9960 Wayzata Blvd., St. Louis Park, MN 55426 888-887-1685 www.marriott.com/mspsp
Your Hosts: MnUSA Region 8 Clubs
Contacts: Dick Theis 763-350-9351, Terry Hutchinson, 612-581-6627 Nanc y Hanson 612-802-9570
We aspire to bring you information that will be helpful and entertaining to you individually and to your club.
Hotel Reservations: Group Room Rate $119+tax (Blocked under “MnUSA Fall Workshop 2025”) Last day to book Thursday, October 9, 2025. For group rate, please use online reservations https:// www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1751913366985&key=GRP&app=resvlink
Preliminary Schedule of Weekend Events:
Friday: Registration begins at 3 pm Vendors, Reception, Socializing, Snowmobile Safety Instructor Training Saturday: Registration begins at 7 am 9 am MnUSA Annual Meeting Vendors, Seminars, Dinner, Entertainment, Door Prizes (All included in registration fee) Sunday: 9 am MnUSA Board of
Directors Meeting
Check the MnUSA Region 8 Facebook page for updates www.facebook.com/MnUSA Region 8
Note: Event registration is separate from lodging.
LIST OF POTENTIAL SEMINARS
Trail Administrators Roundtable
Trail Stops, Fundraising & Other Club Activities
First Aid/Stop the Bleed Trip Planning Climate Change RiderX
Early Bird Event Registration Prices Shown (Add $20 to each registration after 10/7/25)
Youth Club Directors Forum Working With Volunteers Club/Trail Insurance & Incident Reporting Enhance Your Social Media Presence Keeping Your Club Current with State & IRS Regulations Adult(s)
Kids 12-17
Kids under 12
Registrations are transferable but not refundable.
Mail event registration form and payment to: MnUSA Region 8, Inc, 4600 Winnetka Ave N., New Hope, MN 55428
September 2025 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
Director at Large 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.
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, Gail Friborg, Tom Jann, Mike Ness
CONTRIBUTIONS: Letters, manuscripts, stories, materials and photographs are welcome but cannot be returned unless sender provides a SASE. Minnesota Snowmobiling
847-707-8511 chuck@mwomedia.com www.MnUSA.org
From the Editor Scott Wakefield
Well, we are off and running again! What a horrible summer; a summer bummer, I’d say. Hot, humid, rain every other day, buggy—oh, the bugs! And who could forget the Canadian wildfire smoke? What should’ve been bright clear sunny days ended up being faded, cloudy, stinky, perpetual campfire smelling, days. Don’t get me wrong, I’m one to enjoy the smell of a campfire from time to time, but not acrid, thick, eye-burning, throat-scratching smoke.
Hay Days is this month’s focus, along with some club news, vintage news, upcoming events, and a recap
Good Riddance, Summer SNOCAPS
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on legislative news, CRP information, as well as information about the upcoming Fall Workshop hosted by region 8, the Twin Cities. Plenty of good stuff for out-of-the-gate action.
Share your stories! I know many of you club members participated in landowner appreciation events, parades, community events, picnics, boat rides, etc. Please complete the Club Submission form and email a high-resolution photo to me and we will get it in the magazine. This magazine goes to snowmobilers, but also to non-snowmobilers, so let’s tell our story!
This is your magazine, make it what you want it to be. Contact me at Oliver1650@icloud.com with comments or suggestions.
Our SnoCaps were developed to protect snowmobiles from the harsh chemicals on winter roads. Since then they have been protecting snowmobiles, ATVs, Rangers, airplanes, and more. Get in touch with us today to get your order started!
From the MnUSA President
Start Planning for Snow!
Mike Clevenger
Hello fellow snowmobilers. It has been a long time since we have seen any of that glorious white stuff. Even though we have not received any snow for quite some time, snowmobiling activities don’t stop. Since the last article we have had the MnUSA Spring Budget Meeting, the International Snowmobile Congress (ISC) and the MnUSA Summer Event. It has been a very full and busy summer.
Now is the time to start planning for our next snow season. Time for late summer snowmobiling events, Region meetings, and the start of club meetings. The time is now to start thinking about possibly picking up that new sled from the dealer or getting your old sleds out of storage and preparing them for the winter season. Don’t forget your trailer maintenance as well. It is also that time of year to gather MnUSA and club dues, recruit new members, speak with your local businesses about becoming a MnUSA business partner and oh, don’t forget your snowmobile registrations.
This year’s season kicks off at the Princeton Outlaw Grass Drags and the Sno-Baron’s Hay Days events. If these two events don’t get you excited about the upcoming season, I don’t know what will! Even though it could be 90 degrees out we are still thinking about snow and how nice it would be to enjoy it this year. (At least that is my thought!) Be sure to look for the MnUSA booth in a new location at Hay Days. MnUSA will be on top of the hill close to the SnoBaron’s Clubhouse and the refreshment place. Our new tent will be on display this year—come check it out.
The MnUSA Board of Directors and Executive Board are continuing their mission of updating and establishing new policies and procedures to better benefit the future of MnUSA. MnUSA cannot accept tax-deductible contributions and donations due to our new state change as a 501(c)3 organization. MnUSA works hard to keep the privilege of snowmobiling alive for you!
There are hundreds of volunteers working behind the scenes to keep this effort moving forward. These
volunteers work with local businesses and landowners to retain access to over 22,000 miles of trails throughout the state. Think about how significant that is and what it says about our sport. MnUSA also has specific committees that work with the DNR’s Recreation Parks and Trails personnel on issues that affect snowmobiling. This could be anything from funding, registrations, land access, trail signing and trail maintenance to name just a few. MnUSA is also involved with the DNR Enforcement Division with regards to Snowmobile Safety Training. These partnerships are valuable to both organizations and are only becoming stronger.
Not only is it time to think about sled registrations, but it is also the time of year to renew your membership with your clubs and/or trail associations. I still maintain my challenge from last year moving into this year. The challenge was to have every MnUSA member recruit at least one new member, a past member that hasn’t renewed for several years or a business partner. With this effort we can continue to grow our organization. MnUSA is and always will be stronger if we continue to work together and recruit others to join us.
Please check out our new website, MnUSA.org to find a club, business partner, safety materials, our monthly Newsledder update, landowner information, Grant-In-Aid Trail information, scholarship information, plus many new items that were not previously found on our old website. It is worth exploring! Encourage fellow snowmobilers to use our new website and gain more insight into our organization. As with every new endeavor MnUSA is still making improvements and developmental updates to our site. Once you try the site you will see how user-friendly it can be – please use it – it is there for YOU!
MnUSA Directors
Executive Board
President 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
Well, it’s that time of year again as we start to prepare for another season of snowmobiling in the great state of Minnesota. Sitting in my camper on a 90-degree day with thunderstorms makes it hard to come up with a great story for you all to read, but I keep dreaming about 10 inches of snow for an average inch of rain.
Let’s pray for a great year of snow this year as I don’t think the industry could handle many more brown-out years in a row.
