3-26 MN Snowmobiling - March 2026

ATTENTION!

WE’VE

MOVED! Our address is...

14000 Sunfish Lake Blvd. NW, Ste. L, Ramsey, MN 55303

March 2026 Contents Minnesota Snowmobiling is the official publication of the Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association (MnUSA).

The publication is a benefit of membership in MnUSA ($35 annual membership).

MnUSA Executive Board President Mike Clevenger Vice President Scotty Harder Secretary Janet Widness Treasurer Gordon Heitke Past President Scott Wakefield Past Presidents Scott Wakefield, Greg Sorenson, Rod Seibel, Mark Kavanaugh, Gayle Quistgard, Mark Steinmueller, Keith Twombly, Terry Hutchinson, Curt Berg, Harold Brace, Bob Linn, Diane Wallenta, Jeff Mausolf, Bob King, Larry Shepherd, Bill Kullberg, LeRoy Strehlo, Tom Decker, Mary Violett, Allen Eglinton, Al Lalim, Harold Tomkins Minnesota Snowmobiling (ISSN 1085-1054) is published seven times a year for $14 in September, October, November, December, January, February, and March by Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association, 14000 Sunfish Lake Blvd. NW, Ste. L, Ramsey, MN 55303. Periodicals Postage Paid at Fargo, ND and at additional mailing offices.

u FEATURES & DEPARTMENTS 4

From the Editor

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From the President

6

Directors

7

From the Vice President

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Legislative News

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MnUSA News – Winter Rendezvous Recap

15

Youth News

18

2026 Veterans Appreciation Ride

20 New 2027 Sled Line-Up 22 Vintage News 24

Milestones

25 What’s Cookin’?

26 Club News 29 MnUSA Business Partners

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association, 14000 Sunfish Lake Blvd. NW, Ste. L, Ramsey, MN 55303.

PUBLISHER Dan Ferris EDITOR Scott Wakefield ART DIRECTOR / COPY EDITOR Dena Gervasi ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Chuck Gekas ADVERTISING SALES Jim Gekas, Mark Hunkeler, Larry Ladowski, Roger Cormier, Greg Jones EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Mike Clevenger, Scotty Harder, Christian Franzen, Scott Wakefield, Anna Paul, Terry Hutchinson CONTRIBUTIONS: Letters, manuscripts, stories, materials and photographs are welcome but cannot be returned unless sender provides a SASE. Minnesota Snowmobiling is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photos and drawings. Submission of articles and letters implies the right to edit and publish in all or part.

ADVERTISING MWO Media Phone: 847-707-8511 chuck@mwomedia.com www.mnsnowmobiler.org Send all advertising materials to: MWO Media, 111 Shore Drive, Burr Ridge, IL 60527 Copyright © 2026 by Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without consent of the publisher.

Attendees to Rendezvous provided 23 pounds of pop can tops to Ronald McDonald House to fight cancer. Pictured is Steve Blake from Shakopee. You still can get your tops to Steve through May 1. Contact Steve Blake at 952-594-1848.

Cover photo: ©2025 Wayne Davis, ISMA

COMING THIS SPRING/SUMMER...

Spring Meeting – April • Summer Camp Out • Summer Shows For more info on upcoming MnUSA & club events: www.MnUSA.org

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From the Editor Scott Wakefield from the current regime. Our member Eternally Optimistic enthusiasm management system is up and running, and roughly 40% What a great season it has been, Mother Nature has been a bit finicky, but most areas of Minnesota have had snow for a while—some more, some less, and some still and will for a while. This season we set a record for snowfall. In little Hovland, MN, about halfway between Grand Maris and Grand Portage on the far northeastern part of the Arrowhead Region, they got 38.6 inches of snow in a 24-hour period for the month of February. It was a season of having to search for snow if it wasn’t out your window. And with 65% of all registered snowmobiles being in the 13-county metro area, that was a call to get moving up north for snow. Snowmobile events starting with Princeton, to Hay Days, to ISOC, and the Midwest Ride-In in January, were all well attended.

After three years of marginal snow, one may expect less, but I feel real momentum building within the industry.

Case in point, Arctic Cat, a company essentially shut down, now quickly back up and running and producing NEW and exciting models. And with the rehiring of former employees and a new focus on “Riders Rule,” there is room for much optimism. Strong sales for Polaris, and holding its market share for Ski-Doo, our manufacturers are doing well.

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Registrations are up with a 67% renewal rate as of February 1, essentially guaranteeing a third benchmark for all MnUSA clubs for this season. We will have a new Governor governing our state in November, and snowmobilers should be excited about the prospects versus the lackadaisical

of all the clubs in MnUSA are using it. They are seeing how easy it is to renew memberships, print membership cards at meetings, view member profiles, and make changes accordingly in “real time”—it’s exciting!

As a farmer by trade, I’m eternally optimistic. I buy thousands of dollars of seed, plant it in the ground in a massive field, and say, “good luck, little seed.” Season after season I’m amazed how great it works out—some better, some worse—but it all works out. So, I’m excited about our future.

We just need to get the rest of the snowmobiling community to figure it out. I mean, where can you get a small life insurance policy for $2.50 a month by joining MnUSA with no questions asked or pre-existing conditions? Unfortunately, we have had members that have passed and needed to be paid out, but for those left behind, it’s a blessing to have funds to help pay for funerals and the things that go along with it.

And for those of you who have bought a new groomer or drag, and some clubs have, as I attended the Great MN Groomer Show and had discussions with clubs about their recent purchases, all of them saved thousands of dollars on state sales tax because of MnUSA’s legislation.

Tired of losing trails due to sleds with altered mufflers “cans” installed? That will start to slow down after July 1, 2026, when they are banned. A first offense will cost a fine of $250. Again, MnUSA got that legislation passed.

And hopefully, a license plate design and approval of a snowmobile plate that can help fund trails for the next 60 years and beyond. A bunch of non-MnUSA snowmobilers meeting in the basement of the local VFW or what have you, will never have the ability to do such a thing.

These are the things MnUSA gets done for you and your clubs. “Strength in numbers, united as one, will get the job done!” Those who wander around not united will never accomplish much of anything.

Minnesota Snowmobiling

From the MnUSA President THANK YOU to all who helped with this event! The The 2025-2026 Executive Board could not have pulled this off without Winter Snowmobile TEAMWORK from many regions. Once again, we would also like to thank the advertisers and donors who Season make both the event, booklet, silent and live auctions so successful. We had a great response, and for that we send appreciation to all.

Mike Clevenger

Hello fellow snowmobilers, Once again, this has been an up-and-down snow season, starting out with snow in November, which really got people excited for the upcoming season. This gave everyone hope for a good start to the winter, but at least where I live, this was false hope. In southern Minnesota we continued with another brown-out year. I know there was some riding being done in some areas but for the most part it was not good. On a better note, people did have a chance to get some riding in before it turned to dirt. Northern Minnesota had better luck this year; trails were being groomed and people could ride most areas in the northern parts of the state. I would like to thank people for getting their sleds registered. It did make a very big difference from last year with our GIA fund for grooming. The DNR has told us the first, second, and third benchmarks will be paid this year and only the fourth will be in jeopardy. If registrations continue to come in, we might still get the fourth benchmark.

I hope you made it to the Legislator Reception, as your presence at this event was very much appreciated and important. As you have been told, we are much stronger in numbers, and it shows. Continue to speak with your Legislators as the year progresses, this shows them that we are active and care about the future of our sport.

I am looking forward to seeing you all at the MnUSA Spring Meeting at Wyndham Gardens Otsego. See MnUSA.org for details.

Thank you for your support!

The 2026 Winter Rendezvous was surprisingly very successful, even with 45-degree temperatures every day of the event. We had many Regions step forward and help the Executive Board this year. I cannot thank Region 1 enough for the great job they did getting the guided rides ready for multiple groups to enjoy their wonderful trail system. Region 1 also hosted the Hospitality Room, and as usual, a great time was had by all.

Region 5 came to help run and monitor the Silent Auction and Live Auction, both of which were a great success.

Additional thanks go out to many other Regions for their help with the registration table—Regions 1, 4, 7, 8, and 9. Region 9 made and donated the wonderful centerpieces. Keep your eyes open; I think you may see them at other regional meetings.

March 2026

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MnUSA Directors Executive Board

Directors

President

Region 1 Dale Dahlen, 2321 Pebble Beach Rd NW East Grand Forks, 56721, 218-791-6679 dodahlen@ hotmail.com

Mike Clevenger-XM 7302 NW 97th Ave Morristown, 55052 507-838-5713 cmclevenger3@gmail.com Vice President Scotty Harder-XM 13126 Jenkins Dr. Becker, MN 55308 612-860-0606 sharder67@msn.com

Treasurer Gordon Heitke - XM 2270 300th Ave Mora 55051 763-234-6712 gheitke@gmail.com

Mike Boucher, 27528 230th St SW, Crookston 56716 218-280-3385 mjb86@yahoo.com Gail Friborg, 37857 Fairground Rd Bagley, 56621, 218-694-2840 pfgf@gvtel.com Jeff Lovold, 603 2nd Ave SE, Roseau 56751 218280-1941 Aaron Swanson, 10218 Beverly Dr NW, Bemidji, 56601; 218-689-6686 aaronleeswanson@gmail.com

Past President Scott Wakefield -XM 12620 Co Rd 30 Waconia 55387 612-483-5638 oliver1650@icloud.com

Region 2 Troy Johnson, 218-390-0046 tntjohnson547@hotmail.com

By-Laws: Coy Borgstrom

Charity/Awards: Janet Widness-XM · 218-731-6126

Mike Banovetz, 218-235-9969 mbanovetz2009@yahoo.com

Elections/Nominations: Scott Wakefield-XM • 612-483-5638 Fund Raising: Scotty Harder-XM · 612-860-0606 Land Access: OPEN Legislative/DNR/Trails: Terry Hutchinson-XM · 612-581-6627 Membership/Booth: OPEN Merchandise: Scotty Harder-XM · 612-860-0606 Safety: OPEN Site Selection: Steve “Woody” Widness-XM • 218-731-1286 Website: Randy Vannet • 218-244-6797

Jeremy Goebel 11210 7th St S, Cottage Grove 55016 651-308-0398 goebeljeremy1985@gmail.com

Region 3 Tom Jann, 21668 Peterson Creek Dr Deerwood, 56444, 218-839-1230 lakejann@gmail.com

Jerry Larson, 9855 Hall Ave NE Monticello, 55362 , 763-772-7462 majesticproservices@gmail.com Pete Wagener, 8555 Jason Ave NE Monticello, 55362, 612-501-8992 ptwent@hotmail.com Region 4 Sheri Gades-XM, 103 5th St N Danvers, 56231, 320-760-3526 gades@fedteldirect.net

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Region 6 Bill Prinsen, 5011 121 St N, White Bear Lake 55110, 651-260-8508 billprinsen@hotmail.com

Ken Eckel, 612-910-5363

John Olmscheid, PO Box 160 Elrosa, 56325, 320-250-3271 johnolmscheid43@gmail.com

Coy Borgstrom, 20 E Veterans Memorial Hwy, Kasson, 55944, 507-251-1199 coy3911@gmail.com

Bruce Wemette, 18379 Marie Dr, Houston, MN 55943, Bwemette@gmail.com, 507-450-8802

Nicole Pankratz, 218-780-3853 pankratz.nicole@yahoo.com

Allen Beumer, 10234 410th Ave Hillman, 56338, 320-355-2257 abeumer1845@gmail.com

Bill Gehn, Red Wing, 651-388-7541 william_gehn@hotmail.com

Brad Thacher, 55 1st Ave SW, Harmony, 55939, 586-899-0810, Brad.Biker@ATT.net

Jerry Kujala-XM, 218-750-2234 jdkujala@gmail.com Cindy Hansmann, 218-301-9496 cindy.hansmann@frontier.com

Region 5 Paul Maruska, 26276 Drexel Ave, New Prague, 56071, 952-212-2293 ptmaruska81@gmail.com

Mike Brandt, 2600 6th Ave NW, Austin, 55912, 507-460-2002 brandtmj@live.com

Randy Vannet, 218-244-6797 randy.vannet@gmail.com

Communications: Scott Wakefield-XM · 612-483-5638

Jeff Kack-XM, PO Box 55 Appleton, 56208, 320-289-1069 jkack@mchsi.com Dick Kuttner, 522 Shady Ridge Rd NW Hutchinson, 55350, 320-587-6536 richardk@hutchtel.net

Secretary Janet Widness - XM 43390 220th St Clitherall 56524 218-731-6126 jwstulk@prtel.com

Committee Chairs

Rodney Boesch, PO Box 337, Amboy 56010 507-340-2820 rod.boesch@boeschcrt.com

Phillip Lockett, 218-348-9161 lockettphillip@yahoo.com Scott Seeley, Two Harbors 218-830-1028, srseeley1@gmail.com Gary Vezina, Duluth 218-722-2852 Bill Ylatupa-XM, 43 Garden Dr Silver Bay, 55614, 218-220-8189 ylatupa2@gmail.com Region 8 Dick Theis, 20575 Co Rd 10 Hamel, 55340, 763-494-3838 dickt.barbc@gmail.com Randy Baudler-XM, 9259 Foxline Dr. N Corcoran, 55340, 763-420-5526 rbslawn@gmail.com Mark LaBaw-XM, 1471 Independence Ave Chaska, 55318, 952-221-2564 mlabawstillafishn@yahoo.com Tim Pommier, 1683 Sage Lane, Shakopeee, MN 55379, 612-801-3250 tpommier@comcast.net Region 9 Steve “Woody”Widness-XM, 43390 220th St Clitherall, 56524, 218-731-1286 jwstulk@prtel.com Jeff Alberts, 17321 Otto Zeck Rd, Detroit Lakes 56501, 218-847-1241, mtnmtrs@arvig.net Greg Strommen, 1112 62nd Ave N, Moorhead, 56560, 701-212-7002, gstromm165@gmail.com

Ed Koenigs, 19460 Bauer Circle, Hastings, MN 55033, 651-380-6397 edkoenigs@hotmail.com Ken Zak, 20629 Kenrick Ave, Lakeville, 55044, 952-469-2246 kjnbaa@frontier.net Region 7 Randy Laberge-XM, 5424 Lax Lake Rd Silver Bay, 55614, 218-353-7697 dandrlaberge@hotmail.com Ryan Boe, 5146 Jean Duluth Rd Duluth 55803, 218-349-5578 ryanboe@hotmail.com Dan Hamilton, Duluth, 651-398-2461 danielhamilton@aol.com Rick Johnson-XM, 4353 Briarwood Ln, Hopkins, 55343, 612-839-0956 rick@teampro.net

Minnesota Snowmobiling

MnUSA Office: 14000 Sunfish Lake Blvd. NW, Ste. L, Ramsey, MN 55303 ph.763-577-0185 fax 763-577-0186

From the MnUSA Vice President As grooming season ends and trails close, it’s a good April Showers time to thank landowners and confirm their continued for the trail system in the fall or make any needed Bring May Flowers... support adjustments to maintain their satisfaction.

Scotty Harder

Well, it’s March, and what can I say, but that Mother Nature has not been very good to most of us. As I’m writing this, northern Minnesota is getting a good dumping of snow, as I know some people in Silver Bay reported 8 to 10 inches by midday with more coming down. Well, enough on that.

At the MnUSA Winter Rendezvous we had more attendees than we thought we would, which is a very good thing. I still have higher expectations, as we have 9,000 members, so there is no reason why we shouldn’t have twice as many people. But those who did attend appeared to have a great time. The riding was better than expected, as I was able to ride Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoon, and our evening guest speakers were welcomed with open arms as they shared some behind the scenes stories.

T H I E F

R I V E R

F A L L S

♦

Next month, those of you who were asking for calendars this past year, please be prepared to have a guesstimate of how many you would like to sell this fall. Raffle calendars will be available for distribution on August 1. I will also be including a step-by-step instruction sheet that all of you will need to follow with the program changes for this upcoming season.

Please send your photos to the office by April 5 for consideration in next year’s calendar.

This is the final article before fall—enjoy your summer, and I hope to see you at the Spring Meeting and Summer Camp Out. We’ll set budgets in spring, nominate new MnUSA officers during the campout, and vote at the fall conference.

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Legislative News Help Your Elected Official!

by Christian Franzen In his Gettysburg Adress, Abraham Lincoln described American Government as a government “of the people, by the people, for the people.” In other words, as a democratic republic, the ultimate governing authority (or power) in our country belongs to all of us as citizens to bring about the common good. Yet it often seems that our voices are not heard by the folks we elect to represent us. Maybe for all our shouting, we are just whispering; if our voices are not heard, it’s not because we are not loud; snowmobilers are not shy. Rather, we need to be even smarter in approaching our elected representatives.

Don’t get me wrong; I think that the MnUSA lobbyists are terrific. We fight for snowmobiling every day at the State Capitol.

CLUB SEEKING GROOMER The Naytahwaush Nightriders Snowmobile Club is looking to purchase a groomer, 5 years old or newer.

Please contact trail coordinator Tom Krenz with info at 763-258-6012.

because they don’t know what “their” voters think. It’s well accepted that influence or “political capital” rests with the voters within a legislator’s district. When voters don’t use this “political capital,” legislators do whatever they want for whatever reason strikes their fancy.

Most legislators want to do the right thing (as they perceive it). Unfortunately, social media and propaganda found in nationalized messaging seems to result in elected officials telling us what to care about instead of citizens telling them what we care about. This is not how our government was designed to work.

Fortunately, as MnUSA members, we can use our “political capital” and tell our legislators what we desire.

Snowmobiling is important to Minnesota’s quality of life, and our volunteer culture is important to our state. Thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in state revenue exist because of snowmobiling. We have a very good story to tell.

Each MnUSA member has the latent power of their own “political capital.” It’s time to use it. In other words: • Know who your elected representatives are and let The problem is that most them know why you love our sport and what they can do legislators are not elected to to help. represent lobbyists. Under • Stay current on legislative issues affecting our system of government, snowmobiling. MnUSA publishes its legislative our elected representatives priorities in our magazine, on our website, and on fact are supposed to represent sheets. their constituents (in other • Communicate with your legislators. Telephone words, YOU). Every time calls, emails, written letters all help. The very best way a good legislator votes on a to communicate is to invite your legislators to your club bill, they should be asking meeting or better yet take them on a ride. themselves, how does this • Invite your legislators to our annual legislative vote impact my voters? reception in St. Paul (March 9) and let them know you Unfortunately, that question will be there to meet with them. often remains unanswered • Support legislators who support snowmobiling.

Help with their campaigns and contribute to their campaigns.

• Thank them for their support.

If you take these steps, you will be helping your legislators do the best job they can. They will be representing you—their constituent. Your voice will be heard. This is what Lincoln was talking about. A government of the people, by the people and for the people.

10

Minnesota Snowmobiling

MnUSA News

WINTER Rendezvous & State Convention Recap

by Scott Wakefield

Photo: Garrett Laing

Well, it’s the time-honored tradition of thanking all MnUSA members, committee members, e-board members, directors, and the like, one time a year, as we rendezvous.

This year was similar to last year; as about as similar as you can get. No clubs, trail associations or regions stepped up to host, so the MnUSA E-Board made the decision the day after last year’s Rendezvous that we must do this. The five of us decided then that we were hosting Rendezvous 2026. To make it as simple as possible, we picked the South Shore Lodge in Bemidji again to host us.

We thought it worked well then, and it would work again.

Although, things didn’t start out all that well, as late on Friday night June 19th, 2025, and thru the early hours of the 20th, the area (specifically Bemidji) got hit with a derecho of straight-line winds of 120 miles per hour. Over 9 million trees were originally reported downed, but it was closer to 18 million trees, after the fact. Thanks to the North Country Snowmobile Club, they got after it right away and really worked their butts off to get the trails open and available for us 8 months later.

The next task was getting volunteers to help, and Region 5 really stepped up with donations to the silent and live

auction. They also took over the two auctions, getting them lined up and running. In addition, other volunteers worked in many areas including: securing donations, lining up sleds for the hotel, getting the food, getting rooms situated, preparing the Rendezvous booklet, and making goody bags.

Jobs for such were divided up amongst the E-Board and others who volunteered. And volunteer they did, that’s the good news.

More good news was that Bemidji had good snow and cold temperatures as winter approached. And during the polar plunge held on Saturday, I got a chance to see the ice up close—36 inches thick and relatively clean, for a lake with lots of activity. So, the opportunity was there to have a great Rendezvous!

Thursday found great trails outside the bandwidth of Bemidji, and because of the hard work of the North Country Snowmobile Club along with the Blackduck Snowmobile Club, the trails were in excellent condition—thank you!

With temperatures forecasted to climb throughout the weekend, on Thursday a plan B was set in place for

March 2026

continued next page » 11

farm machinery, specifically a straw chopper that mounted on the back of a combine. And even when the production of snowmobile number one started on January 10, 1956, the straw chopper business still was the big money maker. Joel Olson bought number one to help haul hay to his cattle, and so Al set off to build number two.

Saturday, including a visit to the Bemidji woolen mill, the local brewery, and the local polar plunge, if in fact the trails had deteriorated to a point of unrideable.

