Gov. Tim Walz today activated the Minnesota National Guard to assist state and local law enforcement in public safety efforts in Saint Paul over the coming days. The governor’s action follows the violent insurrection at the United States Capitol last week and national reports of possible arm…
On Wednesday, protesters opposed to the count and certification of the electoral votes stormed the U.S. Capitol while the U.S. House of Representatives looked to certify President-elect Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States of America.
Zach Stich
Editor
Lake Region Healthcare (LRH) physician, Dr. Anjali Gupta, has been appointed to the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice by Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan for a four-year term effective Jan. 5, 2021. Gupta replaces fellow LRH physician, Dr. Patricia Lindholm, who served the maximum…
Heather Kantrud
reporter
Washington, D.C. - On Sunday, Michelle Fischbach was sworn-in as a member of the 117th Congress representing Minnesota’s Seventh Congressional District.
The recent plummet in temperature opens the risk for frostbite which can cause serious or permanent harm in less than 30 minutes to skin exposed to cold. Fingers, toes, nose, ears, cheeks and chin are the most commonly affected areas, but any time skin is exposed to cold temperatures or come…
Heather Kantrud
reporter
Two new laws that go into effect Jan. 1 will kick off some of the first changes of 2021. These laws are regarding prior authorization requirements of health insurance providers and requirements regarding sexual assault examination kits.
Heather Kantrud
reporter
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After a timber wolf was allegedly seen on Otter Tail Lake, Tricia Plautz, Department of Natural Resources officer has some simple advice for people who own pets – a little common sense can be the best protection.
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Minimum wage workers will be receiving a small raise from the state Jan. 1 as minimum wage is set to move from $10 an hour to $10.08, an 8-cent increase. The change comes from Minnesota’s decision to index minimum wage to inflation, which took effect in 2018, with a 2.5% cap.
As hospitals remain concerned about capacity, Governor Tim Walz today announced a plan to continue combatting community spread of COVID-19 while getting students back in the classroom and supporting Minnesotans’ quality of life. Following the announcement, the Governor signed into law a $216…
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On Monday, Minnesota lawmakers passed COVID-19 regulations that will help businesses and workers hurt by the pandemic. During the special session, the measure was approved giving grants to struggling small businesses and an extension of unemployment benefits for workers across the state.
As COVID-19 deaths climb to nearly 4,500 in Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz today extended the peacetime emergency that gives the state flexibility in responding to the pandemic, including safely and effectively distributing the vaccine.
COVID-19 is not the only threat Minnesotans have to face over the coming months. According to a study by the United States Department of Transportation, more than 1,300 people fall victim every year to icy roads while another 100,000 are injured. Close to 40% of weather-related vehicle crash…
Brian Hansel
Reporter
Gov. Tim Walz unveiled the COVIDaware MN app on Monday afternoon with the hope that it may slow the spread of COVID-19 in the state.
Johanna Armstrong
Reporter
Gov. Tim Walz announced Wednesday night a four-week return to restrictions Minnesotans haven’t seen since April. The plan, called “Dial Back, Minnesota,” calls for a temporary pause to most social activities, in-person dining, sports and indoor group fitness activities in the hope of reducin…
Johanna Armstrong
Reporter
As Minnesota reached the grim milestone of more than 3,000 lives lost due to COVID-19, cities and towns across the state illuminated dozens of Minnesota landmarks in purple light to honor victims of COVID-19 and the front-line workers battling the pandemic.
Brian Hansel
Reporter
As Minnesota reaches the grim milestone of over 3,000 lives lost due to COVID-19, cities and towns across the state tonight will light dozens of Minnesota landmarks in purple to honor victims of COVID-19 and the frontline workers battling the pandemic. Cities, towns, sports team, museums, li…
A report by the New York Times updated on Tuesday listed Fergus Falls as the second fastest city in the nation for the spread of COVID-19. The chart sorts cities by the difference between the number of cases in the past week compared with the week prior. By that metric, according to the New …
Johanna Armstrong
Reporter
With snow on the ground and the holiday season in the air, the Lake Region Pioneer Threshermen’s Association will be hosting the second Dalton Christmas Fest event Saturday, Dec. 12.
As hospitals express concern about capacity to treat Minnesotans with COVID-19, Gov. Tim Walz today announced new restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of the virus in Minnesota. Beginning on Friday, the restrictions will apply to social gatherings, celebrations and receptions, and bars a…
As the presidential election continues to count votes and several state races have been decided, we take a look at several area races for city council, school board and other positions in government and school board.
Zach Stich
Editor
Minnesota Senate District 8 and Minnesota Legislative District 8A went red this election with the successful reelection of Sen. Bill Ingebrigtsen and a win for newcomer Jordan Rasmusson.
Johanna Armstrong
Reporter
In the midst of a public health crisis, residents of Fergus Falls have been able to count on Lake Region Healthcare for thoughtful local leadership and up-to-date health resources. When the city of Fergus Falls received an allocation of CARES funding from the state of Minnesota, it was quick…
Lather, rinse, repeat.
Susan Brower, Minnesota’s State Demographer, urged Minnesotans to answer the 2020 US Census during the final day of the response period.
Henning’s Lutheran Island Camp is hosting it’s second annual quilt auction from Oct. 1-9. The online auction, hosted in a silent auction format, will have both quilts and other various items. For more information or to make a bid, visit the Lutheran Island Camp website at www.islandcamp.org
SustAg is offering grants for farmers and Minnesota nonprofit/educational organizations focused on new ideas in sustainable agriculture. Funding amounts up to $50,000 for projects spanning two to three years with a dollar-for-dollar match on amounts above $25,000 is still available. With the…
Jewett Lake Association is drafting a conditional-use permit application to allow water flow from Jewett Lake to Long Lake to remain continuous. Currently, there is an on-off valve that controls water flow between the two lakes. If approved, the valve will become obsolete and water flow woul…
The Henning School District decided to decrease the tax levy for 2021. While they initially proposed a maximum levy, the decision was made to decrease the amount by around 8%, though this number has not been solidified. The final decision and dollar amount will be confirmed in December.
Lions Club International, an organization focused on serving communities through projects such as eyeglasses collection, providing assistance to natural disaster victims, and supporting high school students through Leo Clubs. Area clubs are currently exploring the option of bringing a club b…
The Pelican Rapids Public Library has installed multilingual video kiosks, thanks to the Pelican Rapids Multicultural Committee and a resiliency grant from West Central Initiative in the wake of COVID-19. After identifying that many residents were unable to read in their native language, the…
As part of a 2016 contract, White Earth Nation contracted with Lake Region Co-op to provide $1.6 million in electrical upgrades at Star Lake Casino. In 2018, White Earth unilaterally terminated the project, after services were rendered. In 2019, White Earth sought reimbursement from Lake Reg…
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…
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.
Johanna Armstrong
Reporter
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.
Johanna Armstrong
Reporter
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…