As the New Year approaches, the National Federation of Independent Business – Minnesota, or NFIB MN, is advising small businesses of new laws that impact Main Streets across Minnesota. The 2023 Minnesota Legislative Session produced sweeping new regulations, mandates, and tax increases that carry significant implications for small business owners in every part of the state…. Read More

The VFW Post 3289 Auxiliary met December 14 with 16 members present. Minutes from the November 9 meeting were approved, and the November 30 Treasurer’s Report was filed subject to audit. The General Orders Bulletin for December 2023 from the Department President was read and discussed. The Mid-Winter Conference will be January 12-14 in Brooklyn Park. Thank… Read More

As 2024 approaches, the Minnesota FFA Foundation continues the important work supporting the development of young people through Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (AFNR) programs and the FFA. Minnesota FFA continues to grow both in the number of schools offering AFNR/FFA programs and the number of students enrolled. Thirty new programs have been added in the… Read More

Karvonen celebrates 30th year as funeral director at family-owned funeral home By Chad Koenen Publisher Greg and Suzi Karvonen sit around a large wooden table in one of the meeting rooms at Karvonen Funeral Home in New York Mills. They are just steps from the home that Greg has lived in just about his entire life,… Read More

The North Dakota Industrial Commission approved Otter Tail Power Company to be a sub-recipient of approximately $4.4 million in state-allocated Department of Energy (DOE) Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) grant funding on Monday, Dec. 18.  “As our customer needs evolve, we do as well by transitioning to new technologies and options to help deliver reliable… Read More

Widespread rain, wind and unseasonably warm weather during recent days have degraded ice conditions throughout the state, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.   While the week between the Christmas and New Year’s holidays has become popular among the owners of deluxe fish houses (known also as wheelhouses), conditions so far this winter mean… Read More

Saewert becomes new DNR Conservation Officer By Tucker Henderson Reporter It’s not everyday that someone becomes a Conservation Officer for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. In fact, it’s known to be a highly sought after position with rigorous training. That was Landyn Saewert’s experience this summer as he transitioned from his work as AIS (Aquatic Invasive Species)… Read More

Clementson lends his gift to Warner Garage Door By Tucker Henderson Reporter A welcome sign made by a local chainsaw artist became a fixture at Warner Garage Door, Inc. in recent weeks after Bill Warner, owner and operator, received it as a Christmas gift from its creator. Matt Clementson, Park Rapids, is that creator and also happens… Read More

Levy lowered to a 20 percent increase By Chad Koenen Publisher Just four years after an accident took the life of 21-year-old Tyler Wohler, a new trail in Ottertail could come to fruition as soon as next summer.  During its regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, Dec. 21, the Ottertail City Council heard that much of the funding… Read More

Winters were difficult for settlers in Old Clitherall By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent This has been a mild winter, but county historians will still pause over a cup of coffee and point to hard winter conditions at Old Clitherall, dating back to 1865. It was a challenge for residents of Old Clitherall who, in 1865, established… Read More