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

Photos by Chad Koenen There was no shortage of candy and activities over the weekend for the annual Bluffton Hometown Days celebration. The weekend included a big parade, inflatable rides (right), kiddie tractor pull (bottom), a street dance, movie in the park, fireworks, whiffle ball game and much more. Grand marshal’s for the parade were Dan… Read More

New security doors to be added to courthouse By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent New security doors will be added to the Otter Tail County Courthouse just south of downtown Fergus Falls. This plan, presented by the County Sheriff’s Office which is responsible for the safety and security of the courthouse, was approved Aug. 13 by the… Read More

Contributed photo Gracie Weller, New York Mills, received a newly refreshed bicycle from County Cycle’s bike giveaway last week during their customer appreciation event.