LAKE OF THE WOODS — Authorities in Lake of the Woods recovered a boat involved in a fatal drowning last month.
The sheriff’s office reported in a news release it recovered the 26-foot aluminum flat-bottom jet boat on Wednesday, Nov. 5, in 24 feet of water in Lake of the Woods. Several divers and TowBoatUS assisted in the recovery.
On Oct. 18, 69-year-old Brian Herridge of Minnesota and 69-year-old Lorie Bryngelson of Colorado went into the water when the boat capsized. They were pulled from the water by occupants of another boat.
Both were transported by Lake of the Woods Ambulance Service to Lakewood Health Center in Baudette. Herridge was later pronounced dead and Bryngelson was treated for exposure. The water temperature was 48 degrees at the time.
The incident remains under investigation and is being treated as an accidental drowning pending full autopsy results.
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The Boys and Girls Club of Bemidji Area operates a branch at J.W. Smith. Families and staff are concerned about the future of the grant-funded program if the school closes.
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Darrin Smedsmo's vintage aircraft was impounded following an emergency landing within the Red Lake Nation in October 2025, and he is still waiting for a day in tribal court.
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After a lot of thought and consideration, Grand Rapids Riverfest will take a break this year. This pause reflects KAXE’s financial realities and the complexities of putting on an event of this scale.
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The package has 18 proposals, including prohibiting legislators from making direct appropriations to nonprofits and establishing a centralized Office of Inspector General.
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Events this week include a snowshoe hike in Chisholm, a People Powered Party celebrating a beer brewed in KAXE's honor, and a symphony orchestra showcase in Bemidji.
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The four teams will represent rural Northern Minnesota in the state tournament March 4-7, 2026, in the Twin Cities.
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The Cardinals' dominant run at the state tournament ended with another championship Feb. 26, 2026. United North Central's more mixed results resulted in a fifth-place finish.
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Anita Charlene Gruel was pronounced dead at the scene. Her son Charles Lane Gruel was treated for injuries caused by the fire. The fire is still under investigation.