By Rick Schara West Central Initiative Kim Konikow was looking for a new home. In Bismarck, she truly enjoyed her job with the state arts council but was looking to semi-retire and wanted a new forever place, a change of scene.  Minnesota was among the handful of states that offered that retirement intrigue. Konikow had grown up in Detroit, and… Read More

With fresh snow in many parts of the state, anglers and others recreating on the ice must keep in mind that snow can hinder ice-making and cover up potentially dangerous areas, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. In addition, it’s vital people check the ice thickness frequently, and keep in mind the DNR’s ice… Read More

Metro College Alliance to serve students in Fargo-Moorhead area Five higher education institutions – Concordia College, Minnesota State University Moorhead, North Dakota State College of Science, North Dakota State University, and Minnesota State Community and Technical College – came together Wednesday to enter into the on Metro College Alliance course exchange agreement to benefit students. A signing ceremony… Read More

As snowmobile riders prepare for the upcoming riding season, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds riders of important dates, safety tips and registration requirements. While the snowmobile riding season can start as early as Dec. 1, as yet this year there are no locations in the state with suitable conditions for trail grooming. Several… Read More

Stevens graduates from MSU-Mankato Minnesota State University, Mankato awarded 2,016 degrees to 1,696 students at the end of the fall 2024 semester, with approximately 700 students planning to participate in commencement ceremonies scheduled for 9 a.m. and noon Saturday, Dec. 14 in Taylor Center’s Bresnan Arena on the Minnesota State Mankato campus. Graduate of the College of… Read More

First Friday Hike Friday, Jan. 3, from 1-2:30 p.m. Meet at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center Grab some snowshoes and head down the trail with a park naturalist and explore winter.  Route will be selected depending on snow conditions. All experience levels are welcome! NOTES: A limited number of snowshoes are available to use during this program. Contact… Read More

Program provides matching grants for exterior projects By Tucker Henderson Reporter The New York Mills Economic Development Authority met for their regularly scheduled meeting last Wednesday, Dec. 18 at the city hall chambers to discuss business activity within the city. President Betsy Roder updated the board on their revolving loan fund balance which sits at $214,857.11. She… Read More

Open air museum hosts a number of events each year By Tucker Henderson Reporter While Finn Creek Open Air Museum has been a Finnish-American cultural staple of the New York Mills area for decades, the organization has remained fairly constant for the past 20 years.  As the museum gears up for its 50th anniversary year, the… Read More

OTC levy to increase 3.72 percent By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent On Tuesday, Dec. 17, the five-person Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners approved the 2025 county levy and 2025 county budget. The net property tax levy for this coming year is $53.1 million, resulting in a 3.72 percent net tax levy increase compared to 2024.  County… Read More

NY Mills to enter mental health contract with LMH By Chad Koenen Publisher The New York Mills School District continues to see positive growth in students not only being ready for kindergarten, but graduating from high school. During its regularly scheduled meeting last week, the NY Mills School Board heard its annual Comprehensive Achievement and Civil Readiness Report…. Read More