By Tod Bowman policy associate with theCenter for Rural Affairs Transparency is essential to effective policy making and is the cornerstone of earning stakeholder trust. When people understand the reasoning behind a policy, they are much more likely to accept the final outcome, even if it does not align with their individual preference. The future of clean… Read More

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced it delivered more care and more benefits to more Veterans than ever before in fiscal year 2024 — including to Veterans, their families, and their survivors in Minnesota. These outcomes for the nation’s Veterans build on continued efforts by VA and the entire Biden-Harris Administration to expand and improve… Read More

As the demand for renewable energy rises, the future of solar development on agricultural land is a growing concern for state and local governments.  A new fact sheet from the Center for Rural Affairs highlights the use of both solar energy generation and agricultural production on the same land. “Dual use is a great solution to alleviate… Read More

5 years ago Frazee-Vergas Forum November 5, 2019 In May, with a $25.6 million bond referendum failing to pass, the Frazee-Vergas School Board and administrators knew there would need to be a regrouping fairly soon. At the very least, Frazee-Vergas Superintendent Terry Karger said, the school board members felt it was best to, “have a workshop to… Read More

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has confirmed the presence of zebra mussels in White Sand Lake, near Baxter in Crow Wing County. The White Sand Lake Association contacted the DNR after zebra mussels were found on a dock being removed from the lake for the season. DNR invasive species specialists confirmed the report. Several new zebra… Read More

Contributed photos Several local kids enjoyed a successful weekend of youth rifle season opener. They hunted on some friend’s property south of Rock Lake outside of Detroit lakes and with the amount of deer that they saw they were able to enjoy the nature of watching deer and successfully harvesting one of their own. McKenzie… Read More

Photos by Robert Williams Coinciding events at Frazee Care Center (below left), the Boo Bash at the Event Center, sponsored by the school’s Interact Club, and holiday-themed treats at Corner Collective provided plenty of places to spend time during Halloween before and after costumed adults and children alike packed Main Avenue for United Community Bank’s Halloween… Read More

Christian-based educators in Vergas looking for more students By Robert Williams Editor An increase of local public schools providing preschool classes has created some difficulties for smaller, independent preschools, but a three-generation family in Vergas is continuing to offer a Christian-based learning environment for three-five year olds at Jesus Little Lambs Preschool (JLL). Mrs. Lois Wippich, wife of… Read More

More businesses coming to downtown building in 2025 By Robert Williams Editor The Frazee City Council finalized a tax abatement to cover expenses at Town Lake Beach, along with roofing and HVAC work at the Event Center and Liquor store during the council’s meeting Wednesday, Oct. 23. Jason Murray of David Drown Associates, Inc., explained the… Read More

Main factors were compatibility and environmental impact By Robert Williams Editor A conditional use permit application for a 25-unit commercial RV campground with 15 boat slips on Grove Lake in rural Pelican Rapids was denied unanimously by the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, Oct. 22. After conferring with the County Attorney Michelle Eldien, District… Read More