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Two years ago, Michelle Fussy found a new passion for growing houseplants after bringing home a philodendron ‘Jose Buono’ plant known for its large paddle shaped leaves. This expanded her interest in taking care of plants and expanding her gallery, and while her plants grew, so did the idea of...
Little Falls commemorates 25 years of 9/11
Sep 11 2026The U.S. flag swayed in the gentle breeze as the Morrison County community gathered together at the county government center to commemorate 25 years since the events of 9/11.Morrison County Chaplain Gregg Valentine started the ceremony with a prayer, followed by Little Falls Community High School choir students who sang...
Funding enables retailers to offer point-of-sale discounts that help farmers use products that reduce losses and protect water qualityThe Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has awarded more than $1.6 million through its Nitrogen Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizer Discount program to expand the use of nitrogen‑saving fertilizer technologies on farms across Minnesota...
For nine years, Randal Dietrich has watched the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum move toward something that wasn’t even on the radar when he took the job.Now, Dietrich, executive director of the museum, is standing inside its new 40,000-square-foot building just outside Camp Ripley, watching the final pieces come together.The...
After years of planning, the new Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum near Camp Ripley is nearly ready to open.It's a 40,000 square foot facility that features authentic artifacts and stories."A long time coming, but it's going to be worth the wait," said Randal Dietrich, the museum's executive director.Planning and construction...
The public will have an opportunity to review proposed alternatives for replacing the Highway 27 bridge over the Mississippi River during an open house Thursday, Sept. 17.The open house will be held from 5-7 p.m. at Little Falls City Hall, 100 7th Ave. NE. Attendees may review the alternatives, ask...
Takoda Kennels keeps tails wagging
Aug 26 2026Creating a calm and personalized environment for the dogs that visit Takoda Kennels in Upsala is important to Owner Rachel Strassburg. Since she runs a small operation with only a few kennels, she is able to devote more time to each dog and build a real connection. The small-scale environment...
Hands of Hope Resource Center has launched a campaign encouraging residents of Morrison and Todd counties to share messages of hope and kindness in their communities.The Signs of Hope campaign invites individuals, groups, institutions and businesses to display yard signs featuring uplifting messages. The campaign was funded by Sourcewell.Participants may...
Pierz celebrates 42nd annual Oktoberfest
Aug 22 2026Pierz Oktoberfest, the longtime tradition of celebrating German heritage, will take place on Sunday, Aug. 30 at Pierz Park.The event will kick off with the Pierz Lion’s Club parade at 11 a.m. After the parade, festivities will run in Pierz Park from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Some of the...
Within two months from its launching, Open Arms Pet Grooming in Pierz is making a difference creating stress-free grooming for dogs and cats alike.The owner, Alyssa Martin, has worked her way around animals for many years now. First, she worked as a groomer at a dog boarding facility and later,...
Iwona’s Pierogies not only pays tribute to the Polish roots of the Kowalczuks family, but also serves as an opportunity to feed the significant Polish community of Brainerd and Little Falls.Lukasz Kowalczuk is the son of Iwona and Walmar Kowalczuk, and a first-generation Polish-American. Walmar comes from a small town...
Royalton School Board introduced a statewide vote coming in November regarding the distribution of the Minnesota's Permanent School Fund among public schools.Careful management throughout the years has generated more than $2.3 billion to support public, charter and tribal schools across Minnesota.The proposed constitutional amendment entails to update how the annual...
Randy Seehafer, 71, is volunteering his time to make the Minnesota Fishing Museum and Hall of Fame in Little Falls more appealing to the eye.Seehafer, a retiree who moved to Little Falls about five years ago, said he frequently attends city council meetings. After a recent meeting, he reached out...
After its debut in 2023, Walkin’ Wings, a cooking competition, returns for the fourth time Saturday, Aug. 29, to celebrate the community of Pierz.This year, the event features 19 sponsors and nearly $6,000 in payouts. The prizes will be distributed as follows: first place $1,500, second $1,000, third $500, and...
Thrilled by launching the Navigating Everyday Experiences and Tomorrow (NEXT) Studio at Upsala Area Schools this fall, Special Education Teachers Courney Justin and Amber Mayers are spearheading the project. The new hands-on life skills classroom is available for students PreK through 12th grade and helps students build real-world, functional skills,...
For many residents and out-of-town visitors, Christensen’s Bar in downtown Little Falls has become a neighborhood gathering place — somewhere to enjoy a cold drink or homemade pizza, play darts, watch sports and socialize.Owner Mark Christensen describes it as a place where people can come as they are.Today known as...
Water Bar: Raising awareness of water treatment
Aug 10 2026Confusion, laughter, and surprised looks were a few of the reactions from the people who decided to try the Water Bar at the Green Fair Folk Festival on Wednesday, Aug. 5.The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency brought two representatives, Stephanie Schuebel and Kristin Mroz, from St. Paul to share three samples...
Travelers on both directions of Highway 10 through Royalton will encounter lane closures and delays beginning the week of Monday, Aug. 17, as roadwork gets underway, advises the Minnesota Department of Transportation.The $1.1 million project will update pedestrian facilities and resurface Highway 10 through Royalton. Work will take place Monday...
Having served the Little Falls area for nearly 40 years, Dr. Todd Baumgartner, optometrist and founder of Little Falls Eye Care Center is ready to retire, Aug. 27. That same day an open house will also be held at the clinic from 1-4 p.m. While the technology used has certainly...
The Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum will open its new 40,000 square foot facility during a three-day grand opening weekend, Sept. 11-13. The celebration will mark the 25th anniversary of the events of Sept. 11, 2001, and include an address by retired U.S. Army General Paul M. Nakasone. There also...
The public is invited to join the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls for a FREE family-friendly event that promotes a healthy and sustainable lifestyle on Wednesday, August 5th, from 4-8 p.m., on the west lawn of St. Francis Convent, Little Falls!The Green Fair Folk Festival is a FREE family-friendly event...
A $9.6 million air-handling system is the centerpiece of a proposed $17.27 million indoor air quality and mechanical improvement project at Little Falls Community High School.The remaining approximately $7.7 million is not a cost increase but represents the electrical, ceiling, sprinkler and related work needed to install the equipment and...
Voters in five area school districts will choose candidates to fill 14 open school board seats Nov. 3, with contested races developing in Little Falls, Pierz and Swanville, while Royalton drew two candidates for two seats and Upsala had only one candidate file for three openings.Little FallsEight candidates have filed...
When Dr. Ken Dodge dreamed of opening his own optometry practice, he knew he wanted more than a career helping people see better. He wanted to build a business that would become a lasting part of the communities he served. Through careful planning, a willingness to take calculated risk, and...