Kaddatz Galleries is proud to announce that Executive Director Nancy X. Valentine has been named one of 14 Rural Innovators across the nation by the Biden-Harris Administration. This prestigious recognition celebrates individuals who are making significant positive impacts in their rural communities. Valentine was honored at a special White House ceremony alongside fellow Rural Innovators from… Read More

5 years ago Frazee-Vergas Forum January 21, 2020 “Tin cans. Destroyers in the South Pacific,” said Clarence Paurus. The World War II veteran sat inside the Wolf Lake Lions Hall during the post’s Jan. 11 fundraising event. Paurus raised a hand and pointed toward one of his hearing aids. “Explosives. That’s where my hearing went to hell,”… Read More

Otter Tail County has enhanced its Geographic Information System (GIS) map, introducing a permit view feature to make accessing and reviewing permits faster and more convenient. Past permits issued in the 1970s and all current permits are now accessible directly on the map. The links will take users to the actual permit. The updated function allows… Read More

Frazee family transitioning DL service shop in 2025 By Robert Williams Editor Janke’s Sew & Vac, Inc., has been a staple in Detroit Lakes since 1988 run by the Frazee-based Janke family and as of January 1, the business will be changing hands but staying in the family as Justin and Amy Gress have taken over from… Read More

Wildfire Furs open for business in former RE/MAX building By Robert Williams Editor Award-winning Fur Harvester Amber Pausch has moved her outdoors business Wildfire Furs from her home to downtown Vergas. The store is currently open while interior design of the space continues after moving in over the holidays.  ¶  The company name has a family… Read More

By Robert Williams Editor The Becker County Board of Commissioners approved the new Comprehensive Land Use Plan, the Cannabis and Animal Feedlot zoning ordinances at a special meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 31. The animal feedlot ordinance dominated conversation between the public and the board. During the open forum, Bill Henke, of the Isaak Walton League, requested two studies… Read More

By Robert Williams Editor Economic development consultant Karen Pifher’s monthly report to the Frazee Economic Development Authority (EDA) Tuesday, Dec. 31, highlighted that Fuller House will be taking applications this spring to build a new house in town. Millard Fuller founded Habitat for Humanity with his wife Linda in 1976, but both departed from the board in… Read More

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Minnesota Rural Water Association (MRWA) have recognized the City of Vergas for its exceptional efforts to protect community drinking water sources. Vergas received a 2024 Source Water Protection Award from MDH and MRWA.  Vergas undertook several notable projects to protect the drinking water source from contamination and ensure… Read More

Deer Creek child dies from accidental gunshot on Dec. 29 Bodi Ray Engebretson, 19, of Vergas made his first court appearance in Otter Tail County District Court on Monday, Dec. 30 regarding an incident in which a dog was shot. Engebretson is charged with felony mistreatment of an animal. According to the complaint, a sergeant from the Otter… Read More

Essentia Health is pleased to announce seven new additions to our Board of Directors. The following members will join us at the beginning of 2025. Sister Therese Carson Growing up in Michigan, Sister Therese Carson earned a bachelor’s degree in medical technology from Mercy College of Detroit and a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the University… Read More