OTTER TAIL COUNTY, Minn. — Otter Tail County commissioners met with residents at a community open house in Richville. County staff shared updates on recycling, roads, elections and local resources. Residents then asked questions and shared concerns.
Scott Bjerke and Chris McConn of the Solid Waste Department updated residents on single-sort recycling in the northeast part of the county. Richville has fewer than 500 people, so the city is not currently included in the single-sort recycling program. However, McConn said residents can call their garbage hauler to ask about service in Richville.
County Engineer Jodi Teich reviewed this year’s finished road projects and shared plans for next year. Teich said county maintenance crews will do some crack sealing and weed and brush spraying themselves in 2027.
Teich also brought a county map. She asked residents to place sticky notes on roads they think need work. The county will keep gathering public input as staff updates the road improvement plan.
Elections staff Liz Mickelson and Karmen Tossett shared voting options and timelines for absentee and early voting. They said the county will offer election judge training again. Residents can find the latest election information on the county website.
Community Development Director Amy Baldwin shared resources for child care, housing and businesses.
After the presentations, residents asked commissioners about issues affecting their towns and personal lives. Emergency medical services, or EMS, was a main topic. Many residents said they support the county’s Sprint EMS pilot program.
Commissioners encouraged residents to attend a public meeting on the Emergency Medical Service Subordinate Service District. The meeting is on Monday, Oct. 5, in Pelican Rapids.
District 1 Commissioner Dan Bucholz thanked residents for coming and said he appreciated holding open houses across the county.
“Bring your ideas to the meetings at Pelican Rapids,” Bucholz said. “We need your input so that when someone calls 911, they get the same ambulance service as anyone does in the county.”
For more information on county programs, services and events, visit ottertailcounty.gov.