
Detroit Lakes Tribune · Wadena, MN
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.

Pine and Lakes Echo Journal · Sebeka, MN
Nearby: Sebeka, MNFERGUS 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.

Post-Bulletin · Perham, MN
Nearby: Perham, MNHoliday 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 · Battle Lake, MN
Nearby: Battle Lake, MNDALTON, 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.

Detroit Lakes Tribune · Osage, MN
Nearby: Osage, MNOSAGE — 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.

Pine and Lakes Echo Journal · Backus, MN
Nearby: Backus, MNStudents at Pine River-Backus School are busy preparing for their fall musical, Disney’s "Finding Nemo, Jr." The cast includes 28 students in grades 6-12 with one senior this year, Adelynne Frank. Adelynne is a wonderful mentor to the younger students. It is always nice to have experienced actors in the cast to help introduce the new participants to the world of theater. The multi-grade participation is something that makes the fall musical a truly unique experience. These students have to sing, dance and act. It is a lot of work, but very rewarding in the end. It is a big time commitment as rehearsals are nearly every day after school, but watching all that hard work come to fruition is a lot of fun. The cast includes students who are involved in Knowledge Bowl, football, volleyball, cheerleading, band and choir. Despite the challenge of juggling schedules, it is nice to see so many diverse activities represented in the cast.

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 · Nisswa, MN
Nearby: Nisswa, MNFollowing are bites of business happenings in the northern lakes area. Lakes Area Buffet, an all-you-can-eat Tex Mex buffet that's open Thursdays-Sundays in Pequot Lakes and owned by Irayda Trevino and Troy Rodriguez.; and The Pulse (104.3 FM and The Word (91.5 and 102.7 FM), listener-supported Christian radio stations owned and operated by Minnesota Christian Broadcasters, Inc., joined the Pequot Lakes Chamber. Minnesota Mornings-The Art Spot, owned by Catherine Seczko on Hazelwood Drive in Nisswa, joined the Nisswa Chamber, offering live painting lessons for all ages and monthly free classes for children. ]]>

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.

The Sidney Herald · Alexandria, MN
Nearby: Alexandria, MNNovember is bringing plenty of reasons to get out and explore the Upper Midwest. From holiday shopping and dazzling Christmas parades to festive markets and community celebrations, there's something for everyone to enjoy as the season gets underway. Whether you're looking for a fun family outing, a weekend getaway or a new holiday tradition, check out these nine events happening across the region this November. 1. Holiday Open House at Country Blossom Farm Get a head start on the holiday season at Country Blossom Farm's Holiday Open House in Alexandria, Minnesota! At Country Blossom Farm, a Best of the Best winner for Outdoor Family Attraction, you can browse festive decorations, seasonal gifts and holiday displays as the farm welcomes shoppers for a weekend of Christmas cheer. Whether you're searching for the perfect gift or looking to add a little holiday spirit to your home, it's a great opportunity to kick off your seasonal shopping. Date: Saturday-Sunday, Nov.