PUBLIC NOTICE-ABSENTEE VOTING FOR-
Leaf Lake Township Election
Absentee Voting will be available for eligible voters as follows:
To Receive a Ballot Mailed to you:
Call (218) 770-0202
For In-Person Absentee Voting or Ballot Drop off:
By Appointment Only
February 6-March 6, 2025
Call (218) 770-0202 to schedule an appointment
Address: 50002 Leaf River Road, Ottertail, MN
Saturday March 7, 2025
10:00AM-12:00PM
Address: 50002 Leaf River Road, Ottertail, MN
Monday March 9, 2025
3:00PM-5:00PM
Address: 50002 Leaf River Road, Ottertail, MN
Tuesday March 10, 2025-Election Day
Drop off or Agent Delivery only.
4:00PM-5:00PM
Address: Leaf Lake Town Hall, 49019 310th Street, Henning, MN
Tuesday March 10, 2025-Election Day
To vote in person you must go to your polling place from 5:00PM-8:00PM.
For questions or to schedule an appointment, please call (218) 770-0202
Or the Otter Tail County Elections office at 218 998-8040
Published January 21, January 28, 2026
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS AND
AVAILABILITY OF DRAFT PERMIT
Issued: January 16, 2026
In the Matter of the Application of Great River Energy and Lake Region Electric Cooperative for a Route Permit for the Otto Tap 115 kV Transmission Line Project in Otter Tail County, Minnesota
PUC Docket Number: ET2/TL-25-269
CAH Docket Number: 28-2500-41458
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (Commission) will hold public hearings on the application of Great River Energy and Lake Region Electric Cooperative (applicants) for a route permit for the Otto Tap 115 kV Transmission Line Project (Project) in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
The Applicants propose to construct a new 2.9-mile 115 kV single-circuit transmission line between Great River Energy’s existing Perham to Rush Lake 115 kV transmission line and the new replacement Otto Substation (map attached). The applicants generally requested a route width of 200 feet, with up to 750 feet around the substation and at the proposed crossing of U.S. Highway 10. The applicants indicate that the project will require a 100-foot right-of-way, 50 feet on either side of the centerline. Structures utilized for the Project will be wood or steel monopoles, 70 to 90 feet tall, and placed 350 to 400 feet apart. The applicants propose to begin construction in the fall of 2027, with an in-service date of summer 2028.
The Commission accepted this application as complete on November 18, 2025, in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, chapter 216I. You may find information on the project, including the application and the Environmental Assessment completed by the applicants, on the Commission’s website: https://puc.eip.mn.gov/web/project/25269.
In-Person Hearing
Date: February 2, 2026
Time: 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Open House)
6:00 p.m. (hearing)
The hearing ends when all present attendees have commented, or at 8:00 p.m., whichever comes first. Please arrive at the start time to ensure participation
Location: New York Mills City Hall (Ballroom)
28 W Centennial 84 Dr
New York Mills, MN 56567
Doors will open 30 minutes prior to the hearing to provide attendees an opportunity to review the application, maps, and other materials for the proposed project and ask questions of state staff and the applicants. During this time, comments made by attendees will become part of the record for Commission consideration only if the attendee submits the comment in writing. Forms will be available for this purpose.
If any reasonable accommodation is needed to enable you to fully participate in these hearings, please contact the Commission at 651-296-0406 or 1-800-657-3782 at least one week in advance of the hearing. To find out if a hearing is canceled due to bad weather or other call 1-855-731-6208 or visit mn.gov/puc.
Online Hearing
Date: February 3, 2026
Time: Noon
The hearing ends when all present attendees have commented or at 2:00 p.m., whichever comes first. Please arrive at the start time to ensure participation.
Join by WebEx (Webinar) Link: https://minnesota.webex.com/minnesota/j.php?MTID=m647685dafebcb541683b08a8906746d5
Webinar Number: 2497 123 6569
Webinar Password: MnPUC! (667820 when dialing from a phone or video system)
Join by Phone: 1-855-282-6330 Toll Free Access Code: 2497 123 6569
If you are joining the hearing via WebEx and would like to ask a question or make a comment during the designated portion of the hearing, use the raised-hand function or the chat function to send a message to the hearing moderator. If you are joining the hearing by phone, press *3 on your phone. When it is your turn to speak, your line will be unmuted, and you will be able to ask questions and provide comments.
Additional information and instructions are available at: https://mn.gov/puc/activities/meetings/webex/
Public Hearing Information
The public hearings will be presided over by the Honorable Joseph C. Meyer, an administrative law judge with the Court of Administrative Hearings, who will provide the Commission with a summary of public testimony.
The purpose of the public hearings is to obtain public input on the proposed project and compile the record for the Commission to consider in making a final decision on the route permit application. Specifically, interested persons will have the opportunity to: (1) ask questions of state staff and the applicants; (2) offer oral and written comments on the merits of the proposed project; and (3) suggest possible conditions to be considered for inclusion in the route permit.
