Meet In CommonNews

Local news in and around Detroit Lakes, MN

Detroit Lakes Tribune · Detroit Lakes, MN

Becker County, Detroit Lakes Schools strain to cover for workers out on the state's new paid leave program

DETROIT LAKES — Minnesota’s paid family leave program has been hitting some local governments hard. Minnesota Paid Leave is a state-run insurance program that went into effect on Jan. 1 of this year. It provides partial wage replacement and job protection to eligible workers who need time off for medical issues or to care for family members. Beyond medical issues such as cancer, the program also covers pregnancy, family caregiving, new child bonding, military family support, and safety leave. Workers can take up to 12 weeks of medical leave and up to 12 weeks of family leave per year, with a combined maximum of 20 weeks. At the Becker County-owned Sunnyside Nursing Home, about 10% of the 70 employees are out on paid leave for 12 to 20 weeks, mostly on the day shift, according to Executive Director Ashley McNally. The 30-bed nursing home now has 24 patients. “We’re keeping it (patient numbers) down mostly due to paid family leave,” McNally told the Becker County Board recently.

Detroit Lakes Tribune · Detroit Lakes, MN

Reilly Fawcett looks to get girls hockey back to winning ways

DETROIT LAKES — The sound of skates cutting, shots ringing off the post and whistles blowing- hockey is officially back in Detroit Lakes. There’s a new twist this season as Reilly Fawcett takes over as head coach of the girls hockey team. “Sports are about so much more than wins and losses. I think one of the more important parts of coaching is helping prepare these athletes for their next steps in life, both on and off the ice,” Fawcett said. “ I enjoy getting to know each player individually, hearing about their lives outside of hockey, and finding ways to push them to reach their full potential. At the end of the day, I want them to become better hockey players, but more importantly, better people.” Hockey has always been a massive part of Fawcett’s life as she grew up going to Minnesota-Duluth games. Fawcett played four years at Bemidji State, where she made the all-academic team three years in a row.

Detroit Lakes Tribune · Detroit Lakes, MN

Ice cream cone chucked at vehicle in Detroit Lakes

Monday, Nov. 9 7:26 a.m., Officers responded to a report of a person taking several items from a business on Second Street in Audubon, without paying. The person was issued a citation for theft and a trespass order. 5:36 p.m., A caller reported a man in a store on Front Street West in Detroit Lakes making rude comments to customers and staff about the price of products. The caller asked officers to serve the man a trespass notice. 5:45 p.m., A Lake Park caller reported a woman visiting the caller’s bank and attempting to withdraw money. The bank stopped it. 6:24 p.m., Officers responded to a report of an unknown woman attempting to push her way into a home on Migizi Avenue in Ponsford. The woman was reportedly pounding on the door before failing to push her way in. Officers did not locate the woman.

Detroit Lakes Tribune · Detroit Lakes, MN

All the happenings in the lakes area, Nov. 7-15

For inclusion in our free Happenings event calendar, please submit items at least one week before the event occurs, to [email protected] or [email protected]. Include date, time, location, contact information and admission cost, if any. Saturday, November 7 Live Music: Kyle Colby at Zorbaz in Detroit Lakes, 9 p.m.-midnight. Sunday, November 8 VFW Auxiliary Breakfast: Come support the local VFW Auxiliary and their veterans programs by attending their monthly breakfast fundraiser at VFW Post 1676, 500 Washington Ave., Detroit Lakes, served from 8 a.m. to noon. Menu is pancakes and sausage or biscuits and sausage gravy, with eggs and a choice of juice or coffee, all for a donation of $9 per person. All are welcome. Wednesday, November 11 HAPPY VETERAN'S DAY! Many city, county and federal offices will be closed in observance of the national holiday, as well as banks, libraries and post offices.

