The summer of “not knowing” ended Thursday afternoon as Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Assistant Gov. Peggy Flanagan and their health and education commissioners announced the state’s Safe Learning Plan.
Brian Hansel
Reporter
Today, Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, along with the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), announced Minnesota’s Safe Learning Plan for the 2020-21 School Year.
Otter Tail Lakes Country and Otter Tail County are pleased to announce the launch of “grab-a-bite” a new program designed to help new residents of Otter Tail County feel more welcome. The program is designed to act as a platform for New York Mills and other cities throughout Otter Tail Count…
Governor Tim Walz today signed Executive Order 20-81, which requires Minnesotans to wear a face covering in indoor businesses and indoor public settings. Researchers have advocated for masking, calling it a simple and effective step to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. To date, 30 state…
COVID-19 may have turned the world upside down but the Minnesota Legislature was still voting party lines on the bonding bill before it adjourned Tuesday from its second special session of 2020.
Brian Hansel
Reporter
The Minnesota Legislature passed a bill early Tuesday that looks at making a number of reforms to public safety and law enforcement, including training, reporting and policy changes. The bill was passed in both the House and Senate just before the second special session was adjourned.
Johanna Armstrong
Reporter
Minnesota health leaders reported over 900 new coronavirus cases on Monday, the largest single-day increase since the pandemic began.
Starting Monday, July 20, motorists will encounter a temporary detour of Highway 210 west of Breckenridge until July 29, as bridge crews complete scheduled maintenance on the Minnesota side of the bridge over the Red River. Traffic will be detoured on Highway 75 to Minnesota Avenue, Dakota A…
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Fergus Falls remains one of the top cities in the United States with the most “Bicycle Friendly Businesses,” as determined by the League of American Bicyclists (LAB) in their newest update to the list. Overall Minnesota is ranked as the third most bicycle friendly state.
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Following the advice of public health experts, Governor Tim Walz today signed Executive Order 20-78, extending the COVID-19 peacetime emergency that gives the state flexibility in responding to rapidly-evolving issues stemming from COVID-19. Including Minnesota, 49 out of 50 states remain in…
Many people have started their July Fourth fireworks shopping early this year and retailers have seen a boost in sales following cancellations of local shows.
The growing popularity of bow fishing in Minnesota is starting to cut into people’s sleep.
Brian Hansel
Reporter
The Hennepin County judge overseeing the trial of four former police officers charged in the killing of George Floyd last month warned elected officials against making public statements about the merits of the case, saying they endanger the defendants’ right to a fair trial and could lead to…
A Hennepin County judge on Friday denied a request by former police officers charged in the killing of George Floyd to allow media outlets to broadcast audio and video of pretrial hearings in the case.
ST. PAUL - Minnesotans who mailed in their registration renewal have not received their tabs due to processing delays. Those who have contacted the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver Vehicle Services (DPS-DVS) about the issue will receive a verification letter via email to use as p…
Cinema 6 Theatre, located at 320 Minnesota Ave. in Breckenridge, Minnesota will be permanently closing its doors. The Cinema Entertainment Corporation (CEC) theater has been closed since mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Upon further review of state law following the ruling of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals regarding dicamba products, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) will continue operating under existing pesticide program authorities. According to Minnesota law, an unregistered pesticide…
Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced a plan to distribute $853 million in relief to communities across the state impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. $841 million will be distributed to Minnesota counties, cities, and towns to support local government corona…
This summer will mark the 150th anniversary of a Fourth of July picnic at a tiny, unplatted settlement called Tordenskjold.
Brian Hansel
Reporter
Ottertail’s Music in the Park series, presented by Ottertail Business and Community Association (OTBCA), has been approved to go forward and the show starts June 23 with a performance by Elvis Presley impersonator Todd Anderson.
Johanna Armstrong
Reporter
As Minnesota continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic and grapple with needed police reform following George Floyd’s death, Gov. Tim Walz today announced that he will convene a special legislative session beginning on June 12, 2020. The governor’s priorities will be to pass police reform an…
Governor Tim Walz today announced Phase III of the Stay Safe MN plan, including a gradual turn of the dial to allow cautious and safe re-opening of indoor dining, gyms, and entertainment venues beginning Wednesday, June 10, 2020. Customers and employees will be either strongly recommended or…
Twin Towns area residents are encouraged to decorate their homes and lawns for Blue Goose Days.
There are at least 571 species that have become extinct on earth, and likely more. There are 1 million species of plants and animals that are endangered and threatened with extinction. However, some practices can be implemented which lessen the level of threat to species.
Governor Tim Walz Thursday signed Executive Order 20-72, activating the Minnesota National Guard to provide safety and protection for Clay County and surrounding areas during demonstrations planned in North Dakota in the wake of George Floyd’s death.
As businesses were allowed to reopen with some special restrictions on Monday, June 1, Ottertail Business and Community Association (OBCA) has planned a few fun events, one of the first since the pandemic shutdown in March, this weekend. The first is a children’s event Saturday morning and t…
Johanna Armstrong
Reporter
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has added a second-degree murder charge to the third-degree murder and manslaughter counts against ex-Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in the killing of George Floyd. He’s also charged the three other officers fired in the incident.
The Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) will begin an investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) after filing a civil rights charge related to the death of George Floyd. This investigation into policies, procedures, and practices over the past 10 years will determine …
The Minnesota National Guard conducted more than two dozen missions across the Twin Cities Monday. Capitol Complex Security was one of those missions, and guardsmen found themselves serving as allies to all peaceful protestors.
