Otter Tail County announces the hiring of Natalee Yates as the new Public Information and Education Officer (PIEO) in the Solid Waste Department. Yates brings extensive environmental expertise and a passion for community education to the county’s recycling and waste reduction programs. Yates was born in Virginia and earned a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Conservation… Read More

Justin Moen has joined West Central Initiative as the new Rural Democracy Network Coordinator. In this role, Moen will help lead efforts to strengthen civic engagement and empower residents across rural Minnesota to shape the future of their communities.  Moen made Otter Tail County his home in 2023 and began working with the United Way of… Read More

September is National Preparedness Month Otter Tail County Emergency Management is joining Minnesota’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) and communities nationwide in observing September as National Preparedness Month, encouraging residents and visitors to take steps to prepare for potential emergencies and disasters. Emergency Manager Patrick Waletzko said the annual campaign provides an important… Read More

The VFW Post 3289 Auxiliary met August 14 with 13 members and one guest present. Minutes from the July 10 meeting were approved, and the July Treasurer’s Report was filed subject to audit. The General Orders Bulletin for August 2025 from the Department President was read and discussed.  Information about the September 19-21 Fall Conference in Plymouth,… Read More

Grace Connection, a church just outside of New York Mills, announces its annual Wild Game Feed – Critter Cooking Contest on Friday, Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. This year’s event features special guest speaker Al Lindner—well-known outdoor enthusiast, co-founder of Lindy Tackle Company and In-Fisherman Communications, and host of Angling Edge and Angling Buzz. Lindner will… Read More

A cornerstone of compassionate senior care Nestled in the heart of New York Mills, Vitality Living is redefining what it means to age with dignity, purpose and community. Licensed for 38 assisted living beds, this facility is more than just a residence—it’s a vibrant hub of care, connection and community engagement. Vitality Living of New York Mills… Read More

Photo by Tucker Henderson The New York Mills High School Class of 2026 provided a warm welcome to the incoming Class of 2038 last week for the first week of school. The kindergarten students posed for a quick picture with the senior class to wrap up a busy week of school in New York Mills.

By Tucker Henderson Reporter As the school year kicks off this week in New York Mills, five teachers and a nurse join the district as the newest members of staff. All natives of Minnesota, these new staff members already understand the challenges and opportunities of working and learning in our snowy state.  ¶  Hailing from Kerkhoven,… Read More

By Chad Koenen Publisher New York Mills Elementary students will have a new way to learn social, emotional and behavioral skills that can benefit them long after their time is done at school. During its regularly scheduled meeting last week, the NY Mills School Board heard a presentation about the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Blueprint. The program… Read More

Event to feature five polka bands through Sept. 5-7 By Chad Koenen Publisher Accordions will be working overtime under the bright yellow tent near the Ottertail water tower from September 4-6 for the 15th annual Polka Daze celebration.  Each year the Ottertail Lions host the event and highlight several national acts at its annual Polka Daze celebration…. Read More