West Central Initiative has supported regional growth through tailored loan programs since 1986. These programs fill financial gaps with flexible, community-focused solutions. “Gap financing” helps businesses secure the capital needed to start, expand, or sustain operations when full funding isn’t available.  “Our role is to support community projects that need capital to move forward,” said Greg Wagner,… Read More

Minnesota Senate Republicans recently elected their leadership team to guide the caucus during the upcoming 2025-26 legislative session. State Senator Jordan Rasmusson (R-Fergus Falls) was named assistant Senate Republican leader, while Senator Mark Johnson (R-East Grand Forks) will continue in his role as Senate Republican leader. In his role as assistant Senate Republican leader, Sen. Rasmusson… Read More

Concert set for Nov. 23 at Cultural Center The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center and the New York Mills Friends of the Library are pleased to co-present Kip Peltoniemi in concert on Saturday, Nov. 23. Join the Cultural Center and the NY Mills Friends of the Library for an unforgettable evening with renowned accordionist and… Read More

Photos by Tucker Henderson The annual New York Mills Veterans Day program once again turned out a large crowd on Monday morning. The program, which was held at NY Mills School, was organized by members of the NY Mills VFW Post 3289 and Auxiliary. The event featured a variety of musical selections, guest speakers and the… Read More

Two new faces elected to NYM School Board By Chad Koenen Publisher Latham Hetland was overwhelmingly elected as the new mayor for the City of New York Mills. Hetland, who was currently serving as a member of the city council, received 609 of the 617 votes cast for the position. He will take over for Marsha… Read More

By Tucker Henderson Reporter With fall weather in the air, there’s no place like a church bazaar to warm up, get fed, and stock up on winter goodies for the cold months ahead. Trinity Lutheran Church in New York Mills will be hosting their annual Fall Bazaar on Saturday, Nov. 23 with doors opening at 9 a.m…. Read More

New flooring, coolers highlight upgrades By Tucker Henderson Reporter If you’ve stepped inside Mills Country Market in the past few weeks, you’ve likely seen the sleek new look to the dairy and meat sections of the grocery store on Miller Street in New York Mills. The Muehler family, Tim and Terri with son Tyler, decided it… Read More

County to host open house at Dalton senior housing project By Robert Williams Editor Otter Tail County Sheriff Barry Fitzgibbons petitioned the Otter Tail Board of Commissioners to use $213,000 of Public Safety Funds, as well as forfeiture funds, to purchase a Sherp N 1200 rescue vehicle. The breakdown of cost is $163,042 from safety funds… Read More

By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent County board members, on Nov. 5, agreed to move forward with an extension of a lease agreement at the county-owned facility north of the Bigwood Event Center and post office on Western Avenue in Fergus Falls. The facility is currently used by Northstar Behavioral Health (NBH) which serves individuals facing mental… Read More

Farmers Roost provided a place to stay for farmers By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent Stories of delivering wheat to Phelps Mill, for milling into flour, have been passed along from one farm family generation to the next. Located in Maine Township of central Otter Tail County, the mill was in business from 1889 to 1939. “I… Read More