Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach toured the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Prairie Wetlands Learning Center late Friday afternoon to learn more about their mission.
U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar stopped in Fergus Falls Thursday as she traveled north to visit with former U.S. Congressman Collin Peterson.
Brian Hansel
Reporter
Biologists with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will collect walleye eggs this spring, however, social distancing requirements mean this popular springtime activity will not be open for public viewing this year.
At its March 25 agenda meeting in St. Paul, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) approved construction of the Hoot Lake Solar Project, a 49.9-megawatt renewable energy initiative brought forward by Otter Tail Power Company (OTP).
Brian Hansel
Reporter
The Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener to be held May 13-15, in Otter Tail County is only weeks away. Otter Tail County was scheduled to host the event in 2020, however, the event was postponed due to the COVID-19 public health crisis. The mission remains the same, to put a spotlight on Min…
While corporate America might be reluctant to share why their ammunition shelves are so poorly stocked these days South Mill Service owner Gary Wahl is not.
Brian Hansel
Reporter
- Certified Peer Recovery Specialist
- Supervisory Position
- HELP WANTED Elks Point on Wall Lake Looking for an
- HELP WANTED West Central Community Services is hiring direct support
- HELP WANTED West Central Community Services is currently hiring a
- Star Bright Professional Cleaning Services Fergus Falls, is seeking drivers
- WORKERS NEEDED for PT custodial work at the Hansel Lake
- Administrative Assistant
- Land & Resources Seasonal Inspector
- OTC Child Social Worker
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In his seventh year as Pelican Rapids mayor, Brent E. Frazier enjoys advocating for his community by extending friendly sentiment both in his role as mayor and in his personal life.
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Embracing the spirit of March Madness in a very Minnesota fashion, Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) and The Current launched the “Great Minnesota Burger Bracket” in their show, The Warming House. The head-to-head competition for the title of the best burger in Minnesota is on the line and Battle…
In a statement by Teddy Tschann, a spokesperson for Gov. Tim Walz, the governor and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan will both quarantine after a member of the governor's staff tested positive for COVID-19.
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In his seventh year as a polar plunge participant, Eugene Boyce topped the leaderboard for fundraising in Otter Tail County, raising $5,737 plus matching funds which have yet to be tallied.
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Now 21 years into the 21st century Otter Tail County is taking a new approach to expanding the benefits of high-speed internet.
Gov. Tim Walz is pulling back on some of Minnesota’s remaining COVID-19 restrictions, almost a year after he first imposed emergency measures.
The Minneapolis City Council has unanimously agreed to a $27 million civil settlement with the family of George Floyd. It’s a record settlement amount for the city.
Disability service providers will hold a virtual rally Tuesday in observance of Minnesota Disability Services Day at the Capitol.
Brian Hansel
Reporter
Following a record-breaking year on the national level in 2020, the local forecast is estimated to follow the current trend of low interest rates for buyers but a lack of inventory to support the demand. Local figures from January indicated that new listings were down 22.6% in 2021 as oppose…
Heather Kantrud
reporter
Approximately 1,100 Soldiers from Task Force 1-194 are preparing to deploy to the Middle East for a nine-month mission in support of Operation Spartan Shield.
After plowing through more than 122,000 votes cast, the Minnesota Department of Transportation announced today the eight winners of its inaugural Name a Snowplow contest. One snowplow in each of MnDOT’s eight districts will officially be named this month.
When anglers across Minnesota drop their lines on Saturday, May 15, Otter Tail County is committed to hosting the 2021 Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener in a reimagined way from the previous 70-plus years. By design, the event will be safely shaped to proceed within the guidelines of the S…
Prince Albert Honeycutt, a Black child hailing from Tennessee, relocated to Fergus Falls in 1872 with the military officer he served with during the Civil War. Honeycutt was the first Black person to make Fergus Falls his home, paving the way for the entry of the “First 85,” a group of 18 Bl…
Heather Kantrud
reporter
You want rare? This has been a week in February when it has actually been more comfortable living in Minnesota than Texas.
Brian Hansel
Reporter
U.S. Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-7) will serve as ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on Commodity Exchanges, Energy, and Credit for the 117th Congress. The subcommittee has jurisdiction over policies, statutes, and markets related to commodity exchanges…
Winter - Is it the season Minnesotans hate or the problems that come with it?
Brian Hansel
Reporter
Two buildings in Fergus Falls listed on the National Register of Historic Places have a lot at stake as the 2021 Legislature meets in St. Paul.
Brian Hansel
Reporter
Concerns surrounding Minnesota schooling have been near the forefront of the battleground in the war against COVID-19. Fergus Falls schools superintendent, Jeff Drake, along with three other superintendents from the region, spoke with Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Lakes Area Service Cooperative (LA…
Heather Kantrud
reporter
Supporting the interests of Minnesota’s working women, Attorney General Keith Ellison appointed Otter Tail County resident Nancy Jost as one of the 15 voting members of the Task Force on Expanding the Economic Security of Women on Tuesday.
Heather Kantrud
reporter
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has been listening to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and he is pushing for a goal of having carbon-free electricity in the state by 2040.
Brian Hansel
Reporter
Gov. Tim Walz has directed all flags at state and federal buildings in Minnesota to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021 to remember, mourn and honor lives lost due to COVID-19. On this day, Walz also encourages all Minnesotans to light a candle in their wi…
On Monday, the Minnesota Department of Health announced a new community COVID-19 vaccine program that partners with local public health and school districts at nine locations across the state — including a location in Fergus Falls. The pilot sites will initially serve adults aged 65 and olde…
President-elect Joe Biden will host a memorial to remember and honor the lives lost to COVID-19 Tuesday on the eve of his inauguration in Washington, D.C.
Brian Hansel
Reporter
Minnesota is launching a COVID-19 vaccine pilot program, partnering with local public health and school districts, Gov. Tim Walz announced on Monday. These sites will initially serve adults 65 years of age or older, as well as prekindergarten through grade 12 educators, school staff and chil…
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
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.
Brian Hansel
Reporter
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.
Johanna Armstrong
Reporter
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…
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.
Zach Stich
Editor
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…