Friday was foggy and overcast until about 9:30 a.m., as the temperatures higher aloft created the fog over the colder frozen, snowy landscape. But by 10 a.m., all who came to ride were riding, and it was spectacular. Back at the hotel, registrations kept coming in, and we ended up with 17 “walk-ins,” as well as more auction items.

The contention came about when Edgar and David asked the community to fund $35,000 for the production of the straw chopper, not snowmobiles. Guys like “Sliver Pete” Peterson, a lumberyard owner and All those who rode were reminded trapper, and Harley Jenson, a logger to get back to the hotel for the social 36-inch ice chunks out of Lake Bemidji. from the Northwest Angle, were hour and meal, and our great speaker some of the first buyers. In all, 108 Sno Cats were built in Mitchell Johnson, the 76-year-old son of David Johnson, 1956, followed by 115 in 1957. co-founder of Polaris. Mitchell was an excellent speaker, as he had the insight on how things really transpired between Polaris and Edgar Hetten, including the famous “I In 1958, Edgar met A.C. Paul, from Manitoba, 800 miles quit” proclamation, and the starting of Arctic Cat. north of Roseau. An Autoboggen was at a festival they both attended, and the Sno Cats ran circles around that After starting what would become Polaris in 1945, brother Autoboggen. In 1958, A.C. Paul was short Autoboggen sleds, so a call was made to Edgar. Having 20 Sno Cats Al Hetten started in 1948 after high school graduation. left over, Edgar agreed, but they had to be branded The business started out installing electric poles for the REA to electrify the rural areas, then started dabbling in Autoboggens. They had some yellow Minneapolis Moline 12

Minnesota Snowmobiling

and told him to stop dilly-dallying around with these snowmobiles. And reminded him that the community gave Polaris $35,000 to build straw choppers not snowmobiles. By then it was too late. Edgar being irascible and short tempered said, “I quit!”, and off to TRF he went to work for LB Harts who was manufacturing Polar sleds and steam cleaners for cleaning farm equipment. And so, it goes. What a great presentation, and it continued for another hour (more of the story to come later).

paint left in the back from some straw choppers that didn’t get sold, so they painted those Sno Cat’s Minneapolis Moline yellow, and those were the first 20 sold in Canada.

In 1959, Tucker Sno Cat called and said to stop using their Sno Cat name or they would sue, so they needed a new name. Polaris was that new name.

Edgar took off to Alaska to test these new Polaris sleds. The President of Polaris, Herb Borra was not happy, but Kohler financed the trip, and on that trip to Alaska, Edgar got the snowmobile “disease.” Upon his return, Herb asked Edgar to come into his office. Herb reminded Edgar that straw choppers were what was making Polaris the money to make payroll

Speaker Mitchell Johnson, son of Polaris co-founder.

Saturday again was foggy but quickly cleared off, and groups of sleds went north for better snow conditions. The sun came out around 10 a.m. and it was 43+ degrees out. Some people took advantage of the off-site events, and some waited until 3 p.m. for the Hospitality room to open up, which was hosted by Region 1 and the Friborgs—thanks guys!

The day was a whirlwind with another social hour and great meal, with their famous walleye dinner. Then there were the awards, that included “Young Snowmobiler of the Year” Mathew Nohner of Lakeville, president/ member of the youth club Tri-County Snow Czechers; “Unsung Hero” continued next page »

Tim Pederson, son of Walt Pederson of the Plaisted Expedition to the North Pole.

Calendar of Events

Mar 14-15 • Sunday Funday, ERX Motor Park

Apr 3-4 • AMSOIL Snocross National Championship, Spirit Mountain Duluth, MN Apr 17-19 • MnUSA Spring Meeting at the Wyndham Garden, Otsego, MN, (269) 692-5417 Jun 3-6 • 58th Annual International Snowmobile Congress ISC, Omaha, NE, Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center Jul 12 • MnUSA Summer Event, Region 2, Quadna Mountain Resort, Hill City, MN

Aug 7-9 • 21st Annual Vintage Snowmobile National Championship Show and Swap, South Dakota State Fairgrounds, Huron, SD Aug 28-29• Rum River Outlaw Grass Drags, Princeton, MN, www.outlawgrassdrags.com Sep 12-13 • Hay Days Grass Drags and Swap Meet, North Branch, MN Oct 23-25 • MnUSA Fall Workshop, Region 9, Holiday Inn, Alexandria, MN

March 2026

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MnUSA News Kevin Dreyer of New York Mills, and member of the Otter Trail Riders; “Dealer of the Year” Thomas Sno Sports, an Arctic Cat dealer in Ogilvie and member of the Rum River Trail Association; “Snowmobile Club of the Year” Chaska Sno-Hawks who have raised over $500,000 for their local community; “Snowmobile Family of the Year” Mike and Cheryl Clevenger of Morristown, members of the Faribo Sno-Go Club and Sakatah Trail Sno-Cruisers.

As a reminder to all MnUSA members—if you think of an individual, organization or club that would be worthy, get those nominations in by November 30, 2026. Also, a reminder that MnUSA scholarship applications are due March 31, 2026. Info for nominations and scholarships: mnusa.org.

Chaska Sno-Hawks, Snowmobile Club of the Year.

After our awards, the DNR had awards including 30-year DNR Snowmobile Instructor Dick Thies who accepted

Dick Thies, 30 years of recognition as a DNR Snowmobile Instructor.

Mathew Nohner, Young Snowmobiler of the Year.

Kevin Dreyer, Unsung Hero.

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his print. Our evening speaker was up next, and it was Tim Pederson, son of Walt Pederson, who was part of the expedition to the North Pole with Ralph Plaisted, Gerry Pitzl and Jean-Luc Bombardier. They were the first to make it to the North Pole on April 19, 1968. Your social studies books may say Robert Perry was the first to reach the pole in April of 1909, but he wasn’t, and according to Tim, he knew it and lied about it. Tim has over 2,500 slides that his father took of the expedition, and they are in great shape. Tim was joined by his three sons on Saturday evening, and that made for a very special presentation, as the youngest son helped with the computer photos, and Tim narrated. Overall, it was a very interesting presentation, and very exciting to be a part of.

The evening was rounded out by a very quick and active live auction by auctioneer Col. Scott J. Wakefield, aka, me! I auctioned over 38 items with a mere nine minutes left before the silent auction ended at 9 p.m. sharp with 88 items, concluding the evening… whew!

Minnesota Snowmobiling

MnUSA News

Snowmobile Family of the Year, Mike and Cheryl Clevenger and family.

Live auction along with several helpers.

Sunday morning brought an early wake-up at 8 a.m., with the general membership meeting. After a break, the Board of Directors meeting was held. Movement on the license plate needed to be voted on, moving to co-sponsor with the state association of lakeshore owners on a design.

An update on the permanent building at Hay Days was discussed. Also, the third benchmark has been guaranteed by the DNR, due to increased registrations and gas tax money. And with that, what a Rendezvous it was!

Youth News by Scott Wakefield The Tri-County Snow Czechers youth club invited me back to their February meeting at the New Prague Fire Department building. I was running a little late, but the room was a buzz, as it was the night for turning in pizza fundraising money, getting all orders in and double-checking the work so that it all made sense.

This was a unique meeting, as when I walked in the door, I knew a “celebrity” was in attendance. No, it wasn’t me, but rather it was the Young Snowmobiler of the Year award winner, Mathew Nohner of Lakeville, also known as the president of the Tri-County Snow Czechers. That’s right, the guy running the meeting was the MnUSA Young Snowmobiler of the Year, and deservedly so.

It was decided that since many of the youth in attendance wouldn’t be at Rendezvous, we would make the award announcement at the meeting. It was spectacular to see the response of the group, knowing one of their own was

going to be awarded this prestigious award. So, it was decided a speech would be needed to finish off this accomplishment. Most winners wouldn’t take that with grace and would right away starting thinking of excuses not to speak.

When I announced that would be the expectation of the crowd at Rendezvous, Mathew’s mind was already sorting through ideas on what to say.

In a word, impressive! Everything about Mathew and the youth club is impressive. They were going through some of their recent escapades on snow—what broke and what got fixed, and planning their season-ending club party. I’ve got a guess on consumables, lots of Mountain Dew!

March 2026

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ICONIC SINCE DAY ONE It’s a special year: the 20th anniversary of the X-RS, a truly iconic package that changed the game.

To celebrate, we’re dropping the EPIC special-edition 20th anniversary MXZ X-RS. This ultimate Ski-Doo features the industry-leading 130 hp Rotax 600RR E-TEC engine and racing Integral base valve shocks so you can ride full out. It’s also available with the Rotax 850 E-TEC Turbo R engine with water injection system.

GET 4 YEARS OF COVERAGE ON 2027 SKI-DOO MODELS BEFORE MARCH 31, 2026 VISIT YOUR LOCAL MINNESOTA DEALER FOR THE BEST OFFER OF THE YEAR! OLLIE’S SERVICE, INC. 111 DONNA AVE, ALEXANDRIA, MN https://www.olliesservice.com

ST BONI MOTOR SPORTS 4120 STEINER ST, SAINT BONIFACIUS, MN https://www.motorsportsmn.com

HILMERSON SPORTS CENTER 14731 IRIS RD, LITTLE FALLS, MN https://www.hilmersonsportscenter.com

CASWELL CYCLE 768 NORTH HWY 65, MORA, MN https://www.caswellcycle.com

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BROTHERS MOTORSPORTS 7915 HWY 210, BAXTER, MN https://www.brothersmotorsports.com

TRUEMAN-WELTER’S INC. 1600 HWY 55 E, BUFFALO, MN https://www.trueman-welterspowersports.com

BEMIDJI SPORTS CENTRE, INC. 1826 ANNE ST NW, BEMIDJI, MN https://www.bemidjisportscentre.com

MOTOR SPORTS OF WILLMAR 4970 HWY 71 NE, WILLMAR, MN https://www.motorsportsofwillmar.com

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MINNEAPOLIS MOTOR SPORTS 801 LOUISIANA AVE S, MINNEAPOLIS, MN https://www.motorsportsmn.com

RAY’S SPORT & CYCLE 20890 US HIGHWAY 169, GRAND RAPIDS, MN https://www.rayssportandcycle.com

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©2026 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ®, ™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. In the U.S.A., products are distributed by BRP US Inc. Offer valid in U.S.A. only on units pre-ordered during the Spring Sales Event taking place between February 17, 2026 and March 31, 2026. A deposit is required to secure the Spring Sales Event exclusive offer. Consumers must take delivery of their vehicles by December 31, 2026. Consumers who pick up their vehicle after this deadline forfeit all Spring Sales Event exclusive benefits. The conditions may vary depending on your location and this offer is subject to termination or change at any time without notice. This offer is not refundable, exchangeable or transferable (including from one dealership to another), cannot be redeemed for cash, credit or other products of equivalent value and cannot be combined with any other offer or rebate. Null where prohibited by law. Until supplies last. Eligible units are select new and unused 2027 Ski-Doo and Lynx models. Youth, Mid-Size, and EV models are excluded. † Get 4 years of coverage on all eligible models: Consumers purchasing an eligible model are eligible to receive a 12-month BRP Limited Warranty plus a 36-month B.E.S.T. Coverage. The warranty is subject to the exclusions, limitations of liabilities and all other terms and conditions of BRP’s standard limited warranty contract, including without limitation the exclusions of damages caused by abuse, abnormal use or neglect. B.E.S.T. service contract is subject to a $50 deductible on each repair. For complete details, please see the BRP limited warranty and the B.E.S.T. contract at an authorised BRP dealer near you. Offer may not be combined with other offers. While quantities last. †† Guaranteed best promotional offer of the year: BRP guarantees that no other BRP manufacturer offer will be greater than the advertised 2026 Spring Sales Event prior to January 1, 2027. The comparison will be based on the coverage offer available for identical Ski-Doo snowmobiles and does not take into account any rebate(s) or other promotional benefits which may be offered by BRP dealers. Mid-size, youth and EV models are excluded from the guaranteed best promotional offer of the year. Offer may not be combined with other offers.

