Program aims to address substance use, prevent future incidents in OTC First-time DWI offenders now have access to a new intervention program that provides substance use screening and treatment resources, while offering up to $200 in fine reduction as an incentive to participate. The newly launched Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) program connects… Read More

Essentia Health is proud to announce that it has earned the 2026 Military Friendly® Employer designation for its commitment to recruit, retain and celebrate veterans and military colleagues. This recognition is a testament to the important and intentional work Essentia has undertaken to uplift veterans and current service members. That includes the health system’s Operation Undying… Read More

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has up to $1,060,000 available to local entities such as lake associations, watershed districts, cities, and counties, as well as Tribal governments, for the management of curly-leaf pondweed, Eurasian watermilfoil, flowering rush and/or starry stonewort. Funding comes from Minnesota’s invasive species account, which is largely funded by the invasive species… Read More

The Upper Midwest Law Center (UMLC) has announced that the Ramsey County District Court denied the State of Minnesota’s motion to stay the court’s order holding that a provision of the 2024 Omnibus Bill is unconstitutional. On November 5, the Honorable Judge Leonardo Castro issued an order denying the request by Governor Tim Walz and Attorney… Read More

Photos by Robert Williams Above: Frazee-Vergas VFW Post 7702 Commander Bob Clarey leads those gathered on West Main Avenue in the Pledge of Allegiance to open the Veterans’ Day service in Frazee Tuesday, Nov. 11. Below right: VFW Soloist Sandy Rausch sings the “Star Spangled Banner” during the annual Veterans’ Day ceremony Tuesday morning in front… Read More

Otter Tail County was awarded a $96,000 Growing Careers Agricultural Workforce Grant from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The grant funding will be used to expand the County’s Empowered Worker Program to serve employers and workers in agriculture and ag-related industries. This program will grow the area’s workforce by providing skills… Read More

West Central Initiative welcomes Bianca Newell as Transportation and Sustainability Planner and Jack Butler as a Minnesota GreenCorps member serving with the organization’s energy and sustainability team. Together, they will strengthen efforts around clean energy, climate resilience, and active transportation across west central Minnesota.  Newell and Butler will work with communities to advance Safe Routes to… Read More

Otter Tail County will celebrate the completion of its new Perham highway garage with a public open house from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Dec. 3, at 829 NE Third St. Refreshments will be provided. “This new garage means our Perham area crew will have the space for equipment they need to complete efficient road… Read More

“When times are uncertain, our communities show their true strength,” said Anna Wasescha, President of West Central Initiative. “We’re inspired by the generosity and compassion that define our region, and we’re honored to help ensure no one goes hungry.” As the federal government shutdown continues, the stakes are high for thousands of our neighbors who rely… Read More

Featuring Selina Li Bi and Tory Christie Residents of the region will have a unique opportunity to explore the writing life during a series of author events featuring young adult author Selina Li Bi and middle grade author Tory Christie. Sessions will include an interactive presentation and audience Q&A, as well as a hands-on creative… Read More