Columbus
The Pilot Independent
No-wake zone suggested 200 feet from shore on Cass County waterways
With the busy boating season quickly approaching, Cass County Sheriff Bryan Welk reports that the Cass County Sheriff Office is revising its suggested slow wake on Cass County lakes, rivers and waterways to 200 feet from shorelines in channels and entering bays due to unusually high water levels from recent rainfall events. While some lakes have seen relief from high water, there are still several areas that are experiencing high water levels. ...
Tianna Tee Time
18-Hole League by Bev Novak The league had great fun playing a team game of Scramble June 20. This event was new to the June rotation and very well received. Chip-ins were coming out of the skies! Tanis Beadle on 5, Carol Lenander on 2 and 18, Linda Aitkin on 5 and on 15, and...
Loon Country Arts First Saturday Open House for July
BEMIDJI — Loon Country Arts will be hosting its First Saturday Open House and Grand Opening Celebration Saturday with a Creative Café workshop led by artist Jamie Lee from 10 to noon. Join Lee as she leads participants to create note cards using pebble art all at the cost of only $10 per participant. The Creative Café Activity is sponsored by Paul Bunyan Communications. ...
22 counties approved for federal disaster declaration
ST. PAUL — Cass County is one of 22 counties that have been approved for a federal disaster declaration by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for severe flooding over the last two weeks. Governor Tim Walz said the declaration will provide resources to reimburse communities for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and repair and replacement of damaged infrastructure. This announcement comes after Gov. Walz sent a letter to the...
Laporte Independence Days — Small Town, Big Celebration July 5-6
The city of Laporte’s local businesses and organizations are once again gearing up for a fun-filled community Independence Day celebration. The event will take place Friday and Saturday in and around Laporte. This year’s activities feature new and expanded fun and activities for all ages, with the hopes of continuing to make Laporte an Independence Day fireworks destination. The Laporte Independence Days Celebration kicks off with an all-day craft and...
Rep. Knudsen speaks at town hall meeting in Hackensack
State Rep. Krista Knudsen (R) of Lakeshore in Cass County told a gathering of over 50 people in Hackensack June 22 of her concern over the moral direction of the MN state legislature in seeking to enshrine abortion without limits in the Minnesota State Constitution. Speaking at a Legislative Town Hall forum at The Hub in Hackensack sponsored by the recently formed Cass County Chapter of Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life (MCCL), Knudsen said, “the legislature passed a law allowing abortion without limits in 2023,...
Rock ‘n’ Roll Extravaganza with Car Show and The Holy Rocka Rollaz at Central Lakes College
BRAINERD — The Central Lakes Community Performing Arts Center presents an afternoon of rock ‘n’ roll with The Holy Rocka Rollaz at the West Side Tent at Central Lakes College, and get transported back to the fabulous 50s July 21 starting at 2 p.m. This dynamic trio captures the classic sounds of early rock ‘n’ roll and rockabilly legends like Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, Johnny Cash, and many more. Their performances are a nostalgic journey filled with pure early American rock ‘n’ roll,...
Super One Foods does ‘super’ job for the new library
The customers of the new Super One Foods in Walker have spoken loud and clear. “The Register Campaign at Super One brought in $3,675.34 toward the construction of the new Dale and Harriet Jones Walker Public Library,” said Joe Sherman, who represents Shingobee Township on the Walker Library Board and serves on the Fundraising and Publicity Committee. Super One’s Register Campaign assists with fundraising efforts for non-profit organizations. During the...
Walker Rotary hears about May Creek
Walker Rotary’s own Elizabeth Brown (second from right), executive director of Edgewood May Creek, and Nikke Seiberlich (second from left), business director at Edgewood May Creek, updated Rotary June 25 on the 49-unit community. Edgewood Corporation bought May Creek 15 years ago. It has 29 assisted living and 20 memory care units with 45 to 60 employees on staff, some who have worked there since 2000. Medical management is one of the services available to residents. They can also coordinate transportation needs with Faith in Action and MediVan. Meal plans and satellite TV are also provided. Edgewood May Creek also provides short term stay options as a respite for caregivers. Pricing for the units varies, depending on size of unit and the number of services needed. Some activities offered to residents include trips to Paws and Claws Rescue and Resort, Northern Lights Casino, Walker Bay Theater and the Cass County Museum. On-site activities include card clubs, bingo and trivia prior to meals. People there keep busy! Pictured are (from left) Rotarian Ron Whetter, Seiberlich, Brown and Rotarian Sue Whetter. Brown has just finished a two-year program to get licensed by taking state and federal exams.
This Week in History
10 years ago... The tunnel under Highway 371 near the US Forest Service headquarters and city park is in place, and contractors only have a few days remaining to finish the project. Last week crews installed huge retaining walls. The tunnel, part of Phase V of the Shingobee Connection, will be used by cyclists and pedestrians, providing a safe, convenient crossing of the highway. It will connect to the bike...
