Contributed photo Rick Hammer harvested this turkey with a crossbow at 21-yards out on April 17. The turkey had a 9 1/2” beard.

By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent Discussing the future of local journalism, including the news media in Otter Tail County, was the topic May 1 at the Bigwood Event Center in Fergus Falls. The event was sponsored by the West Central Initiative. Close to 80 people attended and took the opportunity to discuss the importance of local… Read More

Yvette Higgins  Report for Minnesota A $4 billion higher education budget bill passed by the Minnesota House cuts funding for a program that supports student-parents.  The Student-Parent Support Initiative (SPSI), passed in the 2023 legislative session, gives money to programs that help students with children succeed in higher education through one-on-one support, emergency grants for unexpected medical… Read More

Annual event set for June 14 in New York Mills Four thinkers have been selected to travel to the small town of New York Mills, this June to debate the 2025 question posed by the annual Great American Think-Off: “Is there only one truth, or are there many truths?” In an age shaped by misinformation, social… Read More

Surcharge to replace money EV owners would pay in gas taxes Elias Thomas Report for Minnesota The price of driving electric vehicles in Minnesota may well increase as lawmakers look to wrap up work on a transportation funding plan.  The House transportation budget bill raises a yearly surcharge paid by electric vehicle owners from $75 to $200…. Read More

Samantha Siedow Report for Minnesota The Minnesota House and Senate have voted to respond to the avian influenza epidemic, but they still have to agree on the scope of the effort. The House included more than $3 million in funding for bird flu prevention in its budget bill, which passed on a bipartisan vote of 130-3 on… Read More

Construction on Fergus Falls courthouse was completed in 1922 By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent The current Otter Tail County Courthouse, completed in 1922 just south of downtown Fergus Falls, has paintings of all the townships of Otter Tail County. The courthouse is four stories tall and has a total of 47,000 square feet of space. Included… Read More

County DWI Court was established in 2008 Each day, Otter Tail County’s Justice and Safety teams engage with individuals affected by substance use and mental health disorders—challenges that often underlie criminal behavior. Many individuals cycle in and out of the justice system without effective intervention. Otter Tail County Treatment Courts break that cycle through accountability,… Read More

During Child Foster Care Month, Otter Tail County is asking individuals and families to consider becoming foster parents. With the number of children needing safe, stable homes increasing, there is a need for caring foster families. “Otter Tail County prioritizes placing children with relatives whenever possible; family restoration is our ultimate goal,” shared Stephanie Olson, Human… Read More

Hands-on activity for all ages with local Goeden’s Greenhouse owner, Matt. Please note there are four class dates to choose from. An entertaining and interactive planting presentation exploring how to grow stunning flower displays. Great for a family activity with the kids! Also a perfect idea for couples to have a unique date night. Class fee is $22/person… Read More