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Aitkin Independent Age
Improving traffic safety is everyone’s responsibility
It used to be the four E’s, now it is five. The components of the Toward Zero Deaths Coalition are education, emergency medical services, enforcement, engineering and everyone, according to Rahya Geisler, Northeastern TZD coordinator with the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Geisler was in Aitkin April 30 for a meeting of the Aitkin County TZD Coalition to talk about the group’s mission, community involvement and what locals can do to...
Just For Kix shines at national competition
The Crosby/Aitkin area Just For Kix dancers showcased their talent and dedication at the National Together We Dance Competition in Rochester, Minnesota, from April 24-28. “This remarkable event brought together dance teams from across the region, including Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa, to compete in various categories,” said JFK Director Amy Lundgren “The Just For Kix dancers, comprising an impressive number of teams, captivated the audience with their breathtaking performances in categories such as kick, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, pom,...
U.S. 8th Congressional District Republicans endorse Stauber
Republicans from across Minnesota’s 8th U.S. Congressional District gathered in Duluth for an annual convention on April 26. Current 8th District U.S. Congressman Pete Stauber (R-MN) was endorsed. “He easily captured well over 60% of the votes required on the first ballot,” said secretary of the Aitkin County Republican Party, Dale Lueck. Stauber is currently serving in his third term as a U.S. Congressman and only the second Republican to represent the 8th District since 1947. The Aitkin County Republican Party was represented at the...
McGregor Lakes Area Foundation awards $11,000 in grants
In a testament to the power of community support, the McGregor Lakes Area Foundation (MLAF) announced the allocation of $11,000 in grants to five deserving local organizations. These grants signify not only financial assistance but also a vote of confidence in the vital work carried out by these organizations. The McGregor Lakes Area Foundation’s funds are invested and managed by the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation. The $11,000 in grants in its 2023 fall grant cycle were awarded to five McGregor area community organizations. ...
New director at Reif Performing Arts Center
The Board of Directors of the Reif Performing Arts Center announced the appointment of James Mack as its new executive director. “With a robust background spanning over two decades in nonprofit leadership and significant expertise in arts management, Mack is poised to enrich the organization with his extensive experience and unwavering dedication to the arts,” said a press release from the Reif. Chair of the Board of Directors, Myrna Peterson, conveyed her confidence in Mack’s ability to lead the Reif Performing Arts Center into a...
DNR ENFORCEMENT REPORT - 5-8-24
• CO Ashley Whiteoak (Aitkin) spent time patrolling for fishing, turkey hunting, trapping and ATVing activities. The officer also followed up on a wetland violation. Various other calls were handled including a complaint of a huge bear that was finally scared away after being chased around a house. • CO Taylor Hochstein (Hill City) reported that more and more people are taking to the lakes to test out their boats and make sure that all their equipment is ready for the upcoming fishing opener. A...
New directors of Community Food Shelf at First Lutheran Church
Pat and Judy Perrine are the new directors of the Community Food Shelf located at the First Lutheran Church in Aitkin. In the photo, they are (on the left) receiving a “check” from Aitkin United Methodist Church, represented by Susan Clark Harris (on the right). The actual check for $1,140 was the largest amount that congregation has ever donated for “the match” every March. This year the match was with the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches. Dave Benson, one of the Food Shelf Board members, reported that $13,481 was donated by the community this year, plus 3,300 pounds of food. This poundage was in addition to boxes of food (which covered a wall) that students at Rippleside Elementary School collected in the food drive challenge between classes this year.
Headwaters board approves of budget and annual work plan
“Most people don’t get excited about annual work plans, but the Mississippi Headwaters Board (MHB) does,” said Tim Terrill, executive director of the MHB. The MHB plans to implement a social media campaign called “Minnesota Traditions” to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species like zebra mussels and starry stonewort. “Education is the key,” said Terrill, “and if you can change a person’s negative perception about a problem toward something positive, it will affect generations to come.” Discussion ensued and Beltrami County’s Board Member Craig Gaasvig suggested that MHB’s work with the local high schools should be added to the annual plan. He felt that MHB’s presence in teaching students about career opportunities in the natural resource field is something that will help kids become more aware of environmental jobs they may wish to pursue in the future.
SHERIFF’S REPORT - 5-8-24
Crashes There were four crashes reported during the week: at an undisclosed location on April 24; on 2nd St. NW/5th Ave. NW in Aitkin April 26; on Goshawk St. in the McGregor area April 26; and on 400th Ave./Bunker Hill Dr. in Aitkin April 30. Fires There was one fire call during the week: on...
Mercs get much needed victory
The McGregor Mercs softball team scored five runs in the top of the seventh inning to pick up a 13-11 win recently. Kate Zrust and Lexi Tierney each had a pair of hits and Claire Geyen and Izzy Cook both knocked in two runs as the Mercs rallied for a much needed victory. Ava Guida picked up the win on the hill going the final inning and two thirds giving up just one hit and striking out six. Claire Geyen started for the Mercs and pitched well until the sixth, but her offense took her off the hook and set things up for Guida to finish the game. Bella Sorensen, Morgan Pierce, Addi Sather, Geyen, Guida and Cook all had one hit for the Mercs.