Detroit Lakes Tribune · Detroit Lakes, MN

Effect of M State campus closure on Detroit Lakes called 'devastating and soul-crushing'

DETROIT LAKES — Local officials, educators, healthcare administrators, and community members gathered Thursday night to share impassioned testimony regarding the proposed closure of Minnesota State Community and Technical College's Detroit Lakes campus. The Nov. 5 public hearing, mandated by state law, provided regional stakeholders a formal opportunity to address members of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees before a final vote on the closure is taken later this month. Board Trustee Roger Moe, a former state legislator who now lives in Detroit Lakes, chaired the hearing. He emphasized that the board has not yet reached a final decision. "The purpose of this hearing is to listen," Moe said, noting that all Thursday's testimony and written submissions will be entered into the official record for board deliberations. "No final decision has been made," he added in his closing remarks. A decision is expected later this month, however.

Post-Bulletin · Perham, MN

Nearby: Perham, MN

Where to stock up on holiday craft supplies, inspiration this season

Holiday craft season is in full swing. Experienced homemade gifters know the making season starts in summer, but the procrastinators among us may be just getting started. These fabric shops are well-stocked with fabrics in patterns for all occasions, from holidays to animals to sports. Whether you're working on an apron, potholders, quilt or something else for your loved ones this holiday season, you'll find the fabric and notions you need at these shops across the Upper Midwest. Bay Window Quilt Shop For quilters across the region, Bay Window Quilt Shop in Perham, Minnesota, is a destination for high-quality cotton in a wide variety of patterns and themes. This shop is perfect for folding into a day of shopping the storefronts in a classic and quaint downtown. If you'd like to try something new, owner Katie Hennagir designs quilt patterns. You'll find unique, new quilt designs in the shop, alongside fabrics thoughtfully arranged to inspire.

Detroit Lakes Tribune · Osage, MN

Nearby: Osage, MN

Teen bicyclist airlifted after being struck by pickup in Osage Township

OSAGE — A 15-year-old boy riding a bicycle was seriously injured Thursday afternoon after being struck by a pickup truck on a rural road in Becker County, according to a news release from the Becker County Sheriff's Office. The sheriff’s office received a 911 call at 4:07 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 12, reporting that a pickup truck had struck a juvenile male on a bicycle on County Road 123, approximately one mile south of Minnesota State Highway 34 in rural Osage. The caller reported that the boy had suffered significant injuries. The boy was flown by helicopter to a hospital in the Fargo area. His current condition is unknown, and his name is being withheld because he is a minor. The driver of the pickup, Kevin Beyer, 56, of Osage, was not injured. Emergency crews from the Becker County Sheriff’s Office, the Minnesota State Patrol, Carsonville Fire and Rescue, Wolf Lake Rescue, and a Life Link III air ambulance responded to the scene. Alcohol is not believed to have been a factor.

Detroit Lakes Tribune · Battle Lake, MN

Nearby: Battle Lake, MN

Restaurant in Otter Tail County 'total loss' from overnight fire

DALTON, Minn — Otter Tail County officials say the Hideout Saloon and Grill at 111 West Main Avenue in Dalton is considered a total loss after a damaging overnight fire. Dalton, a town of about 215 people, is 13 miles southeast of Fergus Falls. Just before 3:00 a.m., a deputy patrolling the area saw heavy smoke coming from the restaurant. Further investigation determined the building was on fire. There is no report of injuries. The Dalton Fire Department responded with help from the Fergus Falls, Ashby, Elbow Lake, Underwood, Wendell and Battle Lake Fire Departments. A post on the restaurant's Facebook page said the business, which opened in 2006, will be closed until further notice. Hundreds of people posted messages of love and support to owners Zach and Charity Hovland. On its Facebook page, Dalton Fire and Rescue members said their hearts go out to the family, employees, and patrons of the Hideout. They also sent thanks to everyone who helped.

