FARGO, N.D. and MOORHEAD, Minn. — Credit unions here largely escaped damage from a flooding Red River, which crested more than 20 feet above flood stage.
In Fargo, Postal Family CU temporarily closed a branch but was able to operate from another location, said Pam Cote, a members service representative. Cote said that there is no water in the buildings, and the Fargo location closed after the mayor requested all non-essential businesses to close. The only delay in operations, said Cote, would be caused by the blizzard that followed the record high water, which was in large part contained by dikes and sandbags.
Town & Country Credit Union also closed temporarily.
At United Savings CU, CEO Gloria Schmunk told Credit Union Journal, "Right now, everyone is OK. It was scary on Friday. We closed early" (on March 27).
Northland Educators FCU also closed on the same day, "but that was because they were closing all the major roads so the trucks could get through to place sand on the roads," said Marietta Wahl, manager.
Northland Educators FCU did have one of its seven employees who had to sandbag her home and evacuate. At Fargo Public Schools CU, CEO Debra Mathern said it was prepared "just in case," including putting "phone files in plastic bins."
Across the river, in Moorhead, Minn, the two CUs has not been affected, according to Kristina Wright, VP-communications with the Minnesota Credit Union Network.
