By Tom Hintgen

Otter Tail County Correspondent

A motion by County Commissioner Kurt Mortenson of rural Underwood and seconded by Commissioner Wayne Johnson of Pelican Rapids passed unanimously to authorize three Hazard Mitigation Project Assistance Program Grant Agreements.

These agreements are between Otter Tail County and the communities of Battle Lake, Underwood and Ottertail. This allows for grant funding to support the installation of a generator in Battle Lake and support outdoor warning siren projects in Underwood and Ottertail.

Storm shelter

usage approved

A motion by County Commissioner Sean Sullivan of Fergus Falls was unanimously carried to authorize a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Otter Tail County and the City of Fergus Falls. This allows for the Fergus Falls Fire Department to utilize the county’s Highway Garage near Fergus Falls during a severe storm event or other weather-related emergency.

Snowmobile support

The Otter Country Trail Association maintains and manages 364 miles of snowmobile trails in Otter Tail County. To that end, county commissioners on April 28 approved sponsorship of the trail association for the 2026-2027 snowmobile season.

Commissioners also agreed to have Otter Tail County act as the sponsor of the Henning Sno Cruisers, the Otter Trail Riders and the Prairie Snow Drifters for the 2026-2027 season.