Echo Press Minute

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

Memorial Day, Tradehome Shoes will move and More 05/30/2023

Memorial Day, Tradehome Shoes will move and More Here are the top stories in Wednesday’s paper: Run-down of Alexandria's Memorial Day ceremony Tradehome Shoes is moving to a new spot in the mall. Survivor raises awareness of suicide Cardinals baseball beat Little Falls 14-8, ending the regular season. To read more from these stories and others, look for them in our print edition and online at echopress.com Support local journalism by subscribing and becoming a member at . Your support will allow us to keep you informed /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/26987007

Ukrainian exchange student, A veteran's quilt and More 05/25/2023

Ukrainian exchange student, A veteran's quilt and More Here are the top stories in Friday’s paper: Campaign established to aid Ukrainian student in Alexandria. Alexandria woman memorialized late veteran husband with 'around the world' quilt A Brandon couple built an Inukshuk in their yard. Cardinals softball beat Willmar 4-3. To read more from these stories and others, look for them in our print edition and online at echopress.com Support local journalism by subscribing and becoming a member at . Your support will allow us to keep you informed. /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/26944308

A Walk for Mental Health Awareness and More 05/23/2023

A Walk for Mental Health Awareness and More Here are the top stories in Wednesday’s paper: Over 100 people walked for mental health awareness in Alexandria Alexandria College begins work on student housing project Alexandria's United Methodist Church's Wood Fired Pizza Oven adds updates for this summer season Alexandria College baseball loses 12-5 during championship game To read more from these stories and others, look for them in our print edition and online at echopress.com Support local journalism by subscribing and becoming a member at . Your support will allow us to keep you informed. /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/26921451

Woman charged with murder sentenced in drug case and More 05/18/2023

Woman charged with murder sentenced in drug case and More Here are the top stories in Friday’s paper: Dozens of cyclists participated in the Alexandria Ride of Silence Woman formerly charged with murder sentenced in drug case 'Trailblazers' for girls sports celebrate 50-year milestone To read more from these stories and others, look for them in our print edition and online at echopress.com Support local journalism by subscribing and becoming a member at . Your support will allow us to keep you informed. /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/26879307

Massman breaks ground and More 05/16/2023

Massman breaks ground and More Here are the top stories in Wednesday’s paper: Massman broke ground on their new facility. The Royal Celebration, a prom for special needs people ages 14 and older, took place on Friday, May 12. Alexandria junior Grayson Grove verbally committed to play college basketball at the University of Minnesota. To read more from these stories and others, look for them in our print edition and online at echopress.com Support local journalism by subscribing and becoming a member at . Your support will allow us to keep you informed. /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/26855721

Custodian charged for secretly recording in Alomere women's locker room and More 05/11/2023

Custodian charged for secretly recording in Alomere women's locker room and More Here are the top stories in Friday’s paper: A custodian at Alomere Health is accused of taking videos of employees changing out of their scrubs in a female locker room. The public has 30 days to comment on a plan to restore and protect the Sauk River Watershed, which includes part of Douglas County. Track and Field event at AAHS will honor Title IX 'trailblazers' Alexandria native building a career out of golf. To read more from these stories and others, look for them in our print edition and online at Support local journalism by subscribing and becoming a member at . Your support will allow us to keep you informed. /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/26811021

Ace Hardware's new owner, Alexandria-Wadena Author and More 05/09/2023

Ace Hardware's new owner, Alexandria-Wadena Author and More Here are the top stories in Wednesday’s paper: Shaynen Schmidt recently purchased the Ace Hardware store in Alexandria and Long Prairie. Alexandria Burger King is not closing Former Alexandria and Wadena resident, Jessica Sly, completes her second book in a three-book deal. Alexandria College’s baseball team advances to the NJCAA DIII Region 13 Tournament this coming weekend. To read more from these stories and others, look for them in our print edition and online at echopress.com Support local journalism by subscribing and becoming a member at echopress.com. Your support will allow us to keep you informed. /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/26780859

Mock car crash, Adventure Acres and More 05/04/2023

Mock car crash, Adventure Acres and More Here are the top stories in Friday’s paper: Douglas County ranked as one of the best counties for small businesses in MN. A new outdoor learning space is being constructed at Carlos Elementary and a fundraising event for it is set for May 20. AAHS students learn about the dangers of distracted driving Alexandria Track and Field recorded a total of 17 first-place finishes in relays To read more from these stories and others, look for them in our print edition and online at echopress.com Support local journalism by subscribing and becoming a member at echopress.com. Your support will allow us to keep you informed. /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/26743674

