Otter Risers Kiwanis

08/26/2026

Otto and Asher, 211 W Lincoln Ave downtown Fergus Falls, hosted the Otter Risers’ weekly morning meeting. Ashley and Dave shared a story about the formation of this incredible non-profit, community-driven grocery store. With a focus on local commodities and a drive to reduce hunger, poverty and waste in our region, they provide quality foods with an open-market feel. “Learning what we used to know” about food quality, seasonal eating, canning, and other topics will be 2027 additions as the store is remodeled and the basement is opened. Regenerative agriculture and soil health is a common thread that weaves though the 20 plus farmers that are signed up to make this storefront possible. Speaking of storefront, on the other end of the building is home to Emily’s Coquette Patisserie, an exquisite French pastries shop.

Otto & Asher, another Fergus Falls gem.

Dale

08/24/2026

A team of Otter Risers greeted and guided parking efforts at last nights Simon and Garfunkel concert - AC4TA’s grand finale for their summer series at the iconic Kirkbride. What a blast!

08/22/2026

There are still two days to vote! Take some time this morning and share some love for Otter Risers Kiwanis.

The nomination phase kicks off the competition, giving you the power to nominate the businesses or individuals you believe are the most deserving of the "Best of the Best" title. Select a category below to nominate a business or individual.

08/20/2026

This week’s Otter Riser guest presenter, Megan Ramirez, Affordable Housing Coordinator at West Central, shared a story about their West Central Community Land Trust (WCCLT). Established in 2021, operates on a unique affordable housing platform that provides an affordable housing option that can carry thru to future generations. Essentially, a home is constructed under the leadership of a licensed carpenter and a talented work crew from the Department of Corrections. The home is built on land owned by the Community Land Trust. Home purchase includes a lot lease. Homes may transfer through to the next generation or sold. The Sale process includes a fair capital improvement reimbursement plan and bypasses the traditional sales process. All said, this affordable home process can help families get into a home of their own and at the same time build wealth and strengthen neighborhoods.

Impressive program!

Sharon, Red Cross volunteer, let us know about upcoming blood drives. Check out the Red Cross website for ways to ‘Give Life’.

Dale

08/12/2026

The Kiwanis family mourns 2011-12 Kiwanis International President Alan Penn, who passed away August 5.

Read more about Penn’s life and accomplishments: https://www.kiwanis.org/kiwanis-mourns-2011-12-president-alan-penn/

07/02/2026

Last week, an Otter Riser team made the trek to the Twin Cities to volunteer at the USA Special Olympics. Josh and Wally were in Blaine assisting with the awards ceremonies and Peggy, Barb and I were at the University of Minnesota campus serving food and support at the main cafeteria. The athletes from across the country were so excited to participate in this world class event! We had a great time listening to their stories, watching their excitement as they relived their achievements or proudly wore their medals, and witnessed true support for all. I’ll sum it up this way, our three-hour ride home was never lacking discussion as we shared how the day impacted us and our gratitude for the many companies and individuals that made this possible.

Shout out from the Otter Risers - congratulations to all of the athletes, you are amazing!

Dale

06/24/2026

Mike Thacker, E5 Specialist in the Army from 1969 - 1971, shared a bit about his remarkable Honor Flight to Washington,
DC. On May 10th, 127 vets plus volunteers took off from the Fargo airport after a military/police/firefighter tribute. Vets from World War II thru the Vietnam War were treated like royalty. The volunteers provided exceptional service that was nothing short of magnificent. Some of the Vets walked and some were aided by volunteers and wheelchairs. During their May 10-12, 2026 they visited just about every military Memorial, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, some of the Smithsonian, and….. wow! The intent of the Minnesota/North Dakota Honor Flight is to provide an opportunity for all Vets to see the DC Memorials. Special Honor gear - shirt, jacket, trip book, hat and duffle bag gifts kicked off their special event and will serve to rekindle the memories for years to come. “Trip of a lifetime!”, was Mike’s repeated sentiment that was overflowing with gratitude for the financial support(zero cost for the Vets), the kind volunteers and the many that provided spectacular send-off and return home celebrations.

