Leader-Record

06/17/2026

Sunday Father’s Day lunch menu open menu available and will be posting Saturday and Sunday brunch menu 💙🎣

06/16/2026

Janet's dream has come to fruition!

KEEPER OF THE TREE:
A Memoir in Poems, Prose,
and Historical nonFiction
by Janet Helene Knutson
with the help of Ann Marie Newman on layout, formatting and co-editing, Jeff Newman, technical consultant, and Richards Publishing in Gonvick for their guidance, printing and binding.

Janet Helene Knutson has contributed to several history books, researched and written family genealogy, while nurturing her joy in poetry which began in a small country school at the age of ten. Now at 85, she has compiled a sample of some of her efforts. She has used her writing to contemplate life's lessons. After the loss of her beloved life partner Lloyd, in October 2025, it provided solace and comfort. Now she wants to share this with all of you, as a legacy to her family and friends.

We encourage you to purchase her book and see for yourself! The books are $15.00 and you can contact Janet at 218-268-4357.

06/16/2026

Corrine’s Corner
June 15 corner, 2026

100-dollar winner
Calendar Winner for the Clearwater County Fair Calendar Raffle 6-15-2026 –
Roger Crane, Gonvick won $100.

Don’t forget Fathers’ Day this Sunday, June 21.
The History Center in Shevlin Begins Summer Hours. The History Center in Shevlin has started its summer hours. The museum and historical buildings are now open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00-4:00 and Saturday from 10:00 to 2:00. There are all new exhibits in the main gallery and several new items inside the historic buildings. Free admission, donations welcome. For more information call 218-785-2000 or visit our website clearwatercountyhistory.org
“Meet the author”
Please spread the word about the "Meet the author" fair at the Eagles Club on June 27 from 10:00 to 2:00. Authors will have the opportunity to sell their books and visit with customers. The cost to authors is 10 dollars. The money will go to support the local Elks lodge and their activities, as well as Project Graduate 100%. Call John for more information: 218-766-9009. If you are a local author and would like to have a table, Please contact me. Otherwise, plan to attend and please spread the word.

Come Join the Parade
Vintage cars, tractors, floats, walkers, other creative entries (and even politicians) are welcome to join the parade in Gully on the 4th of July. The parade will begin at 10:30 am, with registration and lining up starting at 9:00. Prizes will be given.
Non-participants are invited to just come and watch!
Gully and Trail are jointly planning this 4th of July celebration due to it being our country’s 250 years of independence. Following the parade the celebration will resume in Trail.

What is coming up this summer
July 3-4-5 – Gully and Trail celebrates 250 years of Independence
July 10 and 11 – Gonvick Rodeo
July 9 to 12 Polk County Fair
July 16-19 Pennington County Fair
July 23-26 - Marshall County Fair
August 1 – Thief River Falls – River Fest
August 6 to 9 - Clearwater County Fair.

Events coming up
June 15 - Clearbrook-Gonvick School Board meeting
June 20 – Have coffee and visit with Vern Wittenberg, Clearwater County Sheriff candidate 10:00 a.m. at K&Ks in Clearbrook
June 21 - Father’s Day
July 3,4,5 – Gully and Trail with many activities for the July celebration. A street dance will also be held in Gully at Shorty’s with live band featuring Donny Dahl Band with Small Town Loud Nights Tour
July 18 - Have coffee and visit with Vern Wittenberg, Clearwater County Sheriff candidate 10:00 a.m. at Leonard Café.
July 25 - Have coffee and visit with Vern Wittenberg, Clearwater County Sheriff candidate 10:00 a.m. at Lobo’s Bar & Grill at Lake Itasca
August 1 - Have coffee and visit with Vern Wittenberg, Clearwater County Sheriff candidate 10:00 a.m. at D&R restaurant in Bagley

Principal Tharaldson says Clearbrook-Gonvick students have registered for their classes next year. New students will have an opportunity to register in the fall at the back-to-school registration event. New Families with students who would be interested in attending Clearbrook-Gonvick next year are encouraged to contact the office to start the registration process this spring before summer break for planning purposes. You can call the school at 218-776-3112.