Shoreland ordinances, Worker shortage and More 05/02/2023

Shoreland ordinances, Worker shortage and More Here are the top stories in Wednesday’s paper: Land and Resource Management share what people need to know about shoreland ordinances. New storm shelter at Big Horn Cove Where have all the workers gone? Alexandria College baseball beat MState Fergus Fall 8 to 5. To read more from these stories and others, look for them in our print edition and online at echopress.com Support local journalism by subscribing and becoming a member at echopress.com. Your support will allow us to keep you informed. /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/26715060

Know the Echo: Thalen Zimmerman 04/28/2023

Know the Echo: Thalen Zimmerman Thalen Zimmerman of Alexandria joined the Echo Press team as a full-time reporter in Aug. 2021, after graduating from Bemidji State University with a bachelor of science degree in mass communication in May of 2021. He grew up in Kensington, MN, but has lived in Alexandria, Forada, Osakis, Lowry, Elbow Lake, and Brandon. He graduated from Brandon-Evansville High School in 2014. In his free time, he enjoys playing his guitar, telling stories and spending time with his wife, Jade and their daughter Sonny. Together they enjoy traveling, hiking, and playing with their dog, Dude. He also loves to take photographs and videos. Zimmerman covers general news in Douglas County and hosts the podcast, the Echo Press Minute. /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/26681715

Robot server at local restaurant, 125 years after Runestone and More 04/27/2023

Robot server at local restaurant, 125 years after Runestone and More Here are the top stories in Friday’s paper: Pioneer Grill at Grand Arbor has started using a robot server Alexandria women forms support group for parents of autistic children Kensington Area Heritage Society to host event on 125-year anniversary of Runestone Hoffman hunter captures outdoor adventures for social media venture To read more from these stories and others, look for them in our print edition and online at echopress.com Support local journalism by subscribing and becoming a member at echopress.com. Your support will allow us to keep you informed. Make sure to swing by the Andria Theatre to see "The Play That Goes Wrong." This is the last weekend It follows the antics of the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society, who are trying their very best to stage a production of a 1920s murder mystery. This is not as easy as it sounds as everything that can go wrong does. The show will run from April 27 through 29 at 7 p.m. at Andria Theatre, located at 618 Broadway St, in Alexandria. Tickets can be purchased online at or by calling 320-762-8300. /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/26671230

Deputy Owen's funeral, Minnesota the "new Kansas?" and More 04/25/2023

Deputy Owen's funeral, Minnesota the "new Kansas?" and More Here are the top stories in Wednesday’s paper: The funeral of Pope County Deputy Josh Owen was on Saturday Could Minnesota become the “new Kansas?” A recap of the Earth Day celebration in Alexandria on April 22. Alexandria baseball beat Willmar 20-0 at Target Field To read more from these stories and others, look for them in our print edition and online at echopress.com Support local journalism by subscribing and becoming a member at echopress.com. Your support will allow us to keep you informed. Make sure to swing by the Andria Theatre to see "The Play That Goes Wrong." It follows the antics of the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society, who are trying their very best to stage a production of a 1920s murder mystery. This is not as easy as it sounds as everything that can go wrong does. The show will run from April 20 to 22 and 27 through 29 at 7 p.m. and April 23 and 30 at 2 p.m. at Andria Theatre, located at 618 Broadway St, in Alexandria. Tickets can be purchased online at or by calling 320-762-8300. /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/26642931

Know the Echo: Travis Gulbrandson 04/21/2023

Know the Echo: Travis Gulbrandson Special episode! Travis Gulbrandson covers several beats, including Osakis School Board and Osakis City Council, along with the Brandon-Evansville School Board. His focus will also be on crime and court news. Gulbrandson graduated from the University of South Dakota with a bachelor's degree in contemporary media and journalism. He has worked at newspapers in South Dakota, Colorado and New Mexico, covering such topics as crime and courts, city news and education to name a few. /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/26606313

A statement by Deputy Josh Owen's wife, read by Josh's cousin 04/20/2023

A statement by Deputy Josh Owen's wife, read by Josh's cousin A statement by Shannon Owen was read by her husband's cousin, Josh Palmateer, at a news conference Thursday at the Pope County Courthouse. Also present were Shannon Owen and Pope County Deputy Eric Thesing, along with other family members. /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/26606106

