Photos by Robert Williams A consistent queue of families waited for a photo opportunity with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, just one of the many family-friendly events during the Vergas Small Town Christmas celebration on Saturday, Nov. 25. The event also featured The Grinch, Frosty the Snowman, a petting zoo, horse-drawn sleigh rides, live music and… Read More

Clear cutting shoreline properties is not allowed By Robert Williams Editor A Big Pine Lake resident completed a three-month discussion with the Otter Tail County Planning Commission after taking out an entire ridge during earth moving on his beach without permit and clear-cutting the area. “We got several complaints earlier this fall and made him get an after the… Read More

By Brogan Ludwig West Central Initiative Soil and Water Conservation Districts are a way Minnesota’s natural resources can be available for the future. Through technical education, technical assistance, and financial aid, your local SWCD can help you in your conservation project. In the late 1920s and early 1930s, abnormally dry and hot weather conditions decimated crops across Minnesota…. Read More

5 years ago Frazee-Vergas Forum November 27, 2018 Products from Chick Bee Farms may be the bees knees when it comes to crossing off names on the holiday shopping list. Jennifer Skaro, who lives about 17 miles east of Frazee, provides products created from the 15 bee hives she tends to, as well as crocheted products. Otter Tail… Read More

West Central Initiative is accepting nominations and applications for the 2024 cohort of its Rural Advocacy and Public Leadership Program, a free six-month leadership and advocacy program designed for people interested in strengthening our democracy and supporting the development of good governance in their local rural community.  “Rural Advocacy and Public Leadership is a free program… Read More

M State has drafted former NFL player Bernard Holsey to serve as the new head coach of the Spartans Football team. Holsey was the Spartans’ Defensive Coordinator this past football season. His new role with the team will take effect Wednesday, Dec. 6. A former defensive tackle for the New York Giants, Indianapolis Colts, New England Patriots… Read More

Ensuring people of all ages can stay healthy and well is a priority in the communities. Local residents know people want to be able to have a safe space to live, that parents want the best for their children, and that people want to live in a healthy community.  One issue that is preventing some from… Read More

Like its hometown, business is booming By Robert Williams Editor Vergas’ hometown lumberyard, Franklin Fence Company, has been riding the housing boom and posting high marks in regards to company success. Much of that success is due to the home building business going for a full 12 months consistently, rather than halting for winter. “Right now, it’s… Read More

Quilts of Valor given in front of a packed Event Center By Robert Williams Editor Area Lions from Frazee, Vergas, Wolf Lake and the 4-Corners Clubs hosted the sixth annual Veterans Appreciation Dinner Program on Wednesday, Nov. 17, at the Frazee Event Center.  ¶  Emcee Dennis Brietzman of the Vergas Lions returned with his amusing collection… Read More

Restorative Massage open in Cutting Edge Salon By Robert Williams Editor Vergas native and licensed massage therapist Chelsey Kooiker had a plan to move back to Vergas, but not necessarily in the massage business. Kooiker grew up in rural Vergas. Her parents are Harold and Lisa Dahl, who own a hobby farm near Maplewood State Park and… Read More