On a positive note, Arctic Cat is back and seems to be coming back strong. Rumor has it this will be the last year of Kitty Cat snowmobiles as most people are starting their kids out on 200cc models. I have been told that they are already on the assembly line in Thief River Falls. I’m very excited to see what new things come out of TRF in the next few years! It’s a great thing in today’s world that we keep all the manufacturers alive in our sport and other outdoor sports as well.
I also received an email from the printing company that the 2026 Raffle calendars are done and ready for pickup, so we will be selling them at the Outlaw Grass Drags and Hay Days. They are $20 each with over $20,000 in prize payouts. The funds are used to help support the trails in Minnesota. The calendars have a new design this year that I hope you all enjoy, so make sure to reach out to your local club and get yours while they last…1 in 16 is a winner which is great odds for $20.
I’d like to take this time to remind all of us that when new members join your club, have an open mind and listen to them, let them be a part of the work we do. If it’s a suggestion that has been tried before, take the time to explain the details of why or why not it didn’t work. Some things just need a fresh mind to work out. With that said, I challenge every one of you to recruit at least one new member to your club. We have a voice in Minnesota, and there is strength in numbers. The more people who belong to a snowmobile club and become educated on all that goes on behind the scenes, the better our trail system
becomes. Plus, most of the friends I have, I met belonging to snowmobile clubs. There is a camaraderie in the passion that we all share.
It’s time we start getting trails in shape, and as a reminder, be sure that all stop signs and stop-aheads are in place. If you have new members, have them lead the signing in your area. If they get confused on where the trail is, then a sign is required to improve your trail sections. This is just a suggestion that has worked well for me in the past, as a trail coordinator, for one of the clubs I belong too.
My last note is that the MnUSA E-Board is putting together the Winter Rendezvous this year, as no club, trail association or even a region stepped up to do this event. Please be thinking years down the road and get your bid in to host the Rendezvous in the upcoming years. If you take time to put this event together, it can and will be a great event and a great way to make some extra money for your club or area.
I look forward to seeing you on the trails!
protect your winter adventures
WITH SNOWMOBILE INSURANCE
Peace of mind
As winter sports enthusiasts, we eagerly await the snowy season for the adrenaline rush of snowmobiling. The feeling of the cold air rushing past, the sight of the unspoiled white landscapes—it’s a winter wonderland waiting to be discovered. Amidst the excitement and adventure, it’s essential to ensure that you’re properly protected with snowmobile insurance. Here are a few reasons why snowmobile insurance is a wise decision.
Family and friends
The most signi cant bene t of snowmobile insurance is the peace of mind it brings. Knowing that you’re covered in case of unexpected events allows you to fully immerse yourself in the winter experience. Focus on the breathtaking landscapes and the adrenaline rush of riding, without the nagging worry of potential nancial setbacks.
Protect your snowmobile
Your snowmobile is a valuable investment that deserves protection. With comprehensive and collision coverage, you can rest easy knowing that repair or replacement costs will be covered in the event of certain damage, theft, or accidents. Keep your ride in top condition without breaking the bank.
Be prepared for the unexpected Accidents can happen, even to the most experienced riders. Snowmobile insurance offers liability coverage, protecting you from the nancial implications of thirdparty injuries or property damage, up to speci ed limits. You can relax and have fun in your winter activities, whether riding on trails or exploring the backcountry, when you have the right protection.
Homeowners insurance
Homeowners insurance may provide some coverage for your snowmobile, but it often has limitations and can have a more costly deductible. A dedicated snowmobile insurance policy ensures that you’re adequately covered speci c to your needs.
Policies can provide off-premises and permissive use, allowing you to con dently have friends and family drive your snowmobile occasionally. You also have the option to add minor operators as drivers, so you can rest easy knowing that you have the right protection if something goes wrong.
Personalized protection
Since no two snowmobilers are alike, snowmobile insurance lets you choose your own coverage options. You can customize your policy to include things like accessory and custom parts/equipment coverage to provide protection if you’ve made enhancements or upgrades to your snowmobile. This way, you can be sure that your insurance plan matches your speci c needs.
Con dence for nancing
Obtaining insurance coverage for your snowmobile is often a requirement from lenders if you have nanced its purchase. Not only does snowmobile insurance ful ll this obligation, but it also provides peace of mind by safeguarding your nancial interests.
Have fun in the winter with con dence, knowing that you have the proper coverage for your situation. Invest in snowmobile insurance and ensure that your thrilling escapades remain just that—thrilling, safe, and unforgettable. Let the snow-covered landscapes be your playground, and let insurance be your safety net.
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Legislative News
Historic and Traumatic
by Christian Franzen
This legislative session has been both historic and traumatic. And will change our legislature forever.
The 2025 legislative session will be remembered for the assassination and attempted assassination of our elected officials. What won’t be remembered as much is the bipartisanship which came out of that same session. With the tie in the House and a one vote democrat margin in the Senate, our legislators had to make a deal in the best interest of the state. And although it took a short special session, our legislature made that two-year budget agreement as constitutionally necessary. And when it did come to the horrific events, the legislature showed collective support for those injured, Senator Hortman
and his wife Yvette and bereavement of those murdered, Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, Mark Hortman and their dog Gilbert. This was the most bipartisan legislature I’ve seen in years if not ever, just when we needed them to.
Although there is a lot to unpack about last session and what’s to come, here are some bullet points to legislative snowmobile issues:
• Authorizing snowmobiling license plates. The bill was introduced but not yet heard in committee. We spoke with all three Chairs about this issue and understand that so called “vanity plate” legislation takes several years to pass. The bill is alive for the 2026 session, and we will be working with key lawmakers during the interim.
• Sales tax exemption for materials used to develop and maintain trails. We had a good hearing with the Senate Tax Chair calling this her favorite tax exemption bill, but the bill was not included in the omnibus tax bill.
• SFIA reduction. The Senate proposed a 30% reduction in Sustainable Forest funding. Senator Hauschild successfully argued for a compromise position of a 10% reduction in the tax conference committee.
• PFAS. We successfully argued in committee that youth snowmobiles should be exempted from the PFAS ban.
• Snowmobile funding. $9,624,000.00 was appropriated for each of the next two fiscal years. Note that the only source of funds for this appropriation is our dedicated account so amounts expended will depend on account balances.
This list is a good representation of what generally came out of the legislature this year. What they believed imperative was passed (SFIA, PFAS, funding) and everything else was left for the second year of the biennium.
As we move forward, access to legislators and the capital itself will be reevaluated. There will be leadership changes and new laws pertaining to legislators’ safety passed early. My advice would be to send your legislator (no matter who) a thank you. You can thank them for advocating for what you care about or making hard concessions thought best for the district. Or just thank them for giving their time and energy for trying to make Minnesota a better state because that’s just about as bipartisan and universal as it gets.
MnUSA News
Become a Platinum Club
Take your club to the next level by becoming a MnUSA Platinum Club. For a $75 donation, your club will be designated as a “Platinum” club in Minnesota Snowmobiling, and as a thank you for your donation, your club will be listed monthly per issue printed.
• Help your club stand out by becoming a MnUSA Platinum Club!
• Help support the greatest state association around and help support trails and the snowmobile industry.
