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

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