Asbestos, lead found in Phelps Mill Store building

By Tom Hintgen

Otter Tail County Correspondent

County commissioners, on Aug. 25, heard an update on major renovations needed at the Phelps Mill Store near the county-owned historic flour mill in central Otter Tail County.

“We are only currently working on Phase 1, which includes restoration of the foundation, roof work, removal of the concrete porch, kitchen addition and weather proofing,” said Kevin Fellbaum, county parks and trails director.

Asbestos removal at the lower level of the store is the major project. Fellbaum added that the objective is to protect the building from degrading more than it already has experienced.

  The Phelps Mill Store, used in previous years by visitors who purchased ice cream, pop, mill-related memorabilia and other items, is in dire need of repairs. With this in mind, county residents should not expect completion anytime in the near future, and not likely in 2026 or even 2027.

“We have good plans in order to receive grants through the state of Minnesota, working in consultation with the state historical society,” said Fellbaum to county commissioners.

Once repairs are completed, county officials are confident that a renter will again operate the Phelps Mill Store and attract visitors. The first step was to have architectural consultants verify existing conditions of the store, meet with the county building committee, provide information to the Minnesota State Historical Society and provide cost estimates for renovation.

Abatement contracts related to asbestos removal were approved Aug. 25 by members of the five-person county board of commissioners.

Additional topics 

during county 

board meeting

County commissioners, on Aug, 25, passed a resolution in support of a speed zone study of Highway 49 near Marion Lake, southeast of Dent. The study will be conducted by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) to determine the need for revised speed zones.

The county board stipulated that MnDOT should proceed with establishing a legal speed zone if the findings are in step with concerns of area residents.

Replacement of a bridge over Highway 143, near Bluffton in eastern Otter Tail County, will take place in 2027. The $1.1 million construction project will be primarily funded with federal and state bridge replacement funds.

The county board, acting in its role as the County Drainage Authority, approved a new roadway approach (crossing point) near Ditch 5, southeast of Henning, and the removal of rocks from Ditch 58 near Rush Lake, north of Ottertail city and south of Perham.

County commissioners approved renewal of a legislative consultant contract with Sarah Psick who has worked on behalf of Otter Tail County for eight years. 

Commissioners praised Psick for her assistance in helping county board members and county employees schedule and participate in legislative meetings, offering strategic advice, attending county board meetings as requested and performing other mutually agreed-upon activities.

County board members also praised Psick for her work with the county board and staff to define the scope legislative priorities for Otter Tail County during the legislative sessions in St. Paul.