Residents Guide 2021

Residents guide Hubbard County

2021

Clubs | Schools | Government | Churches | Medical Services | Arts & Culture

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Crystal Brook

SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY

by KNUTE NELSON

218.699.3605

218.237.2350

We provide a family of services that include:

Senior Apartments | Assisted Living | Memory Care Home Care | In-Home Technology

knutenelson.org | 1006 Crocus Hill Street East, Park Rapids - 3 -

Welcome

What ’s inside 2021 GUIDE TO HUBBARD COUNTY

Our Residents Guide offers one convenient source for finding out about resources available in Hubbard County.

The guide is updated annually to provide the most accurate information possible.

A division of Forum Communications Company (USPS 421-900)

CONTACT US

ADMINISTRATION

Jody Hanson, Publisher jhanson@echopress.com Jeff Beach, Editorial Director jbeach@forumcomm.com Diann Drew, Business Mgr. ddrew@echopress.com Karen Holtan, Operations Coordinator kholtan@parkrapidsenterprise.com

EDITORIAL STAFF

Shannon Geisen, Editor sgeisen@parkrapidsenterprise.com Vance Carlson, Sports Editor vcarlson@parkrapidsenterprise.com Lorie Skarpness, Reporter lskarpness@parkrapidsenterprise.com Robin Fish Jr., Reporter rfish@parkrapidsenterprise.com

ADVERTISING

Candy Parks, Advertising Mgr. cparks@parkrapidsenterprise.com Jayne Merila, Specialty Sales jmerila@parkrapidsenterprise.com

CIRCULATION

Kathy Dennis kdennis@parkrapidsenterprise.com

OFFICE STAFF

Cindy Warne, Customer Service Rep cwarne@parkrapidsenterprise.com

LAYOUT & DESIGN

Chris Johnson cjohnson@bemidjipioneer.com

PARKRAPIDSENTERPRISE.COM

218.732.3364 FAX: (218) 732-8757

TO REACH US

If there is something missing that you would like to see included in next year’s guide, feel free to write, call or email the Enterprise at 203 Henrietta Ave. N., Park Rapids MN 56470, call 732-3364, email sgeisen@parkrapidsenterprise.com.

The staff thanks all the individuals and organizations who provided the information, as well as the advertisers who make it possible to publish it.

Cover photos: The Enterprise held a photo contest in 2020 and received many wonderful photos of life in the Northwoods, some of which appear within this special edition. On the cover, clockwise from the top, the photos are by Denise Johnson, Melissa Hayes, Steve Maanum, Lyn Spilman and Janice Smith.

HISTORY

Landmarks.................................... 11-12,14

COMMUNITY

Map of Park Rapids ................................... 6 Business Index……………………………........ 8 Federal & State Officials..........................15 CommunityOverview........................ 16-17 Hubbard County Board..................... 18-19 Park Rapids City Council.........................20

TO SUBSCRIBE

Nevis City Council....................................22 Akeley City Council..................................24 Townships................................................26 Recycling.................................................. 27 Transportation........................................ 28 Senior Services.........................................30 Social Services .........................................32 Lakeshore Owner Info ............... 34, 35, 36 Agriculture Services.................................36 Medical Services.......................................38 Clinics...................................................... 40

EDUCATION

Park Rapids School............................ 42-43 Nevis School.............................................44 Laporte School.........................................45

CHURCHES & ORGANIZATIONS

Area Organizations........................... 46-47 Church Listings..................................48, 50 Cemeteries................................................50

BUSINESS

Downtown Business Association............52 Hubbard County Regional Economic Development Commission......................54 Industries ................................................60 Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce............................56 Small Business Development Center......56 Auto Directory..........................................53 Contractor Directory........................ 57-59

PARKS & RECREATION

Itasca State Park ......................................62 North Country Trail ................................64 Recreation Resources...............................64

ENTERTAINMENT

Arts Organizations............................ 65-66

Receive unlimited access to 20-plus newspapers, exclusive deals and events, news archives and e-papers. Call (218) 732-3364. For Hubbard County & adjoining counties: 1 year, $99.84; 6 months, $59.80. All other Minnesota: 1 year, $111.80; 6 months, $65.78. Outside of Minnesota: 1 year, $114.40; 6 months, $67.08. E-Paper Rates: $9.99 per month or $100 for 1 year - 4 -

OFFICE HOURS

The Park Rapids Enterprise front office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday.

h s e fr

Welcome To

MARKETPL ACE Open 6am-10pm, 7 Days A Week

• • • • • •

Fresh Meat & Seafood Fresh Produce e Bakery Floral Pharmacy Deli 209 1st St W Park Rapids, MN 56470 (218) 732-0182 2030_HubbardCountyResGuideAd_020421

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169th Ave.

Welcome

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Keep your waters pristine.

Commit to STOP the Spread of Aquatic Hitchhikers • Clean, Drain and Dry Your Gear and Equipment Before Moving Between Lakes • Clean Off Any Mud, Aquatic Plants and Animals • Drain Water....Bilge, Live Well, Bait and Ballast Bags • Use Bottled or Tap Water to Transport Your Bait Schedule Your FREE Boat Decontamination - mndnr.gov/decon Park Rapids 218-252-6738

Protecting Hubbard County Lakes Since 1988 www.hubbardcolamn.org - 7 -

Business Index APPLIANCES

Harvala Appliance ��������������������������������������������������� 27

ASSISTED LIVING

Heritage Community ����������������������������������������������.31 Knute Nelson �������������������������������������������������������������� 3

ATTORNEYS

Peloquin/Jenson Attorneys & Counselors PLLC ���.45 Thomason, Swanson & Zahn, PLLC �������������������39

AUCTIONEERS

Jokela Auctions, Inc ������������������������������������������������.61 Trinity Auction Co �����������������������������������������������������61

AUTO DETAILING/REPAIR/SALES/ PARTS/TOWING

Advanced Automotive �������������������������������������������53 Exhaust Pros �������������������������������������������������������������53 Heartland MaintenanceAnd Repair ��������������������53 Josh’s Collision Center ������������������������������������������53 Nick’s Service �����������������������������������������������������������53 Premier Lube & Repair �������������������������������������������53 Thielen Motors, Inc ������������������������������������������������� .19 West Side Auto ��������������������������������������������������������53

BUILDING CENTERS

Spirit Lake Lumber �������������������������������������������������.45

EXCAVATING

Backhoe Pete ����������������������������������������������������������� 57 Racer Construction �������������������������������������������������59 Thelen’s Excavating & Septic, Inc �����������������������59

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Citizens National Bank ��������������������������������������������13 Community First Bank ��������������������������������������������25 Northwoods Bank ���������������������������������������������������29

FIREPLACES/STOVES

Wilkening Fireplace �����������������������������������������������.55

FUEL

Cenex-Lakes Area Co-op �������������������������������������� 27

GIFTS

Irene’s Favorite Things ������������������������������������������ 27

GLASS/AUTO/RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL

Craig’s Glass, LLC ��������������������������������������������������� .57

GROCERY STORES/MEAT MARKET

Hugo’s �������������������������������������������������������������������������� 2 Coborn’s ���������������������������������������������������������������������� 5 Lake Country Foods ������������������������������������������������41 Main Street Meats ���������������������������������������������������.41

HARDWARE

BUTCHER

Cwilka Ace Hardware ���������������������������������������������21 L&M Fleet ������������������������������������������������������������������35

CABINETRY

Do It Right Handyman, LLC ������������������������������������41

Main Street Meats ����������������������������������������������������41 Eischens Wood Products ��������������������������������������58

CHURCHES

Abide Vineyard Church ������������������������������������������51 Assembly of God ������������������������������������������������������51 Eastside Christian Church �������������������������������������49 Faithbridge Church ������������������������������������������������.50 Hubbard United Methodist Church ��������������������51 Riverside United Methodist Church ��������������������51 St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church ���������������50 Trinity Church ������������������������������������������������������������51

CONCRETE

KL Concrete, LLC �����������������������������������������������������58 Menahga Concrete ������������������������������������������������.59

CONSTRUCTION/CONTRACTOR

Action Contracting, Inc ������������������������������������������ 57 Bruce Beckley Construction ��������������������������������� 57 Budget Exteriors ������������������������������������������������������ 57 Emcon, Inc �����������������������������������������������������������������58 HED Construction ����������������������������������������������������58 Lindow Construction, Inc ���������������������������������������59 Pro Contractors Inc �������������������������������������������������59 Racer Construction �������������������������������������������������59

DINING

Becida Bar & Grill ���������������������������������������������������.61.

The Cottage House Cafe ���������������������������������������61

EDUCATION

Mahube-OTWA ��������������������������������������������������������39

ELECTRIC COMPANY

Itasca Mantrap Elec. Coop ������������������������������������23

ELECTRICIANS

Avenson Electric ����������������������������������������������������� .57 Davis Electric �������������������������������������������������������������13 Hansen’s Electric �����������������������������������������������������58 Marchell Electric, Inc ����������������������������������������������.59 Steve’s Electric Service, Inc ����������������������������������59 Northern Pines Plumbing Heating & Electric �������59

HANDYMAN

HEATING/PLUMBING/AIR CONDITIONING

Ackerman Plumbing & Heating, LLC ������������������ 57 Leading Edge Mechanical ������������������������������������58 Northern Pines Plumbing, Heating & Electric ������59 Park Rapids Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. �����.59 True North Mechanical �������������������������������������������59

MASONRY

Burlingame Masonry ��������������������������������������������� .57

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

ProvidaCare ���������������������������������������������������������������31

MEDICAL FACILITIES

Essentia Health ��������������������������������������������������������39 CHI St. Joseph’s Health.68 Sanford Health ��������������������������������������������������������� 37

NURSERY/GARDEN CENTER

Forest & Floral �����������������������������������������������������������41 Flying W Gardens ���������������������������������������������������.58

PAWN SHOP

Fuller’s Gun & Pawn �������������������������������������������������41

PEST CONTROL

North Star Pest Control ������������������������������������������59

PET CARE

Snuggle’n Snooze Inn ��������������������������������������������55

PETROLEUM COMPANY

Enbridge �������������������������������������������������������������������� 67

PHARMACY

Coborn’s ���������������������������������������������������������������������� 5

PROPANE

Cenex Lakes Are Co-op ���������������������������������������� 27

REAL ESTATE

Affinity Real Estate ���������������������������������������������������61 Preferred Properties ����������������������������������������������.55

RECYCLING

Hubbard County Solid Waste ��������������������������������� 9

SANITATION

Northern Pines Sanitation �������������������������������������59

HOME-BASED BUSINESSES

SEPTIC SYSTEMS

HOME CARE SERVICES

SMALL ENGINE REPAIR

Mary Kay ��������������������������������������������������������������������55 North Star Nursing ��������������������������������������������������39

HOME FURNISHINGS

Thelen’s Excavating & Septic �������������������������������59 L&M Fleet ������������������������������������������������������������������35 Cwikla Ace Hardware ���������������������������������������������21

Beds Plus �������������������������������������������������������������������25 S&L Outlet ������������������������������������������������������������������13

SPORTING & OUTDOORS GOODS

INFORMATION

STORAGE

Park Rapids Chamber of Commerce ������������������55

INSURANCE

Headwaters Retirement Services ����������������������� 33 Humana �����������������������������������������������������������������������41

JEWELRY

Price’s Fine Jewelry ������������������������������������������������45

LAKE ASSOCIATION

Hubbard County COLA ���������������������������������������������7

LICENSES-FISHING/HUNTING

L&M Fleet ������������������������������������������������������������������35

LIQUOR

Rapids Spirits ������������������������������������������������������������63 Dorset Corner Liquor ����������������������������������������������61 Nevis Liquor ��������������������������������������������������������������55

L&M Fleet ������������������������������������������������������������������35 Storage 71 �������������������������������������������������������������������31

SURVEYING

Lindow Surveying & Mapping, LLC ���������������������45

TILE

Kountry Tile & Stone ����������������������������������������������58

THERAPY/COUNSELING

A Better Connection ���������������������������������������������� .33

TOURISM/INFORMATION

Park Rapids Chamber of Commerce ������������������55

TRANSIT SERVICES

Heartland Express ��������������������������������������������������.29

TREE SERVICE

Northwoods 1st Tree Service ��������������������������������31

LOCKSMITH

UPHOLSTERY

LOGGING

VETERINARIAN

MARINE SALES & SERVICE

WELDING

Kent Reeve Locksmithing ��������������������������������������58 Kimball’s Logging Inc ���������������������������������������������.61 Johnsons On The Water ����������������������������������������23

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Gateway Upholstery ����������������������������������������������� 43 Town and Country Animal Clinic �������������������������55 Darchuk’s Fabrication �������������������������������������������� 57

KEEP OUR LAKE COUNTRY CLEAN! led? e recyc b n a c t Wha

Tin Cans

Aluminum Cans

Glass

Hubbard County Solid Waste & Recycling 218-732-1468

KEEP YOUR GARBAGE OUT OF THE LANDFILL - Pitch-in and reduce your waste by requesting less packaging, buy in bulk, reduce junk mail and recycle all you can!

Park Rapids Coborn’s (Back Parking Lot) Cwikla ACE Hardware Hugo’s In Hubbard County Are Located At: Walmart (Parking Lot) Lake George Town Hall Laporte Third Base Hubbard Community Center Becida Bar & Grill Arago Town Hall Farden Twp. Grace Lake Bar & Grill City of Akeley Behind Liquor Store DROP OFF SITES ARE OPEN Chamberlain White Oak Town Hall Nevis County Public Works Lot AT ALL TIMES OR DROP RECYCLABLES AT BOTH Benedict Hardware Store TRANSFER STATIONS Backwoods Bar and Grill

RECYCLING DROP OFF CONTAINERS

Building or expanding a business?

Call for project site recycling bins.

Commercial businesses or large volumes of recycling call for FREE pick-up & schedule Junk Mail & Offic e

Paper

HUBBARD COUNTY TRANSFER STATION HOURS SOUTH TRANSFER STATION 218-732-9181

Located East of Park Rapids on Hwy. 34, then South on County Road 6 (812 South Henrietta Avenue) Open: Monday thru Friday 7:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m. Saturday 7:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m

Magazines s er & Newspap

NORTH TRANSFER STATION

218-224-2100

Located 1 mi. North of Jct. of U.S. Hwy. 71 & 200 at Kabekona Corners (41304 U.S. Hwy. #71, Laporte, MN) Open: Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m

BOTH STATIONS: Accept all solid waste, recyclables and demolition debris. Closed on Sundays and holidays #1 Plastic

HUBBARD COUNTY SOLID WASTE DEPARTMENT 812 Henrietta Ave, Park Rapids, MN 56470 Josh Holte (218) 732-9568 Email: josh.holte@co.hubbard.mn.us

NEWS AND REMINDERS #2 Plastic

Cardboard

Remember to open bags and put recyclables freely in the recycling containers to help keep contamination rates low. And remember to only recycle what is listed on the recycling label.

Plastic bags can be recycled at Walmart of Coborn’s in Park Rapids.

Hubbard County has an organics recycling program for food waste. If you would like to sign up for the program, you can register on-line at co.hubbard.mn.us/waste, the County Public Works Building, or at the south transfer station. There is a drop off container located at the south transfer station.

Hubbard County is offering an agricultural plastics recycling program. Boat wrap and greenhouse film are also included in this program. You can bring the plastics to either of the transfer stations. If you have any questions email solidwaste@ co.hubbard.mn.us or call 732-1468

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CHECK OUR WEBPOAUT GE! www.co.hu b

bard.mn.u s/waste

NONHUB COUN BARD RESI TY May DENTS

annua purchase a ld n for hou isposal per m s e only (a hold was it station t the transfete r o office r solid was as the ) or may pay te y th transfe row at the r statio n.

Landmarks

Armory Arts and Events Center aims to open safely The Armory Arts and Events Center, located at 203 Park Ave. S. in Park Rapids, is taking reservations for events that can be held safely.

The facility, comprising the historic National Guard Armory and its annex minus Vallarta’s Mexican Grill, was purchased by the city in spring 2020 but has yet to host an event due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“All events are, of course, subject to current and prevailing COVID restrictions,” said Denny Ulmer, president of the AAEC board of directors.

Formerly known as the Park Rapids Community Development Corporation, the organization operates the Armory with a ground-floor booking office in the northeast corner of the building.

Since last year, operations manager Julie Kjenaas has worked there part-time, initially through a partnership with the Heartland Lakes Development and the Headwaters Regional Development Commission. As of Feb. 1, Kjenaas works directly with the AAEC as an independent contractor.

Currently, she said, the facility is available for small groups meeting in a large space.

“Right now, I think we can do some very small-group things with the current restrictions,” said Ulmer, adding that the Armory board is “going ahead and booking those events, as long as they meet current COVID restrictions. We will make

the building COVID friendly by having capacity signs for each room, requesting social distancing, wearing a mask. We’ll have all of the COVID guidelines publicly posted on the door, etc.”

“If there are small groups that need large space, like 10 or under, depending on what space they want to take, they can contact me to come and see if they would comply, and I’m willing to show anyone who’s interested in renting out the space,” Kjenaas said. “It’s a great space. It’s too bad that it’s just sitting there.”

Ulmer said Kjenaas has received inquiries from people interested in holding a variety of events at the Armory. “There’s quite a range, and we’re very excited about that,” he said, hinting at various uses for the buildings large and small spaces and flexible seating arrangements – such as wedding receptions, concerts, plays, vendor shows, art exhibits, training events and yoga classes.

Ulmer said they’ve received grant funding to purchase tables and chairs and are also fundraising to put in telescoping, theater-style seating. “It would seat about 250,” he said.

These are not bleachers; these would be theater seats. And then, we’d probably have room on the floor for another 150 chairs. So, we can get a pretty good-size audience in there.”

He credited local talent Deane Johnson for doing photog-

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Continued on page 12

Landmarks

Unique landmarks dot the county PARK RAPIDS

► The original Hubbard County Courthouse, located at 3rd St. and Court Ave., was built in 1900. A fine example of Victorian design, it is on the National Register of Historic Buildings. It is the home of the Hubbard County Historical Society and Nemeth Art Center. ► The U.S. Post Office, at the corner of Park Avenue (Hwy. 71) and 3rd St., was occupied in 1939. In 1940, well-known Minnesota sculptor Alonzo Hauser carved oak figures for the post office as part of the Section of Fine Arts, administered by the U.S. Treasury. These large figures depict a lumberjack, an Indian and a scene of lakes, deer and pines and are located in the lobby.

Atop the brick building are a cupola and unique weathervane. The old granite steps were removed in 2006.