• Comments received at the hearings and during the comment period will be used to inform the record and help the Commission make its final decision.
• The information presented will be the same at the in-person and online hearing.
• The hearings will end when all present attendees have had the opportunity to comment and all other business has been concluded, or at the scheduled end time of the hearing, whichever occurs first. Accordingly, all interested persons are recommended to arrive at the scheduled start time.
• Members of the public may participate without the necessity of intervening as a party; representation by legal counsel is permitted but not required.
Comment Period
Written comments will be accepted through February 19, 2026, by 4:30 p.m. Please include the docket number in all communications. Comments received after the close of the comment period may or may not be considered by the Commission.
Topics for Comment
• Should the Commission grant a route permit for the proposed project?
• If granted, what additional conditions or requirements should be included in the route permit?
Submit Comments
Online https://mn.gov/puc/consumers/public-comments
Email consumer.puc@state.mn.us
U.S. Mail Consumer Affairs Office
Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
121 7th Place East, Suite 350
St. Paul, MN 55101
Comments will be made available to the public via the Commission’s website, except in limited circumstances consistent with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. The Commission does not edit or delete personal identifying information from submissions.
Draft Permit
The Commission issued a draft permit for the proposed Otto Tap project in its January 9, 2026, Order in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, chapter 216I. The draft permit contains standard and special permit conditions that are being considered for the project. Construction of the project is not authorized by a draft route permit. The Commission can either modify the draft route permit prior to its final issuance based on the record, or deny it. A copy of the draft permit is available on the Commission’s website at: https://puc.eip.mn.gov/web/project/25269 and via the Commission’s eDockets system at: edockets.state.mn.us, select Search Documents, enter the docket number (25-269), and select Search.
Additional Information
Minnesota Statutes and Rules. This project is being reviewed under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 216I. The rules and statutes are available for review at: revisor.mn.gov.
Review Process. Information on the review processes for large energy infrastructure facilities is available on the Commission’s website at: puc.eip.mn.gov.
Filing Requirements. Utilities, telecommunications carriers, official parties, and state agencies are required to file documents using the Commission’s electronic filing system (eFiling). All parties, participants, and interested persons are also encouraged to use eFiling: edockets.state.mn.us, select Sign In/Register and follow the prompts.
Full Case Record. See all documents filed in this matter via the Commission’s website at: edockets.state.mn.us, select Search Documents, enter the docket number (25-269), and select Search.
Subscribe to the Docket. To receive email notification when new documents are filed in this matter visit: edockets.state.mn.us, select Subscriptions.
Project Mailing List. Sign up to receive notices about project milestones and opportunities to participate or change your mailing preference. Email eservice.admin@state.mn.us or call 651-201-2246 with the docket number (25-269), your name, mailing address, and email address.
Contacts
Public Utilities Commission
Craig Janezich, Energy Facilities Planner,
craig.janezich@state.mn.us or 651-201-2203
Suzanne Steinhauer, Environmental Review Manager,
suzanne.steinhauer@state.mn.us or 651-201-2253
Great River Energy
Mark Strohfus, Project Manager, MStrohfus@GREnergy.com or 763-445-5210
Lake Region Electric Cooperative
Mike Kawlewski, Engineering Supervisor, mkawlewski@lrec.coop, 218-863-9846
To request this document in another format such as large print or audio, call 651-296-0406 (voice). Persons with a hearing or speech impairment may call using their preferred Telecommunications Relay Service or email consumer.puc@state.mn.us for assistance.
Published January 21, 2026
SUMMARY MINUTES New New York Mills City Council 118 N Main Ave New York Mills, MN
January 13, 2026 4:30 p.m.
Members present: Maki, Hetland, Grotheer, Hammond Absent: Nesland
Staff present: Police Chief Bobby Berndt, Public Works Director Mattson, Fire Chief Nick Roder, Liquor Store Manager Lana Jacobson, Clerk Treasurer Julie Roberts, Administrative Assistant Cheri Kopveiler
Guests Present: NYM Dispatch Reporter Chad Koenen, Apex Engineer Michael Weber
Call to Order by Mayor Hetland at 4:30 p.m. A quorum was present.
Pledge of Allegiance
Final Agenda Adoption –Motion by Maki to approve with addition to agenda, 2nd by Hammond. Vote u/c
Approval of Minutes from December 9, 2025 Regular Meeting & Truth in Taxation Public Hearing – Motion by Maki to approve, 2nd by Grotheer. Vote u/c Communications & Recognitions – Thank you from Cultural Center, Thank you from West Central Initiative, NYM Fire Dept Annual Meeting Invitation, League of MN Cities
Department Reports
Liquor Store Report – Motion by Hammond to approve with approval for vacation days, 2nd by Maki. Vote u/c Fire Dept Report- Motion by Hammond to approve, 2nd by Maki. Vote u/c
Police Department Report – Motion by Grotheer to approve, 2nd by Maki. Vote u/c
Utilities Department Report – Motion by Hammond to approve report, 2nd by Grotheer. Vote u/c
Administration Report – Motion by Maki to approve report, 2nd by Hammond. Vote u/c.
