Echo Press Minute

Hear the daily local news and get the inside scoop on what’s happening in Alexandria, Minnesota.

Echo Press Newsminute, week of August 17-23, 2025 08/22/2025

Echo Press Newsminute, week of August 17-23, 2025 MINNESOTA — In this episode of the Echo Press News Minute, reporter Lisa Johnson talks about the Douglas county fair, efforts to host Hockey Day Minnesota in Alexandria in 2028, an active shooter training exercise in Osakis and the Douglas County Commission’s efforts to balance funding requests with some less-than-idea budget news. Those stories and more, this week on the Echo Press News Minute. Check out the top headlines from August 20 and August 22 below: August 20, 2025: August 22, 2025: /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/37923930

Echo Press News Minute, week of August 10 - 16 08/15/2025

Echo Press News Minute, week of August 10 - 16 MINNESOTA — In this episode of the Echo Press News Minute, guest host Kris Kerzman talks about Garfiled Days, housing in Douglas County, new improvements to Fillmore Park, the Douglas County Fair, and other coverage available now from the Echo Press. Check out the top headlines from August 13 and August 15 below: August 13, 2025 August 15, 2025 /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/37840025

Echo Press Newsminute, week of August 3-9, 2025 08/08/2025

Echo Press Newsminute, week of August 3-9, 2025 MINNESOTA — In this episode of the Echo Press News Minute, reporter Lisa Johnson talks about Alexandria’s all-female motorcycle collective, the local hospice providing training for death doulas, an upcoming law enforcement training in Osakis, and lots of Resorters coverage available in the Echo Press. Those stories and more, this week on the Echo Press News Minute. Check out the top headlines from August 6 and August 8 below: August 6, 2025 August 8, 2025 /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/37739340

Echo Press Newsminute, week of July 27 - August 2, 2025 08/08/2025

Echo Press Newsminute, week of July 27 - August 2, 2025 MINNESOTA — In this episode of the Echo Press News Minute, reporter Lisa Johnson talks about Art in the Park, the Alexandria Historic House Tour, the splash pad delay and romance novels as an escape when life gets too serious. Those stories and more, this week on the Echo Press News Minute. Check out the top headlines from July 30 and August 1 below: July 30, 2025 August 1, 2025 /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/37735515

Minnesota Night Skies: Keep the moon at your back and enjoy the Perseids! 08/05/2025

Minnesota Night Skies: Keep the moon at your back and enjoy the Perseids! This month on , August is the month of the full Sturgeon Moon! We’ve got tips for watching the Perseids mid-month, either from your very own lounging chair in the backyard, or . Jupiter and Venus are in conjunction this month (if you want to ). Look to the northeast August 12, between 4:00-5:00am to see what Bob calls “a potentially life-changing” event. Mercury returns, and Bob assures us that it’s ok if we really didn’t notice Mercury was missing in the first place. Plus Bob’s got , for all your stargazing needs. And next month, no meteor showers, no bright stars, no eclipses available in our hemisphere, but Saturn and Neptune get cozy. All the details of September, next month on Minnesota Night Skies! Astro Bob is podcasting! Astro Bob King and Echo Press reporter and host Lisa Johnson did an astronomy radio show together for many years, and now they’re back on a new podcast for all of Minnesota, called . Bob King is an amateur astronomer, an photographer and author. His most recent book is called “Magnificent Aurora” about the Northern Lights. He writes a and is a regular contributor to . Bob recommends several guides to help you find what’s up in the sky. For more information about the star maps and a local information calendar, you can check out . You can look for and wherever you get your apps. They’re available for both Apple and Android phones. And check out Heavens Above at . /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/37693365

Echo Press Newsminute, week of July 20-26, 2025 07/25/2025

Echo Press Newsminute, week of July 20-26, 2025 MINNESOTA — In this episode of the Echo Press News Minute, reporter Lisa Johnson talks about the death of a pioneer in local television and the Echo Press, new owners for Anderson Greenhouse, the Alexandria family named 2025 Farm Family of the Year, some impressive anniversaries, and a new playspace for kids called Grammy’s Town. Those stories and more, this week on the Echo Press News Minute. Check out the top headlines from July 23 and July 25, 2025 below: July 23, 2025 July 25, 2025 /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/37552300

