Cass County

The Minnesota DNR is looking for local or statewide anglers, local business and resort owners and others with a stake in activities on Lake Winnibigoshish or Rainy Lake.

The first tornado began northwest of Pillager and ended after crossing Gull Lake. The second touched down north of North Long Lake near Merrifield before ending just before Ironton.

Early reports indicate most of the damage was in the Merrifield area. Tornado sightings were also reported near Casino, Lake Shore and Nisswa, which may be the same twister.

The special joint taxing authority formed to fund the ambulance service for Walker and surrounding communities also approved a $528,500 levy for 2026.

Sheriffs Joe Dasovich and Bryan Welk say joining will increase safety in their Northern Minnesota communities, but the program carries profiling and liability concerns.

Plus: Minnesota is considering adding nitrate standards for lakes and rivers; and St. Louis County plans to unveil two time capsules from the last century on Feb. 25, 2025.

Plus: Roush Enterprises — which has Bemidji operations responsible for many miles of winter test driving — joins a new national organization; and the Minnesota Discovery Center museum in Chisholm is seeking input for its strategic plan.

In their annual joint meeting on Jan. 31, 2025, leaders from Cass County Board and the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe discuss shared interests and celebrate past successes.

Cass and Hubbard counties had a choice: allow the Walker ambulance to be absorbed into neighboring districts or create a special taxing district for the service area.

One of the co-owners of the Channel Bar and Grill, Trig Bagan, is charged with attempting to cover up the drive-by shooting crime of his son, 26-year-old Robert Bagan.