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Articles by Paul Torres
Meow Wolf and Niantic Spatial explore expansion of multimedia art with AR
6 minutes ago venturebeat Meow Wolf, known for its story worlds and immersive multimedia art, has partnered with Niantic Spatial to explore multimedia art with augmented reality. They are working on a proof of concept to bring those worlds beyond the walls of physical exhibitions and into the world of AR. Niantic Spatial is a geospatial AI company transforming how people and machines understand and interact with the physical world.
The Section 8AA Baseball Tournament continued on Monday 6/3 in Perham
The Section 8AA Baseball Tournament continued on Monday 6/3 in Perham. In an Elimination game at Matt’s Field, The #7 Seed in the South Hawley Nuggets hosted the #1 Seed in the North East Grand Forks Green Wave, on a beautiful afternoon. Hawley used 3 walks, to open the bottom of the first from EGF Starter Noah Frize, to take an early 3-0 lead.
Get ready for some summer fun with the Trucks and Tunes
Get ready for some summer fun with the Trucks and Tunes series starting on June 7th at the Detroit Lakes City Park! Sponsored by Project 412, this event promises a great lineup of live music every Friday from 5-8 pm. Kicking off the series on June 7th is the Post Traumatic Funk Syndrome, bringing their energetic funk vibes to the park. On June 14th, enjoy the soulful sounds of the Michael Shynes Band. The series wraps up on June 21st with Martin Zellar performing his popular tunes.
Mabel Murphy’s in Fergus Falls Under New Ownership
Fergus Falls, MN – After 25 years, Jo McQuisten has sold Mabel Murphy’s to Matt Danner, Darren Krein, and Evan Burkdoll, with the deal finalized on May 30th. The new owners will take over on June 4th. Danner and Krein, experienced local business owners, and Burkdoll, who owns Union Pizza and Töast, plan to make gradual changes to the restaurant while engaging the staff in the process. They aim to maintain Mabel’s as a central hub in Fergus Falls, continuing the legacy McQuisten built.
The Becker County Museum is hosting a series of STEAM Summer Day Camps this June
The Becker County Museum is hosting a series of STEAM Summer Day Camps this June, offering a variety of educational and fun activities for all ages. The lineup includes the Plants and Seeds Art Camp, Heritage programs, a Pollination Investigation, a Video Production workshop, and a Raptor Adventure. In addition to these camps, the museum has a range of programs and partnerships lined up. On June 12th, the Bookmobile will visit the museum with a storytime session at 10 am.
Detroit Lakes Park Board Discusses New Skateboard Park, Bicycle Friendly Community Updates, and Ongoing Projects
The Detroit Lakes Park Board recently held their monthly meeting, discussing several important topics and upcoming projects. A major highlight was the proposal for a new skateboard park. The current park is deteriorating costing between $300,000 and $500,000, aims to revitalize it. Potential grants from the Tony Hawk Foundation could cover up to 25% of the costs. The board also recommended a 12-month lease agreement for Ortenstone Gardens.
Minnesota Public Utilities Commission Approves Otter Tail Power’s Resource Plan
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission has approved Otter Tail Power Company’s new resource plan. This plan, settled in April, includes keeping Coyote Station running for emergency purposes only for Minnesota customers from June 2026 until 2031. Otter Tail will then shift to using 200 to 300 megawatts of solar, 150 to 200 megawatts of wind, and 20 to 75 megawatts of battery storage by 2029 to meet the Minnesota Carbon Free standard.
Public Reprimand Issued to Wadena County District Judge Douglas Clark Minnesota Board on Judicial Standards
Seventh Judicial District Judge Douglas B. Clark, who serves in the Wadena County Courthouse, has been publicly reprimanded by the Minnesota Board on Judicial Standards. The reprimand, announced on May 17, 2024, cites Clark’s failure o be courteous, patient, and impartial, as well as his inability to perform his judicial duties competently and diligently. This action follows a deferred disposition agreement from 2021 due to complaints about his demeanor and performance.
