By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent When starting a guided tour of the James J. Hill house near downtown St. Paul, on display is a map of the state of Minnesota. Depicted is a rail line from St. Paul through Willmar to Breckenridge, 26 miles west of Fergus Falls, along with a branch line from St…. Read More

By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent Sheriff deputies, on July 7, reported the loss of a shed and items worth close to $20,000 due to fire just before dawn. The fire took place southeast of Vergas. The shed, 20 by 30 feet, was fully engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived at the scene of the fire at… Read More

Local poker player takes 751st place in WSOP Main Event By Chad Koenen Publisher Otter Tail County might not be known as the poker capital of the world, but Joel Smith did his part in putting the area on the map at the annual World Series of Poker Main Event last week. Smith, who lives in… Read More

Several easements pertain to haying operations By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent County commissioners, on June 27, approved certification of wetland easements for haying, following a request from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Landowners will retain primary responsibility for weed control, recreational use, access and will continue to be responsible for the payment of property taxes…. Read More

Grace Connection is ready to celebrate with their second annual Summer Celebration. Everyone is invited to join in the fun on Saturday, July 22 from 1-4 p.m. A free lunch of pork tenderloin, burgers and all the fixins will be served. Kids will enjoy horse rides, kiddie train rides, bouncy houses, and games all afternoon.  Get a… Read More

Photos by Tucker Henderson The fourth annual Bible Reading Marathon in New York Mills was held last week. As part of the marathon, local residents signed up for 15 minute time slots to read the Bible from start to finish. The Bible reading marathon was held at 12 West Gilman St. from July 9-15. Above: Andrea… Read More

A woman is dead following an incident on Big Pine Lake, east of Perham, on Monday.  According to area reports, at approximately 10:30 a.m., the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office received a call that a male had hurt a woman on Big Pine Lake. The woman was later pronounced dead and the man was taken into… Read More

Photos by Chad Koenen and Tucker Henderson Above: Members of the New York Mills Fire Department use some team work to get going in the Boatville Drags on Friday. Right: Andrew Soderholm and Ben Hittle captured their third straight championship in the 75-team Lund Mania fishing tournament on Friday. The awards ceremony was delayed a few… Read More

Relay for Life is set for Friday in Perham When asked how they feel about being asked to be an Honorary Co-Chair for this year’s Relay For Life of Otter Tail County, both 2023 Honorary Co-Chairs expressed the same sentiments—they were honored to be asked, but felt humbled. Both are grateful to be feeling well now,… Read More

By Tucker Henderson Reporter The “old band room” as it’s often referred to in the City Center building has taken on a new purpose and has been providing local community members with a place to exercise and stay in shape. The New York Mills Fitness Center officially opened on May 9, 2022 through partnership between the Perham… Read More