Feeling the holiday spirit? Christmas in July at Hope Lutheran Church
Even though Christmas is six months away, it’s not too early to find a special gift for a family member or friend. Crafts, hand-made cards, and plants will be on display and for sale at this year’s Christmas in July event July 16 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Hope Lutheran Church, 305 10th Street S., in Walker. Stay for the salad luncheon, too. Cost for the luncheon is $12 for adults and $5 for children under 10 years old. Christmas in July is a fundraiser sponsored by the Women of Hope with proceeds donated to support Walker-Hackensack-Akeley School children and youth programs, Boys and Girls Club, Walker-area Food Shelf, Faith in Action, Family Safety Network, Second Harvest, food boxes and Lutheran World Relief.
Yo Yo Donuts is new Leech Lake Chamber member
YoYo Donuts in downtown Walker is a new member of the Leech Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. Luke and Alise McGregor, both with roots in the Walker area, bought the Minnetonka store in 2023, and then opened another YoYo Donuts in Walker where they moved later that year. YoYo Donuts will soon be working out of a fully-renovated production kitchen, creating YoYo donuts, specialty cakes, cupcakes, cookies, bars, breads, muffins, cannolis and tartlets. Everything remains nut free but the acquisition of the Thirsty Whale Bakery and Queen of Cakes is new. The McGregors received financial assistance from the Minnesota Investment Fund Program and Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) that support new business ventures through low-interest loans, while creating new, good-paying jobs. YoYo Donuts is located on Minnesota Avenue in downtown Walker, between Bill Hansen Realty and Village Square. The phone number is (218) 547-2400. Pictured is (from left) employee Christine Greenawalt, owners Luke and Alise McGregor holding the First Business Dollar, and employees Maya Ravenhorst and Zoe Taatjes.
Rock ‘n’ Roll Extravaganza with Car Show and The Holy Rocka Rollaz at Central Lakes College
BRAINERD — The Central Lakes Community Performing Arts Center presents an afternoon of rock ‘n’ roll with The Holy Rocka Rollaz at the West Side Tent at Central Lakes College, and get transported back to the fabulous 50s July 21 starting at 2 p.m. This dynamic trio captures the classic sounds of early rock ‘n’ roll and rockabilly legends like Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, Johnny Cash, and many more. Their performances are a nostalgic journey filled with pure early American rock ‘n’ roll,...
Military news: Capt. Schneider graduates from Army Ranger School
Army Captain Jacob Schneider graduated from Army Ranger School in Fort Moore Georgia, June 21. Schneider, the son of Jim and Krista Schneider of Hackensack, is a 2015 high school graduate of Walker-Hackensack-Akeley and a 2019 graduate of St John’s University. He is currently assigned to the 6th Battalion, 1st Security Forces Assistance Brigades at Fort Moore, Ga. Ranger School is the Army’s toughest course and the premier small unit...
CODA Performs at Music in the Park July 6
The Music in the Park summer concert series continues with CODA on Saturday, July 6, in Longville. The concert starts at 5 p.m. at the gazebo in the park area of Salem Lutheran Church, 1340 CR 5. Returning by popular demand for their fifth performance, CODA is an acclaimed saxophone and keyboard duo from the Twin Cities. Scott Dorff plays soprano, alto, and tenor saxophones while Malcolm Anderson plays piano/keyboard. For over 20 years, this duo has performed for the Billy Graham Association, the Minnesota...
Operation Round Up gives more than $59,000 to community programs
COHASSET — Through the contributions of Lake Country Power’s participating members, the Operation Round Up Electric Trust Board recently approved $59,047 in assistance to local community programs during its quarterly meeting. The cooperative’s Trust Board reviewed and considered 46 grant applications and distributed funds to 41 projects and programs this past quarter. All funds generated through Operation Round Up are set aside in a trust fund. A voluntary Trust Board...
Hubbard County Sheriff’s Report
The Hubbard County Sheriff’s Office reported the following incidents for the northern part of Hubbard County from June 18-25: Misc. fire — Lines down, storm damage, County 7, Community policing — Nevis Liquor Store; cleared. Traffic hazard — County 40/Hampton Dr., assist, advise. ...
LongBow Ladies Golf League report for June 26
Nineteen members and a guest played in the LongBow Ladies Golf League on a non-rainy day June 26. Members participated in the first-round qualifier of the League Championship. The 19 members were drafted into three flights following play. Winners of low gross and low net in each are: Members with handicaps of 15-26 — Pat Roush 89 low gross and Suzie Mandsager low net with a 69. ...
July 4 fun takes us back to our roots
Walker’s Old-Fashioned Fourth of July will mix all the fun of a traditional Fourth celebration with a few new features. The Pre-Parade fun starts downtown from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. with live music on TJ’s Floral Deck, 11:30-1 p.m., across from Portage Brewing. The Meat Boutique down the hill from Portage will open its “Brat Booth” at 10:30 a.m. There’s a new, earlier start time of 1 p.m. for...
Celebrating July 4 with Boat Parade Lake Garfield
Laporte will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of its July 4 Boat Parade this year. Participant boats should meet at the county beach on the north side of Lake Garfield at 4 p.m. Thursday. All are welcome! The first boat parade, held July 4, 2004, consisted only of a few pontoons. It was put in place by two couples who had moved to the area and were trying to meet...
The Pilot Independent
916+
Posts
217K+
Views
The Pilot Independent is the premier source for local news coverage for Walker, MN and the surrounding communities since 1976. Publishing on Wednesdays with 24/7 local coverage found online at www.walkermn.com
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments. 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. We strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation. Join us in shaping the news narrative together.