County’s focus on trails could revitalize shelved Pelican to Maplewood route

By Louis Hoglund

Otter Tail County will develop a trails plan and seek a portion of that $7.6 million that is expected to be available for 2013.
The initiative could revive a dormant plan to create a recreational trail from Pelican Rapids to Maplewood State Park–though it is too early in the process to predict.
Eligible projects include acquisition, development, restoration and maintenance of trail facilities that  read entire story. . . .

Pelican conference in December may ‘sprout’ new area SADD chapters

By Louis Hoglund

The regional Students Against Destructive Decisions Conference hosted in Pelican Rapids in December is already bearing fruit.
Following the event, which attracted more than 170 students from 14 area school districts, “we have other SADD chapters sprouting up,” said Wayne Woolever, one of the founders of the Pelican Rapids SADD  read entire story. . . .

Staying in the family:  Len Zierke to fill brother Mel’s park board term

By Louis Hoglund

From brother to brother, the torch was passed–as a Zierke continues on the Pelican Rapids Parks and Recreation Board.
Longtime park board member Mel Zierke resigned his position at the end of 2011, but older brother Len Zierke stepped up to fill the vacancy.
“Just carrying on the family tradition,” said Len Zierke.  “It goes way back.  Our dad was president of  read entire story. . . .

Hair Stylist Kim Richards opens  Sand Lake Salon north of Pelican

The lure of the lake country, combined with a marketable skill was the combination that inspired Kim Richards to open a  home-based hair styling business in the Pelican Rapids area.
“Sand Lake Salon” is located north of Pelican on State Highway 59.
Richards and her husband Doug bought a lake lot eight years ago, where they established Doug’s shop.
They added two bedrooms to the shop and lived in that during the summers.  Two years ago they  read entire story. . . .

Pelican park-rec board still seeking member to  replace Sandy Irey

The Pelican Rapids Park Board is looking for a fifth member.
With Len Zierke accepting one of the open seats, it leaves one seat still vacant–that of longtime member Sandy Irey.  read entire story. . . .

Pelican math students compete  at Moorhead State

Pelican Rapids’ 7th and 8th graders did well at the MathCounts competition which was held at Minnesota State University-Moorhead, on February 8. The team of Logan Knorr, Erin Christenson, Mason Thornton, and Hally Evenson earned trophies for achieving 4th place. Moorhead took first place and Alexandria claimed second.  read entire story. . . .

Pelican 4th graders  Water Week Poster Contest entry goes on to state

Talking fish and a young fisherwoman were two features of the winning Pelican Rapids entry in the Minnesota Rural Water Association (MRWA) Poster Contest.  
The event, coordinated locally by Pelican municipal sewer and water director Brent Frazier, is held  annually for 4th grade students.
Taking top honors was Viking Elementary’s Autumn Gummeringer.
Minnesota Rural Water Association (MRWA) is committed to helping educate community  read entire story. . . .

Cubs get inside  look at Otter Tail  SWAT team

The Pelican Rapids area Cub Scout Pack had a special guest recently–Jim Iverson, from the Otter Tail County  Sheriff’s Department SWAT team.  Iverson joined the Pack for the January meeting.  After the presentation, the boys were able to look at and try out all the various SWAT team equipment.

Elementary students line highway to cheer on dancers

Students at the Pelican Rapids Viking Elementary School lined the sidewalks and climbed the playground equipment to deliver a spirited farewell to the high school Valkyries dance squad, as it motored south to the Twin Cities for the state competitive dance tournament.
The chartered bus, with two Pelican Rapids Volunteer Fire Department  rigs leading the way, departed from the high school with much fanfare on Feb. 16.

‘Bike friendly’ input on downtown project from MnDOT will be sought by Pelican city

“Bicycle-friendly” ideas are something the Pelican Rapids Ciy Council would like to keep “in the fast lane” and in the  public eye,  as substantial downtown changes and improvements are discussed over the next year.
Main street in downtown Pelican Rapids, which also serves as State Highway 59 passing through town, will be upgraded in 2014.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is looking at new left-hand turning lanes and  read entire story. . . .

State Hospital is focus of  coffee sessions at Museum

The State Hospital Coffee Klatch series at the Otter Tail County Historical Museum continues Friday, February 24, 10 a.m. with featured speaker Ginny Paulson.
   Paulson started working at the Fergus Falls State Hospital in January 1960 as a nurses aide. During her forty years of employment she had the opportunity to work with the mentally and chemically dependent as well as their families. She was fortunate to be able to work in a variety of different positions both in and out  read entire story. . . .