Vergas eligible for a fire hall upgrade By Robert Williams Editor West Central Initiative (WCI) Energy and Adaptation Planner Griffin Peck discussed both the current solar project at the Vergas Event Center and another solar opportunity for the city. There have been delays with the contractor’s installation of solar panels and batteries. The current delays will last… Read More

By Chad Koenen Publisher There’s far more to building a Habitat for Humanity home than simply hammering nails, raising walls and putting down new flooring. Those are, of course, important skills for building crews and volunteers to possess, but Habitat for Humanity homes are more than just walls and a yard, they are about a community… Read More

By Trescha Mitchell FFA Advisor Frazee-Vergas FFA Chapter member Brady Mitchell, of Detroit Lakes, was this year’s recipient of the 2026 heifer through the North American South Devon Association Youth Experience Program.  Mitchell was presented the heifer at the 2026 National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colo. This heifer was donated by Walnut Grove Farm & CS… Read More

Funds benefit Perham, Dent and Fergus Falls communities  West Central Initiative awarded 59 grants totaling more than $113,000 to organizations serving the Fergus Falls, Perham and Dent communities from three personally endowed funds.  “The Deloris Barnack Kenner, Floyd and Harriet Miller, and Inga M. Johnson Funds were established to create lasting impacts by generously supporting the… Read More

Jamie Allen Danzeisen, 54, of Frazee, was sentenced by Becker County District Court Judge Michelle Lawson on a felony charge of second-degree controlled substance crime (related to methamphetamine possession or sale. On Thursday, Dec. 8, Danzeisen was sentenced to 78 months in Minnesota Correctional Facility – St. Cloud with credit for seven days, fined $50… Read More

Nathaniel Martin Kieffer, 47, of rural Frazee, was sentenced on Thursday, Dec. 4, by Becker County District Court Judge Gretchen Thilmony for felony theft. He was ordered to serve 15 days in jail, with credit for one day served, or 45 days on electronic home monitoring at his own expense. Judge Thilmony stayed imposition of the sentence;… Read More

Photo by Robert Williams Customers braved -24 degree temperatures to get a taste of Mae’s Cafe during the restaurant’s opening day celebration on Friday, Jan. 23. The cafe’s full menu has been shared on the company Facebook page, which accumulated more than 1,000 followers since announcing the rebirth of the former Palace Cafe in early January…. Read More

As temperatures plummet this weekend, fish houses are great places for some respite from the cold and wind.  Representatives from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources want to remind everyone about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning in fish houses and ice shelters. Always keep vents open when using heaters, generators, or cooking equipment inside your fish… Read More

Senator Paul Utke announced that he will run for re-election to continue serving the residents of Senate District 5 which includes the communities in Hubbard, Becker, Cass, Morrison, Todd and Wadena counties. “It has been a great honor to serve our area for the past 10 years,” said Senator Utke.  “But the job is not done. … Read More

West Central Initiative is accepting applications now through Thursday, Feb. 26, at 5 p.m. for grant funding to support environmental sustainability, social change and civic-engagement projects in our region.  West Central Initiative’s Grants Officer, Amanda Quam, emphasized the importance of these grant opportunities in promoting a healthy and resilient region.  “Environmental sustainability, social change, and civic engagement are… Read More