Railway line existed for nearly a century, began in 1882 By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent The railroad arrived in Pelican Rapids in 1882, a branch line from Fergus Falls, which was to continue northward. This never happened, however, and the line remained a “dead end” until its removal 100 years later.  Fergus Falls was incorporated in… Read More

New display to be featured through 2024 The Otter Tail County Historical Society’s new exhibition RESORTS is now open. “In the heart of the lakes with excellent resorts, we invite you to stay, fish and play.” By the early 1880s, Otter Tail County was already becoming a destination for people seeking to escape the heat of teeming… Read More

Going Local workshops set for May 16 in Perham To bolster civic participation and leadership in rural areas of Minnesota, West Central Initiative is seeking individuals to join the 2024 Run4Rural cohort and Going Local workshops, components of the organization’s wider Rural Democracy program.   The Run4Rural program equips participants with all the tools and knowledge needed… Read More

By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent  Traffic injuries were reported following accidents over the March 22-24 weekend in Otter Tail County and one accident in the early morning hours of March 25. One accident took place at 12:08 p.m. on March 23 along Interstate 94 in southwestern Otter Tail County. A semi driver sustained injuries after losing… Read More

Grant to further OT County’s Empowered Worker Program Otter Tail County was awarded a $250,000 Drive for 5 Grant from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).  The grant funding will be used to further the County’s Empowered Worker Program. This program will grow the area’s workforce by providing skills training and resource navigation for individuals… Read More

5 years ago Citizen’s Advocate Tuesday, April 2, 2019 One week after helping the Henning Hornets win the Class A state championship, Sam Fisher returned to the basketball court last weekend to participate in the 37th annual Minnesota High School All-Star Basketball Series. The event was held on Friday night in St. Cloud and Saturday at Macalester… Read More

Photos by Chad Koenen Large crowds once again turned out to Ottertail on Saturday afternoon for the annual Ottertail Business and Community Association Easter Egg Hunt. The egg hunt featured approximately 6,200 colorful plastic Easter eggs that included everything from candy to specially marked prizes. The event was moved to the street by the community center… Read More

By Chad Koenen Publisher It may seem like a lifetime ago, but Henning High School boys basketball head coach Randy Misegades won just a single game in his first season as head coach. That win came near the end of their season against a school that closed several years ago.  Fast forward 19 years, a state championship,… Read More

Hanson, Skerik to bring new items to the menu at the local bar/restaurant By Chad Koenen Publisher A joke between longtime friends Brandy Hanson and Aaron Garland came to fruition on March 1 as Hanson completed the purchase of Gateway Pub in downtown Henning. “Me and Aaron have been friends for a long time. We always… Read More

By Robert Williams Editor, Frazee-Vergas Forum The Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) penalized Otter Tail County jail and placed the facility’s license on conditional status, effective immediately, last week. Under Minnesota Statute, the DOC downgraded the jail’s license to a Class I Facility, which brings a substantial reduction in capacity and imposes specific conditions of compliance. An investigation confirmed… Read More