GOVERNMENT

Pictured, front: Treasurer Connie Krusemark, Secretary Sally Kvebak, 3rd VP Brian Kvebak, 2nd VP Gail Hustad, 1st VP Peter Eggen, President Dave Neitzke and Past President Dean Nelson. Back: Directors Sheila Scheer, Becky Koplin, Mary Murphy, Roger Wold and Dennis Quam; Tail Twister Rick Mekalson, Lion Tamers Gary Widness and Jake Christensen; and Membership Chair Jon Tamke. The Battle Lake Lions ended their fiscal year June 30, 2024 electing new officers for the 2024-2025 year and reviewing their year of service, fund raising and support for the Battle Lake community and Lions sponsored programs that reach beyond the local area.

West Otter Tail County Fair Set to Thrill Attendees from July 17-20, 2024. The much-anticipated West Otter Tail County Fair will take place from July 17-20, 2024, at 1812 Pebble Lake Rd, Fergus Falls, MN. This annual event promises a blend of fun, entertainment, and community spirit for visitors of...

Ashby, MN – The 2024 Ashby Appreciation Days will be in full swing this Thursday through Sunday (July 18th-21st). One of the biggest events of the celebration is the 5k/10k run on Saturday morning starting and ending at the Central Lakes Trail. The 1k Kids Fun Run and 1.5k...

Fergus Falls, MN – West Central Initiative welcomes Ben Schierer as Director of Civic Partnerships and Griffin Peck as Climate Resilience Officer, bolstering the organization’s regional development work. Schierer will engage with government entities, communities, and organizations to foster strong public-sector partnerships and advocate for regional needs at...

The school board of ISD #542, Battle Lake, met in a regular session on Monday, June 10, 2024 in the media center. The meeting was called to order by Chair Paul Ness at 6:00 p.m. Members present: Rachel Logan, Sheila Newark, Paul Ness, Ashley Altstadt, Aimie Hallberg and Jonathan Hartman. Members absent: None. Others in attendance were: Rob Nudell, Ryan Severson, Pete Amundson, David Marso, Jenny Cameron, Madison Cameron, Steve Bradsteen, Jenny Mansker, Sue Riedel, Amy Wicklund, Jennie Mills, Tracy Estes, Anne Hubert, Tanya Maethner, Kate Scherfenberg, Janell Kraemer, Cassi Buchite, Allison Buehler, and Elizabeth Klintworth. All in attendance recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Motion to adopt the agenda as revised to include under New Business a letter of retirement and under upcoming meetings, a closed session immediately following this meeting for the purpose of reviewing the Superintendent evaluation. (Altstadt/Hartman) UC. Mr. Nudell presented a recognition award to Madison Cameron from MSBA for her time as the student representative to the board. Motion to approve the minutes of the regular May meeting as printed. (Newark/Hallberg) UC. Motion to accept the following donations as specified: Ottertail Township $250 for Summer Recreation. Jane Merickel and Judy Heltemes for 34 boxes of holiday and miscellaneous decorations and gift items, 4 boxes of Christmas and assorted mugs, 1 large box or wrapping items and bows, 1 large box of gift boxes and 1 large box of handmade gift bags all for the Holiday/Christmas Project. (Hartman/Logan) UC Motion to approve the following consent agenda items as presented except for item G – Formal Written Complaint Form, which was pulled and placed as the first item under New Business: Payment of bills including checks # 59466 – #59537 in the amount of $98,447.39; electronic fund transfers in the amount of $786,577.11; Treasurer’s Report as presented; membership renewal with Lakes Country Service Cooperative for 2024-25; Letters of resignations from the following individuals as specified: Shauna Heggem – student council advisor, Reagan Mahar – paraprofessional, Madilyn Burkett- paraprofessional, Jenny Mansker – Preschool Teacher/ECFE/Early Childhood Coordinator; and a second and final reading on the Tobacco Free Policy. (Altstadt/Hartman) UC. Board members gave updates on communications and meetings they have had with residents and community members within the past month. Ryan Severson gave his School Principal’s report. David Marso gave his Activities Directors report. Rob Nudell gave his Superintendent’s report. There was discussion in regards to the draft of the formal written complaint form. No action taken The board watched the MSHSL Member School Partnership Video. Motion to approve the property, liability, workers compensation and auto insurance renewal for July 1, 2024 from First Lakes Agency through EMC Insurance Company as presented. (Hartman/Altstadt) UC. Motion to adopt the preliminary budgets for FY2025 as follows: (Hallberg/Logan) UC.