By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent The Otter Express bus service, operated for many years in Otter Tail County by Fergus Falls-based Productive Alternatives, is shifting to a proposed Joint Powers Board. Completion of the changeover from Productive Alternatives to a Joint Powers Board will not take place until June 30, 2026.  Until then, grant applications need… Read More

The Minnesota Legislature has approved the State and Local Government and Elections budget agreement, which includes a major initiative to strengthen oversight of state agencies and safeguard taxpayer dollars. House File 3, chief sponsored by Sen. Jordan Rasmusson (R-Fergus Falls) in the Senate, ensures that state agencies implement audit recommendations from the Office of the… Read More

By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent  Sheriff deputies, on June 5, reported that fire destroyed a shop with several items inside. The blaze, reported at 10:46 p.m., took place west of Star Lake in central Otter Tail County. Lost in the fire were two older Chevrolet Suburbans, power tools, a snowblower and other items. There was smoke… Read More

Join Chris Schuelke from the Otter Tail County Historical Society for a tour of historic New York Mills on Friday, June 13 at 5 p.m. Gather in front of the Cultural Center. Thanks to a grant from the Lake Region Arts Council, this walking tour will be available at no cost to participants. The public… Read More

Central Lakes College, Brainerd and Staples, has announced its 2025 spring semester honors lists.    The President’s List includes 277 students who earned a grade-point average of 3.75 to 4.0 while enrolled for at least 12 credits.   The Dean’s List includes 234 students who earned a grade-point average of 3.25 to 3.74 while enrolled for at… Read More

Recreational programming at the Minnesota Veterans Home – Fergus Falls is getting a big boost this year, thanks to a $26,000 donation from the non-profit Veterans Home Rest & Relaxation (Veterans Home R & R).  “This act of kindness not only underscores the importance of community engagement but also serves as a beacon of appreciation for… Read More

As organizers of the 2025 Relay For Life make plans to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Otter Tail County Relay, they are also looking for ways to make this year’s Relay new and exciting.  They also hope to get more and new people involved in this year’s Relay. In addition to the hopes that… Read More

The VFW Post 3289 Auxiliary met May 8 with 18 members present. Minutes from the April 10 meeting were approved, and the April Treasurer’s Report was filed subject to audit. The General Orders Bulletin for May 2025 from the Department President was read and discussed.  Our Auxiliary received the following District awards: Veterans and Family Support (1st… Read More

Community gathers to honor the life of Blake Unger By Tucker Henderson Reporter Within 12 hours of his death, the New York Mills and Bluffton communities heard the news that one of their own, recent high school graduate Blake Unger, was gone. As families, friends, and neighbors read about the circumstances surrounding his passing and shared the… Read More

By Chad Koenen Publisher Music, hot dogs, popcorn and Elvis Presley—oh my! One of the more popular summertime activities in the Ottertail region will once again be making a return to the Ottertail Community Park next week. The summer concert series is back for its 10th season and will once again feature a mixture of musical… Read More