Contributed photo The Ronald McDonald RIDE committee recently presented a check to the Ronald McDonald House staff for $70,000. The money was raised as part of the annual Ronald McDonald RIDE that was held in June in New York Mills.  

Contributed photo The New York Mills High School Class of 1961 met on Sept. 6 at the Apostolic Lutheran Church for their 64th class reunion. Attending the reunion was: Front row: Gerald Blom, Kathy (Oman) Perala and Reuben Newberg. Back row: Dennis Mielke, Jim Keskitalo, Daryl Huwe, Robert Haman, Alice (Bentley) Anderson, Mary Ann (Braukmann)… Read More

By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent Fergus Falls, in harmony with residents from throughout Otter Tail County, celebrated Welcoming Week from Sept. 12-21. Organizers emphasized the importance of building multiracial democracies. Otter Tail County is one of many rural areas across the nation inviting residents to host events that deepen understanding and connection among community members who… Read More

Seven local nonprofits received grants of up to $75,000  West Central Initiative was selected by the Otto Bremer Trust as a philanthropic intermediary partner to administer and distribute funds through its Community Responsive Fund.   “These dedicated organizations are meeting critical needs while also building long-term strength for our region,” said West Central Initiative Grants Officer… Read More

New York Mills Elementary is excited to once again partner with local businesses for the 2025-26 school year. The main goal for the Adopt-A-Class program is to build relationships between NY Mills businesses, students, teachers, and the community.   The program is meant to provide opportunities for students to display art/classroom work for NY Mills community… Read More

Families across Minnesota caring for children with disabilities will soon have access to expanded support services. During the 2025 legislative session, Sen. Jordan Rasmusson (R-Fergus Falls) authored bipartisan legislation to restore vital out-of-home respite services. Senate File 446 gives families the opportunity to take a temporary step back while ensuring their child continues to receive… Read More

West Central Initiative will host community members, leaders, and changemakers from west central Minnesota and beyond at its Rural Democracy Summit 2025: Toward a Positive Rural Vision, which will be held Friday, Oct. 31, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the University of Minnesota Morris. “This gathering is a space to exchange ideas, build new… Read More

Photos by Tucker Henderson The garages near Subway in New York Mills were filled with clothing and household items last week for the annual New York Mills VFW Auxiliary 3289 rummage sale. The rummage sale was held from September 26-28 with the proceeds benefitting the local youth and community programs. 

City council approves 15 percent preliminary tax levy increase By Chad Koenen Publisher The City of Ottertail has received a positive outlook on its finances over the past year.  During its regularly scheduled meeting last Wednesday night, the Ottertail City Council heard from auditor Brian Kane regarding its 2024 year-end audit. Kane highlighted a number of positive… Read More

Seventy-two padded folding chairs purchased at the school By Tucker Henderson Reporter Though the Footprints Foundation is best known for its extensive work with local scholarship funding for New York Mills High School graduates, its mission extends a bit beyond into the greater community in addition to hosting legacy funds. Recently, the board of directors donated… Read More