Send your donation to the office and notate in the memo: “Platinum Club.” Please email Magazine Editor at oliver1650@icloud.com to confirm your donation and ensure your spot in the monthly list.
XM Members Unite
Be a standout snowmobiler and donate $20 or more (plus your MnUSA membership—$30 via a club or $35 direct) and you get your name, spouse, family or group listed in each printed issue throughout the season.
Be an Extra Miler and stand out as a special snowmobiler who supports trails, the sport, and MnUSA, all for only $20 more! Twenty years strong and moving right along!
Live from Farmfest 2025
You might be asking, what does Farmfest have to do with the sport of snowmobiling? More than you’d think! They actually have a snowmobile on site at the Gilfillan Estate next door to Farmfest—an old 1971 Herter’s Husky made in Waseca, MN, don’t ya know! They also have snowmobile manufacturers at the event, albeit selling side-by-sides, none the less.
The more important answer? Legislators and government employees. The DNR has a large event space in one of the big vendor tents, to answer all your DNR questions.
What’s that got to do with snowmobiling in Minnesota? A lot, when you’re trying to change a policy as it relates to snowmobile trails on CRP (Federal Program) lands.
As you may or may not know, the Minnesota Division of the USDA created a policy (not law) that a landowner of any type must sign an acknowledgment to the USDA of having snowmobile trails on their land every year for the term of the CRP contract. CRP contracts can last
by Scott Wakefield
anywhere from 15 to 30 years. So, yes, you can do math too—that’s a lot of trips to the NRCS office to sign this acknowledgement.
Your Legislative Committee and lobbyists have been working diligently to get this changed. One word—once. From annually to once. If you’re a hunter, you’re not required to do this. Neighboring states do not require this, albeit Wisconsin, which has very few miles of snowmobile trails on CRP land.
Attending Farmfest was Kurt Blomgren, State Executive Director for the Minnesota Farm Service Agency, and I was able to have a one-on-one talk with him Wednesday morning of the event. Conversation went well, and I’m drafting a formal recommendation to him and the USDA to change the wording from annually to once. One question brought up was how this applies to a transfer of ownership (farm sells or family transfer or to a trust, etc.). We believe that would be the same circumstance—sign the acknowledgement once at transfer of ownership. Stay tuned!
Mr. Kurt Blomgren State Executive Director Farm Service Agency USDA addressing the crowd after talking with Editor Scott Wakefield at FarmFest regarding trails on CRP Land.
Thank You!
The following members have paid an extra fee to protect our trails! Join them by doing your share. Contact the MnUSA office today.
XM Members:
Rob Abear
Jeff Alberts
Eric & Angela Bachinski
Edward Barnick
Tony & Val Barthel
Keith & Heather Berndt
Mike Berthiaume & Karen Randall-Fisher
Steve & Carolyn Blake
Berdell Boraas
Mike & Joelle Boucher
Jill & Randy Brandt
Mike & Wendy Brandt
Gorden Brekken
Brian Brown
Jim Bryant
Gary Butz
Bruce Carlson
Jim Carlson
Robert Carney
Tim & Linda Clark
Dale & Sonya Clementson
Micheal & Mary Denker
Charles & Sandy Doherty
Mike & Kim Duea
Mike & Chris Eck
Ken & Pat Eckel
Rusty Eichorn & Toni Brose
Brad Eldred
Mark & Patti Eldred
Daniel A. & Janet Feeney
Sheri & Russell Gades
Larry Grabanski
Troy Halvorson
Carl & Mercedes Hanson
Lance & Katrina Hapka
Dane & Barb Hasbrouck
Joseph & Katie Heidelberger
Kason Heinecke
Robert & Gayle Holt
Rex & Arlene Holzemer
Jason & Brooke Huerkamp
Bruce & Lee Ann Hughes
Willard & Kim Hunnewell
Terry & Debbie Hutchinson
Richard & Judith Johnson
Jeff & Louise Kack
Steve & Terri Kast
Chris & Michele Keyport
Paul Kirscht
Earl Klersy
Micheal Klimek
Steven & Linda Knopp
Dustin Knutson
Marlys Knutson
William Kuehn
Kenny Kukacka
Mark & Kathy LaBaw
Levi & Kristen LaVallee
Randy LeBerge
Ken Lewis
Bill Lorence & Laurie McLead-Lorence
Gary & Judy Lothenbach
Brian & Penny Lund
David & Dianna Martin
Mark & Laurie Martinson
John Matejcek
Joel Matter
Jon & Tawni Maynard
Bill & Jean McGarry
Dean & Rita Meichsner
Steve & Brittni Meier
Jeff & Terri Jo Melo
Richard & Barbara Meyer
Micheal Milner
Dave & Patti Myers
Bill & Sharyn Nepsha
Doug Nigon
Robert Nistler
Mike & Judy Nodsle
Todd Novitsky
Brent & Jenny Oberdieck
Daniel Osterkamp
Walter & Connie Petersen
Craig Peterson & Yvonne Peterson
Ron Peterson
Terry & Dianne Peterson
Petschl Family
Deb & Ray Barnes Pomroy
Bart & Cheryl Porter
Mike & Iiyne Rasmussen
Brian Reckow
Mike & Peggy Reis
Chris Rokke
Kevin & Ann Schield
Kris Schiffler
Richard & Barbara Schmidt
Rob & Raegan Sipe
Bob Skoglund
Jim Skoglund
Rod & Jennifer Skorich
Nick & Gretchen Slavicek
Steven & Jane Spaeth
Mike & Vicki Thelen
Mark & Karen Thompson
Keith & Jennifer Twombly
Dave Van Wie
Wyat Vandal
John Wade
Scott & Lisa Wakefield
Kim Werkmeister
Kip & Leon Wessels
Rick & Ruth Whitcomb
Rob White
Dave & Tammy Wolf
Danny & Fay YochumLarry & Judy
Shepherd
Tom Shurson
Stuart & Jennifer Simek
Rob Sipe
Brian Sjerven
Bob Skoglund
Jim Skoglund
Rod & Jennifer Skorich
Mark & Wendy Slagle
Nick & Gretchen Slavicek
David & Rebecca Slininger
Dan Snee & Barb Snee
Steven & Jane Spaeth
Mark & Sue Steinmueller
Russell Stolen
Shannon Tatro
John & Melanie Tevik
Mike & Vicki Thelen
Mark & Karen Thompson
Mark Tiede
Chad Timonen
Jeffrey & Jolene Trippe
Keith & Jennifer Twombly
David Van Wie
Kyle Voelz
Todd & Abby Volden
Paul Vranish
John Wade
Scott & Lisa Wakefield
Ron Warhol
Merle Weidemann
Ryan Weidemann
Dan & Jen Wenzel
Kim Werkmeister
Rick & Ruth Whitcomb
Rob White
Steve “Woody” & Janet Widness
Randy Windsperger
Dave & Tammy Wolf
Don Kline & Paula Worts
Bill & Fran Ylatupa
Danny & Fay Yochum
Rich & Ruth Zeman
Craig Zweber
HAY DAYS 2025 Preview
by Scott Wakefield
What can you say that hasn’t already been said about Hay Days? People plan weddings, funerals, graduations, vacations, hunting trips around Hay Days! Hay Days is hands down the world’s largest snowmobile event, and the most fun you can have with your snowmobile suit on. Worldwide? Yes! Meet racers and enthusiasts from all parts of the world at Hay Days. Don’t believe me? Go to the Ski-Doo unveiling and just listen—you’ll hear more than just English. I heard, dialect from Finland, Norway, Quebec-French Canadian. And those are the ones I could understand. I think I even heard German or more likely, Austrian. I go every year just to try and figure out in my head who’s speaking what language.