Pine and Lakes Echo Journal · Sebeka, MN

Nearby: Sebeka, MN

Minnesota guitarist's invention strikes a new chord

FERGUS FALLS — The back room of Stella’s restaurant in Fergus Falls filled with people on Oct. 28, all there to see musician Ben Ranson play. Ranson, who grew up in Sebeka, Minnesota, and currently lives in Sandstone, is a regular performer at venues across the region, including in Fergus Falls. But Oct. 28 was no ordinary gig. That night, Ranson revealed something he’d been working on for years. It wasn’t a new song or a clever guitar lick, it was an invention called “palmfrets” — something Ranson believes could change the way guitarists use their instrument. It allows players to play new bass lines or melodies using their palm, a special set of frets called palmfrets and a technique called palmfretting. The invention The idea for palmfrets came to Ranson over five years ago.

Detroit Lakes Tribune · Wadena, MN

Nearby: Wadena, MN

'Someone knows': 39 years later, the search for Carla Beth Anderson continues

WADENA — For 39 years, one question has remained unanswered for the family of Carla Beth Anderson: What happened to her? Anderson was just 23 years old when she disappeared from the Greenwood Apartments in Wadena on Nov. 13, 1987. Nearly four decades later, her family is still searching for answers, hoping that someone, somewhere, knows what happened in the days and hours surrounding her disappearance. Dan Anderson, Carla’s eldest brother, still remembers the moment he learned his sister was missing — a phone call from his mother that would change his family’s life forever. “I got a pretty panicked, frantic phone call from my mom,” Dan Anderson recalled during a Nov. 10 phone interview. Back then, Dan was working in Eagan. As soon as he learned what had happened, he and his wife, who worked for the city of Apple Valley, made the drive to Wadena. “So we talked to them for a little bit and then we drove up immediately,” he said.

Northern Star · Fargo, ND

Nearby: Fargo, ND

Huskies dismantled at home by Nevada

Not yet finding the light at the end of the tunnel, NIU football brutally lost 28-7 at home to the University of Nevada Wolfpack, committing three poorly timed turnovers. “Obviously not the result we wanted, I know it’s been a broken record there in terms of wanting to play clean football,” interim head coach Rob Harley said. “We’re trying to get out of our own way and not have these catastrophic plays.” The first half was rough for the Huskies (0-10, 0-6 Mountain West), and they found themselves down 21 points to the Wolfpack (4-6, 3-3 MW) by the halftime whistle. The defense somewhat recovered though, only allowing 7 points in the second half. “We knew it was just execution, we were doing the right things,” said freshman linebacker Jack Murray, who had 11 total tackles.

Henderson Daily News · Fargo, ND

Nearby: Fargo, ND

Hints from Heloise | Pizza cutter can be a handy gift

Dear Heloise: As a shower gift before my wedding, a friend of mine gave me a pizza cutter. I smiled and said, “Thank you.” We eat pizza, so I knew it’d get some use. And it sure did! I cut brownies, cookies, noodles, play clay, and a couple of ribbons, and I even opened some boxes with it! What a useful gadget a pizza cutter happens to be. — Patsy L., in Fargo, North Dakota No more foggy mirrors Dear Heloise: I hated it when my bathroom mirror would fog up after each shower. Finally, a neighbor told me to combine shaving cream and rubbing alcohol, mixing them very well until they form a thick, foamy texture. Then you just clean your bathroom mirror with this mixture. No Oil-based polish Dear Heloise: I clean my stainless steel appliances with oil-based furniture polish, and it works great! It cleans them and protects them against water damage.

Jamestown Sun · Fargo, ND

Nearby: Fargo, ND

McFeely: Hawaii goes from paradise to dystopia for Bison

HONOLULU — What’s the Hawaiian word for “dumpster fire?” The extent of the damage, if any, won’t be known until early Sunday morning in Fargo, but North Dakota State's visit to the islands didn't get off on a good note. It might turn out to be nothing more than part of a good story about a football victory on NDSU's first trip to play Hawaii in the Mountain West Conference. Then again, it might turn out to be a factor in a loss for the favored Bison in a critically important game. NDSU’s arrival on Oahu was delayed by some 13 hours Thursday, with the Bison not arriving until about 5 a.m. Friday. The issue was the airplane the team chartered for a direct flight through Eastern Airlines from Hector International Airport to Honolulu. Apparently there were mechanical problems and NDSU had to wait for another plane to arrive from another location to pick them up for the 8-1/2-hour flight.

