As we approach a momentous Election Day 2024, we urge voters to focus on the key issues facing our state and our country. This Editorial Board has identified top issues for the state and nation. This week, we address two key federal and worldwide issues, global conflict and climate issues. International issues are vast and extremely concerning to all Americans. A recent PEW survey listed the fear of terrorist attacks,...

Incumbent State House of Representative Ron Kresha (R) of Little Falls is being challenged by Julia Samsal Hipp (DFL) for the District 10A seat this election. State House District 10A includes parts of Mille Lacs, Aitkin, Crow Wing, Kanabec, and Morrison County. The responses received are as follows: Julia Samsal HippHometown: Aitkin ...

The Mille Lacs County Commissioner representative for District 5 is on this year’s ballot for Messenger area residents. Ronda Bjornson, now mayor of Wahkon, is running unopposed for the commissioner position. Incumbent commissioner David Oslon did not file for re-election. Bjornson submitted the following response for the Messenger voters guide. Ronda Bjornson ...

The Isle Chamber hosted its 8th biennial Candidates Forum Oct. 1, this year held at McQuoid’s Inn Event Center. Co-moderators and their 5th Forum together, were Jen Ernest, Isle Schools Principal, and Linda Dahlen, Chamber Treasurer and local businesswoman. The evening was kicked off by Chamber President Danie Powell, thanking everyone for attending, welcoming dignitaries, and thanking owners Tim and Cindy Potoczny for the McQuoid’s venue. ...

Question: I have a medical condition that causes me to lose consciousness on occasion. I am hoping to get a driver’s license. Is there anything I need to do? Answer: When applying for an instruction permit or driver’s license, you will be asked questions about medical conditions. Providing false information on the application could result in losing your driving privileges. If you have a medical condition, you may need to...

Friday, September 20 Medical, Wahkon Alarm, Wahkon Alarm, Onamia Public assist, Garrison Agency assist, Isle ...

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are an essential part of public safety, they can often be found in schools, businesses, community centers, churches, public spaces, and are carried by many first responders. Beyond knowing they exist, it’s important to know when to use them, and how to use them. An AED is a portable device that can be a lifesaver during a cardiac emergency. Designed to treat sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), an AED analyzes the heart’s rhythm and, if necessary, delivers an electric shock to help...

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time when women are reminded to get their breast health screenings. About 30 percent of all new female cancers each year are breast cancer. Breast cancer is most common in middle-aged and older women. The American Cancer Society recommends that women ages 40 to 44 can choose to start annual mammograms, while women ages 45–54 should get mammograms every year. Women 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every other year, or they can choose to continue...

For the first time since Onamia and Isle High Schools combined their sports programs four seasons ago, the Mille Lacs Raiders varsity volleyball team could call themselves champions of the Great River Conference. By beating Hinckley/Finlayson on Oct. 1, the Raiders posted an undefeated record among the five Class A teams in the GRC, earning them the Class A championship in that division. Complete details of the win over Hinckley appear on page 10.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has released updated guidance for Minnesotans on their right to vote safely and free from intimidation and misinformation. A new page on his website — ag.state.mn.us/Election/Voting-Rights/ — details the state and federal legal protections Minnesotans have when casting a ballot and participating in their democracy. He also released a new Election Report Form that Minnesotans can use if they encounter any challenges exercising their right to vote. ...

Monday Men’s — Sept. 23 — Steffan Pfaff — 204, 210, 267 — 681, Chad Ames — 177, 207, 206 — 590, Jacob Gallion — 188, 223, 176 — 587, Tim Horsmann — 167, 137, 224 — 528, Dan Perron — 170, 194, 159 — 523, Daryl Honnold — 190, 161, 160 — 511, Daniel Mans — 164, 158, 180 — 502, William Rappl — 190, 145, 165 — 500, Tom Horsmann — 172, 167, 160 — 499, Joshua Rappl — 185, 162, 139 — 486, David Sawatzky — 167, 183, 131 — 481, Tim Barbour — 212, 132, 127...

The Mille Lacs Raiders volleyball team heads into October with an overall record of 10-3 and undefeated in their division of the Great River Conference with just the Tuesday, Oct. 1 match against Hinckley/Finlayson between them and a possible GRC championship. Going 2-1 during the final week in September, beating Zimmerman and Braham and losing a close encounter to Holdingford, improved the Raiders ranking among the 151 Class A teams in the state from 24th to 19th, and also improved their chances to win the...

Jim Rognlie, a 1960 graduate of St. James High School now residing in the Cove Bay area of Mille Lacs Lake, will soon be inducted into his alma mater’s Athletic Hall of Fame in honor of his lettering in wrestling, football and track.

The four captains of this years Mille Lacs Raiders football team, Creedon Spengler, Brodie Kuhlman, Sam Hebeisen and Justus Spengler meet with the refs and captains from the opposing team prior to each game.

The eight people who started the “Isle Gospel Tabernacle” in 1924 would be pleased to know that this little church, now known as Isle Evangelical Free Church of America, has grown to 75 members and up to 150 Sunday worship attendees as it celebrates its 100-year anniversary this month. The organizational meetings were held in homes, with both Swedish and English being spoken. In the spirit of cooperation between settlers in the area, Pastor John Valerius of the Malmo Free Church helped start the church...

Photo submitted Jeff Jensen from Garrison and his son Kayce recently saved a loon they found along the shorline of Mille Lacs Lake. The bird was tangled in fishing line and also had a hook in its neck. He called the DNR to help, and after untangling and unhooking it, the loon was then released safely back into Mille Lacs lake.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources maintains hunter walking trails as easy ways to travel by foot through wildlife management areas, state and federal forests, and other public hunting lands. Hunter walking trails wind through prime habitat for ruffed grouse, woodcock, wild turkey and deer. There are more than 600 miles of hunter walking trails located throughout the northern half of the state. Many of the trails are gated, allowing foot traffic only. ...

CO Gregory Verkuilen (Garrison) checked opening weekend duck hunters and their watercraft. Small-game hunters reported good numbers of grouse, but too many leaves. Verkuilen also attended training and met with taxidermists. CO Victoria Griffith (Isle) spent time checking small-game, waterfowl, and archery hunters. ATV riding and angling activity was also monitored. Enforcement action was taken on duck hunting and ATV riding violations. A reminder that Minnesota law requires a wearable life jacket for every person on a boat, including waterfowl boats. ...

Listen up all you gobbler lovers, I know the season has been open for a week, but thought I’d give ya’ll a lil brush up on the season and some of the rules. So check this out from the DNR! The Minnesota fall turkey hunting season offers hunters a challenge and another way to experience the outdoors. Fall turkey season is open from Saturday, Sept. 28, through Sunday, Oct. 27. Here’s some registration tips if you bag one: ...

Isle and Onamia High Schools have recently combined their athletic programs to compete in all sports as the Mille Lacs Raiders. This fall, the two schools decided to also celebrate their annual Homecoming week during the same dates — Sept. 23-27. Here are photos of some of the Homecoming royalty along with candid photos of several activities during the week. During homecoming week the schools designated each day to some...