Small Business Development Center satellite office coming to Frazee By Robert Williams Editor Bids for the interior construction of the downtown retail building was extended to Thursday, Feb. 27, at the latest meeting of the Frazee Economic Development Authority (EDA) Tuesday, Feb. 25. The EDA held a special meeting to open bids on Monday, March 3 at 11… Read More

Preliminary report on 2026 sewer, water construction discussed By Robert Williams Editor City Administrator Stephanie Poegel reported on rental registrations to the city council on Wednesday, Feb. 26, including 50 inspections that were conducted with all 50 needing corrections.  Corrections for 31 units (two landlords) have been completed; seven units (two landlords) have ownership issues to correct… Read More

Summers and Wildfire Furs to upgrade facilities By Robert Williams Editor The Vergas Economic Development Authority (EDA) / Housing Redevelopment Authority (HRA) held a special meeting Wednesday, Feb. 26, to approve two new grant applications as part of the village’s new commercial rehabilitation program, which consists of $50,000 in funds available for businesses in town to… Read More

County and state officials meeting to discuss emergency management By Robert Williams Editor Otter Tail County Assistant Public Health Director Kristi Goos and Partnership 4 Health Dental Services Coordinator Jane Neubauer updated the Otter Tail Board of Commissioners on the Dental Innovations Program on Tuesday, Feb. 24 in Fergus Falls. According to Goos, the program began at a statewide… Read More

Otter Tail County’s Big Build initiative saw continued housing growth in 2024. Last year, over $94.2 million in housing investment was added in the county from 443 new and rehabbed housing units, 358 of these being new construction and 85 being rehabbed units. The success in 2024 is great progress for The Big Build housing growth… Read More

Perham Education Association recently announced Heart of the Lakes Elementary Kindergarten teacher Tammy Richter has been named the PEA Teacher of the Year. In the announcement PEA President Paul Belka said the prestigious recognition is a testament to Richter’s exceptional dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to the success and growth of her students. “Tammy’s impact in the… Read More

By Caitlin Pallai  Essentia Health Up until Aug. 15, 2023, Arden Shulstad had never been hospitalized.  ¶  Outside of mild arthritis and taking blood pressure pills, the 67-year-old Vergas resident felt like he was “the healthiest guy in the world.”  ¶  But Shulstad began to experience a new and unusual symptom—constipation for almost a week straight…. Read More

West Central Initiative is accepting applications now through Monday, March 24, at 5 p.m. for grant funding to support sustainability, equity, and civic engagement projects in our region.  Rebecca Lynn Petersen, Director of Development at West Central Initiative, emphasized the importance of these grant opportunities in promoting a healthy and resilient region.  “Sustainability, equity, and civic engagement are… Read More

The VA Fargo Health Care System, in partnership with the Jess Omundson VFW Post 1676, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of our new Accessing Telehealth through Local Area Stations (ATLAS) site on March 21, 2025, at the VFW in Detroit Lakes (500 Washington Ave). This innovative ATLAS site is a key component of… Read More

The Minnesota Crop Improvement Association (MCIA) today recognized Lonnie Perrine, of Perham, with its Honorary Premier Seed Grower Award. The award, presented annually since 1930, recognizes individuals not directly involved in seed production but who have actively supported the seed industry, MCIA, and their local community. Perrine was honored, along with fellow Honorary Premier Seed Grower… Read More