By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent The Center of the American Experiment, a Twins Cities-based think tank, heard from U.S. Rep. Michelle Fischbach Thursday evening, March 20, at Thumper Pond in Ottertail. Topics included the rural economy, agriculture and government regulation. Fischbach also talked about her priorities for the 119th Congress.  Several Fischbach supporters were in attendance…. Read More

Concert to be held March 28 in New York Mills The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center will host the Jesse Anderson Band as part of its 2025 Spring Concert Series. The concert will take place on Friday, March 28, at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m., and all are welcome to attend this… Read More

By Lisa Peterson Special to the Dispatch In Otter Tail County, it’s time to rev up Relay For Life preparations for 2025. The Relay For Life kick off took place last Sunday, March 23, at 4 p.m. at the Perham Sportsman’s Club. The kickoff built excitement for the 2025 Relay For Life and got team captains the materials they… Read More

Yvette Higgins Report for Minnesota As Minnesota appears poised to issue licenses to retailers to legally sell marijuana, some lawmakers are proposing changing cannabis regulations to improve access to medical marijuana and strengthen communication with Native American tribes.  A bill by Sen. Scott Dibble, DFL-Minneapolis, to increase patient access to medical marijuana cleared the Commerce and Consumer… Read More

Record pancake breakfast raises over $4,100 for food shelf On March 21, 2025, the Henning Lions Club presented funds to the Henning Community Food Shelf. This generous donation was the result of a successful pancake breakfast held on March 9 at the Henning Community Center. Lion Doug Trana, the pancake event coordinator and head chef, along with… Read More

A “sweet tribute to the Midwest and the summer family road trip,” is how Stefanie Gerhardson describes “Leaving Iowa,” this year’s spring play at M State. Gerhardson is an M State Theatre faculty member and the play’s director. “It’s a comedy about family vacations,” she adds. “The wood-paneled station wagon, mom and dad in the front,… Read More

Samantha Siedow Report for Minnesota A memorial to Native American military veterans could soon be erected on the grounds of the Minnesota Capitol under a bill that was advanced by a state Senate committee on Friday.  The measure authored by Sen. Mary Kunesh, DFL-New Brighton, would create a task force for establishing the memorial at the Capitol. The… Read More

Agent Bennet Stich of Weichert, Realtors® – Paulson Land Company has been named a Top Real Estate Professional by BestAgents.us. The award recognizes agents who have maintained a commitment to excellence, integrity, and client satisfaction.     “We’re very proud of Bennet for earning this award,” said Tina Greene, Owner/REALTOR® of Weichert, Realtors® – Paulson Land… Read More

Local affiliate receives a visit from national director of new affiliates By Lisa Peterson Special to the Dispatch Tuesday and Wednesday, March 11 and 12 were busy days for the Executive Director and board members of Love In the Name of Christ of Greater East Otter Tail County.  Love INC National Director of New Affiliates, Rev. Daniel Walker… Read More

By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent Jocko, the sheriff department’s two-year-old Belgian Malinois/German Shepherd cross, assisted federal agents and Wilkin County (Breckenridge area) on March 17, in relation to a federal arrest warrant. A year ago the Otter Tail County Board of commissioners approved the addition of a second dog, Jocko, after the retirement of Mojo, a… Read More