A labor shortage in the Alexandria construction industry has sparked a new incentive – scholarships for students. Two groups are opposing the Lake Geneva Christian Center’s plans to expand. Another story gives tips on how to stay safe on winter roads. In Life, read about Rattlesnake James who murdered a Forada woman back in the 1930s. In Sports, read how the Cardinals boys hockey defense lifted the team to a victory over St. Cloud.

The Viking Sportsmen held a free ice fishing event for “Take a Kid Fishing Weekend.” Kids fished for rainbow trout. State Sen. Bill Ingebrigtsen announced that he won’t seek a sixth term in the Legislature. A local group of friends is raising money to bring an Afghan refugee family to Alexandria. In Life, read about the Andria Theatre’s newest production, The Shawshank Redemption. In Sports, read how the Cardinals racked up top-four finishes at Big Ole Wrestling Invitational.

Ways to stay active in Douglas County during the winter. The Alexandria City Attorney has drafted policies to prepare for vaccines of city employees if mandates are upheld in the Supreme Court. Details of the Christmas bird count at Lake Carlos State Park. Seventh graders in Parkers Prairie learned about polio vaccines from a survivor. A West Central Area senior basketball player who reached a major milestone, scoring 2,000 points in her career.

The City of Alexandria is getting Noonan Park ready for winter skating. A woman is charged with vehicular homicide of a Garfield man. Douglas machine receives help for $11million project, Museum collaboration brings history to your home. A nephew of a former Douglas County Commissioner is preserving memories of his relatives, The Alexandria Area High School dance team hosted an invitational tournament Saturday. And a quick update on Covid-19 in Douglas County.  Support local journalism by subscribing and becoming a member at echopress.com.

Hear the daily local news and get the inside scoop on what’s happening in Alexandria, Minnesota starting January 11th.