By Tom Hintgen

Otter Tail County Correspondent 

County Community Development Director Amy Baldwin, speaking to county board members on Jan. 26, reported that the Otter Tail County unemployment rate stood at 4.9 percent during the month of December 2020.

This was an increase from the county’s unemployment rate of 3.3 percent in November 2020.

Baldwin provided an update regarding the distribution of funds allocated from the State of Minnesota to support organizations in Otter Tail County impacted by COVID-19. 

Through Jan. 26 more than 150 applications had been received.

County planning

update provided

The five-person Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners, on Jan. 26, heard an update on county planning from County Administrator Nicole Hansen.

Hansen also reported that the county’s Department of Motor Vehicle office was closed the week on Jan. 18 due to COVID-19. As of Jan. 26 the office was again open and conducting business.

Hansen and county commissioners voiced support for Otter Tail County Public Health employees as they worked to help administer the CIVID-19 vaccines.

Appreciation was expressed to county staff members willing to be flexible in reaching as many county residents as possible with the vaccines, in an orderly manner.