By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent The county board of commissioners, on April 9, heard a probation systems report from Deputy Administrator Lynne Penke Valdes and consultant Jason Anderson. There are two probation agencies that serve Otter Tail County. A county office is responsible for the supervision of all juvenile matters and all adult misdemeanant/gross misdemeanant clients. A… Read More

Park is being planned on Fish Lake, Pelican River By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent Otter Tail County is preparing a master plan for the new Echo Bay Regional Park, reviewed to county board members on March 26 by County Parks and Trails Director Kevin Fellbaum. This effort is a collaboration between Otter Tail County and a private… Read More

New book details early years of Fergus Falls area By Chad Koenen Publisher Ben Underwood always wanted to write the story of his great-great grandfather A.J. Underwood—but the journey of making the story come to life took the better part of the past three years.  “You always wonder what the finished product will look like,” said Ben…. Read More

On Saturday, April 14, nine New York Mills speech members competed at the MSHSL Section 6A tournament hosted in Menahga. To qualify to the state tournament, competitors needed to advance to the final round and place in the top three.  Both Payton Lausten and Simon Resing advanced to finals, but placed fourth in their respective categories,… Read More

County to explore possible locations for a new FRC By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent In late 2023 the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners contracted with a consultant to complete a community needs assessment on development of one or more Family Resource Centers (FRCs).  An FRC can be located at either a school or community location, and acts… Read More

The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center’s 2024 Live Music Series continues with Nashville-based country artist Aaron Simmons, on Saturday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m. All are welcome. Simmons hails from Stewartville, a small town in southeast Minnesota, and also has family ties in Wadena. He is best known for his unique combination of high-energy stage… Read More

Event set for April 27 near Battle Lake Glendalough State Park, in west-central Minnesota, will host its 28th annual Walk for Glendalough on Saturday, April 27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event is a fundraiser for new park amenities and is sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Parks and Trails… Read More

LRIP funding to be utilized for several projects in OTC The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) recently announced the latest recipients of the Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP). This state program provides funding assistance to local agencies for construction, reconstruction or reconditioning projects.  In Otter Tail County, Fergus Falls and Aurdal Township projects will receive $2.2… Read More

Approximately a third of fatal boating accidents occur during cold water period With anglers, boaters, and paddlers taking advantage of the early ice-out across much of Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is reminding anyone spending time around lakes, rivers, and ponds that water temperatures remain extremely low and unexpected falls can turn tragic. Each year,… Read More

M State choir and band show set for April 21 in Fergus Falls It happens every spring like clockwork, and now it’s time once again for M State’s annual Spring Concert, a vocal and instrumental showcase of the college’s three choirs and Concert Band. With a special emphasis on the concept and meaning of time, this… Read More