Eleanor Steffen Report for Minnesota Minnesota lawmakers delayed action on a bill April 8 that would require state health insurance plans to cover infertility treatment. The bill by Rep. Carlie Kotzya-Witthuhn, DFL-Eden Prairie, would require state-funded programs including Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare to cover the costs of infertility health care such as in vitro fertilization, or IVF,… Read More

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) announced a new contract with Teaching Strategies to support the design and implementation of the new Minnesota Kindergarten Fall Assessment (MnKFA). The creation of a new assessment was signed into law by Governor Walz in 2023 and represents an investment in our future that will help give young learners… Read More

By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent Former Fergus Falls Daily Journal Media reporter Heather Rule, today a freelance sports journalist in the Twin Cities, has our sincere support after losing Jessi Pierce, her close friend and colleague in sports journalism. Jessi and her three children, Hudson, Cayden and Avery Hinrichs, lost their lives in a house… Read More

The Astera Health Board of Directors announced today that Joel Beiswenger will be retiring from his role as Chief Executive Officer as of July 1, 2026. Beiswenger has had some lingering health issues and will focus on his wellbeing and self-care.  Beiswenger said, “I am honored to have had the privilege over the past years to… Read More

The annual OTC COLA lake water monitoring program Kick Off will be on April 16 at the Ottertail Community Center in Ottertail MN from 4-6 p.m. The annual event has evolved over the years from an opportunity to take part in an educational seminar on how to properly obtain water samples to what might resemble the… Read More

5 years ago Tuesday, April 13, 2021 Citizen’s Advocate When inspiration strikes, a person has two choices—stand pat, or float down the stream. Hank Kohler has never been one to stand pat, so 42 years after making a trip from East Leaf Lake to the Hudson Bay, he is making a second canoe trip, this time from… Read More

Photos by Chad Koenen Dr. Graeme R.A. Wyllie, a chemistry professor at Concordia College in Moorhead, visited with science students at Henning School on Friday. Dr. Wyllie walked students through several hands-on experiments focused on creating bioplastics while learning how these sustainable materials can make a positive impact on our environment. Right: Jens Peterson, Reggie Emter… Read More

The ice is gone from most lakes in the southern part of Minnesota and ice on many northern lakes is melting quickly. It’s already common to see anglers and paddlers on open water, but with water temperatures dangerously low, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds anyone who’s around lakes, rivers and ponds that cold… Read More

Henning ends magical season with a 32-1 record, third place finish at Class A state tournament Photo by Chad Koenen Bradon Grabe, Kale Misegades and Dawson Bushman celebrate Henning’s third place finish at the Class A state basketball tournament on Saturday morning at Gangellhoff Center on the campus of Concordia University in St. Paul. The Hornets… Read More

By Chad Koenen Publisher Most people don’t associate magic with Easter, but the Ottertail Business and Community Association has a unique trick up its sleeve this year—showcasing how to make better-than 6,000 colorful Easter eggs disappear in the blink of an eye.  ¶  The annual OTBCA Easter Egg Hunt is set for Saturday at the community park… Read More