The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) announced a new contract with Teaching Strategies to support the design and implementation of the new Minnesota Kindergarten Fall Assessment (MnKFA). The creation of a new assessment was signed into law by Governor Walz in 2023 and represents an investment in our future that will help give young learners… Read More

5 years ago Wednesday April 14, 2021 When inspiration strikes, a person has two choices—stand pat or float down the stream. Hank Kohler has never been one to stand pat, 42 years after making a trip from East Leaf Lake to the Hudson Bay, he is making a second canoe trip, his time from East Leaf Lake… Read More

By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent April is the time of year when organizations in Otter Tail County and the surrounding area serve smelt. In recent years the Lions Club in Parkers Prairie, which held its annual smelt fry this year on Saturday, April 11, has added pollock to the menu, knowing that some people prefer… Read More

Established in Nebraska in 1874, Arbor Day encourages us all to plant a tree on Friday, April 24. Planting trees provides clean air and water, cooling shade, habitat for wildlife and pollinators, healthier communities, and unmatched beauty for years to come.  Plant a tree on Arbor Day or celebrate early by planting on Earth Day, April… Read More

Minnesota’s iconic northern forests are a national treasure. They provide camping, hunting, fishing and other recreation opportunities; solace from our fast-paced world; and critical habitat for a wide diversity of birds, mammals and other animals. But they are not static, trees that make up forests grow, age and die like all other living things.  The DNR’s… Read More

The Astera Health Board of Directors announced today that Joel Beiswenger will be retiring from his role as Chief Executive Officer as of July 1, 2026. Beiswenger has had some lingering health issues and will focus on his wellbeing and self-care.  Beiswenger said, “I am honored to have had the privilege over the past years to… Read More

Community Invited to April 17 kick-off open house The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center has officially launched its Cultivating Community Capital Campaign, a $2.3 million effort to preserve, enhance, and expand one of the region’s most important rural arts and community spaces. To celebrate this milestone, the Cultural Center invites the public to a Capital… Read More

The ice is gone from most lakes in the southern part of Minnesota and ice on many northern lakes is melting quickly. It’s already common to see anglers and paddlers on open water, but with water temperatures dangerously low, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds anyone who’s around lakes, rivers and ponds that cold… Read More

By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent A motion by County Commissioner Wayne Johnson of Pelican Rapids and seconded by Commissioner Sean Sullivan of Fergus Falls was unanimously carried to approve the addition of one full-time equivalent Assistant Finance Director to the county structure to support the finance department. This position is included in the 2026 county budget…. Read More

Contributed photos Central Haven Church hosted their annual Passion Walk in commemoration of Jesus Christ’s road to Calvary on Good Friday. About 16 people participated in the event, each taking turns to carry the cross along Centennial 84 Drive, Main Avenue, Park Street, Tousley Avenue, and Gilman Street.