Welcome to our monthly news roundup! We publish these at the end of each month to summarize what happened in Otter Tail County in the past month and to feature what’s ahead. To keep up with the latest happenings in Otter Tail County, follow us on Facebook and visit our Notification Center to sign up for news alerts on topics of your choosing.
Recent headlines
Grant to fund enhancements at Phelps Mill Park
County Workforce Summit activates partners
Healthcare providers see respiratory illness activity rise ahead of the holiday season
County celebrates new Perham highway garage with open house
Working for you!
Your county government is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and resources in Otter Tail County. Here’s some of what we’ve been working on this month:
County receives statewide economic development award
Otter Tail County is proud to announce that its Empowered Worker Program has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Outstanding Economic Development Award by the Minnesota Association of Professional County Economic Developers (MAPCED). The award was presented on December 9 at the Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC) Annual Conference in Bloomington.
MAPCED is a professional association for county-level economic developers in Minnesota, who champion economic growth through the advancement of county economic development professionals in Minnesota.
The Empowered Worker Program is a County-initiated, workforce development program that provides training and supportive navigation services to individuals and families to overcome barriers to employment and obtain high-demand, household-sustaining wage jobs. Several county departments, including Community Development, Human Services, and Probation, coordinate on the program to ensure a holistic, whole-person approach to the services provided. Participants receive personalized, one-on-one navigation services that are shaped by their own goals and experiences. The program taps into the untapped and underutilized talent that already exists in Otter Tail County to build a pipeline of workers equipped to fill local employers’ needs.
“This recognition is a testament to the heart and innovation behind our Empowered Worker Program,” said Otter Tail County Administrator Nicole Hansen. “We’re thrilled to see the work of our staff and community partners acknowledged at the state level.”
“This award means a lot to us. It’s proof that when you’ve got good folks working hard and motivated individuals wanting a better life for themselves, you can make real change,” said Otter Tail County Board Chair Wayne Johnson. “Our staff didn’t just follow a playbook. They built something that fits Otter Tail County, and now others are taking notice.”
Otter Tail County extends its gratitude to MAPCED and AMC for this honor and remains committed to building a more inclusive, resilient, and opportunity-rich future for all residents. More information about the Empowered Worker Program and Otter Tail County’s workforce efforts is available at ottertailcounty.gov/otc-works.
Board of Commissioners meetings now available on YouTube
Board of Commissioners meetings are available to re-watch on YouTube. To access the videos, visit the Board of Commissioners page and scroll to “Recent Meetings and Events” or visit our Public Meetings playlist on YouTube. The meeting videos are divided into chapters by agenda item so you can click the video timeline to jump directly to the segment you would like to watch.
Become a Volunteer Driver
Human Services of Otter Tail and Wilkin Counties are looking for volunteers to transport clients to appointments within the county. Example destinations include:
- Court hearings
- Visitation with children
- County service appointments
Drivers will be paid the IRS mileage rate.
To learn more, visit the Serve Your County page.
Mark your calendars for these opportunities to connect and engage
Board of Commissioners Meetings – January 6, 13, and 27 at 8:30 a.m.
Planning Commission – January 14, 6:00 p.m.
Board of Adjustment – January 8, 6:00 p.m.
Fergus Falls Area Flu Shot Clinic – January 14 and 28, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Please note: County offices will be closed on January 1 (New Year’s Day) and on January 19 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.