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Productive Alternatives: Providing Services and Meaningful Opportunities for Individuals Across the Region
Productive Alternatives is on a mission to build a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. The organization, founded in 1959, is dedicated to promoting quality of life and personal growth for the people it serves and its employees. Through education, advocacy, and service, it hopes to promote rural prosperity, development, and belonging. Connecting,…
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A Step into the Future: Our New Geothermal System Saves Energy and Costs
I’m Tobias Buening, an energy engineering student from FH Münster University of Applied Sciences in Germany. As the 2025 Energy Engineering Intern at West Central Initiative, I’ve been studying how our geothermal system performs by looking at its energy use and cost savings as part of my bachelor’s thesis. After analyzing more than a year’s worth…
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Celebrating Community, Courage, and Connection with Local Pride Organizations
Pride is an important celebration. It celebrates individuals for who they are and honors the resiliency of the LGBTQIA+ community. The first Pride events were organized marches, held in June 1970 in New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago to honor the Stonewall Riots of 1969. Since then, Pride has become a global movement….
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Pickleball Strengthens Community Connection Across Otter Tail County
Across our region, communities are adding a new amenity—pickleball courts! Pickleball, originally developed in 1965, blends elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong to create a fast-paced, active game enjoyed by people of all ages. The sport encourages movement, connection, and fun, and is easy to learn. It only requires a paddle, a ball, access to…
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