Many state parks were formed by CCC projects By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the 1930s was a work relief program that provided employment to 3.5 million young men during the Great Depression. Young men from 17 to 25 who worked as part of the CCC built state parks, planted millions… Read More

Showcases state, federal funding for local communities On Thursday, Nov. 2nd, Senator Jordan Rasmusson (R-Fergus Falls) hosted an event at Thumper Pond Resort in Ottertail for city and county officials to learn about state and federal funding opportunities available for local projects.  Approximately 80 local officials from Senate District 9 were in attendance, including Vergas Mayor… Read More

In a news release from the U.S. News and World Report, Prairie Wind Middle School (PWMS) was named a U.S. Best Middle School for the State of Minnesota.  PWMS ranked in the top 40 percent of middle schools in Minnesota, achieving an overall score of 81.75 out of a 100 which ranks PWMS 76th overall in… Read More

Evaluation on corridor from Perham through Ottertail The Minnesota Department of Transportation is currently seeking the public’s input on a corridor study of Highway 78 from Perham through Ottertail. The study is evaluating the needs and safety of both motorized and non-motorized users along Highway 78, from Highway 10 in Perham through the city of… Read More

Did you know? If you’re at the New York Mills VFW on Friday, Nov. 24 starting at 7 p.m. you have a chance to win: 1. Muddy Striker Box Blind 2. Muzzleloader with a scope 3. Muzzleloader with a scope 4. Booze Cooler 5. Ladies Package

Photo by Tucker Henderson The New York Mills VFW and VFW Auxiliary hosted its annual Veterans Day program at NY Mills School on Wednesday morning. The program featured the awarding of Quilts of Valor to veterans from the area, as well as a variety of guest speakers like the Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen award… Read More

Donation boxes to be distributed November 20 By Tucker Henderson Reporter Santa Anonymous is gearing up for its annual donation drive as donation bins will be set out around town starting Monday, Nov. 20. Toys and new clothing items are being sought to bring Christmas cheer to a family in need this holiday season, as well… Read More

Hager is an art teacher at Hawley High School By Tucker Henderson Reporter The final mark on the canvas of 2023, Art Educators of Minnesota recently announced Tara (Scheidecker) Hager as the 2023-24 High School Art Educator of the Year. Hager, a New York Mills High School Class of 1997 graduate, has taught 7-12th grade art courses at Hawley High… Read More

Luminescence Cleaning to serve greater NYM area By Tucker Henderson Reporter A young entrepreneur in the New York Mills area is striving to deliver sparkling clean spaces for all varieties of cleaning jobs. Suzanna Sneeden, age 17, recently started Luminescence Cleaning in July to capitalize on her skills in the industry that claims a lot of business… Read More

County commissioners review online county court hearings By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent Manufacturing provides more than 4,000 highly skilled, well-paying jobs which significantly contributes to Otter Tail County’s high standard of living. County commissioners point out that there are 87 manufacturing companies in the county, making a wide range of products Workers took home $235.8 million in… Read More