By Chad Koenen Publisher The New York Mills School District approved a pair of teaching reductions, while adding a special education teacher last week. During its regularly scheduled meeting last Monday night, the NY Mills School Board approved the reduction of a full-time elementary teaching position due to enrollment and budget constraints. The school board also reduced… Read More

Contributed photo The New York Mills FFA competed at the 95th FFA State Connvention last week. A total of 37 NY Mills students participated at state. The Nursery/Landscape came away with a third place finish. Team members included: Haley Korkowski, who was sixth overall; Morgan Guck, who was 12th overall; Isaac Geiser, who was 18th… Read More

OT County-based facility serves a number of counties By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent Several years ago, following the closing of the Regional Treatment Center (RTC), Fergus Falls-based Productive Alternatives (PA) opened a Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) helping people in need here in west-central Minnesota. The CSU operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week while… Read More

Indigenous people speak about history in United States By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent On April 13 Otter Tail County residents gathered at the Fergus Falls Public Library and joined Indigenous leaders Prairie Rose Seminole and Darren Renville in exploring the Doctrine of Discovery, regarding Indian lands. The doctrine stated that land held by non-Christians was available for settlement…. Read More

Final discussions on ordinance are set for May By Robert Williams Editor A public hearing was held regarding the new Otter Tail County vacation home rental ordinance by the Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, April 23, with more than a few specific areas of the ordinance questioned. “This is a new ordinance,” said Land and Resource Management Director Chris… Read More

By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent  Sheriff deputies, on April 21, reported thefts from a car southeast of Fergus Falls, near several businesses. A smashed window resulted in entrance to the vehicle. Taken were a wallet with credits cards and a debit card, a purse and gift card. An investigation was continuing as of Monday, April 22. Accident… Read More

Eight bids received for water tower project By Chad Koenen Publisher An expansive water tower project received some unexpected, but welcomed news last week in Deer Creek.  During its regularly scheduled meeting last Monday night, the Deer Creek City Council approved a low bid of $353,050 from Onyx Blasting and Coating for this summer’s water tower rehabilitation… Read More

The Chauncey Martin multipurpose building is now officially open to the public, marking a significant milestone in community collaboration. This project results from a successful partnership between the City of Pelican Rapids, Pelican Rapids School District, Otter Tail County, and several other organizations. A public ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on April 25 with many in… Read More

Photos by Chad Koenen The second annual Daddy/Daughter Dance was held on Sunday afternoon at New York Mills School. The dance featured local youth walking through the grand march that was set up from the previous night for NY Mills prom. The theme of this year’s festivities was Mermaid Splash and included a grand march and… Read More

Contributed photos The New York Mills FFA had a fantastic time at the 95th FFA State Convention. NY Mills had 37 students taking part in different CDE’s and workshops. Morgan Guck recieved her State Degree at the convention. The Nursery/Landscape came away with a third place finish. Team members included: Haley Korkowski, who was sixth… Read More