Final decision to be made on December 14 By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent The county board of commissioners, on Wednesday evening, Dec. 1, met at the County Government Services Center in Fergus Falls to hear an outline of the proposed County Solid Waste Master Plan. This was a public hearing following focus groups and input from… Read More

One year after being canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the New York Mills Christmas Tree Festival was once again a big hit in town. Nearly 1,500 people attended the annual event, which raises money for the Santa Anonymous program.  Volunteers for Santa Anonymous have said they are thankful for the support of the community and… Read More

Average amount of waste generated by each household is 40.5 lbs. per week The Otter Tail County Solid Waste Department held its fourth waste audit of Fergus Falls residential garbage last week. Past waste audits were held in 2015 prior to single-sort recycling being implemented, 2017, 2019 and now 2021. What is a waste audit? A waste… Read More

In an effort to help many struggling healthcare systems, the Minnesota Department of Health, in conjunction with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), has mobilized several clinician groups across central Minnesota. On Dec. 3, FEMA clinicians arrived for orientation training at Tri-County Health Care in Wadena. These support clinicians will assist staff with COVID-19 vaccination and… Read More

Structural fire reported in Newton Township near New York Mills By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent  On Nov. 29 sheriff deputies were called from family members of a rural Dent man who was found to be stuck in the air duct work of his house.  First responders found that the man, who had not been heard from… Read More

Hunters encouraged to submit spruce grouse feathers for genetics study Late-season spruce grouse hunters in northern Minnesota’s boreal forests are asked to voluntarily submit feather samples for the final year of a genetics research project being conducted by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in partnership with the University of Minnesota. Hunters who would like to assist… Read More

Photos by Chad Koenen Bluffton was a popular destination on Friday night as the community hosted its annual Santa Day celebration. The night began with the lighting of the community tree in the park and included a horse drawn ride through town. All of the children who visited Santa received a new hat and there were… Read More

Exhibit will be on display through December 31 The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center announces its December 2021 Gallery Show: “Notes from New York Mills” by Artist Brett Lysne. Everyone is invited to view this artwork; the gallery is always free to see and open to all. This show includes two bodies of work, “Notes… Read More

Ever wonder how to tie flies used in fly fishing? Join a webinar with Linda Radimecky, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources park naturalist, to learn the basics of fly tying, including how to use the equipment needed to tie flies. The webinar is at noon on Wednesday, Dec. 15, and is part of the DNR’s Minnesota… Read More

Koehler takes over growing home care business in NYM By Tucker Henderson Reporter After 12 years of operation, Lake Country Home Care finds itself in the care of a new owner. Micaela Koehler has taken over day-to-day operations of the New York Mills business. Koehler started this past August and lends her talents in management to… Read More