Halloween party set for Saturday  By Tucker Henderson Reporter ith Halloween right around the corner, Karvonen Funeral Home has come up with another evening of festivities for families across the region. With an early date set for Saturday, Oct. 25, there will be activities for everyone at their facility in Wadena. This year’s theme is “The Greatest… Read More

Recycling program to begin in early 2026 Otter Tail County is taking a significant step toward the long-range strategic plan for countywide single-sort curbside recycling with the launch of a pilot program beginning January 2026 in the southeast quadrant. Thanks to grant funding from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), residents in the cities of Battle… Read More

Reduction in CRP land has led to less grassland, wetland cover for duck population By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent Reduced Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) enrollment in recent years and subsequent loss of grassland and wetland cover have contributed to significant long-term declines in key duck populations in Minnesota. Our state’s declining duck populations, according to analysts,… Read More

By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, on Oct. 14, secured additional options from the county board of commissioners to purchase conservation easements from county landowners. Representing the federal agency during the county board meeting in Fergus Falls was Blake Knisley, realty specialist for the fish and wildlife service. Approved by the… Read More

Pelican Rapids application to be revisited on Oct. 28 By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent The Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners tabled a decision on approving or not approving a retail cannabis business in Pelican Rapids until 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 28, at the County Government Services Center in northwest Fergus Falls. The five-person county… Read More

Third annual event to be held Sunday at church parking lot By Chad Koenen Publisher Local youth with have the chance to get some candy a little early this year as the Deer Creek Fire and Rescue, as well as Trinity Lutheran Church in Deer Creek, will be hosting the third annual Trunk or Treat event… Read More

Community can contribute intact roadkill and other specimens Concordia College has officially joined the University of Minnesota’s Bell Museum as a remote partner in its Salvage Wildlife project. It’s a statewide initiative that transforms deceased animals into valuable scientific specimens to support education and research on environmental health, ecology, and conservation. The project, funded by the… Read More

Sixty-three Minnesota State Community and Technical College (M State) students have been awarded $2,500 scholarships this academic year through the Minnesota Legislature’s Workforce Development Scholarship program.    The scholarships can be renewed for a second year for a total maximum award of $5,000 per student over four semesters, which covers about half the cost of tuition… Read More

Lund Boats, a leader in premium aluminum and fiberglass fishing boats, today announced the launch of its boldest innovation yet: the Heavy Gauge (HG) Series. Crafted from heavy-gauge aluminum and engineered to conquer the toughest conditions, the HG lineup is designed for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts who demand strength, performance, and all-day versatility on the water…. Read More

Otter Tail County officials cut the ribbon on the new Fir and Friberg Avenue roundabout, celebrating the completion of a safety improvement project. The roundabout, located near the YMCA, replaces a traditional intersection that had been experiencing issues due to increasing traffic volumes. The project also includes a new pedestrian trail connection along the north side… Read More