“When times are uncertain, our communities show their true strength,” said Anna Wasescha, President of West Central Initiative. “We’re inspired by the generosity and compassion that define our region, and we’re honored to help ensure no one goes hungry.” As the federal government shutdown continues, the stakes are high for thousands of our neighbors who rely… Read More

Solar panels are going up on 20 rooftops across west-central Minnesota as the 2025 Lakes and Prairies Solar Co-op completes its first round of installations. The milestone comes after 104 residents signed up for the solar co-op, which allows members to use bulk-purchasing power to secure lower prices on solar panel installation and tap into… Read More

West Central Initiative welcomes Bianca Newell as Transportation and Sustainability Planner and Jack Butler as a Minnesota GreenCorps member serving with the organization’s energy and sustainability team. Together, they will strengthen efforts around clean energy, climate resilience, and active transportation across west central Minnesota.  Newell and Butler will work with communities to advance Safe Routes to… Read More

Otter Tail County will celebrate the completion of its new Perham highway garage with a public open house from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Dec. 3, at 829 NE Third St. Refreshments will be provided. “This new garage means our Perham area crew will have the space for equipment they need to complete efficient road… Read More

Contributed photo Audrey Weller and Elijah Geiser were recently named All Academic for the Park Region Conference Cross Country.

By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent  Sheriff deputies, on Nov. 13, reported fire damage to a shop near New York Mills, close to 370th Street in Newton Township. Firefighters were called to the scene at 10:06 p.m. “The fire stemmed from a spark caused by an angle grinder cutting tin earlier in the day,” said a sheriff… Read More

Brunswick partners with NYM School By Tucker Henderson Reporter LEGO League has returned for its second year at the New York Mills School and students are hard at work learning the ins and outs of computer coding, presentation and problem-solving skills.  ¶  The program began after Tony and Stephanie VonRuden brought their son to a LEGO… Read More

By Chad Koenen Publisher Otter Tail County emergency personnel are hoping a new pilot program could provide advanced life saving care to rural communities across the state. Thanks to $6 million in funding from the State of Minnesota, three rural counties in the state are developing a new sprint medic program that organizers hope will provide… Read More

By Tucker Henderson Reporter The New York Mills Public Library will be the host of three presentations by Minnesota authors in the month of November. Each program is free and open to the public. Greg Gaut, author of The War at Home: Minnesota During the Great War, 1914-1920, will be highlighting the history of Minnesotan life during… Read More