Grants to help fund local projects throughout central Minnesota Central Minnesota residents with an idea to strengthen sustainability in their community can now apply for partnership support from the University of Minnesota Extension Central Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships (Central RSDP). Central RSDP supports local innovation by connecting community ideas to University of Minnesota resources. Community members… Read More

Every winter, hundreds of thousands of anglers head for the frozen water to fish. Most ice anglers clean up after themselves, but some don’t—and it’s their behavior that was the impetus for a new litter-on-ice law the Minnesota Legislature passed earlier this year. Ice conditions so far this season have been highly variable and safety has… Read More

County board approves software upgrades to Government Services Center By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent County board members, on Dec. 19, held a discussion concerning statewide funding for Emergency Medical Services (EMS).  Concerns surrounding rural communities and EMS service continue to be at the forefront. The county board asks the public to write to their state representatives about… Read More

As the New Year approaches, the National Federation of Independent Business – Minnesota, or NFIB MN, is advising small businesses of new laws that impact Main Streets across Minnesota. The 2023 Minnesota Legislative Session produced sweeping new regulations, mandates, and tax increases that carry significant implications for small business owners in every part of the state…. Read More

The VFW Post 3289 Auxiliary met December 14 with 16 members present. Minutes from the November 9 meeting were approved, and the November 30 Treasurer’s Report was filed subject to audit. The General Orders Bulletin for December 2023 from the Department President was read and discussed. The Mid-Winter Conference will be January 12-14 in Brooklyn Park. Thank… Read More

As 2024 approaches, the Minnesota FFA Foundation continues the important work supporting the development of young people through Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (AFNR) programs and the FFA. Minnesota FFA continues to grow both in the number of schools offering AFNR/FFA programs and the number of students enrolled. Thirty new programs have been added in the… Read More

Karvonen celebrates 30th year as funeral director at family-owned funeral home By Chad Koenen Publisher Greg and Suzi Karvonen sit around a large wooden table in one of the meeting rooms at Karvonen Funeral Home in New York Mills. They are just steps from the home that Greg has lived in just about his entire life,… Read More

The North Dakota Industrial Commission approved Otter Tail Power Company to be a sub-recipient of approximately $4.4 million in state-allocated Department of Energy (DOE) Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) grant funding on Monday, Dec. 18.  “As our customer needs evolve, we do as well by transitioning to new technologies and options to help deliver reliable… Read More

Widespread rain, wind and unseasonably warm weather during recent days have degraded ice conditions throughout the state, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.   While the week between the Christmas and New Year’s holidays has become popular among the owners of deluxe fish houses (known also as wheelhouses), conditions so far this winter mean… Read More

Saewert becomes new DNR Conservation Officer By Tucker Henderson Reporter It’s not everyday that someone becomes a Conservation Officer for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. In fact, it’s known to be a highly sought after position with rigorous training. That was Landyn Saewert’s experience this summer as he transitioned from his work as AIS (Aquatic Invasive Species)… Read More