Olson named as new EOT Extension Educator By Tucker Henderson Reporter Another new face joined the University of Minnesota Extension Office in New York Mills as Olivia Olson filled the position of Extension Educator in late November 2023. Olson is a 2021 graduate of the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Sustainable… Read More

Warner, Neale to bring comedy, musical show to NY Mills By Tucker Henderson Reporter Dennis Warner and Dan Neale will be performing their acoustic blend of up-tempo music, funny songs, humorous stories and storytelling ballads at the New York Mills Public Library on Friday, Jan. 19 at 6:30 p.m. Warner is a fiscal year 2023 recipient of the… Read More

By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County County Correspondent On Dec. 22, 2023, area residents said goodbye to Budd Andrews of Pelican Rapids who lived to be 102. Budd, who served as a bombardier with the Army Air Corps during World War II, was part of what many Americans refer to as “the greatest generation.” During his working years… Read More

By Chad Koenen Publisher The Wadena Madhatters are putting the finishing touches on their latest production centered around a small town in the heart of Northern Minnesota.  “Don’t Hug Me” will drop the curtain for the first time on Friday night for the first of three shows this weekend. The production will host a show next Saturday… Read More

County Commissioners review EMS concerns By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent The new chairman of the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners for 2024 is Kurt Mortenson of rural Underwood, taking over from outgoing chairman Wayne Johnson of Pelican Rapids. The new vice chair for 2024 is Commissioner Lee Rogness of Fergus Falls. The other two county… Read More

By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent  Sheriff deputies, on Dec. 29, reported a traffic injury at the intersection of Highway 78 and 190th Street, south of Battle Lake. The single-vehicle accident took place at 3:42 a.m. The driver lost control of the vehicle which left the roadway and rolled in the ditch. Non-life-threatening injuries were reported. Battle… Read More

Historic log cabin is named after family who homesteaded in 1869 By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent Situated in the northeast section of Underwood is the Foss Log Cabin, named after Ole and Anne Foss who homesteaded in 1869. The cabin is located on the corner of a residential neighborhood and serves as a reminder of… Read More

Grants to help fund local projects throughout central Minnesota Central Minnesota residents with an idea to strengthen sustainability in their community can now apply for partnership support from the University of Minnesota Extension Central Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships (Central RSDP). Central RSDP supports local innovation by connecting community ideas to University of Minnesota resources. Community members… Read More

Every winter, hundreds of thousands of anglers head for the frozen water to fish. Most ice anglers clean up after themselves, but some don’t—and it’s their behavior that was the impetus for a new litter-on-ice law the Minnesota Legislature passed earlier this year. Ice conditions so far this season have been highly variable and safety has… Read More

County board approves software upgrades to Government Services Center By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent County board members, on Dec. 19, held a discussion concerning statewide funding for Emergency Medical Services (EMS).  Concerns surrounding rural communities and EMS service continue to be at the forefront. The county board asks the public to write to their state representatives about… Read More