Macy Koljonen, of New York Mills, has been named to Southern New Hampshire University’s (SNHU) Summer 2025 President’s List. The summer terms run from May to August. Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.700 and above for the reporting term are named to the President’s List. Full-time status is achieved by… Read More

In the heart of Audubon, Minnesota, craftsmanship meets vision. For Nick Olson, owner of Viking Millwork, buying a small woodworking business wasn’t just about making a living—it was about building something lasting, rooted in passion, perseverance, and community.  Six years ago, Olson wasn’t planning to buy a business. While flipping through the local paper, he spotted a tiny ad… Read More

It’s the time of year when leaves turn color, the air gets crisp, and hunters look forward to deer hunting opportunities as Minnesota’s archery deer season begins on Saturday, Sept. 13. “We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable archery season,” said Paul Burr, acting big game program coordinator for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. “We’re… Read More

By Chad Koenen Publisher The Perham/New York Mills tennis team improved to 14-3 overall with a 5-2 win over Park Rapids on the road on Tuesday night. The Yellowjackets swept the singles matches in straight sets, while also picking up a win at third doubles to pick up the win. Kaia Anderson won both of her games… Read More

Hunting diaries will give a more complete picture of bird populations The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is inviting upland bird hunters to voluntarily log details about their hunts for grouse, woodcock, pheasants, prairie chickens and partridge. “We’re working with bird hunters to improve our understanding of what they see in the field,” said Nate Huck,… Read More

Shirley-Ross transitions from Texas to NY Mills By Tucker Henderson Reporter As fall started on Labor Day, so did the new Artistic Director at the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center, Megan Shirley-Ross. Originally from Fargo, N.D., she and her family recently made the move from Lubbock, Texas to join the Cultural Center as their newest… Read More

Photos by Chad Koenen Farmers and Merchants State Bank brought back a classic halftime game during Friday’s football game between New York Mills and Otter Tail Central. Former activities director and football coach Matt Radniecki (right) joined Latham Hetland and Nick Roder (who was speaking to the banker on the phone) near midfield as he attempted… Read More

By Tucker Henderson Reporter Main Avenue in New York Mills will be filled with people once again this year for the second annual Welcoming Week Fair, which will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 16 from 4-7 p.m. in front of the Cultural Center and public library. Welcoming Week was created as a national initiative of Welcoming America… Read More

Northerner Auto Repair services vehicles, trailers, small engines By Chad Koenen Publisher Fred and Heather Taylor traded the rolling hills and ocean views of Maine for Otter Tail County approximately 10 years ago and are now gearing up for the next chapter of their life—small business owners in the city of Ottertail.  The couple, who moved across… Read More

Photos by Chad Koenen The large wooden dance floor under the big yellow tent came alive over the weekend for the annual Polka Daze celebration in Ottertail. Held each September, five bands performed over the course of three days as people from across the upper Midwest converged on Ottertail for the annual celebration. Among the bands… Read More