Mountain View
Mille Lacs Messenger
ML offense, defense shine in epic win over Braham
Those who followed Mille Lacs area high school football during the past few seasons may have realized that, since Isle and Onamia schools combined their athletic teams two years ago competing as the Mille Lacs Raiders, they have lost to Braham Bombers football teams in each of their three encounters, counting post-season play, by a cumulative score of 157-18. Those dismal numbers include 42-6 and 43-0 losses last season when, the Bombers featured 12 seniors on their talented and veteran squad. That was then, this...
Highway 18 north Mille Lacs Lake opens to all travelers by Tuesday, Sept. 24
The Minnesota Department of Transportation announces that Highway 18 along north Mille Lacs Lake, Aitkin County, will open and the detour will lift by Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 24. This will mark the completion of the $5.1 million project that began in July to resurface and improve 13 miles of Highway 18 from Highway 169 east of Garrison to Highway 47 in Malmo. Traveler benefits include: ...
Onamia Council proposes preliminary tax levy of 10% for 2025
Prior to the regularly scheduled monthly meeting of the Onamia City Council on Sept. 11, the Mayor, City Clerk and Council members conducted a budget workshop meeting to discuss next year’s budget. Items discussed included: Building an ADA Restroom, purchasing an OSIA Fire Cabinet, buying and a loader (maintenance), buying rubber mulch for the park, purchasing a new sewer transducer, new sewer and water rates and painting the library. Also, there was discussion about installing a new furnace for city hall and the library. The...
Raiders stun Bombers
The Mille Lacs Raiders varsity football team has begun their fall campaign with three stunning victories, including wins over Greenway-Nashwauk-Keewatin, Braham and Chisholm earning them a top seed in their region. The Raiders are showcasing superb defense and an offense that has featured both the running and passing game, with some solid rushing yardage turned in by Isle sophomore Phillip Bober (pictured above) who has rushed for a total of over 160 yards in his first three games to date. See a complete summary of the Raiders win over Braham on page 10.
Rice Chief weighs in on current crop
Poor ricing in 2024 so far In a conversation with Mille Lacs Band Rice Chief Curt Kalk (pictured above) about this years rice crop in the mid-Minnesota region, he said his observations round the area is that rice is mostly “sparse”. Kalk, who as Rice Chief is responsible for determining when rice season opens in the districts surrounding Mille Lacs, mentioned that ricing was open this season starting Friday, Aug. 30, but his experience so far with ricing, especially on Lake Onamia, has been bleak. Kalk claims that, because of early high water, the rice plants were not able to produce the kernels as usual, so many of the plants are fruitless.
Crosby man charged with possession of meth
On September 7th, 2024, Mille Lacs Band Tribal Police Department Officers were requested to respond to the Grand Casino Mille Lacs in Onamia regarding possible drugs being located. Upon arrival, the Officer made contact with the Casino security supervisor and was given the following report: A security guard was driving around the parking lot in a security truck and observed a large amount of a white crystal-like substance on the...
Woman allegedly steals tablet computer in Isle
On August 24, 2024, an officer with the Mille Lacs Tribal Police Department responded to a call from an adult male stating the theft of his tablet computer, and reported that the tablet was stolen by Andrea Shane Bushey, 33 of Minneapolis. The officer contacted the male by phone, and he stated that on August 18, 2024, he was driving on the roadway when he noticed Bushey walking along the side of the road. He said he had not known her prior, but elected to...
Fatal Highway 95 crash kills one, seriously injures another
A crash on Highway 95 near Princeton on Saturday, Sept. 14 killed one driver and seriously injured another. The fatal crash occurred after one vehicle crossed the center line and hit the other head-on. At approximately 11:58 a.m., Ulysses Chase, age 36, of Harris, was traveling eastbound on Highway 95 near 120th Avenue in Greenbush Township about four miles outside of Princeton in a 2003 Buick Lasabre, according to the...
Church calendar - Sept. 18 update
The Christian Women’s Club, will meet Thursday, Sept. 19, at 12:30 p.m. at Tulibee Tavern (formerly Wahkon Inn). All women of any age are welcome. Following lunch the speaker will be Arlene Gabrielson of Cambridge, discussing “a never-ending love story. Do you sometimes feel unworthy of God’s love?” Gabrielson will be performing a dramatic monologue of Gomer, (the unfaithful wife of the Bible’s prophet, Hosea). The special feature will be “back to school.” The price is $15.75. For reservations — call Bonnie 320-676-8794, Sharon 218-821-1562 or Lois 320-674-0136. ...