While quantities last. Carefully read the operator’s guide and safety instructions. All adult snowmobile models are intended for drivers aged 16 and older. Observe applicable laws and regulations. Always wear appropriate protective clothing, including a helmet. Riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix. Always ride responsibly and safely. See your authorized BRP dealer for details and visit Ski-Doo.com.

2026 VETERANS APPRECIATION RIDE

by Terry Hutchinson, MSEAF President

Photo: Scott Rokis

MSEAF and MnUSA held their 17th annual ride on January 31 in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. This was one of our largest rides ever with 152 veterans and guests participating in the ride, with 30 guides and sweeps from the local area snowmobile clubs providing us with 14 guided groups of riders enjoying the perfectly groomed trails. Our rides varied in length from 60 to 120 miles.

be given to Polaris, Arctic Cat, and the four veterans and volunteers who provided their extra sleds for others to enjoy.

Our lunch stop was at the Itasca Driftskippers clubhouse. Everyone enjoyed the space and the time to take a break after their morning ride. Having

This event was held at Timberlake Lodge Hotel & Event Center and their staff hosted a wonderful event and provided everything we needed at a moment’s notice. They have hosted other MnUSA events and will welcome us back in the future for any events we wish to have at their facility.

Our Friday night reception was well attended, and everyone enjoyed the pizza buffet and the hospitality that was provided along with meeting others and exchanging stories. Registration, signing up for ride groups, and signing up for one of the 44 snowmobiles provided if they didn’t have their own, also was completed Friday evening. A huge thank you needs to

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Photo: Scott Rokis

Minnesota Snowmobiling

Minnesota Snowmobile Education and Advancement Fund & Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association thank the following for their donations to the 2026 and future Veterans Appreciation Rides

approximately 200 snowmobiles show up for lunch is a task that they handled very well and sent us on our way for our afternoon rides.

The Saturday night banquet was again a huge success with great food and an open microphone passed around for any veteran to share their years of service and stories with the group. Their time and locations of their service and some of the things they experienced were shared and many brought laughter to the room. Our event will continue to be about support for our veterans and thanks for their service.

Our event would not have been possible without the more than 200 donors who funded and supported the ride, as this event is 100% funded by donations. Without Al Lauer and his 30+ guys and gals providing their help and support, this event would not be possible. These volunteers were members of the Lawron Trail Riders, Itasca Driftskippers, Greenway Snowmobile Club, and the Cromwell Sno-Gophers.

EVENT SPONSORS Arctic Cat Polaris Industries Timberlake Lodge & Hotel Lawron Trail Riders Itasca Driftskippers Greenway Snowmobile Club Duluth Lawn & Sports Ray’s Sport & Cycle Northland Ag & Turf R & R Rental Byfuglien Trucking Inc. Wildes Trailers Piston Bully Sno-Trails Inc T&T Sports & Lawn SPONSORS OF VETERANS American Legion Post #225 American Legion Post 2 American Legion Post 57 Andrew Graf Anonymous Blizzard Snowmobile Club Inc Brainerd Snodeos Burnsville Toyota Caledonia Sno-Gophers Carver County Snowrunners Chaska VFW Post 1791 Chaska VFW Post 1791 Auxiliary Clay County Trail Blazers Clearwater Trailblazers Snowmobile Club Cliff & Coulee Climbers Country Snow Cruisers Inc Crow Wing County Snowmobile Trails Assn Dakota Trails Association Inc DMT Motorsports Doug Swanson Earl Klersy Elrosa Baseball Club Inc Flags and Honor of MN Forest Lake Snowmobile Club Inc Four Seasons Recreational Assn Foxtailers Snowmobile Club Friends of Country Climbers Snowmobile Club Good Time Riders Snowmobile Club Greenway Snowmobile Club Hastings SnoMos Hiawatha Sno-Seekers Jeff Petschl Inc Jerry & Nancy Hanson Jill Sampica Jim Folz Joe Frederick Jordan Commercial Club Jordaness Lions Kenyon Snowdrifters K-M Snowdrifters LaCanne’s Marine Larry & Judith Shepherd Leo’s South Lonsdale Snowbirds Low Plains Drifters M&M Power Sports Madelia Snowhawks Inc

Mark & Susan Steinmueller Mark Martinson Matthew & Lisa Tuttle Mike & Cheryl Clevenger MnUSA Region 4 MnUSA Region 5 MnUSA Region 6 MN Vets 4 Vets MnUSA Region 8 Moonshiners Snowmobile Club New Market Bank New Prague Snow Drifters Nicollet County Trails Assn Northwest Trails Development Assn Otter Trail Riders Snowmobile Club Prior Lake Lions Prior Lake Snowmobile Association Randolph & Lisa Kubes Randy LaBerge Red Wing Riverview Riders Inc. Rice Creek Trails Association Richard Schleicher River Valley Trail Blazers Robert & Judith King Robert J Wolf Roseau County Trailblazers Savage Sno-Pacers Shakopee Lions Shakopee Valley Lions Shakopee VFW Post 4046 Sheri Gades Sno Hawks Snowmobile Club Snowbirds of Amboy South Tonka Sno-mobilers Stateliners Snowmobile Club Team Lavalle Inc. Terry & Dianne Peterson VFW Paul F Donart Post 2853 Warren Sno-Cat Club Washington County Star Trails Waterford Warriors Wells Creek Riders Snowmobile Club Westonka Snoblazers Whitewater Trail Blazers William & Jane Rosten CONTRIBUTORS Mary Lou Clevenger Pat Rose Rox Speed FX Inc FXR Heinens Woodys Sly Dog Chicken Coop LaVallee Inc. Chopper City Jeff Petschl Inc. VOLUNTEERS WHO PROVIDED PERSONAL SLEDS John Olmscheid Mike Clevenger Don Wineland Terry Hutchinson

Photo: Scott Rokis March 2026

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The Big

New 2027 Sled Line-Up

This article is not meant to Specifically in Trail models compete with the other they offer: Jag, ZR, El Tigré publishers who pride and Thundercat with 600 themselves on in-depth E-Tech motors or 858 analysis of each model options in each, starting and changes in each of the with Jag 400, Jag 400 Sno manufacturers, year by year Pro SG, Jag Sno Pro. In the down to nuts and bolts. We tend El Tigré options: El Tigré 600, El

by Scott Wakefield to do the 30,000-foot look at what the Tigré 858 137, 858 146, followed by the manufacturers have to offer, to get our ZR 600, ZR 600 Sno Pro, ZR 600 EPS, MnUSA members excited to go to the local dealer to ZR 600 Sno Pro EPS SC, ZR 600 Sno Pro EPS, and find out more. in engine configuration 858, ZR 858, ZR 858 Sno Pro, ZR 858 Sno Pro ESP SG and ZR 858 Sno Pro EPS; So, let’s get flying by starting alphabetically with spring only ZR 858 White Tiger and ZR 600-R-XCARCTIC CAT—The CAT is back! Brad Darling is EPS. Additionally, the ZR 7000 4-stroke, and finally the manning the helm after jumping in with both feet 10 Thundercat with the 998 CC C-Tech 4-stroke engine, months ago. Darling has taken a company that was not also in the 146-track option, all done by the March 23 operating, to up and running, by rehiring good, qualified deadline. people and re-entering as the manufacturer of the best snowmobiles money can buy, and doing it sooner than POLARIS SnowCheck deemed Snow Day Deals anticipated, with the newest sled version rolling off the include the 2027 Indy XCR, VR1, Indy Adventure, Indy assembly line August 11, 2025. This has been driven XC, and Indy SP. The Indy XCR comes with two engine by the three new pillars of “Passion,” “Legacy” and options—650 Patriot and Patriot 9R. While the VR1 has “Riders First,” and by listening to what loyal Arctic Cat four engine options—650 Patriot, 850 Patriot, Patriot fans want to see. They are listening…here’s the 2027 9R, and Patriot Boost. The Adventure has two options— Arctic Cat lineup and pre-check info, so as they say at the 4-stroke Prostar 4 and 650 Patriot, similar to the XC, Arctic Cat, “Lock In and Get More.” with the XC adding the 850 Patriot engine choice. The Indy SP has the same engine options as the Adventure.

The return of the Jag and El Tigré, and for spring only, a new limited-edition Whiteout color option. Also, some Only certain models are available during Snow Day of the best programs of the year thru March 23, with a Deals SnowCheck through March 13, 2026, of these spring guarantee of delivery, 3-year limited warranty or types of models: RMK, Switchback, Indy, Voyageur and a 2-year limited warranty and a free EPS upgrade, EPS Titan. SnowCheck gives up to $3,000 off select models, (electric power steering) or take the 2-year and $800 in and financing as low as 0%, plus $250 in free parts and Cat Cash on a Trail, Deep Snow, Crossover, Touring, accessories. Some select sleds offer a 2-year warranty.

Utility, Youth and Enduro sled options.

See dealer for details by the March 13th deadline.

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Minnesota Snowmobiling

SKI-DOO offers great deals through its Spring Check sales event until March 31, 2026, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the X-RS. The ‘27 MXZ X-RS features the industry-leading 130 hp Rotax 600RR E-TEC engine and racing integral base value shocks. It’s also available in the Rotax 850 E-TEC Turbo R engine with water injection system.

The all-new Scandic SE is now on the REV GEN 5 platform. The redesigned Scandic of workhorses also features the uMotion rear suspension for maximum comfort, capacity, control and quietness.

For further details contact your local Ski-Doo dealer.

But if you are considering purchasing a new sled, make sure you do it by March 31, 2026.

Well, there you have it, a 30,000-foot look at what the BIG three have to offer for 2027. Don’t wait too long, as time is counting and soon the deadlines will be here.

Become A Friend of ISHOF TODAY!

On the trail side, the spring only Renegade X gets the 4 years of coverage, along with the Renegade Adrenaline with Enduro Package, as well as the Renegade Adrenaline.

In the MXZ platform you have the MXZ Adrenaline, with 4 years of warranty, the MXZ with Blizzard Package, MXZ X, and finally the MXZ X-RS—all with the 4-year limited warranty, which consists of

a 12-month BRP limited warranty and a 36-month B.E.S.T. Coverage warranty.

Snowmobile Clubs - $50 USD

State/Provincial Associations - $250 USD www.ishof.com/donate.html Mailing Address:

International Snowmobile Hall of Fame

1521 N. Railroad Street ● Eagle River, WI 54521 715-479-2186 or email: info@ishof.com

www.ishof.com

Individual donations are welcome in any amount.

THANK YOU FOR THANK YOU FORYOUR YOUR SUPPORT! SUPPORT!

March 2026

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Vintage News

New Location…Same Spectacular Event! find a location that marked all the boxes once checked by the Waconia location. This location needed: walkability, a lake, a big ballroom area, a lot of land for a trail ride, room to expand in the future, and a real homey feel, like Waconia. Check, check, check and check.

So, off to Dehn’s Pumpkin Patch and Events in Dayton, MN, right off 94 and behind Cabela’s with French Lake and the very close Diamond Lake—great for lake riding and future events on frozen water. What an expansive area for future growth as Leo and Diane Dehn and family graciously welcomed all of us—a close to record group of attendees—to their palatial estate of close to 1000 acres, including relatives, siblings and the like. Variations in topography really benefited the Ride-In committee when it came to no over-the-top snowfall, as this acreage has rolling hills, lowlands and woods, to hold snow once it did fall. The lowlands and swamp areas were good for a trail ride or two, and with changing conditions during the week, so was the trail ride, location and distance. That’s called “rolling with the punches” folks, and that’s what was done down to the day before it was to happen.

With so many vintage shows this year and so many well attended, it’s hard to cover all of them. And with so many each weekend, sometimes you must decide on going to one and reporting on one that has gone through a recent change after many years.

The trail ride on Friday was special as the Memorial Kevin Leshe Trail Ride was led by his brother, which was a nice touch. On Saturday, there was the Jack Speckel Memorial Trail Ride with 443 sleds counted. Jack would’ve been proud to see his beloved Arctic Cats represented on this wonderful sunny winter’s day.

Saturday was a spectacular day, as the parking lots continued to fill up shortly after 9 a.m., and then becoming completely full, which is great problem to have. Next year it’s been stated there will be more grains planted and the bean stubble may be rolled to smooth it out.

That was the case this year with the Midwest Ride-In which was held annually in Waconia the last weekend in January. However, that little growing community necessitated a change when development pushed this little show out the door. After a couple of years at ERX, this committee was able to 22

The ballroom was well laid out (there were more chairs in that ballroom than the ERX site), and the silent and live auctions entertained those hanging out in the ballroom.

A neat addition was a fake wall with industrial plastic strips as a Minnesota Snowmobiling

walkthrough versus a small service door like at ERX; a Leo Dehn, original no less.

Leo worked so hard to make this such a great event—tirelessly grooming during the week, grinding up ice, and on game day, parking cars, and keeping the heat going in the ticket booths. I was able to sit on a picnic table outside the ballroom with Leo and his family, overlooking the wonderful expanse of vintage sleds and vintage sled folks. I sat and watched everyone enjoying the wonderful pork chops grilled to perfection by a local snowmobile club, in addition to smash burgers, cheese curds, and mini donuts; eating, drinking and taking it all in.

Life is really good some days, and any day at the Midwest Ride-In is some of life’s best.

March 2026

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Milestones

In Memoriam: Randy Feyereisn Randy Feyereisn, age 68 of Faribault, MN, died on Monday, February 9, 2026, due to injuries sustained while snowmobiling near Cable, WI.

Cork & Seal before starting a 40-year career at Mercury Minnesota as an Engineer, retiring in 2023.

Randy Lynn, the son of Leonard Feyereisn and Ardith Young was born on September 17, 1957 in Honolulu, HI while his father was stationed there with the U.S. Army.

He was very proud to tell people he was born in Hawaii. He attended Faribault Senior High School and graduated with the class of 1975. Following high school Randy attended RCTC and earned his associate’s degree in engineering and drafting. On April 19, 1980 he was united in marriage to Lynn Bjorklund. Randy began his working career at Nutting Truck & Caster, then moved to Crown

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Join them by doing your share. Contact the MnUSA office today.

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Brian & Penny Lund Bruce Bekkerus Bruce Carlson Bruce & Lee Ann Hughes Carl & Mercedes Hanson Carmen Laing Chad & Shelly Boegeman Charles Alvino Charles & Sandy Doherty Chris & Michele Keyport Chris Rokke Clive Burton Dale & Sonya Clementson

Dan & Lynn Hennen Dan & Barb Snee Dane & Barb Hasbrouck Daniel A. & Janet Feeney Daniel Osterkamp Danny & Fay Yochum Dave & Laurie Lorence Dave & Patti Myers Dave & Tammy Wolf David & Dianna Martin David Van Wie Dean & Rita Meichsner Deb Pomroy & Ray Barnes

Randy loved being outdoors and loved snowmobiling. He was currently President of the Faribo Sno-Go Club and had been for many years. He also enjoyed deer hunting with his family and friends, 4-wheeling, especially in Idaho, classic cars, playing softball in his younger years and was famous for his maple syrup, raspberries and homemade caramels.

Randy was also a member of the Faribault Rifle and Pistol Club. His pride and joy were his grandchildren and he never missed any of their games or events. They called him Papa Randy. He loved making them pancakes and having extras that he could send home with them.

He is survived by his wife, Lynn Feyereisn; his sons, John (Erica) Feyereisn and Joseph Feyereisn and fiancé Stephanie Brockman; six grandchildren, Peytyn, Ashlyn, Adelyn, Jasper, Natalee and Isabella; his father, Leonard Feyereisn; his siblings, Sue (Gerry) Hunt and Jim Feyereisn; his step brother, Chris Vlasek and by nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Ardith (Richard) Buan and his brother, Dan Feyereisn.

Services were held in February in Faribault.

Doug Nigon Douglas & Liza Scherber Dustin Knutson Dusty & Alysa Zander Edward Barnick Eric & Angela Bachinski Eric & Ivy Wendt Gage Gary & Leslee Granke Gary & Judy Lothenbach Gary Wester Gordon Brekken Gordon & Diane Heitke Greg Stark Gregory Shepard Grey Mavencamp Jason & Brooke Huerkamp Jeff Alberts Jeff & Louise Kack Jeff & Terri Jo Melo Jeff & Tonya Schield Jeff Walstrom Jeff Ylinen

Jeffrey Price Jill & Randy Brandt Jill Erickson-Buresh Jim Bryant Jim & Barb Mickow Joe Gerrits Joe & Cindee Reis Joel Matter John Matejcek John Wade Jon & Judy Hendry Jon Jacobson Jon & Tawni Maynard Kason Heinecke Keith & Heather Berndt Keith & Jennifer Twombly Ken & Pat Eckel Ken Lewis Ken & Katie Russell Kent & Laurie Hicks Kevin & Ann Schield Kim Werkmeister Kip & Leon Wessels

Minnesota Snowmobiling

Kris Schiffler Kurt & Melanie Schultz Lance & Katrina Hapka Larry Grabanski Larry & Judy Shepherd Levi & Kristen LaVallee Marc Laskow Mark & Lori Coleman Mark & Patti Eldred Mark & Karen Thompson Merle Weidemann Michael & Mary Denker Michael & Jodi Guckenberg Michael Klimek Mike Berthiaume & Karen Randall-Fisher Mike & JoElle Boucher Mike & Wendy Brandt Mike & Cheryl Clevenger Mike & Kym Duea Mike & Judy Nodsle Mike & Ilyne Rasmussen Mike & Peggy Reis

Mike & Vicki Thelen Nicholas Schuetz Nick & Gretchen Slavicek Paul Fossum Paul Kirscht Paul Mendoza Paul Vranish Petschl Family Randy & Sue Baudler Randy LaBerge Randy Vannet Rich & Ruth Zeman Richard Buresh Richard & Judith Johnson Richard & Barbara Schmidt Rick & Ruth Whitcomb Ron Warhol Rob White Robert Carney Rod Skorich Ron Peterson Scott & Lisa Wakefield Scotty Harder

Shawn & Kathy Rampelberg Sheri & Russell Gades Steve & Carolyn Blake Steve & Terri Kast Steve & Brittni Meier Steven & Linda Knopp Steven & Jane Spaeth Terry & Debbie Hutchinson Terry & Dianne Peterson Tim & Karen Bothun Tim & Linda Clark Todd Johnson Todd Novitsky Tony & Val Barthel Trace & Lisa McCoy Walter & Connie Petersen Wayne & Darlene Kuehl Willard & Kim Hunnewell William Kaphing Wyat Vandal

Milestones

Former MnUSA President Takes Last Ride Allen (Al) Eglinton, 86, passed away Saturday, January 31, 2026, surrounded by family at Bay Harbor Assisted Living in La Crescent, MN. Al was born on April 28, 1939, at the Caledonia Hospital to Albert Charles Eglinton and Helen Irene (Olson) Eglinton. He attended country school until 6th grade and Caledonia High School through 12th grade until he graduated in 1957. He was a member of the District I football championship team of 1956. After graduation, he left the family farm and began two years employment with Remington Rand Univac in Saint Paul, MN as a draftsman. During his employment he worked on the Athena Guidance System which attempted several moon landings.

He married Marion Louise (Schuldt) Eglinton on May 10, 1958, in the Presbyterian Church in Caledonia. Shortly after, he purchased the family farm and moved back to Caledonia where they raised dairy and beef cows, hogs, and chickens.

In 1966 he enrolled in the language arts program at Winona State College and graduated in 1968 with an English major and Speech minor. He accepted a language arts position at La Crescent High School and enjoyed 33 rewarding years on staff. Being a part of so many students’ lives during their formative years was truly a joy for him.

Al was an organizer of the Caledonia, Minnesota Sno-Gophers Snowmobile Club and served three years as its first president.

The club is still active and currently grooms 160+ miles of trail and has recently constructed a new shed for their two groomers and various other trail equipment.

