County was organized in 1868 following state legislation By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent Otter Tail County was organized in 1868 following a state legislative act. The first group of non-Native American settlers, Cutlerites, came to Clitherall Lake in the spring of 1865 to become permanent settlers. About 35 men, women and children made the trip from Manti,… Read More

OTC COLA, EOT SWCD to host bus tour The Otter Tail County Coalition Of Lake Associations (OTC COLA) and East Otter Tail County Soil and Water Conservation District (EOT SWCD) are sponsoring a bus tour of lake properties demonstrating how lake property owners can be proactive in the preservation of their shorelines and water quality… Read More

Photo by Chad Koenen Lifeguards at Legried Community Pool wrapped up a busy summer last week as the pool officially closed for the season on Aug. 18. Lifeguards this year included: Front row: Molly Meyer, Lucie Meyer, Aliya Gerber, Dixie Dykhoff and Jada Goeson. Back row: Cate Diggins, Elijah Geiser, Grace Wallgren, Irene Mursu and pool… Read More

Store was a hub near Amor Park By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent In his book, “Memories of Otter Tail Lake,” Fergus Falls native Lance Johnson said that no other place on Otter Tail Lake’s north side has ever evoked more affection and nostalgia than Amor Park Store. Johnson, over the years, was well known as the… Read More

By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent  Sheriff deputies, on Aug. 14, reported that a motorcycle driver and a passenger sustained serious injuries after striking a deer. The accident took place close to 12:30 p.m. near the intersection of Highways 32 and 74, east of the town of Maine in central Otter Tail County. Both were wearing helmets… Read More

Farmer’s Market is located in Central Park By Tucker Henderson Reporter The New York Mills Farmer’s Market has expanded its hours for the rest of the season. The Farmer’s Market will be open for a few hours on Wednesdays in addition to their regular hours. This means that fresh fruit, vegetables, and goodies can be sourced locally twice… Read More

Photos by Dani Koenen The annual Finn Creek Festival was held over the weekend at the Finn Creek Open Air Museum. The event featured a number of special displays like one of the Finnish Army (right), as well as Finnish-inspired food and games throughout the weekend. The weekend also included an auction, antique tractor pull and… Read More

Photo by Chad Koenen A pair of fundraisers were held over the weekend to benefit the family of Lucille Schik, who is currently battling cancer for the second time as a child. The first fundraiser was held at the New York Mills VFW in conjunction with the corn feed, while a second bake sale/fundraiser was held… Read More

Photos by Chad Koenen The annual Bluffton Hometown Days was held over the weekend in Bluffton. The weekend featured the New York Mills FFA kiddie tractor pull on Saturday, music and a dance in the afternoon by Eric’s Dance Band, a bean bag tournament, as well as a whiffle ball tournament, street dance and inflatable rides…. Read More

By Jerry Mevissen Special to the Dispatch On a stretch of farm land about a mile north of Nimrod on County 14, a new monument stands. You can’t miss it. It’s about 12 feet tall and 28 feet wide in brilliant red, white, and blue. It’s Glenn Pederson’s monument to all veterans, but especially to his fellow… Read More