By Kendra Mobilia Report for Minnesota Medical waste from hospitals and surgical centers too often gets mixed in with regular trash, and at least one state lawmaker wants to fix that. Rep. Wayne Johnson, R-Cottage Grove, initially authored a bill to fine medical facilities for the mixing of waste products, but after hearing some pushback,… Read More

By Abbey Mulcahy Report for Minnesota As Minnesota school districts face increasing financial challenges, the Legislature has passed a proposed constitutional amendment to increase funding for schools without raising taxes or dipping into the state’s general fund.  The proposal, passed on May 4 in the House and May 7 in the Senate, would increase the… Read More

Grants help to make solar power affordable By Griffin Peck West Central Initiative The sun provides free, renewable energy—and more homeowners in west central Minnesota are starting to take advantage of it. While residential solar installations are still relatively limited across the region, interest continues to grow as energy costs rise and more people look for… Read More

By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent A motion by County Commissioner Kurt Mortenson of rural Underwood and seconded by Commissioner Wayne Johnson of Pelican Rapids passed unanimously to authorize three Hazard Mitigation Project Assistance Program Grant Agreements. These agreements are between Otter Tail County and the communities of Battle Lake, Underwood and Ottertail. This… Read More

Contributed photos April was volunteer month and representatives from the Country Corner Cafe recognized several volunteers who help and deliver the local meals on wheels to area residents. Volunteers include: Pat Peterson, Glen Nyhus (above), Tami Freed (below right), Wayne Rogholt (below middle) and Sharon Thalmann (below left). 

Communities across West Central Minnesota are set to see long-awaited upgrades to local roads and bridges following new funding awards announced by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). The funding comes through the 2025 rounds of the Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP) and the Local Bridge Replacement Program (LBRP). Together, they support infrastructure projects statewide… Read More

Community members who enjoy gardening are encouraged to plant a little extra this season and share the harvest with neighbors in need through the Grow an Extra Row program. The program asks gardeners to add one extra row or a few extra plants and donate surplus produce to local food shelves. Fresh fruits and vegetables… Read More

The Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners has proclaimed May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month. Recognized each May since 1949, this month is a reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health and that no one must face their struggles alone.  The numbers close to home  Mental health challenges are growing… Read More

By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent A county youth, as reported by sheriff deputies on May 1, found himself in a blackmail situation after poor judgement. Sextortion threats were made to him after explicit photos were sent to Tiktok and Snapchat platforms. County deputies forwarded this case to the FBI for a further investigation…. Read More

5 years ago Tuesday, May 11, 2021 Citizen’s Advocate Otter Tail County is gearing up for another shot at the annual Governor’s Fishing Opener. The weekend is an opportunity for host communities to showcase their unique offerings to guests from across the state. This is the second straight year Otter Tail County was selected as… Read More