Michael McGurran, The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead Journalist Profile

Articles

Nearly 500 people pitch in for United Way’s largest Day of Action yet

22 hours ago | inforum.com | Michael McGurran

FARGO — Volunteers are working hard to make United Way of Cass Clay’s Day of Action its biggest year yet. Nearly 500 volunteers are partnering with nonprofits across the metro to work on a variety of community projects. Projects include everything from writing encouragement cards for students heading back to school next fall, to helping those in need with yard work and outdoor cleaning.
First cochlear implant at Altru gives Grand Forks man new sense of hearing

1 day ago | inforum.com | Michael McGurran

GRAND FORKS — Gary Greicar began losing hearing in his right ear two decades ago, a problem that only worsened with age. But after undergoing a new procedure now available for the first time in Grand Forks, he says his hearing is the best it has been in years. "Pretty soon I was just hearing half the story, and I was telling it wrong, and I decided that's, that's the time that I have to do something,” Greicar said.
Doctors urge vaccinations amid western North Dakota measles outbreak

6 days ago | inforum.com | Michael McGurran

FARGO — West Fargo Public Schools is warning families about a measles outbreak in Williston but emphasizing there are no confirmed cases in the district. Superintendent Beth Slette informed parents and guardians via email Tuesday morning, encouraging awareness without panic. Under North Dakota Century Code, any unvaccinated student or adult exposed to measles must quarantine for at least 21 days, meaning no school, sports or other activities.
West Fargo second graders spread kindness in Landon Solberg’s memory

6 days ago | inforum.com | Michael McGurran

WEST FARGO — A group of second graders from Freedom Elementary took part in a special act of kindness Thursday, May 8, hoping to brighten the days of others while honoring the memory of a local boy who inspired many. Roughly 80 second graders visited Landon Solberg’s statue at The Lights in West Fargo, leaving hand-painted kindness rocks with uplifting messages for people to find.
Veteran, self-described 'island boy' takes on prairie living with gift of new West Fargo home

1 week ago | inforum.com | Wendy Reuer |Michael McGurran

WEST FARGO — A veteran from Hawaii will make his home in West Fargo after he was given a mortgage-free house thanks to national homeownership programs partnering with a local builder. The home was given to U.S Navy Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Stuart Fuke as part of the U.S. Bank Housing Opportunities after Military Engagement program in conjunction with Freedom Alliance’s Heroes to Homeowners and West Fargo-based Thomsen Homes.
UND aviation instructor weighs in on national air traffic controller shortage

1 week ago | inforum.com | Michael McGurran

GRAND FORKS — A University of North Dakota aviation instructor says the recent chaos at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey underscores the vital role air traffic controllers play in keeping the skies safe. Professor Colt Iseminger said a “perfect storm” of issues has contributed to the disruptions at the airport, where several air traffic controllers are currently on leave for mental health reasons. That has left the airport short-staffed.
‘A step in the right direction’: Speeding fines going up, along with speed limits, in North Dakota

1 week ago | inforum.com | Michael McGurran

FARGO — Drivers in North Dakota will soon be able to travel faster on interstate highways — but those caught speeding will face steeper fines under a bill signed into law Monday. Gov. Kelly Armstrong signed House Bill 1298 on May 5 , which increases the speed limit on North Dakota’s interstates while also increasing the penalties for speeding. The new law takes effect Aug. 1.
CCRI director alarmed over disability service cuts in Minnesota House budget bill

1 week ago | inforum.com | Michael McGurran

MOORHEAD — The executive director of a Moorhead nonprofit says she is deeply concerned about major budget cuts to disability services passed by the Minnesota House on Monday, May 5. Shannon Bock of CCRI says the House version of the Human Services budget bill includes more than $1 billion in cuts over the next two budget cycles. CCRI, which has served people with disabilities since the 1970s, has been lobbying lawmakers for months against those reductions.
Fargo to begin national search for next fire chief

1 week ago | inforum.com | Michael McGurran

FARGO — The city of Fargo is preparing to launch a national search following the upcoming retirement of Fire Chief Steve Dirksen. Dirksen, who has led the Fargo Fire Department since 2011, will retire May 16 after 13 years in the role. He was honored during a ceremony Friday, May 2. The city plans to begin the recruitment process in the coming weeks.
15-year-old’s fight with Stage 4 cancer sparks wave of local support

1 week ago | inforum.com | Michael McGurran

VERGAS, Minn. — Addie DeBord didn’t expect to begin high school fighting for her life. The ninth grader had quietly struggled with pain for years — primarily in her thighs and shoulder — but numerous doctor visits yielded no answers. That changed the day she found a lump on her chest. What doctors initially thought were growing pains turned out to be Stage 4 cancer.