Over 1 million birds affected by latest outbreak By Robert Williams Editor Over 1 million birds have been affected by the latest outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the state as of Thursday, April 7, including Becker County. The disease is now affecting a total of 21 poultry flocks, tripling the reports of a week ago… Read More

Energy assistance funding is available for thousands The Minnesota Department of Commerce has raised the Minnesota Energy Assistance Program crisis benefit per household.  Income-qualified homeowners or renters can now receive up to $3,000 to pay past-due energy bills, to prevent energy disconnections, and to cover costs for emergency fuel deliveries. The crisis benefit had been $1,200. This… Read More

By Rachel Harveland Becker County Master Gardener Intern  I have a around 20 houseplants in our home and I’ve noticed that when children visit, they always gravitate towards them. They look around at the different plants, feel their leaves, and usually ask me why I have so many. It’s the perfect opportunity to tell them why I… Read More

Applicants now have until May 11 USDA officials recently announced the department is extending to May 11, 2022, the application deadline for the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP), which provides funding to expand meat and poultry processing capacity. The decision to extend the deadline comes after Rural Development heard directly from applicants about challenges… Read More

OTC Sheriff’s office send out safe driving reminder The Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office and the Otter Tail County Safe Communities Coalition will join law enforcement agencies and community partners nationwide in April to remind drivers about the dangers and consequences of distracted driving. This annual campaign is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA)… Read More

Tyler Trieglaff Notes from the Chief Calving season has officially begun. April 5th is the official start and as of reading this there are 18 cows that have come in. After the loss of two calves on Thursday, the calf numbers are at 14. One will never guess how those little buggers will go.  One little bull… Read More

Frazee posts 17 personal bests at indoor meet By Chad Koenen Publisher Frazee posted 17 personal records as the Hornets returned indoors at the Beaver Relays on Tuesday. The event was held indoors at Bemidji State University and featured 18 teams. In addition to the personal bests, Frazee senior Rylee Moore took first place in three events… Read More

Hornets finish in seventh at Beaver Relays By Chad Koenen Publisher Nathan Johannsen captured first place in the 800-meter run as the Frazee Hornets competed at the Beaver Relays on Tuesday. The event was held indoors at Bemidji State University with 19 teams competing in the event.  Johannsen captured first in the 800-meter run with a personal best time… Read More

More than 15,000 volunteers helped the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources do everything from monitoring rainfall levels to clearing trails, according to the new 2021 annual DNR volunteer report. “Our volunteers give back to their communities and the state in so many ways,” Commissioner Sarah Strommen said. “I can’t overstate how grateful we are for their… Read More