West Central Initiative will host community members, leaders, and changemakers from west central Minnesota and beyond at its Rural Democracy Summit 2025: Toward a Positive Rural Vision, which will be held Friday, Oct. 31, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the University of Minnesota Morris. “This gathering is a space to exchange ideas, build new… Read More

Photos by Tucker Henderson The garages near Subway in New York Mills were filled with clothing and household items last week for the annual New York Mills VFW Auxiliary 3289 rummage sale. The rummage sale was held from September 26-28 with the proceeds benefitting the local youth and community programs. 

City council approves 15 percent preliminary tax levy increase By Chad Koenen Publisher The City of Ottertail has received a positive outlook on its finances over the past year.  During its regularly scheduled meeting last Wednesday night, the Ottertail City Council heard from auditor Brian Kane regarding its 2024 year-end audit. Kane highlighted a number of positive… Read More

Seventy-two padded folding chairs purchased at the school By Tucker Henderson Reporter Though the Footprints Foundation is best known for its extensive work with local scholarship funding for New York Mills High School graduates, its mission extends a bit beyond into the greater community in addition to hosting legacy funds. Recently, the board of directors donated… Read More

By Chad Koenen Publisher Ottertail may be one of the furthest things from the glitz, glamour and celebrities of Los Angeles, but for Mallory Jo Hunter, her life in Tinseltown helped to prepare her for the next chapter of her life—a new spa in the heart of lakes country. Hunter, who spent approximately 14 years working as… Read More

Proposal could bring affordable housing options By Tucker Henderson Reporter The New York Mills Economic Development Authority met on Wednesday, Sept. 17 to discuss development within the community. The EDA’s revolving loan fund balance sits at $239,076.33 and is available for eligible businesses to utilize. A discussion on interest rates and loan availability was had and the… Read More

Contributed photo The New York Mills Class of 1956 hosted its 69th high school reunion on September 13 at Mills Lanes and Lucky Strike Grill. Front row: Mary Tikkanen Hall, Bette Nurmi Hietala, Shirlyn Pikkaraine Bentley and Gladys Johnson Chase Back row: Reuben Tumberg, Ronald Cavalier, John Reger, Dale Jokela and Bernard Reger. Not pictured:… Read More

Photos by Tucker Henderson The New York Mills Forward committee and West Central Initiative hosted the second annual Welcoming Week Street Fair in NY Mills last week. A plethora of local businesses and organizations shared information at their own booths and over 250 people attended the event.

By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent National Newspaper Week is Oct. 5-11. Small town newspapers, including those in Otter Tail County, will point out that local reporting empowers community and area residents to use the information they receive to make good decisions in their everyday lives. “Local journalism is the heartbeat of informed communities,” said Carolyn Nolte,… Read More

Photo by Tucker Henderson Paul Bloyer of County Cycle Pit Stop gave away 15 door prizes at the Perham Aging Expo last week. With close to 400 attendees, Connie Thompson of Perham won the grand prize of a portable indoor exercise bike.