Nonstop, is another good word to describe Hay Days. Back in the day it was pretty laid back at the old Waldoch site. The vibe hit its crescendo about 2 p.m. and soon faded after 4 p.m. for most (although we all did things at the old site we would never try now!). But this Hay Days isn’t your father’s old Hay Days. This thing is off the hook from the second you get within 2 miles of the site! I’m an east side guy, always have been, so when I come down County Road 70 northbound and I hit that top of the hill and look to my left…oh my, it’s a party! And the crescendo of excitement for me is nonstop from that time on until a half hour after I leave the site—I’m still ramped up. That’s the difference for me. It’s nonstop excitement,
and after 43 years of attending Hay Days (this will be my 44th), I still get pulled in with its vast space, tons of activities, diversity of events, entertainment, and the food!
The food with vendors under the trees and throughout Hay Days is right up there with the State Fair. I’ll even go out on a limb and say a tad better than the State Fair. You know why? Less lines!
And how about the Swap? Many say, if it’s been made, it’s at Hay Days! Some items might be made in a garage with a welder and welding rods, but no matter, it’s amazing how many items there are to see at Hay Days in the Swap.
Arctic Cat’s Troy Halverson explaining the specifics on the Cat’s New 858 Engine to editor Scott Wakefield.
Mud Bog racing is filling the stands on the east side of Hay Days along County Rd. 70. Check it out!
Rows and Rows of Swap awaiting your visit:
it all started. And now with vintage racing on the big track, you don’t want to miss a thing. And in addition to side-by-sides, ATV, quads, mods, and the like, racing in the center of it all, we now have sanctioned mud bog racing, which is not for the faint of heart, for sure. The excitement is nonstop heart-pumping action.
Ski-Doo details on the all-new MXZ Adrenaline. Manufacturers use Hay Days to introduce new sleds to the throngs of people looking.
MAKE ANY TERRAIN YOUR PLAYGROUND
VISIT YOUR LOCAL MINNESOTA SKI-DOO DEALER TODAY
OLLIE’S SERVICE, INC.
ST BONI MOTOR SPORTS
HILMERSON SPORTS CENTER
111 DONNA AVE, ALEXANDRIA, MN https://www.olliesservice.com
CASWELL CYCLE
768 NORTH HWY 65, MORA, MN https://www.caswellcycle.com
3653 32ND ST S.E., SAINT CLOUD, MN http://www.miesoutland.com
LOSSING’S POWERSPORTS
30 NORTH DRIVE, BABBITT, MN https://www.lossings.com
Vintage News
by Scott Wakefield
Memory Lane is all-new again this year at Hay Days. Make sure to stop by and see the latest barn finds these diehard collectors have found over the past year since last year’s Hay Days. Starting with race sleds, with tons of history, stories and horsepower, all the way down to everyday riders with unique features, those and more
can all be found at the Memory Lane building on the north side of grounds at Hay Days.
Most times, one of those collectors can be found in the building. If it’s not Scott Gottschalk or Randy Martin, you’ll find one of the Grambart brothers wandering around. The Grambarts may have tough-looking exteriors, but once you say, “hi, what can you tell me about this sled?” they will open up and give you more information than you thought possible.
And speaking of a walking encyclopedia on vintage sleds, look for Les Pinz in the building. He’s a gem to talk to about most anything, but he really specializes in those old race Scorpions for some reason!
If you’re lucky enough to run into Jess Babler, the guy who built the building, he can tell you the latest and greatest on I-500 sled finds and can spin a good story for you about how much fun it was working on the building with lots of input from committee members.
PROUD TO BE YOUR TRAIL GROOMING PARTNER IN MINNESOTA
Also, look/ask for exciting new flyers to be handed out for next year’s 2026 Midwest Ride-In show to be held during the last weekend of January 2026.
If you’ve tried the rest...
Sleds ready to tell their stories in the Memory Lane building—just ask a Grambart!
WHAT’S COOKIN’?
Excellent Meatless Three-Bean Chili
15-ounce can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
15-ounce can small white beans, rinsed and drained
15-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
14 ½-ounce can diced tomatoes with green chiles
1 cup beer of chicken broth
3 tablespoons chocolate-flavored syrup
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
Sour cream (optional)
Cheddar cheese, shredded (optional)
Use a 3 ½- to 4-quart slow cooker. Combine all beans, undrained tomatoes, beer, chocolate syrup, chili powder and Cajun seasoning. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. Ladle into soup bowls, top with sour cream and shredded cheese.
Makes 4 servings.
Note: If desired, use no-salt or low-sodium beans.
Penny Scholl
Northwest Trails Association – Region 8
The Snow NEWS Report
(Snow News is Good News!)
A UNITED SNOWMOBILE ALLIANCE PUBLICATION
The Life of A Snowmobiler
It is with great sadness that we tell you of the loss of a true snowmobiler, a man who dedicated much of his life to the service of others in the snowmobile community and a friend to many of us, Roger Wright will be greatly missed by all those he came into contact with. Roger was never loud, always a soft but strong voice guiding people and organizations.
From NHSA President, Brian Labrie: Roger was more than just a leader he was the heart and soul of the NH Grass Drags and a driving force behind countless efforts that shaped the snowmobiling community across New Hampshire and beyond. His passion, dedication, and larger than life presence left an enduring legacy that will not be forgotten. The impact he made, both personally and professionally, touched so many lives and helped grow the sport we all love.
On behalf of the entire NHSA family, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Roger’s loved ones during this difficult time. He will be greatly missed.
Roger was the second chairman of the United Snowmobile Alliance. He spent his time as chairman building the USA’s policies and procedures to ensure the Alliance continued to move forward into the future. Roger was also the Vice Chair and Scholarship chair of the Northeast Chapter of ISC for many years. We all do and will continue to feel his loss.
From the Desk of Chairman Jeff Miller:
I met Roger many years ago at a Northeast Chapter ride. He was the president of the New Hampshire Snowmobile Association, and he commanded the room. I was impressed with the knowledge and passion he had for the sport that we all love. He was heavily involved in all aspects of snowmobiling, whether it was a club officer, a NHSA officer or running around working tirelessly for the NH Grass Drags, you always saw him somewhere. His true passion was riding and riding he did. Be prepared when goimg riding with Roger, for your abilities will be tested. He always knew how to pull the best out of anyone around him, even if you didn’t think you could he would always believe in you. So, it was only natural when the United Snowmobile Alliance was developed that Roger would be elected the Chairman of the new Association. His quiet but firm demeanor was just what USA needed. He was able to understand problems with snowmobiles not just in his own area, but all over the country. When Roger spoke you listened, because his response was always calculated and well thought out. USA will always be indebted to what Roger did for us in the formative years. The countless hours that he put in to make our sport great will never go unnoticed. He will be sorely missed, and we’ll all miss the times that we sat with him and picked his brain. Roger, the next time we meet we’ll fire up the sleds and go for a rip
on smooth trails (but please no moguls!). Rest in Peace Roger and have your sled ready to ride.
