Two Perham residents reported large drones flying near Perham Municipal Airport the evening of Nov. 3, according to Otter Tail County’s weekly incident log. One caller initially believed a drone had crashed but “found nothing,” the blotter notes, leaving no confirmed wreckage or injuries but prompting scrutiny because of the proximity to a public airfield.

The drone reports arrived amid a string of other incidents across the county the same week, underscoring the volume and variety of calls local law enforcement must handle. The blotter recorded a short vehicle pursuit earlier in neighboring Becker County, a grain‑dryer fire, a reported assault on a juvenile resulting in a citation, multiple citations after a brawl at a Perham Main Street business, and an arrest on a domestic‑assault charge. In Pine Lake Township deputies made a narcotics arrest following a drug violation call. Separately, a burglary at an Otter Tail business resulted in the theft of roughly $7,000 in tools and instruments. There was also a no‑injury collision between an SUV and a combine on Highway 87, and a stray pony found on County Highway 75 was recovered and returned to its owner.

The drone sightings near Perham Municipal Airport carry particular local significance because small municipal airports rely on clear approaches and predictable traffic for safety during takeoffs and landings. Drones operating in the vicinity can create hazards for pilots, especially for smaller general‑aviation aircraft used for agricultural flights, air ambulances or pilot training. Even without a confirmed crash, unverified drone activity near runways tends to spur heightened concern among residents and pilots and can require an investigative response from deputies and aviation authorities.

The burglary loss—about $7,000 in tools and instruments—represents a meaningful hit to a local business, both for the immediate replacement cost and for potential disruptions to operations. For small enterprises in Otter Tail County, equipment theft often carries outsized financial consequences, possibly affecting repair schedules, contract fulfillment and insurance premiums.

The grain‑dryer fire and the combine‑SUV collision arrived during a season when agricultural equipment and drying operations are heavily used, highlighting farm safety risks and potential knock‑on effects for harvest timing and local grain markets. While no injuries were reported in the collision, damage to expensive farm machinery can impose substantial repair bills and temporary productivity losses for operators.

Collectively, the week’s incidents reflect how a range of public‑safety, property‑crime and traffic events can strain local response capacity. For residents concerned about drones or suspicious activity, local authorities typically advise reporting sightings promptly so deputies or aviation officials can assess risks. As Otter Tail County moves forward, the balance between enforcing public safety, protecting local businesses and supporting the agricultural economy will remain a central concern for officials and neighbors alike.