Aitkin takes first place finishes at Tigerama meet
Emma Jacobson and Tika May led the way for the Aitkin girls track team in the Ranger Invite with Jacobson winning the triple jump with a leap of 32’05 and picking up a second in the long jump. May was second in the 300m and the 100m hurdles. The Gobblers got a third from Kira Hamilton in the 800m. Aitkin was third in the meet. Isaiah Baker piled up the points for the Gobbler boys at C-I Friday as he picked up a first place...
Aitkin splits Saturday, beats Fridley and C-I
Aitkin’s baseball team picked up a split of the two games Saturday at Hinckley as they defeated the host team 11-6. The Gobblers scored five runs in the top of the seventh to break open a 6-5 game. Aitkin took the lead in the first as Nolan Dotzler doubled and scored on a single by Drew Paulbeck. The Jaguars tied the game in their half but the Gobblers took a...
Storm takes losses from Tigers and Northwoods
Jamison Wood gave up just five hits and struck out eight in 6-1/3 innings Friday, but came out on the short end as Pine River-Backus scored a 4-2 win over the Northland Storm baseball team. Each team had five hits, but the Storm couldn’t piece much together and dropped a close game. Jax Neary drove in the two runs for the Storm with a hit and the other hits came from Cole Doree with two singles, Coltyn Harcey and Matthew Washburn. ...
Storm stomps Tigers
Shaley Pearson allowed just three hits and Charity Berg had four hits as the Northland Storm softball team defeated Pine River-Backus Tuesday 13-3. Five runs in the fifth and four more in the sixth broke open a close game and allowed the Storm to pick up the win. Pearson struck out eight in the win. The Storm banged out 16 hits including Kaija Neary with a 3-4 day, Abby Zapzalka was 2-3, Maddie Barnes was 2-3 and Jasmine Kingsley was 2-4. Berg led the way with her 4-5 performance. Storm 13 16 5 Tigers 3 3 0
The Terrace: A Community Oasis - where all are welcome
Nestled in the heart of downtown Aitkin, The Terrace emerges as a beacon of community spirit and cultural enrichment, transforming what was once an empty lot into a community gathering place. Spearheaded by Aitkin alum and entrepreneur Peter Lowe, this venture aims to breathe life into the former site of the Tip-Top Café adjacent to The Beanery. Amy Wyant, the former manager of the Beanery, approached Peter about the vacant space. Peter’s vision began to take shape when he declared, “I want to have a...
Meet the new director of Jaques Art Center
Evonne Fairchild grew up in North Oaks, Minnesota to parents who immigrated from Yugoslavia in 1974. Evonne’s mother, Olga Bonc Miksic, was an artist and her father, Boris Miksic was a chemical engineer. Evonne’s mother introduced her to her first art history class in 1988 and she immediately fell in love with the paintings by the Italian masters. Olga encouraged Evonne in many creative ways. Evonne has been a ballet dancer since she first learned to walk. Thanks to her mother’s mentorship, Evonne has always...
COURT REPORT - 5-8-24
Appearing in Aitkin County Court before Judge David Hermerding on April 16, 17, 19 and 26; and Judge Kurt Marben on April 16, 17, 18 and 19: Leslie A. Wilson, 49, Tamarack, was sentenced on 3rd degree refuse to test; credit for 3 days served; pay $1,012. Dismissed charges were 4th degree DWI and speeding 64/60. Benjamin A. Dagle, 34, Grand Rapids, was sentenced on operate motor vehicle without ignition...
CROW WING COUNTY WATERCRAFT INSPECTION PROGRAM STARTS SATURDAY, MAY 11
The Crow Wing County Land Services Department’s 2024 Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) program begins Saturday, May 11th to coincide with this year’s fishing opener. Watercraft inspectors will be active on boat landings within the county beginning fishing opener weekend. Almost 16,000 inspections hours on 43 public landings are scheduled for the 2024 season. The 2024 AIS plan focuses on the top priorities identified by area lake associations, citizens, and business interests. It includes boat landing inspections, watercraft decontaminations, education, and awareness. Invasive species are a...
Gobblers beat C-I at Strike-Out Cancer Night
The Aitkin Gobblers softball team split four games last week, winning two at Crosby-Ironton on Strikeout Cancer Night and dropping close games against the Mille Lacs Raiders and a road game at Greenway. Abby Palm went 2-3 with a double and two runs batted in the opener against the Rangers while Kendall Ratz picked up the win going the distance and striking out nine. In game two it was the...
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Aitkin Independent Age was established in 1883 and is the premier source for local news coverage in Aitkin and surrounding communities. Published Wednesdays by APG of East Central Minnesota with 24/7 local coverage found online at aitkinage.com
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