face growinWCI hosts panel discussion about local newspapers By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent Weekly newspapers in Otter Tail County are holding their own, but face challenges felt by newspapers all across the county. Newspaper closings have been commonplace throughout the United States in recent years. During a zoom meeting on Aug. 11, sponsored by the Fergus Falls-based… Read More

Much of Minnesota is approaching extreme drought conditions As water levels continue to drop due in many areas to drought, boaters are experiencing significant issues with launching and retrieving boats, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. DNR crews are repairing and extending many boat launch ramps to provide boating opportunities in these low-water conditions. However,… Read More

Local restaurant is a popular destination in the summer By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent The goal of Betty’s Pantry owners Vanessa and Jon Neels is to have their restaurant in the town of Ottertail feel like “customers are part of our family.” Vanessa and Jon have owned the restaurant since the spring of 2018. Vanessa is… Read More

Photo by Chad Koenen

Festivities begin Friday night with demo derby, end Saturday with fireworks By Chad Koenen Publisher If you see someone from Ottertail with an extra hop in their step this week it is for a good reason—OtterFest is back and better than ever.  After hosting a slimmed down version of OtterFest last year, due in part to the… Read More

By Chad Koenen Publisher Several current and former members of the Henning Ambulance Service offered support for director Jane Cook during last week’s Henning City Council meeting.  Cook was the center of two agenda items that stated there would be a closed session for preliminary consideration of allegations or charges against and individual subject to the… Read More

Otter Repair officially opens in the heart of Ottertail By Chad Koenen Publisher As a golf cart and two boats sat idle near his shop, Glen Collins received a surprise visit from another customer who needed a quick fix for an outdoor toy. It’s been just four weeks since Collins opened his new shop, named Otter… Read More

By Chad Koenen Publisher One month after not supporting a request from Mary Nilson to detach from the city limits, the Henning City Council reversed course last week and approved supporting the detachment of the property on the southern part of town. During its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday night, the city council learned it would be… Read More

Twin Spruce Farm hosts Breakfast on the Farm Aug. 14 The Twin Spruce Farm will host this year’s East Otter Tail Breakfast on the Farm on Saturday, Aug. 14 from 7 a.m. until 12 p.m. The farm is located at 48285 County Highway 51, Perham (follow the signs).    Arnie and Kris Gruenes and their seven… Read More

New director has been with OTC since 2011 Parks and trails are an important resource in Otter Tail County. The County’s Long-Range Strategic Plan highlights the public’s desire to preserve what exists and to explore opportunities to expand and connect the parks and trails system within the county.  Otter Tail County has begun implementing this area… Read More