If you have a picture that you have taken at an event. Send to [email protected] so that we can put it on our web site. Include who, what and where would be great. Thank you
A reminder that you can go to www.tricocanary.com to see news from the area with the same things that were in the Tri County Canary each week of newspaper publication. Also, there is Leader-Record news and listing of area obituaries that come in each day and Corrine’s Corner. You can see past editions from March 11, 2015, to May 2025 that you can look through. These are all free thanks to the advertisers.

Clearbrook Senior Citizens Center
JUNE HAPPENINGS:
• Morning Cards Tuesday's at 9 am.
* Morning Cards Wednesday's at 8:00 am.
• Senior Center Shop Hours: Monday, Tuesday,
Thursday 10 to 1pm. (If OPEN sign light is on - it's open!)
Old & new items! Shop donations are always welcome and
appreciated! We welcome household donations (NO clothes,
please) and consignments.
• SENIOR CHAIR YOGA with Jim Askin - Mon. - Fri.
(SUMMER SEASON IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.)
• *LEVEL 3 Fridays at 9am.
• *LEVEL 2 9: 0 0 a m on Mon. & Wed.
• *LEVEL 1 9 a m on Tues. & Thurs.
• 6/25 Senior FOOT NAIL Service - one FREE foot
care per month, per member! 1pm to 3pm. Appointment
Necessary! Call #218-776-3154 or stop by the center to
make appointment.
• 6/16 LIVE MUSIC with Jerry Stormo at 11:45 + Door
Prizes! Jerry brings the 60's & 70's music to life for a
FUN, joyous time! Call the day ahead to reserve a spot for
lunch #218-776-3154
• 6/25 DIGITAL LEARNING & ASSISTANCE
for Seniors. 12pm-1pm. One-on-one assistance with
volunteer, tech guru, Jim Askin. Feel more confident
using your phone, tablets, and computers.
• 6/27 ICE CREAM SOCIAL Saturday from 4 to 5pm. FREE
WILL donation. Enjoy ice cream with assorted toppings, or
a root beer float, before heading over to play Bingo during
Clearbrook's Summerfest 2026.
BIG Thanks to Jim Askin for being a Meals on Wheels Driver,
Yoga Facilitator and Digital Tech help for our Seniors. YOU ROCK!!!
• "By the time you're 80 years old you've learned everything. Then,
you only have to remember it.” - George Burns

Ann Marie Newman
Writer/Artist/OopsyAnnie
972-922-5465
Senior Transportation Service for Clearwater County residents who are 60 & over. Rides are scheduled Monday-Friday. 48-hour notice required. Call 218- 888-2320 to schedule. This project is made possible in part under the Federal Older Americans Act through an award from the Land of the Dancing Sky Area Agency on Aging under an Area Plan approved by the Minnesota Board on Aging.

Clearbrook-Leonard Senior Meals
Monday, June 15 – Pork Chop, Baked Potato, Baked Squash, Mixed Fruit
Tuesday, June 16 – Swiss Steak, Parsley Boiled Potatoes, Carrots, Chocolate Chip Cake
Wednesday, June 17 – Turkey Tetrazzini, Breadstick, Garden Salad with Dressing, Mandarin Oranges
Thursday, June 18 – Roast Beef, Mashed Potatoes with Gravy, Creamed Cabbage, Apple Pie Square
Friday, June19 – Cheeseburger on Bun, Tri Tater, Cucumber Salad, Cookie
Monday, June 22 – Salisbury Steak, Mashed Potatoes with Gravy, Steamed Broccoli, Rosy Applesauce
Interested in receiving meal deliveries, or dining weekdays at 11 am at the Clearbrook-Leonard Senior Center. Call 218-776-3154 for more information. Must be the day before the meal, or by 9 am on the day you plan to eat at the center.