Continued on page 12

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Continued from page 11

► Main Avenue parking – a street wide enough to accommodate center and side parking – is a curiosity and a memorable feature of the town. It is said since Park Rapids originally was a logging community, the street was laid out so wide to allow teamsters to turn their horses around. It also has been said the street was made wide so piles of lumber could be stacked in the center to dry. Both stories may be right. ► The fire bell, displayed in front of the fire hall on Hwy. 71 south, was presented to the fire department by James B. Cutler in 1895. The Park Rapids Volunteer Fire Department celebrated its centennial in 1991. ► The Fish Hook mill pond and dam at Rice Park (and the state fish hatchery) still bear evidence of what was once the site of the town’s first sawmill and flour mill. They were built

by Franklin C. Rice who came here in 1881 and founded the village of Park Rapids. In 1908 the voters gave Rice the franchise for the town’s electricity.

NEVIS

Muskie Park, located just north of Highway 34 in Nevis, is the home of the Tiger Muskie erected in the early 1950s.

Trees were planted in the park in honor of Nevis’ World War I dead and now the park has a veterans memorial with a lighted flagpole, flower bed, honorarium benches and a walkway. A pavilion was dedicated in the park in 1993 with an enclosed stand for food sales and shelter for picnic tables.

AKELEY

Paul Bunyan’s statue on State Hwy. 34 in Akeley is the world’s tallest of the legendary woodcutter. He kneels holding his ax in one hand and stretching out his other hand as a seat for picture taking. It was dedicated in 1985 in a ceremony at Memorial Park, which is also the home of Paul’s cradle and an historical museum operated by the Paul Bunyan Historical Society.

OSAGE

Straight Lake is the source of Straight River. The 15 river miles between the dam at Straight Lake and the river’s confluence with the Fish Hook River is one of the premier brown trout streams in the state. Such natural reproduction is a rarity. Trout Unlimited promotes catch and release so trophy-size fish can continue to thrive here.

The former school on Hwy. 34 was built in 1938 during the WPA era. The building was the center of activity when Osage celebrated its centennial in 1991. The parade was so long, organizers considered having the parade stand still and the spectators walk around so the front would not catch the back and block the streets.

TWO INLETS

The Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes at St. Mary’s Church, Two Inlets, is a replica of the one in France with life-size statues of our Lady and Saint Bernadette, Stations of the Cross set in fieldstone frames and an outdoor altar.

DORSET AREA

First English Lutheran Church in Dorset, dedicated in 1936, is built of hand-split fieldstone gathered from neighboring farms.

Continued from page 10

raphy and Rod Nordberg for narrating the virtual tour, and organizations from the Chamber to Heartland Arts for staging examples of what different events might look like throughout the Armory. “We’ve had a pretty positive response,” he said.

Regarding the Armory board, Ulmer said, “We are meeting monthly, and I think the board members are all pretty passionate about the arts and entertainment and culture being an economic driver for the community. … Unfortunately, COVID has been a real setback for us.”

Emphasizing that the Armory is not a community center

but an arts and events center, he said, “Having all the cultural possibilities in the area really brings business to the downtown community, to the area.” For example, he said, people attending a two-day training event at the Armory could stay in the local hotels.

To contact Kjenaas to discuss reservations, make a donation or for more information, call 218-237-3722, or visit parkrapidsarmory.org for a virtual tour of the Armory.

“I’m usually in the office between 11 and 3 on weekdays,” said Kjenaas, advising anyone interested in looking at the space to call before visiting.

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Specializing In Satisfied Customers

COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL • INDUSTRIAL

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- 13 -

Landmarks

Libraries, newspaper, museums and other valuable resources PARK RAPIDS AREA LIBRARY

Park Rapids Area Library is a branch of the Kitchigami Regional Library System (KRLS). It offer wireless internet access, public computer use and the capability to print, scan, and fax documents.

Throughout the year, the library hosts special events and programs for people of all ages featuring authors, musicians, storytellers and more.

Children and their caregivers are invited to spend time in the children’s area reading and attending story time on Fridays at 10:30 a.m. Children ages 2-18 are welcome to participate in this year’s summer reading program, “Reading Colors Your World.” There is no charge to attend any library-sponsored event.

Library cards are free to residents of the five counties within KRLS, and can be used at any of our branches. Items available for checkout are books, audiobooks, music, movies and magazines. A KRLS library card also provides access to digital platforms including CloudLibrary, Flipster and Hoopla. Guests who have library cards from another regional library system in Minnesota can use their cards to check out our non-digital items.

The library is located at 210 1st St. West, near the intersection of State Hwy. 34 and Main Ave Hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday and from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

For more information, call (218) 732-4966, visit krls. org, email parkrapids@krls.org or find the Park Rapids Area Library’s Facebook page.

Some restrictions are in place during COVID-19. Call or email with questions.

PARK RAPIDS ENTERPRISE

Founded in 1882, the Park Rapids Enterprise is Hubbard County’s oldest continuous business venture. It was the first newspaper established north of the Northern Pacific Railroad in Minnesota. The Park Rapids Enterprise is committed to providing the most complete local news coverage in the region. The Enterprise publishes Wednesday and Saturday each week with continuous online updates. Serving the com-

munities of Park Rapids, Nevis, Akeley, Menahga, Dorset, Lake George, Osage and the surrounding lakes area, the award-winning Enterprise is the most comprehensive news source in the area and the official newspaper of Hubbard County. To subscribe, call the office 732-3364 or email Kathy Dennis at kdennis@parkrapidsenterprise.com.

HEADWATERS CENTER FOR LIFELONG LEARNING

The Headwaters Center for Lifelong Learning (HCLL) is a nonprofit, educational organization. Since 2001, HCLL has hosted presentations on a variety of historical, artistic, scientific and public policy topics. The programs are free and open to all ages. DVDs of recorded programs are available to check out at the Park Rapids Area Library. For more information, contact Marty Leistikow at 218-699-3527 or hcllemail@gmail. com.

ALL VETERANS MEMORIAL

Dedicated in August 2003, the memorial is devoted to the memory of all veterans of all wars and branches of the service.

Visitors will find granite monoliths commemorating past wars and a stone walkway and benches commemorating individual veterans. Construction has started on the All Veterans Memorial Interpretive and Educational Center. The lighted area is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The memorial is located on Hwy. 71 south, adjacent to the Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce.

HUBBARD COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM

The Hubbard County Historical Museum is located in the original Hubbard County Courthouse, built in 1900 and located at 301 Court Street, Park Rapids. The interior of the museum retains the original tin ceilings, eight vaults and the gilded, 14-karat gold lettering on the office doors. Delve into the beginnings of Hubbard County. Each room depicts a different aspect of early life in the area.

Admission is free, but donations are greatly appreciated.

Hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from May 1 through Sept. 30. More info at 732-5237, historicalmuseum@arvig.net or www.hubbardcountyhistory.org.

- 14 -

Continued on page 17

Community

Your federal and state elected officials CONGRESS

Pete Stauber (R) U.S. Rep. Congressional District 8, 126 Cannon HOB, Washington, DC 20515.

202-225-6211 stauber.house.gov

Tina Smith (D) U.S. Senator 720 Hart Senate Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20510.

202-224-5641. www.smith.senate.gov

STATE REPRESENTATIVES

STATE SENATOR

Paul Utke (R) District 2 95 University Ave. West, Minnesota Senate Bldg, Room 3403, St. Paul, MN 55155, 651-296-9651 sen.paul.utke@senate.mn.

Amy Klobuchar (D) U.S. Senator 425 Dirksen Senate Bldg., Washington, DC 20510.

202-224-3244. www.klobuchar.senate.gov

Matt Grossell (R) District 2A 227 State Office Building, St. Paul, MN 55155, 651-296-4265 rep.matt.grossell@house.mn.

CONSUMER INFORMATION

► Office of Minnesota Attorney General, Keith Ellison, 445 Minnesota St., Suite 1400, St. Paul, MN 55101, 800-6573787 or www.ag.state.mn.us. ► American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota, P.O. Box 14720, Minneapolis, MN 55414 (651) 645-4097, support@ aclu-mn.org or www.aclu-mn.org. ► Better Business Bureau of Minnesota & North Dakota, 220 S. River Ridge Cir., Burnsville, MN 55337, ask@thefirstbbb.org, www.bbb.org, 651-699-1111 ► Minnesota Department of Commerce, Golden Rule Building, 85 7th Place East, Suite 280, St. Paul, MN 55101, 800-657-3602, consumer.protection@state.mn.us or www. commerce.state.mn.us.

Steve Green (R) District 2B 315 State Office Building, St. Paul, MN 55155, 651-296-9918, rep.steve.green@house.mn.

Matt Bliss (R) District 5A 311 State Office Building, St. Paul, MN 55155, 651-296-5516, rep.matt.bliss@house.mn

► Federal Trade Commission for the consumer 877-FTCHELP or www.ftc.gov/bcp/consumer.shtm. ► Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota, Bemidji office 218-751-9201, 1-800-450-8585 or www.lsnmlaw.org. ► Social Security Administration, Bemidji office, 2900 Hannah Ave. NW, Bemidji, MN 56601, 1-866-258-6345, www. ssa.gov or 1-800-772-1213 ► Minnesota Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE), 877-664-8463 or www.vinelink.com.

- 15 -

Community

If you’re new to Hubbard County...

PARK RAPIDS

Founded in 1880 by rugged pioneers, farmers and loggers, this city was named for its park-like groves and the rapids on the Fishhook River. The area’s natural beauty – and source of the mighty Mississippi River – attracts residents and tourists alike. Park Rapids is the county seat for Hubbard County. Its small-town charm also boasts schools, medical services, parks, recreation, arts, an airport and business opportunities.

boat ramp and public access to Belle Taine north of Hwy. 34.

Nevis has a Civic and Commerce Association, Senior Citizens Center, a number of churches and many yeararound and seasonal businesses.

AKELEY

The world’s tallest statue of Paul Bunyan and Paul’s cradle mark Akeley as home of the legendary woodsman.

The Paul Bunyan Historical Society Museum, also located in the city park known as Paul’s Patio, houses artifacts from the days when Akeley was a logging boom town.

Community organizations include the Civic and Commerce, Akeley Lions, Garden Club, Senior Citizens Club and Eastern Hubbard County Fire District and Auxiliary. The city has several churches, light industry and many year-around and seasonal businesses.

The Akeley Regional Community Center is home to the Akeley Community Library, thrift store, an archery range, a dog training site and two gymnasiums. Public meeting rooms are available to rent or use.

NEVIS

The lakeside village, located on the east end of Belle Taine, is the gateway to the Paul Bunyan State Forest and 90 lakes located within a 10-mile radius.

It’s known for its huge tiger muskie, located at Muskie Park.

Nevis also offers a public beach, public dock with handicapped access, park, - 16 -

Community

Smaller communities

BECIDA

In Becida, the deer are so plentiful in the fall it is a favorite place for hunters. The Becida Community Church is only about three miles away.

The small community is located in the northwestern part of the county at the junction of CSAHs 9 and 3.

BENEDICT

Benedict is an unincorporated community in Lakeport Township with several local businesses. The Paul Bunyan Snowmobile Trail skirts Benedict bringing winter business.

Benedict is located on State Hwy. 200, southeast of Laporte.

KABEKONA

DORSET

Lake George is in a natural outdoor recreation area with two lakes on its doorstep. Unique seasonal and year-round businesses make up this active community, which has its own senior citizens group and garden club. Lake George has a post office, Senior Citizens Center, fire hall and a township hall.

Many acres of state-owned forest land make Lake George a prime blueberry picking spot. Lake George is located on U.S. Hwy. 71, east of Itasca State Park.

Kabekona is located at the junction of state Highways 71 and 200 along the Kabekona River.

LAKE GEORGE

Dorset is home to several gift shops and restaurants. Dorset is also the home of First English Lutheran Church. The Heartland Trail is an attraction with horse stalls for public use, a park with a picnic area and shelter and a nature walk hiking trail. Dorset is located about a mile north of Hwy. 34 between Park Rapids and Nevis.

EMMAVILLE

LAPORTE

Emmaville, with a booming population in single digits, is welcoming clientele at the Emmaville Store. Emmaville is located on CSAH 4 northeast of Park Rapids.

GUTHRIE

A community center in Guthrie is located on the old school grounds. This center serves as a gathering place for community groups. Guthrie is located on CSAH 16 on the boundary between Guthrie and Hart Lake townships.

HUBBARD

The community of Hubbard is mostly residential, except for a fine eating establishment where those attending a play at the Long Lake Theater can dine before taking in a play. Long Lake Theater draws in summer visitors from miles around.

Hubbard is located at the south end of Long Lake on Hwy. 87.

Continued from page 14

AKELEY PAUL BUNYAN HISTORICAL MUSEUM

The Akeley Paul Bunyan Historical Museum is located on Main Street, immediately behind the large statue of Paul Bunyan. It opened in 1984 and contains an interesting collection of pictures and artifacts portraying the early Akeley history when the largest sawmill in the state was located here and the population was between 3,000 and 4,000. When volunteers are available, the museum is open daily from 1-4 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

AKELEY COMMUNITY LIBRARY

Located in the Akeley Regional Community Center, the

Laporte has a celebration on 4th of July weekend. Laporte is home to the Lakeport Fire Department and First Responders. Service organizations in Laporte include the Laporte-Benedict Lions Club, Laporte Book Club, Northwoods Writers and Laporte Comets 4-H Club. Laporte is located on Garfield Lake on State Hwy. 200.

NARY

Nary’s pride and joy is its community center, an old school complete with the original stage. The Helga Town Board renovated the building for residents to use, but the center has its own board in charge of scheduling and raising money to maintain the facility. It has kitchen facilities and houses a library.

Nary is located in northeastern Hubbard County on CSAH 9. library is open from 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday.

There are two computers with internet access and a printer.

Books for all ages, including a genealogy section.

COMMUNITY EDUCATION

Park Rapids Community Education offers classes and activities to all ages, birth to senior citizens. Visit www.parkrapidscomed.com or call 237-6600.

To contact Nevis Community Education, email coordinator Katie Rittgers at krittgers@nevis308.org. The official website is https://sites.google.com/nevis308.org/nevis-community-ed/home.

Laporte Community Education is managed by Lisa Moss at lisa.moss@laporte.k12.mn.us or 218-224-2288, ext. 146.

- 17 -

Community

Hubbard County Board Hubbard County is governed by the County Board of Commissioners, elected by district. The board meets twice a month, at 9 a.m. on the first and third Tuesdays, in the boardroom on the third floor of the Hubbard County Government Center in Park Rapids. The county has a website at www. co.hubbard.mn.us that contains information on all depart-

Ag Inspector/Parks and Recreation Greg Hensel, 237-1456 Aquatic Invasive Species Nick Macklem, 732-3890 Assessor 732-3452 Attorney Jonathan Frieden, 732-4133 Auditor/Treasurer Kay Rave, 732-3196 County Administrator 732-2362 Court Administrator Camille Bessler, 732-3573 Crime Victim Services Jill Christenson, 732-4133 Emergency Management 732-2588

ments, county ordinances, employment opportunities, lake maps, parcel maps and more.

All employees listed below may be reached by email. Their addresses are the first letter of their first names and full last names followed by the county address, for example, enerness@co.hubbard.mn.us.

DEPARTMENT MANAGERS Environmental Services Eric Buitenwerf, 732-3890 Extension Service 732-3391 Facilities Maintenance Bobby Wilkins, 732-2520 Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Sam Lively, 732-2326 Heritage Living Center Kurt Hansen, 732-3329 Human Resources Gina Teems, 732-2324 Land Survey Ryan Miller, 732-3302 Natural Resources Mark Lohmeier, 732-4270 License Center Kay Rave, 732-3426 - 18 -

Passport Services 732-3452 Public Works/Highway Department Coordinator Jed Nordin, 732-3302 Probation Officer Joe Peterson, 732-2355 Recorder Nicole Lueth, 732-3552 Sheriff Cory Aukes, 732-3331 Social Services Brian Ophus, 732-1451 Solid Waste Officer Josh Holte, 732-3302 Veterans Services Officer Jerrold Bjerke, 732-3561

David De La Hunt District 1 218-616-4029 ddelahunt @co.hubbard.mn.us

Charlene Christenson District 2 218-616-2181 cchristenson @co.hubbard.mn.us

Tom Krueger District 3 218-616-4069 tkrueger @co.hubbard.mn.us

Daniel Stacey District 4 218-616-4004 dstacey @co.hubbard.mn.us

Ted Van Kempen District 5 218-616-4073 tvankempen @co.hubbard.mn.us

U of M Extension delivers practical education The Hubbard County University of Minnesota Extension office is located at 201 Fair Avenue, Park Rapids. They provide educational programs on sustainable farming, water quality, nutrition and address horticulture questions. They offer the youth of our community learning opportunities via 4-H clubs, special-interest groups, after-school programs, civic engagement, community service, camping and school enrichment. For more information, call 732-3391 or visit https://extension.umn.edu/local/hubbard.

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Community

Welcome to Park Rapids!

BY MAYOR RYAN LECKNER

Welcome to Park Rapids ‒ a city whose true heart is the heart of its people.

Our friendly community of 4,000-plus is nestled among the beautiful Fish Hook River and multiple area lakes. Park Rapids is renowned for its unique downtown area, which features center parking on Main Street surrounded by many quaint stores, trendy restaurants and the historic Park Theater. The downtown area provides a charming venue for community events, like 2nd Street Stage, which showcases music and talent all summer long.

From great schools to parks and playgrounds, from farmers’ markets to the arts, from health clinics to public safety, Park Rapids has you and your family covered. We are located 20 miles south of Itasca State Park, which highlights the headwaters of the Mississippi River.

Come ride and walk on our many miles of maintained bike and snowmobile trails.

Celebrate the Fourth of July with our wonderful fireworks show and famous Professional Bull Riders bull ride. We enjoy four distinct seasons packed with events and activities that provide entertainment all year long.

Being born and raised here, I am proud to call Park Rapids home and warmly welcome you to visit our city and enjoy all that our family-friendly destination has to offer.

Hope to see you in Park Rapids soon!

Park Rapids City Council

Ryan Leckner rjleckner @live.com

Erika Randall erikachrandall @hotmail.com

Liz Stone lzstone301 @gmail.com

The city of Park Rapids, population 4,145, is the county seat for Hubbard County.

Services provided by the city include law enforcement, fire protection, stormwater, sewer and water utilities, maintenance of streets, parks, and the public library, which is a member of the Kitchigami Regional Library System.

