Alisha Asleson OTC Master Gardener Volunteer Aren’t we always looking to see what’s new every spring? Every year there is a plethora of new seed and vegetative annuals that greenhouses and garden centers can grow. While every greenhouse can only grow so many plants each year, they try to pick up a couple new plants based… Read More

The Prairie Spy Alan “Lindy” Linda I remember being eleven or twelve years old, staying overnight with grandma and grandpa in town. Staying overnight with grandma–who always had candy–was a big deal. But it was a smaller deal because I and my brother and sister took piano lessons from her. She had taught piano her whole life. Staying… Read More

The the Editor, We find ourselves in the midst of governing and economic chaos clearly showing the governing strategies of both political parties. Republicans have traditionally based their emphasis on money issues like balancing the budget or trying to. History shows that even when they have control they run up more debt than Democrats. Democrats have emphasized… Read More

By Jesse Grabow Ask a Trooper Question: Can I get some clarification on stop signs. I always wonder where to stop. Is it at the stop sign or at the stop line I sometimes see on the road. Thank you. Answer: This is a good question that I do get fairly often. Here is what you need to… 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

The Prairie Spy Alan “Lindy” Linda “There’s a little good in the worst of us, And a little bad in the best of us. It scarce behooves the most of us, To talk about the rest of us.” I don’t know who the author of that quote is. I can tell you that my uncle quoted it to my cousin so… Read More

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

Ask A Trooper Sgt. Jesse Grabow Question: I have a concern and I hope you can bring some attention to this. Several times driving at dark I see people walking or jogging in the dark and wearing dark clothing.  As I admire their ambition, it can be scary when driving rather it be rural or in town… Read More

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 knowledge. Those furnaces were… 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