News
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
West Central Initiative Announces 2026-2027 Initiators Fellowship
West Central Initiative (WCI) invites current and aspiring entrepreneurs with a passion for positive change to apply for the 2026-2027 Initiators Fellowship. The two-year program provides a suite of support for emerging entrepreneurs in Greater Minnesota whose business idea includes a socially beneficial outcome. Individuals who reside and operate in the 53 counties and six Native Nations served by West Central Initiative, Initiative Foundation, Northwest Minnesota Foundation, and Southwest Initiative
Businesses Can Apply to Receive Summer Internship Wage Reimbursement
The Fergus Falls Area Chamber of Commerce has been awarded a grant to help cover the wages of youth interns in 2025. The Chamber will receive up to $35,556 from the Future Ready Workforce Grant, a program funded by the Greater Twin Cities United Way and the Minnesota Chamber Foundation. In addition to this grant, the Fergus Falls Chamber will also be working with STEM grant funds through Lakes Country Service Cooperative, which will specifically cover jobs related to science, technology, engineering,
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