The University of Minnesota Extension and Central Lakes College will host a field day on adding crops into a current row cropping system for farmers in Central and West Central Minnesota, showcasing winter camelina, small grains, and dry edible beans. Speakers will cover agronomic considerations for these crops, as well as machinery needs and available… Read More

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has confirmed the presence of zebra mussels in Ethel Lake, near the town of Ottertail in Otter Tail County. A DNR staff person found zebra mussels attached to native mussels while visiting Ethel Lake. Whether or not a lake has any invasive species, Minnesota law requires people to: • Clean watercraft, trailers… Read More

NYM Public Library to participate in program All 11 member public libraries and the Viking Library System (VLS) bookmobile are participating in the statewide library park pass program in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Participating VLS member libraries include: • Browns Valley Public Library • Douglas County Library in Alexandria • Thorson Memorial Public… Read More

Contributed photo The New York Mills Class of 1965 met Saturday afternoon, July 12, 2025 at Mills Lanes & Lucky Strike Grill to celebrate their 60 year reunion. Seventeen class members took part in the fun-filled event out of 43 surviving members, some coming from as far away as Oregon. Front row: Shirley (Frost) Volpe,… Read More

By Alice Martin Special to the Dispatch Ah, the lowly rock pigeon. Denizen of cities, seashores and rural America. So common that they tend to be overlooked completely.  “It’s just a pigeon.” However, a closer look a flock of pigeons reveals them to be beautiful birds, some sporting the typical blue-gray color with two dark wing bars… Read More

West Central Initiative invites the community to join a powerful conversation about the global effects of plastic pollution. These gatherings will feature a screening of Plastic People: The Hidden Crisis of Microplastics, followed by a thought-provoking discussion about what this means for public health, local ecosystems, and our everyday choices.  “Plastic production and pollution continue to… Read More

Otter Tail County is developing a comprehensive road safety plan as part of the federal Safe Streets and Roads for All initiative and requests public input to inform the plan. The Safety Action Plan aims to reduce roadway fatalities and serious injuries by identifying high-risk areas and prioritizing data-driven, community-informed solutions. As part of this effort, the… Read More

By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent In the late 1960s many sailboat racing fans would gather at Highway Park on the southeast side of Otter Tail Lake. It was exciting to see the sailboats advance to the finish line. There also was the opportunity to get a glimpse of one of the finishing line judges in… Read More

The Lake Region Arts Council (LRAC) is excited to announce the opening of their 2025 Guest Juror Exhibition, juried by esteemed artist and cultural organizer Nancy Ariza. The exhibition is already open at the LRAC Main Gallery and they have already welcomed a number of visitors engaging with the powerful and diverse artwork on display. In… Read More

The Red River Watershed Management Board (RRWMB) supports the inclusion of $9 million for flood hazard mitigation grants through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in the $700 million bonding package passed during the Minnesota Legislature’s special session in early June 2025.  Senator Jordan Rasmusson (R-Fergus Falls) joined the Board’s July 8, 2025 meeting for… Read More