Fergus Falls  company to  complete the work on County Hwy. 143 By Robert Williams Editor A contract was awarded to Korby Contracting Co., Inc. of Fergus Falls to complete the County Highway 143 bridge replacement over the Leaf River. This project will replace two steel span culverts with a bridge along County Highway 143 over… Read More

‘First 85’ moved to OTC from Kentucky in 1898 By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent This past summer, in early July and late August, two busloads of people from the Twin Cities came to the county museum in Fergus Falls (historical society) to learn more as descendants of black veterans of Otter Tail County…. Read More

By Chad Koenen Publisher There are four new faces who will be in the front of the classroom at Henning School this fall—but a few will be quite familiar to the students and the greater Henning community. Bill Klaers will be teaching agriculture classes at Henning School during the first semester, until new hire Jayma… Read More

Asbestos, lead found in Phelps Mill Store building By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent County commissioners, on Aug. 25, heard an update on major renovations needed at the Phelps Mill Store near the county-owned historic flour mill in central Otter Tail County. “We are only currently working on Phase 1, which includes restoration of… Read More

By Cedar Walters West Central Initiative Many people assume food waste naturally breaks down in landfills. In reality, landfills are designed to keep waste isolated from the environment, meaning organic materials often decompose without oxygen and produce methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. Since nearly 30 percent of what we throw away is organic material, composting… Read More

The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center’s 2026 Concert Series continues with a live performance by Erik Keranen on Saturday, Aug. 29, at 7:30 p.m. Held in the Cultural Center’s intimate listening-room-style gallery space, the concert will feature an evening of original music from a songwriter with deep roots in West Central Minnesota. Doors open… Read More

Whether people are looking for a day trip or a full weekend, Minnesota state parks and trails have something everyone can enjoy this Labor Day weekend. “For those looking to savor the last bit of Minnesota summer, state parks and trails have so many opportunities to get outside,” said Ann Pierce, director of the Minnesota… Read More

Proceeds from donkey baseball to benefit park enhancement project By Chad Koenen Publisher Get ready for a night of laughter and excitement as donkey baseball will take over the softball fields in Henning. This hilarious family-friendly event promises to bring a unique blend of baseball and unpredictable donkey antics that will provide a night of… Read More

Local work has helped slow the spread of AIS By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent Spencer McGrew, Otter Tail County’s Aquatic Invasive Species Specialist, is in his 10th year on the job and had good news while addressing members of the Otter Tail County Coalition of Lake Associations Thursday evening, Aug. 20. He spoke… Read More

Hammers Construction awarded the lowest bid By Chad Koenen Publisher There is good news and then there is what the Ottertail City Council received last week concerning the low bid for the Ottertail Fire Hall Expansion.  During its regularly scheduled meeting last week the Ottertail City Council approved a low bid of $1,873,827 from Hammers… Read More