More H1N1 vaccine has become available and will be offered in coming weeks both at Lakewood Health System clinics and clinics conducted by local public health agencies. More...

Pillsbury Junction, located at Hwy 210 and Cty Rd. 1 South in Pillager, has new owners; and a new look. Mark and Laurie Pagnac purchased the gas station/ convenience store Sept. 11, after hearing about it through mutual acquaintances of it's former owners. More...

Full Story

- Gay ministry I and many others I know are upset by the decision of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) made at its church wide assembly this past August to allow its pastors be in gay and lesbian relationships. More...

Local artist and rising rap tycoon, Casual P (aka Joshua Nichols) will perform at the Stomping Grounds coffee house, Staples, Saturday, Dec. 19, at 7:30 p.m. Casual P's music is described as "a tasteful blend of rap, indie and alternative rock. More...

Senior Nutrition Program Anyone is welcome to come and enjoy a wholesome, nutritious meal and good fellowship at the nutrition site. Suggested donation: $3.50. Just call the phone number below between 8:30 a.m. and noon the day before for reservations. More...

December 4 DUAL RECOVERY ANONYMOUS MEETING every Friday at 4 p.m., 210 Jefferson St. S (upstairs at the Cyber Cafe) Wadena. For info., 218-631- 1714. PRESCHOOL OPEN GYM sponsored by MOMS Club, Dec. 4, 6 - 7 p.m., Staples Community Center. For families with children ages 0 - 5. Play equipment available. For info., 218-894-1897. More...

On Thanksgiving, John Odden received an honorary high school diploma at his home in Staples. John, who was born in August, 1926, attended school in Staples with the members of the class of 1945. While his classmates were receiving their diplomas, John was in Okinawa with the United States Navy's 40th Seabee's where he was building an air strip for the United States Marines. In attendance at the "graduation" were John's family including his wife, Norma; his sons Dan, Dave, Larry, Ron and Ed; daughter Karen; their spouses; and 11 of his 17 grandchildren. A special thanks goes to SMHS Principal Dean Ogg who hand-delivered the diploma to John's daughter-in-law, Sandy Odden, at Staples Elementary. John's health (sight and hearing) prevented him from taking part in recent graduation ceremonies held at the high school for similar veterans. (Submitted photo) More...

James "Mike" Wickman, 58, of Staples, died Nov 23, 2009, at Bethany Good Samaritan in Brainerd, after a long and courageous battle with brain cancer. Mike very generously deeded his body to medical science. A memorial service will be held in his honor at the Staples Assembly of God Church, Dec. 20, 2009, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. More...

The 2009 Staples Motley football team, which finished the season with a 9-1 record. Front row, left to right: Erik Nelson, Cody Wing, Zach Borders, Brady Killian, Lance Flickinger, Cody Hoemberg, Levi Anderson, Gavin Kadlec. More...

NOTICE CITY OF STAPLES NOTICE is hereby given that the Staples City Council gave an ordinance its first reading modifying Ordinance No. 481, which granted Minnesota Power a franchise to operate and maintain an electric distribution system in the City of Staples. More...