Today in Fargo-Moorhead: Facebook Marketplace exchange-turned-robbery in Moorhead
Thursday’s high is 37 and sunny. The area is likely to see snow Friday. Saturday should be partly sunny with a high of 38.
More wintry precipitation is possible Sunday and Monday, both with highs in the low 40s. Sunday offers a slight chance of snow earlier in the day, with a rain/snow mix possible later. There is a slight chance of freezing rain Monday.
Area news: EV rebates, free mental health care, prom
Two 16-year-old boys are in custody after an alleged Facebook Marketplace exchange turned into a robbery, according to a press release from the City of Moorhead.
Officers were dispatched to the 1500 block of Belsly Boulevard in Moorhead just after 12:30 p.m. for “a report of a victim who stated he was meeting someone to buy a gaming system,” according to the release.
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.
“Instead, two males grabbed his money, pushed him and ran off when they met in the apartment entryway.”
A follow-up investigation found a suspect, who was later taken into custody, pretended to be an interested buyer on Facebook Marketplace, which helps users buy and sell items. The suspect reportedly met up with the seller to buy a gaming system. The other suspect turned himself in.
Both are at the Juvenile Detention Center facing felony robbery charges, the release said.
The release reminded people that places like the Clay County Law Enforcement Center has designated areas for exchanges between strangers. The city recommends people don’t go alone in such circumstances, use alternatives to cash and look at the other person’s profile and Marketplace history before meeting up.
Most of the money in a Minnesota electric vehicle rebate program has been claimed and checks will start going out in late April.
Health officials want families to know that students can access mental health services at school, whether or not they can pay. In-school mental health looks different from district to district, and even from school to school. And high demand can lead to long waiting times. But state grants ensure that over 1,000 Minnesota public schools provide therapy in their buildings.
Prom season is approaching. The Fargo Forum has a feature on where students are taking their photos. Also from the Forum: A martial arts and Japanese swordsmanship school has opened in West Fargo.
What to do, where to go
Thursday night is both the International Potluck at the Indigenous Association and Spring Family Fun Night at the Plains Art Museum. Both are free and open to everyone.
It’s the last Thursday of the month, which means it’s Poetry Night at the Red Raven community space. Also, historian Markus Krueger will present on women’s suffrage in Minnesota at the Moorhead Public Library on Thursday night.
Friday Fish Fry is, well, Friday night at the VFW Post 762.
And the Easter Bunny is in Fargo at the West Acres Mall for photo opportunities.
Sign up for our weekday texting club here to exchange news and ideas: