Photos by Robert Williams Above: Bayleigh Lautenschlager, owner of True Blue Flower Company, discusses holiday wreath decor at Refine Homes during Saturday’s Small Town Christmas celebration in Vergas. Below: Horse-drawn carriage rides are a staple of nearly every celebration in Vergas, including Small Town Christmas.

Water user fee decision finalized By Robert Williams Editor Liquor Store Manager Amanda Young reported on her attendance at the Regional Minnesota Municipal Beverage Association (MMBA) meeting where overall sales were discussed. Most liquor stores are down 1-2 percent for the year, Young stated. However, year to date sales at Third Crossing are actually up. Highlights for November:  •… Read More

Free painting classes to be offered during run at Corner Collective By Robert Williams Editor Sharon Trieglaff Jons is an artist of many mediums and most of those will be on display and for sale at CornerStone during the month of December. Through her business “Just Bliss” and with the help of a Lakes Region Arts Council… Read More

By Robert Williams Editor The Frazee Economic Development Authority (EDA) is taking a serious look at the front four lots of the Red Willow Heights subdivision. The front lots are zoned single, two-family residential according to City Administrator Stephanie Poegel. The EDA desires apartment buildings and will have to rezone the property to pursue that plan. The… Read More

Fifteen Frazee High School MVP (My Voice is Powerful) youth group members attended the Youth Leadership Academy at Fort Snelling on Friday, Nov. 14. With the theme “Lead with a Purpose,” they engaged in an exhibit by award-winning international photographer, John Nolter, that is a part of his series called “A Piece of My Mind.”  The… Read More

By Matthew Johnson Reporter The Wolf Lake City Council was informed during its Tuesday, Nov. 18, regular monthly meeting that the Wolf Lake Fire Department (WLFD) has responded to 58 calls for the year so far, which is 39 percent more than the department’s 10-year average, reported Wolf Lake Fire Chief Brock Anderson.  ¶  Chief Anderson… Read More

Essentia, a national leader in value-based care, underscored the importance of strengthening rural health care ahead of awareness day on Nov. 20 In the lead-up to National Rural Health Day on Nov. 20, Essentia Health highlighted its commitment to strengthening rural health care. Essentia has shared stories and highlighted innovative programs designed to keep care close to… Read More

Santa to visit local youth at Frazee Event Center By Chad Koenen Publisher The holiday spirit will be on full display this weekend in Frazee for the annual Merry Frazee Christmas celebration. The annual Christmas celebration will begin on Thursday night with a piano concert at Corner Collective from 7-9 p.m., before a bulk of the… Read More

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has released a study of state trail visitors. The survey engaged more than 2,200 trail visitors during the 2024 summer season, with surveyors talking with trail visitors on site at paved state trails throughout Minnesota. There were also 900 post-visit surveys collected. The survey showed a high level of satisfaction… Read More

New business focuses on advanced marine electronics By Greta Hentges West Central Initiative When Matt Edmondson officially opened DL Boatworks on October 6, he introduced a level of marine expertise that has already caught the attention of boaters across the Detroit Lakes area. With a strong background in marine service and electronics—and support from West Central Initiative’s loan program—Edmondson is building… Read More