Echo Press Newsminute, week of July 13-19, 2025 07/18/2025

Echo Press Newsminute, week of July 13-19, 2025 MINNESOTA — In this episode of the Echo Press News Minute, reporter Lisa Johnson talks about a one-two punch from Alexandria in the fight against cancer, the renovation of the historic Belmont Apartments, fun in the sun made in the shade at the Alexandria Splash Pad, a proposed ordinance to stop hogging parking spaces, a good save by the Douglas County Public Works Director, and a 2022 Alexandria High School graduate goes pro. Those stories and more, this week on the Echo Press News Minute. Check out the top headlines from July 16 and July 18 below: June 16, 2025: June 18, 2025: /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/37459410

Echo Press Newsminute, week of July 6-12, 2025 07/11/2025

Echo Press Newsminute, week of July 6-12, 2025 MINNESOTA — In this episode of the Echo Press News Minute, reporter Lisa Johnson talks about the hidden gems of Minnesota Lake Country, the family chosen as this year’s Relay for Life honorees, the Summer Sounds concert series and a local non-profit stepping in to help in the wake of a tragedy. Those stories and more, this week on the Echo Press News Minute. Check out the top headlines from July 9 and July 11, 2025,below: July 9, 2025 July 11, 2025 /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/37381475

Echo Press Newsminute, week of June 29-July 5, 2025 07/04/2025

Echo Press Newsminute, week of June 29-July 5, 2025 MINNESOTA — In this episode of the Echo Press News Minute, reporter Lisa Johnson talks about the 41st annual Vikingland Band Festival, Fourth of July events around the county, the 10th 30-day extension in the Amber Pospisil case, a new look for the last resort on Lake Ida and an Osakis pastor who’s written a book about the dual nature of Christians. Those stories and more, this week on the Echo Press News Minute. Check out the top headlines from July 2 and July 4 below: July 2, 2025: July 4, 2025 /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/37287140

Minnesota Night Skies: occultations galore! 07/02/2025

Minnesota Night Skies: occultations galore! This month on , it's occultations galore! The International Space Station gives you the best chance to see it in sunlight. You can find out more at the or NASA’s Spot the Station app or the . Meanwhile, the moon occults Fang (!), you can track lunar occultations of bright stars online at , the waning crescent moon upstages the Pleiades, and the is a great preface to the Perseids coming next month. Astro Bob is podcasting! Astro Bob King and Echo Press reporter and host Lisa Johnson did an astronomy radio show together for many years, and now they’re back on a podcast for all of Minnesota, called . Bob King is an amateur astronomer, an photographer and author. His most recent book is called “Magnificent Aurora” about the Northern Lights. He writes a and is a regular contributor to . Bob recommends several guides to help you find what’s up in the sky. For more information about the star maps and a local information calendar, you can check out . Also look for Stellarium Mobile where you get your apps. It's available for both and phones. And check out Heavens Above at . /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/37261270

Echo Press Newsminute, week of June 22-June 28, 2025 06/27/2025

Echo Press Newsminute, week of June 22-June 28, 2025 MINNESOTA — In this episode of the Echo Press News Minute, reporter Lisa Johnson says the Kensington Runestone is on the move, the Vikingland Band Festival is back in town, a pair of lineworkers from ALP were in Arizona and Noonan Sport Specialists have a new location. Those stories and more, this week on the Echo Press News Minute. Check out the top headlines from June 25 and June 27 below: June 25, 2025 June 27, 2025 /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/37199415

Echo Press Newsminute, week of June 15-21, 2025 06/20/2025

Echo Press Newsminute, week of June 15-21, 2025 MINNESOTA — In this episode of the Echo Press News Minute, reporter Lisa Johnson talks about a protest and march held on a tragic morning for the state, money for a new transportation center at Alexandria Technical and Community College, the Wings over Alexandria Air Show, and an upcoming lunch with Big Ole. Those stories and more, this week on the Echo Press News Minute. Check out the top headlines from June18 and June 20 below: June 19, 2025: June 20, 2025 /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/37092120

Echo Press Newsminute, week of June 8-14, 2025 06/13/2025

Echo Press Newsminute, week of June 8-14, 2025 MINNESOTA — In this episode of the Echo Press News Minute, reporter Lisa Johnson talks about some fun news from the Legacy of the Lakes Museum, a new way to honor area veterans, the upcoming air show, road construction and concerns about safety on area highways, and the science of ice cream. Those stories and more, this week on the Echo Press News Minute. Check out the top headlines from June 11 and June 13 below: June 11, 2025: June 13, 2025: /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/37006875