He urged his club to join Minnesota Association of Snowmobilers (MAS) to make a larger impact on the sport.

Later he helped in bringing MAS and the Snowmobile Association of Minnesota (SAM) into one group, (MNUSA). His efforts served to unite the U.S. and Canada into a sizable snowmobile force.

Al is survived by his wife Marion, four children, 14 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and one greatgreat-grandchild. He will be missed by the many friends he made across the U.S. and Canada while attending snowmobiling events and trail rides.

A Celebration of Life was held February 14, 2026 in Caledonia, MN. He was laid to rest in Union Ridge Cemetery near his sister, parents, grandparents and other family members.

Memorials and condolences for the Allen Eglinton Family can be sent in care of McCormick Funeral Home, 205 East Main Street, Caledonia, MN 55921.

WHAT'S COOKIN'? Cheddarburger Skillet 1 pound ground beef 1 large onion, chopped 10 3/4-ounce can cream of mushroom soup 10 3/4-ounce can cheddar cheese soup (for more zing, try nacho cheese soup) 1/4 cup water 2 cans whole potatoes, drained and cut up (I prefer to add 3 cups cooked elbow macaroni instead) 1/2 pound Velveeta cheese slices

Brown ground beef and onion. Drain grease and add mushroom soup, cheese soup and water. Stir all ingredients together. Add potatoes or elbow macaroni, if you prefer.

Continue cooking until all ingredients are well combined and heated through, stirring occasionally. Add Velveeta cheese slices on top, and heat until melted.

Rose Vesely North Country Snowmobile Club, Region 1

March 2026

25

Club News

MnUSA Premium Clubs!

Be a part of the group who is supporting trails and the success of MnUSA. For $100 a year, your club will be listed in Minnesota Snowmobiling Magazine each issue. Plus, you’ll receive a wonderful 18”x24” sign with stand, declaring you are a proud MnUSA Premium Club, perfect for showing off at your local meetings or events you attend. Simply send a check to the MnUSA office at 14000 Sunfish Lake Blvd. NW, Ste L., Ramsey, MN 55303 (in the memo write “CLUB DONATION”), or contact Scott Wakefield today at oliver1650@icloud.com or 612-483-5638.

Ash River-Kabetogama Snowdrifters Benton County SC Big Lake Sno Cruisers Blue Earth Snow Rovers Bonanza Valley Trail Blazers Cokato Ridge Runners Country Snow Cruisers, Inc. Crow River Sno Pros Dalton Snow Thrashers E. C. Riders Elk Lake Easy Riders Ely Igloo Snowmobile Club Eveleth Trailhawks Snowmobile Club 26

MnUSA Premium Clubs Freeborn Cty Snowmobile Trail Assn Greenway Snowmobile Club Harding Lastrup SnoDusters Hillman Swampstompers Hinckley/Pine City Flames Leech Lake Riders Club Lincoln Lakes SC Longville Snowmobile Club Lost River Trails Madelia Snohawks Mille Lacs Trails Naytahwaush Nightriders New Market Snomads

Northern Pine Riders Northwoods Trail Riders Otter Trail Riders Palmer Powder Hounds Pequaywan Area TrailBlazers Pequot Brush Pilots Prior Lake Snowmobile Assn Reservoir Riders Ridgerunner’s Snowmobile Club River City Snow Riders River Valley Trail Blazers Rock County Sno-Masters Roseau County Trailblazers

Minnesota Snowmobiling

Scott County Sno Trails Sherburne Co. Snowmobile Trail Assoc.

Sno Barons Snowmobile Club Snowbirds of Amboy, Inc. St Augusta Blizzard Busters Tamarack Sno-Flyers Trail Breakers Inc Voyageurs Snowmobile Club Wells Creek Riders Westonka SnoBlazers

Club News

In Memory of Tom McArthur (1959-2022)

Everyone knew him, and Tom treated each person like family. He was the type of person who would give his shirt off his back to help anyone in need, even in below-freezing weather.

“Tom wasn’t my uncle by blood, but he’s been my Uncle Tom since I asked at four if I could call him that, and he said ‘Of course, Mick.’ That was who he was – to me and to everyone – full of life, endlessly generous, and loving without limits. If you knew him, you knew he was gold.”

– McKaylee Swanson

Tom and Ruth McArthur.

Tommy Mac – you say that name around here, and everyone has a story to tell. Tom McArthur was an integral part of the Naytahwaush Nightriders Snowmobile Club.

He was my dad’s best friend, and like an uncle to me.

He passed away doing one of the things he loved most— snowmobiling—on the second day of our annual Hospice fundraising ride. That weekend in Park Rapids was unforgettable, filled with pit stops, memories, and rallying for a special cause.

Tom helped our club with every event, even during the summer. Despite raising three boys with his wife Ruth, and running the Village Store, he always made time to brainstorm ideas we still use today. Tom was involved in every part of Snodeo, Hospice fundraising, Fun Run, banquets, meetings, and trail maintenance. His absence leaves our club searching for his advice.

He was a spectacular club member, and truly one of a kind. He was one of the kindest souls I’ve ever known.

Tom gave the best life advice. The weekend he passed, we stopped at the Bully Barn in Park Rapids during our Hospice ride. At age 21, I was struggling with career options – money or passion. I asked Tom for his opinion, and he said something like this: “Anna, you’re young. You have your whole life ahead of you. If you need money A young Anna Paul and Tom McArthur in 2006. to make things work right now, choose that. But…never forget your passion and always go back to what you love.” Tom taught me that while it’s important to make a living, it’s also imperative that we enjoy what we do with our lives. I will carry his advice with me forever.

“Tommy Mac was my best friend. We did everything together – from fishing, snowmobiling, helping with our club’s Snodeo races, to the Hospice ride he started. Tom was always there to help. His family meant everything to him, and he embraced my daughters like they were his own, teaching them life lessons. I miss him every day!”

– Steve ‘Carrot’ Paul His death deeply affected our community, but it also reminded us to start living the lives we never made time for before. It took time for our club to find its footing again, but I believe Tom would be proud of us for continuing – even when we weren’t sure we could. We’ll miss Tom’s presence for the rest of our lives, but his legacy will continue on.

The 2022 Hospice Ride group.

Submitted by Anna Paul, Naytahwaush Nightriders Snowmobile Club Secretary March 2026

27

February & March

RAFFLE CALENDAR

W I N N ERS

THE ALL-NEW 858 IS HERE

The Model Year 2026 reinvents riding, one sled at a time.

Country Cat Sauk Centre 320-351-4481 countrycat.com Lighthouse Motorsports Rosemount 651-322-4420 lighthousemotorsports.com MotoProz, Inc. Mazeppa 507-843-2855 motoproz.com Olson’s Outdoor Sports Mahnomen 218-935-2355 olsonsoutdoor.com Always wear a helmet and don’t drink and ride.

28

2/1/26 2/2/26 2/3/26 2/4/26 2/5/26 2/6/26 2/7/26 2/8/26 2/9/26 2/10/26 2/11/26 2/12/26 2/13/26 2/14/26 2/15/26 2/16/26 2/17/26 2/18/26 2/19/26 2/20/26 2/21/26 2/22/26 2/23/26 2/24/26 2/25/26 2/26/26 2/27/26 2/28/26

$50 $25 $25 $25 $25 $25 $50 $50 $25 $25 $25 $25 $25 $250 $50 $250 $25 $25 $25 $25 $50 $50 $25 $25 $25 $25 $25 $50

Scott Tommerdahl Peggy Koscielniak Blair Holthusen Paul Geannakouri Bob Good Jeff Davis Evan Vanderlinde Kurt Doree Mike Clevenger Tessa Bergstrom Jason Witt Mike Smith Brooke Pollock Ashley Klerer Bill Wyffels Bob Sell Dann Haider Maylee Decker Carl Peterson Jim Berg James Hanson Cyd Malelcha Jim Keesling Ron Schesso Rita Gelhar Becky Orrock Fred Holter Floyd Baynes

Felton Hillman Grygla Austin Waconia Brooklyn Center Waconia Hibbing Morristown Grand Forks Henderson Dodge Center Kalispell, MT Gaylord Pillager Spring Grove, PA Waubun Southhaven Menahga Moorhead Thief River Falls Prior Lake Columbia Falls, MT St Bonifacius McGregor Big Lake Oslo Faribault

3/1/26 3/2/26 3/3/26 3/4/26 3/5/26 3/6/26 3/7/26 3/8/26 3/9/26 3/10/26 3/11/26 3/12/26 3/13/26 3/14/26 3/15/26 3/16/26 3/17/26 3/18/26 3/19/26 3/20/26 3/21/26 3/22/26 3/23/26 3/24/26 3/25/26 3/26/26 3/27/26 3/28/26 3/29/26 3/30/26 3/31/26

$50 $25 $25 $25 $25 $25 $50 $50 $25 $25 $25 $25 $25 $50 $50 $25 $250 $25 $25 $25 $50 $50 $25 $25 $25 $25 $25 $50 $50 $25 $25

Derek Gibbs Starla Tyree Justin Moore Keth Vos Myron Knodel Brook Busack Ron Kalinoski Matt Motz John Rowe Judy Lothenbach Shawn Fichert Sam Tiede Lee O’Brien Jason Lindah Steve Bartsch Leon Anderson Steve Silliman Bob Heyer Bob Nurnberger Carol Van Sloun Alex Forslund Eric Bottelson John Moyer Michelle Goetz Jerel Nelsen Mark Salz Ben Denny Roman Yudin Jerry Kvistad Jake Luhman Dave Babrock

Madison Lake Savage Lanaric, IL Minneapolis Dilworth Sacred Heart Thief River Falls Lonsdale Elko New Market Inver Grove Heights Williams New Prague Belle Plaine Pine Island Owatonna Fargo, ND Big Fork Winona Staples Chaska Cambridge Glenville Lake City Maple Grove Staples Lakeville Rochester Gloversville, NY Elk River Red Wing Stewartville

Minnesota Snowmobiling

MnUSA Business Partners

“√” Denotes Show Your Card Member √ Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association

