Trail is last part of Pelican Rapids to Perham trail segment By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent Delaying construction of the Heart of the Lakes Trail Maplewood State Park segment, due to wet conditions in recent weeks, appeared likely during the Aug. 27 meeting of the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners. The Maplewood State Park segment is… Read More

For the first time since the early 1900s, the Sebeka Menahga Review Messenger is under new ownership. On August 28, Chad and Dani Koenen purchased the Sebeka Menahga Review Messenger from Tim Bloomquist. The family owned community newspaper has been in the Bloomquist family for 119 years. “We are looking forward to being a part of the… Read More

Anniversary celebration set for September 22 At the time the Nidaros Lutheran Church congregation was organized, in 1872, most of the settlers in this community were immigrants from Norway. These Norwegian pioneers brought with them a strong Christian faith and a deep spiritual heritage. Many of those immigrants came from the area around Trondheim, Norway’s… Read More

Fire destroys shop near East Leaf Lake By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent Sheriff deputies, on Aug. 31, reported that a pilot about to land at the Battle Lake airport shortly after noon, for an organized fly-in, lost power but escaped injury when his plane landed in a corn field. A four-year-old passenger also escaped injury. The pilot… Read More

As the number of battery-powered devices continues to increase, proper disposal is crucial. Lithium-ion batteries are the leading cause of fires at waste and recycling facilities, so it is essential that Otter Tail County residents dispose of batteries correctly to prevent fires and protect staff and infrastructure. Understanding different types of batteries Proper battery disposal can often… Read More

OTC to move forward with nursing position By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent County Community Development Agency (CDA) Director Amy Baldwin updated county board members concerning the single-family tax rebate program. The CDA board recommends allowing the program to expire as currently structured with the application submission deadline of Dec. 31, 2024. Otter Tail County has, for several… Read More

Mobile van to visit Fergus Falls the third Tuesday of every month Otter Tail County welcomes Mobile Vet Center services to the county starting September 17 from 1:30-3 p.m. at the Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) at 1821 North Park Street in Fergus Falls. The Mobile Vet Center will provide the same comprehensive services available… Read More

Zebra mussel attached to dock at native mussel, public access dock The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has confirmed the presence of zebra mussels in Marion Lake, near Richville in Otter Tail County. A lake user contacted the DNR after finding an adult zebra mussel attached to a native mussel in Marion Lake. A DNR invasive… Read More

Event to be held at Government Services Center in Fergus Falls The Otter Tail County Commissioners invite all community members to the upcoming open house at the Government Services Center, 500 West Fir Avenue in Fergus Falls. The event will take place on Monday, Sept. 16, from 7-9 p.m. This open house is an opportunity for… Read More

Floren performed as part of the Otter Tail Power Company 75th anniversary By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent In 1984 Otter Tail Power Company celebrated its 75th anniversary by distributing free concert tickets for customers in Otter Tail County to attend accordionist Myron Floren performances. Floren was widely known for his three decades with the acclaimed Lawrence… Read More