County Commissioners Gordy Wagner and Paul Gerde took the oath of office for a new four-year term on the Pope County Board of Commissioners after being reelected during the 2024 general election. The swearing-in ceremony on January 7, conducted by District Court Judge Melissa Listug, took place immediately before the Pope County Board’s organizational meeting. Commissioner Gordy… Read More

The Minnewaska Area Pep Band was on hand at the Minnewaska Area vs. WCA boys basketball game, Thursday in the high school gym.  The band entertained the crowd during warmups and then played the National Anthem prior to player introductions and the game.   Pictured above and below are most of the members of the… Read More

Minnewaska Area Elementary Schools announced the first group of students this year to reach 100 Accelerated Reader points to earn a medal.  The students from left are: Front row: Beckett Olson, Kendall Martinson, Luke Fremling and Lucas Johnson. Back row: Adaline Drever, Zach Schroeder, Hunter Abrahamson, Drew Kath and Carsyn Paulzine.  The students earn points… Read More

Glenwood State Bank announced last Thursday that Peter Nelson is stepping down as President and that Kari Nelson has been appointed the new Interim President.  Peter Nelson is resigning from his position to pursue an opportunity with the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA), where he will advocate for the interests of community banks on a… Read More

The Starbuck Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet and Meeting is set for Saturday, Jan. 25 at the Starbuck Community Center. Social hour and a silent auction will begin at 5 p.m. followed by a short meeting at 6 p.m. and followed by dinner. There will be special presentations and recognitions at the event and chamber members… Read More

The Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) at the University of Minnesota has released a detailed report on preparedness and response gaps and needs should chronic wasting disease (CWD) jump from cervids such as deer to farm animals or people. While no human CWD cases have been identified, rising disease prevalence in cervids increases… Read More

•Minnesotans encouraged to try winter outdoor recreation The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is waiving vehicle permit fees at all 73 state parks and recreation areas on Monday, Jan. 20.  This “Free Park Day” is one of four days each year on which the DNR waives the requirement for a vehicle permit at state parks and recreation… Read More

CO Daniel Baumbarger (Glenwood) reports enforcement efforts for the week were concentrated on checking anglers, trappers, and ATV operators. Additional time was spent investigating complaints of extra lines and over limits. CO Hanna Wood (Fergus Falls) spent the week focused on angling enforcement. She also had help from area COs over the weekend to put on… Read More

Minnesota is in the middle of a mental health crisis. Over 1.7 million Minnesotans live in areas with a shortage of mental health professionals, and mental illnesses in young adults increased by 50% in 2023. For families supporting children with mental illnesses, navigating the system and finding effective care can feel overwhelming. To provide practical tools… Read More

Do you have an agritourism business idea, but unsure if it’ll be successful? Are you wanting to add value to your current farming operation, but not sure where to begin? Or perhaps you’re new to farming, but have an awesome idea of how to connect the public with food production?  University of Minnesota Extension will present… Read More