Otter Tail County once had 289 rural schools By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent Country schools in Otter Tail County are fondly remembered. At one time, Otter Tail County’s 289 rural schools were the most of any county in Minnesota. Many kids who grew up on farms formed their basis for life while attending one-room schools. Today… Read More

Rappe shares experience of living in the West Bank By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent The guest speaker at the Our Lady of Victory Church, Fergus Falls, fellowship hall Tuesday evening, July 30, was Wendy Rappe, a native of Vernon Center, southwest of Mankato. She, her husband and two children at the time lived in Israel… Read More

Housing project to include a pair of triplexes By Robert Williams Editor After much collaboration and planning, the North Fields of Dalton senior housing project is becoming a reality. The project is located on the north end of Dalton, just west of County Highway 35 on Court Street. The official groundbreaking was held by the Otter Tail County Housing… Read More

The University of Minnesota Extension Office is hosting Annie’s Project event, a transformative two-day retreat dedicated to fostering connections, sharing knowledge, and empowering women passionate about agriculture. Organizers are excited to invite long-time, beginner, and future farmers from both urban and rural areas to join us for this inspiring event focused on collaboration, growth, and empowerment…. Read More

The University of Minnesota Extension is presenting four webinars on introductory farm transition and estate planning. Webinars will be held on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. starting August 14. There is no cost to attendees. Attend one or attend all four. Topics for each session are as follows: • August 14: Developing your farm transition… Read More

The Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities (CGMC) recently recognized Senator Jordan Rasmusson (R-Fergus Falls) as a 2024 Legislator of Distinction. This award is given to legislators who played key roles in advancing CGMC’s policy during the preceding legislative session. “As a member of the joint legislative committee on EMS issues, Sen. Rasmusson rolled up his sleeves… Read More

Hunters in antlerless lottery areas reminded to buy licenses by Sept. 5 Hunters reviewing the 2024 Minnesota hunting regulations will find season details in most areas of Minnesota similar to what they were last year, including northern areas with lower bag limits intended to increase deer populations. Deer hunting licenses can be purchased starting Thursday, Aug. 1. “We’re looking… Read More

Early season conditions allow for increased late season fishing Effective Friday, Aug. 16, Mille Lacs walleye anglers can harvest up to two walleye through Saturday, Nov. 30. Both fish can be 18-20 inches in length or one can be 18-20 inches and the other must be longer than 28 inches. “With high angler catch rates last fall, we opted for… Read More

Dam modification projects are a key component of Get Out MORE (Modernize Outdoor Recreation Experiences) funding that improves habitat, recreational opportunities, climate resilience, and safety across Minnesota. Dam projects are especially notable in a year when flooding impacts have tested dams in several parts of the state. “Climate change is driving an increase in extreme rain… Read More

Nick Kludt, Red River Fisheries Specialist for the Minnesota DNR, will speak at OTC COLA’s Annual Meeting at the Ottertail Community Center in Ottertail, on August 15.  Kludt’s work area covers the Red River of the North and its Minnesota tributaries, where he works on a wide array of river and fish management issues. Additionally, Kludt… Read More