Any advice? Mike recommended that the other Vets in the room( Bob, Paul,
Rob, and Neil) to check out the program, it’s “The trip of a lifetime!”

Mike’s wife, JoEllen, echoed the impact of the trip and their gratitude.

Impactful? Yes! Sadly, Barb’s father has passed. With gratitude for the Honor Flight that he had been on some years back, his honor jacket was his end of life celebration attire. A story that Barb looks back at fondly.

Thank you Mike!

Dale

06/17/2026

Otter Tail County leadership, Commisioner Kurt Mortenson, and Administrator Nicole Hansen, reviewed a broad spectrum of county efforts:
- upgrades to the 1989 Human Resources software
- SNAP benefits
- Long-Term Support Services
- OTC efforts to support the state legislative process
- the “Burner” and upcoming plans to incorporate the waste ash into roadway subgrades as a test section
- Bonding bill for infrastructure improvements
- Election processes - system checks
- Shifts in the State and County probationary responsibilities and effort to reduce repeated criminal activity
- Long Range Strategic Plan
- Family Resource Center - early intervention
- Fraud - checks that are in place and reporting
- Branding the County - OTC’s focus on growing our workforce is reflected in the 2.8% increase in the past 5 years.

Grateful for the dedication of our public servants. Their commitment and professionalism is inspiring. Thank you Nicole and Kurt for spending a bit of your morning with our Otter Riser group.

Gerry let us know that today is National Vegetable Day - which means, ASK! And, eat your Wheaties.

VJ is celebrating her 90th birthday!! VJ was one of the first women in the club. Happy birthday VJ!

Wally shared a note of thanks to all that helped with the Summerfest parade.

Dwight invited us to the upcoming HAMM radio event and coffee on Tuesday mornings throught the summer.
Dave invited us to the Battle Lake pickel ball court.
Steve shared info about the June 27th FF air show.

Another great Otter Riser morning.

Dale

06/10/2026

Kate Bjorge and Leigh Shebeck, Lake Region Health Care Foundation team members shared some information about our region’s incredible health care system. Community owned, regionaly governed and Minnesota based, truly making it our health care system. Lake Region started back in 1903, added the Cancer Center in 2010 and has grown to include 11 sites across our region. Buzzwell, the bumble bee 🐝 mascot instills a message of fit, fun and friendly wherever any of the secret seven touch down. His hive is at the Lake Region Hospital. Employees of the Lake Region system are part of the hive, generously giving of their talents for the health of our community AND they are generous of their income - donating over $50,000 back from their paycheck every year! Another giving example is The Lake Region Takes Root greenhouse and community garden. This garden provides over 20,000 pounds of healthy produce to our region’s food shelves each year. At an April Gala and fundraiser, $302k was gifted to help purchase the $2.6 million da Vinci surgical robot. And good news, it’s been purchased and will soon be in service! Compassion awards, survivor awards, Daisy nurse awards and other recognition/support programs make our network the envy of others. Side note, and in full disclosure, we are proud to say that Kate is an Otter Riser Kiwanian! Some rumor has it that she is also part of the secret seven Buzzwell team. Thanks Leigh and Kate for telling the Lake Region Healthcare story.

Making history! Today we swore in four new members - largest group in the Club’s history! Welcome Heather, Angela, Emily and Paul!!! Gerry was smiling.

Wally let our new members know that their
fun meters will pegout when they help out at events. It’s the time that we truly understand why we exist. New members - hang on and welcome to the fun club!

Karla, M&R Signs President, donated and auctioned off a special Chris Tungseth sign - another way that they are giving back to the community.

Twisting a story from my friend Pastor Randy Upgren, the Otter Risers are on a Most Wanted poster down under, wanted for being the Do Gooder club.

Bee good,

Dale

06/08/2026

Otter Risers were on hand to help coordinate the Lake Region’s run at the Magnuson Park this past Saturday. Running for a Reason - supporting the Cancer Center. Great group of volunteers!! Great community support!