Articles

UPDATE 4 P.M. MONDAY: Fire destroys two businesses in Parkers Prairie, Minn.

Lightning is believed to have caused a fire early Saturday morning that burned two businesses in Parkers Prairie.

• Fire in Parkers Prairie
• Unique Auto Body

Streets, sidewalks to get new leader

The person in charge of the crews that maintain streets, fix potholes, plow away snow and tackle other jobs to keep Alexandria’s traffic flowing smoothly, is stepping down. Bryan Bjorgaard, public works coordinator for the city of Alexandria for the last five years, submitted his resignation, effective June 27, to the Alexandria City Council Monday night. He’s moving to Idaho Falls where his wife recently landed a job.

• Bryan Bjorgaard

Ingebrigtsen, Westrom point out session's highs and lows

With another session of the Minnesota Legislature wrapped up, Senator Bill Ingebrigtsen, R-Alexandria, and Representative Torrey Westrom, R-Elbow Lake, put a bow on it Wednesday. During a media stop in Alexandria, they talked about what was accomplished – and what wasn’t.

• State Sen. Bill Ingebrigtsen
• State Rep. Torrey Westrom

Distracted teen driving is focus of Alexandria event

Here’s a pop quiz: What is the number one threat to teenagers? Hint: It’s not drugs or crime. The answer is traffic crashes.

CITY COUNCIL UPDATE: Big upgrade awaits 50th Avenue

A major upgrade is in the works for 50th Avenue in south Alexandria. City leaders say it will make the road safer, match it up with an existing wider section of the road, and provide better access to the new high school that will open in 2014.

Vikings stadium: cheers or jeers?

Is the breakthrough to build a $975 million Viking stadium a huge victory or a costly boondoggle? It all depends on how you feel about the Minnesota Vikings, state funding and gambling. On Monday, Governor Mark Dayton signed the proposal. Only one hurdle remains – approval from the Minneapolis City Council, a probable, but not guaranteed action.

• Ingebrigtsen

Bonding bill includes bright news for solar energy future

A new $500 million bonding bill passed by the Minnesota Legislature and signed into law includes an option for public buildings to take advantage of solar energy. Advocates say it will help state schools, hospitals, police stations, and other public buildings to install solar energy this year and into the future.

Boy Scout leader honored for his many good turns

“Do a good turn daily” is the Boy Scouts’ slogan. It also applies to Chuck Nettestad of Alexandria. As a Scouting volunteer, he’s been doing good turns for others for more than 25 yea

• Nettestad
• Award presentation

Troopers honored for rescuing driver in Lake Latoka

Last November, Sergeant Jesse Grabow of the State Patrol was at the right place at the right time to help rescue a driver from a sinking car near Alexandria. On Monday, he was honored with the State Patrol Life Saving Award, along with a fellow trooper, Chris Halder, and a passerby, Aanders Jackson, at an awards ceremony in Eagan.

• Lake Latoka
• Watching retrieval
• Out of water

A whole lot of sampling going on

A tantalizing array of food, from doughnuts to prime rib, was served up at the Runestone Community Center in Alexandria last Thursday – along with a big helping of economic impact. Henry’s Foods in Alexandria hosted its annual Pro Show, an event that’s targeted toward vendors and Henry’s Foods’ customers, not the general public.

• Sampling
• Cunninghams

Columns

Column - Clearing up faulty questions

As a newspaper person, I hear a lot of questions – questions the public asks at meetings, questions for me to field as an editor, questions that pop up online or in casual conversations at local events.

Column – A glimpse into crime

One small part of the newspaper that takes a little work but always seems to generate a lot of interest is the sheriff and police blotter.

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• Reporter 'couldn't take notes fast enough'