Governor Tim Walz today signed Executive Order 20-69 modifying and extending the temporary nighttime Minneapolis and St. Paul curfew through Wednesday morning to provide safety for Minnesota residents from individuals who have engaged in unlawful and dangerous activity in recent days and thr…
The Rothsay community hosted a blood drive with Vitalant, formerly United Blood Services, on May 28 at the community center which helped collect a total of 27 units of blood products for patients in need.
The U.S. Census Bureau, in coordination with federal, state and local health officials, will begin to drop off 2020 Census questionnaire packets at front doors of households in Minnesota starting the week of May 25. This is done in areas where the majority of households do not receive mail a…
Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman said Friday that ex-Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin has been charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter in George Floyd’s death.
At least one person was shot and killed and some buildings continue to burn after a night of demonstrations and looting in south Minneapolis.
After Wednesday’s announcement by Gov. Tim Walz about what is allowed to open June 1 and how several state businesses were supposed to operate, many community members were shocked and upset on the restrictions that were still in place. Several state officials and organization leaders were al…
Zach Stich
Editor
On May 12 the Pelican Rapids City Council reviewed estimates from Climate Makers about installing new 80% efficient furnaces and related fixtures for an estimate of $15,200.
According to a press release from the Perham Area Chamber of Commerce the city will host its annual Turtle Fest this year June 17-21 modified for social distancing in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The latest counts of cases and deaths came minutes after Minnesota State Fair officials announced the 2020 Great Minnesota Get-Together could not go on because of the potential public health risk from the disease.
Minnesota leaders are poised to unveil plans for a phased reopening of bars, restaurants and other gathering spaces — a major loosening of restrictions amid the escalating coronavirus pandemic.
Restrictions on daily life in Minnesota begin to ease Monday as Gov. Tim Walz’s “stay safe” order takes effect, allowing retailers to reopen with limited capacity. Group gatherings of 10 or fewer people, including at places of worship, will be permitted once again.
Using Zoom, the hunt is underway to find Pelican Rapids a new school superintendent.
Brian Hansel
Reporter
Governor Tim Walz announced the next phase of the COVID-19 response in Minnesota. Citing progress made to prepare for peak of infection, the Governor announced a measured, cautious turning of the dial toward a new normal. With the Stay Home Executive Order set to expire on May 18, the Govern…
Messages of hope to buoy the spirits of Pelican Rapids graduates, businesses and residents will be on display May 21 with the Cruise Night Parade for the Otter Tail County community of 2,500.
Brian Hansel
Reporter
For several weeks, Gov. Tim Walz asked Minnesota residents to help fight the coronavirus pandemic by staying home, sacrificing meals out and enduring other inconveniences and personal hardships in the name of public health.
On Monday, Fergus Falls community leaders met with Sen. Amy Klobuchar via a conference call to discuss what they have been working toward during the coronavirus pandemic and hearing what Klobuchar has been pushing for in regards to helping local businesses.
Zach Stich
Editor
Following much thought, discussion and prayer, the Ronald McDonald House (RMH) RIDE Committee is saddened to announce the 19th annual RMH RIDE scheduled for the weekend of June 13, 2020 will be postponed until further notice.
In an announcement Monday, the Red River Valley Fair Board of Directors canceled the 2020 fair due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Pelican Rapids Chamber of Commerce announced in a Facebook post Monday that both Pelican Fest and the city’s Art in the Park events have been canceled.
In a post on the group’s Facebook page Sunday, the Phelps Mill Festival Board announced that the 2020 Phelps Mill Festival has been canceled due to COVID-19 pandemic.
The American Legion Department of Minnesota Executive Committee, Minnesota American Legion Baseball Committee and Minnesota American Legion Commander Mark Dvorak have cancelled the 2020 season out of concerns for safety of players, coaches, umpires, fans and volunteers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Minnesota again fell short of Gov. Tim Walz’s goal of 5,000 daily coronavirus tests on Sunday, despite the Health Department saying there’s capacity to run twice that number.
May is Foster Care Awareness Month and many children won’t be able to see their moms this Sunday for Mother’s Day due to restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic. Foster families are doing what they can, including Elbow Lake foster family Katelyn and Connor Grytdahl, who are taking care of fo…
Johanna Armstrong
Reporter
Two area festivals have decided to cancel their 2020 celebrations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fergus Falls SummerFest and Erhard 4th of July Parade both made the announcement that this year’s festivities will not be happening.
Otter Tail County is preparing a master plan for Phelps Mill County Park and needs your input! The master plan will create a vision for future park improvements within the existing and expanded park area. Otter Tail County is expanding the current 55-acre Phelps Mill County Park on the Otte…
The Lake Country Cruisers Car Club recently announced the cancelation of its July car show in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Multi-Cultural Friendship Festival is also canceled this year.
Per a press release by Jennie-O, the company announced confirmed cases of COVID-19 at the West Central Turkeys plant in Pelican Rapids.
As the state continues to take action to protect Minnesotans from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. Tim Walz today unveiled a new five-point plan to provide more robust support to our state’s long-term care (LTC) facilities.
West Central Initiative has secured more than $1 million to respond to the immediate COVID-19 needs of our region and the long-term recovery of west central Minnesota. The organization serves Becker, Clay, Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens, Traverse and Wilkin counties and the portio…
A Minnesota Senate staff member has tested positive for COVID-19, leading to the self-quarantine of senators and staff who might have been in contact with the person.
State budget leaders painted a grim picture Tuesday of the state’s short-term finances in the COVID-19 era as they projected a $2.4 billion budget hole through July 2021 and warned the economy will not be bouncing back quickly.