Clearbrook-Gonvick School Summer Meals
Monday, June 15 – Taco in a Bag, Refried Beans, Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Choices and Milk.
Tuesday, June 16 – Pepperoni Pizza, Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Choices and Milk.
Wednesday, June 17 – Turkey Subs, Baked Chips, Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Choices, and Milk.
Thursday, June 18 – Chicken Nuggets, Mashed Potatoes with Gravy Roll, Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Choices and Milk.
Friday, June19- No Meals Served Friday
Monday, June 22 – Mini Corn Dogs, Macaroni and Cheese, Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Choices and Milk.
The Summer Meals are served 11:30 to 1:00 with no cost to students 18 and younger. Adult meals cost $5.75. Meals must be consumer in the school Commons. Call 218-776-3112 ext. 310 for questions


Clearwater County Demolition Debris Landfill Hours:
Tuesday 10 am - 2 pm
Thursday 2 pm - 7 pm
Saturday 8 am - 12 pm
Located 1.5 miles NE of Bagley on County Road 24

UPS pickup
The Leader-Record office in Gonvick has daily UPS pick up for your return packages. Have your return label attached.

Passport Pictures
If you need a passport picture call Richards Publishing to set up a time to get that taken at 218-487-5225. Thank you

Gully is planning to celebrate our country’s 250th year of independence in fun, interesting ways. The long weekend begins in Gully Thursday evening July 2nd, with a Whist tournament starting at 6:30 at the Community Center.
At noon on Friday, July 3rd, a number of children’s activities will begin, from a Scavenger hunt, chalk art, and games to a Bouncy House. There will even be horse and wagon tours of Gully for all ages.
Bingo enthusiasts may try a new twist with Music Bingo at Shorty’s from 2-4:00 pm. The host plays music and players look for the title on their cards.
A free community meal is scheduled from 5-6:30 (July 3rd) at the Community Center. Talented local musicians will entertain during the meal. Food will be served for the first 250 people.
A new thing for Gully is “Local lore story-telling, open mic”, hosted by Ann Marie Newman. This will begin after the community meal. Come share a story: “I remember when”, “A funny thing happened” or “A lesson learned” may bring to mind a story you can tell.
Then stay for the Knowledge Bowl…..Trail vs Gully. With this friendly rivalry, who will be this year’s champs?
Top off Friday night with a street dance with the Donny Dahl Band. Expect powerhouse vocals and high energy. Bring a chair and enjoy the music.
What better way to start the day Saturday than with a pancake and sausage breakfast at Lund Church. Breakfast will be served from 8-10 am. This will give just enough time to be ready for the big parade!
The parade line-up begins at 9:00, with starting time at 10:30. All types of entrants are welcome in the parade. Cash prizes will be given.
After the parade the celebration moves to Trail for the rest of the weekend. There, a full range of activities are planned from Saturday afternoon through Sunday. Fireworks will again be a feature for Trail beginning at dusk Saturday night.

