By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent It was a challenge for residents of Old Clitherall who, in 1865, established the first non-Native American settlement in what became Otter Tail County three years later, in 1868. Many county residents appreciate learning about life in this area of Otter Tail County close to 160 years ago. They were Cutlerites… Read More

By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent Sheriff deputies, on Nov. 25, reported that a house was destroyed by fire at Schumacher Drive on the southwest side of Battle Lake. The fire was called in to authorities at 6:22 p.m. Residents of the home were able to evacuate with no injuries. The fire appeared to be the result… Read More

Savings created by a camera and taser combination package By Robert Williams Editor Otter Tail County Sheriff Barry Fitzgibbons introduced a 10-year agreement with Axon Enterprise, Inc., of Scottsdale, Ariz., to maintain dash cameras, body cameras and taser devices as one package for the price of $3,126, 368.  “To get on a contract for 10 years we… Read More

Satre has helped to lead services at Camp Nidaros By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent Retired Pastor Stan Satre, after this year’s general election, displayed signs on his lawn on the west side of Fergus Falls with the words, “Please work for the future.” This was part of Satre’s effort to urge people to come together… Read More

The Butler 4-H Club is looking to spread some Christmas cheer this holiday season throughout the region. The group is taking nominations through December 7 to give away the following:  • (2) individuals to receive a Ham and goody tray • (2) people to receive a Turkey and goody tray • (6) people to receive a goody tray Nominees… Read More

Contributed photo Three New York Mills Elementary students were recently honored for the posters they created as part of the annual fire safety poster contest. Their posters have been sent to the state competition to get judged with local poster contest winners from across Minnesota. NY Mills School winners include: Alyssa Foley, Josephine Brandt and… Read More

The mental health teams from Prairie Wind Middle School and Heart of the Lakes Elementary School were presented with an $8,160 check from the PrairieCare Fund. PrairieCare is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of local communities. The organization focuses on providing essential funding for youth mental health resources in Minnesota Schools… Read More

Photos by Chad Koenen The New York Mills Christmas Tree Festival is underway at the city ballroom. The event features dozens of decorated trees (right) that line the ballroom through the NY Mills Lions Club Community Christmas Party on Saturday. The week long festival kicked off on Saturday morning with a visit from Santa Claus (middle… Read More

By Tucker Henderson Reporter The New York Mills Economic Development Authority met for their regularly scheduled meeting last Wednesday to discuss matters relating to economic development within the city.  ¶  The board is maintaining a healthy revolving loan fund balance with all loans current or ahead and a balance of $213,364.27 available for local business ventures… Read More

Organizers planning for 2025-26 school year By Tucker Henderson Reporter As the school year is in full swing for the local schools in the Lakes Area, many students are benefiting from the cross-cultural learning opportunities provided by the variety of foreign exchange students who are spending their year in the United States. Sheila Piippo, rural New York… Read More