Echo Press Newsminute, week of June 1-7, 2025 06/06/2025

Echo Press Newsminute, week of June 1-7, 2025 MINNESOTA — In this episode of the Echo Press News Minute, reporter Lisa Johnson talks about the Osakis School Board wrestling with facilities challenges, an update on a stabbing at Walmart, the vote on a controversial new fire hall in Carlos, and we hear from a finalist in this year’s Great American Think Off plus actor JK Simmons, who was in Alexandria for a party at the Andria Theater. Those stories and more, this week on the Echo Press News Minute. Check out the top headlines from June 4 and June 6 below: June 4, 2025 June 6, 2025 /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/36894280

Minnesota Night Skies: strawberry moon forever - well, in June, anyway 06/02/2025

Minnesota Night Skies: strawberry moon forever - well, in June, anyway This month on , the strawberry moon is ripe for picking starting June 10. Plan your summer solstice party for June 20 at 9:42pm. There’s a triple conjunction June 29 you can see with a and binoculars. The summertime Milky Way lets you, in Bob’s words, “drink a little starlight.” Plus Regulus in Leo, and noctilucent clouds, this month on Minnesota Night Skies. Astro Bob is podcasting! Astro Bob King and Echo Press reporter and host Lisa Johnson did an astronomy radio show together for many years, and now they’re back on a new podcast for all of Minnesota, called . Bob King is an amateur astronomer, an photographer and author. His most recent book is called “Magnificent Aurora” about the Northern Lights. He writes a and is a regular contributor to . Bob recommends several guides to help you find what’s up in the sky. For more information about the star maps and a local information calendar, you can check out . Also look for Stellarium Mobile where you get your apps. It's available for both and phones. And check out Heavens Above at . /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/36822010

Echo Press Newsminute, week of May 25-31, 2025 05/30/2025

Echo Press Newsminute, week of May 25-31, 2025 MINNESOTA — In this episode of the Echo Press News Minute, reporter Lisa Johnson talks about local Memorial Day observances around the region, a U.S. Secret Service investigation into a political protest by Judd and Wendy Hoff, Planned Parenthood in Alexandria’s closing after 43 years and Life Connections’ 50th anniversary. Those stories and more, this week on the Echo Press News Minute. Check out the top headlines from May 26 and May 28 below: May 26, 2025: May 28, 2025: /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/36793165

Echo Press Newsminute, week of May 18-24, 2025 05/23/2025

Echo Press Newsminute, week of May 18-24, 2025 MINNESOTA — In this episode of the Echo Press News Minute, reporter Lisa Johnson talks about big crowds at the Bull-A-Rama, a house fire that sent a couple to Hennepin County Medical Center in the Cities, the 16th annual Ride of Silence and how Alomere Health is using artificial intelligence to handle paperwork so doctors can concentrate on their patients. Those stories and more, this week on the Echo Press News Minute. Check out the top headlines from May 21 and May 23 below: May 21, 2025 May 23, 2025 /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/36695320

Echo Press Newsminute, week of May 11-17, 2025 05/16/2025

Echo Press Newsminute, week of May 11-17, 2025 MINNESOTA — In this episode of the Echo Press News Minute, reporter Lisa Johnson talks about a new look for electrical utility boxes, a celebration of Habitat for Humanity Douglas County, three local schools surpass state graduation rates, and schools of fish - plus fish in schools. Those stories and more, this week on the Echo Press News Minute. Check out the top headlines from May 14, 2025 and May 16, 2025 below: May 14, 2025: May 16, 2025: /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/36595625

Echo Press Newsminute, week of May 4-9, 2025 05/09/2025

Echo Press Newsminute, week of May 4-9, 2025 MINNESOTA — In this episode of the Echo Press News Minute, reporter Lisa Johnson talks about a former police officer and instructor at Alexandria College who was honored with an international award, a man and a women were charged with multiple felonies after they were found in possession of more than three pounds of meth, a sergeant of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office was honored for saving the life of a four-year-old, and Alexandria Public Schools got a grant to fund nine enrichment projects in the 2025-26 school year. Those stories and more, this week on the Echo Press News Minute. Check out the top headlines from May 7 and May 9 below: May 7, 2025 May 9, 2025 /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/36512800

