Photos by Chad Koenen A light rain fell down on the crowd and those who participated in the annual Deer Trails Day parade on Saturday morning. Despite the rain, large crowds turned out for the annual celebration in Deer Creek. Above: Zoey Thorstenson looks for candy on the road during the annual parade. Left: Randy and… Read More

State hospital opened its doors in 1890 By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent The Fergus Falls State Hospital opened its doors for patients in 1890, serving the mentally ill as well as people with developmental disabilities and chemical dependency issues. For many years close to 2,000 people resided at the facility, which closed in 2007. This was a… Read More

Bossy Babes BBQ food truck opens in OTC area By Chad Koenen Publisher There has been a certain aroma of wood fire that has been missing from Highway 78 just outside of Ottertail and Battle Lake for the past six years. Ever since Elmer’s Texas BBQ was destroyed in a fire in 2017 the smell of… Read More

Contributed photos Members of the Henning School trap team competed in the state shoot in Alexandria on Wednesday, July 14. The team finished with five athletes that scored in the 70s, eight athletes that scored int he 80s and three people who finished with a score of 90 and above, out of 100 targets. Brody… Read More

Groups focus on stocking lakes with fish, fighting AIS By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) provides county anglers and lakes associations with information before fish stocking plans move forward in Otter Tail County. “Before anything is implemented, we first collect public input on fish management,” said DNR Area Fisheries Supervisor Jim… Read More

Jet ski, trailer stolen near Pelican Rapids By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent  Sheriff deputies, on June 16, reported injuries during a motorcycle accident and 4-wheeler accident in Otter Tail County. The motorcycle accident took place close to 4:30 p.m. near Highway 46 east of Parkers Prairie. The cycle driver, heading eastward, avoided hitting a deer but… Read More

Stuff the Bus is kicking off in Otter Tail County.  United Way of Otter Tail and Wadena Counties invites families in need to apply for Stuff the Bus school supplies.    For many families, purchasing school supplies for the start of the school year can be a challenge. Every year, Stuff the Bus helps Otter Tail County… Read More

Trail to stretch from boat landing to Ottertail During the 2023 legislative session, Senator Jordan Rasmusson (R-Fergus Falls) helped secure critical funding for bonding projects in Otter Tail County, including $55,000 for the Tyler Wohlers Memorial Trail. Representative Tom Murphy (R-Underwood) serves as the chief author of this bill in the House. This new funding… Read More

Local group ramps up fight against invasive species By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent It is the mission of the Otter Tail County Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force to develop programs and strategies to support and enhance the protection of Otter Tail County waters.   “In order to accomplish this, our task force promotes public awareness, education, containment,… Read More

East and West Otter Tail County 4-H youth took a trip “Around the World” at 4-H Junior Camp. Junior Camp was held June 8-9 at Faith Haven Camp near Battle Lake. 4-H Camp engages campers and counselors in leadership and learning in a safe outdoor environment that encourages exploration, growth, and belonging. Held annually, this… Read More