CROSSLAKE — Gov. Tim Walz was in Crosslake over the weekend, May 9-10, as part of the 77th Governor’s Fishing Opener.
Explore Minnesota hosts the fishing opener event in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources as a kickoff to the state’s open-water fishing season. A series of events culminated in the governor launching from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Cross Lake Recreation Area, along with all four leaders of the Minnesota Legislature from both parties.
Before the launch, Walz and other speakers took to the stage to extoll the virtues of the city of Crosslake, along with tourism and the fishing industry in the state of Minnesota.
Lorie Shaull
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KAXE
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"Crosslake is a beautiful community," said Crosslake Mayor Jackson Purfeerst. "We’re glad to welcome anglers from all over the state of Minnesota. ... We're very glad we could showcase our community for the Governor's Fishing Opener."
Walz highlighted investments in state fisheries and outdoors protections, which he says is one area where legislators often find consensus.
"This [fishing] is a recreational activity, but maintaining these fisheries and outdoor activities is an economic driver in Minnesota," Walz said. "We are the fourth largest fishing state and our outdoor activities generate almost $14 billion in activity.
Lorie Shaull
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KAXE
"And that's all the businesses associated: whether you're selling pontoons, servicing them, whether you're putting the docks in, whether you have a family lodge — which we visited — or all of the small businesses where you can spend money, it keeps us going."
Not everyone was there to welcome the governor. Some were there to protest. A large group gathered near the entrance of the rec area, waving Trump flags and the retired Minnesota state flag, including Republican state Rep. Ben Davis.
Lorie Shaull
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KAXE
Others lined the docks or met the governor on the water in a boat parade, using a megaphone to shout various phrases toward the governor's boat while he fished.
While in town, Walz met with a group of nine area mayors in a roundtable discussion at the request of Purfeerst. Walz described the meeting as fantastic and said it might become a more regular meeting.
"I think the biggest thing was, is, the understanding that the state needs to be partners with them, the state needs to make sure that things like property taxes and others are being addressed accordingly, and it was a really good conversation," Walz told KAXE.
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— Governor Tim Walz holds a northern pike after catching it on Cross Lake during the Governor's Fishing Opener on May 10, 2025.jpg
Governor Tim Walz holds a northern pike after catching it on Cross Lake during the Governor's Fishing Opener on May 10, 2025.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
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— 02 Governor Tim Walz catches a northern pike on Cross Lake on May 10, 2025.jpg
Governor Tim Walz catches a northern pike during the Governor's Fishing Opener on Cross Lake on May 10, 2025.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
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— An electric outboard moter powers Governor Tim Walz's pontoon on Cross Lake at the 77th Governor’s Fishing Opener on May 10, 2025.jpg
An electric outboard motor powers Governor Tim Walz's pontoon on Cross Lake during the 77th Governor’s Fishing Opener on May 10, 2025.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
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— Governor Tim Walz at the Shore Lunch during the 77th Governor’s Fishing Opener in Crosslake on May 10, 2025.jpg
Governor Tim Walz at the Shore Lunch during the 77th Governor’s Fishing Opener in Crosslake on May 10, 2025.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
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— A plate of food at the Shore Lunch includes a wild rice stuffed walley at the 77th Governor’s Fishing Opener in Crosslake on May 10, 2025.jpg
A plate of food at the Shore Lunch includes wild rice stuffed walleye at the 77th Governor’s Fishing Opener in Crosslake on May 10, 2025.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
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— Supports of Governor Tim Walz gather near the round about before the Governor's Fishing Opener in Crosslake on May 10, 2025.jpg
Supporters of Governor Tim Walz gather near the roundabout before the Governor's Fishing Opener in Crosslake on May 10, 2025.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
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— Supports and protesters of Governor Tim Walz gather near the round about before the Governor's Fishing Opener in Crosslake on May 10, 2025.jpg
Supports and protesters of Governor Tim Walz gather near the roundabout before the Governor's Fishing Opener in Crosslake on May 10, 2025.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
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— DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen, Governor Tim Walz and DNR Conservation Officer Lucas Belgard at the launch ceremony for the 77th Governor’s Fishing Opener in Crosslake on May 10, 2025.jpg
DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen, Governor Tim Walz and DNR Conservation Officer Lucas Belgard at the launch ceremony for the 77th Governor’s Fishing Opener in Crosslake on May 10, 2025.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
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— DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen speaks at the launch ceremony for the 77th Governor’s Fishing Opener in Crosslake on May 10, 2025.jpg
DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen speaks at the launch ceremony for the 77th Governor’s Fishing Opener in Crosslake on May 10, 2025.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
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— A person holds a Welcome Gov. Tim at the launch ceremony for the 77th Governor’s Fishing Opener in Crosslake on May 10, 2025.jpg
A person holds a "Welcome Gov. Tim" sign at the launch ceremony for the 77th Governor’s Fishing Opener in Crosslake on May 10, 2025.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
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— Governor Tim Walz at the launch ceremony for the 77th Governor’s Fishing Opener in Crosslake on May 10, 2025.jpg
Governor Tim Walz with Lauren Bennett McGinty, executive director of Explore Minnesota Tourism, at the launch ceremony for the 77th Governor’s Fishing Opener in Crosslake on May 10, 2025.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
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— Governor Tim Walz speaks at the launch ceremony in at the 77th Governor’s Fishing Opener in Crosslake on May 10, 2025.jpg
Governor Tim Walz speaks at the launch ceremony for the 77th Governor’s Fishing Opener in Crosslake on May 10, 2025.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
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— Governor Tim Walz walks on the dock to head out fishing on Cross Lake during the 77th Governor’s Fishing Opener in Crosslake on May 10, 2025.jpg
Governor Tim Walz walks on the dock to head out fishing on Cross Lake during the 77th Governor’s Fishing Opener in Crosslake on May 10, 2025.
