Barbie Porter

Detroit Lakes

Reporter at Perham Focus

Multimedia Reporter at Detroit Lakes Tribune

Articles

Perham audit shows strong economic growth and healthy finances

1 week ago | perhamfocus.com | Barbie Porter

PERHAM — Strong growth in housing, industry and rising property values were reported in the 2024 audit for the city of Perham, along with a healthy general fund balance. City staff also received rave reviews from independent auditor Amanda Scanson of the Brady, Martz & Associates of Grand Forks, North Dakota. "Your audit went very well," she informed the council during its Committee of the Whole meeting on Wednesday, May 28. "Your staff is great.
Newly retired Perham teachers are ready to get to work (and have fun, too)

1 week ago | perhamfocus.com | Barbie Porter

PERHAM — When the final bell rang on the last day of the 2025 school year, Teri Cresap, Jon Skow and Mike Peterson joined the retirement community. Three long-time teachers with the Perham-Dent School District shared what changes they've witnessed in education through the years, as well as plans for how they will spend their extra time. Cresap has taught for 38 years, of which 29 were at Heart of Lakes Elementary, which offers preschool through fourth grade.
Perham High School class of 2025 says goodbye

1 week ago | perhamfocus.com | Barbie Porter

PERHAM — More than 100 Perham High School students collected their diplomas on Friday, May 23. As the soon-to-be graduates walked into The Hive, every seat in the house was filled and the walkway above the gymnasium had people standing at the railing. As the students took their seats for the graduation ceremony, some were smiling and some were somber. The possible reasons for those emotions were captured in the speeches given by students.
Otter Tail County Board orders 3,100 recycling bins for southeast portion of county

1 week ago | perhamfocus.com | Barbie Porter

OTTER TAIL COUNTY — Single-sort recycling is on schedule to be offered to the southeast quadrant of Otter Tail County in early 2026. The county began looking into the recycling opportunity in 2022 when a steering committee was assembled. In 2024, the county was awarded a $250,000 grant from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for the recycling project.
Downtown Perham building demolished after fire; owner discusses plans

2 weeks ago | perhamfocus.com | Barbie Porter

PERHAM — The Sota Properties building in downtown Perham has been demolished. The building owner, Darin Trites, has plans to rebuild, but at a different location. Sota Properties, which was located at 318 W Main St., was destroyed in an early morning fire on April 11. The fire department was called to the scene around 4:30 a.m., and upon arrival, the building was fully engulfed. The building housed three businesses.
Change order for Heart of the Lakes Trail approved by Otter Tail County

2 weeks ago | perhamfocus.com | Barbie Porter

OTTER TAIL COUNTY — The Otter Tail County Board approved a change order costing $44,325 to continue construction of the Heart of the Lakes Trail during its meeting on Tuesday, May 20. The paved path connects the cities of Perham and Pelican Rapids, and Maplewood State Park. Along the path are scenic views and direct access to some lakes, including Little McDonald.
Tunnel to Towers honors Perham Gold Star family for Memorial Day by paying off their mortgage

2 weeks ago | perhamfocus.com | Barbie Porter

PERHAM — This Memorial Day, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation paid the mortgage off for a Perham family who lost their loved one during a training operation with the Army National Guard, according to a press release from the foundation. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Charles Paul Nord tragically died on Dec. 5, 2019, following a Blackhawk helicopter crash during a maintenance test. He left behind his wife Kaley, who was pregnant with their son, Jack Charles, and their two-year-old daughter, Lydia.
Perham High School alumni give sage advice to the class of 2025

2 weeks ago | perhamfocus.com | Barbie Porter

PERHAM — This Friday, as Perham High School graduates take a seat in front of family, peers and mentors, they will wait for their names to be called and collect a diploma that took 13 years to earn. From childhood to their teenage years, they met people along the way who helped shape their lives and mold a future of possibilities. When they leave the halls of Perham High School, where they go, what they do and who they become is theirs to decide.
Otter Tail County to help some cities enforce wetland and vacation property ordinances

2 weeks ago | perhamfocus.com | Barbie Porter

Otter Tail County — Otter Tail County will be taking over management of wetland inspections for the cities of Perham, Dent, Henning, Dalton, Elizabeth, Erhard, Fergus Falls, Parkers Prairie, Pelican Rapids and Urbank. During the commissioner's meeting on Tuesday, May 20, Land and Resource Management Director Christopher LeClair stated representatives from the 10 cities signed resolutions to utilize the county wetland inspector.
All aboard! Otter Express Joint Powers Board begins work in June

2 weeks ago | perhamfocus.com | Barbie Porter

OTTER TAIL COUNTY — The Otter Express was on borrowed time when Productive Alternatives announced it would discontinue managing the public transportation service at the end of the year. The county, along with a few cities, entertained the idea of forming a joint powers board to continue the service. The joint powers board would be able to apply for grant funding, which offsets the cost of operations.