Echo Press Newsminute, week of April 27-May 3, 2025 05/02/2025

Echo Press Newsminute, week of April 27-May 3, 2025 MINNESOTA — In this episode of the Echo Press News Minute, reporter Lisa Johnson talks about prom, suicide prevention, the ongoing controversy over building a playground in Alexandria, the Kensington Runestone and reports of gunshots on the Alexandria Golf Club course. Those stories and more, this week on the Echo Press News Minute. Check out the top headlines from April 30 and May 2 below: April 30, 2025 May 2, 2025 /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/36412550

Minnesota Night Skies: the Milky Way in May! 04/30/2025

Minnesota Night Skies: the Milky Way in May! This month on , the Milky Way in May! Mars in the Beehive cluster: best band name ever or astronomical event? Find out May3 and 4th The Eta Aquariid meteor shower early in the mornings of May 6 and 7 Galaxies in Virgo: you'll need a telescope, but even a gently used one can open up a world of delights. You can’t see these galaxies with your eyes, but with a telescope and a map, you can galaxy hop across Virgo! Corvus the crow has lots of galaxies in it,too, but it can be a little tricky to find. Follow arc of the Big Dipper's handle, the second bright star is Spica, and Corvus is just a little to the right of that. The International Space Station returns at dusk - download NASA’s Spot the Station app or go to the Plus, Bob just won the 2025 Regional Award for contributions to public and amateur astronomy from the North Central Region of the Astronomical League! Astro Bob is podcasting! Astro Bob King and Echo Press reporter and host Lisa Johnson did an astronomy radio show together for many years, and now they’re back on a new podcast for all of Minnesota, called . Bob King is an amateur astronomer, an photographer and author. His most recent book is called “Magnificent Aurora” about the Northern Lights. He writes a and is a regular contributor to . Bob recommends several guides to help you find what’s up in the sky. For more information about the star maps and a local information calendar, you can check out . Also look for Stellarium Mobile where you get your apps. It's available for both and phones. And check out Heavens Above at . /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/36376405

Echo Press Newsminute, week of April 20-26, 2025 04/25/2025

Echo Press Newsminute, week of April 20-26, 2025 MINNESOTA — In this episode of the Echo Press News Minute, reporter Lisa Johnson talks about Easter and Earth Day, the ups and downs of a proposed playground in Alexandria, the help from the Minnesota Twins for an area family and the help for a pickleball player who had a heart attack, and the importance of local journalism. Those stories and more, this week on the Echo Press News Minute. Check out the top headlines from April 20 and 25 below: April 20, 2025 April 25, 2025 /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/36316585

Echo Press Newsminute, week of April 13-19, 2025 04/18/2025

Echo Press Newsminute, week of April 13-19, 2025 MINNESOTA — In this episode of the Echo Press News Minute, reporter Lisa Johnson talks about the return of the Passion drama at Zion Lutheran Church, a meeting about a new fire station it Carlos that became heated, the things dads read to their kids are different from what moms tend to read, Senator Amy Klobuchar's recent visit to Alexandria and some good news for Alex streets. Those stories and more, this week on the Echo Press News Minute. Check out the top headlines from April 13 and 18 below: April 13, 2025 April 18, 2025 /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/36225060

Echo Press Newsminute, week of April 6-12, 2025 04/11/2025

Echo Press Newsminute, week of April 6-12, 2025 MINNESOTA — In this episode of the Echo Press News Minute, reporter Lisa Johnson talks about a protest and march in Alexandria that drew hundreds of people, a fun April Fool's prank at the Miltona Science Magnet School, and a couple of snow days and the fun had by local kids. The Douglas County Library has a new legal kiosk to help folks dealing with legal issues. we're got a feature on the new director of the Andria Theatre, and a referendum for the Osakis Public Schools was defeated. Those stories and more, this week on the Echo Press News Minute. Check out the top headlines from April 6-12 below: April 9, 2025 April 11, 2025 /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/36102995

Echo Press Newsminute, week of March 30 - April 5, 2025 04/04/2025

Echo Press Newsminute, week of March 30 - April 5, 2025 MINNESOTA — In this episode of the Echo Press News Minute, reporter Lisa Johnson talks about the STEAM Expo at the end of March and the Battle of the North e-tournament in Alexandria. The Douglas County Board has approved an ordinance that regulates cannabis, Osakis voters head to the polls to vote on a school referendum April 8 and Theatre L'Homme Dieu has announced its summer season. Those stories and more, this week on the Echo Press News Minute. Check out the top headlines from April 2-4 below: April 2, 2025 April 4, 2025 /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/36010200

