Contributed photo The Frazee-Vergas High School FFA team competed in the 95th annual state FFA competition in the Twin Cities at the end of April. 

By Robert Williams Editor The Branden family of Frazee was recently awarded the Community Spirit Individual Award at the United Way of Becker County’s Celebration of Heroes on Thursday, April 25, at the Detroit Lakes Holiday Inn. Dylan and Tabiatha and daughters: Maddie, Audrenna and Johannah, were honored for showing up for their community in numerous ways,… Read More

New business, realtor coming to Frazee By Robert Williams Editor Neil Lewis of Trade Talents, based in Mahnomen, visited the Frazee Economic Development Authority (EDA) to discuss building affordable housing in the area. Lewis’ concept is based loosely on the Habitat for Humanity concept. “I think there’s a chance of using partial volunteer labor, as well as, skilled labor… Read More

Career spans many changes in the field By Robert Williams Editor Ann Zitzow is retiring in three weeks after teaching Special Education for nearly four decades. She is wrapping up her 36th year teaching career, her 28th in the Frazee-Vergas School District. Zitzow is a native of the small town of Westport, S.D., and graduated from Frederick… Read More

Aided by first responders, a toddler was saved from drowning near Vergas on Tuesday, April 30, according to the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s office. A report was received from a 30-year-old rural Vergas woman after she discovered her 1 ½-year-old son had fallen into open water near her home and was not breathing.  Around 1 p.m, the… Read More

Four finalists selected for annual live debate in NYM The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center announces four finalists from the essay contest portion of the 31st Annual Great American Think-Off. These four finalists will participate in a live debate in New York Mills, on Saturday, June 8. Across the country, colleges and universities are… Read More

Donald Merrill Jr., 24, and his father Donald Merrill Sr., 52, both residents of Vergas, have been arrested in connection with the burglary of Billy’s Corner Bar. The incident, which took place on March 27, involved the theft of a 9mm handgun that was set to be raffled off as part of a charitable event. Merrill,… Read More

The Otter Tail County Extension offices would like to introduce their new administrative specialist, Brianna Bischof. She will provide support and collaboration with the Extension Educator team and, in partnership with the University of Minnesota Extension, connect community residents in East and West Otter Tail County. “We are delighted to have Brianna join us, and hope… Read More

Event highlights workforce environment for OTC area Otter Tail County hosted a countywide Workforce Summit on Wednesday, April 24. The summit brought nearly 100 workforce partners together at Thumper Pond Resort in Ottertail to learn about the current workforce environment, engage with each other and activate workforce solutions for the county. The Workforce Summit included presentations… Read More

Moving on to Otter Tail County Soil and Water District When Heart of the Lakes Elementary School’s Dean of Students leaves on April 30, Scott Bjerke will be saying goodbye to a storied career in education that lasted more than 33 years. Bjerke has had an impact on current students, former students, faculty, and everyone he has… Read More