The Cultural Center in New York Mills is now accepting essays answering the 2021 Great American Think-Off question: Which is more important: to win or to play by the rules?  This year’s question was chosen for the 2020 debate, which was canceled due to COVID-19. After a year of deep political and civil divides in the… Read More

By Chad Koenen Publisher Rising from an otherwise vacant lot in-between Deer Creek and Wadena, the new Joyful Spirit Church is beginning to take shape.  The possibilities are endless and the plans are still being finalized about what the new church could look like for another generation.  Perhaps it’s a bit symbolic that just the foundation of the… Read More

By Chad Koenen Publisher Technology has never been more important for school districts than during the days of COVID-19. With students learning remotely and staff members utilizing new technology to reach their students, a renewed emphasis has been put on making sure students have the devices and information needed to be successful in the classroom—wherever that… Read More

By Chad Koenen Publisher Perham Health and Tri-County Healthcare began vaccinating front line staff members and first responders last Monday. The facilities received their first shipment of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine and over the course of the next several weeks will continue to vaccinate its employees. “While this process is just starting, a safe and effective vaccine… Read More

By Chad Koenen Publisher Two of New York Mills’ longest serving school board members attended their final meeting last week. With a combined 28 years between them, Tim Kupfer and Julie Adams were recognized for their years of service to not only the school district, but the community as well. “Just really a lot of appreciation for… Read More

Two familiar faces at Farmers & Merchants State Bank will soon have new responsibilities.  Latham Hetland and Sam Slieter have been promoted to officer positions beginning Jan. 1.  Hetland will be a Loan Officer while Slieter will be the Operations Officer.   Slieter first worked at the bank as an intern during the summer after he… Read More

Bauck makes custom elves who report good deeds By Barbie Porter Editor, Frazee-Vergas Forum Elves on the Shelf may be popular, but the ordinariness of main stream inspired KJ Bauck to create Designer Elf. The former Frazee resident currently residing in New York Mills said inspiration struck when her grandson wanted to bring an elf for show and tell…. Read More

By Chad Koenen Publisher Christmas came a little early for the Deer Creek Fire Department. The department purchased a used 1999 Freight liner FL80 pumper/tanker truck to replace an old 1984 tanker.  Deer Creek Fire Chief Travis Collins said the new truck will be a nice addition to the department, while serving not only as a tanker,… Read More

By Chad Koenen Publisher A special election will be held in May to decide whether New York Mills should become a split liquor community. During its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday night, the NY Mills City Council approved holding a special election in May to decide whether businesses like Mills Lanes and Lucky Strike Grill should be… Read More

Plan follows  several months of studies in OTC By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent County commissioners, on Dec. 9, formally adopted Otter Tail County’s long-range strategic plan. This came about following several months of studies concerning public infrastructure, natural resources, recreation and other goals for the betterment of Otter Tail County and its residents. Also included, prior to county… Read More