Sheriff and County Commissioner  Candidate  Forums to be held To the Editor Voters in Otter Tail County are invited to get to know this year’s commissioner and sheriff candidates at the Candidate Forums on September 26, 1-4 p.m. at the Ottertail City community room (near the current firehall) at 103 Lake Ave S. The Candidate… Read More

The Prairie spy According to Forbe’s magazine, in an article entitled: “Jerk Alert—Bad Boss Walking,” bad bosses are everywhere.  Before I go any further with this, I live with a boss. There. Just so you know. Any man worth his spot on the bell curve, which is a measure of intelligence, will strongly say that… Read More

Question: Can you talk about how people need to make proper turns? I see a lot of unsafe maneuvers when it comes to turning.   Answer: Drivers who turn improperly cause many traffic crashes. Move safely into the correct lane well ahead of the place where you will make the actual turn. • Slow down… Read More

By Audra Espinoza Senior manager with the  Center for Rural Affairs Every rural community faces challenges. Whether it’s finding housing, strengthening the local economy, supporting families, or keeping a school or hospital open, the biggest issues rarely have simple solutions. They require people who can bring others together around a shared vision. That’s why collaborative… Read More

By Jesse Grabow Ask a Trooper Question: I have a question on stop signs procedures. Can you go over this? I think it would be good for everyone to be aware as I think some people forget or get confused. Thank you for all you do.   Answer: Yes, I can. That is a great… Read More

Failure to  advance Farm  Bill is a missed  opportunity  To the Editor, Following the Senate Agriculture Committee’s failure to advance the Agricultural Act of 2026, Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association Executive Director Brian Werner issued the following statement: “Today’s outcome on the Senate Farm Bill is a missed opportunity for drivers, farmers, fuel retailers and rural communities… Read More

Volunteers are needed for a Community Mural Painting project at the Landmark Station building this week, Wednesday through Friday, Aug. 12-14.  We will break up into three shifts each day, two-hours per shift. All design work will already be drawn on the exterior of the building by mural artist Chalsey Falk. Volunteers will simply paint… Read More

The prairie spy It was about 53 years ago. The army flew me into Danang. From there, I made my way up north to Quang Tri Combat Base, U.S.Army, by jeep, airplane, and deuce-and-a-half.  I reported in to the First Sergeant, a crusty old (old for the army, anyway) timer who had gotten where he… Read More

When we last left Peter Parker aka Spider-Man (Tom Holland) back in 2021, he had to submit to a spell from Doctor Strange that would make the world forget he ever existed. His Aunt May (Marissa Tomei) had died, so he had no family left, but he had to watch his friends Ned (Jacob Batalon)… Read More

By Jessica Carlson Otter Tail County Master Gardener Summer in Otter Tail County can bring some of the best gardening weather of the year, but it can also bring stretches of hot, dry weather. By July and August, gardens are growing quickly, vegetables are producing, and flower beds are in full bloom. This is also… Read More