110 YEARS AGO From April 17, 1914 Judith Simonson, Cora Tessem, William Kleven, and Agnes Reisrud graduated with the class of 1914 from the University Farm School of Morris recently. Burglars broke into Troy and Wesen’s pool room Sunday night and got away with a few cans of salmon, a few bottles of pop and some cake. Some… Read More

Kathy Ofstedal is educator of the year April 16, 1964 – A spring storm hit the Pope County area, and it was hoped this was the last of the season. Winds reached 80 mph. The day started innocently enough with rain which turned to sleet and then snow. By mid-morning, blizzard conditions were evident with visibility… Read More

Judith Wallin began duties as county nurse of Pope County From the Pope County Tribune, Thursday, April 17, 1924 The sheriff, his deputy and the county attorney made a raid on the Jake Webber farm in Bangor township and raised havoc with his moonshining outfit. As a result, Jake and John Webber are lodged in the county… Read More

With the arrival of severe spring weather, including tornadoes, floods and thunderstorms, the American Red Cross urges all residents to prepare now for emergencies. Stay weather aware and listen to local news or NOAA Weather Radio for emergency updates. Download the free Red Cross Emergency App with expanded tornado features to help you prepare to… Read More

Parent Aware is a program that offers free tools and resources to help families find the quality child care and early education programs their children need to succeed in school and life.  Helping Families Lakes and Prairies Community Action Partnership (CAPLP) administers the Early Learning Scholarship Program with funding from the Minnesota Department of Education. Early… Read More

Salvation Army 2024 Easter Box distribution was another success.  The Salvation Army provided the groceries for a complete Easter Dinner to 75 families in Pope County.  The food was distributed on the Wednesday before Easter Sunday.  Above from left are: Salvation Army Central MN Field Representative Donna Ortendahl, Jeanie Person (center) and Shannon Bodeker, Social… Read More

Minnewaska Area Schools seventh through ninth grade students had the opportunity last week to experience Career Day. The event featured 14 in-house speakers from area businesses and included three tours of facilities within the county. Students were bussed to Midwest Machinery John Deere, Massman Automation and Reichmann Farms. Presentations were given by Cutting Edge Tech,… Read More

Sheriff’s Office to honor fallen deputy one year after tragic loss The Pope County Sheriff’s Office, along with local law enforcement agencies, will be placing a wreath on the front steps of the Pope County Courthouse on April 15, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. in remembrance of Deputy Josh Owen.   The public is encourage to join… Read More

The annual Day of Faith was held on Wednesday at Central Square and is a day for local students to come together to “set the stage for inspiration, growth and connections” that spans across generational and denominational lines.  “This was the second year of stepping into this adventure together and it was an amazing and seamless… Read More

In a strategic move aimed at uniting communities across a broader region, the Pope County and Douglas County Relay for Life events recently announces its transformation into the “Best of the MNWest” Relay for Life.  The name change reflects the relay’s expanded territory that now invites Pope, Stevens, Swift, Western Stearns, Todd, Morrison, Douglas, Grant, Traverse,… Read More