The city has a zoning ordinance; building permits are required and are available at city hall.

For businesses wishing to expand or locate in the Park Rapids area, assistance is

Tom Conway conwaythomasj @aol.com

Bob Wills rawills14 @gmail.com

provided through the Heartland Lakes Development Commission. The city also operates a municipal airport and liquor store.

City hall is located at 212 2nd St. W. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call 732-3163. The city’s website is ci.park-rapids.mn.us.

The Park Rapids Council meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. at city hall. Ryan Leckner is mayor, and council members are Erika Randall, Liz Stone, Tom Conway and Bob Wills.

DEPARTMENT HEADS

City Administrator Angel Weasner, 237-2748 aweasner@arvig.net City Clerk Margie Vik, 732-2745 mvik@unitelc.com City Treasurer Jeremy Jude, 732-3163 jjude@arvig.net

City Planner Andrew Mack, AICP, 732-2746 a.mack@arvig.net Public Works Scott Burlingame, 237-2713 pworks@unitelc.com

Police Chief Jeff Appel, 237-2711 jappel@co.hubbard.mn.us Fire Chief Terry Long, 252-2013 terryl@unitelc.com Liquor Store Manager Scott Olson, 237-2750 prspirits@unitelc.com

Appel nears five-year mark as Park Rapids police chief Police Chief Jeff Appel has served the city of Park Rapids since Oct. 17, 2016.

Prior to his appointment, Appel was a captain with the Savage Police Department with 17 years of law enforcement experience, seven of them in a supervisory role. He holds a bachelor’s degree in law enforcement.

Chief Appel is one of 13 sworn officers in the Park Rapids Police Department. Under his supervision are two patrol sergeants, one detective sergeant, eight patrol officers and a school resource officer.

In addition, the department has one fulltime administrative staff member and a K-9 officer.

- 20 -

In 2016, Appel told the city council he had been visiting Park Rapids to hunt with his grandfather for more than 20 years and found it harder to leave after every trip.

“I always wanted to live in this part of the state,” he said. Referring to his wife Amy and their school-aged children, he added, “One of the main reasons we chose Park Rapids is what I know about the town and the people, and a very good school district. It’s a tight community where people take care of each other, and a great place to raise a family.”

The police department is located in the Public Safety Building at 1425 Fair Ave. and can be reached from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at 237-2711.

To file a report or make a complaint, call dispatch at 732-3331. If there is an emergency, dial 9-1-1.

Community

EV charging comes to town

The ability to charge an electric vehicle (EV) battery came to downtown Park Rapids in 2020.

The city’s first “Type 2,” medium-speed charging station went online in October in the public parking lot at Pleasant Avenue and 3rd Street, adjacent to Pioneer Park. It can recharge an electric vehicle’s battery in 2-4 hours.

Previously, the nearest charging stations that appeared on the PlugShare app’s travel map for EV users were a “Type 1,” low-speed outlet at AmericInn and another at the Vagabond Village campground.

Putting Park Rapids on the EV charging map was a priority of an ACTION Park Rapids working group and involved grants from Enbridge Energy and Minnesota Power to cover installation costs, as well as equipment donated by Minnesota Power.

Last year, the city also employed college student Adam Herberg as an intern to develop an EV readiness plan.

Still to be completed on the project, Mack said, is signage to be created by Minnesota Power personnel drawing attention to the charging station and public parking, as well as listing the project’s sponsors.

Mack said the charging equipment ZEF Energy, a major supplier of EV charging equipment.

Regarding upcoming vehicle-charging developments, Mack said, ZEF has applied for a grant from the Minnesota Pollution

Control Agency to fill a void in the U.S. Hwy. 71 corridor.

Mack said that Arch Simonson, the developer of the Simonson Station Store under construction on State Hwy. 34, has expressed interest in installing one or two Level 3, high-speed charging stations there if ZEF is awarded the grant.

“Those charge a vehicle in 20-40 minutes,” said Mack.

He added that, unlike the “pay at the pump,” card-swipe system at the city’s current charging station, ZEF offers a payment system that detects a microchip embedded in a prepaid card and withdraws funds from the user’s ZEF account.

“I’m working with another prospective, large-scale community retailer,” he added. “They have expressed interest in this type of technology at their possible development site on the east side of town.”

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Community

Welcome to Nevis!

BY MAYOR JEANNE THOMPSON

Welcome to Nevis, home of the tiger muskie! The swimming beach on beautiful Lake Belle Taine is popular all summer, along with biking on the beautiful Heartland Trail that goes right through downtown. Stop at the new pollinator garden located near the visitor’s center, just off the trail. Children will enjoy a visit to try out the new playground equipment at Muskie Park or Halverson Park just up the hill from the beach. In the fall, come back to check out the beautiful colors along Paul Bunyan Drive north of town. In the winter, there are hundreds of miles of groomed snowmobile trails to explore.

Whatever the season, Nevis offers something fun for everyone! Go to the Nevis city website for more information on things to do in the area.

Nevis City Council The lakeside village of Nevis is located on the east end of Belle Taine.

The Nevis City Council meets the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Nevis Administration Building.

The Nevis Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department and Public Works Department are located in the Nevis Fire Hall Building at 204 Main Street East.

Jeanne Thompson serves as mayor. Assis-

Jeanne Thompson mayornevis @gmail.com

Rich Johnson councilmemberone @gmail.com

tant mayor is Rich Johnson. Council members are Teresa Leshovsky, Katie Rittgers and Sue Gray.

A public beach and dock with handicapped access along with a boat ramp are located at the public access to Lake Belle Taine north of Hwy. 34. Children will enjoy the recently completed playgrounds at Halvorson Park with access from Park Street and at Muskie Park on Hwy. 2.

Katelyn Rittgers councilmembertwo @gmail.com

Teresa Leshovsky councilmemberthree @gmail.com

Sue Gray councilmemberfour @gmail.com

DEPARTMENT MANAGERS City Administrator Dawn Veit, 652-3866 neviscty@arvig.net Deputy Clerk/Planning and Zoning Kimberly Wright, 652-3866 nevisdeputyclerk@arvig.net Public Works Supervisor Don Umthun, 652-3867 donumthun@hotmail.com - 22 -

Liquor Store Manager Erin Rhoades, 652-3135 Fire Chief Chris Norton, 652-2323 nevisfire@arvig.net Police Deputy Josh Oswald, 652-3866 (non-emergency)

Community

Deputy Josh Oswald serves Nevis Hubbard County Deputy Josh Oswald provides police services to the city of Nevis. He received his police training at Hibbing Community College, graduating in 2011.

Oswald has worked for the Hubbard County Sheriff’s Office for 10 years and in Nevis for seven of those years.

“I take great passion in my job and enjoy every shift I work,” he said. “It’s a great community with great people.”

Oswald works closely with both the Nevis School District and the Akeley Police Department.

In addition to his regular patrols, Oswald also provides checks on seasonal residences during the winter months and checks in with elderly residents who do not have family nearby.

Call 652-3866 to reach Oswald for non-emergency inquiries.

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Community

Akeley City Council Welcome to Akeley!

BY MAYOR BRIAN HITCHCOCK

On behalf of the citizens of Akeley, I would like to welcome you to “the birthplace of Paul Bunyan.”

Akeley started out as a boomtown for the logging industry and has gone through many changes over the years. We are currently a town consisting of 432 people, located on the southern edge of the Paul Bunyan State Forest, in the heart of lake country.

We have the Heartland State trail running through the center of town that provides access to miles of bicycle, ATV and snowmobiling trails.

Akeley is home to one of the largest statues of Paul Bunyan in the world and has visitors stopping by all the time to have their picture taken with him. We hope that you will have the opportunity to stop by our town and see all that Akeley has to offer.

The Akeley City Council meets the second Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. at Akeley City Hall on 25 Broadway Street.

The mayor is Brian Hitchcock. Council members are Bobbie Wosika, Billy Krotzer, Dan Riggs and Nathan George.

The city owns and operates an onand off-sale municipal liquor store, known by locals as “the muni. It is located on State Hwy. 34, just a block from the Paul Bunyan Statue.

For information about city government, call city hall at 652-2465 or go to akeleycity.com.

Brian Hitchcock

Dan Riggs

DEPARTMENT MANAGERS

Bobbie Wosika

City Clerk/Treasurer Kristi Kath akeleych@arvig.net Akeley Police Chief Jimmy Hansen 652-4440 jimmyz802@yahoo.com Liquor Store Manager Lacey Hitchcock 652-4084 akeleyliquorstore@arvig.net

Nathan George

Billy Krotzer

Akeley city campground The city-owned campground is one of Akeley’s hidden gems. Located dockside on 11th Crow Wing Lake, reservations are usually made well in advance of the busy summer.

For more information on rates and availability, call the park manager at 218-252-4570 or go to www.akeleycitycampground.com. There is also a public beach, playground and access near the campground.

- 24 -

Community

Jimmy Hansen serves as Akeley Police Chief Jimmy Hansen has been Akeley’s Police Chief for more than 10 years. He received his training in Alexandria.

“We have a family-oriented town and try to keep it safe for children,” he said. “Even though the Akeley Police Department is small, we center most of our activity on drug interdiction, on drugs coming through our town. We concentrate on that and have other law enforcement assisting also.”

Hansen and his wife have four children. In his free time, he enjoys collecting classic vehicles.

“I love being in the middle of God’s country,” he said. “I work where everybody from the metro wants to come.”

Hansen said he is looking forward to the emergency shelter opening in the Akeley Regional Community Center. “As both a board member and the chief of police, I’m looking forward to assisting victims of domestic violence,” he said.

Hansen welcomes community input about issues of concerns to Akeley residents. Call him at the city office 218652-4440.

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Community

A guide to township government Questions about township government can usually be answered by town clerks.

Clay Township: Margie Vik, 255-0645 mvik@hotmail.com Clover Township: Wayne Koop, 699-3931 clovertownship@live.com Crow Wing Lake Township: Brian Ford, 252-8323 cwltclerk@outlook.com Farden Township: Laurel Schummer, 368-5654 schumme@paulbunyan.net Fern Township: Kim Watkins, 209-6884 frnkenberries@hotmail.com Guthrie Township: Amanda Fallgren, 556-1790 guthriet@paulbunyan.net Hart Lake Township: Charlotte Rauch, 224-3217 char@paulbunyan.net Helga Township: Aric Porter, 301-247-1860 clerk@helgatownship.com Hendrickson Township: Cheri Wilson, 556-7793 hendricksontownshipclerk@gmail.com Henrietta Township: Ann Lempola, 699-3617 henriettatown@unitelc.com Hubbard Township: Laura Kujawa, 732-8836 lkkujawa@hotmail.com Lake Alice Township: Lois Holleman, 308-0093 clerklakealicetownship@gmail.com Lake Emma Township: Nan Iles, 732-0516, lakeemmatwp@outlook.com Lake George Township: Joyce Harvey, 699-3338 charvey@paulbunyan.net Lake Hattie Township: Christopher Parthun 854-7272, lakehattietownship@gmail.com Lakeport Township: Terri White, 368-8446 whiteterri38@hotmail.com Mantrap Township: Carice Golberg-Cummins 255-4052, mantrapclerk@gmail.com Nevis Township: Pat Hrubes, 652-3546 nevistownship@outlook.com Rockwood Township: Jean Diffley, 751-5672 tjdiff@paulbunyan.net Schoolcraft Township: Stephen Booth, 854-7262 steevbooth@hotmail.com Steamboat River Township: Tom Knight, 224-3195 pinhurst@paulbunyan.net Straight River Township: Kari Weston, 732-2662 straightrivertownshipclerk@gmail.com Thorpe Township: Amy Strandell, 255-4890 amy.strandell@outlook.com Todd Township: Pat Cadreau, 255-0826 cadreaubob@unitelc.com White Oak Township: Jeff Lindstrom, 652-3456 whiteoakclerk1@gmail.com

The numbers in black represent the Hubbard County Commissioner districts Akeley Township: Bernice Beck, 652-4027 tbeck@arvig.net Arago Township: Brittany Barnum, 850-1300 Brittany_Joy@hotmail.com Badoura Township: Tim Scouton, 252-1583 badoura2012@gmail.com

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Community

Help the county reduce, reuse, recycle, repair

Different types of waste require different methods of disposal or recycling.

The south transfer station is located at 812 Henrietta Ave. S. in Park Rapids (east on Hwy. 34, then south approximately one-half mile on County 6). Hours of operation are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. Call 732-1468 with questions.

The north transfer station is located at 41304 Hwy. 71, one mile north of the junction of Highways 71 and 200 (Kabekona Corner). Hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. Call 224-2100. Both of the transfer stations are closed on holidays.

Hubbard County residents can drop off the following materials at either transfer station for no charge: fluorescent light bulbs, used oil and oil filters, furniture, white goods (stoves, refrigerators, etc.), brush/diseased tree waste and passenger vehicle tires (limits may apply).

The transfer stations will also accept lawn clippings, leaves, garden debris and vegetable waste and peelings for composting. Rechargeable (Ni-Cad and Lithium Ion) and button (watches, hearing aids, cameras) batteries may be dropped off at either transfer station for recycling. Lead acid batteries should be turned in where new batteries are purchased or may be dropped off at either transfer station.

General household alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D) may be disposed of in the trash.

Electronics, such as computer monitors, televisions and telephones (any items with a display) must be recycled by law. Electronics must be taken to either transfer station to be recycled.

Household hazardous waste is accepted all year at the south transfer station and from April 15 through September 15 at the north transfer station. Household chemicals, paints, lawn and garden chemicals, and even some personal care products, can be hazardous. Questions may be directed to 732-1468.

For recycling, Hubbard County accepts cardboard, newspaper, magazines, phonebooks, junk mail, office paper, cans (aluminum, steel and tin), glass containers, #1 plastic and #2 plastic. These materials can be dropped off at either transfer station or at any of the recycling bins across the county.

For information on recyclables, or for businesses looking for collection, call 732-1468.

Hubbard County also accepts organics (food waste) from residents who register for the program. Residents or businesses can register online at co.hubbard.mn.us/waste. For questions or concerns, email solidwaste@co.hubbard.mn.us or by call 237-1460.

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Open: Mon.-Fri. 8:30-5:30 • Sat. 8:30-4 www.HarvalaAppliances.net

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Community

Transit services can get you there HEARTLAND EXPRESS

The Heartland Express is Hubbard County’s public transit system. All ages can ride, all Hubbard County residents have access and it has become heavily relied upon to get people to their medical appointments, work, day care, preschool and just plain fun trips.

The Heartland Express provides service to the city of Park Rapids as well as a two-mile radius outside the city. A 16-passenger, wheelchair accessible bus is used to transport.

Rides are available from 7:30 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Call dispatch at 732-3500 to schedule a ride. At least a two-hour notice is needed for initial pick up.

By using wheelchair-accessible buses, Heartland Express is able to maintain the mobility of residents and give people another way to stay independent.

By providing transportation services to young children, parents are free from having to leave work for rides to preschool or other community events. It is a great service for daycare providers as well. During the summer months, unlimited ride

passes are available to children for recreation programs, field trips and just general transportation needs.

Rides from Park Rapids, Nevis, Lake Alice and Lake George to Bemidji are provided the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, excluding holidays.

Riders must call 732-9328 for reservations, preferably two hours in advance.

Hours for calling are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Fares are $6 roundtrip. If you have other transportation needs or more questions on how to access public transportation services, call 732-9328.

PRIVATE PROVIDERS

► People’s Express at 800-450-0123 offers non-emergency medical transportation from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, and by appointment on weekends. ► Medi-van, offering non-emergency medical transportation 24 hours a day, seven days a week, may be reached at 800-422-0976.

LICENSE CENTER

The Minnesota Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) License Center is located at 322 Main Ave. S. in Park Rapids.

The center provides services including registration and yearly renewals for vehicles.

PARK RAPIDS AIRPORT

The Park Rapids Municipal Airport is located on the southwest edge of the city along Highway 71 south. The facility includes two paved runways, a 5,500-foot runway plus a second 3,500-foot landing strip.

The airport is staffed daily and features 24-hour automated 100 LL and full-service Jet A fuel. Tie-downs and short- or long-term hangar storage are available. The airport’s full-service maintenance shop offers annual, 100-hour and pre-buy inspections, engine overhauls, prop balancing, parts sales, aircraft painting, oil changes, free estimates, aircraft brokerage and sales.

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Community Veterans Services Office assists vets with earned benefits The Hubbard County Veterans Services Office offers assistance and support to eligible veterans, their dependents and survivors in obtaining benefits through the state and federal departments of Veterans Affairs, and provides benefit counseling, claims service, and referrals for a variety of other programs.

Veterans Service Officers Jerrold Bjerke and Darius Simon provide assistance on compensation and pension benefits, healthcare, education, insurance, home loan, military records and awards, and death benefits.

The office is located at 201 Fair Ave. in Park Rapids, and the phone number is 732-3561.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Bjerke provides outreach in Laporte by appointment only.

Home Loans Made Easy

Public Transportation For All Needs

PARK RAPIDS CITY BUS to and from appts. shopping

Amy Strandell Assistant Vice President/ Real Estate Lending NMLS# 703338

daycare to preschool $1.50 One Way Anyone Can Ride Bus to Fargo every Mon. and Wed. for medical appointments. $10 for round trip.

Everyone Welcome.

For Transportation Needs Monday - Saturday Call 732-3500 Press 1 when prompted

For Special Trips or other information call 732-9328

1-800-450-BANK

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Community

Services for older adults SENIOR NUTRITION

The LSS Meal program provides nutritious meals to persons 60 years of age or older and their spouses. There is a suggested donation but no one will be turned away because of an inability to pay. Home-delivered meals are available for those who are homebound and unable to prepare their own meals.

Dining sites are as follows: ► Akeley Diner’s Club: Zappy’s Cafe. On-site or home delivery. Call 652-2233. Meal tickets are distributed at First National Bank of Walker in Akeley. ► Nevis Senior Citizens Center: Curbside pickup or home delivery. Call 652-2022. ► Nevis Diner’s Club: Northwoods Café. On-site or home delivery. Call 652-3608. Meal tickets are distributed at Northwoods Bank in Nevis. ► Park Rapids Diner’s Club: Great Northern Café. On-site or pickup. Call 732-9565. Meal tickets are distributed at Seip Drug, 237-5848, and Northwoods Bank, 218-732-7221 ► Park Rapids Woodland Court Apartments: Offers on-site and home delivery in the Park Rapids area. Call 237-2798.

This service is made possible, in part, under the Federal Older Americans Act through an award from the Land of the Dancing Sky Agency on Aging Inc. under an area plan approved by the Minnesota Board on Aging. Contact 1-800488-4146 for more information.

