West Central Initiative is accepting applications now through Thursday, Feb. 26, at 5 p.m. for grant funding to support environmental sustainability, social change and civic-engagement projects in our region.  West Central Initiative’s Grants Officer, Amanda Quam, emphasized the importance of these grant opportunities in promoting a healthy and resilient region.  “Environmental sustainability, social change, and civic engagement are… Read More

Ridgewater College would like to acknowledge those students earning recognition on the Dean’s lists for Fall semester 2025. To be included on the Dean’s list, a student must maintain a grade point average of 3.5 or higher and be enrolled in at least nine credits and meet certain other criteria. Local students named to the list… Read More

Concordia College and its Concordia Language Villages program in Bemidji, Minn., are expanding opportunities for students to earn academic credit through new dual credit and college-level language and cultural programs, beginning this year. These offerings build on Concordia Language Villages’ renowned immersive education model and Concordia College’s liberal arts academic foundation. “Global connection begins with communication, and… Read More

By Tucker Henderson Reporter It’s the time of year when a leaking pipe or frozen drain field can become a big problem in a short amount of time. Fortunately, for homeowners all around the Highway 10 corridor from east of Wadena all the way to Casselton, N.D., their problems can be remedied with a phone call… Read More

Majority of $10 million project to be covered by state grant By Chad Koenen Publisher A new water treatment facility could soon be coming to South Point in New York Mills. During its regularly scheduled meeting last week, the NY Mills City Council approved a task order to complete the final design and send the expansive water… Read More

Polar Plunge on Otter Tail Lake set for Feb. 7 By Tucker Henderson Reporter Each winter, the Otter Tail Polar Plunge is held on Otter Tail Lake to help raise funds to support Special Olympics Minnesota. The organization provides training and services to those with intellectual disabilities across the state. The Otter Tail Plunge has raised over… Read More

The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center is pleased to announce the 2026 Great American Think-Off question: Is the pursuit of happiness making Americans unhappy? Now entering its 33rd year, the Great American Think-Off invites all people from across the country—from truck drivers to teachers, grandparents to graduate students—to engage with timely philosophical questions rooted in everyday life…. Read More

By Tucker Henderson Reporter The New York Mills Civic and Commerce Association is starting off the new year with their annual Community Kick-Off event which is slated for next Wednesday, Jan. 28 at 5:30 p.m. at the NY Mills Regional Cultural Center. The event is intended to inform the community about what the Civic and Commerce has… Read More

By Robert Williams Editor Todd Finkelson, of Ashby, was commended for his outstanding actions on October 24, 2025 by the County Assessor Heather Jacobson, Sheriff Barry Fitzgibbons, and the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners Tuesday, Jan. 13. On October 24, 2025, while working in the field, Finkelson, an Otter Tail County Appraiser, stopped at a rural… Read More

The Fargo and West Fargo Police Departments are requesting the assistance of residents, businesses and property owners in Otter Tail County. Authorities are investigating the disappearance of 25-year-old West Fargo resident Isadora Wengel. In addition to previous requests for residents and businesses in the Fargo, Moorhead, West Fargo area to review camera footage (which remain active), police… Read More