West Central Tribune

SAUK RAPIDS, Minn. — Amid the cultural change and political upheaval of the 1960s, “Star Trek” boldly went where few science fiction television shows had gone before by promoting introspection and collaboration over conflict. Since its original air date in 1966, the franchise has taken many forms, including comic books, feature films and video games. Today, “Star Trek” is as relevant and impactful as ever, with fans set to celebrate the iconic series’ 60th anniversary on Tuesday, Sept.

Did you hear about the guy who had a fear of hurdles? He got over it. Speaking of getting over things, hopefully, the region will soon get over the widespread drought conditions we’ve endured this growing season. This year’s heat and drought might require modification of our Labor Day yard and garden tasks, which is a benchmark holiday for many lawn and perennial garden projects. Following is a checklist of yard and garden to-dos, traditionally recommended for around Labor Day.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources changed the way hunters and anglers get their licenses with the shutdown of their previous license system June 1. The new system is almost entirely online now, which may create challenges for those without more up-to-date technology. Under the new system, most license holders are expected to buy a license through the DNR's website or smartphone application and download documents to their phone.

A common question is, “What’s the best lure to throw to catch lots of fish of various species?” For me, the answer is easy. A bladed swim jig paired with a plastic trailer catches bass, northern pike and walleye. Plus, the combo is easy to fish. For example, last June we were on one of many “fishy” lakes in the Alexandria, Minnesota, area targeting shoreline flats with emerging weeds. By holding the boat near the deep edge of the flats, we made long casts on the flats and retrieved our baits.

MINNEAPOLIS — A world-renowned epidemiologist and infectious disease expert from Minnesota weighed in on hot-button health issues this week, including vaccine misinformation, recent food-borne illness outbreaks and preparing for the next pandemic. Dr. Michael Osterholm directs the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota.

Following the Supreme Court’s decision early this year that President Donald Trump’s tariff regime was unconstitutional, many corporations have seen substantial windfalls in the form of federal refunds for the tariffs they paid. That’s put some of them, particularly retailers that passed much of that tariff bill along to consumers, in the ticklish position of deciding whether, and if so how, to help their customers share in the good fortune.

ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources next public auction for confiscated fishing, hunting and trapping equipment will be Sept. 28. The auction will be online. The bidding catalog for the auction will be available at the Hiller Auction Service website on Sept. 24. The catalog will include a written description and photos of each item. Online bidding for the auction begins Sept. 25.

A recent law change officially recognizes and regulates licensed veterinary technicians in Minnesota. It’s a change that proponents say was a long time coming and should bring some much needed recognition to those credentialed professionals as well as improve veterinary care in the state. The legislation enacted in 2024 and 2026 was a significant update to the Minnesota Veterinary Practice Act, bringing it closer in line with most other states.

WILLMAR — As the school year starts at colleges across the state, programs are updated to meet community needs and standards. In the state of Minnesota, one industry is seeing a major change to the career path for people getting started. As of July 1, 2026, veterinary technicians are required to be licensed by the Board of Veterinary Medicine.

WILLMAR — A crash between an electric scooter and a motor vehicle was reported at 5:58 p.m. Thursday on 19th Avenue Southwest near Roosevelt Elementary School. The motor vehicle made contact with the leg of the scooter rider, according to the media report, but there will be no crash investigation as the vehicle driver stopped to check on the rider and was told that they were OK. The rider had minor scratches and scrapes.