Chill Fishing Report Cody Hill Winter has shown us this past weekend that Mother Nature is not to be taken lightly.  Ice fishing is my favorite time of the year to fish but this past weekend it was downright deadly at times and I had to help rescue people on the lake that had gotten themselves… Read More

Battle Lake man injured in road accident By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent Sheriff deputies, On Jan. 10, reported several fraudulent unemployment applications in Otter Tail County. One county resident reported that he was notified that he was approved for unemployment benefits even though he had not applied for unemployment. Deputies advised the person to contact his… Read More

Anyone walking in to Farmers & Merchants State Bank recently looking for Nick Roder might’ve gotten a small surprise when they didn’t see him in the office he has occupied for the past 11 years.  That’s because the bank’s Board of Directors recently appointed him as President at their January meeting and with that title… Read More

By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent Scott Andrew Oppegard, 39, of Dalton, will avoid incarceration at the prison in St. Cloud if he remains law abiding for five years. Oppegard was found guilty after a felony charge of fifth degree drug possession. The judge issued a court ruling on Dec. 13, 2021. There will be local confinement in… Read More

Longtime teacher is grateful for the honor Tucker Henderson Reporter “So many people are deserving of this, and so (I) feel grateful to be nominated for something like this,” said Heidi Dresser of her recent award as the New York Mills School Teacher of the Year. “It’s good to feel appreciated.”  This is the second time… Read More

Tucker Henderson Reporter The 2021-22 New York Mills Elementary yearbook has received national recognition from its printer, Balfour (formerly Jostens). The yearbook, designed and compiled by Media Processor Connie Vandermay, makes up less than three percent of Balfour publications that have been selected as an example copy to be used in training sessions this summer… Read More

Community input sought through January 12 By Chad Koenen Publisher Do you want to help shape the future of New York Mills School over the next five years? If so, the NY Mills School District wants to hear from you.  Between now and Jan. 12, the NY Mills School is seeking input from the community via an… Read More

By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent At long last, completion of the Pelican Rapids to Perham recreational trail is in sight. “The East (Perham) segment is finished and the McDonald, Silent Lakes and West (Pelican Rapids) segments will be completed in 2022,” says Nick Leonard, deputy county administrator. The recreational trail, when completed, will be 10 feet wide… Read More

On Dec. 28, 2021, the Merickel family of Wadena contributed $100,000 to the construction of Tri-County Health Care’s new building project. Merickel Lumber and Ace Hardware have long been partners with Tri-County Health Care and the Foundation, supporting building projects and events like the Golf Classic and the All Heart Gala.   Jim and Jane Merickel… Read More

The United Way of Otter Tail and Wadena counties are now accepting Community Investment grant applications from 501c3 tax-exempt organizations interested in applying for program funding.  Application and guidelines are available on the United Way of Otter Tail and Wadena counties website at www.uwotw.org.  Priority areas for program funding include:    • Education: Helping children and youth… Read More