New bill would require school districts to report when students miss several consecutive days Yvette Higgins Report for Minnesota Lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle are pushing for improved attendance reporting in schools to address frequent absences among Minnesota students.  A bill by Rep. Heather Keeler, DFL-Moorhead, and Rep. Ben Bakeberg, R-Jordan, would require schools… Read More

DNR has reached nearly 1,000 participants but there is still room for more Last January, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources launched a new enrollment program for private woodland owners to participate in the forest inventory program, aimed at developing a broader understanding of Minnesota’s forests across all landscapes. Minnesotans responded enthusiastically, with more than 800 private… Read More

Essentia Health is has announced Dr. Stefanie Gefroh as its new West Market president. Dr. Gefroh has served in this role on an interim basis since August 2024. “I appreciate Dr. Gefroh’s many valuable contributions during this time, demonstrating her abilities in strategic thinking, management and coaching of colleagues,” said Essentia CEO Dr. David Herman. “Through… Read More

Farm Bureau Financial Services (FBFS) recently held its annual banquet, celebrating the accomplishments of the individuals and teams who made significant contributions to the company’s success over the past year.  Over 30 FBFS agents and managers from across the state were recognized during the evening program. Among them was Michelle Beck, of East Otter Tail County,… Read More

Spencer McGrew, Otter Tail County AIS Specialist and chair of the Statewide Aquatic Invasive Species Advisory Committee (SAISAC) called on lawmakers to reconsider proposed Local Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention Aid cuts.  McGrew testified before the Minnesota State Senate Taxes Committee on March 25 to address the proposed funding reductions that threaten Minnesota’s successful AIS prevention… Read More

Robin Sand, an advanced practice registered nurse and certified nurse practitioner in emergency medicine, is excited to join Essentia Health St. Mary’s-Detroit Lakes. “Essentia has a great background of in-demand care with up-to-date practices,” said Sand, who grew up in Freeport, Minn. “Essentia really works with the community, which is a huge part of why we… Read More

5 years ago Frazee-Vergas Forum March 31, 2020 Lori Glander feels much stronger in her left arm after getting a tattoo in honor of her cousin Grantley Johnson. Johnson, the seven-year-old great grandson of Shirley Glander of Frazee, died Feb. 6 after battling AML Leukemia. “He got sick when he was around five, and after nine months… Read More

Residents encouraged to report delays of 10 minutes or more at railroad crossing Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railway (CPKC), Otter Tail County, the city of Vergas, and townships officials met at Vergas City Hall on Wednesday to discuss ongoing rail crossing delay issues.  Otter Tail County Highway Engineer Krysten Foster convened the meeting, which was attended by… Read More

By Robert Williams Editor Imagine being asked out of the blue to spearhead a $5 million fundraising campaign for the betterment of your town. No matter how good the project looks on paper, one would have to be a little crazy to jump in and just start up the fundraising.  ¶  Lucky for the community of… Read More

By Robert Williams Editor The Becker County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution to continue support for a cooperative agreement with the City of Detroit Lakes to implement recreational improvements at the Detroit Mountain Recreational Area (DMRA) and the Mountain View Recreation Area (MVRA). “This is part of their plan to expand the facility, basically, it… Read More