Minnesota DNR shares what to expect for the 2024 fall colors season
Here’s some tips to enjoy autumn on state lands To celebrate Minnesota’s most colorful season, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources shares a fall color forecast, typical timing of peak colors, ways for Minnesotans to find where colors are at their peak each week, and autumn trip-planning tips. The 2024 fall colors forecast Fall colors...
Lewis Cannon - Take a Kid Hunting
Hey all you huntin mentors out there! Here's your chance to make an impact on a young hunters life. so read up on this, it's comin up quick! Youth have many special ways to go hunting this fall, and hunting opportunities facilitate positive outdoors experiences for them. Youth who want to hunt in Minnesota have several opportunities this fall in addition to the regular hunting seasons. “These hunting opportunities are...
What's Happening - Sept. 18 update
COMMUNITY Meet the Clean Up the Lake Team: An open house for Colin West and his team at Clean Up the Lake (CUTL) will be held on Thursday, Sept. 19, 5:30–8 p.m. at Da Boathouse, 43469 Vista Rd., Isle. The CUTL team, whose visit is funded by the Clean Water Land and Legacy Amendment, will be scuba diving from Sept. 16-29 to identify garbage “hot spots” in Mille Lacs Lake. Weather permitting, they’ll have underwater video and pics. They’ll also have CUTL swag. For more...
Essentia Health offering informational EssentiaCare Medicare webinars
Essentia Health is making it easier for people approaching the age of 65 to learn about EssentiaCare, which is a Medicare Advantage plan from Essentia Health and UCare that offers low-cost coverage for high-quality health care. We will be hosting several “EssentiaCare Medicare Basic” webinars in September and October. These are an opportunity for Essentia patients to learn more about Medicare and available insurance options. The free webinar sessions will...
New radiology system supports breast, prostate MRIs
A new advanced imaging system just made its debut at Riverwood Healthcare Center in Aitkin. The DynaCAD imaging system will be used for breast and prostate MRIs, which were previously unavailable at Riverwood. The biggest benefit of the DynaCAD software is that it provides the radiologist with the technology needed for reading and interpreting breast and prostate MRI’s. Playing an important role in the diagnosis of cancer, MRI images can also be used for templating and guidance for biopsies. ...
Local physician takes on ultramarathon
Aitkin - Dan Lonergan, MD, a dedicated anesthesiologist in Riverwood’s Neck, Back, and Spine clinic, has taken on an extraordinary personal challenge that few would dare attempt. He has transitioned from a self-described non-runner to completing a grueling 100-mile ultramarathon. His journey is a testament to grit, determination, and the power of a wellness mindset. Just a year ago, Dr. Lonergan was not only concerned about the health of his patients, but also his own health. “I was forty-five years old,” he said, “and I...
Aitkin hospital earns five-star rating
Last month, the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid released its Hospital Compare Report showing how hospitals across the nation are performing. Riverwood Healthcare Center earned an impressive five-star rating for the last reporting period covering October 2022 through September 2023. This report is produced based on patient satisfaction surveys issued and compiled by the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS). The HCAHPS survey is a national, standardized, publicly reported survey of patients' perspectives of hospital care. ...
Central Lakes College presents ConnectEffect
Central Lakes College announces the return of ConnectEffect, an innovative and interactive experience designed to bridge social gaps and foster meaningful connections within our community. The series of events will take place from Sept. 23-27 across various locations in Brainerd and Staples. Hosted by two-time Emmy-nominated television director/producer Riaz Patel, ConnectEffect offers participants a unique opportunity to engage in dynamic conversations and activities that break down social barriers and promote empathy across generations and cultures. ...
CLC awarded Food Recovery Network grant
Central Lakes College is one of only five community colleges nationwide to be selected for the Food Recovery Network’s Community College Recovery Grants expansion. The colleges include: • Central Lakes College (Brainerd, Minnesota) • Green River College (Auburn, Washington) •...
Pollinator garden at Isle City Park
Bri Tiegen and Eileen Kopp are Master Gardener interns in the Mille Lacs County chapter. The master gardeners recently planted a small pollinator garden at Isle City Park for all to enjoy. While the plants are small now, the ones that are blooming should provide fall food and habitat for our native bees and other pollinators. For more information on pollinators and how to support them go to bwsr.state.mn.us or beelab.umn.edu/plant-flowers. (Submitted photos)
Mille Lacs Messenger
2K+
Posts
668K+
Views
Mille Lacs Messenger has been serving the Mille Lacs area since 1913. Published Wednesdays by APG of East Central Minnesota with 24/7 local coverage found online at millelacsmessenger.com
It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency:
Our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. As a platform hosting over 100,000 pieces of content published daily, we cannot pre-vet content, but we strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation.