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

Ringing in 2025 Fourth of July with a little bit of the past

Looking for something to see or do? Here are 7 'hidden gems' around Minnesota lakes country

Hartmann, Caruthers, Kohler named as Alumni Hall of Fame 2025 inductees

Rost/Gran family from Hoffman and Villard chosen as this year's Relay for Life honorees

Merten brothers, Larry Lund to be inducted into Viking Speedway Hall of Fame

July 11, 2025

Briefs must be filed by July 24 in Alexandria stabbing death case

Third annual Summer Sounds by Brophy kicks off July 15

An Alexandria non-profit steps up to help a grieving sheriff’s office

Disney's 'Moana Jr.' takes to the Andria Theatre stage

Golf: Lisa Grimes, David Kjos selected as honorees for 104th Resorters Tournament

Opinion

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:

Vikingland Band Festival showcased the talents of 18 marching units during the annual parade

Check out these Fourth of July events

10th request for appeal extension filed in Pospisil case

About 300 vehicles were shining and showing at annual event hosted by the Vintage Car Club of Alexandria

Local artifacts shine a light on World War I

Girls Basketball: Matt Hoelscher takes over as Alexandria's head coach

July 4, 2025

Seniors share scam stories, learn how not to be scammed, plus more at annual Senior Expo

Is Douglas County becoming 'bear country?'

Strawberry season is slower but just as sweet at Country Blossom Farm

New book by Osakis pastor/author grapples with Christians' dual nature

Girls Soccer: Alexandria selects Luis Moreno to lead program in new era

Opinion

This month on Minnesota Night Skies, 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 Heavens Above website, or NASA’s Spot the Station app or the Spot the Station website.

Meanwhile, the moon occults Fang (!), you can track lunar occultations of bright stars online at Bright Star Occultation, the waning crescent moon upstages the Pleiades, and the Southern Delta Aquariid Meteor Shower 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 Minnesota Night Skies.

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 syndicated column for the Duluth News Tribune and is a regular contributor to Sky & Telescope magazine.

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 Skymaps.com. Also look for Stellarium Mobile where you get your apps. It's available for both Apple and Android phones. And check out Heavens Above at Heavens Above.com.