LIVING AT HOME OF THE PARK RAPIDS AREA

Living at Home’s (LAH) mission is to mobilize volunteers and other community resources to help seniors stay in the

home of their choice as long as it is safe to do so. Home can mean many different things – a house, an apartment, or even an assisted living facility.

LAH provides services to persons 65-plus in the communities of Park Rapids, Nevis, Akeley, Osage and the surrounding areas. Caregiver support services are available for anyone who is caring for someone aged 60 or older.

LAH staff can arrange transportation services to a local medical appointment, the grocery store, or on another errand.

They also have volunteer drivers willing to go to Fargo, Bemidji and Detroit Lakes for medical appointments.

LAH also offers temporary light housekeeping, minor handyman services, respite care, friendly visiting and caregiver support.

LAH is always looking for additional volunteers. In the 2019, 60 volunteers provided 2,600 hours of their time and drove almost 22,000 miles in service to 250 clients in its service area.

Living at Home offices are located at 120 Main Ave. N. in Park Rapids. For more information, call 732-3137, write to P.O. Box 465, Park Rapids, MN, 56470, or go to www.parkrapidslivingathome.org.

SENIOR LINKAGE LINE

The Senior Linkage Line is a free telephone service that makes it easy for older adults and their caregivers to find community services. Call 800-333-2433 or visit www.seniorlinkageline.com to connect with services, such as health insurance counseling, senior assisted living, legal assistance and more.

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STORAGE DIRECTORY

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Heritage Manor Service-enriched Assisted Living 218-237-8345

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Heritage Living Center Skilled Nursing Care 218-732-3329

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Visit our web site for more information www.heritageparkrapids.org

Creating home for older adults where they choose to live.

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Community Food distribution for those in need HUBBARD COUNTY FOOD SHELF

Food is given to the needy based on family size and income criteria.

The Hubbard County Food Shelf, located at 308 Pleasant Ave. S., is open from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and noon to 5:30 p.m. Thursdays. The food shelf is minimizing person-to-person contact by only allowing one client in the building at a time. Home delivery is also available for clients who are sheltered in place or unable to get out. Volunteer drivers make the deliveries.

Volunteers are asked to help one day per month. Call director Bob Hansen at 732-1282.

Donations to support the ongoing work of the food shelf can be sent to the Hubbard County Food Shelf, 308 Pleasant Ave. Park Rapids, 56470.

AKELEY-NEVIS AREA FOOD SHELF

The Akeley-Nevis Area Food Shelf is located next to the post office, at 6 Broadway St. E. in Akeley. All families, individuals and seniors are eligible to receive food items. Those in need of food fill out a simple form, place it in a plastic bag, seal it and hand it to a volunteer. On Tuesdays from 9 to 11 a.m.,

families line up in their cars to receive a box of food based on the number of people in their family.

Send checks or gift cards to Akeley Food Shelf, Box 25, Akeley, MN, 56433. Cash and food donations can be brought to the food shelf on Tuesdays from 9 to 11 a.m. Volunteers are also welcome. For more information, call the food shelf Tuesdays at 652-2388 or foodshelf@akeleymn.com.

LAPORTE RUBY’S PANTRY

Laporte Ruby’s Pantry is a nonprofit organization that distributes corporate surplus grocery items on a monthly basis for $20 per food bundle.

While there are no residency or income requirements for participation, it is their goal to help food-insecure individuals and families from the community and the surrounding area.

Sponsored by Trinity Lutheran Church in Laporte, the pop-up pantry is held on the fourth Wednesday of every month at the Laporte School Bus Garage. Registration begins at 4:30 p.m. and food bundles are distributed from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Check www.RubysPantry.org or Facebook-Ruby’s Pantry-Laporte for more information.

There are also Ruby’s Pantry monthly distributions in Menahga, Detroit Lakes and Bemidji.

Family, food, housing services available to community MAHUBE-OTWA Community Action Partnership, Inc. is a private, non-profit community action agency that provides a range of anti-poverty programs and services to help low-income and disabled children, individuals, families and seniors.

Programs include family development and housing, energy programs, early childhood programs, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program and tax aid for seniors and low- to middle-income households.

MAHUBE-OTWA is located at 120 N. Central (P.O. Box 229) in Park Rapids. For more information call 732-7204, go to the website at www.mahube.org, or find them on Facebook.

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Community HRA offers workforce housing and other aid

The Hubbard County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) owns and operates several multi-family housing developments that provide a wide range of housing options for residents of Hubbard County.

These include the 28-unit Meadow View Apartments, which opened in January 2020 at 317 Career Path and has one, twoand three-bedroom apartments renting at affordable market rates. The similar Meadow’s Edge Apartments are scheduled to open March 1 at 315 Career Path.

The buildings were developed on donated property east of Walmart in Park Rapids, funded in part through Minnesota Housing Finance grants, with the aim to make the rental rates affordable for the local workforce.

The HRA also administers down payment assistance programs for homebuyers in Hubbard County. They are interested in those projects that assist low and moderate income households obtain housing and work with communities in all of Hubbard County to address their critical housing and redevelopment needs.

The HRA is a municipal corporation created in 1995 by the Hubbard County Board under the authority granted in Minnesota Statutes. The HRA is governed by a five-member board of directors appointed by the Hubbard County Board.

To learn more about the activities of Hubbard County HRA, call property management specialist Carolyn Pfeifer at 218732-9118 or email cpfeifer@hubbardcountyhra.org.

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Community

COLA leads protection of lakes, rivers

DNR offices in Park Rapids Photo courtesy of Lynn Fietek

DNR FISHERIES Photo courtesy of Steve Foster

The Hubbard County Coalition of Lake Associations (COLA), formed in 1988, represents 30 area lake associations with over 2,500 members on 42 lakes. You love these lakes! When moving your boat, gear or equipment between water bodies clean mud, vegetation and marine animals, drain water and dry. Boat and gear decontamination is free in Park Rapids. Call ahead to 218-252-6738. Remember to dispose of unwanted bait in trash. Live our vision, too, as a “leader in protecting Hubbard County lakes and rivers.” Visit www.HubbardColaMN.org to learn more.

County on alert for aquatic invasive species

Anglers who fish in Hubbard, Wadena and eastern Becker counties benefit from the management, habitat and oversight work of the Park Rapids area fisheries staff.

The Park Rapids Fisheries office is located at 301 South Grove Avenue. Call 218-732-4153 or email parkrapids.fisheries@state.mn.us.

Information on lake and stream surveys, shoreline alterations, aquatic plants, exotic species, boating regulations, fish consumption advisories, etc. can be found there. Lake users should report the presence and location of any exotic specimens they find to this office.

Nicole Kovar is the Northwest Region aquatic invasive species specialist. She can be reached at 732-8960, Ext. 222 or nicole.kovar@state.mn.us.

DNR WILDLIFE

Nicholas Macklem, a Hubbard County Environmental Services specialist, coordinates the county’s aquatic invasive species (AIS) program.

Boaters and public water users should use AIS best management practices and should expect to see watercraft inspectors at many public accesses across Hubbard County.

When out at the boat access, remember to clean, drain and dispose. That means boaters must clean their watercraft of all aquatic plants, mud and prohibited invasive species; drain all water by lowering the motor, removing drain plugs and keeping them out during transport, and dispose of unwanted bait in the trash. To keep live bait, a fisherman can drain the existing bait water and refill the container with bottled or tap water. Remember, that it is the law.

As a courtesy to the public, the county operates a free decontamination station, located at 812 Henrietta Ave. S., Park Rapids. Typically, it’s available seven days a week 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. by appointment. Call 218-252-6738 ahead of time to make an appointment. The station is staffed by watercraft inspectors who have special training and certification from the DNR. A typical decontamination is pretty quick, usually about 15 minutes.

If you have questions about the Hubbard County AIS Program or have suspicion of a new AIS infestation, call the Hubbard County Environmental Services Department at 732-3890 or stop in at 301 Court Ave., Park Rapids. They are located on the second floor of the courthouse.

The Park Rapids Area Wildlife Office is located at 603 1st St. West, next to the Area Forestry Office. The staff conducts a variety of surveys on both plant and animal species. Information on hunting seasons, wildlife, their habitat requirements and technical assistance is available upon request. Call 732-8452.

Hunters, trappers and wildlife watchers in Wadena, Cass, Becker, Clearwater and Hubbard counties benefit from the management, habitat and oversight work of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ Park Rapids Area wildlife staff.

DNR FORESTRY

The Park Rapids Area Forestry Office is located at 607 1st St. West. Staff will help with questions about land management. These concerns may be tree planting, timber sales, timber stand improvement, woodland stewardship plans, state land recreation, leases and easements and any questions you may have on open burning and permits. Stop in the office or call 732-3309.

DNR Ecological Services are located at 110 7th St. West, Suite 301, Park Rapids. Hydrologist Darrin Hoverson may be reached at 732-8960, Ext. 225 or darrin.hov@state.mn.us.

TURN IN POACHERS

To report a violation, call 800-652-9093 24 hours a day, or key #TIP on your cell phone. If you wish to remain completely anonymous, you must contact TIP by phone. Callers may receive a reward of up to $1,000 for reporting a violation that leads to an arrest. The reward amount is determined by the seriousness of the crime reported.

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Community

County has shoreland, septic ordinances

Photo courtesy of Kelsey Berghuis

Hubbard County has a shoreland management ordinance which has jurisdiction over lands located within 1,000 feet of a classified lake and 500 feet of a classified river or stream.

A land use permit is necessary for all structures and all legal additions to existing structures.

A shoreland alteration permit is required for rock riprap and most grading, excavating, or filling projects in shoreland areas.

A current compliance inspection for septic treatment systems must be on file prior to issuance of any sewered structure land use permits or to apply for conditional use permits, variances or property subdivisions.

Hubbard County has a Subsurface Sewage Treatment System Ordinance, which requires septic permits for all new installations, alterations, extensions and certain repairs of existing

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septic systems. A site evaluation and septic system design from a licensed septic system designer must be submitted for approval prior to the issuance of a septic permit. The ordinance covers the design, location, installation, use and maintenance of subsurface sewage treatment systems.

Privies (outhouses) are allowed, provided they are maintained in a clean condition and do not constitute a public nuisance. Privies require a site evaluation design and a septic permit.

The second floor of the Hubbard County Government Center is the best place to go for information about the shoreland management ordinance, land use permits, well testing, septic systems and E911 addressing. Permit application forms and regulations are available online at www.co.hubbard. mn.us or by calling the Environmental Services Department at 732-3890.

Community Hubbard County SWCD helps with water, soil issues

Photo courtesy of Kasey Bekkerus

SWCD STAFF

The Hubbard County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is a non-profit, local unit of government.

The SWCD is charged with protecting the district’s soil, water, forests, wildlife and recreational resources through education, technical advice, leadership and financial assistance to landowners and cooperating agencies to pursue sustainable management, wise use and conservation practices.

SWCD programs benefit the whole community by helping landowners to implement shoreline, forest and agricultural conservation practices that reduce or prevent erosion, sedimentation, siltation and ag-related pollution. These efforts preserve our natural resources, ensure continued soil productivity, control floods, preserve wildlife, protect the tax base and protect public lands and waters for the enjoyment of present and future generations.

SWCD projects address erosion control practices, lakeshore and riverbank stabilization practices, watershed protection projects, stormwater run-

District Supervisor Crystal Mathisrud crystal.hcswcd@gmail.com Administrative Assistant Annette Olson Annette.Olson@mn.nacdnet.net Water Resource Technician Alicia Gohmann, alicia.hcswcd@gmail.com Water Quality Resource Research and Easement Specialist Peter Jacobson, pejacobs.hcswcd@gmail.com

off practices, lake water quality and groundwater level monitoring, abandoned well sealing, tree sales, precipitation monitoring, private well nitrate testing, forest stewardship assistance, conservation easements and assistance to irrigators in water management. The SWCD also administers the Wetland Conservation Act for the county.

Hubbard County sits within three major watersheds. SWCD collaborates with local partners and neighboring counties in the Leech Lake River, Mississippi Headwaters and Crow Wing River One Watershed One Plans.

SWCD also organizes environmental education programs for youth, such as the Envirothon and Freshwater Festival.

The SWCD board consists of five elected supervisors. They serve fouryear terms.

Call 732-0121 ext. 4, visit www.hubbardswcd.org or check out the SWCD on Facebook.

The office is located at 603 N. Central Ave., Park Rapids.

SWCD DISTRICT SUPERVISORS

District 1 (Fern, Rockwood, Helga, Lake Hattie, Schoolcraft, Lake Alice, and Lake George townships): Don Rettinger (218) 854-7306 or docare05@gmail.com District 2 (Farden, Guthrie, Hart Lake, Hendrickson, Lakeport, and Steamboat townships): Marcel Noyes (218) 407-7862 or marceln@live.com District 3 (Clover, Clay, Thorpe, Arago, Lake Emma, Mantrap, and Akeley townships): Candy Malm (218) 732-3829 or candy.malm@gmail.com District 4 (Todd, Straight River, Henrietta and Hubbard west from County 11): Don Sells (218) 732-5910 or niawa1980@icloud.com District 5 (Nevis, White Oak, Crow Wing, Badoura, Henrietta and Hubbard east from County 11): Lynn Goodrich (218) 652-3130 or tripplake1@mac.com

More conservation resources for landowners, farmers NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) staff works with private landowners to help them protect their natural resources. The agency emphasizes voluntary, science-based assistance, partnerships and cooperative problem solving at the community level.

Some types of technical assistance and planning services provided include erosion control practices on agricultural and nonagricultural land; windbreak planning; a wide array of agronomic practices for cropland; wildlife habitat management planning; and pollution abatement practices, such as animal waste facilities and manure management.

The NRCS office provides technical support, including soil expertise, for local projects. Landowners are frequently referred to a district conservationist for help in stabilizing disturbed soils due to building activity or septic system work

in critical areas. They can recommend proper methods as well as seed mixtures.

Soil conservation technicians at the Park Rapids field office are Alicia Laturnus (alicia.laturnus@mn.usda.gov) and Dan Pazdernik (daniel.pazdernik@mn.usda.gov). For information, call 732-9723 or visit www.mn.nrcs.usda.gov. The office is located at 603 N. Central Ave., Park Rapids.

WADENA-HUBBARD FARM SERVICE AGENCY

Stabilizing farm income, helping farmers conserve land and water resources, providing credit to new or disadvantaged farmers and helping farm operations recover from the effects of disaster are the missions of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s FSA. Although the public may obtain general information from the headquarters and state offices, county offices administer all FSA programs. For more information call 218-631-2876, visit www.fsa.usda.gov or email mnwadena-fsa@usda.gov.

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YOU DON’T NEED AN ILLNESS TO NEED A DOCTOR. Regular wellness visits with a primary care physician or provider at Sanford Health can lead to better overall health. Better health care starts with a provider who’s a familiar face. Someone who actually knows you and understands your concerns and your goals.

323-299-198 1/21

We’re here before you need us. We’re here when you need us. We’re here after you need us.

Call (218) 699-3121 to schedule a visit at the Park Rapids Clinic.

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Community

Health services available at hospital, clinics CHI St. Joseph’s Health of Park Rapids is an award-winning, 25-bed critical access hospital located in the heart of lake country. Fully accredited by the Joint Commission, CHI St. Joseph’s Health offers a full range of services including 24/7 Emergency Department and Level 4 Trauma Center, orthopedics, hospitalist program, testing, surgery, diagnostic services, rehabilitation, cardiac and pulmonary programs, a community dental clinic and more, so that you can experience better health.

The health care facility combines state-of-the-art technology with personalized care to create a welcoming, healing environment. Its purpose goes beyond helping people overcome illness or injury. CHI St. Joseph’s Health works to build healthier communities for residents, friends and neighbors.

CHI St. Joseph’s Health partners with local agencies and organizations to strengthen healthcare programs offered in the community, providing more people access to care.

CHI St. Joseph’s Health specialty and outreach includes the following: Orthopedics is offered on a full-time basis for inpatient, outpatient and trauma-related care, enabling area patients to receive these specialized services right in Park Rapids. Services include sports medicine, hip, knee, and shoulder replacements; carpal tunnel and trigger finger releases; fracture surgeries of the upper and lower extremities; knee and shoulder arthroscopies, fracture care and more. No referral needed. To schedule an appointment, call 616-3700.

Community Dental Clinic provides dental care for patients on state-provided insurance plans, such as MinnesotaCare, Medical Assistance and Veterans Administration coverage with prior approval. Certain low income-eligible patients may qualify for reduced-rate dental care. For appointments or to see if you qualify, call 732-4436.

Community Health believes that preventing disease, protecting your health and promoting wellness is vital in creating healthy communities. Services focus on improved wellness for children and adults of all ages. Services include Women, Infants and Children (WIC), family home visiting, child and teen checkups, foot care, diabetes prevention classes, adult immunizations and health screenings, fall prevention classes, violence prevention efforts and the FATHER Project. Call 237-5464.

Hospice Care provides high-quality, compassionate care, comfort, and dignity for those with life-limiting serious illness. Patients and their loved ones decide what care and help best suits their needs. Hospice care is available for patients at their place of care in their home, a care center or with their loved ones. Call 732-4552.

Cardiac Rehabilitation helps people with heart disease recover faster from cardiac events such as a heart attack or heart surgery. Our multi-disciplinary team creates an individ-

ualized program tailored for your medical needs and helps you lead a healthy lifestyle. Call 616-3000.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation helps patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD) who are experiencing difficulty performing daily activities. If you have issues with COPD conditions such as emphysema, asthma or bronchitis, CHI St. Joseph’s Health can help you find relief with Pulmonary Rehabilitation. Call 616-3000.

Diagnostic Services include computerized tomography (CT) scans (ACR certified), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 3D mammography (ACR certified), nuclear medicine, ultrasound, digital radiography, fluoroscopy and echocardiography. Our radiology services offer patients fully digital, stateof-the-art diagnostic and treatment procedures including specialized bariatric CT and radiology capabilities. Call 616-3153 Physical Rehabilitation and Fitness Center helps improve independence and wellness following injury, surgery, disease, the onset of pain or to maintain good health. Services include physical therapy, occupational therapy, occupational health services, speech-language pathology, athletic and personal fitness training, Parkinson’s wellness programs and traumatic brain injury (concussion) management. Outpatient and inpatient services are provided. An additional location in Walker is available to accommodate your needs as well. Our Walker location offers services in physical and occupational therapy and speech-language pathology. Please ask your provider for a referral to CHI St. Joseph’s Health for therapy treatment. Call 616-3005.

