By Chad Koenen Publisher Longtime phy ed teacher and girls basketball and softball coach Bryan Dunrud will take over as activities director beginning in the fall of 2025.  During its regularly scheduled meeting last week, the NY Mills School Board approved a proposal that will fill the vacancy created when current activitiesdirector Matt Radniecki is retiring at… Read More

By Tucker Henderson Reporter The New York Mills School choirs made sure to put their best foot forward last week as they hosted a regional choir competition with students from Verndale, Sebeka, Pillager, Wadena-Deer Creek, Bertha-Hewitt, Staples-Motley, and Battle Lake participating in the event. NY Mills students received two excellent scores and one superior score with their… Read More

Business owners aim to raise $5 million for Arvig Park project By Robert Williams Editor Imagine being asked out of the blue to spearhead a $5 million fundraising campaign for the betterment of your town. No matter how good the project looks on paper, one would have to be a little crazy to jump in and… Read More

Auditor/treasurer has served for 42 years in county government By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent The five-person Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners, on Tuesday morning, March 25, honored retiring County Auditor-Treasurer Wayne Stein for his 42 years of service to county government. He ran for county auditor in 1990 and was reelected to seven more four-year terms… Read More

Plan to include daycare option for nearly 50 children By Chad Koenen Publisher A new daycare center could soon become a reality in the City of Ottertail. During its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, March 17, which was moved ahead a few days due to a scheduling conflict, the Ottertail City Council heard from Tyler Rupe about… Read More

The VFW Post 3289 Auxiliary met March 13 with 14 members present. One new member application was received and approved. Minutes from the February 20 meeting were approved, and the February Treasurer’s Report was filed subject to audit. The General Orders Bulletin for March 2025 from the Department President was read and discussed.  The National President will visit… Read More

Minnesota Veterans Homes – Fergus Falls Residents are grateful for a donation aimed at keeping them active, entertained and healthy. Runningen Furs—a locally family-owned business—recently donated $2,826 to the Fergus Falls Veterans Home’s Recreation Fund. This donation was the latest in a series of gifts to honor Veteran Ruben Runningen, a Resident of the Home from… Read More

Farm Bureau Financial Services (FBFS) recently held its annual banquet, celebrating the accomplishments of the individuals and teams who made significant contributions to the company’s success over the past year.  Over 30 FBFS agents and managers from across the state were recognized during the evening program. Among them was Michelle Beck, of East Otter Tail County,… Read More

During the Minnesota Ambulance Association (MMA) Stars of Life Event on March 18, Senator Jordan Rasmusson (R-Fergus Falls) was recognized as a 2025 Legislator of the Year. This award is presented to members who are champions for the needs of the state’s emergency medical services (EMS) and first responders. “I am grateful to be recognized by… Read More

Photos by Chad Koenen The New York Mills community turned out on Saturday night to honor the 2025 inductees into the school hall/wall of fame. Inductees into the hall/wall of fame included: Joel Kumpula, Howard Legried, Terry Weller, 1973 NY Mills girls basketball team and Richard Ericksrud.