Cyrus shooter identified, D. Michael B's is closing and More 04/20/2023

Cyrus shooter identified, D. Michael B's is closing and More Here are the top stories in Friday’s paper: Music and poetry has helped to bring a smile back to Wayne Hastings’ face three years after his wife Myrene passed away. BCA IDs subject killed, officers injured in Cyrus incident A favorite restaurant at the Viking Plaza Mall is closing. Alexandria baseball beat the Sauk Rapids-Rice Storm 10-0 during Tuesday’s game. To read more from these stories and others, look for them in our print edition and online at echopress.com Support local journalism by subscribing and becoming a member at echopress.com. Your support will allow us to keep you informed. Make sure to swing by the Andria Theatre to see "The Play That Goes Wrong." It follows the antics of the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society, who are trying their very best to stage a production of a 1920s murder mystery. This is not as easy as it sounds as everything that can go wrong does. The show will run from April 20 to 22 and 27 through 29 at 7 p.m. and April 23 and 30 at 2 p.m. at Andria Theatre, located at 618 Broadway St, in Alexandria. Tickets can be purchased online at or by calling 320-762-8300. /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/26597559

Pope County Deputy dies after shooting, Freeway Exit Roundabouts and More 04/18/2023

Pope County Deputy dies after shooting, Freeway Exit Roundabouts and More Here are the top stories in Wednesday’s paper: A Pope County sheriff's deputy, Josh Owen, has died and two other officers were shot on Saturday while responding to a domestic violence call. MnDOT constructing roundabouts at both sides of I-94/Highway 27 exit Feature on Berry Ridge Farm and the opening of the Farmers Market. Alexandria softball beats Willmar 13-0 during game one, followed by a 13-2 loss during game two. To read more from these stories and others, look for them in our print edition and online at echopress.com Support local journalism by subscribing and becoming a member at echopress.com. Your support will allow us to keep you informed. Make sure to swing by the Andria Theatre to see "The Play That Goes Wrong." It follows the antics of the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society, who are trying their very best to stage a production of a 1920s murder mystery. This is not as easy as it sounds as everything that can go wrong does. The show will run from April 20 to 22 and 27 through 29 at 7 p.m. and April 23 and 30 at 2 p.m. at Andria Theatre, located at 618 Broadway St, in Alexandria. Tickets can be purchased online at or by calling 320-762-8300. /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/26571495

Know the Echo: Sam Stuve 04/14/2023

Know the Echo: Sam Stuve Special episode! Sam Stuve is the Sports Lead for the Echo Press. He covers a variety of sports in Alexandria and the surrounding area, including in Osakis, Parker Prairie, Brandon-Evansville and more. Sam graduated from Iowa State University in December of 2021. He worked for three and a half years on the Iowa State Daily sports desk and he has previously worked for the Marshalltown-Times Republican as an intern. Contact him at [email protected] or 320-763-3133. /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/26537694

Hemp Farmers, No Mow May and More 04/13/2023

Hemp Farmers, No Mow May and More Here are the top stories in Friday’s paper: Osakis hemp farmers partner with new Alexandria business to focus on health and wellness The “No Mow May” is gaining traction throughout North America, and the Alexandria City Council agreed to proclaim the month as well. The Andria Theatre presents “The Play That Goes Wrong.” It opens on Thursday, April 20. Where are they now? Read how some area athletes are doing at their respective colleges or in their athletic careers. To read more from these stories and others, look for them in our print edition and online at echopress.com Support local journalism by subscribing and becoming a member at echopress.com. Your support will allow us to keep you informed. Make sure to swing by the Andria Theatre to see "The Play That Goes Wrong." It follows the antics of the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society, who are trying their very best to stage a production of a 1920s murder mystery. This is not as easy as it sounds as everything that can go wrong does. The show will run from April 20 to 22 and 27 through 29 at 7 p.m. and April 23 and 30 at 2 p.m. at Andria Theatre, located at 618 Broadway St, in Alexandria. Tickets can be purchased online at or by calling 320-762-8300. /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/26526522

