeylan’s Sweets, Niimi’idiwag, Tee’s Tacos, Eternal Bloom Blankets and Hannoun Sourdough. Hours are 5 to 7 p.m.

The Global Market coincides with the opening of the Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County’s exhibit, “Land to Table: Foods in Clay County.” The exhibition, which will continue through 2026, occupies the Fourth Floor Gallery downstairs. Admission to the reception, as well as the rest of the society’s exhibits, is free that evening.

02/06/2025

Making Friends for 'The Loop'

The outlines of Moorhead’s new community center and library – recently nicknamed “The Loop” – have finally broken the surface.

Following a season of underground work at Center Avenue and Fourth Street, it’s beginning to take shape within sight of residents eagerly awaiting its Spring 2026 opening.

But as its physical outline becomes clear, the Friends of the Library organization has turned its attention to covering an unexpected yet predictable gap – the difference between the funding secured to to finance it and inflation-fueled increases that have added weight to its cost since the project was launched more than two years ago.

On Thursday, Feb. 13 – Giving Hearts Day – the Moorhead Public Library’s volunteer group is gearing up to help bridge that gap. The 100-plus members of the library support group are hosting an open house from 4 to 8 p.m., with something for library lovers of every age.
Plans include a free concert by acoustic trio Tucker’d Out, a photo booth featuring portraits with mascot Booker the Owl, a mini book sale, children’s activities and snacks courtesy of the Popcorn Man and Addie’s Sunshine and Treats.

Read more about the event and progress on The Loop, the new community center/regional library, in the Feb. 6 edition of the FM Extra. It's on the newsstands now, and online at https://www.thefmextra.com/making-friends-for-the-loop/

02/06/2025

Moorhead Drum Store Beats the Odds

Five years ago, lifelong blues musician Michael Carbone set out to fulfill a percussionist’s dream: a sort of wonderland for drummers, where they could find everything from snares and sticks to congas, bongos, electronic gear and even education in one spot.

Today the rhythmic world of the Upper Midwest centers on Carbone’s dream come true. Drummer’s Journey, his drum emporium in the EasTen Shopping Center, attracts the musicians who lay down the beat. “There was nowhere to buy drums anywhere in the region when we got started,” Michael reflects. “Now, we carry the largest selection of drums for at least 200 or 300 miles in every direction. We’ve sold drums to customers from every state except Alaska and Hawaii.

“One of our first went to Mexico City for Michael Rivera, the drummer and lead singer of Rare Earth. A Canadian drummer is coming down to pick up her set next week. We field inquiries from all over place – England, Israel, Brazil, Germany, France. We’ve even shipped to a drum store in Kyiv.

“We get a lot of business from the musicians’ grapevine. Word of mouth is our best advertising,” he adds. “We’ve tried like crazy to get the word out. Yet every single week, someone still comes in, looks around and tells us, ‘Wow! I had no idea there was a place like this around here.’”

That wonder seems justified. The showroom of Drummer’s Journey is filled from wall to wall with drum sets, from utilitarian standards to the kind of gear that dedicated drummers drool over. That starts with the flashy drum sets just inside the door, fabricated in brilliant colors and flashy patterns. Michael jokes, “What it mostly takes to be a drummer is an attraction to shiny objects.”

Read more about the region's premier drum store in the Feb. 6 edition of the FM Extra, on the newsstands now (free!), and online at https://www.thefmextra.com/moorhead-drum-store-beats-the-odds/

02/06/2025

From the Kitchens of Amy and JJ --
Slow-Cooker Baked Potato Soup

This time of year calls for something that will “stick to your ribs” as my grandmother would say. This slow cooker soup is thick and delicious. When I brought leftovers into work, all i heard from co-workers was “That smells amazing!” Do yourself a favor and make a double batch.

Slow Cooker Baked Potato Soup
Ingredients:
6 Cups Russet Potatoes – peeled and cut into bite size pieces
1 Medium Yellow Onion – diced
3 Cloves Garlic – minced
4 Cups Chicken Broth
1 Block Cream Cheese (softened)
1 1/2 Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 Cup Heavy Cream
1/2 Cup Sour Cream
1/2 Cup Cooked Bacon Bits
1 Green Onion, green stems chopped

Add potatoes, onion, garlic and chicken broth to your slow cooker
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours
Add Cream Cheese (softened), Heavy Cream, Sour Cream, Bacon Bits and Cheddar Cheese. Cook for 1/2 hour.
Put into a bowl and add the green onion tops for look (I also add a little more shredded cheddar cheese). Enjoy!