Curious about birdwatching? Winter is a great time to start your birding journey! Join Park Naturalist Dora at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 28, for an hour of birdwatching basics at Glendalough State Park.  We’ll learn to identify common winter bird species, discuss ways to look for our feathered friends, and even test our newfound skills… Read More

Start off 2025 with a refreshing and reflective hike up Hallaway Hill. Join Park Naturalist Dora on a 1.5-mile round-trip journey as we look back on the past year and look forward to the new. Meet at the picnic shelter at 10 a.m. Dress for the weather and in layers. The trail is ADA accessible. For more… Read More

The USA Clay Target League is excited to announce that its 2024 Annual Impact Report is now available.  This yearly report presents the impact of the league on students, conservation, and the industry. The League is the nationwide leader in providing clay target shooting as a safe and fun school-sponsored activity to schools and students nationwide…. Read More

The East Otter Tail Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) was named SWCD of the Year at the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation District’s (MASWCD) annual two-day convention held in Bloomington, Minn., in early December.  “The purpose of the award is to recognize and inspire leadership within the SWCDs that go above and beyond… Read More

By Chad Koenen Publisher Going above and beyond to help people during their time of need isn’t just a catchy phrase at Lake Country Insurance in New York Mills and Verndale—it is a way of life.  Focusing on everything from home, business, auto, farm and recreational insurance, Lake Country Insurance has transformed into a one-stop shop for… Read More

Approximately 15 stone monuments damaged By Tucker Henderson Reporter Cemeteries are often considered a sacred resting place, a sanctuary to grieve and visit lost family and friends. Usually, those consecrated plots of land dotting cities and countryside are respected. Unfortunately, there are those few times when cemeteries are not treated with the proper care from visitors and… Read More

By Chad Koenen Publisher The New York Mills tax levy will increase in 2025, but when compared to neighboring communities, property owners within the city’s limits can breathe a sigh of relief. During its regularly scheduled meeting last week, the NY Mills City Council approved a 3.66 percent increase in its 2025 tax levy over the 2024… Read More

Award recognizes excellence in arts, academics, athletics By Tucker Henderson Reporter New York Mills School recently announced this year’s Triple A Award winners as Ayla Olson and Isaac Kawlewski. This award goes to students engaged in the areas of academics, arts and athletics in their senior year of high school. Students must maintain a grade point average… Read More

Author to focus on finishing her personal essays in town By Tucker Henderson Reporter Despite the cold and snowy weather of central Minnesota, the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center still attracts artists to their residency program, even in the middle of frigid December. This month’s artist in residence is a native Minnesotan and is no… Read More

Goal is to have work on 4-H building done by June fair By Matthew Johnson Reporter Plans are underway to remodel the Wadena County 4-H building at the Wadena County Fairgrounds into a fully operational community center, possibly before the county fair in June. That was the overarching message brought to the Wadena County Board of Commissioners… Read More