By Robert Williams, Editor Organizer Kelsey Varty was looking for something creative to do early in the Vergas events calendar. After a big response from social media to her initial idea she created the Before the Bloom Vendor Market. “Lakes country may be quiet in winter, but Before the Bloom, everything begins to awaken,” is… Read More

EDA/HRA to begin fundraising, grant writing and planning By Robert Williams Editor Members of the Vergas Economic Development Authority (EDA) / Housing Redevelopment Authority (HRA) participated in daycare tours in Perham and Ottertail as part of the ongoing focus of bringing a daycare center to Vergas. Perham had an existing building that was restructured into… Read More

Residents benefit from lowered property insurance rates By Robert Williams Editor The Frazee Fire Department received a Public Protection Classification (PPC) rating of four during a summary report by Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO), in November of 2025. “The ISO inspection went very well,” Fire Chief Adam Walker said. “We got a PPC rating of… Read More

Karger prompts board to prepare for his replacement By Robert Williams Editor Stellher Mental Health Therapist at the high school Hailey Brower gave a report to the school board Monday that included two new providers at the elementary school and a service breakdown of students receiving mental health assistance. There are 63 students currently being served… Read More

By Robert Williams Editor A discrepancy was found in the plans for County Highway 35 was discussed by County Engineer Jodi Teich during the meeting of the Otter Tail County Commissioners on Tuesday, Feb. 10, along with a speed study petitioned for by Sybil Lake area residents.  A contract amendment with WSB Engineering Professional Services… Read More

The Knights of Columbus will be sponsoring Lenten Fish Fry’s on Friday’s, February 20, March 6 and March 20, from 5-7 p.m., at Holy Rosary Church Parish Center and February 27, March 13  and March 27 at Sacred Heart in Frazee.  Fish, potatoes, coleslaw, baked beans, bun and dessert. All proceeds return to the community.

The Vergas Community Club will be hosting a Volunteer Appreciation and Membership Mixer Thursday, March 12, from 5-7 p.m., at Loonies Pub. The club is inviting the public to join in on a fun, social evening. The Volunteer of the Year will be announced at 6 p.m.

Bogart, Pederson & Associates, Inc., based in Becker, Minn., has merged with the engineering and architecture firm Widseth. The deal closed on January 1, 2026, at which time Bogart, Pederson & Associates began operating under the Widseth banner. Widseth represents Vergas as the city’s engineering firm. Bogart, Pederson has been providing professional land surveying and… Read More

AgCountry Farm Credit Services provides $797,000  Farmers and ranchers in Becker and Hubbard counties will be receiving $797,000 in cash-back dividends returned by AgCountry Farm Credit Services (AgCountry). This marks the 13th consecutive year AgCountry has returned a share of its net earnings to customer-owners, reflecting the cooperative’s financial strength and focus on returning value… Read More

With this week’s warmer temperatures and rain, many gardeners are eager to jumpstart the growing season. Planning a healing garden is an easy, uplifting way to welcome spring, especially if you’re craving calm, comfort, and sensory richness. Healing gardens rely on intentional plant choices and simple, soothing design to support emotional, physical, and mental wellbeing,… Read More