By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent The County Community Development Agency, headed by Director Amy Baldwin, has provided an update on county initiatives in Pelican Rapids and the community of Ottertail. This year the Otter Tail County CDA will begin construction of three single-family homes in Pelican Rapids. Five residential lots in the Pinewood Estates subdivision are… Read More

Ease of some restrictions approved in split decision by house committeeYvette Higgins Report for Minnesota Republican state lawmakers approved a pair of bills in a House committee last week to weaken restrictions on some uses of what are known as forever chemicals. The proposed changes are aimed at Amara’s Law, which passed in 2023. The law restricted… Read More

Annual celebration is set for Monday, March 17 St. Patrick’s Day 2025 celebrations will take place across the country on and around Monday, March 17. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Otter Tail County Safe Communities Coalition, and the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office urge drivers to remember that… Read More

County Auditor to retire after 42 years of state and county work Otter Tail County announces the retirement of Wayne Stein, a lifelong resident of Fergus Falls, after a remarkable 42-year career dedicated to public service. Stein’s contributions to Otter Tail County and his commitment to public service will be celebrated at a public retirement… Read More

Dig out your butterfly and banana clips, platform shoes and vintage 90s attire because the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center is bringing you the ultimate 90s Adult Prom on Saturday, March 22. This totally rad evening of nostalgia, music, and fun will take place at the NY Mills City Hall Ballroom from 7-11 p.m. Whether… Read More

Minnesota North College announces the students recognized for academic achievement during the Fall 2023 semester. Congratulations to over 900 students that completed 12 or more credits while earning a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.25 or higher.    Among the local students named to the Dean’s List was Rachel Wulfekuhle, Ottertail. An affirmative action, equal opportunity employer… Read More

On Thursday, Feb. 27, Sen. Jordan Rasmusson (R-Fergus Falls) joined fellow Minnesota legislators in welcoming a distinguished delegation from the Norwegian Parliament to the State Capitol. The visit honored the deep historical and cultural ties between Minnesota and Norway. During their time at the Capitol, the delegation was formally recognized from the Senate floor and observed… Read More

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ State Climatology Office is seeking rainfall monitors for the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network. The network includes more than 20,000 volunteers nationwide who measure precipitation in their backyards using a standard 4-inch diameter rain gauge. Participants submit their precipitation reports online. The data from backyard rain gauges are… Read More

Spring weight restrictions on Otter Tail County Highways will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, March 7, 2025, and will remain in effect until signs are removed. If you have questions, need additional information, or would like to request a weight restriction map, please call the Otter Tail County Highway Department at 218-998-8470 or… Read More

Photo by Chad Koenen A group of local residents took advantage of some warm weather and sunny skies on Saturday afternoon to head out for a fishing trip on Pickerel Lake south of Ottertail. While warm temperatures has left some open water on a number of area lakes, ice fishermen from across the area are still… Read More