Tidbits
The Bemidji Rotary and Bemidji Chamber of Commerce are excited to announce that the Lake Bemidji Dragon Boat Festival presented by Paul Bunyan Communications will celebrate its 20th anniversary July 30 through August 1. Early Bird Team Registration is now open, and teams can save $100 off the registration fee if they sign up by June 1st.
ICE agents were recently seen in Bemidji. Minnesota House 2A Representative Bidal Duran was in communication with ICE officials and released the following statement: “ICE is no longer in our area. Their presence in Bemidji was targeted to specific individuals and a specific investigation. That operation is over and there is no longer an ICE presence in the area and no further operations are anticipated.”
A plane carrying passengers for skydiving crashed in Missouri on Sunday, killing all 12 people aboard, according to authorities. In a statement, the Missouri State Highway Patrol said that the crash occurred near the Butler Memorial Airport.
Missouri Highway Patrol Sgt. Justin Ewing said the plane was taking people up to skydive. Emergency responders got the call that the plane was down and engulfed in fire around 11:30 a.m. Sunday morning, he said.
The private plane was operated by Skydive Kansas City, according to Dennis Jacobs, the acting airport manager and Bates County Emergency Management Agency director.
The Bemidji DAV Van runs through Shevlin, Bagley, Fosston, Clearbrook, and Leonard at no cost to Veterans 5 days a week except on holidays. Call 855-277-9787 for your free ride: Clearwater CVSO has our schedules with names and numbers.
Wow.. A major bridge construction project in Edina is set to wrap up after a months-long delay. The City of Edina recently announced that the Vernon Avenue and Highway 100 Interchange project will finish later this month, with Vernon Avenue scheduled to reopen to traffic on June 26. It was a mess trying to get around the cities and south on 35W.
Mississippi Music at the Bemidji Waterfront kicks off its 10th year of free summer concerts on Wednesday, June 17. The first concert was supposed to start on June 10, with a show from The Brothers Burn Mountain, but it was cancelled due to poor weather. Fortunately, the band was still able to perform at Brigid’s Pub.
These concerts, presented by Bemidji Downtown Alliance and Paul Bunyan Communications, will be taking place every Wednesday evening throughout the summer from 6-8 p.m. These free concerts will feature regional bands performing original music. Additionally, there will be food and beverage trucks.
Listed below are the dates for each performance or event happening on the waterfront. If you plan on going, make sure to bring your own chair.
• June 17 – Lost Walleye Orchestra
• June 24 – Fishing Has No Boundaries Event
• July 1 – Bemidji Jaycees Water Carnival (July 1-6)
• July 8 – Molly Brandt
• July 15 – The New Havoline Supremes
• July 22 – Billy Dankert and the High Mids
• Aug 1 – Lake Bemidji Dragon Boat Festival (July 30 – Aug. 1)
• Aug 5 – Boiled in Lead
• Aug 12 – Known Only Locally

Alcoholics Anonymous Questions? Call Jeffrey at 218-255-3829 Tuesdays 7 PM - At the Dome- West of Fireside, Bagley; Wednesdays 7 PM - At the Dome – West of Fireside, Bagley; Fridays 7 PM - Shevlin Fire Hall, Shevlin; Sundays 7 PM - At the Dome - West of Fireside Bagley.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is waiving vehicle permit fees at all 73 state parks and recreation areas. This Free Park Day is one of four days each year on which visitors don’t need a vehicle permit at state parks and recreation areas. The DNR offers one-free day in each season, giving Minnesotans an opportunity to experience the parks at different times of year.
Free days for Minnesota state parks and recreation areas in 2026 are:
• Friday, Nov. 27

Norwegian
Ole says, that Lena’s mother came to Minnesota in a covered wagon. Ole added, “And if you ever have seen Lena’s mother, den you vould know why de wagon as covered.”

The “Shevlin Garden Club” meets on the third Tuesday of the month summer and fall at 6:30pm. Winter and spring the meeting is on the third Saturday of the month at 1pm. Locations vary. Like/join our page to stay up to date!
A reminder that you can go to www.tricocanary.com to get news from the area with the same things that were in the Tri County Canary each week of newspaper publication. Also, there is Leader-Record news and listing of area obituaries that come in each day. You can see past editions from March 11, 2015, to May 2025 that you can look through. These are all free thanks to the advertisers.
Clearwater Quilters Guild meets on the 3rd Wednesday and Friday of each month to sew or do your crafts such as knitting, crocheting. Contact Carol Peterson at 218-791-2177 or Carole Johnson at 218-556-3455 if you wish to do work at the Gonvick Community Center.

06/16/2026

TRAIL’S END BAR & GRILL RODEO ANNOUNCEMENT

Trail’s End Bar & Grill in Trail, Minnesota, is proud to announce our inaugural Fourth of July Rodeo, taking place on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at 5:00 PM.

Presented by 3T Productions, this exciting event promises an unforgettable evening of rodeo action, community pride, family fun, and Independence Day celebration.

Before anything else, Aric and Misty would like to extend our deepest gratitude to every sponsor, volunteer, and supporter who has helped make this event possible.

What began as a simple idea has grown into something truly special because of the generosity, encouragement, and belief shown by our sponsors and community members. Your willingness to invest in our town, support local events, and help create lasting memories is something we will never take for granted.

