Photos by Chad Koenen Six competitors did their best to choke down 11 hot dogs in just a matter of five minutes as part of the hot dog eating contest at Watermelon Day on Saturday. Cort Ebeling (top left) was able to take first place in the hot dog eating contest, while Jake Williams (top… Read More

Otter Berry is located near Ottertail, NYM By Tucker Henderson Reporter “I was shocked,” said Kris Huebsch, a farmer in rural New York Mills, about being named the 2025 Farmfest Woman Farmer of the Year in Morgan, Minn. on Thursday, Aug. 7. “This spring I got an email from the Otter Tail County Extension, that… Read More

By Chad Koenen Publisher One of the final big celebrations of the summer will be held on the front lawn of the Landmark Center. The annual corn, brat and burger feed will be held at the Landmark Center from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday night. The night will include local products like sweet corn from Buehler’s… Read More

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… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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