Program for broadband assistance Staying connected to local resources and emergency services can improve and possibly save lives. Access to local emergency services and community resources is also vital to all residents. The federal Lifeline program provides discounts to help low-income residents connect to the nation’s broadband and phone networks to find jobs, access health care… Read More

The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center’s Fall 2024 Live Music Series kicks off with San Francisco-based trio Thrown-Out Bones, on Thursday, Sept. 12 at 7:30 p.m.  Attend the show at the Cultural Center’s intimate listening-room-style gallery space for this talented multi-genre band that explores everything from jazz to funk to rock.  With seven cross-country tours under… Read More

For the first time since the early 1900s, the Sebeka Menahga Review Messenger is under new ownership. On August 28, Chad and Dani Koenen purchased the Sebeka Menahga Review Messenger from Tim Bloomquist. The family owned community newspaper has been in the Bloomquist family for 119 years. “We are looking forward to being a part of the… Read More

School underway at New York Mills School District By Tucker Henderson Reporter As the New York Mills School District starts another year of instruction, it also welcomes five new teachers into the fold. With a variety of backgrounds and experiences, these teachers will share their knowledge with students this school year. The Special Education team will… Read More

Population study shows enrollment to be similar to 10 years ago By Chad Koenen Publisher After years of dramatic growth within the New York Mills School District, enrollment is expected to take a slight dip over the next 10 years.  During its regularly scheduled meeting last week, the NY Mills School Board heard a projected enrollment presentation from… Read More

Event to feature five polka bands through Sept. 5-7 By Chad Koenen Publisher Accordions will be working overtime under the bright yellow tent near the Ottertail water tower from September 5-7 for the 14th annual Polka Daze celebration.  Each year the Ottertail Lions host the event and highlight several national acts at its annual Polka Daze celebration…. Read More

By Tucker Henderson Reporter Everybody likes a good story, but not everyone has the ability or the know-how to tell one. A new storytelling workshop series through the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center is assisting the process from August 21 through October 2 where any aspiring storyteller can learn from beginning to end how to… Read More

Contractor has not started project, city council weighs delaying project to 2025 By Chad Koenen Publisher As the clock ticks down to the substantial completion date of the city’s water tower project, the Deer Creek City Council continues to wait for the project to not only be completed, but started in the first place. During its regularly… Read More

By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent County commissioners have approved the following changes to the Solid Waste hours of operation effective Oct. 1, 2024: • Fergus Falls Transfer Station: open first Saturday of each month 8 a.m. to noon • Pelican Rapids Transfer Station: open Saturdays 8 a.m. to noon • Fergus Falls HHW, Re-Use and Redemption Center: open… Read More

Local group focuses on growing waterfowl population By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent Thursday evening, Aug. 29, was a perfect evening for the Fergus Falls Area 2024 Ducks Unlimited walleye dinner and annual fundraising gathering. The event, with many residents of Otter Tail County on hand, took place at Elks Point on Wall Lake east of Fergus… Read More