Big Build Initiative, housing highlighted in annual report By Robert Williams Editor K9 officer Mojo, a 10-year-old Dutch Shepherd, received a standing ovation and his handler Patrol Sgt. Zach Eifert received a plaque celebrating Mojo’s retirement. Mojo and his handler, Eifert, was born in Missouri in 2013 and met Eifert at North Star Canine. Eifert and… Read More

Habitat conditions, severe winters and wolf predation influence northern deer numbers Hunters harvested 158,678 deer during the 2023 hunting season, a lower total harvest than in recent years. Harvest was down 8 and compared to the 2022 season and 14 and less than the five-year average. The greatest decreases were in the northern part of the… Read More

Data from rain gauges provides critical information The Minnesota State Climatology Office is seeking rainfall monitors for the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network. The network includes more than 20,000 volunteers nationwide who measure precipitation in their backyards using a standard 4-inch diameter rain gauge. Participants submit their precipitation reports online. The data from backyard rain… Read More

More than 75 Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) members traveled to St. Paul on Feb. 20 for MFU’s Lobby Day. Members met with policymakers, including Gov. Tim Walz, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, Attorney General Keith Ellison, House Speaker Melissa Hortman, House Majority Leader Jamie Long, Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Aric Putnam, House Agriculture Committee Chair Samantha Vang… Read More

West Central Initiative welcomed four experienced professionals to its growing team, including Philip Hintz as Loan Officer, Amanda Quam as Grants Officer, and April Rog and Cedar Walters as Climate Officers.  “We’re committed to local action that improves the lives of people in our region, all 237,000 of them,” said West Central Initiative President Anna Wasescha…. Read More

Local and Regional Food Systems Development The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced approximately $26 million for Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP) grants to help local and regional food organizations develop, coordinate, and expand producer-to-consumer marketing, local and regional food markets, and local food enterprises. USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is accepting applications for… Read More

With over 32 years in law enforcement and 25 years of service to Otter Tail County, Lt. Jim Stewart will be retiring Feb 29, 2024. In his time with the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office, Lt. Stewart has held positions of Patrol Deputy, Drug Task Force Agent, Patrol Sergeant, Detective Sergeant, Jail Administrator, and currently… Read More

Circle Time Under  the Pines: T is for Trees Thursday, March 7, 2024 from 11-11:30 a.m. Meet at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center (look for the big building under the big pine trees.) Children 2-5 years old, come explore Itasca as we learn about nature through stories, songs, crafts, and outdoor discovery. Bring your outdoor clothes as we… Read More

5 years ago Frazee-Vergas Forum March 5, 2019 The Sportsman’s Lodge at Lake of the Woods reported anglers on the lake reel in about 3.5 million walleyes ever year. So, the odds were in Travis Gray’s favor that he’d come home with a few walleye form a recent fishing excursion. Instead, the 2011 Frazee High School graduate… Read More

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month With more than 250,000 Minnesotans reporting a gambling problem — and only 19 licensed therapists in the state to provide support — the state is facing a serious issue related to addressing gambling addiction, according to the Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling (MNAPG).  To address this issue, MNAPG is promoting… Read More