Cottage business taking off in first few months By Robert Williams Editor With food businesses multiplying in Frazee monthly in 2024, the latest may be the town’s best-kept secret. Josie and Matt Johnson’s 5-0 Foods provides a unique blend of sweets and freeze-dried snacks that will blow your taste buds away in a good way. Matt is… Read More

Maplewood State Park to host maple syrup demonstration By Chad Koenen Publisher The sap will be running through downtown Vergas on Saturday for one of the tastiest celebrations of the year. The annual Maple Syrup Festival will feature a 5k run, horse drawn rides and enough maple syrup to provide sticky fingers for just about everyone who… Read More

Vergas EDA/HRA discuss affordable housing with county officials By Robert Williams Editor The Economic Development Authority (EDA)/ Housing Redevelopment Authority (HRA) discussed “affordable housing” with Otter Tail County Community Development Director Amy Baldwin and Commissioner Wayne Johnson during the monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 2. Discussions were centered around the financial conundrum that is the Sunny Oakes Development… Read More

Grant requests being accepted through May 24 The Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council (LSOHC) yesterday issued its annual Call for Funding Request from the Outdoor Heritage Fund. Approximately $150 million will be available for both metro and statewide grants to aid Minnesota habitat restoration, protection and enhancement. Requests are due Friday, May 24 at 4 p.m. Funds… Read More

Master Gardeners in Becker County have been making a difference for over 40 years. There are 26 local people who are qualified as Becker County Master Gardeners after taking a required course at the University of Minnesota. During the growing season Master Gardeners offer free Plant, Pest, and Gardening Clinics every Wednesday (May-September) from 9 am… Read More

Utilities department honored by MRWA, MDH Minnesota Rural Water Association (MRWA) and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) present the Small Public Water Supply System Source Water Protection Award to City of Vergas. The MRWA/MDH Source Water Protection Award is given annually at the MRWA Technical Conference to recognize the importance and value of source water protection efforts… Read More

Starting Monday, April 15, weather permitting, road construction will begin on Highway 59 in Pelican Rapids for the two-year complete streets reconstruction project, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Crews will begin installing detour signs and other traffic control devices, and work will begin on Stage 1A of the project, between the Pelican River… Read More

Brand to be combined with the TGT Brand Lakeshirts, an apparel company based in Detroit Lakes, has announced that they have finalized a strategic acquisition deal with EMI Sportswear; a Colorado-based resort apparel manufacturer of nearly 40 years of experience. EMI Sportswear is renowned for their incredible artwork and the quality of their garments.  The EMI… Read More

West Central Initiative is accepting applications now through Tuesday, April 30, for grant funding to support sustainability, equity, democracy, and rural social connection 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, democracy, and connection are… Read More

The Otter Tail County Safe Communities Coalition encourages those aged 55 and older to participate in a Senior Driving Class to grow their driving skills and stay up to date on traffic rules and changes. People 55 and older who complete this course are eligible to receive a 10% discount for three years on their… Read More