News
Spark Your Leadership Potential: Ignite Program Inspires and Equips Local Business Leaders
Anna Drenth, Aquatics Director from the YMCA of the Northern Sky, shares her two-minute commercial. What do a room full of energized professionals, a firecracker of a speaker, and two minutes of storytelling have in common? They were all part of the latest session of the Ignite Community Leadership Program, and trust us—you’re going to want in on this. If you're a local business owner, manager, or rising star with a desire to grow professionally while deepening your connection to the Fergus
Otter Tail County Celebrates National Small Business Week
The Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners has declared May 4–10, 2025, as National Small Business Week to celebrate and support the small businesses that are so important to our county’s economy. Otter Tail County recognizes the creativity, dedication, and big impact small business owners have on our economy and communities. There are over 1,800 business establishments in Otter Tail County, contributing more than $3 billion to the local economy. These businesses help provide jobs and services for our
Fosters Needed During Humane Society Construction
FOSTER HOMES NEEDED DURING HUMANE SOCIETY CONSTRUCTION Kristi Lausch, for the Humane Society of Otter Tail County It’s an exciting time for the Humane Society of Otter Tail County as we plan for the ground breaking of a 3400 square foot expansion (at the existing location). Yes, you read that correctly …. After 4 years of planning and fundraising, the HSOTC is finally set to break ground June 2nd and we could not be more grateful to everyone who has helped to make this happen! But before we can truly
Fergus Falls Salvation Army Announces Closure of Thrift Store
FERGUS FALLS, Minn. – The Fergus Falls Salvation Army regrettably announces the closure of its longstanding Family Store, marking the end of more than 60 years of service to the community. Despite exhaustive efforts by dedicated staff to increase profitability, the thrift store has faced financial challenges exacerbated by a challenging economy and increased competition. "Our team has worked tirelessly to explore various avenues to sustain the store's operations," said Lieutenant Joshua Bowyer, who
Otter Tail County Community Development & Housing Annual Report
The Community Development and Housing department had a year of growth, connections, and progress in 2024. The Annual Report shares housing, workforce, child care, broadband, business development, and community partnership efforts accomplished last year, and it's available to read on the County's website: ottertailcounty.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/CDH-Annual-Report2024.pdf
Otter Tail County sees housing growth in 2024
Otter Tail County’s Big Build initiative saw continued housing growth in 2024. Last year, over $94.2 million in housing investment was added in the county from 443 new and rehabbed housing units, 358 of these being new construction and 85 being rehabbed units. The success in 2024 is great progress for The Big Build housing growth and investment initiative, launched by the Otter Tail County Community Development Agency (CDA) at the end of 2019. Since launching the initiative, nearly 3,000 homes have been