Section 7 Nordic Ski Races: Girls finish 4th overall, Emma Crook qualifies for State

It was a busy and exciting week for the Cook County Nordic Ski team staring with ski waxing prep, creating team signs, and getting the final few kilometers of skiing in prior to the Section 7 championships on February 5th. The team made a strong showing with 12 skiers participating between the pursuit races and sprint races. Arlo Littrest and Eli Wharton represented the team for the boy’s sprint races and MaryJune Wharton and Lindy Dix for the girl’s sprint races. Both girls and boys sprint teams made it past the semi-final races placing third in their respective waves and finished 6th overall. The pursuit races consist of a 5 kilometer classic ski race in which the finishing time determined the start sequence for the second race, a 5 kilometer skate race. Overall times between the two races determined the overall place.

Matthew Gwash

Matthew Timothy Gwash, 42, of Anchorage, Alaska, passed away on December 23, 2024, following a brief illness; with his mom, Pat Strand by his side.

Virginia ‘Ginny’ Foster

Virginia“Ginny”Foster, 67, a long-time resident of Hopkinton, MA passed away peacefully on January 28, 2025, with her loving family by her side. Born in Duluth, Minnesota, she was the daughter of Susan (Robinson) Hansen and the late Irving Richard Hansen. She leaves her husband John with whom she enjoyed many adventures over their 35 years of marriage.

Outdoor photographer David Johnson

Noted outdoor photographer David Johnson spotted this wily bobcat climbing a tree the other day in pursuit of an elusive grouse

Voting begins to help MnDOT name eight snowplows statewide

Voting is now open on the list of finalists for the 2024-25 Name a Snowplow contest, the Minnesota Department of Transportation announced today. The top eight vote-getters will become new MnDOT snowplow names, one new name for each MnDOT district. See the list of finalists and vote now at mndot.gov/ nameasnowplow.

Vehicle accident with injuries reported along Highway 61

According to the Minnesota State Patrol incident report, a Subaru Forester was heading westbound on Highway 61 when the driver lost control at Mile Post 105 on snow-covered icy roads. The Subaru Forester rolled and came to rest on its side in the ditch. One person in the vehicle was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The accident was reported at 12:56 a.m. on February 2 near mile marker 105 on Highway 61.

First & Second Thrift Store Distributes $180,000

On Thursday, February 6th, volunteers from the First & Second Thrift Store handed out checks to 33 local nonprofits at their annual Payout Party in the Johnson Heritage Post. 2024 was their first full year in the downtown Birchbark Building, a location that increased their income by over 50 percent. Location, location, location.