By Chad Koenen Publisher Cancer has the unique ability to bring out both the best, and at the same time, the worst in people. From endless doctor appointments to treatments and an uncertain future, even the smallest acts of kindness can be a shining light in an otherwise dark time of life. One local woman is hoping… Read More

New tool helps Minnesotans see support for local schools The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) launched a new online tool to help Minnesotans track how federal education investments support students and schools in their own communities. The interactive microsite—“Tracking Federal Education Investments in Your Community”—puts useful, easy-to-understand information at Minnesotans’ fingertips. Community members can see how… Read More

The Perham Chili Cook-off was a success. Hosted at the Perham Area Community Center, the event brought the community together for a lunch hour of competition, networking and impact. A big thank you to everyone who attended, participated, and volunteered, as well as our business sponsors: Perham Health, PACC, and United Community Bank for helping make… Read More

Minnesota Beef Council representatives attend national convention in Colorado The annual Partnerships in Action (PIA) conference, held Oct. 13-16 in Denver, Colorado, brought state beef councils from across the country together to learn about the work of the Beef Checkoff. Attendees representing the Minnesota Beef Council (MBC) discussed ways national efforts can be expanded in… Read More

This fall, the M State Fine Arts Department invites you to step into the potluckpowered kitchen of a rural Minnesota church with its musical comedy, “Church Basement Ladies.” Inspired by the best-selling book, “Growing Up Lutheran,” by Minnesota authors Janet Letnes Martin and Suzann Nelson, the show celebrates the unsung heroines who keep the coffee brewing… Read More

Sen. Paul Utke (R-Park Rapids) recently served as a legislative delegate at the 25th Anniversary International Legislators’ Forum (ILF), held September 9–12, 2025, in Deadwood, S.D. The forum brought together delegates from Manitoba, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota, continuing a tradition of cross-border collaboration that began in 2001. “This was a great milestone gathering that… Read More

When the Board of Directors and Executive Director of Love INC of Greater East Otter Tail County began planning their Fall Fundraiser, they had two main goals: raise a substantial amount of money to support the mission and help attendees understand the hardships experienced by people who reach out to Love INC for help.  As… Read More

The Community Cantata singers will present the Christmas Cantata “Comfort and Joy” from December 13-14, under the direction of Sheila Childs and accompanied by Janell Brakell. The concerts will be Saturday, Dec. 13, at 5 p.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Perham and Sunday, Dec. 14, at 3 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in… Read More

5 years ago Frazee-Vergas Forum October 27, 2020 The remaining Heartland Trail connection between Acorn Lake and Frazee may be done as soon as 2022, if all goes according to plan. The Minnesota Legislature recently passed a $1.9 billion bonding bill that included $2 million for the trail connection. Department of Natural Resources Project Manager Kent Skaar… Read More

The 2025 Relay for Life of Otter Tail County was both exciting and challenging for the Relay Event Leadership team.  It was exciting to be planning to celebrate and honor the 30th anniversary of a successful relay, yet there was also the challenge of searching for and adapting to a new venue. All things considered,… Read More