May is National Foster Care Month New data out this month from the Minnesota Department of Human Services reports that 9,070 children and youth experienced out-of-home care in 2025. People might be surprised to learn that 63% of children that need foster care live in Greater Minnesota.  Children’s Home, a subsidiary of Lutheran Social Service… Read More

Photos by Dani Koenen Above: Breanna Bunkowski gave a hug to her parents Gabrielle and Casey Bunkowski during Friday’s graduation ceremony at Henning Public School. Below: Members of the Henning School choir welcomed past alumni to join them on stage for a pair of songs as part of the annual commencement ceremony at Henning School.

Josh Dykhoff named to All-Big 12 second team After a standout couple of seasons in Fargo-Moorhead, Wadena native, former Bluffton Braves standout and 2025 American Association Pitcher of the Year Jake Dykhoff is moving on to affiliated ball.  The RedHawks transferred Dykhoff’s contract to the Baltimore Orioles organization Sunday.  Last summer, Dykhoff helped lead the… Read More

Free lunch to be served at ball fields through July 9 By Chad Koenen Publisher Henning area youth will once again have the opportunity to receive free lunch from staff members at Henning School. During its regularly scheduled meeting last week, the Henning School Board heard an update on its summer food program that will… Read More

Open house to be held June 8 at Battle Lake City Hall Otter Tail County Commissioners will host a community open house on Monday, June 8, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Battle Lake City Hall at 108 Main Street. This is not a formal Board of Commissioners meeting but an opportunity for residents to… Read More

Nearly 100 firefighters from around the region traveled to the Breezy Point area to help control the Flanders Fire May 16-20. By Wednesday, May 20, the fire was 95 percent contained. Containment increased to that level Tuesday evening due to the continued good work of the firefighters, according to the Minnesota Incident Command System. The… Read More

By Chad Koenen Publisher When the final bell rang on Friday, it wasn’t just the final time students would heed the call of the bell at school for the year, but it also marked the final day of two longtime staff members at Henning School. With a combined 86 years of experience between them, elementary… Read More

Pickleball, basketball courts currently on private property By Chad Koenen Publisher The City of Deer Creek is one step closer to taking over ownership of the pickleball and basketball courts in town.  During its regularly scheduled meeting last Monday night, the Deer Creek City Council took a closer look at the purchase agreement for the… Read More

By Chad Koenen Publisher The land of otters will soon be getting a new place to honor the sacrifices of men and women in the Armed Forces.   The City of Ottertail recently learned it would receive $100,000 in state funding to help construct a new veterans memorial near the large otter statue. The funding… Read More

By Chad Koenen Publisher One may be hard-pressed to find someone who has had a bigger impact on the staff and students at Henning Public School for the past 59 years than Richard O. Johnson. His impact on the students goes far beyond all of the countless trophies and awards his music programs received during… Read More