
The eye of the storm
Jill Pertler “Slices of Life” | May 24, 2023
Is it just me, or has life gotten more complicated? So many variables and tough decisions. So many crossroads. And it’s all happening at lightning speed. Even on days when I don’t tune in to...

The extended losses of grief
By Jill Pertler, Columnist | May 17, 2023
One of the toughest aspects of ongoing, persistent and long-term grief is the loss of human life. Not the life of the person who died, but other losses you never would have foreseen – but...

Two glasses of wine and a puppy
May 17, 2023
If you know me, you also know that I am a dog person. We now have six. Four are rescues, and two were bought but, like all “-children,” we love every one of them. Our...

Community newspapers continue to play a critical role
By Jean Doran Matua, Editor | May 17, 2023
In the past 20-some years, various factors have changed how we all do business. With progress come both challenges and rewards. Today, for example, many businesses are accomplishing more with fewer people than they did...

Jack’s of Watkins has reopenedFree Access
May 24, 2023
The brand-new convenience store at Jack’s of Watkins is completed and open for business. A big grand opening is scheduled for 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, June 10, and everyone is...

ATV crash at Clearwater Forest CampgroundFree Access
May 24, 2023
At about 8:15 p.m. Friday, May 12, the Stearns County Emergency Communications Center received the report of an ATV crash with unknown injuries in the Clearwater Forest Campground located at...

Meeker County Sheriff’s Office crime blotterFree Access
May 24, 2023
Date, Time, Call, Location: Disposition 05/21/23, 4:40 am, Alarm, Central Av N, City of Watkins: Handled By Officer/Deputy. 05/21/23, 8:54 am, Alarm, Meeker Av W, City of Eden Valley:...

Wright County Sheriff’s Office crime blottersFree Access
May 24, 2023
Wright County Sheriff’s Office May 21, Jessica Marie Mangel, 48 of St. Cloud, was arrested in Clearwater on a charge of third-degree DWI. May 21, Clement Alexander Schmitz, 30...