This rodeo would not be possible without you.

Your support is helping build an event that brings people together, celebrates our rural heritage, supports local businesses, and creates memories that families will cherish for years to come. We are incredibly humbled by the support we have received and honored to have so many people helping make this first-year event a reality.

SPECIAL RECOGNITION

With Deepest Appreciation and Gratitude

The Trail’s End Rodeo would not be possible without the extraordinary generosity of those who have contributed not only their resources, but also their trust and belief in this vision.

We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to:

Mark Hagen & Dave Kost

Their willingness to provide the land for this event has played an invaluable role in bringing this rodeo to life. Through their generosity and commitment to our community, they have helped create a place where families, friends, and neighbors can gather to celebrate a tradition we hope will continue for generations.

Please join us in thanking these remarkable supporters of the Trail’s End Rodeo.

“Great events are built on the generosity of great people.”

⸻

PLATINUM SPONSORS

• R.J. Zavoral & Sons, Inc. – East Grand Forks, MN
• Ervin A. Family – In Memory of Their Father, Ervin Weberg

GOLD SPONSORS

• Bearded Brothers – Riley Knutson – Trail, MN
• Bid-It On Auctions LLC – Sponsored by Your Kids – Jeff & Holly Wagner – Gully, MN
• Faldet Construction – Ben & Mandy Faldet
• Kayla Walberg – 218 Real Estate – Clearbrook, MN

PREMIER GOLD SPONSORS

• Lindfors Agency, Inc. – Fosston, Bagley, Clearbrook, Mahnomen, Ada & Fertile, MN
• Kost Materials – Trail, MN

SILVER SPONSORS

• Horgy Concrete – Bagley, MN
• Lee Farms – Plummer, MN
• Oklee Lumber – Oklee, MN
• DS Road Maintenance – Dallas & Ashley Stine – Trail, MN
• Ace of Spades Septic Services & Porta Potty Rentals LLC – Logan Stiller – Trail, MN
• Carlson Farms – Travis, Logan & Alex Carlson – Trail & Goodridge, MN
• Munter Farms – Shayne & Brandi Munter – Fosston, MN
• Peterson Farms – Lamont Peterson – Pine River, MN
• Long Prairie Livestock – Brad Thelen – Long Prairie, MN
• Wilde Angus Ranch – Don Abarr – Shevlin, MN
• Bagley & Winger Livestock – Joe Varner & Billy Bushelle
• Gader Livestock LLC – Paul, Nora & Charlie – Bismarck, ND
• Ultima Bank Minnesota
• Hegge Seed LLC – Oklee, MN
• McIntosh Fire Department
• Schubert Auction Service – Luke Schubert & Dani Watne – Pierz, MN
• Skull Ranch Trucking LLC – Bagley, MN
• JD’s Outpost – Solway, MN
• Bellefy Concrete – Bagley, MN
• Bravo Cigar Company – Dallas
• Polk County Commissioner – Mike Wedin
• Eskeli Electric – Matt Eskeli – Plummer, MN

BRONZE SPONSORS

• Rock Water Felling – Clearbrook, MN
• Triple D Construction – Plummer, MN
• Gustafson & Goudge Inc. – Clearbrook, MN
• Knife River Materials – Bemidji, MN
• Boomgaarden Law P.C. – Ashley Boomgaarden – Bagley, MN
• Tjolsen Trucking
• North Star Pest Control – Corey & Sue Westrum – Leonard, Mn
• Ashworth Real Estate – Lindsey Otto

COMMUNITY SPONSORS

• Peatland Reds – Gully, MN
• Orvie Haugen – Gully, MN
• K&K Restaurant – Sara Bjerke – Clearbrook, MN
• Jorgenson Backhoe Construction – Jeff & Jane Jorgenson – Clearbrook, MN
• Northern Motors Inc. – Thief River Falls, MN
• Piper’s Inn – Clearbrook, MN
• Sollie Realty Inc. – Fosston, MN
• Jamey & Suzie Gunderson – Oklee, MN
• TJ Underground – Gonvick, MN
• Oklee Fire Department – Oklee, MN
• Parsley Trucking

⸻

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES STILL AVAILABLE

Silver Sponsorship – $750
Bronze Sponsorship – $500
Community Sponsorship – $250

Deadline: June 15, 2026

At this time, our Platinum and Gold sponsorship levels are completely filled.

