Photo by Tucker Henderson The New York Mills Christmas Tree Festival kicked off on Saturday morning with the annual family day festivities. The day included the unveiling of this year’s trees, as well as a visit from Santa Claus and cookies decorating. The Christmas Tree Festival will continue throughout the week before wrapping up on Saturday. 

Donations sought for annual Santa Anonymous toy drive By Tucker Henderson Reporter The local Santa Anonymous group is geared up and getting things done in the community this month and next. As the Christmas Tree Festival and the recent Thanksgiving meal provided by Trinity Lutheran Church and Farmer’s Daughter Rustic Bakery have garnered many visitors and… Read More

By Chad Koenen Publisher The skies above Ottertail will come to life as part of the annual OtterDazzle celebration on Saturday night. A large fireworks display will bring to a close a busy day in Ottertail that will feature a visit from Santa Claus, as well as everything from a craft fair, hay rides and lighting… Read More

By Tucker Henderson Reporter St. Peters Lutheran Church in New York Mills is trying something new this Advent season and is inviting the community to join in on the weekly opportunity. Advent Academy is an educational twist on the Wednesday night Advent services that usually take place this time of year. At 6 p.m. each Wednesday of… Read More

Two open houses were held in OTC By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent County officials often emphasize that Otter Tail County is larger in size than the state of Rhode Island and paved roads total 1,062 miles. This is one reason for the importance of a long-range transportation plan, updated periodically. Two open houses for county residents,… Read More

By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the 1930s was a work relief program that provided employment to 3.5 million young men during the Great Depression. Reviewing life as a CCC worker, on Nov. 16 at the Fergus Falls Public Library, was author, story teller, guitar player and singer Bill Jamerson. He… Read More

Military personnel serving overseas that have ties to the community, VFW Post 3289 or Auxiliary will once again be receiving a soldier care package this Christmas to show love and support for them.  A drop off for donations has been set up at Mills Lucky Strike Lanes. Care package ideas that are appreciated by service members are: sunblock,… Read More

Contributed photo Several fifth through seventh grade students at New York Mills School recently took a six hour heart saver course through Tri-County Health Care. The students learned basic CPR, how to apply and use an AED, first aid and seizure management. All of the students are now certified through the American Heart Association.

Christmas Tree Festival to end Saturday All are invited to the Cultural Center’s annual Winter Fundraiser at the New York Mills City Hall Ballroom on Wednesday, Nov. 30, from 6-8 p.m.  This event is free to attend and open to all and held at the City Hall Ballroom during the NY Mills Christmas Tree Festival.  This fun… Read More

Diary gives insight into life across Dakota territory By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent Our winters have been challenging in recent years, but we’ve had it easy compared to life on the northern plains in the 1880s. North Dakota gained statehood in 1889. Before that, my great-grandparents farmed in what was then Dakota Territory near Mapleton, southwest… Read More