HRA/CDA powers ordinance reviewed  By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent County Commissioners, believing that a speed zone study on a segment of Highway 4 at Crystal Lake and Lake Lida (northeast of Pelican Rapids) would be beneficial, request that this area be studied by the Minnesota Department of Transportation to determine the need for a revised speed zone…. Read More

Grandstand events to include a tractor pull, demo derby By Chad Koenen Publisher Animals, rides, live entertainment and unique creations on a stick—oh my. The annual East Otter Tail County Fair will kick off on Thursday with an ever-expanding line up of grandstand events and entertainment that will once again show why the Perham-based fair is one… Read More

Invasive weed is showing up in county ditches By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent County commissioners, on June 27, addressed the issue of an invasive weed called Leafy Spurge. A concern was previously brought to the county board’s attention. This weed is showing up in county ditches. More information is being gathered as to what is currently… Read More

By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent The Parkers Prairie area in southeastern Otter Tail County is part of the Long Prairie River Watershed which also includes portions of Douglas, Wadena, Todd and Morrison Counties. This is an important factor when high water issues near Nelson Lake, west of Parkers Prairie, are addressed. Water flows southward from this… Read More

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