Weight Management Center works with patients to lose weight and experience better health. A friendly, kind, compassionate care team develops a plan so patients can reach goals and live a full, active life. From non-surgical, medically supervised nutrition and weight-loss programs to advanced surgical procedures, the center brings the latest technology, expertise and experience in successful weight control. CHI St. Joseph’s Health Weight Management Center is recognized as a Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program accredited center. Call 237-5757.

Volunteer Services: At CHI St. Joseph’s Health, volunteers are a vital part of our health care team, contributing thousands of hours annually to our patients and guests. Volunteers enhance the St. Joseph’s experience for all and assist staff with providing an exceptional health care experience.

Volunteering is the perfect way to make a difference in the lives of others, share your time and talents and develop new skills. Volunteer opportunities are available throughout our organization. Call 218.616.3383 to learn more.

CHI St. Joseph’s Health is part of CommonSpirit Health, a nonprofit, Catholic healthy system dedicated to advancing health for all people.

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During this uncertain time more of us may be in or near crisis.

If you or someone you know is struggling with housing, energy bills, childcare, or food insecurity, please reach out to us.

Home Care Services

Because There’s No Place Like Home

Although our offices are closed to the public, we are still here to help. We have been innovating new ways to deliver our services.

Home Care Services • PCA-Respite Care • Private Duty Nurse Independent Living Skills Services For All Ages

Now providing services to Veterans as part of the VA Community Care Network

ENERGY ASSISTANCE:

Heidi Clements & Helen Drewes, Owners

Applications are available for print online at www.mahube.org or pick-up at any of our 5 offices.

(218)573-2238 • 1-800-535-5895 • www.northstarnursing.com

HEAD START:

Available via classroom, homebased, and virtual models

WE MAY BE ABLE TO HELP WITH:

• Housing & Rental Assistance • Family Health Clinics • Emergency Food & Shelter • Homemaking & Chore • Child Care • Weatherization • Medicare: call the Senior Linkage Line 1-800-333-3433

Expert Legal Services • Local Knowledge Sara Swanson, Roger Zahn, Trent Wilcox, Matt Enger, Zachary Johnson 120 N. Main Ave., P.O. Box 87, Park Rapids, MN 56470 Telephone: (218) 732-7236 www.tszlaw.com

MAHUBE-OTWA OFFICES:

MAHNOMEN 935-5022 | DETROIT LAKES 847-1385 PARK RAPIDS 732-7204 | FERGUS FALLS 739-3011 | WADENA 632-3600

www.mahube.org

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Community

Area clinics

1103 1st St. E., provides walk-in care, a large physical, occupational and speech therapy department with 2,900 square feet of space and over 3,000 square feet of radiology space, which includes a state-of-the-art MRI room. Additional services are planned in the future. Call 732-6300 or visit essentiahealth.org to schedule an appointment.

ERICKSON MEDICAL CLINIC

Vern Erickson, MD, offers internal medicine and urgent care with phone consultations 24/7. Referrals can be made to any specialist or hospital as needed. New patients and walk-ins are welcome, although appointments are recommended. Call 732-7760.

SANFORD HEALTH-PARK RAPIDS

Sanford Health Park Rapids Clinic, located at 110 7th St.West across from the hospital, is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and offers same-day appointESSENTIA HEALTH-PARK RAPIDS Essentia Health is proud to offer care close to home in two ments in family medicine, lab and x-ray services. Shane Nygard, MD, family medicine physician, provides care for Park Rapids locations. the whole family – from newborns to elderly. In addition, Essentia Health-Park Rapids Clinic, located at 705 Pleasspecialists in pediatrics, cardiology, OB/GYN, nephrology, ant Ave. S., provides primary and specialty care. Offering orthopedics and medical oncology/hematology provide outsame-day appointments as well as walk-in care, Essentia reach specialty services at the clinic. To make an appointHealth provides family medicine, midwifery, internal medment, call 218-699-3121. icine, pediatrics, imaging services, surgery, lab services, orthopedics, behavioral health, weight management, teleVETERANS ADMINISTRATION CLINIC health services, wound care and vein services. Also, a full A Veterans Administration (VA) Community-Based Outarray of visiting specialists provide care in cardiology, ENT, patient Clinic is located in Bemidji. Call 218-755-6360 to set OB/GYN, nephrology, dermatology, audiology, urology, podi- up an appointment. Veterans currently enrolled in the VA atry and oncology. Call 732-8000 or visit essentiahealth.org system who would like to transfer their care to the Bemidji to schedule an appointment. clinic may contact their local county veteran service office.

Essentia Health-Park Rapids Highway 34 Clinic, located at For Hubbard County residents, the number is 732-3561.

Other medical facilities and services

A BETTER CONNECTION

FAMILY SAFETY NETWORK

Family Safety Network, formerly known as Headwaters Intervention Center (HIC), has been serving the community and the needs of victims and families of domestic abuse and violence since 1978. Most recently HIC and Family Crisis Center in Bagley merged with Family Safety Network. The tri-county program provides personal and legal advocacy, community education events for domestic violence awareness/prevention and free law clinics. Other services include a 24-hour crisis line, violence and crisis intervention and safety planning. Family Safety Network can be reached 24 hours a day at 732-7413. Our new office in Park Rapids is located at 109 Grove Ave. S., Unit 1 and is staffed Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

SUPPORT WITHIN REACH

Support Within Reach (SWR) is a non-profit, sexual violence resource center serving victims of sexual violence and their families in Aitkin, Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater, Hubbard and Itasca counties. If you or someone you know have been impacted by sexual violence, please call SWR’s after-hours crisis hotline: 1-800-708-2727. Trained advocates are available 24/7 to provide immediate assistance, referrals to community resources, medical accompaniment during sexual assault evidentiary exams at local hospitals, and support during interviews with law enforcement officers. The Park Rapids office is located at 323 Main Ave. S. Regular business hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 8 a.m.-noon Friday. Please call 218-237-0300 to schedule an appointment in the event of temporary COVID-related office closures.

A Better Connection (ABC) provides mental health, chemical health, and CTSS (Children’s Therapeutic Services and Supports) services. Clinicians work with mental health clients of all ages, as well as adolescents and adults with chemical health and co-occurring disorders. ABC is contracted with most public and private health insurance companies. CTSS Clinicians provide outpatient services in the office, school, home and community.

A variety of therapeutic techniques are offered for individuals, couples, groups or family psychotherapy, depending on need.

The center offers a variety of services, including parenting groups, child play therapy, personal growth counseling and much more. It is located at 1009 Hollinger Street, Park Rapids.

Call 218-252-6608 or go to www.abetterconnectioninc.com.

GROUPWORKS WELLNESS

GroupWorks provides comprehensive mental health services.

Our staff includes clinical social workers, licensed professional clinical counselors, licensed psychologists and advanced practice psychiatric nurses who prescribe medication. We offer individual, couples, family and group therapy services.

Our groups include ROAR (Rising Over Abuse and Rape), PSST (Parenting Support, Skills and Tools) and a communication skills group for teens, but due to COVID, these groups are temporarily suspended. Specialties include peripheral and EEG biofeedback, experiential and ROPES therapy training, court-ordered sex offender assessment and therapy services, anger management assessment and treatment, and dialectical behavioral therapy by DBT-certified therapists.

With the broad range of services we provide under one roof, GroupWorks can help you make the changes necessary to live your best life. GroupWorks is located at 1003 Hollinger St., Park Rapids. Call 366-2636 or visit www.groupworkswellness. com for more information.

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Continued on page 43

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Education

Park Rapids Schools prepare students for future

Park Rapids Area Schools enrolls approximately 1,650 students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12.

The district has a history of vision, excellence and success that is summed up in their vision: “Preparing today’s learners for tomorrow’s challenges.”

Doors to student success begin with a comprehensive voluntary pre-kindergarten program and an all-day, every-day kindergarten, and continue through high school.

The Park Rapids Area School District employs about 250 professionals, including a faculty of 124 teachers. Approximately 56 percent of the teaching staff has a master’s degree or its equivalent.

Century School, located west of the high school, is made up of nine “schools” within the facility. Each grade, K-8, has its own “pod” and special identity. This system enables the district to offer specialized education for each of its grade levels according to the unique needs of the various age groups A comprehensive curriculum, preK-12, provides a multitude of offerings for students and technology integration is transforming student learning.

The district offers one of the finest early childhood programs in the state. Early Childhood Family Education, School Readiness, Head Start, Early Childhood Special Education, Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten programs and other family services are located at the Frank White Education Center.

At Park Rapids Area High School, students can earn an equivalent of a full year of college credits while staying in school. The Park Rapids College in the Schools program saves families of the Park Rapids Area community several thousand dollars toward furthering our students’ education. Additionally, students can choose from a full range of elective opportunities. Elective choices in fine arts, building trades, and other vocational areas make the student experience one that will build their skills for the future.

The district’s website can be found at www.parkrapids. k12.mn.us.

SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION

Superintendent: Lance Bagstad lbagstad@parkrapids.k12.mn.us High School Principal: Jeff Johnson jjohnson@parkrapids.k12.mn.us Century Elementary School Principal: Mike LeMier mlemier@parkrapids.k12.mn.us Century Middle School Principal: Shawn Andress sandress@parkrapids.k12.mn.us Activities Director: Jeremy Nordick jnordick@parkrapids.k12.mn.us Community Education Director: Jill Dickinson jdickinson2@parkrapids.k12.mn.us Virtual Academy Director: Jill Stevenson jstevenson@parkrapids.k12.mn.us PAWN Special Education Director: Eva Pohl epohl@parkrapids.k12.mn.us

PARK RAPIDS COMMUNITY EDUCATION

Lifelong learning is available to people of all ages at reasonable costs. A Community Education Advisory Council meets monthly to advise staff on programs, budget and collaborative efforts. Anyone interested in serving may call 237-6600 for an application form.

A brochure is published three times a year and mailed to residents in the Park Rapids School District. Copies also are available at the public library. For a brochure or other information, contact the Community Education office at 237-6600.

Convenient access to an online program is available at www. parkrapidscomed.com.

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Play and Learn School (PALS) programs at the Frank White Education Center provide a warm and stimulating environment where children and parents can grow together. This collaboration of programming includes Mahube Head Start and others.

Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) classes and special events are available for children ages 0 to 5 years and their parents/guardians. Experiences are aimed to help strengthen families and young children by providing information, support and encouragement while having fun. Weekly classes, one-time special events, speakers and more are among choices offered.

The School Readiness program, for children ages 3.5 to 5 and not in kindergarten, is tuition- based. All children are eligible as classroom space allows. The goal is to ensure that children and their families are educationally, physically and emotionally ready for kindergarten.

ADULT BASIC EDUCATION

Offers adults the opportunity to get their GED, learn English as a second language, improve job skills and others, such as reading, math and computers. One-on-one tutoring is provided.

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Education

Park Rapids School Board

The Park Rapids Area School Board generally meets at 6 p.m. the first and third Mondays of the month at the Frank White Education Center community room. The public is welcome to attend. For a schedule of meetings, contact district secretary Kim Splett at 237-6500. Current agendas are posted at www.parkrapids.k12.mn.us/domain/577.

Sherry Safratowich 732-8026, ssafratowich @parkrapids.k12.mn.us

Dennis Dodge 573-3238 ddodge @parkrapids.k12.mn.us

Stephanie Carlson 252-1597 scarlson @parkrapids.k12.mn.us

ALTERNATIVE LEARNING CENTER

Jay Pike 237-1493 jaypike @parkrapids.k12.mn.us

Dana Kocka 255-4438 dkocka @parkrapids.k12.mn.us

Continued from page 41

LAKE COUNTRY ASSOCIATES, INC.

The Alternative Learning Center (ALC) offers students a non-traditional path to graduation. Students who qualify are offered a rigorous program of study that is flexible, challenging and rewarding. Students work at their own pace to complete the required coursework for a high school diploma. For more information, contact Lisa Coborn, ALC coordinator, at 237-6629.

VIRTUAL ACADEMY

Clayton Hoyt 237-7170 claytonhoyt @parkrapids.k12.mn.us

The Park Rapids Area Virtual Academy (PRAVA) is an educational delivery model uniquely developed to assist those students requiring a completely alternative, and fully online, educational program. This option is available to families with children in grades 6-12.

Language Immersion programs, Advanced Placement (AP) and College In the Schools (CIS) courses may be available, along with the rigorous standards and graduation requirements of the Park Rapids Century School and Area High School. In alignment with the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) guidelines, our programming will provide education in all required state standards, English Learner (EL) and special education services, elective opportunities and more.

Experienced therapists at Lake Country Associates can help you and your family improve communication and move forward in a positive direction. LCA provides a broad array of services to persons of all ages from early childhood to mature adulthood. Staff work with people on life adjustments – from grief and loss to severe mental illness. Services include diagnostic assessments, substance use disorder assessments and treatment, parenting support, Christian counseling, individual and family therapy, conflict resolution, children’s play therapy, art therapy, couples counseling, adult mental health, medication education, peer support services, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy and more.

Lake Country Associates is currently offering a choice of telehealth or in-person appointments. Our office is located at 515 Bridge St. in Park Rapids or 11 N.W. Main St. in Menahga. Call 366-9229 or visit lakecountryassociates.com for more information.

STELLHER HUMAN SERVICES

Stellher Human Services offers a variety of mental health services to the communities it serves in north-central and northwest Minnesota, including services for infants, children, teens, adults and families. Specific programs include children and adult crisis, in-home services and school-based skills counseling and psychotherapy, as well as school-home interventionist services. In addition, Stellher provides outpatient services and early childhood mental health services. The mental health crisis line is 800-422-0045. Stellher’s main office is in Bemidji, with additional offices in Detroit Lakes and Wadena. Call 218-444-2845 or visit stellher.com.

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Education

Nevis School takes pride in quality education

The Nevis Public School District is committed to providing all of its students an opportunity to excel in its academic offerings and wide variety of extracurricular and fine art activities.

Academic excellence begins with small class sizes, where grades K-3 are capped at 21 students per section, while grades 4-6 are capped at 23 students per section.

Grades 7-12 are limited to 50 students per grade level.

This very favorable student-teacher ratio leads to high MCA and ACT scores.

Small class sizes, modern technology and an experienced staff all contribute to providing an academic setting where all students have the opportunity to grow and achieve success.

Academic opportunities are also evident with a large number of college-level courses taught in the school by an adjunct professor or online. College credit courses are part of the district’s College in the High School program, with courses like Composition I, Introduction to Literature, Studio Arts, College Algebra, Survey of Calculus, World History, U.S.

History and Chemistry being offered.

Online courses being taken by students this year include abnormal psychology, composition II, economics, general psychology, lifespan psychology, nutrition, public speaking, world geography, introduction to computers, biology, and ethics.

The school is proud to partner with Alexandria Technical and Community College to offer students an opportunity to earn an AA degree.

Nevis School offers an extensive list of extracurricular programs, providing activities that involve about 80 percent of our students in grades 7-12.

In addition to a number of athletic teams, students have the opportunity to participate in several academic or leadership activities, such as FCCLA, Knowledge Bowl, FIRST Robotics, Math League, National Honor Society, Science Fair, and Student Council. Special Olympics also provide a wide variety of activities, including swimming, basketball, bowling and track.

Recent extracurricular highlights

include the Robotics Team placing first in the Lake Superior Regional and qualifying for the World Championships in Detroit, Michigan and State competition in 2019. The football team played in the State 9-Man Championship at U.S. Bank Stadium in 2017. The boys basketball team were Section 5A finalists before COVID stopped their goal of going to State in 2020.

In the area of fine arts, students have opportunities in art club, yearbook, drama, one act play, band, choir, pep band and jazz band.

Nevis Public School prides itself on being a small school that maximizes opportunities for its students. For additional information, call the school at 218652-3500. The district website is www. nevis308.org.

SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION

Superintendent: Gregg Parks, gparks@nevis308.org K-12 Principal: Brian Michaelson, bmichaelson@nevis308.org 7-12 Dean of Students/Activities Director: Bryan Wormley, bwormley@nevis308.org Community Education Coordinator: Katie Rittgers, krittgers@nevis308.org

Nevis School Board

Ed Becker ebecker @Nevis308.org

Justin Isaacson jisaacson @Nevis308.org

Andy Lindow alindow @Nevis308.org

Maggie Stacey mstacey @Nevis308.org

Gary Stennes gstennes @Nevis308.org

Karrin Lindow klindow @nevis308.org

Nevis School Board meetings are held the fourth Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the school media center and on Zoom.

Go to the school website for more information.

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Education Laporte School recognized for its ag in the classroom The K-12 facility was built with community use in mind.

Laporte’s “school on the hill” offers a wide range of educational activities for students in preschool through grade 12. The school welcomes many students from outside the district through open enrollment. The school’s number is 218-224In addition to the traditional courses, the school offers 2288,visit www.laporte.k12.mn.us or follow us on Facebook. vocational instruction, including manufacturing, robotics and automotive classes. They are rebuilding what will be a SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION robust music program with plenty of enthusiasm for band Superintendent: Kim Goodwin involvement.

Principal: Aaron Dombeck The school was recognized statewide for its wellness initiaAssistant Principal: Nicki Martinez tives, healthy options for meals and snacks, and a renowned garden program which educates students about sustainability LAPORTE SCHOOL BOARD practices, responsibility, and whole body nutrition.

The Laporte School Board meets the second Monday of the Laporte continues to boast small class sizes allowing for month at 6 p.m. in the media center at the school. more individualized attention and engagement.

John Seegmiller, john.seegmiller@laporte.k12.mn.us PBIS is now fully implemented and complements this incluJoe Jorland, joe.jorland@laporte.k12.mn.us sive environment focusing on positive behavior reinforcement Lisa Price, lisa.price.@laporte.k12.mn.us and restorative approaches as students learn to navigate the Stephanie Zubke, stephanie.zubke@laporte.k12.mn.us Jessica Howg, jessica.howg@laporte.k12.mn.us world around them.

Holly Wright, holly.wright@laporte.k12.mn.us Community education programs allow the continued George Taylor Jr., george.taylor@laporte.k12.mn.us involvement of all ages.

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Organizations

Organization listings Note: This list of contacts is subject to change throughout the year.

