By Tom Hintgen

Otter Tail County Correspondent 

Sheriff deputies, on March 26, reported that a county resident was scammed out of $1,400, as part of a bogus Publisher’s Clearing House prize.

The scam victim, who lives on 285th Street, purchased gift cards on orders of the scammers and provided numbers that resulted in personal financial loss.

Law enforcement officials warn county residents that it’s a scam if your prize notification asks for money to pay for taxes or other fees in order to release the prize. 

You never have to pay to receive a sweepstakes prize from Publisher’s Clearing House or from other reputable companies.

Traffic injury reported

Sheriff deputies reported one injury in a traffic accident at 1:54 p.m. on March 28 near the intersection of Highways 24 and 3, east of Erhard. This was believed to be a minor injury.

The driver of a vehicle that had traveled south on Highway 3 turned west onto Highway 24. Another vehicle heading west did not see the vehicle that had turned, and a collision took place.

Stop arm violation

A school bus stop arm violation was reported at 3:40 p.m. on March 28 near the intersection of Highways 1 and 43, northwest of Underwood near Fish Lake.

A warning was issued to a juvenile driver and later on the parents were notified by Otter Tail County sheriff deputies.