West Central Initiative has been selected as one of 25 Community Host organizations for the 2026 Weaver Awards, a national initiative of Weave: The Social Fabric Project at the Aspen Institute.  The Weaver Awards are part of a constellation of activities designed to celebrate and support weavers—everyday neighbors who are building relationships, strengthening belonging, and weaving… Read More

Senator Jordan Rasmusson has announced his intention to seek reelection in the Minnesota Senate for District 9, which includes communities in Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Traverse, and Wilkin counties. “The past year has made one thing clear: leadership isn’t measured by slogans or theatrics—it’s measured by results,” said Rasmusson. “Our communities deserve proven conservative leadership that… Read More

Grab your snowshoes or rent a pair of from Glendalough State Park and come see the park in winter. On Saturday, Jan. 31, join state park staff for a family-friendly adventure on snowshoes.  Meet at the Council Ring below the Sunset Lake trailhead parking lot at 10 a.m. Volunteers will have a fire going while participants… Read More

Resident purchased gift cards to finalize car sale By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent  A resident of Otter Tail County, on Jan. 2, was scammed and lost $100 while thinking he was finalizing a car purchase online. The county resident forwarded $100 worth of gift cards to the scammer, believing that the would-be seller would come… Read More

The Ground House opens Sunday in former SISU Nutrition building By Tucker Henderson Reporter Tucked inside the former Sisu Nutrition building on Main Avenue, begins a new chapter of healing and community wellness as The Ground House fills the space. Lisa Finck started her journey learning about modern medicine years ago after working at a clinic… Read More

Yoga studio makes a home in NYM By Tucker Henderson Reporter Stressors and trauma are ever-present in today’s modern age of technology and societal expectations of always moving and always working, much to the detriment of individual health. As a result, holistic wellness providers such as Bobbi Jo Hamilton of New York Mills, are becoming more utilized… Read More

By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent  In early January the Otter Cove Children’s Museum in downtown Fergus Falls hosted members of the Fergus Falls Fish and Game Club with a tour of their facility.  “We learned what Otter Cove is all about and saw the fishing vests and other fishing-related supplies that our club recently donated,” said… Read More

Otter Tail County welcomes new Deputy Administrator By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent The new chairperson of the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners for 2026 is Bob Lahman of Parkers Prairie, assuming duties from outgoing chairperson Wayne Johnson of Pelican Rapids. The new vice chair for 2026, approved at the first meeting of the new… Read More

Several local communities have both been part of the solar project By Greta Hentges West Central Initiative  Robert Williams Editor Communities across the region, including Frazee and Vergas, are taking bold steps toward a more sustainable and resilient future through the Municipal Solar Cohort. West Central Initiative (WCI) created the cohort to help communities develop project proposals… Read More

By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent Many older residents of Otter Tail County remember watching Fargo native and New York Yankees star Roger Maris play baseball against the Minnesota Twins during the early 1960s at the old Metropolitan Stadium in Bloomington, south of the Twin Cities, today the location of the Mall of America. It was 40… Read More