The Mining Journal · Fargo, ND

Nearby: Fargo, ND

Hints From Heloise: A pizza cutter can be a handy gift

Dear Heloise: As a shower gift before my wedding, a friend of mine gave me a pizza cutter. I smiled and said, “Thank you.” We eat pizza, so I knew it’d get some use. And it sure did! I cut brownies, cookies, noodles, play clay, and a couple of ribbons, and I even opened some boxes with it! What a useful gadget a pizza cutter happens to be. — Patsy L., in Fargo, North Dakota SEND A GREAT HINT TO: [email protected] NO MORE FOGGY MIRRORS Dear Heloise: I hated it when my bathroom mirror would fog up after each shower. Finally, a neighbor told me to combine shaving cream and rubbing alcohol, mixing them very well until they form a thick, foamy texture. Then you just clean your bathroom mirror with this mixture. No more foggy mirrors! — Ava K., in Englewood, Florida OIL-BASED POLISH Dear Heloise: I clean my stainless steel appliances with oil-based furniture polish, and it works great! It cleans them and protects them against water damage.

Grand Forks Herald · Fargo, ND

Nearby: Fargo, ND

Port: Jamie Selzler goes from citizen to Senate minority leader in 100 days

MINOT — It took Jamie Selzler just 100 days to go from being appointed to the North Dakota Senate to leading the Democratic-NPL minority in that chamber. Selzler, a Fargo Democrat, was elected Senate minority leader Thursday evening, Nov. 12. He ran unopposed, as did all five other candidates for Democratic leadership positions in the House and Senate. It's a remarkably quick rise for someone who has yet to serve in a regular legislative session. Selzler was chosen for the Senate on Aug. 4, replacing Josh Boschee, who resigned after being elected Fargo mayor. The timing was noteworthy. Selzler was selected just after an Aug. 1 deadline that would have required an election for the remainder of Boschee's term. Because the vacancy occurred after that cutoff, Selzler wasn't required to appear on the Nov. 3 ballot. Boschee began his mayoral term July 1 but didn't resign his Senate seat until Aug. 4 — 34 days later.

North Dakota Monitor · Fargo, ND

Nearby: Fargo, ND

Poll: North Dakotans worry data centers will strain power, water

Worries over how adding new data centers in the state could impact the electric bills of residents and strain local water systems are high, the latest North Dakota Poll has found. When asked how concerned they were about data centers increasing electricity bills, 76% expressed concern, with 49% saying they were very concerned. The highest levels of concern were in Fargo and Cass County, where 54% said they were very concerned. Water use is also high on the list of concerns, with 76% worried that data center water use could strain local water systems, and with 45% of respondents saying they were very concerned. Poll: Support mixed for data centers, state asked to take lead Asked whether they were more concerned about the water and electricity use of AI data centers or traditional data centers, 42% said they were more concerned about AI data centers.

Detroit Lakes Tribune · Fargo, ND

Nearby: Fargo, ND

Election Day brings mixed bag of results for North Dakota and Minnesota school districts

FARGO — Voters in school districts across North Dakota and Minnesota had their say about funding for their local schools on Election Day, with varying levels of success. Of the questions related to mill levies, operating levies and bond measures, only a handful passed while more went down in defeat, leaving school leaders wondering what the future holds. Residents of the Fargo school district approved an excess mill levy, essentially a continuation of a tax to fund salaries, programming and other general fund expenses for Fargo Public Schools. In final, unofficial results, 63% voted yes while 37% voted no. Superintendent Cory Steiner said his reaction is a feeling of gratitude. “I was surprised by the results, not surprised by the support. I just think it's tougher and tougher to get a vast majority of people to agree on something,” he said. With the focus of the last year spent on trying to get a budget deficit solved, Steiner said the district was looking backward.