As additional sponsor information is received, we will proudly recognize those businesses and individuals through radio advertising, social media promotions, and newspaper announcements.

We are committed to giving every sponsor the recognition they deserve and sincerely appreciate their support in helping make the Trail’s End Bar & Grill Rodeo a success.

⸻

ADVANCE TICKETS ON SALE NOW

Advance tickets are available exclusively at Trail’s End Bar & Grill.

We invite everyone to join us on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at 5:00 PM for what we hope becomes a lasting community tradition.

To every sponsor, volunteer, supporter, family member, and community member who has helped along the way—thank you. Your support means more than words can express.

For sponsorship information or event details, contact:

Misty Bjerklie
218-407-1713

Thank you for helping make our first rodeo possible. We can’t wait to see you at the rodeo!

06/15/2026

06/10/2026

TRAIL’S END BAR & GRILL RODEO ANNOUNCEMENT

Trail’s End Bar & Grill in Trail, Minnesota is proud to announce our very first Fourth of July Rodeo, happening Saturday, July 4, 2026, at 5:00 PM!

This exciting event is being proudly presented by 3T Productions and promises to be an unforgettable celebration of rodeo action, community pride, family fun, and Independence Day festivities.

Before anything else, Aric and Misty would like to extend our deepest and most sincere gratitude to every sponsor who has stepped forward to support this event.

When we first began discussing the idea of bringing a rodeo to Trail, it was simply a dream. Today, that dream is becoming a reality because of the generosity, encouragement, and belief shown by our sponsors. Your willingness to invest in our community, support local events, and help create lasting memories for families and visitors is something we will never take for granted.

This rodeo would not be possible without you.

Your contributions are helping build something special for our community—an event that will bring people together, celebrate our rural heritage, support local businesses, and create memories that will last for years to come. We are truly humbled by the support we have received and are incredibly grateful for each and every sponsor who chose to be a part of this first-year event.

Thank you for believing in us, believing in our vision, and helping make history in Trail!

We know that several of our sponsors are still gathering and submitting their information. As soon as we receive those details, we will proudly recognize them through our radio announcements, social media promotions, and newspaper advertising.

We are committed to giving every sponsor the recognition they deserve and greatly appreciate their support in helping make the Trail’s End Bar & Grill Rodeo a success. Thank you for being part of this exciting community event.

At this time, our Platinum and Gold sponsorship levels are completely filled.

Sponsorship opportunities still available:

• Silver Sponsorship – $750
• Bronze Sponsorship – $500
• Community Sponsorship – $250
Deadline June 15th!

PLEASE HELP US THANK OUR AMAZING SPONSORS:

⭐ SPECIAL RECOGNITION ⭐

With Deepest Appreciation and Gratitude

The Trail’s End Rodeo would not be possible without the generosity and support of those who give not only their resources, but their trust in helping bring this event to life.

We are honored to recognize and sincerely thank the following individuals for their extraordinary contribution in providing the land that makes this rodeo happen.

Mark Hagen & Dave Kost

Their generosity, partnership, and commitment to our community have played an invaluable role in the success of this event. Through their willingness to share their property, they have helped create a place where families, friends, and neighbors can come together to celebrate a tradition that will create lasting memories for years to come.

Please join us in extending our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to these remarkable supporters of the Trail’s End Rodeo.

“Great events are built on the generosity of great people.”