Nearly 90% of Minnesota Now Drought-Free
Good news for Minnesota! Nearly 90% of the state is now drought-free, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor map. Just over 2% of Minnesota is still experiencing moderate drought, while another 8% is considered abnormally dry. And there’s more hope on the horizon—forecasters are predicting storms over the next few days, which could further improve conditions across the state.
Investigation Underway into Rural Hawley Fire
Clay County Sheriff’s Office/Lakes Area Radio – An investigation is ongoing into a fire that destroyed an abandoned house about a mile north of Hawley early Thursday morning. Fire Chief Tim Sanvik reported that by the time firefighters arrived shortly before 3 a.m., the structure had already burned to the ground, and the garage roof had collapsed.
Walz Announces Launch of Summer EBT Program
MNN – Minnesota is providing additional funds to families to purchase groceries this summer. Governor Walz has announced the launch of the Summer E-B-T program . Eligible families will receive an extra $120 per child on their E-B-T cards in either July or August. According to the U-S-D-A, more than 400,000 children in Minnesota could benefit from this program.
Hawley Nuggets’ Softball Season Ends with 11-1 Loss to DGF Rebels
The Hawley Nuggets wrapped up their 2024 Softball Season with another loss to the DGF Rebels on Thursday 5/30 in Frazee. The Nugget Girls were able to stay alive in the elimination bracket on Wednesday with a 1-0…8 inning victory over the Thief River Falls Prowlers, and then met and beat the Menahga Lady Braves on Thursday 5/30 in Frazee, with another 1-0 victory in 7 Innings.
Hawley Nuggets Upset Pelican Rapids 9-8 in Elimination Thriller
The #7 Seed in the South, Hawley Nuggets Boys Baseball Season is NOT over, as they pick up an elimination game victory over the #4 Seed in the South, Pelican Rapids Vikings on Friday in Perham 9-8. In a back ‘n forth game, the Nuggets get an early lead with a Top of the First Inning run after DH Dillon Hoestra got hit by a pitch, he eventually came around to score on an RBI Single by Catcher Cael Kosmatka.
Hawley Nuggets Advance in Section 8AA Girls Softball Tournament with Two Wins in Thief River Falls
The Section 8AA Girls Softball Tournament continued in Thief River Falls on a beautiful Wednesday Afternoon. The Hawley Nuggets had their first matchup with the Wadena-Deer Creek Wolverines, in a matchup of the two #1 Seeds. The Nuggets got on the board with a RBI Single by Leftfielder Alex Gunderjohn, in the third inning to take a 1-0 lead.
Tickets are on sale now for the Hemp Beverage Festival, the first-of-its-kind celebration of hemp-infused drinks.
(MINNEAPOLIS) The Festival will take place on Saturday, June 8th from 1-6 pm at Minneapolis Cider Co., 701 SE Ninth Street, Minneapolis, MN 55414. Early-bird tickets ($25) are available now via hempbeveragealliance.org/festival or ticket app Farechild.com. More than 30 vendors will offer samples of their best selling products and talk about how their products are made. Local bluegrass favorite Buffalo Galaxy will perform at 4p. Food trucks will be on site all afternoon for hungry visitors.
Minnesota Families Encouraged to Apply for WIC Program
MNN – The Minnesota Department of Health is urging eligible families who aren’t yet enrolled in the WIC program to apply. WIC, which stands for Women, Infants, and Children, is a federal supplemental nutrition program designed to support families in need. According to MDH spokeswoman Kate Franken, there are still about 61,000 eligible Minnesota families who haven’t signed up for the program.
Friday Fun in Frazee
Hodge Podge 5/28/24 Looking for some family-friendly fun this summer? Check out “Fridays in Frazee”! Every Friday from June through August, head over to 305 West Main Ave from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. for free activities that the whole family can enjoy. Expect yard games, delicious treats, lively music, bouncy houses, a wet slide, and more. Don’t forget to bring your lawn chair! While the event is free, there’s a free-will donation option to help support these fantastic community gatherings.
$1.5T Farm Bill Passes Key House Committee, Mixed Reaction from MN Members
MinnPost – The massive $1.5 trillion Farm Bill just passed a key hurdle in the U.S. House Agriculture Committee, but it’s getting a mixed response from Minnesota’s representatives.