Roger Wright’s Obituary
Roger Malcolm Wright Jr., a beloved father, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2025, in Claremont, New Hampshire, at the age of 64. Born on January 19, 1961, in Claremont, he was the son of the late Roger Wright Sr. and Virginia Ann (Cook) Wright. Roger's family and friends remember him for his profound love of life, his unwavering spirit, and his dedication to community service.
Roger is survived by his cherished children, Derrik Wright and Regina Wright Gadway, as well as his loving sister, Barbara Walsh. He also held dear the relationships he maintained with his previous stepchildren, Tim Chapin, Christina Chapin, and Stacy Chapin. His legacy is further enriched by his beloved nieces and nephews, Kyle Chapin and Jessica Morin, and the laughter and joy brought to his life by his 14 grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held in honor of Roger at the Cornish Fair Grounds on July 19, 2025, beginning at 11:00 AM. Address 294 Town House Road, Cornish, NH 03745.
RAFFLE CALENDAR WINNERS
August
8/1/25
$25.00 Andrew Fodness Lismore, MN
8/2/25 $50.00 Ken Yurczyk Freeport, MN
8/3/25
8/4/25
$50.00 Tom Mueller Genoa City, WI
$25.00 Alexia Kerfeld Sauk Centre, MN
8/5/25 $25.00 Daryl Honnold Jr Isle, MN
8/6/25
$25.00 John Ebner Redwood Falls, MN
8/7/25 $25.00 Dean Haman Sebeka, MN
8/8/25 $25.00 John Berge McGregor, MN
8/9/25 $50.00 Stacy Hennen Upsala, MN
8/10/25 $50.00 Trish Kennedy Lakeville, MN
8/11/25 $25.00 JP Fahey Norwood Young America, MN
8/12/25 $25.00 Josh Stangler Freeport, MN
8/13/25 $25.00 Dan Nielsen Dassel, MN
8/14/25 $25.00 Chris Monson Sauk Rapids, MN
8/15/25 $25.00 Josh Macziewski Montevideo, MN
8/16/25 $50.00 Zach Weckwerth Montevideo, MN
8/17/25 $50.00 Patti Wasserzieher Ironton, MN
8/18/25 $25.00 Deanna Lemke Shakopee, MN
8/19/25 $25.00 Mary Olson Cologne, MN
8/20/25 $25.00 Dave Nelson Hitterdal, MN
8/21/25 $25.00 Diane Dulas Wells, MN
8/22/25 $25.00 Ashley Bloom Big Lake, MN
8/23/25 $470.00 Mike Orlando Verndale, MN
8/24/25 $50.00 Charlie Malecha Prior Lake, MN
8/25/25 $25.00 Garett Casatell Fargo, ND
8/26/25 $25.00 Dustin Grabowska Argyle, MN
8/27/25 $25.00 Tony Remer Howard Lake, MN
8/28/25 $25.00 Jason Buss Shakopee, MN
8/29/25 $25.00 Tyler Sistad Pelican Rapids, MN
8/30/25 $50.00 Dan Tillotson Kilkenny, MN
8/31/25 $50.00 Andrew Erickson Walker, MN
September
9/1/25
$250.00 Bob Skoglund Hallock, MN
9/2/25 $25.00 Johnny Holzheuter Waterloo, WI
9/3/25 $25.00 Ron Dupont Big Lake, MN
9/4/25 $25.00 Chad Elhardt Nashwauk, MN
9/5/25 $25.00 Keith Vos Minnetonka, MN
9/6/25 $50.00 John Kennedy Minto, ND
9/7/25 $50.00 Shelley & Eolin Zobitz Avon, MN
9/8/25 $25.00 Stephan Georgeson Big Lake, MN
9/9/25 $25.00 Marc D Hartman Hunter, ND
9/10/25 $25.00 Cole Zimmerman Crookston, MN
9/11/25 $25.00 Harper Stenerson Sabin, MN
9/12/25 $25.00 Ted and Jean Solberg Buffalo, MN
9/13/25 $50.00 Evan Vanderlinde Waconia, MN
9/14/25 $50.00 Mark Anderson Chaska, MN
9/15/25 $25.00 Larry Hartman Galesburg , ND
9/16/25 $25.00 Jodi Bergren Pelican Rapids, MN
9/17/25 $25.00 Harrison Boucher Crookston, MN
9/18/25 $25.00 Ryan Besch Bemidji, MN
9/19/25 $25.00 Scott Luken Eagan, MN
9/20/25 $50.00 Austin Dessner Byron, MN
9/21/25 $50.00 Gary Maslowski Chisago City, MN
9/22/25 $25.00 David Brown Kabetogama, MN
9/23/25 $25.00 Paul Anderson Sabin, MN
9/24/25 $25.00 Ron Sluka Cleveland, OK
9/25/25 $25.00 Kelly Jantzen International Falls, MN
9/26/25 $25.00 Jessup DeCook Byron, MN
9/27/25 $50.00 Lisa McDonald Lancaster, MN
9/28/25 $50.00 Kevin and Katie Pugh Norwood Young America, MN
9/29/25 $25.00 Rob Stanley Alexandria, MN
9/30/25 $25.00 Neal Jarosz Robbinsdale, MN
Elk River, Minnesota
Sherburne County Fairgrounds Swapper and Vendor open from 6:30 to 3:30 Admission gate open from 8 AM to 3 PM
Alan Butler
ISHOF Inductees 2025
Volunteer & Club Organizer Foxwarren, Manitoba
Alan was raised on a family farm in western Manitoba and getting involved in the community and volunteering was in his DNA. It is with those family values that he and his wife Linda raised their children.
In 2011, Snowmobilers of Manitoba (Snoman) held their first annual Snoman Congress and Awards Banquet. Alan Butler spearheaded this event and it was regarded as a tremendous success with an overwhelming majority of club attendance. It is now an annual event.
During the 2012-2013 season, Alan was instrumental in introducing a provincial trail numbering system. One year later Snoman enhanced this trail numbering system to further emphasize safe operation of the snowmobile. Under the watchful eye of Alan, this program included the development and implementation of an online “Snowmobile Operators Safety Course” made available to those under the age of 18 free of charge. Another project spearheaded by Alan was to get more riders out on the snow to experience all that Manitoba snowmobiling had to offer, a “Free Ride Weekend” to promote the trail system.
In 2014, Snoman was awarded funding through the National Trails Coalition and the Provincial Government to carry out 11 projects amounting to $350,000. Alan was instrumental in Snoman receiving the funding. As Chair of the Snoman Planning Committee, Alan and his team were awarded the bid for the 49th International Snowmobile Congress (ISC) in Winnipeg for 2017. That ISC proved to be successful with participants from as far away as Norway. For the 2018-2019 season, Mapgears and Snoman partnered together, thanks to Alan’s initiative, to create an interactive map which would allow snowmobilers to plan their trips online and see which trails are open or closed and when they were groomed last.
