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