watch live According to an internal Alerus Center review, conducted at the Herald’s request, attendance at a wedding there exceeded state “Smart Restart” COVID guidelines at the time by 62 people. The review shows there were at least four such events during the year that exceeded guidelines — another wedding, as well as general election voting and the Pride of Dakota shopping expo. Alerus Center officials say big events like these are carefully managed for maximum public safety. While the sun was still rising, East Grand Forks Mayor Steve Gander, other local and state legislators and a few East side residents met at the Spud Jr. for a drink on the sidewalk on the frigid morning of Saturday, Dec. 19.