By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent Developing Otter Tail County’s workforce means finding, keeping and training people to support a resilient and growing employer community. In 2024 this strategy, led by county government, implemented programs to promote the availability of jobs in Otter Tail County. “We helped employers recruit and retain workers more effectively and create partnerships,”… Read More

County advocates for policies to benefit local community needs Otter Tail County Commissioners and staff recently attended the Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC) Legislative Conference, where they engaged in discussions with state legislators on key issues impacting the county and its residents. The event provided an opportunity for Otter Tail County leaders to advocate for… Read More

Local affiliate receives a visit from national director of new affiliates By Lisa Peterson Special to the Dispatch Tuesday and Wednesday, March 11 and 12 were busy days for the Executive Director and board members of Love In the Name of Christ of Greater East Otter Tail County.  Love INC National Director of New Affiliates, Rev. Daniel Walker… Read More

By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent The Byrds sang the hit song, “Mr. Tambourine Man,” 60 years ago this summer, in 1965, at the old Balmoral Pavilion on the south side of Otter Tail Lake. Balmoral was one of the most popular dance halls in west central Minnesota. “Balmoral was also one of the hottest hangouts of… Read More

Registration open until April 1 University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardeners of Clay and Becker Counties, invite the public to Horticulture Day 2025. Workshops topics include bee lawns, soil health, composting, new flower trends for 2025, foraging & cooking, growing medicinal herbs, collecting and growing native pollinator plants and much more. Vendors and  lunch networking… Read More

Updating 151 lakes, 15 in Becker and Otter Tail Counties March is the month to connect with Minnesota Department of Natural Resources fisheries offices across Minnesota about 151 lakes in 40 counties that will have their fisheries lake management plans updated in 2025. Comments from people interested in the health and quality of Minnesota’s fisheries are… Read More

The annual Invitational Art Show is back for another season at M State, marking the event’s 51st year of supporting and showcasing local artists. An open-invite representation of the Fergus Falls area’s abundant creative talents and sources of inspiration, the show shines a spotlight on a diverse range of artistic skill sets and mediums. “This year, there… Read More

M State’s upcoming play is a comedic tribute to family vacations A “sweet tribute to the Midwest and the summer family road trip,” is how Stefanie Gerhardson describes “Leaving Iowa,” this year’s spring play at M State. Gerhardson is an M State Theatre faculty member and the play’s director. “It’s a comedy about family vacations,” she… Read More

The Otter Tail County Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force and the Otter Tail County Coalition of Lake Associations (OTC COLA), www.otccola.org, are sponsoring the Lake Stewardship Symposium on Saturday, May 31. Minnesota lakes are a vital component for enjoyable living in America’s northwest. Value of this resource is measured in recreational opportunities, family bonding, lake property… Read More

The Yellowjacket Activities Department has named a new head coach to lead the boys’ tennis team into the 2025 season. Perham Activities Director Erin Anderson announced that Nick Stokke has been appointed as the new head coach, pending ISD 549 Board approval. Stokke will replace Gunnar Anderson, who stepped down after two seasons with the… Read More