In 2024 at Snoman’s Congress, Alan was awarded the Outstanding Volunteer Award, recognizing outstanding commitment and significant contributions to recreational snowmobiling. Alan has always been available to meet with government representatives. He has done countless interviews on television, radio and print. Alan is an individual who works adamantly for the good of
the community and of snowmobiling throughout Manitoba and beyond. His contributions can be felt in every facet of the Snoman organization. It is his deep dedication to organized snowmobiling that makes Alan Butler a worthy choice for induction into the Class of 2025 International Snowmobile Hall of Fame.
Michel (Micky) Garneau
Publisher & Journalist
Montreal, Quebec
Michel (Micky) Garneau’s years in the snowmobile industry have been both a labor of love and a passionate fulfillment of a childhood dream. Growing up in the very small town of Larder Lake (pop. 745) Micky feverishly devoured every power sports publication to hit the newsstands of his hometown’s general store. His fascination with snowmobiles and other off-road vehicles made his passion only stronger with every magazine he could get his hands on. From his doorstep he could wrench on his sleds and learned to service and tune them.
Fast forward to his adulthood, Micky became a prolific and accomplished journalist. He has a lengthy list of career highlights that spans over 25 years. As an articulate bilingual journalist, Micky has been able to introduce Quebec snowmobilers to a variety of English publications bringing them new content, ideas and perspectives previously unavailable in French. Serving in various capacities for Motoneige Quebec Magazine from 2001-2025, including
Alan Butler
Technical Editor and Editorin-Chief since 2018, Micky has been responsible for delivering content for four yearly 100-page issues, most of which he writes himself, edits and translates into French. Micky is highly respected for his ability to explain complicated issues and technical content in easily understandable terms.
Along with his primary journalistic position with the FCMQ (Quebec Federation of Snowmobile Clubs), Micky also makes effective and ongoing contributions to provincial government relations, successfully representing and advocating for the betterment of organized snowmobiling in Quebec on many different issues. Micky serves as a board member representing the FCMQ on the Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations (CCSO) (2001-2025) initiating and being instrumental in developing resolutions to timely important issues. He has served as designated FCMQ delegate to ISC from 2001 to 2025. Micky has made presentations for organized snowmobiling, trail systems and winter tourism on behalf of BRP to delegations from Russia, China and Brazil as recently as 2019 and 2023.
As North America’s premier bilingual journalist in snowmobiling for more than 25 years, Micky has been an unsung media leader making an indelible and prolific contribution to the provincial, national and international snowmobile community and to winter tourism. For his many recognized achievements and behind the scenes accomplishments, Michel (Micky) Garneau has earned his induction into the Publishers & Journalists Category for the Class of 2025 International Snowmobile Hall of Fame.
Bob Kirchner Volunteer & Club Organizer
St. Marys, Pennsylvania
Bob purchased his first snowmobile in 1979, joined the Pennsylvania State Snowmobile Association (PSSA) in 1980 and his involvement in organized snowmobiling grew stronger from there on. By 1990, Bob was elected President of the Pigeon Hills Snowmobile Club. A few years later a work transfer took Bob and his wife Kathy to St. Marys, PA where they joined the St. Marys Snowmobile Association (SMASA). They remain members to date. Bob
Michel Garneau
Bob Kirchner
and family also hold yearly memberships in several other Pennsylvania snowmobile clubs.
Bob is a founding member of the West Creek Recreational Trail Association which successfully converted a 19-mile railroad grade in the area to a multi-use recreational trail. Bob made sure that the snowmobilers’ interests were included in the development of the trail.
Bob tried his hand in snowmobile racing over a span of about a decade and in that time started a race team, the highlight of which they competed in the “24 hours of Eagle River” race where they finished in 13th place.
Bob attended his first International Snowmobile Congress in 1997 and subsequently attended most ISC’s since then. In 2005, Bob was elected President of PSSA where he served through 2008. He served on the Pennsylvania Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Snowmobile/ATV Advisory Committee for several years. Bob also became very active in the American Council of Snowmobile Associations (ACSA), serving as their Vice-President for 2013 & 2014 and elected President of ACSA in 2015 & 2016. Still very involved with the DCNR, in 2022, Bob was appointed in a leadership role to help evaluate and recommend changes to the Snowmobile and ATV funding measures for the State of Pennsylvania. In 2023, Bob was accepted as a member of the Iron Dog Brigade. In 2024, Bob joined the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame Board of Directors. By 2025, Bob was selected to serve on the by-laws committee for the International Snowmobile Council.
Bob has been an unrelenting advocate for snowmobiling most of his life, approaching the sport not just as a hobby but as a passion. His extensive volunteer work spans the local, state and national levels, reflecting his commitment to advancing and promoting snowmobiling. It is this unwavering dedication and significant contributions to the snowmobiling community that lands Bob Kirchner squarely in the Class of 2025 International Snowmobile Hall of Fame.
Sam Landes Volunteer & Club Organizer
Dane, Wisconsin
Sam crossed the threshold into organized snowmobiling in 1989 and soon became a leader in his local snowmobile community. After the subsequent merger of two major clubs in Dane County, he became the founding President of the Waunakee Winter Wanderers in 1992 and laid the groundwork for a successful grassroots snowmobile club. At the same time, Sam already spread his dedication of time and talents serving as a delegate since 1989 to the Dane County Council of Snowmobile Clubs.
A volunteer Wisconsin DNR certified snowmobile safety instructor, Sam has helped facilitate the safe operation of snowmobiles to countless students and mentored six other instructors, multiplying his impact on safety and education.
Government relations are key to monitoring and implementing snowmobile legislation and that is Sam’s strong suit. Sam has served on the Governor’s Snowmobile Recreation Council since 2003. His ability to earn respect and maintain positive relationships with state legislators and WI state governors (from both sides of the aisle) is unparalleled. Sam has worked effectively with both majority and minority leadership, which has been crucial for the Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs (AWSC) and the sport of snowmobiling. Sam is a twotime recipient of the AWSC President’s Cup.
When it comes to trail preservation, Sam’s proactive approach is evident in his swift and decisive actions during critical legislative measures. He spearheaded the multi-use trail connecting Dane and Sauk counties which led to the construction of a vital and safe bridge over the Wisconsin River. He also led the fight to keep snowmobiling in Blue Mounds State Park. When the WI state snowmobile program faced funding challenges, Sam played a pivotal role in negotiating the development of the current annual trail pass system. Most would regard this as Wisconsin’s most significant snowmobiling legislative measure to date.
Sam’s influence extends beyond state borders. When a trail in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula faced closure, he dedicated numerous weekends working with local businesses, volunteers and legislators to preserve this crucial trail system. Sam also played a huge role in the development of the future of snowmobiling through his support of the AWSC’s Kids and Adults On Snowmobiles (KAOS) youth program. This program has spread far beyond the borders of WI and has spilled over to the adoption of similar youth programs in a dozen US states and Canadian provinces.
