By Chad Koenen Publisher A former church parsonage in Fergus Falls is providing a new sense of hope for women as they transition to life after jail.  Barbara’s House in Fergus Falls is providing transition-style housing for women who were recently released from jail and who need some additional support to transition into a life of… Read More

By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent A retired priest, Father Tim Wenzel, who once served Catholic parishes in Otter Tail County and nearby Wilkin County, returns now and then as a guest priest for services in Pelican Rapids, Elizabeth and Fergus Falls. Those three parishes are part of what’s today known as the Pelican Valley Area… Read More

By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent Many county residents are pleased at what a 5-person bipartisan group of county commissioners, in conjunction with county employees, can accomplish here in Otter Tail County. The county’s Big Build initiative, in a press released issued by County Public Information Officer Shannon Terry, saw continued housing growth in 2024. Last year,… Read More

Lot is expected to be transformed into outdoor patio, additional parking By Chad Koenen Publisher A vacant lot in downtown Deer Creek could soon become home to an expanded outdoor seating area for Wet Woody’s Pub and Grub. During its regularly scheduled meeting last Monday night, the Deer Creek City Council approved selling the city-owned lot located in-between… Read More

Local food shelf had record number of visits in 2024 The month of March has for more than four decades been designated as Minnesota FoodShare Month, a statewide campaign to help organizations like the Henning Community Food Shelf raise funds and collect food donations to help neighbors in need. The local food shelf will again join… Read More

County and state officials meeting to discuss emergency management By Robert Williams Editor Otter Tail County Assistant Public Health Director Kristi Goos and Partnership 4 Health Dental Services Coordinator Jane Neubauer updated the Otter Tail Board of Commissioners on the Dental Innovations Program on Tuesday, Feb. 24 in Fergus Falls. According to Goos, the program began at a statewide… Read More

Yvette Higgins Report for Minnesota Rural Minnesotans often face long wait times when calling 911, and some state  lawmakers are looking to change that.  A bill by Rep. Natalie Zeleznikar, R-Fredenberg Township, would establish a grant program to help rural emergency medical service companies that are losing money. Zeleznikar said in an interview that people in Greater… Read More

Photos by Dani Koenen Pete the Cat stopped by the Henning School Library last Monday night to visit with local youth as part of an ECFE event. Pete the Cat read a book and led those in attendance through a variety of activities and games. 

By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent Many businesses in west central Minnesota are excited about the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI). To help businesses realize the possibilities with AI, the Minnesota Newspaper Association (MNA) offered a zoom seminar on Feb. 27, presented by KeyMedia Solutions based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Korena Keys of KeyMedia focused on… Read More

Lund Boats, a leading manufacturer of aluminum and fiberglass fishing boats, has announced its new partnership with Indianapolis Colts wide receiver, Michael Pittman Jr., in an exclusive brand collaboration. The partnership underscores Lund Boats’ commitment to promoting an active, adventurous lifestyle on the water while aligning with a rising star known for his work ethic,… Read More