Minnesota Night Skies: Aurora season continues over most of the state 04/02/2025

Minnesota Night Skies: Aurora season continues over most of the state This month on , it's a quiet month as we wait for spring to finally arrive, but there are a few things to look out for. Aurora season continues over most of Minnesota! Mars aligns with Gemini's bright start Castor and Pollux on April 10. Look for the smallest full moon of the year, the so-called micro-moon on April 12. Don't believe it? Bob has tips to assemble photographic proof. Also April 12, there's a close conjunction with Spica in Virgo. Look for the peak of the annual Lyrid meteor shower April 22. Venus has flipped over to the morning sky after it passed between the Earth and sun. We'll have a nice conjunction of Venus, Saturn and the crescent moon on April 25 very low at dawn. And watch Jupiter and Mars move to the east at a good clip this month as they orbit the sun. Plus, for the first time ever, Bob reads poetry! Next month on Minnesota Night Skies, another meteor shower to look forward to, plus more pleasant weather (we hope) to encourage folks to spend the night out under the stars. Astro Bob is podcasting! Astro Bob King and Echo Press reporter and host Lisa Johnson did an astronomy radio show together for many years, and now they’re back on a new podcast for all of Minnesota, called . Bob King is an amateur astronomer, an photographer and author. His most recent book is called “Magnificent Aurora” about the Northern Lights. He writes a and is a regular contributor to . Bob recommends several guides to help you find what’s up in the sky. For more information about the star maps and a local information calendar, you can check out . Also look for Stellarium Mobile where you get your apps. It's available for both and phones. /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/35975905

Echo Press Newsminute, week of March 23-29, 2025 03/28/2025

Echo Press Newsminute, week of March 23-29, 2025 MINNESOTA — In this episode of the Echo Press News Minute, reporter Lisa Johnson talks about the state class 3A State Championship Alexandria Cardinals. 2024 saw lots of new buildings going up in Alexandria - we have that story, and the story about the former Perry's Furniture coming down. Food shelves were on the mind of the community, the Alexandria Police Chief made his annual report to the city council, and the Alexandria robotics team is on their way to the World Championships. Those stories and more, this week on the Echo Press News Minute. Check out the top headlines from March 23-28, 2025 below: March 26, 2025 March 28, 2025 /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/35909720

Echo Press Newsminute, week of March 16-22, 2025 03/21/2025

Echo Press Newsminute, week of March 16-22, 2025 ALEXANDRIA — In this episode of the Echo Press News Minute, reporter Lisa Johnson tells the story of a former Alexandria exchange student from Ukraine, trying to stay in the US. Read the story and her opinion piece about her fight for freedom. We wrap of Women’s History Month, a protest for veterans lines a block in downtown Alexandria, the Andria Theatre has a new executive director and turnovers make the difference for Alexandria’s boys basketball team. Those stories and more, this week on the Echo Press News Minute. Check out the top headlines from March 16-22, 2025 below: March 16, 2025: March 22, 2025: /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/35811965

Echo Press News Minute: March 9-15, 2025 03/17/2025

Echo Press News Minute: March 9-15, 2025 ALEXANDRIA - In this episode of the Echo Press News Minute, reporter Celeste Edenloff profiles an Alexandria woman being honored for more than 40 years volunteering for her community. We look into an idea being floated for chickens in the city limits, a project that would add 64 units of workforce apartments, and the results — and a recipe — from the Great Hotdish Bakeoff. Check out the top headlines from March 9-15 below: /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/35731330

Echo Press News Minute: March 2-8, 2025 03/07/2025

Echo Press News Minute: March 2-8, 2025 ALEXANDRIA — In this episode of the Echo Press News Minute, reporter Lisa Johnson says more than 300 Discovery Middle School kids took turns plunging into a tank of icy water – for a good cause, we take a look into suicide attempts and threats in the Alexandria area – and how to get help, the Alexandria Police Department is getting new tools to prevent crimes, catch criminals in stolen vehicles and possibly save lives and more. Check out the top headlines from March 2-8, 2025 below: March 5, 2025: March 5, 2025: March 5 2025: March 5, 2025: March 5, 2025: March 5, 2025: March 7, 2025: March 7, 2025: March 7, 2025: March 7, 2025: March 7, 2025: /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/35577285

Echo Press Minute

TOPICS