By Shay Scanlan Report for Minnesota The Minnesota Senate approved $150 million on April 29 to stabilize Hennepin County Medical Center amid warnings the Minneapolis hospital could close without financial aid from the state. HCMC treats critical injuries and offers specialized care that many hospitals in Minnesota are unable to provide. But the hospital estimates… Read More

By Kendra Mobilia Report for Minnesota Concerned about the effects of social media on children, some Minnesota lawmakers want to enact new restrictions they say would protect kids under age 16.  At an April 28 meeting of the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee, Sen. Michael Kreun, R-Blaine, said most social media platforms require a… Read More

By Eleanor Steffen Report for Minnesota A bill that would expand the eligibility for burial in Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries is headed for a vote by the full House. In Minnesota now, in order to obtain veteran status, a member of the armed forces must have 181 days of unbroken active service, and only those… Read More

By Abbey Mulcahy Report for Minnesota Both Democrats and Republicans in the Minnesota House are pushing legislation to address soaring property taxes, but they’re struggling to find a solution that can gain the necessary bipartisan support to pass. Property taxes in Minnesota have risen steeply over the past few years. According to the Minnesota Department… Read More

Grand opening of Vergas Story Book Trail The Vergas Arts Club presents Bring in Spring, a free event for the entire family, Saturday, May 16 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Vergas Event Center, 140 W. Linden St. This fun-filled morning provides a variety of activities for all ages, rain or shine. There will… Read More

Book tour to visit regional and area libraries Join the Lake Agassiz Regional Library for a deeply moving program as the library system welcomes Patty Wetterling and co-author Joy Baker to discuss their memoir, Dear Jacob: A Mother’s Journey of Hope. For 30 years, the disappearance of Jacob Wetterling was a story that haunted Minnesota… Read More

Grants help to make solar power affordable By Griffin Peck West Central Initiative The sun provides free, renewable energy—and more homeowners in west central Minnesota are starting to take advantage of it. While residential solar installations are still relatively limited across the region, interest continues to grow as energy costs rise and more people look for… Read More

Starting Tuesday, May 5, weather permitting, the Minnesota Department of Transportation will close sections of Highway 32 near Rollag for pavement repairs. During the closures, thru-traffic should follow the detour signs to County Road 31. The work and closures will be done in two phases: • Phase 1: From Highway 34 to County Road 10… Read More

The Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners has proclaimed May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month. Recognized each May since 1949, this month is a reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health and that no one must face their struggles alone.  The numbers close to home  Mental health challenges are growing in… Read More

City of Wolf Lake currently does not have a state flag flying in town By Matthew Johnson Reporter The Wolf Lake City Council unanimously voted in favor, after some discussion marked with some indifference, to fly the historic 1983 state flag below the U.S. flag as other area cities, including Menahga, Sebeka and Wadena, have decided… Read More