By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent Gary Puckett, who gained rock ‘n’ roll fame in the late 1960s, always appreciated his family ties to Otter Tail County, and Pelican Rapids in particular. This remains true to the present day for the rock star who still performs on a part-time basis. Puckett was born in Hibbing in 1942…. Read More

Easter egg hunts set for Saturday in NYM area By Chad Koenen Publisher Do you want to see a child run at the speed of light? Put thousands of colorful plastic eggs with candy inside in front of them and watch the madness unfold. That is what will transpire on Saturday for the annual New York… Read More

OTC saw a 4.71 percent tax levy increase By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent County residents now have their tax statements for 2022. Some home owners see decreases for 2022 while others see increases compared to 2021 taxes. “Keep in mind that everyone’s situation will be unique,” says County Auditor-Treasurer Wayne Stein. “The percent of change on individual… Read More

On March 17, the Lakes Area Cooperative (LAC) held its 109th Annual Stockholders meeting at the Countryside Barn. President John Schultz called the meeting to order at 10:30 a.m. Secretary Jason Bachmann gave the Board of Directors’ report and thanked the patrons and the employees for their support in 2021.  Auditor Mike Misheski of Widmer Roel presented… Read More

New league to begin in May at NYM rifle range Tucker Henderson Reporter Pellets will fly and targets will be riddled with holes this May as Rush Lake Range offers its first precision air league to the public. Starting the first week in May, nine weeks of skill building lessons will include rifle safety, shooting skills,… Read More

OTC Sheriff’s office sends out safe driving reminder The Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office and the Otter Tail County Safe Communities Coalition will join law enforcement agencies and community partners nationwide in April to remind drivers about the dangers and consequences of distracted driving. This annual campaign is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety… Read More

Local workers aim to reduce recidivism in OTC Substance abuse and mental health concerns for many in local communities have steadily increased over the last decade. These problems are exacerbated for those who are serving sentences in the Otter Tail County Jail.  In an initial step to reduce recidivism, or reoffences, a social worker has been positioned… Read More

By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent  Sheriff deputies, on April 1, reported the theft of a handgun from an undisclosed location in Underwood. The person who reported the incident said the stolen firearm was a 9mm handgun. As of April 4 the owner was submitting the serial number to authorities. Welder, other items stolen The theft of a welder… Read More

More than 15,000 volunteers helped the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources do everything from monitoring rainfall levels to clearing trails, according to the new 2021 annual DNR volunteer report. Our volunteers give back to their communities and the state in so many ways,” Commissioner Sarah Strommen said. “I can’t overstate how grateful we are for their… Read More

Musician to perform in New York Mills on April 23 The New York Mills Cultural Center will be hosting local musician Ben Ranson on Saturday, April 23. Doors will open at 7 p.m. and the concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. Ranson is a nylon-string, finger-style guitarist and comic singer-songwriter from Sebeka. He calls himself a… Read More