Stories from surrounding communities, closest first.

Pine and Lakes Echo Journal · Pequot Lakes, MN
Nearby: Pequot Lakes, MNPEQUOT LAKES — Pequot Lakes Community Education offers the following upcoming classes. See full descriptions and register online at pequotlakes.arux.app. Micro Mosaics (Ages 16+): 10 am to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, at the Pequot Lakes High School. Use tiny pieces of glass and stone to design and assemble your own intricate work of art. The 10 Important People You Need for Your Estate Plan to Work: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11. Live virtual presentation. Learn the roles and how to choose an attorney-in-fact, health care agent, estate executor, trustee, guardian and more. Knead to Know: A Bread-Making Class for Beginners and Beyond: 4-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14. Live virtual instruction. Learn the essential skills and techniques to make the three foundational breads every home baker should know. ]]>

Grand Forks Herald · Nisswa, MN
Nearby: Nisswa, MNNISSWA, Minn. — The former owner of Nisswa Inn and Suites is accused of misleading a woman with a free trip to Nisswa — then forcing her to work at the hotel against her will. Vijay Kumar Ramanbhai Patel, 52, of Deerwood, Minnesota, was charged Tuesday, Nov. 10, in Crow Wing County District Court with one count of felony labor trafficking and one count of felony threats of violence. Patel is not in custody and is scheduled to make his first appearance on the criminal charges Dec. 7 in Crow Wing County District Court. According to the criminal complaint and summons filed against Patel, on Sept. 13, 2024, a Crow Wing County Sheriff’s investigator met with the victim, a woman from Guyana in South America, who said she was in New York City visiting family when she responded to an advertisement that offered her a free trip to see Nisswa. The woman bought a plane ticket, which she was told would be reimbursed, and arrived in Minnesota around July 28, 2024.

Pine and Lakes Echo Journal · Nisswa, MN
Nearby: Nisswa, MNNISSWA — The former owner of Nisswa Inn and Suites faces criminal charges after he allegedly misled a woman with a free trip to Nisswa then forced her to work at the hotel against her will. Vijay Kumar Ramanbhai Patel, 52, was charged Tuesday, Nov. 10, in Crow Wing County District Court with one count of felony labor trafficking and one count of felony threats of violence. Patel, of Deerwood, is not in custody and is scheduled to make his first appearance on the criminal charges Dec. 7 in Crow Wing County District Court. According to the criminal complaint and summons filed against Patel, on Sept. 13, 2024, a Crow Wing County Sheriff’s investigator met with the victim, a woman from Guyana in South America, who said she was in New York City visiting family when she responded to an advertisement that offered her a free trip to see Nisswa. The woman bought a plane ticket, which she was told would be reimbursed, and arrived in Minnesota around July 28, 2024.

Pine and Lakes Echo Journal · Nisswa, MN
Nearby: Nisswa, MNBRAINERD — CJK Group, Inc., headquartered in Brainerd, announced it has acquired Viking Label & Packaging, Inc., a label and packaging manufacturer based in Nisswa. Viking will continue to operate under the Viking Label & Packaging name as a standalone CJK Group company, led by its existing management team, a news release said. Founded in 1965, Viking Label & Packaging produces custom pressure-sensitive labels and inserts, with capabilities that include RFID inlay insertion and encoding, variable data and QR codes, multi-panel booklets, embossing, cold foil, tamper-evident and outdoor-durable labels. "Viking has built an outstanding reputation for quality, responsiveness and partnership with its customers," Chris Kurtzman, CEO of CJK Group, said in the release. "This acquisition extends our portfolio into label and packaging manufacturing, a natural complement to the print and production expertise across CJK Group.

Pine and Lakes Echo Journal · Pine River, MN
Nearby: Pine River, MNPINE RIVER — Local non-profit Happy Dancing Turtle will host a holiday and seasonal décor swap from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 14, at the Happy Dancing Turtle office on the Hunt Utilities Group Resilient Living Campus, 2331 Dancing Wind Road SW in Pine River. “Preparing to celebrate the fall/winter holidays can be stressful and expensive,” Jenny Hill, HDT staff and a swap organizer, said in a news release. “Having a fun way to pass along decorative items you no longer need and also pick up new-to-you items for free is a win-win.” At this no-cost event, participants may take items for free. They do not need to drop off items in order to take other items. Be aware the swap is intended for individuals and families — no resellers. Gently used items will be accepted from noon to 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, and 8 a.m. to noon Friday, Nov. 13.

