Incident command response team closes active operations, to monitor COVID-19 pandemic Due to increasing rates of people vaccinated for COVID-19 and continued low incidence of hospitalized patients and low infection rates, Lake Region Healthcare (LRH) and Prairie Ridge Healthcare (PRH) have made several changes to return to pre-Covid status in areas deemed safe to do so. … Read More

Annual archery hunt to b held at the end of October Hunters can start applying for the regular archery deer hunt at Camp Ripley near Little Falls. The application deadline is Friday, Aug. 20. Beginning this year, the format of the hunt will change to a single 3-day event happening Oct. 29-31 (Friday through Sunday, application… Read More

DNR, others responding to changing conditions With the latest drought map showing 11.1 percent of Minnesota in the severe drought classification, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is taking additional preparation and response steps, including: The DNR is notifying (such as municipalities, irrigators, golf courses and other high water use businesses) with DNR permits that they… Read More

Courthousewas originally built in 1922 By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent The five-person county board of commissioners, on June 22, gave approval for seeking bids for tuckpointing at the county courthouse south of downtown Fergus Falls. This project will be the responsibility of Terry Hoff, physical plant manager for Otter Tail County. Tuckpointing is the process of repairing… Read More

Photos by Chad Koenen There was plenty of red, white and blue, as well as a visit from the Wizard of Oz, at the annual West Leaf Lake Fourth of July pontoon parade on Sunday. A total of 32 entries participated in the parade, which featured a large duck in a bath, a Wizard of Oz-inspired… Read More

Cluster boxes coming to Lake Street By Barbie Porter Editor A public hearing was held regarding the State Highway 87 project scheduled for 2022.  Ulteig Engineer Kris Carlson gave a presentation to the Frazee City Council and members of the public who attended the meeting on Monday, June 21. He explained, the Minnesota Department of Transportation will be… Read More

Fraternity volunteers to help with demolition By Barbie Porter Editor The CornerStone youth center and bistro received a $50,000 grant, and volunteer labor from a fraternity. Executive Director Tracy Neusser said the grant funds came from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and will go towards purchasing new kitchen equipment for the bistro. “The grant we applied… Read More

Ottertail bar, grill is a popular destination in the heart of lakes country By Chad Koenen Publisher Since opening its doors back in 2018, the Woodshed Bar and Grill has become a must stop destination for food and entertainment in the Ottertail area.  Lisa and Eric VanWatermulen are hoping to continue that tradition of tasty eats,… Read More

Local park is a popular destination for visitors to the area By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent On Friday, June 18, Executive Director Chris Schuelke of the Otter Tail County Historical Society was interviewed on a county radio station and emphasized how widely known is Phelps Mill across the entire state of Minnesota. “And Phelps Mill is… Read More