100 Women of the Heartland Who Care Tracey Ganley, 252-4222 or heartlandwomen100@gmail.com ACTION Park Rapids parkrapids.com/actionparkrapids ACEsMN acesmn.com All-Veterans Memorial Committee Jeff Siebert, 255-0489 American Legion, Otto Hendrickson Post 212 732-5238, american@unitelc.com or www.parkrapidsamericanlegion.com American Legion Auxiliary Pat Cadreau, 255-0826 or www.parkrapidsamericanlegion.com Boy Scouts Park Rapids Troop 58, David Zinniel, 252-3631 Nevis Troop 56, Chris Davis, 255-0441 Caregivers Discussion Group 732-3137 or www.parkrapidslivingathome.org Century School PTA 237-6340 or pta@parkrapids.k12.mn.us CHI St. Joseph’s Health Volunteer Services 218-616-3383 Crazy Quilters Royce Weston, 237-6298 Cub Scouts Park Rapids Pack 58, Dustin Lof, 255-2915 Nevis Pack 56, Chris Norton, 366-1609 Disabled American Veterans, Park Rapids Unit #38 Jerry Bjerke, 218-732-3561 or jerrold.bjerke@co.hubbard.mn.us

Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary Glyndle Siebert, 255-0489 Duplicate Bridge Club Sheila Tuhy, 520-404-4667 or edst2e@gmail.com Education Minnesota-Park Rapids 237-6309 or educationminnesota.org Forest Riders Snowmobile Club Richard Ohm, 366-3124, flyingwgardens@live.com or Tim Eischens, 218-252-6025, time@paulbunyan.net Forest Riders ATV Club Tim Eischens, 218-252-6025, time@paulbunyan.net Friends of Itasca State Park www.friendsofitasca.org Friends of the Library Jennifer Geraedts, 612-581-7085 Girl Scouts 218-751-4886 or 800-955-6032 Headwaters Center for Lifelong Learning Marty Leistikow, 699-3527 Headwaters Humane Society Animal Shelter 237-7100, HAS@HeadwatersAnimalShelter.org or www.headwatersanimalshelter.org Headwaters R/C Flying Club www.headwatersrcclub.org Headwaters Good Sam RV Chapter Carl Drury, 218-255-1459 or csdrury@arvig.net Healing Hearts Network Martie DeLisi, 255-3073 or healingheartsnetwork2020@gmail.com

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Heartland Arts parkrapidsarts@gmail.com, www.heartlandarts.org or PO Box 702, Park Rapids, MN 56470 Heartland Concert Association www.heartlandconcertassociation.org Heartland Homes 732-4572 or www.facebook.com/heartlandhomesinc Helen’s Kitchen helenskitchenpr.org Hubbard County Child Abuse Prevention Council Bob Kaumans, bkaumans@co.hubbard.mn.us or 732-2402 Hubbard County Coalition of Lake Associations Sharon Natzel, 763-355-7908, HCColaMN@gmail.com or www.hubbardcolamn.org Hubbard County DFL Carolyn Spangler, 252-9970 hubbardcountydfl@gmail.com Hubbard County 4-H 732-3391 https://extension.umn.edu/local/hubbard Hubbard County Historical Society 732-5237 or www.hubbardcountyhistory.org Hubbard County Republicans info@hubbardcountygop.com (218) 203-0348 www.hubbardcountygop.com

Organizations Hubbard County Master Gardeners 732-3391 https://extension.umn.edu/local/hubbard Hubbard in Prevention Coalition 255-3692 or www.hubbardinprevention.org Hunger No More Eric Bervig, 929-9692 or eric@chasingclarence.com Itascatur Outdoor Activity Club itascatur.org Itasca Area Lakes Tourism Association www.itascaarea.com Jackpine Writers’ Bloc Sharon Harris, 732-3782 or www.jackpinewriters.com Kinship of Park Rapids Area 732-0058, kinshipparkrapids.org or kinshipparkrapids@gmail.com Knights of Columbus Nevis-Laporte: Gary Roerick, 218-760-8266 Park Rapids: Tom Porozinski 218-255-2469 or Ron Ahmann 218-616-0915 Lakes Area Habitat for Humanity 218-828-8517 or www.lakesareahabitat.org Let’s Go Fishing - Headwaters Lakes Area Chapter 237-6600 or headwaters.lgfws.com Lions International Park Rapids – Dick Kimball, 255-0233 or Zelda Novak, 732-9295 or 252-7247 Laporte-Benedict – laportebenedictlionsclub@gmail.com Osage – Bob Mack, 255-0923 or Mark Larson, 255-2481 Living at Home of the Park Rapids Area 732-3137 or www.parkrapidslivingathome.org Loon Country Carvers Chuck Yliniemi, 732-9643 Mantrap Valley Conservation Club President Russ Olson, 320-200-8159 or mantrapvalleycc.org Marine Corps League, Star of the North Detachment Dave Free, 252-8193 Masonic Shell Lodge 184 Master Kent Cease, 820-9175 Minnesota Darkhouse & Angling Assn., Park Rapids Chapter Dean Hanisch, 732-8690 or www.mndarkhouse.org/park-rapids-chapter Minnesota Deer Hunters Assn., Park Rapids Chapter Russ Johnsrud, 732-8411 or mndeerhunters.com Nevis Trailblazers Club Karl Dierkhising, 218-252-2637 or nevistrailblazers.clubhosting.org Nevis Women’s Club Kathy Carney at 252-6654 and Jody Pribyl at 763-331-2043 North Country Trail Association Itasca Moraine Chapter - itm@northcountrytrail.org or northcountrytrail.org/itm Laurentian Lakes Chapter - llc@northcountrytrail.org or northcountrytrail.org/llc Northern Knights Car Club northernknightscarclubpr@gmail.com or northernknightscarclub.org

Northern Light Opera Company 237-0400, 866-766-7372 (toll free), www.northernlightopera.org or info@northernlightopera.org Osage Sportsmans Club Allen Belt, 732-0978, 255-0503 or osagesportsmansclub.com Park Rapids Amateur Hockey Association 732-9179 or www.prhockey.com Park Rapids Area Antique Tractor & Engine Club Robin Linore at: robinlinore@yahoo.com.

Park Rapids Area Community Band Paul Peterson, 732-4760 or www.pracb.com Park Rapids Area Home School Association prahsa@yahoo.com Park Rapids Area League of Women Voters Carolynne White, 320-438-0264, lwvparkrapids@lwvmn.org, www.lwvmn.org/local-leagues/park-rapids-area Park Rapids Area Retired Military Group Commander Greg Remus, 701-446-7651 Park Rapids Classic Chorale Dave Keller, 732-9458, www.facebook.com/PRClassicChorale Park Rapids Downtown Business Association 218-820-2716 or www.parkrapidsdowntown.com Park Rapids Education & Activities Foundation Steph Carlson, 252-1597 or Lisa Koppelman, 320-293-1857 Park Rapids Farmers Market parkrapidsfm@gmail.com or facebook.com/Park-Rapids-FarmersMarket-336893648240 Park Rapids Figure Skating Club prfsc15@gmail.com or parkrapidsfsc.org Park Rapids Friendly Squares Karen Van De Venter, 218-252-3853 krgvande@unitelc.com Park Rapids Garden Club Karrie Kapsner, 732-9079 bkkapsner@gmail.com Park Rapids High School All-School Reunion Connie Carmichael, 252-0086, connieprhs@ gmail.com, www.prhsrenunion.com Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce 732-4111 or www.parkrapids.com Park Rapids Mah Jongg League Amy Hankey, 952-201-0478 Park Rapids Ministerial Association Steve Norby, 732-7284 Park Rapids Mothers of Preschoolers Cora Henderson, 252-2652 Park Rapids Senior Citizens Center 732-8612 Party Bridge, Whist and Hand & Foot groups Ruthann Helgren, 732-7427 Paul Bunyan Forest Riders MC www.pbfriders.com PEO Sisterhood Chapter FJ – Jan Rumpza, 612-741-2034 or janlstark@hotmail.com Chapter FQ – Nancy Neal 763-258-7553 Pregnancy Resource Center of the Park Rapids Area 732-5212 or www.prcparkrapids.org Quilts of Valor LuVerne Yocum, 732-9036 or qovf.org

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Red Hat Society Itasca Ruby Violets Chapter – Pat Cadreau, 255-0826 Nevis Chapter – Joan Blumberg at 732-7747 Red Hat Ladies of Park Rapids – Linda Moberg, 732-2979 or linmob21@gmail.com Rotary Club of Park Rapids parkrapidsrotary.com Rubber Stamp Club Deb Frentress, 564-4792 Salvation Army, Hubbard Co. Service Unit Family Safety Network, 732-7413 Hubbard County Social Services, 732-1451 Support Within Reach 237-0300 or 1-800-708-2727 www.supportwithinreach.org Shell Prairie Agriculture Association Russell Smith, 252-0264 or www.hubbardcountyfair.com Sons of the American Legion Bob Cadreau, 255-0826 or bobcadreau@outlook.com Tall Pine Toms Chapter, National Wild Turkey Federation Terry Bliss, 255-2525, blissbldg@gmail.com Volunteer Heartland Lakes volunteerheartlandlakes@gmail.com or volunteerheartlandlakes.galaxydigital.com Wellspring for the World Jennifer Therkilsen, 255-2894 or www.wellspringfortheworld.org White Birch Artists Jill Geisen-Clack, 252-6322 or jrgeisenclack@gmail.com

Churches

Peace Lutheran Church (LCMC) 24025 Hwy. 34 Pastor Tim Balfanz 652-6508 peacelutherannevis.com

HUBBARD

Frontline Church 12141 County Rd. 6, Hubbard Pastors Russell and Robin Smith 237-3727 www.accessfrontline.com Hubbard United Methodist Church 12150 Broadway Rd. Pastor Lauren Hauger office 732-0224 www.hubbardumc.org

AKELEY

Places to worship PARK RAPIDS

Abide Vineyard Church 17765 Highway 34 E. Pastor John Arras Associate Pastor Laura Nelmark 237-8463 www.abidevc.com Assembly of God 208 Western Ave. S. Pastor Tim Wilson 732-8818 www.pragmn.org Calvary Lutheran Church (ELCA) 112 Park Ave. S. Lead Pastor Steve Norby Pastor Justin Fenger 732-7284 www.calvaryparkrapids.com Eastside Christian Church 16623 State Hwy. 87 Campus Pastor Justin Domogalla Associate Pastor Brandon Galligan 732-4676 www.eastside.com Faithbridge Church 1505 Park Ave. S. Pastor Jeff Lange 732-1404 www.faithbridgepr.org First Baptist Church 909 8th St. W. Pastor Joshua Hawn 732-3321 www.fbcpr.org

Jehovah’s Witnesses 19420 U.S. Hwy. 71 N. 732-4290 New Life Community Church 600 Bridge St. Pastors Fred and Beverly Brown 732-7000, 732-5637 newlife@newlifeofpr.org Park Rapids Church of Christ 707 N. Main Scott Warne, Minister 732-5105 www.parkrapidschurch.org Restoration Christian Church 17789 State Hwy. 34 Pastors Joel and Jennifer Juni Pastor Andy Spurlin 237-1700 restoration-christian-church.com Riverside United Methodist Church P.O. Box 128, U.S. Hwy. 71 N. 732-5205 www.riversideumcchurch.com St. Johns Lutheran Church (LCMS) State Hwy. 34 W. Pastors James Neubauer and Joel Newton, 732-9783 www.stjohnspr.org St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church 305 5th St. W. | 732-5142 Father Thomas Friedl stpeterpr.org

Seventh-Day Adventist 18098 Elisha Dr. Pastor Joel Kratzke 732-7186 parkrapidsmn.adventistchurch.org Trinity Episcopal & Presbyterian Church 3rd St. W. & Court Ave. 732-4393.

DORSET

First English Lutheran (LCMS) Pastor Chris Davis 732-9466 www.dorsetlutheran.org

NEVIS

Bethany Lutheran (ELCA) 100 3rd Ave. Pastor Mary Marotte 652-2030 www.bethanylutherannevis.org Church of Christ 100 E. Pleasant |652-3900 nevischurchofchrist@gmail.com Fellowship Baptist Church 200 E. Main Pastor Tom C. Drury Jr. 652-4400.

Our Lady of the Pines Catholic Church 205 Main St. W. | 652-4005 Fr. Tony Fernando www.nevislaportecatholics.org

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Akeley United Methodist Church 17 First St. S.E. Pastor Loren Ferch 252-4069 www.akeleyumc.org First Lutheran Church (ELCA) 10 Pleasant Ave. Interim Pastor David Smith 652-3335 www.flcakeley.org Lighthouse at the Lake 5127 Howard Lake Trail, Moore Springs Resort on Howard Lake Pastors Stuart and Judy Kay Johnson 652-2134.

St. John’s Lutheran (LCMS) 110 Pleasant Ave. Pastor Harvey Kietzman 652-3779 Harvey.kietzman@gmail.com White Oak Bible Chapel 30908 170th St. in Chamberlain, 6 mi. south of Akeley Pastor Jake Nelson 652-3848 www.whiteoakbiblechapel.org

LAPORTE

Christ Gospel Fellowship 37466 County Rd. 39 Pastor Rick Clyde 224-2800.

Kabekona Community Church 24044 Old Cemetery Rd. Interim Pastor Dave Van Wingerden, Associate Pastor Nathan Johnson 224-2827 www.kabekona.org Laporte Community Bible Church 115 Main St. W. Pastor Matt Sconce 224-2542.

St. Theodore of Tarsus Catholic Church 580 County Rd. 39 Fr. Tony Fernando 652-4005 www.nevislaportecatholics.org Trinity Lutheran Church 150 Second St. N.E. | 224-2417 Pastor René Mehlberg tlclaporte.org www.facebook.com/tlclaporte.

001689086r1

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Churches

Cemeteries LAKE GEORGE

Lake George Bible Chapel 37285 U.S. Hwy. 71, 7 mi. east of Itasca State Park Pastor Mike English 699-3013 lakegeorgebiblechapel.weebly.com Trinity Lutheran Church (LCMS) 37115 U.S. Hwy. 71 Pastor Don Kirchner 266-3330.

OUTLYING CHURCHES

Grace Community Church 24068 Pine Ave. N., Osage Pastor Paul McKibben 573-3143.

Malvik Lutheran Church 27689 474th St., Guthrie Pastor Jeb Monge 444-4112 malviklutheranchurch@gmail.com St. Mary’s Catholic Church and Grotto 55744 County Rd. 44, Two Inlets Father Thomas Friedl 732-4046 stmarys-twoinlets-churchandgrotto.com

Akeley Cemetery 23407 County 12, Akeley Arago-Clover-Evergreen 27182 105th Ave., Park Rapids Bethany Lutheran Cemetery 102 3rd Ave. S., Nevis Bethel Cemetery 15488 County 11, Park Rapids Dudley Memorial Cemetery 22248 236th St., Nevis Evergreen Cemetery 24321 Old Cemetery Rd., Laporte Farris Cemetery 32547 500th St., Cass Lake Fern-Becida Cemetery 47358 129th Ave., Solway GreenLea Cemetery 32893 450th St., Cass Lake Greenwood Cemetery 16223 State 34, Park Rapids Guthrie Cemetery 43753 275th Ave., Laporte Henrietta Cemetery 18029 County 11, Park Rapids Hubbard Cemetery 17854 County 109, Park Rapids (Hubbard) Hubbard United Methodist Cemetery 12150 Broadway Rd., Park Rapids (Hubbard) Immaculate Conception Lakeside Cemetery East of County 18, Nevis Lake Alice Cemetery 38908 115th Ave., Laporte Lake Emma Cemetery 26442 Inward Loop, Park Rapids

The following public, township and church cemeteries are located in Hubbard County.

Private cemeteries are not listed.

Lake George Cemetery 37724 Night Hawk Road, Lake George Lakeport Cemetery 37742 North Willow Road, Laporte Lakeview Cemetery East of County 18, Nevis Lemon-Badoura Cemetery 29366 150 St., Nevis Malvik Lutheran Cemetery 27689 474th St., Cass Lake Nary Cemetery 48771 County 36, Laporte Resthaven North of West Ave., Nevis Riverside United Methodist Cemetery 1005 U.S. Hwy. 71, Park Rapids Roat Memorial Cemetery 50740 Woodcamp Dr., Bemidji (Rockwood Twp.) St. Lawrence Cemetery 27075 444th St, Laporte St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery Cemetery Rd., Park Rapids (Two Inlets) St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery 982 Henrietta Ave. S., Park Rapids St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery 12951 150th St., Park Rapids St. Theodore’s Catholic Cemetery 635 1st Ave. N.W., Laporte Thorpe Cemetery 22782 300th St., Nevis Union Cemetery South of 500th St. (Rockwood Twp.) Woodlawn Cemetery 24410 County 18, Nevis White Oak Cemetery 16955 State Hwy. 64, Akeley

OUR MISSION IS TO HELP PEOPLE KNOW THE COMPASSIONATE, LOVING, FORGIVING GOD

305 W. 5th St. • Park Rapids • (218)732-5142 Office Hours: M-Th 9am-4pm

stpeterpr.com

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Trinity Church

Hubbard United Methodist Church 12150 Broadway Rd., Park Rapids, MN 56470

Online Sunday Worship at 9:00a.m.

Check Our Website for Current Service Information Pastor Lauren Hauger

Episcopal and Presbyterian

218 -732 - 0224 (2 blks. south of Cty 87 & Cty 6 intersection in Hubbard, 1 block east of Beaver Dr.)

Sunday, 9:00 a.m.

All Are Welcome 212 Court Ave, Park Rapids

(218) 732-4393 trinitypr@arvig.net

hubbardumc.org

Riverside United Methodist Church

Park Rapids Assembly Of God

Where the Spirit runs deep...

Telephone: 218-732-5205 Email: rumc@unitelc.com 1005 Park Ave North (Hwy 71 N.) - P.O. Box 128 Park Rapids, MN Pastor: Roger C. Grafenstein Sunday Worship Weekly

• Sunday Praise & Worship Service - 10:30 am Sr. Pastor: Tim Wilson • Sunday School - 9:30 am • School of Bible (All ages) - Wednesdays 7:00 pm

Worship with us on FaceBook RiversideUnitedMethodist

208 Western Ave. S. (Hwy. 34 W.) 732-8818 www.pragmn.org

(see website or call the church)

Website: www.riversideumcchurch.com

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Business &Manufacturing

Experience the heart of Park Rapids Discover up north hospitality and a friendly hometown spirit when you “stroll and shop” downtown Park Rapids. The extra-wide street is lined with shops filled with gifts, vintage finds, boutique clothing, books, arts, crafts and much more as well as diverse options for dining inside or alfresco.

Relax on one of the many benches and enjoy gourmet coffee, ice cream and snacks. If you seek evening entertainment, take in a movie at the Art Deco theater and sample a variety of cuisines and bar scenes at our locally owned establishments.

