By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent When you first arrive at Phelps Mill you hear the rush of the Otter Tail River,” said John Lauritsen, on assignment for a “Finding Minnesota” segment for WCCO-TV, based in the Twin Cities.  ¶  Each week Lauritsen seeks out what he considers one of Minnesota’s “hidden gems.” On June 21… Read More

Simpson, Bovendam named honrary co-chairs When asked how they feel about being asked to be an Honorary Co-Chair for this year’s Relay For Life of Otter Tail County, both 2023 Honorary Co-Chairs expressed the same sentiments—they were honored to be asked, but felt humbled. Both are grateful to be feeling well now, and both can identify… Read More

By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent County commissioners, on July 27, addressed the issue of an invasive weed called Leafy Spurge. A concern was previously brought to the county board’s attention. This weed is showing up in county ditches. More information is being gathered as to what is currently being done to control this invasive weed. Once Leafy… Read More

Several easements pertain to haying operations By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent County commissioners, on June 27, approved certification of wetland easements for haying, following a request from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Landowners will retain primary responsibility for weed control, recreational use, access and will continue to be responsible for the payment of property taxes…. Read More

Fire destroys shop near Vining By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent  Sheriff deputies, on July 1, arrested a 63-year-old woman in rural Underwood on a felony-level controlled substance warrant and for assaults on two sheriff deputies. The woman was booked into custody at the Otter Tail County jail in Fergus Falls. Prior to that she was treated… Read More

Photo by Chad Koenen A new billboard celebrating the 2019 Class A state basketball championship for the Henning boys basketball team began to take shape last week. The billboard will be placed near Henning Building Center on Highway 210. 

Lake Region Healthcare is pleased to announce that Kate Bjorge has been hired as the Development Director for their Foundations and philanthropy programs. Bjorge and her family will be relocating from Little Falls, Minn., where she had served as the Community Philanthropy Manager for the Initiative Foundation since 2018. Prior to that role, she served… Read More

Expansion will increase plant capacity by 30 percent Bongards Creameries, a leading national cheese and whey manufacturer, recently announced a major investment in its Perham, Minn. Plant. The expansion will increase overall plant capacity to 5.5 million pounds of milk per day—an increase of 30 percent. Bongards previously completed a significant expansion of the Perham plant’s… Read More

Contributed photos The Ottertail Lakers 4-H Club held a potluck and 4-H Olympic event on Sunday, June 25 at the Ottertail city park. Feed sack race, shoe kick, egg toss, frisbee toss, wheel barrow race and a water balloon fight ended the evening. The club will be displaying non-livestock and livestock projects at the East… Read More