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— Governor Tim Walz cast a line on Cross Lake during the 77th Governor’s Fishing Opener on May 10, 2025.jpg
Governor Tim Walz casts a line on Cross Lake during the 77th Governor’s Fishing Opener on May 10, 2025.
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— Governor Tim Walz with Speaker Emerita of the Minnesota House, Melissa Hortman, and current Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives, Lisa Demuth, and fishes on Cross Lake during the 77th Governor’s Fishing Opener on May 10, 2025.jpg
Governor Tim Walz with Speaker Emerita of the Minnesota House, Melissa Hortman, and current Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives, Lisa Demuth, fishe on Cross Lake during the 77th Governor’s Fishing Opener on May 10, 2025.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
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— Governor Tim Walz shares a laugh while fishing on Cross Lake during the 77th Governor’s Fishing Opener on May 10, 2025.jpg
Governor Tim Walz shares a laugh while fishing on Cross Lake during the 77th Governor’s Fishing Opener on May 10, 2025.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
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— Trump supporters and security on Cross Lake during the 77th Governor’s Fishing Opener on May 10, 2025.jpg
Trump supporters and security on Cross Lake during the 77th Governor’s Fishing Opener on May 10, 2025.
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— Governor Tim Walz catches a northern pike on Cross Lake on May 10, 2025.jpg
Governor Tim Walz catches a northern pike on Cross Lake on May 10, 2025.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
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— 02 Governor Tim Walz fishes on Cross Lake during the 77th Governor’s Fishing Opener on May 10, 2025.jpg
Governor Tim Walz fishes on Cross Lake during the 77th Governor’s Fishing Opener on May 10, 2025.
Lorie Shaull / KAXE
Purfeerst said the meeting was a good opportunity to express concerns to Walz surrounding the budget surplus and looming deficit.
"Do I think maybe they fell on maybe some deaf ears? Possibly," Purfeerst said before leaving on a boat to fish. "But it was very nice that he actually came to the table to meet."
No walleyes for the governor, but he reeled in three northern pike.
Lorie Shaull
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KAXE
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Contributed/University of Minnesota PressIn this episode of Ham Radio: Cooking With Amy Thielen we are all about the summer kitchen.Guests include Alena Levina, one of the contributors of the new cookbook Kitchens of Hope: Immigrants Share Stories of Resilience and Recipes from Home. Alena gives us her family recipe from Belarus: Holodnik or Summer Beet Soup. Alena lives in St. Paul and talks family and farmers markets and memories of outdoor cooking in the summertime. And Holodnik is our Community recipe this week! (stay tuned, we'll post soon! Or check out our past recipes of the week!)We're also thrilled to bring you a conversation with newly awarded St. Paul chef Karyn Tomlinson. She just won the James Beard award for Best Chef of the Midwest. Her restaurant is Myriel in St. Paul and she features local produce from farmers in her hometown of Dassel. We learn about how this strong connection to the local food forges not just sustainable friendships but creates a magic in the kitchen where limitation can mean creativity.So many texts and calls came rolling in this week about favorite summertime recipes and memories. From Mikki's gazpacho, Iris's ratatouille, Steve's watermelon Coke and carving a watermelon in the shape of a beautiful basket, we loved every single second of it. We continue to hear from our Ham Radio fans. Like this one from Sarah: "I especially loved last week’s conversation about recipes and Amy’s appreciation for older ones with those classic “grandma directions” (like using half an eggshell of water in the homemade noodles) and your discussion about special recipes with stories behind them (hello beer cooler chicken)."and a listener who share this memory:"Fresh brook trout with new potatoes has been a summer favorite since I was a young man. I remember doing "quasi-regular "brook trout delivery" to family in our neighborhood. Wonderful memories and a wonderful meal for all.Delivery? How do we sign up? Hope you enjoyed the first season of Ham Radio: Cooking With Amy Thielen. Tell others about us, pass the word and send us your memories and recipes! Ham Radio features original licensed music — "You Know How I Like It" by Jeremy Messersmith.Made possible by the Minnesota Arts & Culture Heritage Fund. Support KAXE by becoming a member today: https://donate.nprstations.org/kaxe/donate -
Contributed/Mikki AndersonThis week is the season finale of "Ham Radio: Cooking with Amy Thielen," and we're talking about summer in the kitchen. What are your favorite things to make and/or eat during the summertime? -
Events this week include the beginning of the Northern Lights Music Festival on the Iron Range, an author talk in Brainerd and Independence Day celebrations across the region. -
Contributed/Mike Moen | Minnesota News ConnectionThe Hortmans, who were fatally shot inside their home June 14, will lie in state from noon to 5 p.m. at the Minnesota State Capitol rotunda.