One reason Park Rapids’ Main Street was named one of Minnesota’s Top 10 is the profusion of flowers that decorate store fronts and hanging baskets on the carriage lights in the summer months. Handsome decor enhances the experience in other seasons.

Whether you’re lucky enough to live here, stay at the cabin, be out on the trails or visit Itasca State Park, you’re invited to experience downtown year-round.

Join the great community get-together for the summer music series, 2nd Street Stage, Thursday nights June 17 through Aug. 19. Each week brings a new band, social hour, beer garden, kids’ activities and more. Dates are subject to change to ensure everyone’s safety.

Crazy Days on Thursday and Friday, July 22 and 23, makes finding bargains fun. Businesses go all out with sidewalk sales and staff dressed in crazy costumes. On Thursday, enjoy a pet parade, live music, food contests and kids’ entertainment.

Water Wars on Main planned for Thursday, Aug. 5 matches

firefighters and local teams who battle it out for a trophy and bragging rights. The contest kicks off Legends & Logging Days fun, celebrating our logging heritage with some old-fashioned and more modern activities.

The extra-wide Main Street is the perfect place for the Run to the Rapids classic car show, Aug. 6-7. Car buffs will see beautifully restored classic cars and trucks and can meet with their proud owners.

For Halloween, hundreds of princesses, Ninja turtles, goblins and other cute costumed characters come downtown for Trick or Treat Park Rapids Oct. 30.

Downtown businesses herald the holiday season the Friday after Thanksgiving, hosting a Yuletide Sampler with hot cider, hot chocolate and treats in their stores. The Yuletide Sampler is a prelude to the annual Heartland Lakes Community Tree-Lighting Ceremony with a Christmas carol sing-along, Santa’s arrival, fire pits for roasting marshmallows and the countdown to lighting the beautifully decorated tree on Main Street. The annual event is best described as a Norman Rockwell moment.

A Downtown Walking Map will help you explore what Downtown Park Rapids has to offer and can be found in park kiosks, local businesses and in the Chamber Discovery Guide.

Or visit www.parkrapidsdowntown.com to see the webcam on Main, on area lakes and at the Mississippi headwaters. The website also provides updates on events, promotions, a member directory and much more. Or follow Park Rapids Downtown on Facebook.

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Auto Specialists Bob Meier

Quality Service You Can Trust

218-237-7600 Full Service Auto Repair & Tire Sales

We Service ALL Makes and Models

Hwy 34 West, Park Rapids The Most Complete Oil Change In The Area!

NICK’S SERVICE

TIRE SALES VEHICLE SERVICE & REPAIR TOWING

NICK GARTNER, OWNER

218-732-5119

AFTER HOURS WRECKER SERVICE: 218-252-6440 SOUTH ON HWY 71 • 14632 150TH ST. • PARK RAPIDS

ADVANCED AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE

Complete Car & Truck Care Since 1996 • Servicing Both Foreign & Domestic Vehicles •Specializing in Computer System Diagnostics, Fuel Injection & Electrical Systems • Major & Minor Repairs • Tires & Alignment

501 Main Ave. S., Park Rapids

732-1164 • 888-732-1164 advautopr.wixsite.com/advanced

1 MILE W. ON HWY. 34, PARK RAPIDS

218-237-5660

Full Collision Repair Shop

• Full Glass Replacement • Insurance Work • Color Matching • Frame Work • Full Down Draft Bake Booth joshscollisioncenter@yahoo.com CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED Shop Manager/Owner Josh

PREMIER LUBE & REPAIR

Auto & Truck Repair AstroStart Remote Car Starter Certified Intoxalock Installer

Les (Whitey) Hansen, Owner les21772@yahoo.com 220 Crocus Hill St, Park Rapids, MN 56470

218-237-5823 - 53 -

Automotive - Tires Wheel Alignments - Trailer Service

~ Providing Honest Quality service ~ 1 mile west of Park Rapids 13194 Eureka Rd.

“Only what you need... at a price guaranteed” Custom pipe bending Custom duals for cars & pickups 4” diesel systems | Stock mufflers & pipes

Locally Owned • Ray Appel • Andy Appel 219 Cars Ct NW - Bemidji • 1 block west of the high school

218-759-1264

Business &Manufacturing

Pursuing economic growth is Thompson’s passion Mary Thompson became the permanent executive director of Heartland Lakes Development Commission (HLDC) on Nov. 15, 2020.

Previously, she had served as interim director since March 2019 through a contract with her former employer, the Headwaters Regional Development Commission in Bemidji.

During that time, she led what was then the Hubbard County Regional Economic Development Commission through its transition to its present name, taking a cue from the Park Rapids area business community rebranding itself as the Heartland Lakes region.

“The community had gone through a pretty significant effort to create the Heartland Lakes brand,” Thompson said in an interview, “and that was really starting to get legs, and so we, the organization and the board, decided that it was worth looking at playing to that brand a little bit and using that as a jumping off point.”

Meantime, she said, the HLDC board also clarified its mission, vision and values statements, focusing its activities on a simple mission: to inspire and retain economic growth.

“We want to inspire locally, but we also want to make sure that the businesses that we have stay here and that they’re vibrant and able to flourish,” said Thompson.

A big move toward that goal is the upcoming creation of the Entrepreneurial Accelerator Resource and Technology Hangar, briefly known as HEART or just the Hangar, which Thompson would like to see headquartered with HLDC in the old Rapids Spirits liquor store at 100 8th St. E. in Park Rapids.

“It’s a space that is intended to build the entrepreneur and innovation ecosystem,” she said. “ It’s about providing the structure to allow for entrepreneurs to have a place to think through their ideas; get the mentoring or training or assistance that they need to be thinking about that; looking

at what business plans are, where there’s potential funding; being able to try ideas.”

She said the Hangar would also provide cooperative workspace for people who, during the COVID-19 pandemic, realized they can work anywhere. It could be a space to hold meetings, have some privacy, print documents, and other things they may not be able to do at their home office. Meanwhile, they would have access to resources to help them design a new product line, improve their efficiency and move their business to the next level, Thompson said.

Other ways the HLDC can promote economic growth, she said, include looking for ways to market the community to businesses that may be interested in relocating here; addressing the city’s need for more industrial development land; and reaching out to let the county’s other cities and townships know Heartland Lakes Development is here for them, too.

“We are not just a Park Rapids entity,” said Thompson. “We are a Heartland Lakes entity, and so I want to ensure that the rest of the county feels that presence and the opportunity to take advantage of our services.”

Originally from Cokato, Thompson studied at Bemidji State University and has a degree in accounting. She moved back to Bemidji from the St. Cloud area in 1992 to work at the HRDC, where she started in accounting and discovered an interest in housing development, which flourished into a career promoting economic development.

“My passion really is development and growth,” she said.

“That’s where I’ve found a home.”

She and her husband, Ken, have a beef farm north of Itasca State Park, just across the Clearwater County line.

“I’m so very thankful to be in the position that I’m in,” said Thompson, “and really excited about where the Heartland Lakes can help take the region to the next step.”

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Have Questions?

We Have Answers.

Mary 218-255-0600 Viny 218-252-0520 Kay 218-275-9030

We Look Forward To Serving Your Real Estate Needs

1005 Highway 34 E. Park Rapids

Between C’mon Inn and Thielen Motors

• Happy Hour: Monday 3-8 pm Tues.-Fri. 3-6 pm • Pizza & Snacks • Pull Tabs • Tuesday Trivia

• Great Selection of Beer, Wine & Spirits • In-House Beer & Drink Specials • Off Sale 10% Off: Military Mondays, Wine Wednesdays, Senior Discount Thursdays.

Off Sale Open: Mon.-Sat. 9 am-10 pm Sundays 11am-6pm

Based

Mon.-Sat. Open at 9am Sundays: Noon-8pm Morning Drink Specials Mon.-Sat. 9am-1pm

Home

Full Bar

Business

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Mary Kay products offer you so many ways to enhance your beauty and well-being. Innovative skin care!

On-trend color! Pampering bath and body products and so much more!

Let’s find your favorites.

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Sue Tomte, Independent Beauty Consultant www.marykay.com/stomte 218-732-7375 / 218-203-0348 text

Main Street, Nevis • (218) 652-9910

Town & Country Animal Clinic

Warming Your Heart and Home Since 1973

We Treat Your Pets As We Would Treat Our Own. We’re Committed To The Health and Happiness Of Your Pet.

Wood, Gas, Pellet and Electric Fireplaces Stoves and Inserts

800-367-7976

Dr. Amanda Bergin, DVM

Complete installation available.

Located 4.5 miles north of Walker on Hwy 371 www.wilkeningfireplace.biz

218-732-3445

105 Pleasant Ave. So., Park Rapids, MN ~ townandcountryanimalclinic.org

Snuggle ‘n Snooze Inn

PET CARE

Pawsitively the Best...Hotel for Pets

763-416-1614 (Text, call, lv msg) 218-732-7387 (PETS) Find us on Facebook or www.snugglensnoozeinn.com Dorset Corner SE (Hwy 34 CR 11) 20151 Eddie Baxter Dr, Park Rapids, MN 56470

DIRECTORY - 55 -

Business &Manufacturing

Park Rapids Chamber of Commerce advances interests of its members The Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism is a progressive, membership-driven organization wherein members cooperate to advance their common interests to build a sustainable, thriving community.

The mission of the chamber is to serve, connect and promote its members. Its 350-plus members are a diverse group, each committed to the vitality and sustainability of the Park Rapids lakes area.

The chamber supports three main programs: membership services, events and tourism marketing. The chamber provides business advocacy, networking, referral, promotion and educational opportunities to enhance the business climate in this area. Events promote community engagement, increase awareness of our great resources and create activities for both residents and visitors. Events that the chamber spearheads are the Minnesota Bike Opener, Park Rapids Fourth of July parade, Legends and Logging Days and the Christmas

Tree Lighting, while supporting and collaborating on a multitude of other events.

As the official destination marketing organization, the chamber spends a significant amount of its resources to market and promote Park Rapids and the Heartland Lakes area as a tourist destination. The chamber markets to potential guests from Minnesota, Iowa, North and South Dakota, Wisconsin, Canada and around the world. The chamber collaborates with a number of organizations, public entities and private businesses to advance facilities, attractions and recreational amenities.

The chamber operates the Park Rapids Visitor Information Center at 1204 Park Avenue S. (U.S. Hwy. 71 S.) with 24/7 restroom facilities and information. If you have any questions regarding the Park Rapids lakes area or a chamber program, call 732-4111, click www.parkrapids.com, stop by the visitor center or email chamber@parkrapids.com.

Expert advice from Northwest Small Business Development Center Want to start or grow a business in northwest Minnesota?

The business experts at the Northwest Small Business Development Center (NWSBDC) are here to support you.

They provide free information, confidential counseling and one-on-one support to start, build and grow your business.

They have the tools, templates, training and services to make the process as easy as possible.

The NWSBDC is a non-profit supported and funded by the host institution, the University of Minnesota-Duluth, U.S. Small Business Administration, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) and other regional contributors.

Its core services include the following: ► Services for existing businesses ► Services for start-ups ► Training workshops and seminars ► Professional, confidential consulting.

NWSBDC provides business consulting assistance at no charge to support Minnesota small business owners within its nine-county service territory in developing strategies, locating customers, improving sales and enhancing profitability. The center’s consulting staff has extensive business experience in marketing, finance and accounting, operations, business planning and business management.

NWSBDC serves Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard, Kittson, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Polk, Pennington, Red Lake, and Roseau counties.

Take advantage of NWSBDC events and online resources to learn more about a wide variety of topics that impact small businesses. Contact NWSBDC with questions or to request a free consultation.

The NWSBDC office is located in Bemidji. For more information, visit www.nwsbdc.org, call 218-755-4255 or email nwsbdc@d.umn.edu.

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CONTRACTORS DIRECTORY AVENSON ELECTRIC • Plumbing - New Construction, Remodel, Repair.

• Heating - Forced Air, Hot Water, Furnace Replacements, Repairs, Cleaning & Servicing.

• 24/7 Emergency Services

218-732-7836 ackermanph.com

Professional, Courteous Service

Nate Ackerman & Greg Ackerman

218-252-9350

• Custom Homes • Residential-Commercial • Fire Restoration • Water Damage Repair • Cabin Renovation • Additions • Garages • Decks • Remodel

www.actioncontractingwalkermn.com (218) 224-2203 • Cell: (218) 252-0686

Master Lic. #PM062999 EPA# 271661197110

BACKHOE PETE

Commercial, Residential, New Construction, Remodels Licensed • Bonded & Insured

MN Lic. EA700072

randyavenson@msn.com www.parkrapidselectric.com

Have Tractor Will Travel

Fully Licensed

Insured & Bonded

• Septic • Sewer • Water • Lot Clearing • Basements • General Excavating Site Evaluation & Design FREE ESTIMATES

218-732-8889 Dave 218-255-1215 Cell

Serving the entire Park Rapids area

952-887-1613

Bruce Beckley

Stonework, Fireplaces, Block & Brick Laying

Terry Burlingame 218 -732-7590 218-255-3603

25466 Holly Rd., Park Rapids

Buy 4 windows, get the 5th Free

Construction

Master Craftsman • General Contractor

218-252-2794

LIC#113291 • Akeley, MN

brucebeckleygeneralcontractor.com • www.timbershelters.com

BURLINGAME

MASONRY

23732 Elderberry Cir, Nevis, MN

OVER 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

• Insulated Unit Replacement • Mirrors • Windows • Table Tops • Screen repair • Glass ~ Clear, Colored, Patterned • Shower Doors ~ Heavy Glass & Framed • Commercial Store Fronts, Doors, Windows ~ Exterior & Interior • Commercial Door Closers

Call for an appointment (218) 732-8417

Craig Rittgers

Park Rapids, MN

www.craigsglass.com

- 57 -

– SINCE 1988 –

windows • siding • attic wall insulation

CALL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE

FABRICATION AND STAINLESS STEEL WORKS, INC.

Welding • Machine Shop • Pontoon Boat & Dock Repairs • Deck Handrails Driveway Gates • Walk-ins Welcome George Darchuk Sr., Owner 1608 Industry Ave., Park Rapids, MN 56470 732-1427 • Fax: (218) 732-1439 www.darchuksfab.com

CONTRACTORS DIRECTORY

218-732-8061

700 East River Dr. Park Rapids, MN• www.jecabinets.com

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

Quality Craftsmanship For All Your Building Needs Free Estimates • Insured • Licensed Eric Munson • Owner-Contractor • License #BC707083

218-237-2425 www.emconincmn.com

Hansen’s electric LICENSED BONDED & INSURED MN LIC#EA006419

613 CENTRAL AVENUE N. PARK RAPIDS, MN 56470

218-732-3818 LANCE 218-255-0293

lancehansen@live.com www.hansenselectric.com

Residential•Commercial•Farm

New Construction • Remodels Bucket Truck•Trenching Services Steffes Heating Systems

KL CONCRETE RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL

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Bonded & Insured

Kent Reeve CRL

Selling •all major• COMMERCIAL brands of locks.

• HOME AUTO • HOME • AUTO • COMMERCIAL • SAFES • KEYS

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218-732-8073

(218) 224-2252 • (218) 556-4064 Toll Free (877) 260-4064

Cell: 218-255-2114

32915 MEADOW VIEW DR. LAPORTE, MN 56484

KOUNTRY TILE & STONE

Professional & Quality Service BOB JOHNSON We Install • Ceramic Tile • Slate • Marble Limestone • Granite, etc.

Commercial•Residential•Insured Setting Tile for Over 30 years!

(218) 255-2882

www.kountrytileandstone.com E-mail: kountrytile@gmail.com

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24-Hour Service Lic. #38112PM leadingedgemech.com

218-237-5125

Your plumbing, heating & cooling, HVAC & commercial refrigeration service specialists RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL Licensed, Insured & Bonded

CONTRACTORS DIRECTORY License #6956

NEW HOMES • ADDITIONS REMODELING • POLE BARNS METAL STORAGE SHEDS CONCRETE • MASONRY

PO BOX 73 NEVIS, MN 56467 BRENT LINDOW (218)255-5394 MATT LINDOW (218)255-0870

MARCHELL ELECTRIC

MENAHGA CONCRETE PRODUCTS INC. READY MIX CONCRETE

CONCRETE • ROCKFACE • BLOCKS

12500 County 106, Park Rapids, MN 56470

Residential - Farm - Commercial A Steffes ETS Heat Dealer

Contact Mike at (218)732-8862 or marchellelectric@gmail.com

Bob & Linda Berttunen • Hwy. 71 N. Menahga, MN • Chimney Blocks • Masonry Supplies • Washed, Crushed Rock & Sand • Class 5 - Black Dirt & Fill

• Crushed Concrete, Rip Rap & Boulders • Loading at Pit/State Certified Scale • Logix - ICF

Call Toll Free: 1-800-450-4432 • 218-564-4432

NORTHERN PINES SANITATION

NORTH STAR PEST CONTROL

Commercial & Residential Service

• Licensed, Bonded & Insured • New Construction • Remodeling LIC# PC669775 EA738544

18920 County Rd 11 | Park Rapids, MN

218.732.5845

New, Remodel Repair and Sevice Air Duct Cleaning Open / Close Cabins Water Heaters

PO Box 191 17109 Dawn Drive Park Rapids, MN 56470

Keith Canfield owner

24 Hour Emergency Service

(218) 732-7238

STEVE’S ELECTRIC SERVICE, INC. Licensed-Bonded-Insured

Residential--Commercial--Farm Installation of Electric Dual Fuel or Off Peak Electric Storage Heating Systems

FREE ESTIMATES

Steve Haataja •Park Rapids (218)732-3340 - Cell Phone (218)252-3340

218-732-6767 CELL: 218-255-4220

WASTE PICK-UP, SERVING HUBBARD COUNTY, PARK RAPIDS AND NEVIS AREAS.

Licensed, Bonded & Insured 26299 Eagle Bay Road, Osage, MN 56570

“We are dedicated to creating the building of your dreams”

Commercial • Residential • Agricultural Randall Keranen (218) 255-1652 Daniel Keranen (218) 255-2442 LICENSED IN MN & ND ~ LIC# BC-20545441

Ask about our ProWind Brace System!