Committee Reports- Economic Development Authority-Draft minutes in packet from December 17, 2025 meeting. Next Meeting January 21, 2026.
Financial Consent Agenda, Financial Reports & Payment of Financial Claims-Motion by Hammond to approve, 2nd by Maki. Vote u/c
Old Business- Council Communication Goals- Motion by Hammond, 2nd by Maki to approve annual goals as presented.
New Business-
Resolution to Accept Grant funds from NYM Community Fund for South Point Walking Trail Project-Resolution No. 1-13-2026- Motion to approve by Grotheer, 2nd by Maki. Vote u/c
Resolution Acknowledging cash donation to the NYM Fire Department from Estate of Gloria Aske-Resolution No. 01-13-2026a- Motion to approve by Hammond, 2nd by Maki. Vote u/c.
Resolution Rescinding Resolution No. 12-09-2025b regarding Police Union Contract- Resolution No. 01-13-2026b-Motion to approve by Hammond, 2nd by Maki. Vote u/c.
Approval of NYM 2026 Appointments Document – Motion to approve by Grotheer, 2nd by Maki. Vote u/c.
Public Requests – None
Open Public Forum – No one present with concerns
Recessed Meeting at 5:03 pm- Motion by Grotheer to recess, 2nd by Hammond. Vote u/c.
Reconvened Council Meeting at 5:11 pm
Apex Project Updates-Michael Weber- Updated Council on 2026 Water Project and requested approval of Task Order No.9 for final bidding and design.
Request for Approval of Task Order No. 9-WTF & Well Improvements-Final Design & Bidding- Motion to approve TaskOrder No. 9 authorizing final design and bidding by Hammond, 2nd by Grotheer. Vote u/c.
Request for approval of Task Order No. 10-2026 Lead Service Line Replacement Project-Apex Engineering-Motion toapprove Task Order No. 10 by Hammond, 2nd by Maki. Vote u/c.
Closed Session-5:31 p.m.
Reconvened Meeting at 5:35 p.m.
Action on Closed Session- Motion was called for twice. No motion was made
Adjournment- Motion by Hammond to adjourn at 5:37 p.m. 2nd by Maki. Vote u/c.
Next Regular Meeting
Tuesday February 10, 2026
Published January 21, 2026
NEWTON TOWNSHIP FEBRUARY MEETING NOTICE
NOTICE is hereby given that the February 2026 regular monthly meeting of Newton Township, County of Otter Tail, State of Minnesota will be held Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 6:30 pm rather than the regularly scheduled 2nd Monday of the month.
The location of the Newton Township regular monthly meetings is as follows:
New York Mills City Office Building
118 N Main Street
New York Mills, Minnesota
Kayla Ellenson
Newton Deputy Clerk
Published January 21, January 28, 2026
Homestead Township Notice
Absentee voting notice
Absentee voting will be available for eligible voters as follows
To receive a ballot mailed to you call 218-639-2489.
For in person absentee voting or ballot drop off
By appointment only Feb 6th to March 6th 2026
Call 218-639-2489 to schedule an appointment address 40706 560th Ave NYM.
Saturday March 7th 2026
Open 10:00 A.M to 12:00 p.m address 40706 560th Ave. NYM
Monday March 9th open 4:00p.m to 5:00p.m address 40706 560th Ave NYM
Tuesday March 10, 2026 election day drop off or agent delivery only
To vote in person you must go to the polling place at the town hall.
8:00 a.m to 4:30 p.m call for appointment to drop off.
5:00 p.m to 8:00 p.m have delivered by agent.
For questions or to schedule an appointment call 218-639-2489.
Or call Ottertail County Elections office at 218-998-8040.
Jason Cooley, Clerk
Homestead Township
Published January 21, 2026
Residents of Deer Creek Township
Absentee Voting Location:
33500 County Highway 135
New York Mills, Mn
Polling place: Deer Creek Fire Hall 106 Main Ave. Deer Creek MN
Absentee Voting Dates February 6-March 9th
Call 218-640-0150 for an appointment on these dates
On March 7th Absentee location-33500 County Highway 135, N.Y Mills- Time: 10:00-12:00- drop off, vote, or pick up ballot
On March 9th Location will be the same and open from 3:00-5:00- drop off, vote or pick up ballot
March 10th Location will be the same-by appointment from 8:00am to 4:30 pm
March 10th 4:30-5:00 at absentee table at polling place, to drop off ballots only
March 10th -5:00-8:00pm at the absentee table at polling place to drop off or pick up agent delivery ballots
Published January 21, January 28, February 4, 2026