By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent A motion by County Commissioner Kurt Mortenson of rural Underwood and seconded by Commissioner Dan Bucholz of rural Perham was unanimously passed by county board members on Aug. 12. This resulted in a grant contract agreement between the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office and the Minnesota Counties Intergovernmental Trust (MCIT). This… Read More

By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent The county Sheriff Office, on Aug. 22, reported that a county resident in central Otter Tail County lost approximately $80,000 in a Bitcoin scam. Deputies said the county resident deposited money over a long period of time into what he did not know was a Bitgenie account scam.  This was likely… Read More

By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent Twin Cities-based Capital City Construction and Remediation has expanded to Fergus Falls. The owners, Chad and Mark Harrington, know this area very well. Their parents, Gary and Karalyn (Schulz) grew up on area farms. After working in the Twin Cities where Chad and Mark were raised, Gary and Karalyn retired… Read More

Wurst named as volleyball coach, Hocking takes over football team By Chad Koenen Publisher A pair of familiar faces will be stepping into some new roles at New York Mills School this fall.  Harley Wurst will be taking over as the new head volleyball coach after longtime coach Tammy Olson stepped down from the position last year,… Read More

Beaty entered his first rodeo at the age of 11 By Tucker Henderson Reporter Many people go through life working a tolerable job to get through the day. Therefore, it’s not everyday that people meet someone who can truly say they are fulfilling their dreams. Two Otter Tail County locals will tell you just that, however, as… Read More

Grants to enhance exterior of two buildings By Tucker Henderson Reporter The New York Mills Economic Development Authority (EDA) board met last Wednesday, Aug. 20 to discuss the development within the city. The EDA’s revolving loan fund balance is at $237,568 which is available to be loaned out to local businesses. Those interested are invited to contact the city… Read More

Council hopes to lower preliminary levy before it is finalized By Chad Koenen Publisher With more questions than answers and facing a looming end of September deadline, the Ottertail City Council set a rough preliminary tax levy increase for 2026.  During its regularly scheduled meeting last Thursday night, the Ottertail City Council approved a preliminary tax levy increase… Read More

By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent Lake property owners make efforts to preserve and protect lakes and rivers in Otter Tail County. They work closely with soil and water conservation employees in east and west Otter Tail County. Speaking to members of the county Coalition of Lake Associations (COLA) on Thursday evening, Aug. 21 at the Ottertail… Read More

Photo by Tucker Henderson County Cycle Pit Stop recently held a customer appreciation luncheon outside of its location in downtown New York Mills. 

Collared bears provide important data to inform management decisions The Minnesota bear hunting season opens Monday, Sept. 1, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is once again asking hunters to avoid shooting marked research bears. These bears have large, colorful ear tags and wear radio collars. Researchers with the Minnesota DNR are monitoring 50 radio-collared… Read More