Photos by Chad Koenen The Ottertail Community Center was abuzz on Saturday for the annual OtterDazzle celebration in Ottertail. The day featured a visit from Santa Claus (above), as well as wagon rides (below left), arts and crafts (below right), cookie decorating and a large fireworks show. 

The VFW Post 3289 Auxiliary met November 14 with 18 members and two guests present. Minutes from the October 10 meeting were approved, and the October 31 Treasurer’s Report was filed subject to audit. The General Orders Bulletin for November 2024 from the Department President was read and discussed.  We received a thank you from the VFW… Read More

Photo by Chad Koenen Children from across the region converged on the New York Mills City Hall Ballroom on Saturday morning for the annual Santa Day celebration. The day kicked off a busy week of festivities as part of the NY Mills Christmas Tree Festival. For more information about the festival, check out page 12. 

Light show features 41-foot lighted walk-through By Tucker Henderson Reporter Though the extended hours of darkness during the winter season isn’t always a benefit, Mike Schmidt of Mike’s Lock & Key Service of Butler, Minn., is making the most of the early evening darkness with his computer controlled light display. He has been hosting a Christmas… Read More

By Tucker Henderson Reporter The New York Mills community lost a friendly face and faithful friend in May when 11-year-old Lucille Schik passed away after a battle with brain cancer for the second time. As the community mourns her loss, they also want to remember the mark she left on those who are left behind. “The sixth… Read More

By Chad Koenen Publisher A faulty electric meter at New York Mills School has resulted in an approximately $91,000 bill from Otter Tail Power Company.  During its regularly scheduled meeting last week, the NY Mills School Board heard from Christopher Waltz of Otter Tail Power Company about a bill the school district received for back due power… Read More

By Tucker Henderson Reporter The New York Mills Education Foundation was busy in November as it hosted the Community Carnival for funding throughout the year. Last week as it distributed grants to local teachers and classrooms. Grant funds are used to enhance student learning and experiences in the NY Mills School District, including classroom grants which have… Read More

Military personnel serving overseas that have ties to the community, VFW Post 3289 or Auxiliary will once again be receiving a soldier care package this Christmas season. A drop off for donations has been set up at Mills Lanes and Lucky Strike Grill. Care package ideas that are appreciated by service members include: sunblock, socks, lip balm,… Read More

By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent It was a challenge for residents of Old Clitherall who, in 1865, established the first non-Native American settlement in what became Otter Tail County three years later, in 1868. Many county residents appreciate learning about life in this area of Otter Tail County close to 160 years ago. They were Cutlerites… Read More

By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent Sheriff deputies, on Nov. 25, reported that a house was destroyed by fire at Schumacher Drive on the southwest side of Battle Lake. The fire was called in to authorities at 6:22 p.m. Residents of the home were able to evacuate with no injuries. The fire appeared to be the result… Read More