By Jessica Carlson  OTC Master Gardener Intern A common issue that often surprises homeowners is frost heaving. It can uproot or injure perennials and young shrubs over the months in our area that often have wild temperature fluctuations. Understanding why it occurs and how to prevent it can be effective in keeping your garden’s resilience through the… Read More

By Camille Pearson Walz  West Central Initiative As a longtime resident of Moorhead, Beth Grosen has always believed in giving back to the community she loves. From her years with the city to her service in the Rotary Club, Beth’s life has been grounded in generosity and connection. Now, as she plans for the future, she hopes… Read More

To the Editor, Ever since America’s beginning there has been spans of years where there was a reconstruction of how the government, businesses and lifestyles have drastically changed. Examples of those periods are: (AI search and Britannica) Foundational • Colonial and revolutionary era 1600s-1783 1778 war for independence • Early Republic and expansion 1783-1860 1787 was drafting of the US Constitution Louisiana… Read More

The Prairie Spy Alan “Lindy” Linda This isn’t a column for everyone; it’s about air filters. Air filters bring with them very little humor, well, except for the times new home owners—some of whom had been in their home for a couple of years or more—have proudly shown me their furnaces, knowing I’m interested, with my HVAC… Read More

By Jessica Carlson Otter Tail County Master Gardener Intern The outdoor gardening season is ending, and the Holidays are right around the corner. Many gardeners have brought in their plants from the patio after summer vacation. Sadly, uninvited guests often come along for the ride. Tiny insects can thrive in the warm, sheltered environment of our homes,… Read More

To all the friends and family who came to celebrate Aunt Viv’s life – when I read her obituary, I remembered so much more. The mom she was to families that kids needed care. Teaching me to take time to have a cup of tea and a cookie and watch birds. Going for Chinese food… Read More

Join the Henning Community Education on Thursday, Nov. 6 at 6 p.m. for a fun evening of painting, laughter, and creativity! You’ll get to choose between: 1) A set of fall pumpkins, or 2) A personalized round pumpkin sign (add your family name or favorite fall saying!) The cost is $42/person, which will include includes all supplies. The… Read More

The Prairie Spy Alan “Lindy” Linda I was there, inside my mother, in the forties, when the government was extolling the virtues of smoking, and how good it was for you. Especially for pregnant women. Then I was there in the late fifties, when they said it wasn’t.  I was growing up, but I was there in the fifties,… Read More

By Jessica Carlson  OTC Master Gardener Intern Autumn cleanup plays an important role in keeping diseases and pests under control for next year. A clean garden is a healthy garden, and many problems can be avoided simply by removing and properly disposing of infected plant material. The University of Minnesota Extension reminds gardeners that fall is the… Read More

Ask A Trooper Sgt. Jesse Grabow Question: I feel like I see so many vehicles tailgating and following too close. I remember people talk about a so-many second following tip. Can you remind me and others what that is? Answer:  Applying the “Three-Second Rule” helps you keep a safe distance between your car and the vehicle ahead of… Read More