Barbie Porter

Detroit Lakes

Reporter at Perham Focus

Multimedia Reporter at Detroit Lakes Tribune

Articles

Perham food pantry has record-breaking fundraiser

1 week ago | perhamfocus.com | Barbie Porter

PERHAM — The Bridge Pantry may have set a fundraising record this past March, but the need for donations remains with increasing usage. Executive Director Nichole Huebsch reported they had a goal to raise $50,000 in March and brought in more than $61,000.
Otter Tail County jail inmates to get video call option this summer

1 week ago | perhamfocus.com | Barbie Porter

PERHAM — Those serving time at the Otter Tail County Jail may soon be able to visit with family and friends through video calls. During the Otter Tail County Board meeting on Tuesday, May 6, Otter Tail County Sheriff Barry Fitzgibbons explained their current communication provider contract concludes in July. He said the new communications contract will offer tablets for inmates.
Turtle Fest celebrates a long history of traditions in Perham

1 week ago | perhamfocus.com | Barbie Porter

PERHAM — Turtle Fest in Perham is an annual celebration that creates a melting pot of fun for all ages and brings visitors together with residents from the city and country. This year, Turtle Fest is slated for June 18-22 and includes more than a dozen events, including the long-held tradition of turtle races. "It's probably one of the busiest weekends of the summer," said Perham Area Chamber of Commerce Director Mackenzie Blume.
Community effort and generosity lead to major upgrade at Yellowjacket softball field

1 week ago | perhamfocus.com | Barbie Porter

PERHAM — The softball fields for the Perham High School teams have received an upgrade. The fields, which are located at Arvig Park, now provide the Yellowjackets fast-pitch varsity and junior varsity softball teams a properly lined field with correct fencing, four new dugouts and a new scoreboard. Nate Tobkin, who has a daughter on the softball team, said this season the new digs have already lifted the team's spirits.
Perham High School students spend a night 'Under the Stars'

1 week ago | perhamfocus.com | Barbie Porter

PERHAM — Perham area community members filled the bleachers at The Hive to watch the grand march before the Perham High School prom on Saturday, May 3. This year’s theme was “Under the Stars.” There were 204 students who participated in the grand march. All of those who walked the runway were decked out in formal attire to celebrate the exclusive dance. There were three stops along the way, where attendees were given opportunities to take photographs.
Perham City Council considers $20,000 cost to join Otter Express Joint Powers Board

1 week ago | perhamfocus.com | Barbie Porter

PERHAM — The Perham City Council was presented with an Otter Express Joint Powers Board agreement during its Committee of the Whole meeting on Wednesday, April 30. Should the council move forward, it would come with an anticipated annual cost of $20,000. Perham City Administrator Jon Smith explained the city currently contributes $18,000 to Productive Alternatives to provide public transit operations in Perham.
Is it back to the drawing board for Perham Area EMS?

2 weeks ago | perhamfocus.com | Barbie Porter

PERHAM — A new tax district to fund Perham EMS was on the table at the Joint Powers Board meeting on Tuesday, April 29. No vote took place, and the topic was tabled until the board's Aug. 18 meeting, which will be held at 6 p.m. in the fire department meeting room. The location may change if a big crowd is anticipated. Any meeting location updates will be posted on the Perham EMS website.
Perham High School senior Reese Hunt wins state speech competition

2 weeks ago | perhamfocus.com | Barbie Porter

PERHAM — After four years competing at state speech competitions, Reese Hunt returned victorious with a first-place finish in Class A Original Oratory during this year's state competition on April 25. Upon returning home, the Perham High School senior promptly placed her medal next to her other speech accolades in the back of her closet. The daughter of Paul and Kjersten Hunt is proud of her achievement, but knows the journey speech provided is what she will carry with her every day.
Family moves to Perham to join a supportive community, finds support in their time of need

2 weeks ago | perhamfocus.com | Barbie Porter

PERHAM — Christy Stevens and her husband Chuck moved to Perham because of stories they heard about residents lifting one another up in their time of need. She wanted to be part of that. She never expected to be the one being lifted up. The Perham Health nurse with two young adult boys was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer this past fall.
Yellowjackets robotics team exceeds expectations at world championship

2 weeks ago | perhamfocus.com | Barbie Porter

PERHAM — Perham High School's robotics team exceeded their expectations at the in Houston, Texas, on April 16-19. Senior Elsa Bieger said the team predicted that at the end of the qualifying rounds, they would be ranked in the 30s and would need a captain to pick them to proceed to the next level. "There were 32 total teams in that (qualifying round), and the top eight were to be the captains (in the next round)," she said.