As the 2025 Christmas season concluded, GP Anderson—creator of the Christmas in Wadena animated light show—delivered this year’s donations to Project Share, the local food shelf in Wadena. Anderson met with Project Share Director Mary Ann Hagen, where together they unloaded and weighed 343 pounds of donated food. He also presented a check for $1,419.95,… Read More

Family escapes ‘total loss’ holiday blaze Early New Year’s Eve morning a house fire on East Lake Street in Parkers Prairie was reported to Otter Tail County Dispatch.  According to an Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office, the house was completely engulfed in flames by the time of arrival of the fire department at approximately 7 a.m., on… Read More

Family-owned resort is located south of Vergas By Greta Hentges West Central Initiative East Silent Lake Resort in Otter Tail County has been welcoming families to the water for more than a century. Founded in 1915, the resort has long been part of Minnesota’s classic lakes culture. For Andy Leonard and his family, it is also the… Read More

The New York Mills football program is in the process of putting together a NY Mills football record board at the school, and they want to make sure no great performances or record-holders are left out. Unfortunately, organizers are missing some stats from past seasons. Anyone who may have old stat books, newspaper clippings, programs, or… Read More

Three current officers at Farmers & Merchants State Bank have recently been promoted to positions of Vice President.  These three graduates of New York Mills High School, Stephanie VonRuden, Sam Slieter and Latham Hetland were given the new titles by the Board of Directors at their December meeting. With F&M since 2010, VonRuden began her career… Read More

By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent  Sheriff deputies, on Saturday, Dec. 27, reported one injury in a traffic accident at the intersection of South Pelican Drive and Highway 59, near Dunvilla and northeast of Pelican Rapids. Two vehicles were involved in the accident that took place at 3:19 p.m. One vehicle was making a left turn when… Read More

The VFW Post 3289 Auxiliary met December 11 with 13 members present. Minutes from the November 13 meeting were approved, and the November Treasurer’s Report was filed subject to audit. The General Orders Bulletin for December 2025 from the Department President was read and discussed.   The Midwinter Conference will be held in Brooklyn Park January 16-18. … Read More

Minnesota’s state parks and recreation areas are ready to welcome visitors for a full season of winter recreation, with opportunities ranging from skiing and snowshoeing to wildlife watching and peaceful candlelit walks. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources invites Minnesotans to embrace the season by getting outdoors, trying something new, and enjoying the magical beauty… Read More

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comments on proposed administrative rules governing fur farms as directed by the Minnesota Legislature in 2024. That legislation established separate statutory provisions for fur farms and directed the DNR to develop rules applicable specifically to fur farm operations. The proposed rules strengthen the framework for identifying problems… Read More

By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent County resident and retiree Chuck Brunko of Fergus Falls was at the historic Minnesota Vikings game 50 years ago when Dallas Cowboys’ quarterback Roger Staubach completed the famous Hail Mary pass to teammate Drew Pearson. There were only 24 seconds left in game, giving Dallas a stunning come-from-behind victory. For Brunko… Read More