Otter Tail County Commissioners and staff recently completed a county-wide tour to view progress on several infrastructure, housing, and other economic and community investment projects. The tour allowed commissioners to see the work being done across several departments and communities. At Phelps Mill, commissioners observed restoration work at the historic park, including a recently installed… Read More

Students pursuing advanced mental health degrees encouraged to apply When Jordan Tommerdahl died by suicide in 2019, his family wanted to honor his memory by helping to make a difference in the field of mental health. They received an outpouring of financial support when they set up the Jordan Tommerdahl Memorial Scholarship Fund to help… Read More

Sadie Ellenson, daughter of Mark and Mary Ellenson, graduated from Central Michigan University College of Medicine with a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree on May 9, 2025. Following commencement, Ellenson will complete an Internal Medicine and Pediatrics residency program in Phoenix, Ariz. 

5 years ago Tuesday, May 26, 2020 Citizen’s Advocate Jacob Menze hands out a treat to one of the guests at his surprise tractor parade on his 12th birthday on Saturday. The rural Ottertail resident is the son of Mike and Denise Menze. The iconic purple bar/restaurant in the town of Vining, population 78, is… Read More

Photos by Chad Koenen Eighteen Henning School students received their high school diploma during the 115th annual Henning High School commencement ceremony on Friday night. Among the students who received a high school diploma was Eli Reinbold, who gave his dad and school board member Matt Reinbold, a hug while receiving his diploma (above). Dawson… Read More

Work on floor expected to take place in August By Chad Koenen Publisher One of the most discussed building projects over the past few years will soon come to fruition at Henning School.  During its regularly scheduled meeting last week, the Henning School Board approved a bid from Jwood Sports Flooring to install a new high… Read More

Photo by Kendall Koenen Pastor Wendell Wahlin spoke during the Henning Memorial Day program on Monday morning. Wahlin was one of several people who spoke during the program, which also included a number of musical selections. For more information about the Memorial Day programs in both Henning and Deer Creek, check out page 3.

Southeast section of OTC to receive single-sort canisters By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent In 2023, Otter Tail County received a grant from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to implement single-sort recycling for high population areas in the southeast quadrant of the county which includes Battle Lake, Parkers Prairie and other areas. The county… Read More

Local bus service to be operated by Joint Powers Board By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent County commissioners, on May 20, heard an update about the upcoming change in bus service for Otter Tail County.  Otter Express bus service, operated for many years in Otter Tail County by Fergus Falls-based Productive Alternatives, is shifting to… Read More

By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent County Social Services Supervisor Megan Adams, along with Adult Mental Health Local Advisory Council (LAC) members Fonda Knudsen and Beth Rader reviewed their mission statement to county board members on May 6. Part of the mission is to advocate for services for Otter Tail County residents with mental… Read More