New exhibit is a tribute to Cheryl Bannes and her creative community The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center has announced Circle of Friends, a special gallery exhibition honoring the work of former Artistic Director Cheryl Bannes and some of the vibrant community of artists who have shared in and shaped her creative journey. The… Read More

Lobbyist to represent county priorities at state capitol By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent County commissioners, on Dec. 2, finalized a contract for Congressional lobbying with St. Paul-based Larkin Hoffman Public Affairs. The term of the contract, noted County Deputy Administrator Nick Leonard, is for three years, from December 2025 through November 2028. “We in county government… Read More

WCI is partnering with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) to distribute approximately $1.15 million in PROMISE Act Grants to businesses and nonprofits in west central Minnesota. This program was created by the Minnesota Legislature to support businesses and nonprofits that face ongoing economic challenges. Grants will range from $10,000 to $50,000. Eligibility This is… Read More

Singer, songwriter, and audio engineer Anthony Hotakainen has put together a local holiday performance for all to come and enjoy. Hotakainen will be performing songs from his new album ‘Singing into Christmas’ live at the Sebeka Event Center (100 Frontage Road) during the evening of Tuesday, Dec. 16 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Hotakainen is a student at Elon… Read More

By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent President John F. Kennedy was only 46 when he was assassinated in Dallas, Texas, on Nov. 22, 1963. Just two months before his tragic passing, 62 years ago, he spoke at the University of North Dakota (UND) in Grand Forks.  Several college students who were raised in Otter Tail County attended… Read More

Singers from the communities of Perham, New York Mills, Vergas, Frazee, Dent, Henning, and Ottertail have been rehearsing for six weeks to deliver a beautiful Christmas message in song this weekend.  The Cantata “Comfort and Joy” features a choir of approximately 40 local singers, with narration by Jim Arno. The choir is directed by Sheila… Read More

Deer hunters can participate in a late-season chronic wasting disease management hunt Friday, Dec. 19, through Sunday, Dec. 21. Deer permit areas open to this CWD management hunt are 605, 642, 643, 645, 646, 647, 648 and 649. “CWD testing is voluntary for this year’s late CWD hunt, a change we made because we obtained enough… Read More

By Chad Koenen Publisher The New York Mills girls wrestling team kicked off their season in style on Saturday at the Dennis Kaatz Memorial wrestling tournament. All 11 girls who competed for the Eagles placed fourth or higher with Ellie Lorentz and Ellyana Ruther securing their first-ever wins. Seventh grader Resa Tumberg took first place at the 106A… Read More

The popular Minnesota Department of Natural Resources EagleCam launched its new season onTuesday, Dec. 2. The EagleCam shows the nesting behavior of a breeding pair of bald eagles, featuring the same active nest as last season. This season, however, viewers will enjoy an improved view of the nest, as the camera has been repositioned and an… Read More

Otter Tail County celebrated the completion of its new Perham Highway Garage during an open house on Tuesday, Dec. 3. The facility represents a significant investment in infrastructure and the collaborative planning between county leadership, contractors, and highway department staff. “My dad, as a former county commissioner in the 60s, was asked for a new garage… Read More