MINNESOTA — In this episode of the Echo Press News Minute, reporter Lisa Johnson talks about this year's Polar Plunge and the plunges coming up at area schools, the death of a Miltona woman in a house fire, a group of local parents helping their kids - and themselves - unplug from screens, not-so dry history in Douglas County, a Habitat For Humanity Open House, township elections next week, and high school wrestlers and basketball players making their marks.

Those stories and more, this week on the Echo Press News Minute.

Check out the top headlines from March 4 and March 6 below:

Here are the top stories in our Wednesday, March 4 issue:

Total raised for this year's Polar Plunge was nearly $61,000

Alexandria clears a hurdle on its goal of becoming a GreenStep city

Miltona woman dies in structure fire Thursday

Prohibition, bootlegging and rum running: Not so 'dry' history in Douglas County

This is not your parents' debate over screen time

MSHSL State Wrestling: Alexandria's Nolan Fettig reaches semifinal round in Class AA bracket

Here are the top stories in our Friday, March 6 issue:

Open house held at Habitat for Humanity of Douglas County home in Summer Meadows

Nearly 7,000 watercraft inspections conducted during the 2025 season

Township elections to be held March 10 in Douglas County

Boys Basketball: Alexandria cruises past Knights to open Section 8-4A playoffs

Opinion

MINNESOTA — In this episode of the Echo Press News Minute, reporter Lisa Johnson talks about beating the winter blues with world-class blues and jazz, a peek at how the proposed new Douglas County Library could look, building demolition in preparation for a Kwik-Trip in western Alexandria, and a romantic article about how Alexandrians are bedazzled by romance books … and how they bedazzle the romance books right back.

Those stories and more, this week on the Echo Press News Minute.

Check out the top headlines from February 11 and February 13 below:

Here are the top stories in our Wednesday February 11 issue:

Beat the Winter Blues and Jazz Festival showcased music by world-class blues and jazz artists

SunOpta is being sold to Refresco in $1.1 billion deal

All 11 fire departments in Douglas County may get new radios

Proposed new Douglas County Library inches forward toward a referendum vote in November

Van Zomeren inducted into MN FFA Hall of Fame

Boys Swim and Dive: Alexandria captures Central Lakes Conference championship

Here are the top stories in our Friday, February 13 issue:

90 years ago: Alexandria's Congregational Church burns

$19.9 million building bond referendum for Osakis Public Schools passes

Buildings demolished to clear the way for Alexandria's second Kwik Trip

Alexandria bedazzled by romance books

Zion Lutheran boys basketball continuing to highlight consistent play as state approaches

Opinion

MINNESOTA — In this episode of the Echo Press News Minute, reporter Lisa Johnson talks about the first-ever SNOfest Winter Carnival, the demise of the paperback novel, a shooting death in Alexandria, community support for a Miltona couple who lost their home in a fire just after Christmas, and the ancient prayer practice that has returned to an Alexandria church.

Those stories and more, this week on the Echo Press News Minute.

Check out the top headlines from January 21 and January 23 below:

Jan. 21, 2026:

Temps were cold, winds were high but the sun was shining at first-ever SNOfest Winter Carnival in Alexandria

10 years later, Brandon man recalls painting Minneapolis' Foshay Tower

The books that 'democratized America' are no more

Brandon-Evansville School Board holds reorganizational meeting

Discovery Middle School students showcase projects about global goals, concerns

Boys Swim and Dive: Alexandria edges Elk River to take Section 8AA true team championship

Jan. 23, 2026:

Man dead after shooting in Alexandria on Jan. 20

Miltona couple 'beyond blessed' by support and generosity after fire destroyed their home

Osakis City Council: Earlier meeting times, and the water leak mystery continues

'This is exactly what my dad envisioned'

Alexandria girls hockey player Quinn Hills named Shannon O'Hara scholarship recipient

Opinion

MINNESOTA — In this episode of the Echo Press News Minute, reporter Lisa Johnson talks about the local skating pond ready for the season, two Douglas County Christmas Bird Counts that turned up records, some County and School Board news, and why some people think they could beat a grizzly bear in an unarmed fight.

Those stories and more, this week on the Echo Press News Minute.

Check out the top headlines from January 7 and January 9 below:

Wednesday January 7, 2026

Noonan Park skating pond is officially ready for the season

Two die in head-on crash on Highway 71 in rural Belgrade, Minnesota

$100,000 winning lottery ticket sold in Alexandria

Alexandria Area High School senior nominated by U.S. Rep. Fischbach for 3 military academies

Douglas County bird counts postponed due to weather; still set records

Wrestling: Nolan Fettig wins 150th career match as Alexandria boys takes St. Paul Harding duals title

Friday, January 9, 2026:

Shane Schmidt named board chairperson for the Douglas County Board of Commissioners

Could you beat a grizzly bear in an unarmed fight?

Kyle Momsen appointed to open seat on Alexandria School Board

Boys Basketball: Alexandria wins shootout to hand Moorhead first loss of season

Opinion

MINNESOTA — In this episode of the Echo Press News Minute, reporter Lisa Johnson talks about the year in review, a possible surprise in someone's water bill from the City of Osakis, a new K-9 unit, and an artist who's raising money for a good cause.

Those stories and more, this week on the Echo Press News Minute.

Check out the top headlines from the week of December 28-January 3:

December 31, 2025:

Here's our list of the Top 5 news items in 2025

A police dog named Izzy may be coming to Alexandria

Sad doesn't mean suicidal

Consistency and discipline guiding Alexandria boys basketball through opening stretch

January 2, 2026:

Who left the water on in Osakis?

