New program is geared to people seeking public office, leadership positions The Rural Advocacy and Public Leadership Program is a free six-month leadership and advocacy course designed for people interested in strengthening democracy and supporting the development of good governance in their local rural community. Participants will meet for four hours one Saturday a month from… Read More

By Tucker Henderson Reporter In cooperation with Love, INC (Love in the Name of Christ) of Greater East Otter Tail County, the New York Mills Apostolic Lutheran Church is hosting a children’s winter gear open house in their Fellowship Hall on Tuesday, Dec. 16 from 3-6 p.m. The open house will have a variety of youth coats,… Read More

Photos by Tucker Henderson The New York Mills Christmas Tree Festival wrapped up last week with a number of events and activities including senior day (below), performances by students from the school (above and bottom right), a horse-drawn ride through town (right), time for tree viewing and the NY Mills Lions Club Christmas party on Saturday night.

Legislators tour Lunds, transitional youth housing in Perham On Thursday, Nov. 13, Sen. Jordan Rasmusson (R-Fergus Falls), a member of the Minnesota Senate Capital Investment Committee, hosted the committee in Senate District 9 to hear directly from communities about priorities. Members learned about water projects, public water access, and youth and community development initiatives. The visit also included… Read More

Photo by Tucker Henderson Six fifth grade students in New York Mills recently came together to organize and host a fundraiser for the Backpack for Hunger Program. They started planning the event at the beginning of the school year and spent many recess periods organizing the details. Last Tuesday, the group made it happen and sold… Read More

Winning FFA teams, individuals will advance to nationals Nearly 250 FFA members from across Minnesota will converge on St. Cloud State University Monday, December 15, to vie for spots in national competition in Leadership Development Events (LDEs). Team and individual winners in the areas of Prepared and Extemporaneous Public Speaking, Parliamentary Procedure, Ag Issues, Conduct… Read More

The VFW Post 3289 Auxiliary met November 13 with 15 members present. Minutes from the October 9 meeting were approved, and the October Treasurer’s Report was filed subject to audit. The General Orders Bulletin for November 2025 from the Department President was read and discussed. In other business • Committee Chairs gave an update on our programs for 2025-2026. •… Read More

New exhibit is a tribute to Cheryl Bannes and her creative community The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center has announced Circle of Friends, a special gallery exhibition honoring the work of former Artistic Director Cheryl Bannes and some of the vibrant community of artists who have shared in and shaped her creative journey. The… Read More

Lobbyist to represent county priorities at state capitol By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent County commissioners, on Dec. 2, finalized a contract for Congressional lobbying with St. Paul-based Larkin Hoffman Public Affairs. The term of the contract, noted County Deputy Administrator Nick Leonard, is for three years, from December 2025 through November 2028. “We in county government… Read More

WCI is partnering with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) to distribute approximately $1.15 million in PROMISE Act Grants to businesses and nonprofits in west central Minnesota. This program was created by the Minnesota Legislature to support businesses and nonprofits that face ongoing economic challenges. Grants will range from $10,000 to $50,000. Eligibility This is… Read More