Dennis Drewes, Inc. awarded low bid for Shoulder Widening and Aggregate Shouldering in Becker County By Robert Williams Editor Improvements that were discussed in the fall of 2024 about improvements to Maple Avenue Apartments in Frazee were affirmed by a report from the latest Becker County Economic Development Authority (EDA) meeting. Commissioner Richard Vareberg discussed the EDA-owned… Read More

Maplewood State Park to host maple syrup demonstration By Chad Koenen Publisher The sap will be running through downtown Vergas on Saturday for one of the tastiest celebrations of the year. The annual Maple Syrup Festival will feature a 5k run, horse drawn rides and enough maple syrup to create sticky fingers for just about everyone who… Read More

Samantha Siedow Report for Minnesota A pilot program that aims to address a shortage of cancer care in rural Minnesota would receive funding under legislation being considered at the State Capitol. The “rural cancer gap” describes a trend in preventable deaths from cancer being higher in rural areas than in urban communities. Though death rates for cancer… Read More

Elias Thomas Report for Minnesota Supporters of proposed legislation that would prohibit future sales of dogs and cats at pet stores say it would ensure that animals are treated well and protect consumers while not harming current store owners.  The bill, which was heard by the House commerce committee on Tuesday, April 1, has a grandfather clause… Read More

New new innovations launching amidst local momentum Creating Community Consulting (CCC) is proud to announce a series of transformative developments that reflect its continued growth, deepened community impact, and commitment to innovation across Minnesota and beyond. From expanded staffing to statewide partnerships and the launch of AI-powered grant support, CCC is living its mission: to… Read More

Midco announced a major construction milestone in Frazee today after completing its yearlong fiber installation in the community. “We are thrilled that Midco’s best-in-class internet and TV services are now available to every home and business in Frazee ahead of schedule,” said Midco President and Chief Operating Officer Ben Dold. “We are so grateful for the… Read More

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has named the West Central Small Business Development Center (SBDC) as the Minnesota Small Business Development Center of Excellence 2025. The West Central SBDC was chosen for its excellence and innovation in training, counseling and advisory board engagement and strategic partnership best practices. The West Central SBDC, hosted by the… Read More

5 years ago Frazee-Vergas Forum April 7, 2020 Adam Sonnenberg has lost one friend to coronavirus and three more were hospitalized. The New York resident living in central Harlem believes he also had the novel virus that originated in China. The son of Bruce and Gail Sonnenberg of Vergas moved to New York City in 2008 and… Read More

West Central Initiative invites the community to an eye-opening conversation about the future of local journalism. These events will feature a screening of Stripped for Parts: American Journalism on the Brink, followed by a discussion on the vital role of local news in keeping communities informed, engaged, and connected. Ben Schierer, Director of Civic Partnerships at… Read More

By Louis Hoglund Pelican Rapids Press Maplewood State Park is the ultimately logical place for Bill Anderson to serve as park manager. Maple trees, maple leaves, maple syrup, and almost anything else maple have been a constant for Anderson. In fact, he arrived for duty just in time for the annual Maplewood-Vergas maple syrup festival, coming up on… Read More