The Otter Tail County Extension offices would like to introduce their new administrative specialist, Brianna Bischof. She will provide support and collaboration with the Extension Educator team and, in partnership with the University of Minnesota Extension, connect community residents in East and West Otter Tail County. “We are delighted to have Brianna join us, and hope… Read More

Event highlights workforce environment for OTC area Otter Tail County hosted a countywide Workforce Summit on Wednesday, April 24. The summit brought nearly 100 workforce partners together at Thumper Pond Resort in Ottertail to learn about the current workforce environment, engage with each other and activate workforce solutions for the county. The Workforce Summit included presentations… Read More

Moving on to Otter Tail County Soil and Water District When Heart of the Lakes Elementary School’s Dean of Students leaves on April 30, Scott Bjerke will be saying goodbye to a storied career in education that lasted more than 33 years. Bjerke has had an impact on current students, former students, faculty, and everyone he has… Read More

Photo by Mary Kurth Denise Warweg of Harvest Church speaks during this year’s 73rd observation of the National Day of Prayer. The service was held indoors at the Fire Hall due to rainfall Thursday, May 2. The annual gathering was initially declared by the First Continental Congress in 1775 and was approved by joint resolution in… Read More

Agricultural tradition picture now on display in St. Paul Last fall, the Minnesota Senate invited K-12 students throughout the state to submit photos or drawings that highlight life in their community. One artwork per Senate District was recently chosen to hang in the Minnesota Senate Building for the rest of 2024. In District 9, Kassidy Papon… Read More

Contributed photo Sheriff Barry Fitzgibbons had the honor of presenting three Life Saving awards on Thursday April 25. The awards were presented to Lester Kiehl, Bobby Schempp, and Trevor Moe for their selfless and courageous actions on February 1, 2024 in rescuing two residents in a house fire that were unable to get out. Had… Read More

Spawning has begun to wrap up on local lakes By Chad Koenen Publisher There may be no bigger high than pulling a large fish during the annual fishing opener weekend in Minnesota—other than, of course, the birth of a child or getting married.  After a near record ice out in March, area fishing guides and fishermen have… Read More

New book details early years of Fergus Falls area By Chad Koenen Publisher Ben Underwood always wanted to write the story of his great-great grandfather A.J. Underwood—but the journey of making the story come to life took the better part of the past three years.  “You always wonder what the finished product will look like,” said Ben…. Read More

In remembrance of babies lost through miscarriage or stillbirth, Essentia Health will host an infant burial and memorial service on Sunday, May 5, in Detroit Lakes. The public is invited to join this service at 1 p.m. at Oak Grove Cemetery, located at 515 US-59. The service will be held rain or shine, and birthplace nurses… Read More

The Chauncey Martin multipurpose building is now officially open to the public, marking a significant milestone in community collaboration. This project results from a successful partnership between the City of Pelican Rapids, Pelican Rapids School District, Otter Tail County, and several other organizations. A public ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on April 25 with many in… Read More