Mayor Shelly Carlson Archives

Testy exchange at Moorhead City Council over the mayor’s choice for mayor pro tem

January 12, 2026

TJ Nelson,

Moorhead Mayor Shelly Carlson, Council Member Deb White and Council Member Lisa BorgenMOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR) — A simple motion to appoint Moorhead Mayor Shelly Carlson to several area boards including Metro Flood Diversion Authority Planning Committee was derailed by a dispute over the mayor pro tem. Carlson announced that she was appointing Council Member Lisa Borgen to the role. The…

Moorhead City Council Introducing Resolution To Support Somalis

Moorhead City Council passes resolution supporting immigrant and refugee communities

The possible passage of the resolution comes on the heels of Mayor Shelly Carlson making a public proclamation in support of the immigrant community.

December 8, 2025

Gabriel Ostler,

MOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR) – Tensions over the mere presence of Somalians in the United States are still elevated following Trump’s lambasting of the group and subsequent measures by ICE to crack down on the population. A Cinnabon employee in Wisconsin was fired after directing a racist rant at a customer they believed to be Somali, while video from the Twin…

Moorhead Mayor announces her run for MN House of Representatives

December 1, 2025

Juliana Pelaez,

MOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR) — Moorhead Mayor Shelly Carlson officially announces her DFL candidacy for Minnesota House of Representatives District 4A. Carlson emphasizes her commitment to running is building a thriving, safe, and healthy community. Current DFL State Rep. Heather Keeler is running for Congress. Carlson says her priorities in office would be flood mitigation, state support for a new fire…

Essentia Health Donates One Million For Downtown Moorhead's 'the Loop'

Essentia Health donates one million for downtown Moorhead’s new building, ‘The Loop’

October 16, 2025

Juliana Pelaez,

MOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR) — Moorhead Mayor Shelley Carlson proudly announced on Thursday Essentia Health’s donation of one million dollars. The donation comes from their commitment in bringing together Moorhead for a lifelong health and wellness journey. “Together, the city of Moorhead and Essentia Health envision a future where innovation, collaboration, and education converge to create a healthier, vibrant community that…

Moorhead lands major federal grant to replace around 30 lead pipes

September 24, 2025

TJ Nelson,

MOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR) — Moorhead just landed a major grant to help remove lead pipes. Mayor Shelly Carlson says the city got a nearly $467,000 federal grant from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and MN Public Facilities Authority Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. The funding will allow Moorhead Public Service to replace thirty lead service lines in the city. The lead…

Tense moments during preliminary budget talks at Moorhead City Council

September 22, 2025

TJ Nelson,

MOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR) — Tensions ran high during discussions about the preliminary budget and the hiring of additional firefighters at Moorhead City Council. After two hours of back and forth, the council voted 6-2 for what they are calling budget proposal levy scenario 3. It would cap a raise of Moorhead property taxes by 5.58% while council members and city…

City of Moorhead and the City of Zakho unite together with a friendship proclamation

July 2, 2025

Juliana Pelaez,

MOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR) — A year and a half in the making, the city of Moorhead has brought together a friendship proclamation between the city of Moorhead and Zakho, more than 6,000 miles away. “When you have something that’s more intentional in a way that writes it on a piece of paper that we’re both signing it, both of the…

DG Fuels Selects Moorhead For New $5 Billion Facility to Produce Low-Carbon Aviation Fuel

November 4, 2024

TJ Nelson,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — DG Fuels has announced it plans to build a new $5 billion facility to produce low-carbon aviation fuel in Moorhead. The plant would create 650 jobs and serve the Great Lakes region. The facility will convert corn stover and timber waste into high-value low-carbon aviation fuel. In a press release, the company says the production baseline process…

Moorhead Council Passes Ceasefire Resolution After Mayor Breaks the Tie Vote

March 12, 2024

KVRR Staff,

MOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR/KFGO) — Moorhead City Council has approved an Israel/Hamas ceasefire resolution, but it was a close vote. A number of people attended the council meeting, speaking both in favor and against the resolution. Several city council members and some members of the audience said they should not be involved in the international conflict. Council members initially had a…

Sen. Klobuchar in Moorhead to discuss $26 million investment for 11th St. underpass

January 10, 2023

Site Staff,

MOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR) — Senator Amy Klobuchar was in Moorhead to discuss more than $26 million in federal funding to construct two underpasses along 11th Street. “For nine years, this is a story of perseverance. This city’s leaders including the mayor’s predecessors have worked to secure funding to construct these underpasses on 11th street. They are incredibly critical to downtown…