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… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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… Read More

A new study shows that Minnesota waste-to-energy facilities, like the Perham Resource Recovery Facility (PRRF) operating in Perham, effectively destroy harmful chemicals called per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as forever chemicals, found in everyday trash. Members of the Minnesota Resource Recovery Association (MRRA) voluntarily paid for the independent study. Barr Engineering worked with… Read More

Otter Tail Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) members will gather on Tuesday, Feb. 3, at one of the seven sites around the County to learn about this year’s candidates, debate resolutions for the Party Platform, elect new precinct chairs and select delegates for the upcoming conventions.  “Our precinct caucuses signal the start of the 2026 elections in Minnesota,… Read More