His commitment and genuine passion for the sport of snowmobiling and his desire to ensure its preservation and growth places Sam Landes among those inducted into the International Snowmobiling Hall of Fame, Class of 2025.
Stan & Kate Stutheit
Volunteers & Club Organizers
Syracuse, Nebraska
Stan began his snowmobile journey as a youngster on a 1970 Homelite snowmobile taking countless laps around the house. His real involvement in snowmobiling began after graduating college, he would go on multiple snowmobile trips with friends and from there found himself participating in local club functions and attending state association conventions. Stan and Kate were married in 1981, took their first snowmobile trip out west, joined their first snowmobile club and the Nebraska State Snowmobile Association (NSSA) that same year. They both love to ride their snowmobiles traveling every winter to South Dakota, Colorado, Wyoming
Sam Landes
and Montana. They understand the need to protect snowmobile access from state to state and north of the border.
Where Stan is, Kate is right by his side. Together they attend state conventions, summer campouts, mountain region riding summits, Midwest chapter meetings and International Snowmobile Congresses. They have been active in the NSSA for decades. Stan has served in many of the positions from Membership Chair to President. Kate has also served in many positions and is currently serving as Publicity/Social Committee Chair. They both are active in the American Council of Snowmobile Associations (ACSA). Stan has attended the ACSA DC FlyIns and Land Summits. He also served on the ACSA board as a delegate for many years. Stan and Kate were instrumental in getting Nebraska to host the 2021 ISC and they co-chaired that successful event despite challenging times in the wake of the Covid crisis.
Regardless of all the involvement Stan and Kate have devoted on a national and international level of organized snowmobiling, they never lost touch and remained true to their grassroots local snowmobile club, the Syracuse Snoflakers. Between them they held a position in every office, multiple times. Over the years they invited many folks, new to snowmobiling, on a ride to ensure they had a positive first experience providing them with sleds and all necessary gear. Stan is always sharing information that affects snowmobiling to help engage others on potential trail issues and pending legislation. Kate has gone above and beyond for the snowmobiling youth, organizing special activities and working on the Syracuse scholarship program, anything to keep the young snowmobile enthusiasts engaged for the future of the sport.
For several decades, both Stan and Kate have shared their talents as volunteers, exhibiting positivity, outstanding leadership and a strong unwavering dedication to the sport of snowmobiling on all levels. For these reasons, Stan and Kate Stutheit make a solid addition to the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame, Class of 2025.
Additional winners:
ISHOF Snowmobile Club of the Year 2025
Sutherland’s Lake Trail Groomers Association
Sutherland Lake, Nova Scotia
ISHOF Dealer of the Year 2025
Toy Master/Red Rock Motorsports
Winsloe, Prince Edward Island
S pacious trailer parking
D ire ct ac c ess to trails
Complimentary Breakfast
Full-s ervic e bar & restaurant
Po ol and oversize d hot tub
Stan & Kate Stutheit
Club News
50-year-old Snowmobile Comes Full Circle
In 2024, Ken Zak, an avid snowmobile enthusiast, found himself drawn back to his childhood — and to one particular snowmobile brand from his youth: Alouette. He began searching online and stumbled upon a listing for a 1974 Alouette Super Brute. The seller? A man named Tom Marthaler. Tom collected Alouettes. He had five Alouettes in total. They sat untouched from 1979 until his son Justin encouraged him to restore the sleds in 2023. That fall, Tom put four up for sale, one being a Super Brute. This one caught Ken Zak’s eye.
When the two connected, they realized this was no ordinary sale. Tom had purchased that very sled 50 years earlier from Ken’s father, Fred Zak.
Tom reflected on his purchase as he shared his story with Ken. In October of 1974, Tom was 19 and looking for a Super Brute. His search eventually brought him to Little Falls, MN. Tom remembers meeting Fred and his two sons, Ken and Fritz, in a shop/garage behind the house. Upon inquiring about a Super Brute, Fred informed Tom that he no longer had one for sale. However, the young man who
purchased it a few months prior recently passed away in a tragic auto accident. Ken remembers being 15 years old in August 1974, taking it out of the crate from the factory, and setting it up for the original sale. Fred offered to reach out to the family and see if they would be open to selling their late son’s snowmobile.
A few days passed, and much to Tom’s surprise, Fred was able to acquire the Super Brute. Tom remembers Fred pulling up to his house in a van adorned with a toy snowmobile on the roof, Super Brute in tow. Being only 19, Tom didn’t have a checking account or credit card. Fred understood and asked for only $10 as a down payment. Tom paid $10 and Fred left the snowmobile in Tom’s garage — no paperwork, just a handshake and trust.
Every story has a beginning, and this one is unique. In a small, two-story house in Little Falls, Minnesota, Fred and Phinee Zak were raising a family of twelve children. Life was not easy, but it was filled with laughter, hard work, and the unmistakable hum of a growing family.
Phinee wore many hats. She worked part-time at a friend’s bar, and for 33 years drove a school bus, watching generation after generation of local kids grow up through her rearview mirror. Fred, ever the tinkerer, worked as a full-time electrical technician at Camp Ripley. These jobs were not enough to feed 12 mouths, though. In the evenings, Fred turned wrenches on cars in their garage.
In the early 1970s, Fred looked for something more — a way to leverage his skills and passion for machines. He found it in snowmobiles. His first line was the Sno Pac, manufactured by Farmington Engineering. By 1972, that company had gone under. Fred didn’t waver. The next year, he took on Alouette snowmobiles, the #2 snowmobile in Canada at the time. While at Alouettes Distribution Center, he noticed a bicycle distributor. Seeing a good opportunity for the snowless months, he added bikes to the summer lineup.
The snowmobile industry hit hard times in the wake of the 1973 oil crisis, warm winters, and overproduction. Alouette ceased production after their 1974 models. Rupp acquired the Alouette in 1976 and rebranded them to be
Club News
sold as Rupp Clones. Fred opted out of selling the Rupp clones. Instead, he remained loyal to the original Alouette brand and he bought all their remaining stock. He sold them for $450 a piece. Always the fighter, Fred pivoted again and picked up Scorpion snowmobiles in 1976. He even bought out the local dealership to secure his exclusivity.
Also in 1976, with his friends Jerry Twomey and Cleo Meyer, Fred helped establish the Morrison County Trail Association, carving miles of trail through the countryside. Phinee, Fred’s wife, served as the treasurer of the Morrison County Trail Association from 1978 until 2019. She remained involved with the family business until she passed away in 2020. Her dedication — to family, to community, and to the trail system — helped grow the association to 432 miles of trails, 11 clubs, and 4 groomers.
In 1978, Arctic Cat bought Scorpion. Fred continued to sell Scorpion through this acquisition. However, three years later, Arctic Enterprises collapsed, and Scorpion production stopped. Yet again, Fred was undeterred.
