New York Mills High School alum operates Perham, Tri-County Stockyards By Tucker Henderson Reporter Not every auctioneer gets the chance to compete in an industry contest, especially in a worldwide competition located out of the country. One local auctioneer did just that, however, and came back home with a fourth place finish under his belt. Mitch Barthel, local… Read More

WellPath works with over 350 detention centers By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent The county board of commissioners, on Aug. 12, renewed an agreement with WellPath as its medical provider to the county jail (detention center) in Fergus Falls. The contract with WellPath was first approved in 2024 after a recommendation from County Sheriff Barry Fitzgibbons. The… Read More

By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent County commissioners periodically hear easement requests from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. A wetland easement is a legal agreement signed with the United States of America, through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, that pays landowners to permanently protect wetlands.  If approved, landowners in Otter Tail County will retain primary… Read More

Photos by Chad Koenen The Vining OG’s (above) popped the top of a bottle of sparkling grape juice during the annual Watermelon Day parade on Saturday evening. The team captured first place at the third annual Jacob Quam Foundation 3 vs 3 basketball tournament. The group rode at the top of the Jacob Quam Foundation float… Read More

The Friends of Phelps organization recently received a significant financial donation from the Hurst family, according to a press release from the non-profit organization. Tom and Amy Hurst recently presented the gift in memory of Tom’s mother, Marcelyn Hurst. The amount of the donation was not disclosed. The Hurst family vacationed in Otter Tail County for 40… Read More

By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent In the Detroit Lakes City Park, near the pavilion and lakeshore, you’ll find Alexa, a spoon-wielding troll in need of ingredients as she plans to brew a special elixir to counteract a spell. Alexa is one of several trolls seen by visitors in and near Detroit Lakes. The exact locations of… Read More

Contributed photo Members of the Henning High School Class of 1944 held its 81st high school reunion on Friday, Aug. 8. Two members of the class gathered for the reunion, who are both 98-years-old, and remain active in their communities. The two class members who gathered for the reunion was Ruth Holmgren Herman, from Devils… Read More

Large surface waves produced by powerboats are a mainstay for recreational watersports. A new study from the University of Minnesota shows that beneath the surface, factors such as propeller thrust and other types of waves can impact delicate lakebed ecosystems. Researchers at the University’s St. Anthony Falls Laboratory built on previous research to study the effects… Read More

Private landowners with open lands, such as former pastures or crop fields, can apply for financial assistance to plant trees through Minnesota DNR‘s Field to Forest Cost-Share Program. This program aims to restore tree cover across Minnesota. Selected projects receive up to 75 percent cost-share reimbursement for tree planting expenses. After planting is completed in spring… Read More

Stigman played in 1965 World Series for Minnesota By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent Rural Otter Tail County native Dick Stigman, raised at Nimrod east of Perham in Wadena County, was a pitcher for the Minnesota Twins in 1965. That year the Twins played the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series, losing four games to three…. Read More