By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail Coorespondant Cal Larson, in January 1967, took the oath of office as one of two at-large State House members representing Otter Tail County. In those days he served with legendary public servants such as Sen. Cliff Ukkelberg of Clitherall and Rep. Henry Henning of Pelican Rapids. Fast forward to 2021 and Larson, now… Read More

WCI hosts panel discussion about local newspapers By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent Weekly newspapers in Otter Tail County are holding their own, but face challenges felt by newspapers all across the county. Newspaper closings have been commonplace throughout the United States in recent years. During a zoom meeting on Aug. 11, sponsored by the Fergus Falls-based West… Read More

The VFW Post 3289 Auxiliary meeting was held on August 12th with 10 members present.   The Auxiliary will partner with the Trinity Mission and Outreach Board in hosting a meal honoring the First Responders on October 28th at the Trinity Church.  This year commemorates the 20th Anniversary of 9/11.   The quilt raffle will be held… Read More

Thursday, August 26  Sliced Roast Beef, Mashed Potatoes/Gravy, Baby Carrots, Butterscotch Pudding/Topping, Bread, Butter, Milk Friday, August 27  Chicken Kiev, Rice Pilaf, Mediterranean Blend, Carrot Cake, Bread, Butter, Milk Monday, August 30  Baked Chicken, Twice Baked Potatoes, Cream Style Corn, Bistro Bars, Bread, Butter, Milk Tuesday,  August 31  Ribs/Sauerkraut, Mashed Potatoes/Gravy, Angel Food Cake, Bread,  Butter, Milk

My sister and her husband bought land on the outskirts of Flagstaff, where it was so deserted that the first street—dirt road, really—was named after my sister. When someone purchased the five acres beside theirs, and parked some cars over on my sister and her husband’s property, it seemed kind of okay, being as there was… Read More

By Bev Johnson Master Gardener If you are being stung, it’s probably not a bee that is unless you have disturbed a hive. Most bees are just too busy making honey and getting ready for winter to bother you.  The culprit was more than likely a wasp. Jeff Hahn, Extension Entomologist was the go-to guy in the… Read More

By Tucker Henderson Special to the Dispatch What makes up a community? Is it the buildings? Perhaps it’s the churches in the area? The most important part of a community is surely the businesses, right? Many of you are probably rolling your eyes by now, but of course the most essential part of a community is the… Read More

provides oppo By Chad Koenen Publisher For nearly 20 years, youth from the greater New York Mills community have had the opportunity to get a once-in-a lifetime look at a community bank in their own back yard.  Each summer, with the exception of 2020, Farmers and Merchants State Bank has had an intern working at the bank…. Read More