Bunny stories, Pothole season and More 04/11/2023

Bunny stories, Pothole season and More Here are the top stories in Wednesday’s paper: Children hear bunny-themed stories at Cherry Street Books It is pothole season. Highlights from a new book, 100 Things to Do in Minnesota Before You Die. Both of Osakis’ boys and girls track and field teams have many letter-winners returning from last season. To read more from these stories and others, look for them in our print edition and online at echopress.com Support local journalism by subscribing and becoming a member at echopress.com. Your support will allow us to keep you informed. Make sure to swing by the Andria Theatre to see "The Play That Goes Wrong." It follows the antics of the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society, who are trying their very best to stage a production of a 1920s murder mystery. This is not as easy as it sounds as everything that can go wrong does. The show will run from April 20 to 22 and 27 through 29 at 7 p.m. and April 23 and 30 at 2 p.m. at Andria Theatre, located at 618 Broadway St, in Alexandria. Tickets can be purchased online at or by calling 320-762-8300 /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/26502912

Know the Echo: Lynn Mounsdon 04/07/2023

Know the Echo: Lynn Mounsdon Special episode! Lynn Mounsdon is the Circulation Manager and Customer Care Associateat the Echo Press. She grew up in the Brandon Evansville area. She started with the Echo Press in 1980. While she has taken on many roles at the Echo, one thing hasn't changed, her enjoyment of interacting with customers and connecting with the community. /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/26473587

Food support, Dracula meets Monty Python and More 04/06/2023

Food support, Dracula meets Monty Python and More Here are the top stories in Friday’s paper: E-SNAP food benefits end in Douglas County REA, ALP host electrical safety seminar in Alexandria Dracula the Bloody Truth" will premier at Lakes Area Theatre Alexandria high school junior gets offer from Minnesota Gophers to play basketball Make sure to swing by the Andria Theatre to see "The Play That Goes Wrong." It follows the antics of the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society, who are trying their very best to stage a production of a 1920s murder mystery. This is not as easy as it sounds as everything that can go wrong does. The show will run from April 20 to 22 and 27 through 29 at 7 p.m. and April 23 and 30 at 2 p.m. at Andria Theatre, located at 618 Broadway St, in Alexandria. Tickets can be purchased online at or by calling 320-762-8300 Forum Communications, the producer of this fine podcast, has been publishing and supporting local news across the Midwest for over 100 years and they have named this week – Trust Week! It’s a week highlighting all that goes into covering local news to ensure we keep your trust. Local news is one of the best ways to stay connected to your community, so, during Trust Week, you can get 50 % off a new annual subscription to the Echo Press. Just visit to get this special offer. /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/26460033

New VA Clinic, Grabbing Groceries and More 04/04/2023

New VA Clinic, Grabbing Groceries and More Here are the top stories in Wednesday’s paper: Opening for new VA Clinic in Alexandria delayed; current location still offering care Plea hearing set for Alexandria woman charged in fatal crash Grocery Grab in Alexandria raises thousands of dollars worth of food The Alexandria boys and girls track and field teams won their meet on Saturday, April 1. Make sure to swing by the Andria Theatre to see "The Play That Goes Wrong." It follows the antics of the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society, who are trying their very best to stage a production of a 1920s murder mystery. This is not as easy as it sounds as everything that can go wrong does. The show will run from April 20 to 22 and 27 through 29 at 7 p.m. and April 23 and 30 at 2 p.m. at Andria Theatre, located at 618 Broadway St, in Alexandria. Tickets can be purchased online at or by calling 320-762-8300 Forum Communications, the producer of this fine podcast, has been publishing and supporting local news across the Midwest for over 100 year and they have named this week – Trust Week! It’s a week highlighting all that goes into covering local news to ensure we keep your trust. Local news is one of the best ways to stay connected to your community, so during Trust Week, you can get 50 % off a new annual subscription to the Echo Press. Just visit to get this special offer. /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/26434503

David Christman - Andria Theatre's Artistic Director 04/01/2023

David Christman - Andria Theatre's Artistic Director Andria Theatre's Artistic Director, David Christman, sat down with the Echo Press to talk about an upcoming show -- The Play That Goes Wrong. It follows the antics of the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society, who are trying their very best to stage a production of a 1920s murder mystery. This is not as easy as it sounds with everything that can go wrong, does. The show will run from April 20th to the 22nd and the 27th through the 29th at 7:00pm and April 23rd and 30th at 2:00 p.m. at Andria Theatre, located at 618 Broadway St, in Alexandria. Tickets can be purchased online at or by calling 320-762-8300 Hurry, seats sell out fast Andria Theatre is the newest sponsor of the Echo Press Minute /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/26407962

