The  big   event of  Watermelon  Day in Vining is  coming  up  on August  17. It is  an  activity filled  day with  lots of   food,  music,  vendors,   free watermelon, parade  and a great opportunity to  have  a fun filled day in a small welcoming village.  Organizers are inviting the public to include a visit  to … Read More

By Chad Koenen Publisher Do you want to see a professional rodeo without having to leave central Otter Tail County? Perhaps you are looking for a fun way to pass a Friday or Saturday night in the waning weeks of summer? Or better yet, do you want to help support some of the local organizations that… Read More

By Chad Koenen Publisher Everything tends to be a little bigger in Ottertail and that includes another expansive celebration in the heart of Otter Tail County. The annual OtterFest celebration will kick of on Friday night with one of the largest demo derby’s in the area. The demo derby begins at 7 p.m. and is sponsored by… Read More

Council looks at changing to third weekend of July By Chad Koenen Publisher Deer Trails Day may be on the move, and members of the Deer Creek City Council think they have found a perfect weekend to host the popular town celebration. During its regularly scheduled meeting last Monday night, the Deer Creek City Council heard from… Read More

Two new community puzzles depict Henning scenes By Chad Koenen Publisher Puzzles tend to have a unique ability to bring people of different backgrounds and ages together. Whether it is searching for one missing piece, coming up with a strategy to complete the outer edge, or even just working together to complete a common goal, puzzles… Read More

State Senator stresses importance of bipartisanship By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent It is difficult to balance the interests of outstate issues and metro issues in the Minnesota state legislature. For that reason, State Sen. Jordan Rasmusson said it is essential to work in a bipartisan manner whenever possible. “We accomplished a lot on a bipartisan effort in… Read More

Aim for daring family adventure at an Archery in the Parks program. Learn how to shoot a bow on Saturday, Aug. 9 at Glendalough State Park. For thousands of years, archery has been a popular sport and important life skill. Beginners can learn this valuable skill from trained archery instructors in a safe, supervised setting. No… Read More

By Robert Williams Editor Smokie Abrahamson, a three-year-old Dachsund, outran 82 other wieners en route to his first racing championship in Vergas in his third attempt.  Despite making the trip from up north, Smokie is a Vergas native. His owners Thain and Katie Abrahamson found Smokie at Skal three years ago during Looney Days and they have… Read More

Otter Tail County License Center staff are urging residents who plan to leave Minnesota for the winter to renew their driver’s licenses or state identification cards now, warning that processing delays of up to three months could leave them without valid ID while away. A surge in applications tied to the May 7, 2025, REAL ID… Read More

To improve access to mental health care, Senator Jordan Rasmusson (R-Fergus Falls) led a bipartisan effort this session in partnership with county officials and law enforcement groups. Together, they passed legislation investing $55 million to add 50 treatment beds at the Anoka Metro Regional Treatment Center, the state’s largest psychiatric hospital. The goal is to… Read More