By Robert Williams Editor Visitors to Wannigan Regional Park will have a new shelter to use on a near future visit as construction on the park’s shelter at the trailhead near the covered bridge began last week. “We’re just so grateful for the people and the groups stepping up to complete the construction of the shelter,” said… Read More

By Robert Williams Editor The “Growing Up Vergas” daycare program was brought up during the Otter Tail County Commissioners meeting Tuesday, April 28, at the Government Services Center in Fergus Falls. Children and Families Unit Supervisor Stephanie Olson discussed the city’s Rural Child Care Innovation Program (RCCIP), an initiative of First Children’s Finance and a community engagement… Read More

By Robert Williams Editor The Vergas Economic Development Authority (EDA)/Housing Redevelopment Authority (HRA) held its annual meeting on Wednesday, April 29, at Billy’s Corner Bar. Speakers shared community updates and the event provided board members and local business owners an opportunity to share and learn more about initiatives like the Growing Up Vergas Project and the Business… Read More

By Shay Scanlan Report for Minnesota The Minnesota Senate approved $150 million on April 29 to stabilize Hennepin County Medical Center amid warnings the Minneapolis hospital could close without financial aid from the state. HCMC treats critical injuries and offers specialized care that many hospitals in Minnesota are unable to provide. But the hospital estimates a $1.7 billion… Read More

By Kendra Mobilia Report for Minnesota Concerned about the effects of social media on children, some Minnesota lawmakers want to enact new restrictions they say would protect kids under age 16.  At an April 28 meeting of the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee, Sen. Michael Kreun, R-Blaine, said most social media platforms require a minimum user age… Read More

By Eleanor Steffen Report for Minnesota A bill that would expand the eligibility for burial in Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries is headed for a vote by the full House. In Minnesota now, in order to obtain veteran status, a member of the armed forces must have 181 days of unbroken active service, and only those veterans can be… Read More

By Abbey Mulcahy Report for Minnesota Both Democrats and Republicans in the Minnesota House are pushing legislation to address soaring property taxes, but they’re struggling to find a solution that can gain the necessary bipartisan support to pass. Property taxes in Minnesota have risen steeply over the past few years. According to the Minnesota Department of Revenue, tax… Read More

Grand opening of Vergas Story Book Trail The Vergas Arts Club presents Bring in Spring, a free event for the entire family, Saturday, May 16 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Vergas Event Center, 140 W. Linden St. This fun-filled morning provides a variety of activities for all ages, rain or shine. There will be… Read More

Book tour to visit regional and area libraries Join the Lake Agassiz Regional Library for a deeply moving program as the library system welcomes Patty Wetterling and co-author Joy Baker to discuss their memoir, Dear Jacob: A Mother’s Journey of Hope. For 30 years, the disappearance of Jacob Wetterling was a story that haunted Minnesota and… Read More

Grants help to make solar power affordable By Griffin Peck West Central Initiative The sun provides free, renewable energy—and more homeowners in west central Minnesota are starting to take advantage of it. While residential solar installations are still relatively limited across the region, interest continues to grow as energy costs rise and more people look for ways to… Read More