By Jessica Carlson  Otter Tail County Master Gardener I have been going outside on mild days this week and noticed that although winter is officially over, it has not left quietly. In fact, heavy wet snow can persist until late April, so we may not be done yet, though it won’t last long.  It looks as though winter… Read More

Spotting and Avoiding Online Scams Class: Feeling secure is important. We’ll share practical advice and simple steps you can take to recognize potential scams and keep your money and personal details safe. The class is scheduled for Tuesday, May 12 at 5:30 p.m. in the Henning Public School Staff Meeting Room.  Use entrance #4. Class instructor… Read More

Summer recreation begins for all groups except T-ball and Toss ball on Monday, June 1. T-ball and Toss ball will meet Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:30-9:30 a.m. starting Monday, June 8. Summer Rec. fees are $30 for T-ball and Toss ball; $50 for all other groups. Registration forms are available on the Henning Community… Read More

The Prairie Spy Alan “Lindy” Linda It was a quiet Saturday morning in Boatville, at Hippie Hardware on main street. I had one of The Young Girls–my daughters–with me that morning. (Yes, this Young Girl–the youngest of the three, was the one I had fired twice and hired three times, which fact most of the people in… Read More

By Jessica Carlson  Otter Tail County Master Gardener In Minnesota, the growing season often feels brief, but it does not have to limit what gardeners can achieve. By starting early and using various techniques, gardeners can create favorable conditions for their plants both in the spring and again in the fall. These methods help maximize the time… Read More

Ask A Trooper Sgt. Jesse Grabow Question: We are starting to see a lot more fog with spring time. Can you provide some advice for driving in those types of conditions.   Answer: This is a great topic. Here is some information from the National Weather Service for driving in fog. If you must drive in foggy conditions,… Read More

The Prairie Spy Alan “Lindy” Linda It was 1969, Quang Tri Combat Base, Vietnam. His last name was Antoine, and like a lot of guys back then, back there, soldiers got called some derivative of their name or place. We called him Twine. (For example: “Tex” was from Texas; “Pineapple” was from Hawaii, and so forth.) Twine… Read More

To the Editor, Retirement from a farm business may not mean moving away or giving up on mentoring the next generation, but it does entail transferring management decisions to someone else. It can be a gradual or sudden process. It may be driven by long-term goals, by sudden health issues, or events outside your family. When should… Read More

Jessica Carlson Otter Tail County Master Gardener According to the University of Minnesota Extension, the best period for most pruning is from late winter to early spring.  During this dormant time, it reduces stress, minimizes disease spread, and makes it easier to see the structure of trees and shrubs. Using the right tools makes pruning easier and… Read More

By Jessica Carlson Master Gardener Winter is a good time to think about new garden ideas. This year I am starting from scratch with the perennial gardens at my new home, so I have been spending time reading garden books and sketching ideas for future beds. I enjoy looking at photos of famous mixed borders in… Read More