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
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
