City gets rave reviews on 2024 annual audit By Robert Williams Editor The Vergas City Council held a special meeting on Wednesday, July 2, to appoint a new mayor and examine the city’s 2024 annual audit. The mayor position was officially vacated upon the resignation of Mayor Dwight Lundgren, which he announced in June and was willing… Read More

By Robert Williams Editor Daycare continues to be the hot topic of the Vergas Economic Development Authority (EDA)/Housing Redevelopment Authority (HRA) meetings. Community and Economic Development Specialist Maddi Petrick and CEDA Regional Manager Jordan Grossman have both been attempting to secure a location to provide daycare services in Vergas. “We have some things moving in a direction,… Read More

By Robert Williams Editor The City of Vergas received steps one and two of the Minnesota GreenStep Cities program during City Fest, the League of Minnesota Cities annual conference, at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center in late June. The certificate and award were presented to Mayor Julie Bruhn, who has spearheaded the effort to improve energy efficiency… Read More

Painting shop and shoreland alterations get go ahead in rural Frazee By Robert Williams Editor The Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners approved a new solar system consisting of 200 panels on Rose Lake on Tuesday, June 24. A Conditional Use Permit Application was approved for The Mark and Karman Rheault Trust to construct two ground-mounted photovoltaic (PV)… Read More

New pickleball courts in Vergas have proven to be a popular community activity By Isabel Fynboh  West Central Initiative Across the region, communities are adding a new amenity—pickleball courts. Pickleball, originally developed in 1965, blends elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong to create a fast-paced, active game enjoyed by people of all ages. The sport encourages movement, connection,… Read More

New laws in Minnesota took effect on July 1 covering various areas including business, economic development, education, and employment. Homeowners’ association ombudsperson and commerce law A new law establishes a common interest community ombudsperson to assist unit owners and associations in understanding their rights and resolving disputes.  Additional provisions include access to free water at large events and new regulations… Read More

OTC Relay for Life kicks of Friday night in Perham The Relay For Life of Otter Tail County (July 11) is right around the corner, and several events will take place in the this week, leading up to the big event.   On Sunday and Monday, Perham was decked out in purple, in an event called… Read More

Changes in lake habitat, ecology and conditions coupled with technological advances in fishing gear and methods are prompting the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to seek public input on a possible reduction in the statewide walleye possession limit from six to four fish. If enacted via a rulemaking process, the change would not become effective until… Read More

Wolf Lake Fire Department has responded to 31 calls for service in 2025 By Matthew Johnson Reporter The Wolf Lake City Council has taken action, during its Tuesday, June 10, regular monthly meeting, to repair the liquor store and warming house roofs. The council passed a motion to accept a $6,500 bid from Monty Lake to repair the… Read More

Input sought for several Otter Tail County lakes  The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is asking for input on several special fishing regulation proposals. Each year, the Minnesota DNR reviews all existing fishing regulations, proposes new special regulations that apply to individual waters and asks the public for input about the proposals. All new special regulations are… Read More