By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent The story of Gus Comstock never grows old for many residents of Otter Tail County. On Jan. 11, 1927, county resident Comstock set a world’s record by drinking 85 cups of coffee.  He set the record in a time span of 6 hours and 30 minutes at the Kaddatz Hotel on… Read More

First phase of structural repairs are underway The 140-year-old iconic New York Mills Regional Cultural Center building is receiving some much-needed brickwork repairs, thanks to a couple of recent large donations that pushed the Cultural Center’s capital campaign contributions over the million dollar Phase 1 target, enabling some of the most critical structural work to… Read More

Photos by Tucker Henderson New York Mills students observed National Walk to School Day last Wednesday, Oct. 8 and made a trek around town before making their way back to school.

By Chad Koenen Publisher One person was injured in a two-vehicle accident on Highway 10 and County Road 53 in-between New York Mills and Perham on Tuesday afternoon.  According to a report from the Minnesota State Patrol, a 2001 Sterling Straight Truck, driven by Kenneth Betts, age 40 of New York Mills, was eastbound on Highway 10… Read More

By Robert Williams Editor Public Health Director Jody Lien provided background of the Prairie Lakes Community Health Board and recommended a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) during the Otter Tail County Board meeting two weeks ago. Late in 2024, Otter Tail County withdrew from its then-community health board PartnerSHIP 4 Health, along with Wilkin County. Both counties have… Read More

High-voltage lines expected to run through part of Otter Tail County By Robert Williams Editor Minnesota Power, Otter Tail Power Company, and Great River Energy are currently gathering information from the public to support the development of potential routes for the Maple River- Cuyana (MR-C) Transmission Project. Details of the project are to construct a new, approximately… Read More

Enrollment at Minnesota State Community and Technical College (M State) continues its upward trajectory this fall, with especially strong gains in high-demand healthcare fields. New student enrollment in M State’s health sciences programs has surged by 32%, while nursing programs have seen a 14% increase. “Our healthcare programs are thriving because we’re committed to providing students… Read More

Contributed photo Otter Tail County Sheriff Barry Fitzgibbons recognized Water Patrol Deputy Dave Weiss on his retirement from the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office after an incredible 45 years of service. “Dave has been a steadfast presence on our lakes and waterways, ensuring safety and educating boaters.”

The Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court St. Rita of Perham will present their 56th Annual Style Show, “Aloha,” on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall at St. Henry’s Catholic Church in Perham. The morning will begin with brunch, with the style show following featuring fashions from Dot and Minnie’s, North… Read More

By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent Many residents of Otter Tail County have attended Moorhead State College, today known as MSUM, over the years. Alumni are proud of the new alumni/foundation center on the west side of the campus near 11th Street South. “This vibrant hub is designed to foster student and community relationships, and serve as… Read More