Meet The Locals: Latoya Marks

Loving the Good Life in Otter Tail County

In 1860, nine percent of Minnesota’s residents lived in cities. By 2010, that number had risen to 73 percent. Our spotlight shines on a person who has bucked that trend and whose story is a compelling example of how moving to the country can lead to a more fulfilling life.

Our interview is with Latoya Marks, a bright, energetic, artistic, and charismatic wife, mother, and worker. Her story is one that is fun to hear and her optimism and enthusiasm for life are as genuine as they are contagious. Her experience in moving to Otter Tail County is a great example for anyone thinking about seeking employment and a home in the area.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Latoya Marks and I am a Machine Operator, or PMO, at Shearer’s Snacks in Perham. I help keep the snack food machinery going. I’m in charge of one specific line in the plant. I am originally from Rockford, Illinois. My mom moved us to Minnesota when I was about eight. I grew up in Mounds View, Minnesota and I’ve lived in Perham for eleven years.

Q: What brought you here?
I came to the Lakes area to attend Minnesota State Community and Technical College in Fergus Falls and that’s how I ended “up north.” I actually met my husband at MSCTC in Fergus Falls when we both were students there. After getting the job at Shearer’s Snacks we moved to Perham.

Q: What would people find interesting
about your past?
I was in marching band in high school, and after moving here got recruited to join a professional marching band that traveled and did parades. I’ve also acted in plays, including a historical play about women’s life on the prairie during the frontier days.

Q: How long have you been doing your job
and how do you like it?
I’ve been here 10 years in March and I love my job.
It’s very dependable and since I live right in town it is close enough that I walk to work every day. I also like the uniform policy because you don’t have to think about what to wear when you get up to go to work!

Q: Do you enjoy the outdoors?
We love the outdoors, and one of the things that I like about the area is all the water. I’m a water baby. I love swimming, floating down rivers, riding in boats, and fishing. We tube down the Otter Tail River every year on my birthday and I love it. Ten minutes from my house there are five different clean lakes you can go to. It’s so nice because there are so many places you can rent a boat or jet ski. The outdoor opportunities in Otter Tail Lakes Country are endless!

Q: How is the social life here?
I have a lot of friends and I throw a lot of parties.

Q: What do you like most about Perham?
I like that there is so much work in Perham. If you are looking for a job in this area, you’re just not going to know (it’s true) unless you apply. There are a lot of good people and a lot of jobs available. I think Perham is a great place to raise a family. The arts scene is huge.
I just started my own hair-braiding watercolor business outside of work and I do vendor shows. I’ve been doing it for years and thought why not offer it to the community. I got the idea to start my business from going to the art and vendor shows held in the area. Just about every weekend you can find something art-focused to go to in Otter Tail County.

Q: What do you do in your spare time?
When I’m not working I spend time working on my art. I like to sing, dance, paint and I’m also married and a mom, so I keep pretty busy!

Q: What would you say to someone that is thinking about relocating to Otter Tail County?
I would tell them that it would be a good idea because there is so much work, you will find something if you look. The activities are endless; every weekend there is something going on. I think that people should know that I think, as a person that moved here from another area, that Otter Tail County is the epitome of “Minnesota Nice.” When I first came here I’d be driving and people would be waving and I’d think, “Why are they waving at me?” In the Twin Cities, people don’t do that! When I came here I noticed it right away, the people in Otter Tail County are very friendly.