Pine and Lakes Echo Journal · Crosby, MN
Nearby: Crosby, MNAs most Minnesotans will attest, there are few things better than a just-picked, garden-grown tomato. Fresh, healthy food just seems to feed both the body and soul. Knowing this, the University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener Volunteers in Crow Wing County have made growing, and sharing, fresh food something of a mission. This past year, they distributed over 10,000 servings (5,008 pounds) of locally grown fruits and vegetables to food shelves county-wide, including: Baxter Food Shelf Community Table in Crosby Central Lakes College Food Pantry Crow Wing Community Services/WIC Cuyuna Range Food Shelf Crosslake Food Shelf Garrison Area Caregivers Lakes Area Food Shelf (Pequot Lakes) Lighthouse Beginnings Relationship Safety Alliance Salvation Army This initiative of volunteers growing and donating food is called Giving Gardens, and began in 2020. Since that time, they have donated over 25,000 pounds of food.

Brainerd Dispatch · Brainerd, MN
Nearby: Brainerd, MNBRAINERD — November is National Homelessness Awareness Month, a time to recognize the challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness and the importance of providing safe, supportive spaces for those in need. Bridges of Hope is using the month to highlight the impact of The Bridge on 7th, an overnight shelter in Brainerd, and invite the community to make a difference through a special matching opportunity. Throughout November, Gary Walters of Walters Wacky Adventures is matching donations made to The Bridge on 7th, dollar for dollar, up to $5,000. Community members can double the impact of their gifts, potentially generating $10,000 in support of the shelter and the individuals it serves. The Bridge on 7th provides a safe, welcoming place for adults ages 18 and older experiencing homelessness. The shelter offers individuals a place to rest, access basic necessities, and connect with resources and support as they work toward greater stability.

Brainerd Dispatch · Brainerd, MN
Nearby: Brainerd, MNWeather drawing by Olivia Luke of Mrs. Martin's first grade class at Baxter Elementary School. Attention teachers: Don't forget to submit your students' weather drawing to the Brainerd Dispatch, 506 James St., Brainerd, MN, 56401. ]]>

Brainerd Dispatch · Brainerd, MN
Nearby: Brainerd, MNWeather drawing by Maverick Pierzinski of Mrs. Armstrong's and Mrs. Meyer's second grade class at Harrison Elementary School. Attention teachers: Don't forget to submit your students' weather drawing to the Brainerd Dispatch, 506 James St., Brainerd, MN, 56401. ]]>

Pine and Lakes Echo Journal · Brainerd, MN
Nearby: Brainerd, MN50 years ago: Nov. 11, 1976 The Central Region of Independent Insurance Agents Association of Minnesota announced that John Weizenegger, of Graham-Weizenegger Insurance of Brainerd, is president of the 75-member organization. Criticism of the use of ionization smoke detectors in the home because of possible radiation exposure is termed as “unnecessary and unwarranted” by State Fire Marshal Wes Werner. 40 years ago: Nov. 13, 1986 The Nisswa Lioness attended a zone meeting at the Elks Club in Brainerd and presented a report that included membership growth, which has gone from 26 to 46 members in 14 months. Pequot Lakes is mounting a new attack on the dingy water problem that has produced monthly complaints from city water users. The Pequot Lakes City Council voted to try an additive that is designed to control manganese and iron effects on city water. 25 years ago: Nov.

Brainerd Dispatch · Brainerd, MN
Nearby: Brainerd, MNWeather drawing by Jack Wasnie of Mr. Alholm's first grade class at Baxter Elementary School. Attention teachers: Don't forget to submit your students' weather drawing to the Brainerd Dispatch, 506 James St., Brainerd, MN, 56401. ]]>