Neighborhood Tavern, LLC. Effie, MN 218-743-3286

Antler Lake Store & Lodge Bigfork, MN 218-245-2369

Wilbert Café & El Toro Lounge Cotton, MN 218-482-3318

The Event Center Floodwood, 218-591-4333

First State Bank of Bigfork Bigfork, MN 218-743-3145

Eagle Lake Plumbing Cromwell, MN 218-644-3010

The 89 Bar & Grill Bemidji, MN 218-751-8571

Clancy’s on Island Lake Park Rapids, MN 218-732-5270

Hoot-N-Holler Blackduck, MN 218-659-9225

Emmaville Crossing Park Rapids, MN 218-732-8544

North Country Hardware Clearbrook, MN 218-776-3615

Heartland Inn Hotel Park Rapids, MN 218-732-1471

Sportsman Lodge Gonvick, MN 218-487-5295

Thelen’s Concrete Products Park Rapids, MN 218-732-1458

Aitkin Flyers Aitkin, MN 218-927-2557

Up North Power & Sports Park Rapids, MN 218-237-5670

Farm Island Store Aitkin, MN 218-927-3791

Lobo’s Bar & Grill Lake Itasca, MN 218-266-3611

Wehrs AG Group Park Rapids, MN

Midwest Machinery Co. Aitkin, MN 218-927-2140

Side Track Tap Bar & Grill Leonard, MN 218-968-2304

Zorbaz in Park Rapids Park Rapids, MN 218-237-1969

Anchorage Inn Longville, MN 218-363-2236

The Fishbowl Rochert, MN 218-847-8706

Docksider Longville, MN 218-363-2565

LTC Water Control St Paul, MN 651-329-2732

Longville Campground Longville, MN 218-363-2610

Lakes Area Power Sports Walker, MN 218-547-1558

Longville Lakes Bottle Shop Longville, MN 218-363-3249

Fraternal Order of Eagles Warroad Aerie 4195 Warroad, MN 218-386-3494

Border Bank Baudette, MN 218-634-3300

Longville Turtle Town Café Longville, MN 218-363-3333

Upper Red Lake Area Association Waskish, MN 218-556-5844

The Landing Aitkin, MN 218-927-9998

Cyrus Resort Baudette, MN 218-634-2548

Motorheads of Longville Longville, MN 218-363-3499

Carrot’s Auto Body Waubun, MN 218-473-2417

Tire Barn Aitkin, MN 218-927-1444

Lake of the Wood Marine Baudette, MN 218-634-2289

Musky House Marine Longville, MN 218-363-2044

Rainbow Resort Waubun, MN 218-734-2241

Ash Trail Lodge Ash River, MN 218-374-3131

LOW Passenger Service Baudette, MN 218-395-0414

One Stop Convenience Store Longville, MN 218-363-2252

REGION

1

Sled Girlz Ada, MN 701-405-3448 Jerry’s Bar & Restaurant Angle Inlet, MN 218-223-8381 Points North Services Angle Inlet, MN 218-223-4201 Brustad Land Surveying Bagley, MN 218-694-5280 Galen’s Fresh Food Market & Do It Best Bagley, MN 218-694-6212 Pinks Repair Bagley, MN 218-694-6575 Gerbracht Logging Baley, MN 218-694-2132 Adrian’s Resort Baudette, MN 218-634-1985 Ballard’s Resort Baudette, MN 218-634-1849

Northern Sports Baudette, MN 218-634-1089 Sportsman’s Lodge Baudette, MN 218-634-1342

Shorty’s Place Gully, MN 218-268-4199

40 Club Restaurant & Bar Aitkin, MN 218-927-7090

2

Olson’s Outdoor Sports Mahnomen, MN 218-935-2355

Loon Point Resort Bigfork, MN 218-245-1470

Mudflats Bar & Grill Aitkin, MN 218-678-3122 Paulbeck’s Country Market Aitkin, MN 218-927-6919

REGION

LaVallee Inc Mississauga 905-670-1588

Britt Lounge Britt, MN 218-741-2035

Walleye Capital Sanitation Baudette, MN 218-634-3151

√Lonesome Pine Rentals Naytahwaush, MN 218-935-5855

Island View Lodge International Falls, MN 218-286-3511

Bemidji Sports Centre Bemidji, MN 218-751-4477

Pinehurst Resort Naytahwaush, MN 218-935-5745

Kocian’s Family Market Big Fork, MN 218-743-3113

Golf on the Edge Bigfork, MN 218-743-3626

Pine Inn Aitkin, MN 320-684-2452

Powell Auto Sales & Service Bigfork, MN 218-743-3795 Sun Mountain LLC Hideaway Bigfork, MN The Shop Bigfork, MN 218-743-3666 Trailside Restaurant & Bar Bigfork, MN 218-245-0213 Rons Korner Market Bovey, MN 218-247-7351

Riverside Pub Aitkin, MN 218-927-3915 The Glen Store and Grill Aitkin, MN 320-684-2229

Norlander Electric LLC Britt, MN 218-780-2161 Bill Wilde Alignment & Auto Repair Calumet, MN Dawghouse Bar & Grill LLC Canyon, MN 218-345-8830 Nelson Funeral Care Cloquet, MN 218-879-3225

Ash-Ka-Nam Resort Ash River, MN 218-374-3181

Reliable Insurance Agency Cloquet, MN 218-514-7705

Frontier Resort Ash River, MN 866-950-2986

√Florio’s Grill & Tavern Cohasset, MN 218-999-7077

√Lossing’s Power Sports Babbitt, MN 218-827-2635

√Rox Speed FX, Inc Cohasset, MN 218-326-1794

Big Falls Liquor Store Big Falls, MN 218-276-3333

Vermilion Hotel Cook, MN 218-666-2272

Pritchards Corner Big Falls, MN 218-276-3400

True North Excavating LLC Cotton, MN 218-576-2547

March 2026

Bowstring Shores Resort Deer River, MN 218-832-3101 Outpost Bar and Grill Deer River, MN 218-246-9868 Riley’s Cannibal Jct Deer River, MN 218-832-3656 El Oasis Del Norte Duluth, MN 218-464-0824 Effie Country Service Effie, MN 218-743-3616 Dan’s Garage Ely, MN 218-235-1625 Ely Chamber Of Commerce Ely, MN 218-365-6123

Mainline Station Floodwood, MN 218-476-2222

Kec’s Kove Resort Kabetogama, MN 218-875-2841

Blackberry Junction Grand Rapids, MN 763-442-8012

Sandy Point Lodge, Inc Kabetogama, MN 218-875-2615

Cedar Creek Tavern Grand Rapids, MN 218-327-8000

Waters Edge Repair Kabetogama, MN 218-875-2023

√Jig Rock Ranch Grand Rapids, MN 218-244-6797

Cedar Point Resort Marcell, MN 218-832-3808

Northland AG & Turf Grand Rapids, MN 218-326-1200

Edge of the Wilderness Lodging Association Marcell, MN 888-754-0011

Northland V-Twin & Offroad Grand Rapids, MN 218-326-0545 R&R Rental of Grand Rapids GRAND RAPIDS, MN 218-999-7368 Rapid Roof Truss LLC Grand Rapids, MN 218-326-1777 Ray’s Sport & Cycle Grand Rapids, MN 218-326-9355

√Grand Ely Lodge Ely, MN 218-365-6565

The Pickled Loon Saloon Grand Rapids, MN 218-301-0485

Joe’s Marine & Repair Inc. Ely, MN 218-365-6264

√Trails Inn Quadna Mountain Motel and RV Park Hill City, MN 218-506-8030

Kuehl’s Logging LLC Ely, MN 218-365-5504 Paddle Inn Motel Ely, MN 218-365-6036 Rock Country Masonry Ely, MN 218-235-3471

√Bann’s Bar & Restaurant McGregor, MN 218-426-3450 √Big Sandy Lodge & Resort McGregor, MN 218-426-5040 Dependable Demolition McGregor, MN 218-820-0174 Floe International Inc McGregor, MN 800-336-6337 Grand Timber Bank McGregor, MN 218-768-2410

Rainy Lake One Stop International Falls, MN 218-286-5700

Meyer’s Service McGregor, MN 218-426-0026

Ranier Municipal Liquor International Falls, MN 218-286-3343

Minnesota National Golf Club & Resort McGregor, MN 218-426-4444

The Junction International Falls, MN 218-283-3339

Margies Roosevelt Bar Eveleth, MN 218-744-2121

Thunderbird Lodge International Falls, MN 218-286-3151

Super 8 - Eveleth Eveleth, MN 218-297-0782

√Arrowhead Lodge Resort & Outfitters Kabetogama, MN 218-875-2141

Townline Short Stop Eveleth, MN 218-744-1509

202 Tavern McGregor, MN 218-770-3161

International Falls CVB International Falls, MN 218-283-9401

5 Seasons Sports Center Inc Eveleth, MN 218-744-5874

Timber’s Edge Bar & Grill Eveleth, MN 218-744-2627

Lakeside Lumber & Hardware Marcell, MN 218-832-3300

School House Café/The Country House McGregor, MN 218-768-2403 Willeys Marine & Sports McGregor, MN 218-426-4350 City of Mizpah Mizpah, MN

Blind Pig Tavern Kabetogama, MN 218-875-2310

Mizpah Community Events Mizpah, MN

Border Guide Service Kabetogama, MN 218-324-2430

Northland AG & Turf Moose Lake, MN 218-485-4486

29

MnUSA Business Partners Northland AG & Turf Mountain Iron, MN 218-749-0720 Fisher’s Petroleum, Inc. Northome, MN 218-897-5249 Northland Progressive Inc. Northome, MN Northome Grocery Northome, MN 218-897-5261 Northome Municipal Liquor Northome, MN 218-897-9501 √Oveson’s Pelican Lake Resort & Inn Orr, MN 218-757-3613 MJ’s Lodge & Resort Pengilly, MN 218-885-1093 Boondocks Bar & Grill Ray, MN 218-875-2700 Swan River Redeye Swan River, MN 218-492-4512

ATA Heating, A/C & Home Services LLC Brooten, MN 320-262-0443 2 Tall Tavern Cushing, MN 218-575-3013 Anchor North Cushing, MN 218-575-2089 Lincoln Area Business Association Cushing, MN 800-462-0203 Anderson Carpet Service Elk River, MN Frank’s Resort Emily, MN 218-763-2246 Lake Country Foods Emily, MN 218-763-7700 Log Cabin Bar Emily, MN 218-763-2591 NAK Machining & Repair Emily, MN 218-838-8795

Meld Electric Tamarack, MN 320-267-8918 Lake Vermilion House Boats Inc Tower, MN 218-753-3548 Tavern in the Bay Tower, MN 218-753-8888

Redding’s Sports & Spirits Emily, MN 218-763-2191 Ryder Loon Lodge LLC Emily, MN 612-801-9687

Dincau Construction Virginia, MN

Lake Country Properties Emiy, MN 218-763-3800 Castaways Bar, Restaurant & Camp Isle, MN 320-684-2380

