County and state officials meeting to discuss emergency management By Robert Williams Editor Otter Tail County Assistant Public Health Director Kristi Goos and Partnership 4 Health Dental Services Coordinator Jane Neubauer updated the Otter Tail Board of Commissioners on the Dental Innovations Program on Tuesday, Feb. 24 in Fergus Falls. According to Goos, the program began at a statewide… Read More

Samantha Siedow Report for Minnesota A program that aims to help small businesses in rural Minnesota and in other parts of the state would get another two-year funding boost under a bill being considered at the State Capitol.  Legislation sponsored by Sen. Sen. Susan Pha, DFL-Brooklyn Park would renew a $7.4 million “one-time” increase in funding to… Read More

Yvette Higgins Report for Minnesota Rural Minnesotans often face long wait times when calling 911, and some state  lawmakers are looking to change that.  A bill by Rep. Natalie Zeleznikar, R-Fredenberg Township, would establish a grant program to help rural emergency medical service companies that are losing money. Zeleznikar said in an interview that people in Greater… Read More

By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent Many businesses in west central Minnesota are excited about the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI). To help businesses realize the possibilities with AI, the Minnesota Newspaper Association (MNA) offered a zoom seminar on Feb. 27, presented by KeyMedia Solutions based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Korena Keys of KeyMedia focused on… Read More

Perham Education Association recently announced Heart of the Lakes Elementary Kindergarten teacher Tammy Richter has been named the PEA Teacher of the Year. In the announcement PEA President Paul Belka said the prestigious recognition is a testament to Richter’s exceptional dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to the success and growth of her students. “Tammy’s impact in the… Read More

West Central Initiative is accepting applications now through Monday, March 24, at 5 p.m. for grant funding to support sustainability, equity, and civic engagement projects in our region.  Rebecca Lynn Petersen, Director of Development at West Central Initiative, emphasized the importance of these grant opportunities in promoting a healthy and resilient region. “Sustainability, equity, and civic engagement… Read More

By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent Tariffs on Canadian products will include newsprint used by newspapers, magazines, book publishers and printers. The tariffs were originally set to take place in early February but were postponed until March 4. This could change, as of this writing on Feb. 28, if another extension comes from the Trump administration. The Minnesota… Read More

The VFW Post 3289 Auxiliary met February 20 with 11 members present. Minutes from the January 9 meeting were approved, and the January Treasurer’s Report was filed subject to audit. The General Orders Bulletin for February 2025 from the Department President was read and discussed.  We received thank you letters from the VFW National Home and the… Read More

Elias Thomas Report for Minnesota Some Republican lawmakers in the Minnesota House are working to reduce the cost of fishing licenses for Minnesotans aged 65 and older.  Two bills were discussed at a recent committee meeting to start the conversation on making a change.  Rep. Mary Franson, R-Alexandria, proposed a bill that would make fishing licenses free for… Read More

By Tucker Henderson Reporter As you walk down the hallways of the New York Mills Elementary School, more likely than not, you’ll recognize fifth grade teacher Doug Salo. He has been teaching within the district since 1986 and was recently recognized as the Teacher of the Year, though you won’t hear him brag about it. “It is… Read More