Johnson performs as Abraham Lincoln during OT County event

Contributed photo
Chuck Johnson, a Perham native, wrote and performed the three-act play at city hall prior to the Board of Commissioners’ discussion session.

Chuck Johnson captivated an audience as part of his performance at the Perham City Hall on July 19 for his performance of a three-act play “The Night Before Gettysburg.” The performance was held in conjunction with a meeting by the Otter Tail County Commissioners. 

Johnson invited the audience to take a journey with Abraham Lincoln to experience the final hours before Lincoln gave his famous Gettysburg Address. Johnson, a Perham native, wrote and performed the three-act play at city hall prior to the Board of Commissioners’ discussion session. The captive audience was enthralled with the historical depiction performed by Johnson and offered a rounding applause at the finale.

Residents were given the opportunity to ask questions of the four county commissioners present for the event. Commissioner Lee Rogness was unable to attend due to illness. 

“We regularly meet with the people in our districts. If you have questions, we are going to get you answers,” said Commissioner Dan Bucholz of District 1

 Bucholz agreed with Commissioner Mortenson, District 3, when he said, “I sincerely believe we (commissioners) are all working for the citizens of Otter Tail County.”

Employees from several service areas were available to share information and answer questions. 

Staff from the Solid Waste Department signed up those interested in the new food waste drop-off site in Perham and gave those who registered a countertop bin and compostable bags. People who are interested in the Organics Recycling Pilot Program that collects food waste and would like to use the Perham Drop-Off location, can contact Cedar Walters at cwalters@co.ottertail.mn.us.

Sheriff Barry Fitzgibbons visited with several community members and answered their questions. With three days under her belt, attendees welcomed the new Highway Engineer, Krysten Foster, as she met many people from the area.

The next Otter Tail County open house community event in Pelican Rapids on Monday, Sept. 18, at 7 p.m., at Lake Region Electric Cooperative at 1401 S Broadway (Highway 59).