Edwards Oil Virginia, MN 218-741-9634

REGION

3

Fishers Resort Isle, MN 320-684-2221 √PTWLUBES.COM Monticello, MN 612-501-8992

Green Lantern Bar & Grill Brainerd, MN 218-764-2323

Friendly Inn of Lincoln Motley, MN 218-575-3295

Friederichs Auctions Minneapolis, MN 763-591-1642

Kaduce Tire Mapleton, MN 507-524-4999

Millers Market St. Charles, MN 507-932-3760

Breeze Inn Duluth, MN 218-525-2883

Re/Max Results Denise Beneke Outing, MN 612-269-3490

Pfeffer Tree Service Mapleton, MN 507-317-0595

Pearson & Stemper Electric St. Charles, MN 507-208-1968

Duluth Coating Solutions Duluth, MN 218-729-4585

Blackwoods, Inc. Two Harbors, MN 218-834-3846

Brewskies Bar & Grill Utica, MN 507-932-3485

Duluth Lawn & Sport Duluth, MN 218-628-3718

Castle Haven, Inc Two Harbors, MN 218-834-4303

Cedar Valley Resort & Outfitters Whalan, MN 507-467-9000

Hi Banks Resort Duluth, MN 888-924-3355

Cooperative Light & Power Two Harbors, MN 218-834-2226

D Bar Vernon Center, MN 507-549-3153

Reds Storage Outing, MN 218-513-3635 Waste Partners Pine River, MN 218-587-8727

REGION

5

RE/MAX Results - Alex Hartmann Remer, MN 651-334-5000 √AmericInn of Sauk Centre Sauk Centre, MN 320-352-2800 √Centre Powersports & Marine Sauk Centre, MN 320-351-7669 Country Cat Sauk Centre, MN 320-351-4481 Phil Polipnick Insurance Sauk Centre, MN 320-352-6171 Winters Recreation Sauk Centre, MN 320-351-7533 Ross Seelhammer Plumbing Wadena, MN 218-371-1623

Pequaywan Inn Duluth, MN 218-848-2201

Mauers Bros. Tavern Altura, MN 507-932-9957

REGION

6

Caledonia Lumber Caledonia, MN 507-725-3381

Dziedzic Caulking Andover, MN

Cannon Power Sports Cannon Falls, MN 507-263-4532

Anoka Business Landowners Association Anoka, MN

√J&M Parts Supply, Inc Chatfield, MN

Caliber, Inc. Burnsville, MN 952-985-9999

Elba Valley Express Elba, MN 507-932-5489 Tony’s Saloon Elba, MN 507-932-4969 Lake Front Bar & Grill Le Center, MN 507-357-4401

Sheet Metal Solutions Duluth, MN 218-721-4424 Crooked Lake Resort Finland, MN 218-220-0211 Trestle Inn Finland, MN 218-830-0523 Johnson Supply Co. Hermantown, MN 218-722-1717

√Chopper Powersports Fridley, MN 763-572-2100 Midwest Extreme Snowmoible Challenge Triplefest Hugo, MN 651-392-7185

Weis Eye Center, PA Hermantown, MN 218-625-1917 √Knotted Pine Inn & Tavern Isabella, MN 218-323-7681 Trailside Lounge & Grill, Inc Meadowlands, MN 218-427-2773

Little Dandy Sports Bar Le Center, MN 507-357-6062 REGION

REGION

4

√Wigwam Motel Emily, MN 218-763-2995

C&B Warehouse Virginia, MN 218-741-3103

30

Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association

√Thomas Sno Sports Ogilvie, MN 320-556-3467

The Pickled Loon Saloon Emily, MN 218-763-4402

Vermilion Club Tower, MN 218-753-6277

“√” Denotes Show Your Card Member √

Grover Farm Amboy, MN 507-381-7385 Thunder Bar & Restaurant Good Thunder, MN 507-278-4488 Fahey Flooring Le Sueur, MN County Line Ag Madelia, MN 507-380-9015 Southern MN High Pressure Piping Madelia, MN 507-621-0177

7

Brewster’s Bar & Grill Lonsdale, MN 507-744-2370

Caywood Country Store Saginaw, MN 218-729-8200

Rail 19 Bar & Grill Lonsdale, MN 507-744-5528

Clip Joint Tavern Alborn, MN 218-345-6266

Hoss Construction Saginaw, MN 218-393-4261

Coborn’s Superstore New Prague, MN 952-758-2556

Jim Larson Excavating Alborn, MN

LaBerge Logging & Contracting Silver Bay, MN 218-226-3586

St. Patrick’s Tavern & Restaurant New Prague, MN 952-758-2380 Union Hill Bar & Grill New Prague, MN 952-758-4239 Dana Heger Ins & Financial Services St. Charles, MN 507-932-3750

Hugo’s Bar Brimson, MN 218-848-2220 Country Corner Bar Brookston, MN 218-391-5661 Billy’s Bar & Grill Duluth, MN 218-525-4720 Boom Town Brewery & Woodfire Grill Duluth, MN 218-722-0977

Minnesota Snowmobiling

Mariner Motel Silver Bay, MN 800-777-8452 Northwest Outlet Inc Superior, WI 715-392-9839 Superior Shores Resort Two Harbors, MN 218-834-5671

American Legion Post 109 Two Harbors, MN 218-834-4141

IUOE Local 49 Minneapolis, MN 612-788-9441 The Doublewide New Market, MN 952-461-3682

√Country Inn - Two Harbors Two Harbors, MN 218-834-5557 Harbor Insurance Two Harbors, MN 218-834-2114

√Dent Werks PDR Plymouth, MN 612-599-7719 Charlie’s on Prior Prior Lake, MN 952-226-5253 Doherty’s Tavern Prior Lake, MN 952-447-9010 Hollywood Sports Complex Watertown, MN 952-955-2424

Judy’s Café Two Harbors, MN 218-834-4802 KAZ Contracting Service Two Harbors, MN 218-576-7759 Sonju Two Harbors Sports Center Two Harbors, MN 218-414-7639 Superior Hiking Trail Assn Two Harbors, MN 218-834-2700

REGION

9

Brothers Market Alexandria, MN 320-762-8121 Ollie’s Service Alexandria, MN 320-763-4455

TH Auto Inc. Two Harbors, MN 218-834-6167

Winning Edge Graphics Alexandria, MN 320-763-7953

Two Harbors Federal Credit Union Two Harbors, MN 218-834-2266

Pit 611 Audubon, MN 218-439-6121 Spud’s Small Engine Service & Repair Barrett, MN 320-528-2299

REGION

8

Belle Plaine Equipment Sales Belle Plaine, MN 612-902-2773 Schlemmer Electric Bloomington, MN 612-296-6000 Idea Builders LLC Golden Valley, MN 612-245-8040 √CorTrust Bank Mayer, MN 952-657-2500

Bleachers Sports Bar & Grill Detroit Lakes, MN 218-844-6820 Boats Inc. Detroit Lakes, MN 218-847-0324 Detroit Lakes Express Inc Detroit Lakes, MN 218-847-8049 Detroit Lakes Tourism Bureau Detroit Lakes, MN 218-844-7567

MnUSA Business Partners Richwood Grill Detroit Lakes, MN 218-847-8897

Frontier Marine & Powersports Fergus Falls, MN 218-998-4386

Voltedge Electric Ottertail, MN 218-637-3725

T.S. Recreational, Inc Detroit Lakes, MN 218-844-3033

AJ’s Gas & Grocery Herman, MN 320-677-2300

Perham Area Chamber of Commerce Perham, MN 218-346-7710

Donnelly Co-Op Donnelly, MN 320-246-3555

DHS Grain Ltd. Hoffman, MN 320-986-2467

AgCountry Farm Credit Elbow Lake, MN 218-685-5311

Hanson Auctioneers Hoffman, MN 320-760-5485

Farmers Agency Elbow Lake, MN 218-685-6880

Runestone Telecom Association Hoffman, MN 320-986-2013

Grant County Lumber Elbow Lake, MN 218-685-5321

Duane Rau Trucking Kensington, MN

Haley Oil Company Elbow Lake, MN 218-685-4466 Midwest Machinery Elbow Lake, MN 218-332-0550 Somedays Bar & Grill Evansville, MN 218-948-2002

Warner Garage Door New York Mills, MN 218-385-2853 54K LLC Norcross, MN Joe’s Backhoe Ottertail, MN 218-371-6923 Ottertail Aggregate Ottertail, MN 218-367-2581

Steve’s Sanitation Perham, MN 218-346-4834 Ice Cracking Lodge Ponsford, MN 218-573-3631 Ruther Excavating Inc. Richville, MN 218-298-1477

Wherever the trail leads, there’s an AmericInn nearby waiting to offer you friendly service, a comfortable and quiet night’s sleep, and always a place to park your sled.

Farmers Cooperative Oil Association Wendell, MN 218-685-4491 OTHER MEMBERS Absolute Insurance West Fargo, ND 701-365-0515 Track Inc - Tucker Sno-Cat Dealer Monico, WI 952-888-7372

Relax and enjoy our heated indoor pool.

Fuel up every morning with a free homestyle breakfast.

Al Vesely Fundraiser Long-time club member and fellow snowmobiler, Al Vesely, has incurred some major dental/medical issues and his small motor repair shop burned recently. Al also suffers from cerebral palsy.

A GoFundMe page has been created for Al to help incur his medical cost at the Mayo Clinic. Your donations will help Al move through this major hurdle and again have a purpose in life.

MICHIGAN Calumet

Iron River

906-337-6463

906-265-9100

Silver City 906-662-9111

MINNESOTA Grand Rapids

Int’l Falls

Roseau

218-326-8999

218-209-2487

218-463-1045

The following is a link to Al’s GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-al-vesleyrebuild-restore-dignity Rod Seibel, Club Administrator North Country Snowmobile Club

Tofte

Virginia

218-663-7899

218-208-0230

AmericInn.com | 800.634.3444 Comfortable, quieter rooms | Free, hot, home-style breakfast Hotel-wide, high-speed internet | Indoor pool March 2026

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New in-stock sleds arriving daily!

Now is the time to service your sled for the upcoming season.

Call your local

dealer to schedule a maintenance appointment.

Chopper Powersports Fridley 763-572-2100 Chopperpowersports.com

Chopper Powersports Maple Plain 763-479-3719 Chopperpowersports.com

Duluth Lawn & Sport Duluth 218-628-3718 duluthlawnandsport.com Hansen Sports on Bay Lake Deerwood 218-678-2051 hansensonbaylake.com

Davis Motorsports Delano 763-972-5045 davismotorsportsdelano.com

Falcon Powersports Stacy 651-212-9998 FalconSports.com

Podein’s Power Equipment Stewartville 507-533-8841 podeinspowerequipment.com

Ray’s Sport & Cycle Grand Rapids 218-326-9355 rayssportandcycle.com

WARNING: Professional rider on a closed course. Polaris® recommends that all snowmobile riders take a training course.

Do not attempt maneuvers beyond your capability. Always wear a helmet and other safety apparel. Never drink and ride.