OFFICE

prplumbingheating.com

PARK RAPIDS Locally owned & operated

(218) 564-7704 • FAX (218) 564-7804

1036 Aspen Ave. SE, Menahga, MN mnprocontractors@gmail.com • procontractorsmn.com

Racer Construction, Inc. Jody Yliniemi- owner

• Roads • Basements • Building Sites • Septic Systems • Dozer Work • City Water & Sewer Office: 218-573-3452 Jody’s Cell: 218-252-2120 Josh’s Cell: 218-252-2003

THELEN’S EXCAVATING & SEPTIC, INC. Septic Services

• Septic Pumping • Steam Frozen Sewer Lines • Sewer Line Camera Inspections

Excavating Services

• Install Septic Systems • Basements • Roads • Gravel • Black Dirt • Backhoe • Bobcat • Demolition

Winter Logging

Free Estimates & Consults

(218) 732-0015 • 32996 CTY RD 135, PARK RAPIDS THELENSEXCAVATING@GMAIL.COM • WWW.THELENSEXCAVATING.COM MONDAY-FRIDAY 7:30AM-4:30PM

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LLC

Your Heating & Air Conditioning Experts!

Furnaces & Air Conditioners Outdoor Wood Boilers In-Floor Heat • Boilers Sales, Service and Installation 218-252-4877

John Rowe, Owner ~ Over 20 Years Experience Free Estimates • Licensed, Bonded & Insured

Business &Manufacturing

Several industries thriving in our area LAMB WESTON/RDO FROZEN PARK RAPIDS PLANT

Lamb Weston is a leading supplier of frozen potato, sweet potato, appetizer and other vegetable products to restaurants and retailers around the world. For more than 60 years, Lamb Weston operations, like the Lamb Weston/RDO Park Rapids facility, have produced unique and innovative products that today grace the tables and shelves of restaurants and food retailers in more than 110 countries on all seven continents.

In partnership with RDO Farms, a leading potato supplier, the Park Rapids plant can truly deliver products from “field to plate.”

To learn more about why Lamb Weston is the world’s preferred potato company, visit www.Lambweston.com.

PARK RAPIDS AVIONICS

Park Rapids Avionics’ services include the installation and maintenance of custom aircraft instrumentation paneling, navigation systems, instrumentation, flight control systems, weather systems, and electronics. For more information, call Tom Hass at 237-1525, email tom@parkrapidsavionics.com, or visit www.parkrapidsavionics.com.

TEAM INDUSTRIES

Whether you need computer numerically controlled (CNC) milling or turning, spline rolling or broaching, or clutch assembly and balancing, TEAM Park Rapids is a lean manu-

facturing facility located at 501 Industrial Park Rd. TEAM is a vertically integrated engineering and manufacturing company that has been driving innovation in performance and reliability enhancing components since 1967. TEAM offers a complete range of services – from collaboration on new product designs to custom contract manufacturing. Its principal products include transmissions and transaxles, axles and four-wheeldrive systems, continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), and electric vehicle drivetrains. It is a market leader in drivetrain technology that offers a complete range of services that includes everything from collaboration on product designs to manufacturing to your specifications. TEAM also can provide make-to-print components and works with nearly every type of ferrous or non-ferrous material; cast, forged, wrought, or extruded. For more information, go to www.team-ind.com.

BLACK SWAN COOPERAGE, LLC

Black Swan Cooperage, LLC is a whiskey barrel manufacturer located right in the Park Rapids industrial park. In addition to whiskey barrels, Black Swan makes a variety of other cooperage-related wood products created to flavor beer, wine, spirits and cocktails. All of these products are sold specifically to the craft distilling and brewing industries across the U.S., Canada and several other countries. The Black Swan team prides themselves on sharing their knowledge of wood with the craft distilling and brewing community and beyond. For more information, visit www.blackswanbarrels.com.

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TAKE OUT AVAILABLE

218-237-3333

Mon-Fri 7am-6pm Sat 6am-6pm Sun 7am-2pm

Full Service Real Estate Brokerage 600 PARK AVE SOUTH •PARK RAPIDS

AffinityRealEstate.com

2 Blks. E. of Main, Menahga • 218-564-4533

Come on In!

Kimball’s Logging Inc.

We are Open 7 Days a Week:

**Hours subject to change due to COVID restrictions.**

Sundays: Noon-11pm Monday-Thursday: 10am-11pm Friday & Saturday: 10am-1am

(218) 573-3454 Owner: Kelly Kimball Park Rapids, MN

10

13718 County Rd 9 Becida, MN

www.becidabarandgrill.com The Fun Never Ends! Follow us on Facebook!

% Total

Excludes Tobacco, Lottery and Sale Items.

3 Good Reasons To Shop at Dorset Corner Liquor

Selection Friendly Service Competitive Prices...

(218) 732-1770

Just 5 minutes east of Park Rapids Large Parking Lot Easy Access Mon.-Sat. 9am-10pm

EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY NIGHT BBQ Ribs, Prime Rib, Jumbo Shrimp!

JOKELA AUCTIONS INC

AUCTION SERVICES

OFF Purchase

NIGHTLY SPECIALS

Experienced Real Estate Auctioneers, Commercial/Industrial, Machinery/Livestock, Guns/Sports/Autos, Estate /Liquidations,

SOLD OVER 9,000 AUCTIONS!

218-538-6508 ~ 218-732-5587 Dave Veo, Broker ~ 218-280-9796

JokelaAuction.com

Celebrating 72 Years ~ Since 1949

Online Auctions, Estates, Liquidations, Guns/ Sporting Goods, Farm/Construction Equipment, ATVS, Jewelry/Coins, Silver/Gold. Consignment Single Item to a Complete Estate.

Phone: 218-699-3351 • Cell: 218-252-8803 www.do-bid.com trinityauctionco@gmail.com

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Parks & Recreation Construction will begin on Itasca-Heartland Connection Trail

Gateway to a treasured natural beauty ITASCA STATE PARK

Park Rapids is the undisputed gateway to Itasca State Park and the south entrance is a 19-mile drive from Park Rapids north on U.S. Hwy. 71.

The east entrance is only a couple miles farther, then another mile or so west at the junction of Hwy. 71 and State Hwy. 200.

Itasca State Park encompasses Lake Itasca, the official source of the Mississippi River, and a scenic area of northern Minnesota that has remained relatively unchanged from its natural state.

Established in 1891, Itasca is Minnesota’s oldest state park. Today, the park totals more than 32,000 acres and includes more than 100 lakes. Stand under towering pines at Preacher’s Grove. Visit the Itasca Indian Cemetery or Wegmann’s Cabin, landmarks of centuries gone by. Camp under the stars, or stay the night at the historic Douglas Lodge or cabins. Explore Wilderness Drive past the 2,000-acre Wilderness Sanctuary, one of Minnesota’s seven National Natural Landmarks.

But the main attraction will continue to be walking across the headwaters of the Mississippi River on stones at the mouth of Lake Itasca. There are plenty of other outdoor activities to do at the park, such as taking an excursion boat on Lake Itasca, exploring along Wilderness Drive, biking or hiking along more than 30 miles of designated trails, fishing in one of the many lakes, observing the wild flowers in season or birding. Like the entire Park Rapids area, wildlife can be seen throughout the park.

For more information about the park events and schedules, call Itasca State Park headquarters at 218-699-7251 or go to www.dnr.state. mn.us/state_parks/itasca/index.html.

MARY GIBBS MISSISSIPPI HEADWATERS CENTER

The Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center opened in 2005 and affords a “river

of stories” for guests. The visitor center is named after the brave, young park commissioner, Mary Gibbs.

The “Rivers of the World” sculpture is the focal point, interpretive signs identify the earth’s waterways and the Centennial Plaque, Time Capsule and International Peace Pole also engage visitors.

Outdoor exhibits in a portico allow the center to be open 365 days a year and as visitors enter the portico, they are greeted by quotes from the park’s premier explorers – Ozawindib, Henry Schoolcraft, Jacob V. Brower and Jean Nicollet.

Visitors get acquainted with the headwaters’ natural history and gain an understanding of the area’s attraction for thousands of years. The changes in transportation are documented through the eras – from Native American travel and trade, to U.S. settlement and expansion to logging.

Along the trail to the headwaters, kiosks draw guests to learn the river’s story with a natural history angle. Park visitors become attuned to its aquatic species, birds, animals, exotic species and plants.

Douglas Lodge One historic landmark that has welcomed visitors to the park since the beginning of the 20th century is Douglas Lodge. The lodge, a two-story pine log building at the south end of Lake Itasca, has been serving guests since 1905. Few changes have been made to the original lodge, which was built with green, newly cut pine logs harvested in the park.

Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center The Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center is the largest visitor center in any of Minnesota’s state parks. The 13,000-square-foot facility has exhibits on the Ojibwe, explorer and pioneer history of the area around Itasca.

Land surveyor Jacob Brower lobbied hard to designate this area as a state park in 1891 to protect the pines from logging.

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After more than a decade of efforts to secure funding for a multi-purpose, paved trail connecting Itasca State Park and the Heartland Trail, the Minnesota Legislature included $2 million in its 2020 bonding bill for the trail spur.

The first phase of the project involves building a 1.75mile trail from the Itasca State Park contact station to U.S. Hwy. 71, a tunnel under the highway with a retaining wall and a 1.96-mile trail east of the tunnel toward Emmaville, where it would connect with an existing snowmobile trail.

A citizen-led committee has been actively developing a plan for the Itasca-Heartland Connection, with input from a variety of stakeholders, DNR staff, Hubbard County Land Management Department staff, two county commissioners and trail users, such as hunters, snowmobilers and bicyclists.

One of the primary reasons for the new trail is that the current bike route between Itasca and Park Rapids to Itasca, along a shoulder of U.S. Hwy. 71, is considered dangerous due to the high traffic levels and the narrow shoulders with rumble strips.

When funds are available, the second phase of trail construction will continue 13 miles east to Emmaville on county land. The third phase will go south eight miles from Emmaville on a county road right-of-way to the intersection with the Heartland Trail, where a trailhead would be constructed.

Large Parking Lot For Boats & RVs

Large Selection of Fine Wines, Beers & Liquors Ice & Mixes

See Us Under The East Side Water Tower

Large Coolers to Assure Cold Beverages Open: Monday-Saturday 9 am-10 pm

Hwy. 34 E., Park Rapids

732-0998

PLEASE USE OUR PRODUCTS IN MODERATION - 63 -

Parks & Recreation

National scenic trail runs through county The North Country Trail (NCT) wanders 4,600 miles through America’s rugged northern Heartland.

From New York to North Dakota, hikers can find adventure. Traversing through seven states, the NCT is the longest national scenic trail in the U.S. It’s the only one in Minnesota.

NCT enters Minnesota near Jay Cooke State Park and winds toward the Chippewa National Forest, Hubbard County, the Paul Bunyan State Forest and the scenic Itasca Moraine landscape before heading further south through the Maplewood State Park and on to the North Dakota border.

Upon reaching Itasca State Park, NCT is in the neighborhood of the Mississippi headwaters before turning south and following the Laurentian Divide.

The trail path is natural, with roots and snags removed and overhanging limbs trimmed for unimpeded hiking.

With the trail open to foot traffic only, hikers, berry pickers, hunters, birdwatchers, geocachers, snowshoers and Hok skiers have miles of trails to explore.

Anyone walking this trail is in for a treat as it meanders

through forested hills and valleys interspersed with rivers, lakes, and numerous wetlands.

Short day hikes or overnight hikes are possible.

The Laurentian Lakes Chapter is responsible for maintaining over 72 miles of the NCT – from the middle of Itasca State park west to Clearwater County Hwy. 39 Trailhead, south through the Tamarac Wildlife Refuge, Hubbel Pond, crossing Hwy 34, through private land and then road walks to Frazee. Maps, events and suggested hikes are available at northcountrytrail.org/llc.

The Itasca Moraine Chapter, based in the Park Rapids-Walker-Hackensack area, is responsible for a 107-mile section. The chapter also hosts year-around hikes. For more information, visit northcountrytrail.org/itm.

At most locations, there is a kiosk or signboard with information about the trail. Hiking distances to the nearest kiosk are also provided.

A “Guide to Hiking the North Country Trail in Minnesota” guidebook is available in bookstores in Park Rapids, Itasca State Park, Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge and online.

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Entertainment

Hubbard County is home to a robust arts scene Numerous artists, writers, actors, dancers and vocalists call the Northwoods their home.

For the latest information about arts events, read the Park Rapids Enterprise or visit www.parkrapidsenterprise.com.

ART LEAP

LOON COUNTRY CARVERS

Loon Country Carvers is an informal organization of woodcarvers. They gather Mondays at the Park Rapids Library to whittle, gouge and chisel while visiting with fellow enthusiasts. For more information, call Chuck Yliniemi at 732-9643.

Art Leap is an open studio event. The driving tour, sponsored by Heartland Arts, invites visitors to meet artists, see their studios and find other culturally rich destinations. Highlights include live demonstrations, outdoor music and seeing fall colors at their peak.

NEMETH ART CENTER

HEARTLAND CONCERT ASSOCIATION

PARK RAPIDS CLASSIC CHORALE

The Nemeth Art Center (NAC) is open from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, May through September. Admission is free. The gallery is located in the upper level of the historic county courthouse, located at 301 Court Ave. Founded in 1977 by Park Rapids community members, BLANK CANVAS GALLERY the NAC has provided quality arts and education experiencBlank Canvas Gallery is an online source connecting art es to north-central Minnesota. For more information about lovers with unique, original art created by talented artists. upcoming exhibits and membership privileges, visit www.

Artists work in a variety of mediums and styles. Email info@ nemethartcenter.org. blankcanvasgallery.com or go online to www.blankcanNORTHERN LIGHTS DANCE ACADEMY vasgallery.com.

The Northern Lights Dance Academy offers classes for HEARTLAND ARTS COUNCIL the recreational dancer as well as the advanced, competitive Heartland Arts is the new name for the Park Rapids Lakes dancer. The Park Rapids studio is located at 600 N. Park Ave. Area Arts Council. Heartland Arts remains an umbrella orga- A winter showcase and spring recital allow dancers to demonstrate their talent. Call 218-530-0030, visit www.nldadance. nization for 16 regional arts groups, promoting excellence com or email info@nldadance.com. in the arts through creation, education and performance.

The council meets monthly to share calendars, inspire new PARK RAPIDS AREA COMMUNITY BAND arts projects and build community around the arts. HeartSixty to 70 musicians rehearse at the Park Rapids High land Arts also sponsors annual events, including Noon Hour School in preparation for the community band’s spring and late Concerts and Art Leap. For more information, visit www. fall concerts and the pre-fireworks show on the Fourth of July. heartlandarts.org.

Contact Paul Peterson at 732-4760 or visit www.pracb.com.

Founded in 1981, the Heartland Concert Association’s goal is to bring quality entertainment to the area at a reasonable price. From September to May, its concert series offers five live performances – classical, Broadway, jazz, country and more. Admission to the Heartland Concert series is by season membership ticket or at the door. For more information, visit www.heartlandconcertassociation.org.

JACKPINE WRITERS’ BLOC

This local writing group publishes a literary journal, ‘The Talking Stick.” Visit www.jackpinewriters.com.

The Park Rapids Classic Chorale is a 45-member, community chorus under the musical direction of Melanie Hanson. The chorale performs a Christmas and spring concert. For more information, contact Dave Keller at 732-9458 or www.facebook.com/PRClassicChorale.

WHITE BIRCH ARTISTS

White Birch Artists meet to draw or paint using any medium weekly during the spring, summer and fall. If interested, contact Jill Geisen-Clack for more information at 218-2526322 or jrgeisenclack@gmail.com.

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Entertainment

Theatrical productions delight audiences JASPER’S THEATER

Sculpture Trail continues to grow Visitors to Red Bridge Park and downtown Park Rapids may be delighted to see sculptures – all created by Minnesota artists.

Six new sculptures are placed along the Red Bridge Park Sculpture Trail, and two were added at Main and 2nd Street in downtown Park Rapids. All artworks remain in place for a year and are available for sale.

Initiated in 2018, the city of Park Rapids and Park Rapids Arts and Culture Commission collaborate on the project. In 2020, the Sculpture Trail expanded to three more locations in downtown Park Rapids.

The Red Bridge Park is the trailhead for the Heartland State Trail, which is used year ‘round for walking, running, biking, rollerblading, snowmobiling and other recreational activities. Red Bridge Park is located near downtown Park Rapids and visitors can access the park from Fishhook River and nearby Heartland Park.

Jasper’s Theater, nestled in the pines one mile east of Park Rapids, is a one-of-a-kind variety show experience that rivals the music and comedy shows of Branson, Missouri.

Visitors near and far come to enjoy a multi-generational cast and crew in a highly entertaining two-hour show featuring music, comedy and a little magic. Enjoy the show as you sit in our padded seats and air-conditioned log theater, just east of Park Rapids on scenic State Hwy. 34. Call 218-255-1333 or visit www. jasperstheater.com.

information, call 732-0099 or visit www.longlaketheater.com.

NORTHERN LIGHT OPERA COMPANY

Since 2002, the Northern Light Opera Company (NLOC) has produced professional quality musical theater. Community singers, dancers, ages 8 to 85, and a live orchestra are challenged by theater professionals to bring significant and compelling music theater to a large, regional audience. For more information, check www.northernlightopera.org.

NLOKIDS

NLOKids is a three-week theater LONG LAKE THEATER camp for children ages 8 to 13 where Long Lake Theater presents musiparticipants develop their acting, cals, comedy, drama and concerts singing, improvisational and movealong with other entertainment in ment skills. Led by NLOC director the village of Hubbard on the south and student interns, children create end of Long Lake. Additionally, this their own story, compose music, family-friendly venue hosts kids camps and workshops, special events build costumes/sets and perform and is open to weddings, receptions, original music theater for family and friends. NLOKids will continue meetings and other community engagements. This lovely, little venue its collaboration between the Park resides in two former churches built Rapids and Pine Point communities, in the 1890s and invites you to enjoy recruiting students from each. For meeting at its very own, “Two Loons more information, email info@northPub,” before the shows. For more ernlightopera.org.

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Best season ever. We didn’t spend months planning the perfect summer activities. Or drive to the cabin every Friday night with a kayak secured to the car’s roof. But the crude oil we transport was turned into the equipment that makes summer…well, summer. When the energy you invest in life meets the energy we fuel it with, summer fun happens.

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Here for you to experience better health!

Award-winning, d i i Accredited di d C Critical i i l Access Hospital i n

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24/7 Emergency and Level 4 Trauma Center Community Dental Clinic Community Health Hospice Care Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Physical Rehabilitation and Fitness Center Weight Management Center

218.732.3311 www.CHISJH.org

AWARD-WINNING CARE YOU CAN TRUST!