Final open skating date of the month at RCC is Jan. 2

Closing the skills gap

Local artist plans year-long campaign to sell her poetry (W/VIDEO)

Boys Hockey: Brody Berg's hat trick powers Alexandria to Winter Classic victory over Mustangs

Opinion

MINNESOTA — In this episode of the Echo Press News Minute, reporter Lisa Johnson talks about light in the dark, a doubled reward in a 30 year old cold case, DECA students bringing new flavors to the holiday season and Alexandria's winning girl's basketball team.

Those stories and more, this week on the Echo Press News Minute.

Check out the top headlines from the week of December 14-20 below:

Alone or in a group, Alexandria's Garden of Lights Walking Light Tour dazzles

$100K reward offered in Huisentruit case

Cannabis legalization is topic of Listen and Learn session

Are artificial trees costing more this year?

Alexandria DECA students invite everyone to their Sip and Slice Challenge running from Dec. 21 through Jan. 4

Girls Basketball: Bench boosts Alexandria past Monticello to stay unbeaten

Opinion

MINNESOTA — In this episode of the Echo Press News Minute, reporter Lisa Johnson talks about a ribbon cutting, the new show opening at the Alexandria Area High School, celebrations for Douglas County veterans, and we have answers to a question you asked.

Those stories and more, this week on the Echo Press News Minute.

Check out the top headlines from November 12 and November 14 below:

November 12, 2025

Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce hosts ribbon cutting at Center for the Visual Arts

ProDriver CDL School in Alexandria offers trucking education without the trucks

Alexandria's lodging tax yields big impact

Osakis School Board plans to go back to voters in February of 2026

Alexandria Area High School theater students present 'Alice by Heart'

Football: Spring Lake Park's goal-line stop ends Alexandria's season in Class 5A quarterfinals

November 14, 2025:

11th hour, 11th day, 11th month

Playground equipment purchased for Fillmore Park in Alexandria

First Lutheran in Alexandria to offer 'Surviving the Holidays'

Andria Theatre upgrades ticketing system

You asked: 'What happens to the recycling after it is picked up curbside?' (W/VIDEO)

Visualizing success: Alexandria girls swimmer Hannah Hoff displays a consistent approach to the pool

Opinion

MINNESOTA — In this episode of the Echo Press News Minute, reporter Lisa Johnson talks about celebrations: from the Halloween Parade to upcoming Veteran's Day festivities. Plus the fate of some school bonding referendums in Douglas County.

Those stories and more, this week on the Echo Press News Minute.

Check out the top headlines from November 5 and November 7 below:

November 5, 2025

Friends of the Alexandria Nature Trail explore Big Ole Park to City Park Loop

Veterans to be honored at programs throughout Douglas County

Former Douglas County resident found guilty and sentenced to life, appeals sentence

Hundreds show up for Halloween parade in downtown Alexandria

Analysis: A look at Alexandria's ascension back to the Class 5A state football tournament

November 7, 2025:

Alexandria Public Schools referendum turned down by voters

School ballot questions in Parkers Prairie approved; Minnewaska's $25M bond is voted down

$14,500 in donations accepted by Douglas County commissioners for Veteran Services

Marines' 250th birthday to be celebrated with banquet in Alexandria

Class 5A state football preview: Alexandria battles Spring Lake Park in running game showcase

Opinion

MINNESOTA — In this episode of the Echo Press News Minute, reporter Lisa Johnson talks about Oktoberfest, upcoming school referendums in several Douglas County communities, the possible effects of the federal government shutdown on area residents, and a new arts space opening in Alexandria.

Those stories and more, this week on the Echo Press News Minute.

Check out the top headlines from October 22 and October 24 below:

October 22, 2025

Kidtoberfest and Oktoberfest events to be held this weekend

Q&A provides information about Alexandria Public Schools proposed capital projects levy

Insurance premium rate hikes worrying older Minnesotans in particular

Osakis School Board forwards new school bonding plan to the state

In Alexandria, Patty Wetterling recounts abduction of her son, Jacob

Chasing a championship, Osakis' Leah Maddock brings wealth of experience to state tennis

October 24, 2025:

Celebrating Banned Books Week in Alexandria

Voters in Alexandria, Minnewaska and Parkers Prairie will answer ballot questions in Nov. 4 election

Alexandria School Board discusses Title IX litigation impact on funding

Douglas County commissioners learn how federal government shutdown could impact residents

New space for art exhibits, workshops and more to open in downtown Alexandria

Unified approach to guide Minnewaska Area volleyball in Section 6AA tournament

Opinion

MINNESOTA — In this episode of the Echo Press News Minute, reporter Lisa Johnson talks about west-central Minnesota kids being under-vaccinated, victims of domestic violence sharing their stories, and catching up with former Alexandria-area athletes.

Those stories and more, this week on the Echo Press News Minute.

Check out the top headlines from October 15 and October 17 below:

October 15, 2025

West central Minnesota kids under-vaccinated

A safer walk to Alexandria's Voyager Elementary School makes progress

Listening session offers advice for property insurance and severe weather

A roundup of unpublished Photo of the Week submissions

Sophomore Evan Dingwall does it all to help A-B-E football

October 17, 2025

Parents of Ariel, who was the victim of a domestic violence homicide, speak out in Alexandria

Domestic abuse survivor who became a criminal prosecutor tells her story in Alexandria

Alexandria Halloween Parade route is changing

Lead found in drinking water of two Osakis homes, and a rental housing ordinance under discussion

Catching up with former Alexandria-area athletes: Osakis' Meyer earns UMAC defensive player of the week

Opinion