In 1982, he made another series of bold moves: buying the remaining Scorpion moped inventory and approx 100 scorpion snowmobiles from Arctic Cat to sell for $895. That year, he also launched Falls Moped, Inc., building mopeds under the name “Mizer.” In 1983, Arctic Cat resumed business under the name Arctco, Inc. Fred and two of his sons, Fritz and Bob, began selling Arctic Cat snowmobiles. The business continued to grow, adding lawnmowers to the mix.
Fred passed away in 1993, but son’s Fritz and Bob carried the torch. The business, now called West Side Recreation is still in business and sells Arctic Cat, Kymco, Snapper, Hustler, and bicycles — thriving for over 55 years!
Coming full circle, Ken Zak now owns the 1974 Super Brute that he personally took out of the crate 50 years earlier. The same one Fred sold to Tom when he was just a teenager. Upon purchasing the snowmobile, Tom even provided Ken with a copy of the original receipt and warranty registration with Fred’s handwriting on them.
This turned out to be more than a transaction, it was a reunion of histories, of families, and of legacy. A symbol of what Fred and Phinee had built — not just a business, but a community, a lifestyle, and a trail that continues forward.
Ash River-Kabetogma Snowdrifters
Benton County SC
Blue Earth Snow Rovers
Cokato Ridge Runners
Country Snow Cruisers, Inc
Crow River Sno Pros
Dalton Snow Trashers
Ely Igloo Snowmobile Club
Eveleth Trailhawk Snowmobile Club
Hillman Swampstompers
Lincoln Lakes SC
Longville Snowmobile Club
Lost River Trails
Mille Lacs Trails
Naytahwaush Nightriders
Northern Pine Riders
Pequaywan Area Trailblazers
Pequot Brush Pilots
Reservoir Riders
Ridgerunner’s Snowmobile Club
River Valley Trail Blazers
Scott County Sno Trails
Sno Barons Snowmobile Club
St. Augusta Blizzard Busters
Tamarack Sno-Flyers
Trail Breakers Inc
Wells Creek Riders
West Central Trailblazers
Clearwater Trail Blazers Club News
Clearwater Trail Blazers
Snowmobile Club held their annual dinner for their landowners in April at the American Legion in Bagley. Gift cards, snowmobile clothing and beautiful flowers were given away. Thank you, landowners.
Submitted by Gail Friborg, Secretary
Sno-Serpents
Byron Snow Bears/ Kasson-Mantorville Snowdrifters
In July, our club participated in the annual 4th of July Parade in Crosby. The newer trailer was in front of me (blowing snow) to represent today’s snowmobiling. I followed with the older sleds and truck to represent the birth of the Sno-Serpent snowmobile club in 1973. My truck is a 1969 but would still be used back then.
The Sno-Serpents club services Crosby, Ironton, Deerwood and Cuyuna and the surrounding area.
Submitted by Tom Jann
This is the 3rd annual Great Southern Swap Meet and Vintage Show being held on Sunday, September 28th at the Dodge County fairgrounds in Kasson. This is a fun event put on by two local clubs to help promote the sport we all love. Plenty of fun, food, vendors, snowmobiles and great people taking part!
Submitted
by Mike
Ness Byron Snow Bears
MnUSA Business Partners
Docksider Longville, MN 218-363-2565
Longville Campground Longville, MN 218-363-2610
Jerry’s Bar & Restaurant Angle Inlet, MN
Points North Services Angle Inlet, MN 218-223-4201
Spud’s Small Engine Service & Repair Barrett, MN 320-528-2299
Battle Lake Inn Battle Lake, MN 218-862-2500
Bleachers Sports Bar & Grill Detroit Lakes, MN 218-844-6820
Detroit Lakes Express Inc Detroit Lakes, MN 218-847-8049
Okeson Offtrail Sales Detroit Lakes, MN 218-847-9304
T.S. Recreational, Inc Detroit Lakes, MN 218-844-3033
United Community Bank Perham, MN 218-346-5700
Ruther Excavating Inc. Richville, MN 218-298-1477
Farmers Cooperative Oil Association Wendell, MN 218-685-4491
OTHER MEMBERS V & V Insurance Agency Inc Cresco, IA 563-547-2161
MWO Media Burr Ridge, IL 630-887-7722
Cajun Tie Downs Inc Crowley, LA 866-794-9932
AmericInn of Calumet Calumet, MI 906-934-6115
Stud Boy Traction Ravenna, MI 231-853-2323
ArcticFX Washington, MI 586-786-9851
Simonson Station Stores, Inc. Grand Forks, ND 701-772-3971
Texas Crossing Bar & Grill Wahpeton, ND 701-642-1991
Absolute Insurance West Fargo, ND 701-365-0515
Tender Hearts Home Care New York Mills, MN 218-385-3466
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
Voltedge Electric Ottertail, MN 218-637-3725
√Lakes Inn at Dunvilla Pelican Rapids, MN 218-863-8000
√Grandstay Hotel & Suites - Perham Perham, MN 218-346-2033
New Horizons Realty Perham, MN 218-346-7767
Perham Area Chamber of Commerce Perham, MN 218-346-7710
Steve’s Sanitation Perham, MN 218-346-4834
Custom Manufacturing Clinton, WI 608-676-2282
Ultimate Snow Groomer Drags Galesville, WI 608-539-4600
Lake Chippewa Flowage Resort Assn. Hayward, WI
Lulich Implement Mason, WI 715-746-2477
Track Inc - Tucker SnoCat Dealer Monico, WI 952-888-7372
Arrowhead Groomers/ Hamblen Equipment St Germain, WI 715-479-4200
√Marsh’s View Point Resort Wascott, WI 715-466-2447
√Wyoming High Country Lodge Lovell, WY 307-529-0914
Northwest Outlet Inc Superior, WI
LaVallee Inc Mississauga, ON 905-670-1588
2025-2026 Club News Submission Form
Please use this form as a guideline when submitting your club news for publishing in Minnesota Snowmobiling. It is not necessary to use this form (emails gladly accepted) but please make sure to include all pertinent contact information. Club News should be items of interest to the snowmobile community as a whole—sharing ideas about successful events held, trail projects and improvements, ways to promote membership growth, etc.
To accommodate all clubs wishing to submit their news, we ask that you submit a Club News article no more than two times a year, keeping the length of your article to around 250 words or less with a photo, and 500 or less without a photo. We encourage you to send high-resolution photos (300 dpi or greater) of your club’s activities, including captions describing the event and/or the people shown. All submissions due by 4 p.m. of deadline date.
Club Name:
Town/City and County:
Written by/Title:
Phone: ______________________ Email:
Photo Caption (if photo is being submitted):
Club News (Please submit on a separate page):
2025-2026 DEADLINES FOR CLUB NEWS
Sep. 2025 7/30/25 8/22/25
Oct. 2025 8/29/25 9/27/25
Nov. 2025 9/30/25 10/27/25
Dec. 2025 10/29/25 11/24/25
Jan. 2026 11/26/25 12/23/25
Feb. 2026 12/27/25 1/26/26
Mar. 2026 2/13/26 3/10/26
Send Club News submissions to: Editor, Scott J. Wakefield Oliver1650@icloud.com 12620 Co. Rd. 30, Waconia, MN 55387 Phone: 612-483-5638 (text) Or email: mnusa@mwomedia.com
