Collared research bears provide important management data The Minnesota bear hunting season opens Sunday, Sept. 1, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is once again asking hunters to avoid shooting marked research bears. These bears are marked with distinctively large, colorful ear tags and wear radio collars. Researchers with the Minnesota DNR are monitoring 48 radio-collared… Read More

University of Minnesota Extension is seeking nominations for Growing Local Leadership, a leadership education program that will begin Nov. 23. The program seeks candidates who live or work in northwest Minnesota, have not yet served in formal leadership positions, or have never participated in leadership education programming. Extension encourages, but does not require, nominees to identify… Read More

Multiple agencies in Otter Tail County will participate in a mass casualty training drill at Perham High School and Perham Health on Wednesday, September 25, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Perham Health, Perham Area EMS, Perham Police and Fire, Otter Tail County Emergency Management, and the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office will conduct the drill, with… Read More

WCI to sponsor more than 30 events across the region This September, West Central Initiative will sponsor more than 30 Welcoming Week events across the nine counties of west central Minnesota to strengthen communities and emphasize the importance of inclusivity in achieving shared prosperity. Welcoming Week, an initiative created by Welcoming America, offers individuals and communities… Read More

The VFW Post 3289 Auxiliary met August 8 with 20 members present. Minutes from the July 11 meeting were approved, and the July 31 Treasurer’s Report was filed subject to audit. The General Orders Bulletin for August 2024 from the Department President was read and discussed. Committee Chairs gave an update on our programs for 2024-25. In other business •… Read More

By Chad Koenen Publisher Farmers and Merchants State Bank has never been one to sit idly by as new technology and offerings can enhance the banking experience. After all, while they may be a locally owned and operated community bank, they have some unique offerings that are perhaps more commonly found at large bank chains, as… Read More

Photos by Chad Koenen The New York Mills track and football field turned different shades of bright colors, and even included some fun with bubbles during the annual Mills Messy & Mighty Fun Run on Saturday morning. The event was hosted by the New York Mills Parent Nest Parent Teacher Organization (PTO).

Ottertail council receives annual audit report By Chad Koenen Publisher Revenues for the City of Ottertail exceeded expenses by just over $163,500 last year. During its regularly scheduled meeting last week, the Ottertail City Council heard its 2023 year-end audit report from city auditor Brian Kane.  According to Kane, the city’s general fund cash and investments were up… Read More

By Tucker Henderson Reporter After a successful six months in operation, the Continental Divide Brew Pub located at 32 North Main Avenue, New York Mills, will be hosting their grand opening on Saturday, Aug. 24 and Sunday, Aug. 25. Cyrus Bickell, manager of the establishment, said that the grand opening event will be held both inside and… Read More

By Tucker Henderson Reporter Joyful Spirit Methodist Church, located between Deer Creek and Wadena on Highway State Highway 29, held their open house in their new building at on Saturday, Aug. 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. After the merging of the congregations of the Deer Creek and Wadena United Methodist churches in 2017 with both… Read More