Willmar Escapes Upset, Defeats Lakers 5-4 in Extra Innings
The Laker baseball team’s upset bid was spoiled in extra innings by the Willmar Cardinals as they lost 5-4 on a two-out wild pitch. The Lakers had a lead going into the bottom of the seventh inning, but the Cardinals scored a two-out RBI single by pinch hitter Jaxin Schirmers to force extra innings. Noah Rieber pitched great for the Lakers, but his pitch count was over 100 pitches after the sixth inning.
Hawley Baseball and Softball advance in Section 8AA Tournament play
The Section 8AA Boys Baseball Tournament began play on Tuesday 5/28 in Dilworth, for the Hawley Nuggets and the DGF Rebels. DGF is the #2 Seed in the South and hosted the #7 Seed Nuggets. After a scoreless first inning, the Nuggets open the second inning with 2 walks, then after a strikeout, the Nuggets loaded the bases with another walk, before an RBI Sacrifice plated the first run, before Senior Aiden Eilertson hit a 2 RBI Single to Right Center to make it a 3 run inning for the Nuggets.
$1.5T Farm Bill Passes Key House Committee
$1.5T Farm Bill Passes Key House Committee, Mixed Reaction from MN Members MinnPost. The massive $1.5 trillion Farm Bill just passed a key hurdle in the U.S. House Agriculture Committee, but it’s getting a mixed response from Minnesota’s representatives.
4th Anniversary of George Floys’s Murder
Washington, DC) — As we approach the fourth anniversary of George Floyd’s murder, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar is renewing her push for the Justice in Policing Act. Floyd tragically died after ex-Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for over nine minutes.
Butterflies at Lowest Point Population in the Past Decade
This winter, the monarch butterfly population in Mexico hit its lowest point in the past decade, partly due to widespread drought conditions across the U.S., including here in Minnesota. University of Minnesota Professor Emilie Snell-Rood expresses concern that if these dry conditions persist, the monarch population could continue to decline because of a lack of milkweed and other pollinator plants.
USPS Addressing Complaints from Minnesotans
The USPS is conducting a statewide audit after numerous complaints about mail delays in Minnesota. Issues identified include delayed mail, incorrect scans, and poor post office conditions. Lawmakers are pushing for improvements, citing the need for timely delivery of essentials like medications (MinnPost, May 2024).
Troopers to Step Up Speed Enforcement on Rural Roads
The Minnesota State Patrol has launched the Rural Speed Reduction Project to combat speeding on high-risk rural roads. This initiative involves high-visibility patrols from now through September 2, aiming to reduce the number of speed-related fatalities, which have been increasing this year. Each district will focus on problematic roadways identified through various data sources. Law enforcement cite more than 5,000 drivers for distracted driving during April enforcement campaign.
MN Seal of Biliteracy First Ever Recipients
https://www.dlschools.net/about-us/news-and-publications Congratulations to the first-ever recipients of the MN Seal of Biliteracy in Detroit Lakes and surrounding areas! This prestigious state recognition honors students who have achieved proficiency in two or more languages. These students not only earn high school elective credits but also college credits at in-state colleges (excluding Minnesota State University) based on their scores.
OTC Welcomes Scott Bjerke
OTC Press Release 5/22/24 – Otter Tail County is excited to welcome Scott Bjerke as the new Assistant Solid Waste Director. Bjerke, an experienced educator and leader, brings a wealth of skills to his new role. He grew up in Moorhead, attended Concordia College, and has a background in education and leadership. Bjerke previously served as a teacher, coach, and principal, and also worked as a water patrol deputy with the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office.
GOP Urging Walz to Veto Bill
MNN – GOP lawmakers are urging Governor Tim Walz to veto a massive 1,400-page bill that Democrats pushed through in the final minutes of the legislative session. They argue the bill, which covers topics from taxes to health care, violates the state constitution’s single-subject rule. House Speaker Melissa Hortman said Republicans knew what was in the bills and intentionally delayed with lengthy speeches. The last-minute move caused chaos on the Senate and House floors.
