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