Early law enforcement, media reports that seemingly linked recent murder to Pelican Rapids was source of frustration–fueling an unfair perception of local ‘crime rate’ A recent murder and subsequent arrest was disturbing on numerous fronts–including the Pelican Rapids community. Initial law enforcement and media reports, which unfolded the weekend of Sept. 22-23, placed the scene of the crime near… Read More

Birthday celebration moved from ‘Old Clitherall’ to Pelican Rapids; and all corners of county A century-and-a-half of “county-hood” were celebrated across the Otter Tail lake and prairie country over the past week. Observances, which were the culmination of at least two years of planning, included a special Sept. 12 Otter Tail County board meeting at the county’s first settlement, “Old Clitherall.”… Read More

Mother commends community for actions that may have saved her daughter’s life Social media helped save an area abduction and sexual assault victim in July. Now, the victim hopes social media and activism will aid others facing similar tragedy. The victim and her family have been speaking out in an effort to reach others; and are also advocating reform in the criminal… Read More

Last known suspect in Pelican-Lizzie ‘water wars’ admits the deed 1968 is believed to be the last undercover attack on the Fish Lake-Pelican River dam…And teenager Kim Janecky was one of the candlestine commandos A half-century later, the last known culprit involved in the Lake Lizzie-Pelican Lake “water wars” recently stepped forward with an admission of guilt. For much of… Read More

The health dangers of tobacco are undisputed–but some Pelican Rapids officials are skeptical about getting involved at the municipal level. Health officials from several counties, including Otter Tail, are advocating restrictions on tobacco sales to those under age 21. “I appreciate the education about the dangers of smoking,” said Pelican Councilman Curt Markgraf, at the Aug. 14 Pelican… Read More