Perham Citywide Rummage Sale Needs Your Stuff
Attention Perham residents! The citywide rummage sale is coming up on June 15th during Turtle Fest, and we’re looking for participants. Register your sale at Coldwell Banker Preferred Partners, located at 245 West Main Street in Perham. There’s no cost to participate, and all registered sellers will be eligible to win prizes. To sign up, stop by or call Coldwell Banker Preferred Partners at 218-346-7672 by the deadline on Monday, June 10th.
Copper Thieves Get Away with Over $10,000
MNN – Two men have been charged with burglary for stealing over $10,000 worth of copper from a rural Minnesota business. The suspects posed as AT&T phone technicians to carry out the theft at Fallsnet. This incident comes just after a new state law was passed, requiring a license to sell copper, aimed at curbing theft and the underground copper market.
Rep. Craig Slams USPS as Service Levels Decline
MNN – Representative Angie Craig is slamming the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) as service levels decline in the second quarter of the 2024 financial year. USPS states the service standard for first-class two-day service in the Minnesota-North Dakota region has worsened, with only 84.1% of mail arriving on time, nearly 10 points below USPS’ target of 93%. This also comes as Craig and others have recently called for a statewide investigation into the entire MN-ND USPS postal district.
Man Injured in Fargo Stabbing
MNN – Fargo Police are investigating a stabbing that sent a man to the hospital Monday night. Officers responded around 9:30 p.m. to a report of a man stabbed with a screwdriver. The victim sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to the hospital. Authorities believe the suspect and the victim know each other, but no suspect has been identified yet. Further details have not been released.
Valleyfair’s Soak City Opens for Season
MNN – Valleyfair’s Soak City is officially opening for the season on Saturday, though the controversial chaperone policy will still be in place.
Explosion at Morrison County Campground Sends One to Hospital
MNN – A man is recovering after an explosion at a Morrison County campground over the weekend. The blast occurred inside a camper on Sunday morning in Pierz. The 57-year-old man suffered severe burns and was airlifted to Hennepin County Medical Center. Investigators found a gas oven had been left on inside the camper, and a cigarette was lying on the floor at the time of the explosion.
OTC Open Houses
OTC Website – Otter Tail County Commissioners are hosting a community event at the Vergas Event Center, 140 West Linden Street, on Monday, June 10, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. This event offers a chance for residents to engage with commissioners and learn about various local projects and initiatives. Commissioner Wayne Johnson from District 2 invites residents to attend, emphasizing the importance of community input in addressing local issues and fostering positive changes.
Judge Debates Releasing Body Cam Footage from Sen. Mitchell’s Arrest
MNN – A judge is deliberating whether to release body cam footage from the arrest of Woodbury Senator Nicole Mitchell earlier this year. Mitchell was allegedly involved in breaking into her stepmother’s home. The Upper Midwest Law Center, representing Alpha News, is suing the City of Detroit Lakes and its police department to obtain the footage. This comes as many Minnesota Republicans have called for Mitchell’s resignation, which did not happen before the legislative session ended this weekend.
Otter Tail County Addresses Housing Needs
OTC Press Release 5/21/24 – The need for housing in Otter Tail County has spurred innovative solutions. The County’s Community Development Agency (CDA) is developing a new single-family housing project in Pelican Rapids, named Pinewood Estates. This comes after the completion of a new highway garage, leaving the former site at 208 NE 5th Street available for redevelopment. The Pinewood Estates subdivision will feature nine single-family lots.
Attention First-Time Homebuyers
Becker County Press Release- Becker County is partnering with Minnesota Housing to offer affordable mortgages through the Start Up loan program. This program provides down payment and closing cost assistance for eligible properties in Becker County through 2024. First-time homebuyers can access the program via local Minnesota Housing participating lenders.
Aging Expo a Great Success
There were flowers, health experts, financial experts, Senior Living specialists and over 200 folks who attended the Celebrating Aging Expo at the Holiday Inn in Detroit Lakes yesterday. They came in the rain, on buses and stayed for Bingo and the feedback from folks who celebrated the event was overwhelmingly positive. Amie Issendorf, the event organizer and media consultant told us “Thank you to all that helped at our Celebrate Aging Expo today.
