By Rick Schara  West Central Initiative Schools and colleges in west central Minnesota provide a multitude of learning opportunities. One of those is the “last classroom of the day”–organized sports. Researchers note that both playing and watching sports competitions provide opportunities for social interaction and help forge a sense of belonging, which, in turn, can mitigate loneliness and… Read More

Reception set for November 30 in NYM The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center has announced its new gallery exhibit: “Teach,” in the gallery from October 23 to November 30. A reception will be held on Saturday, Nov. 30 from 1-3 p.m. The show is about inspiration: the teachers people learn from and those who inspire others…. Read More

Contributed photo The New York Mills High School Class of 1959 met recently for dinner and reminiscing on 65 years since graduation. Classmates pictured: Cecelia (Van Watermulen) Janu, Carol (Wallgren) Ehnert, Myrt (Matti) Larson, Janet (Ollila) Colberg, Pat (Wapola) Fredley and Dorla (Bernu) Salo. Back row: Alvin Schwartz, James Warner, James Steinbach, Gen (Pesola) Matti,… Read More

Live music at NYMRCC Friday, Nov. 1 The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center continues its 2024 Fall Concert Series on November 1 with a special live performance by up-and-coming regional artist Brianna Helbling.  All are welcome at the Cultural Center on Friday, Nov. 1, when Helbling will take the stage for her New York Mills… Read More

As the leaves fall and the nights grow cooler, the water temperature in lakes and rivers across the state has started dropping as well. Whether they’re hunting, fishing, or paddling, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources offers this reminder to anyone still using the water: Your safety is your responsibility. Even for strong swimmers, unexpected falls… Read More

Contributed photos Above: Jade Wegscheid shot a 10 point buck during the annual state youth hunt. Below: Jemma Goeson, 13, with her first buck shot north of New York Mills during the youth hunt weekend.

Photos by Chad Koenen The Cultural Center in New York Mills was filled with local youth dressed in everything from a hot dog costume to superheroes on Saturday. The annual community Halloween party featured a number of games, like pinning the tale on a cat (above), throwing a rat through a hole (below), as well as… Read More

NYM resident has expansive Halloween display By Tucker Henderson Reporter As Halloween festivities arise in New York Mills this coming week, don’t miss the display at 406 Gilman Street East as Jennifer Windel’s home in NY Mills is complete with over 1,000 pieces of Halloween decor to spook, shock and scare you on your trick-or-treat route… Read More

By Tucker Henderson Reporter Karvonen Funeral Home is hosting their third annual Halloween Party at their Wadena location with an open invitation to everyone. With 185 visitors during their first year and 250 participants at last year’s party, this year’s event should make for a shocking success as families choose a safe and warm alternative to trick-or-treating. “We… Read More

By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent The deadline for homebuilders to apply for the Otter Tail County Property Tax Rebate Program is approaching, with applications due by Dec. 31, 2024. This program offers a rebate on property taxes for new home construction, providing up to $10,000 from the county. While the rebate program is ending, the county… Read More