Heeter saved the life of a person choking on a piece of food By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent On June 17 Otter Tail County solid waste employee Nick Heeter, while on lunch break at a restaurant, was with a restaurant guest who began to choke on food and could not breathe. Heeter performed abdominal thrusts… Read More

New rock rapids project modifies existing aging dam near Pelican By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent New rock arch rapids that allow for fish passage in Pelican Rapids and at Little Pine Lake near Perham were praised by Minnesota DNR Fisheries Specialist Nick Kludt who spoke Thursday evening, Aug. 15, to members of the Otter Tail… Read More

By Tucker Henderson Reporter Joyful Spirit Methodist Church, located between Deer Creek and Wadena on Highway State Highway 29, held their open house in their new building at on Saturday, Aug. 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. After the merging of the congregations of the Deer Creek and Wadena United Methodist churches in 2017 with both… Read More

By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent Three people received non-life-threatening injuries in a two-vehicle accident Aug. 12 just west of Ottertail city. Sheriff deputies said a Toyota Highlander was driving southbound on Highway 78 and a Toyota Camry was taking a left turn to go north on Highway 78 when the vehicles collided at 1:07 p.m. Injured… Read More

Photos by Chad Koenen One of the smallest towns in Otter Tail County once again hosted one of the largest town festivals over the weekend. Vining was the center of the action as the community hosted its 52nd annual Watermelon Day celebration. The day included the Run for the Melon 5k/10k (above), the Jacob Quam 3… Read More

Contributed photos The annual Watermelon Day car show was held on Saturday at BigFoot Gas Grocery and Deli. First place went to Ron Haugen, of Vining, and his 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback (above). Second place went to Dennis J and his 1949 Jeepster (below right). Third place went to Leroy Hiefort, of Clitherall, and his… Read More

Hammer named to U of M Dean’s List The following students have been named to the 2024 spring semester Dean’s List at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, the university announced today. To qualify for the Dean’s List, a student must complete 12 or more letter-graded credits while attaining a 3.66 grade point average. Local students named to the… Read More

Local campaign to coincide with state crackdown on drunk driving From August 14 through September 2, including the Labor Day holiday weekend, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will collaborate with the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office for the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over high-visibility enforcement campaign. The campaign’s goal… Read More

Legislator honored for assisting with housing affordability Housing First Minnesota recently named Senator Jordan Rasmusson (R-Fergus Falls) a recipient of the 2024 Housing Leadership Award. Sen. Rasmusson received this honor for his dedication during the preceding legislative session to advance housing affordability and homeownership. “The housing leadership award honors legislators who went above and beyond to promote housing… Read More

The Astera Health Foundation in collaboration with Wadena State Bank, announced the Harry Harrison Matching Grant. The $25,000 matching grant will be used to support the operations of the Astera Health/CentraCare Coborn Cancer Center, opening in July of 2025. Harry Harrison owned and operated Mason Brothers until September 1999. He was known for his philanthropic and… Read More