OTC Commissioners Open House
(OTC press release 5/15/24) – Otter Tail County Commissioners are hosting a community event on Monday, June 10, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Vergas Event Center. This open house is a chance for residents to chat with commissioners and learn about local projects and initiatives. Commissioner Wayne Johnson encourages everyone to attend, saying community input is essential for positive change.
2024 Festival of Birds
(DL Chamber May newsletter) – Did you know…this area is nestled in the heart of a transition zone? We are in the heart of tall grass prairie, northern hardwoods and conifer forests which are also homes for 275 species of birds. The 27th annual Festival of Birds is scheduled for today through Saturday. This year the Chamber of Commerce collaborated with the Gathering Partners Conference, which is hosted by U of M Extension and Natural Resource Volunteer Program and the Bell Museum.
Machine Gun involved in death of firefighter
(MNN) – A Minneapolis man is facing serious charges after a deadly shootout outside a popular nightclub. The incident claimed the life of 40-year-old Joseph C. Johns, an off-duty firefighter from Eden Prairie and Eagan. Marquise Hammonds-Ford, 28, is charged with first-degree riot leading to death, having a machine gun, and illegal gun possession as a felon. His bail is set at $800,000.
Tribal Member Protest near Strawberry Lake
(DL-Online) – Law enforcement was called to a logging site near Strawberry Lake in Becker County after White Earth tribal members protested the operations. Hodgden Logging won the bid to harvest various types of wood but left due to safety concerns when tribal members arrived, demanding they leave. The site, located within Becker County and White Earth Reservation borders, saw a confrontation between the loggers and tribal members, including White Earth Tribal Council members.
No cell phones beginning this fall in Lake Park/Audubon
(FB post 5/15/24) – Beginning this fall students in the Lake Park/Audubon schools will NOT be allowed to have their cell phones during the school day. School Board Policy 524 states that students are prohibited from using their cell phones and other electronic communication devices during the instructional day. Students who drive will be encouraged to leave their cell phones in their vehicles. Those who bring them into the building will be required to turn them in.
CHS and West Central Ag Services sign nonbinding letter of intent
(CHS/WCA press release 5/15/24) – CHS and West Central Ag Services, a cooperative in Ulen, Minnesota, have signed a nonbinding letter of intent to join forces. This move aims to better serve their owners and customers while positioning them for future growth. Duane Brendemuhl, President of West Central Ag Services, says the merger will help connect producers to the global market, adding value for farmer owners and boosting competition with other local ag companies.
MN Judicial Branch finally clearing backlog of Covid criminal cases
The Minnesota Judicial Branch has successfully cleared the pandemic-induced backlog of criminal cases. Felony and gross misdemeanor cases surged by 40% when COVID-19 halted in-person hearings. To tackle this, the MN Judicial Council introduced remote hearings, hired more staff, and organized special events to reduce the backlog. An Access & Fairness Survey conducted in late 2023, with feedback from over 15,000 residents, showed the state’s highest satisfaction rating since 2008.
Adult Prom Paw-rty: Dancing and Dogs!
Adult Prom Paw-rty: Dancing and Dogs! The Marshmallow Animal Shelter is putting on the ritz! Saturday evening adults get their chance to experience Prom Night at the Boys and Girls Club, with proceeds benefiting the Marshmallow Animal Shelter. Doors open at 5 p.m. feast on the taco bar, enjoy your favorite drinks and dance the night away with music provided by Harmon Entertainment You may be the winner of a designer purse raffle, lots of games of chance and great prizes.
Launch of New, Statewide Aquatic Invasive Species PSA Series
Counties across Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates have come together to produce a unique ‘How Well Do You Know Minnesota?’ series that provides MN fun facts and AIS information. The series launched May 1st and will run through September 30th with a different video showcased each month.
End of 2024 Legislation
As the legislative session wraps up, Minnesota Republicans have laid out their end-of-session demands. They’re pushing for $30 million to help emergency medical services in Greater Minnesota but say their support for a bonding bill isn’t tied to this funding. They’re also against putting an Equal Rights constitutional amendment on the 2026 ballot, saying it infringes on religious liberties.
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