By Tucker Henderson Reporter The New York Mills Economic Development Authority board met during their regularly scheduled monthly meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 18 to discuss topics surrounding community development. Latham Hetland gave an update on NYM Forward which met the day prior and he mentioned that there was a possible new member for the committee which is… Read More

Waste audit finds reduced percentage of food waste The Otter Tail County Solid Waste Department held its 5th waste audit of residential garbage last week. Past waste audits were held in 2015 prior to single-sort recycling being implemented in Fergus Falls and Perham, and following that in 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2023. More than 20 people participated… Read More

Commissioners adopt a 5.18 percent tax levy increase By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent On Dec. 19 the five-person Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners approved a final net county property tax levy of $51.2 million for 2024. This represents a 5.18 percent net tax levy increase compared to the 2023 net tax levy.  The county board… Read More

Otter Tail County receives opioid  settlement money By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent County commissioners, on Tuesday morning, Dec. 19, held their final meeting for 2023. The five commissioners will meet again in January 2024. Several topics were on the agenda for this year’s final gathering. County Engineer Krysten Foster reviewed with county board members the detours that will… Read More

County assessor appointed By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent County Board Chairman Wayne Johnson of Pelican Rapids, at the Dec. 12 county board of commissioners meeting, led discussion regarding fees for the food, pool, and lodging program.  The five county commissioners agreed that an assessment should be done to find out what Otter Tail County program costs are,… Read More

“Shadows of Yesterday,” a new book by Lisa L Colsen, has been released by Dorrance Publishing Co., Inc. A tragic event can deeply affect a family forever, fundamentally changing how they view and move through the world. “Shadows of Yesterday” is a search for a loved one that teaches important lessons. “Shadows of Yesterday” chronicles the disappearance… Read More

Walking the halls of a high school can be a challenge for anyone, but it can be even harder for students to walk for the very first time. Entering ninth grade is a challenge from navigating a new school, facing intimidating upperclassmen, along with changes to the teenage body. The counseling staff at Perham High… Read More

T-shirt for donors through Jan. 5 When blood products are fully stocked on hospital shelves, patients don’t have to wait for critical care. Giving blood or platelets with the American Red Cross in December can help those in need make more holiday memories with loved ones. This is a busy time for many. Holiday gatherings, travel… Read More

Parade to be held in St. Louis on March 16 By Chad Koenen Publisher The New York Mills Marching Eagles will be taking their traveling show on the road in March. During its regularly scheduled meeting last Monday night, the NY Mills School Board approved an overnight trip for the marching band to attend the St. Patrick’s Day… Read More

By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent  Sheriff deputies, in conjunction with the Minnesota State Highway Patrol, reported one non-life-threatening injury Dec. 9 in a three-vehicle accident southeast of Bluffton, in the far eastern section of Otter Tail County. The accident took place at the intersection of Highways 29 and 75. Injured was Victoria Joy Tellers, 25, of… Read More