By Alice Martin Special to the Dispatch Ah, the lowly rock pigeon. Denizen of cities, seashores and rural America. So common that they tend to be overlooked completely.  “It’s just a pigeon.” However, a closer look a flock of pigeons reveals them to be beautiful birds, some sporting the typical blue-gray color with two dark wing bars… Read More

West Central Initiative invites the community to join a powerful conversation about the global effects of plastic pollution. These gatherings will feature a screening of Plastic People: The Hidden Crisis of Microplastics, followed by a thought-provoking discussion about what this means for public health, local ecosystems, and our everyday choices.  “Plastic production and pollution continue to… Read More

Otter Tail County is developing a comprehensive road safety plan as part of the federal Safe Streets and Roads for All initiative and requests public input to inform the plan. The Safety Action Plan aims to reduce roadway fatalities and serious injuries by identifying high-risk areas and prioritizing data-driven, community-informed solutions. As part of this effort, the… Read More

By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent In the late 1960s many sailboat racing fans would gather at Highway Park on the southeast side of Otter Tail Lake. It was exciting to see the sailboats advance to the finish line. There also was the opportunity to get a glimpse of one of the finishing line judges in… Read More

The Lake Region Arts Council (LRAC) is excited to announce the opening of their 2025 Guest Juror Exhibition, juried by esteemed artist and cultural organizer Nancy Ariza. The exhibition is already open at the LRAC Main Gallery and they have already welcomed a number of visitors engaging with the powerful and diverse artwork on display. In… Read More

The Red River Watershed Management Board (RRWMB) supports the inclusion of $9 million for flood hazard mitigation grants through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in the $700 million bonding package passed during the Minnesota Legislature’s special session in early June 2025.  Senator Jordan Rasmusson (R-Fergus Falls) joined the Board’s July 8, 2025 meeting for… Read More

The University of Minnesota Extension and Central Lakes College will host a field day on adding crops into a current row cropping system for farmers in Central and West Central Minnesota, showcasing winter camelina, small grains, and dry edible beans. Speakers will cover agronomic considerations for these crops, as well as machinery needs and available… Read More

The Office of the Registrar at the University of Minnesota Duluth has announced its list of spring semester 2025 graduates. Students completed their degree requirements during the spring semester 2025.   Spring 2025 graduates include: Ashley Kassa, Bluffton Stats & Actuarial Science B S. One of five campuses that comprise the University of Minnesota System, the University… Read More

Otter Tail County officials expressed gratitude for the dedication of public safety staff as they were shown the investments in equipment and facilities that enhance protection for both residents and law enforcement officers. The county’s public safety infrastructure includes several specialized assets that serve the county and region, including the SHERP vehicle, the command center vehicle,… Read More

Once again in 2025, young people will be able to hunt deer with an adult in a number of state parks during several application-only special youth deer hunts. These hunts offer more individualized experiences in unique places, and often on different dates than the statewide youth deer season. “The special youth deer hunts create positive experiences… Read More