Know the Echo: Lowell Anderson 03/31/2023

Know the Echo: Lowell Anderson Special episode! Lowell Anderson has been a photographer and writer at the Alexandria Echo Press since 1998. A native of the Alexandria area, Anderson graduated from St. Cloud State University with a degree in photojournalism and a minor in art in 1995. Before that, he worked in construction/carpentry and at a ski resort. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, skiing, playing guitar and bass, hiking, fly fishing, mushroom hunting, camping, photography, and sitting on his screen porch. /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/26404212

RoboCop-car. Bullet casing art and More 03/30/2023

RoboCop-car. Bullet casing art and More Here are the top stories in Friday’s paper: R/C vehicle helps Alexandria Police Department assess dangerous situations Fraud seminar presented by Viking Bank TIF district established for the Broadway Garden Estates project George Weatherwax, a 3M retiree, makes spent shell casings into miniature cabins and other tiny things. Alexandria Blizzard makes history with first-ever Fraser Cup championship appearance To read more from these stories and others, look for them in our print edition and online at Support local journalism by subscribing and becoming a member at echopress.com. Your support will allow us to keep you informed /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/26388090

Hoffman elevator fire, 'Brawl at the mall' and More 03/28/2023

Hoffman elevator fire, 'Brawl at the mall' and More Here are the top stories in Wednesday’s paper: Explosion and fire at Hoffman grain elevator Friday night Minnesota DNR is requesting more Douglas County volunteers to measure rain and snow fall A martial arts competition at the Viking Plaza Mall brought many martial arts enthusiasts and students from throughout the region into Alexandria on Saturday, March 25. Cardinals Boys basketball are excited about the future after a fourth-place finish at state To read more from these stories and others, look for them in our print edition and online at echopress.com Support local journalism by subscribing and becoming a member at echopress.com. Your support will allow us to keep you informed. /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/26371665

Know the Echo: Kathryn 'Kate' Henderson 03/24/2023

Know the Echo: Kathryn 'Kate' Henderson Special Episode! Kathryn 'Kate' Henderson is the advertising assistant at the Echo Press. Originally from Glenwood, Kate took a job at the Echo Press after first testing the waters in the field of Child Development. She is responsible for selling ads and making sure they are ready for print and online publishing. If you need to advertise, stop by the Echo and talk with Kate. /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/26330220

Douglas County dive team, City's chicken meeting and More 03/23/2023

Douglas County dive team, City's chicken meeting and More Here are the top stories in Friday’s paper: Douglas County Dive Team recently did some underwater ice dive training. Chicken jokes flew at a Monday night hearing to consider plans to allow chickens within the Alexandria city limits. AAHS 10th Annual Empty Bowls Project Alexandria boys basketball beat Mankato East 62-57 and advance to state semifinals To read more from these stories and others, look for them in our print edition and online at . Support local journalism by subscribing and becoming a member at echopress.com. Your support will allow us to keep you informed. /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/26313891

Myles Frueh 03/22/2023

Myles Frueh Myles Frueh is a sophomore at Alexandria Area High School. His love of late-night talk shows, passion for theater and need to entertain others were just some of the ingredients that led him to create a Youtube show and Podcast. It's called "The Unspecified Show." The show's name comes from its intentional randomness with the hopes to provide a "little something for everybody." It features a variety of topics and guests with recurring segments like "Table Talk," where he interviews and has conversations with guests; "Jokes" where he tries his hand as a comic; and "Optimistic Positivity" where he reads off positive news from across the globe. Frueh will be hosting a special live episode on Saturday, March 25, at the Performing Arts Center at AAHS starting at 7 p.m. The show will feature some of the same segments found on his YouTube channel as well as an opportunity for audience members to participate on stage. The show is free to attend. Visit for our full podcast library. From sports talk to true crime, we’ve got a podcast for everyone! /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/26295018

History of a chilling murder, 2A discussions, The bone's story and More 03/21/2023

History of a chilling murder, 2A discussions, The bone's story and More Here are the top stories in Wednesday’s paper: Man killed family members near Holmes City in 1941 because he 'felt like it' Osakis town hall meeting discussed Second Amendment on March 18 Alex College students study bones at museum Alexandria Blizzard clinch Western Division title for the first time To read more from these stories and others, look for them in our print edition and online at Support local journalism by subscribing and becoming a member at echopress.com. Your support will allow us to keep you informed. /episode/index/show/echopresspodcast/id/26288535

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