Yvette Higgins Report for Minnesota As Minnesota appears poised to issue licenses to retailers to legally sell marijuana, some lawmakers are proposing changing cannabis regulations to improve access to medical marijuana and strengthen communication with Native American tribes.  A bill by Sen. Scott Dibble, DFL-Minneapolis, to increase patient access to medical marijuana cleared the Commerce and Consumer… Read More

Record pancake breakfast raises over $4,100 for food shelf On March 21, 2025, the Henning Lions Club presented funds to the Henning Community Food Shelf. This generous donation was the result of a successful pancake breakfast held on March 9 at the Henning Community Center. Lion Doug Trana, the pancake event coordinator and head chef, along with… Read More

A “sweet tribute to the Midwest and the summer family road trip,” is how Stefanie Gerhardson describes “Leaving Iowa,” this year’s spring play at M State. Gerhardson is an M State Theatre faculty member and the play’s director. “It’s a comedy about family vacations,” she adds. “The wood-paneled station wagon, mom and dad in the front,… Read More

Samantha Siedow Report for Minnesota A memorial to Native American military veterans could soon be erected on the grounds of the Minnesota Capitol under a bill that was advanced by a state Senate committee on Friday.  The measure authored by Sen. Mary Kunesh, DFL-New Brighton, would create a task force for establishing the memorial at the Capitol. The… Read More

Agent Bennet Stich of Weichert, Realtors® – Paulson Land Company has been named a Top Real Estate Professional by BestAgents.us. The award recognizes agents who have maintained a commitment to excellence, integrity, and client satisfaction.     “We’re very proud of Bennet for earning this award,” said Tina Greene, Owner/REALTOR® of Weichert, Realtors® – Paulson Land… Read More

Local affiliate receives a visit from national director of new affiliates By Lisa Peterson Special to the Dispatch Tuesday and Wednesday, March 11 and 12 were busy days for the Executive Director and board members of Love In the Name of Christ of Greater East Otter Tail County.  Love INC National Director of New Affiliates, Rev. Daniel Walker… Read More

By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent Jocko, the sheriff department’s two-year-old Belgian Malinois/German Shepherd cross, assisted federal agents and Wilkin County (Breckenridge area) on March 17, in relation to a federal arrest warrant. A year ago the Otter Tail County Board of commissioners approved the addition of a second dog, Jocko, after the retirement of Mojo, a… Read More

By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent Developing Otter Tail County’s workforce means finding, keeping and training people to support a resilient and growing employer community. In 2024 this strategy, led by county government, implemented programs to promote the availability of jobs in Otter Tail County. “We helped employers recruit and retain workers more effectively and create partnerships,”… Read More

By Tom Hintgen Otter Tail County Correspondent The Byrds sang the hit song, “Mr. Tambourine Man,” 60 years ago this summer, in 1965, at the old Balmoral Pavilion on the south side of Otter Tail Lake. Balmoral was one of the most popular dance halls in west central Minnesota. “Balmoral was also one of the hottest hangouts of… Read More

County adovcates for policies to benefit local community needs Otter Tail County Commissioners and staff recently attended the Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC) Legislative Conference, where they engaged in discussions with state legislators on key issues impacting the county and its residents. The event provided an opportunity for Otter Tail County leaders to advocate for… Read More