PLATINUM SPONSORS

• R.J. Zavoral & Sons, Inc. – East Grand Forks, MN
• Ervin A. Family – In Memory of Their Father, Ervin Weberg

GOLD SPONSORS

• Bearded Brothers – Riley Knutson – Trail, MN
• Bid-It On Auctions LLC – Sponsored by Your Kids – Jeff & Holly Wagner – Gully, MN
• Faldet Construction – Ben & Mandy Faldet
• Kayla Walberg – 218 Real Estate – Clearbrook, MN

PREMIER GOLD SPONSORS

• Lindfors Agency, Inc. – Fosston, Bagley, Clearbrook, Mahnomen, Ada & Fertile, MN
• Boomgaarden Law P.C. – Ashley Boomgaarden – Bagley, MN
• Kost Materials – Trail, MN

SILVER SPONSORS

• Horgy Concrete – Bagley, MN
• Lee Farms – Plummer, MN
• Oklee Lumber – Oklee, MN
• DS Road Maintenance – Dallas & Ashley Stine – Trail, MN
• Ace of Spades Septic Services & Porta Potty Rentals LLC – Logan Stiller – Trail, MN
• Carlson Farms – Travis, Logan & Alex Carlson – Trail & Goodridge, MN
• Munter Farms – Shayne & Brandi Munter – Fosston, MN
• Peterson Farms – Lamont Peterson – Pine River, MN
• Long Prairie Livestock – Brad Thelen – Long Prairie, MN
• Wilde Angus Ranch – Don Abarr – Shevlin, MN
• Bagley & Winger Livestock – Joe Varner & Billy Bushelle
• Gader Livestock LLC – Paul, Nora & Charlie – Bismarck, ND
• Ultima Bank Minnesota
• Hegge Seed LLC – Oklee, MN
• McIntosh Fire Department
• Schubert Auction Service – Luke Schubert & Dani Watne – Pierz, MN
• Skull Ranch Trucking LLC – Bagley, MN
• JD’s Outpost – Solway, MN
• Bellefy Concrete – Bagley, MN
• Bravo Cigar Company – Dallas
• Polk County Commissioner – Mike Wedin

BRONZE SPONSORS

• Rock Water Felling – Clearbrook, MN
• Triple D Construction – Plummer, MN
• Gustafson & Goudge Inc. – Clearbrook, MN
• Knife River Materials – Bemidji, MN

COMMUNITY SPONSORS

• Peatland Reds – Gully, MN
• Orvie Haugen – Gully, MN
• K&K Restaurant – Sara Bjerke – Clearbrook, MN
• Jorgenson Backhoe Construction – Jeff & Jane Jorgenson – Clearbrook, MN
• Northern Motors Inc. – Thief River Falls, MN
• Piper’s Inn – Clearbrook, MN
• Sollie Realty Inc. – Fosston, MN
• TJ Underground – Gonvick, MN

To every sponsor, supporter, volunteer, family member, and community member who has helped us along the way—thank you. Your support means more than words can express.

We look forward to welcoming everyone on July 4th for what we hope will become a lasting tradition in our community.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 4, 2026, at 5:00 PM and join us for an unforgettable rodeo celebration at Trail’s End Bar & Grill in Trail, Minnesota.

Advance Tickets are being sold only at Trails End Bar & Grill!

For sponsorship information or event details, contact Misty at 218-407-1713.

Thank you for helping make our first rodeo possible. We can’t wait to see you at the rodeo!

06/09/2026

NELL Celebrates Darlene Sawyer for 20 years on Board

By: Pamela French

The Board of Directors for Northern Exposure to Lifelong Learning Board held their monthly board meeting June 3. This was more than a board meeting, it was a celebration of Darlene Sawyers nearly 20 years of contributions to the Northern Exposure to Lifelong Learning Organization. Special guests Nancy Colligan and Marilyn Ames, former NELL board members, were also in attendance.

Darlene was there at its inception of NELL, a time with some chaos and challenges, as can be expected with any new organizations. In 2007 NELL was officially designated a nonprofit organization. NELL’s programming area includes Clearwater and East Polk Counties.

Darlene was perfect for the roll of secretary as she had been the high school English teacher at Bagley HS. Darlene was also a writer, reporting at various events all over Clearwater County and beyond. She wrote articles for the Farmers Independent and the Leader-Record. She could always be found with pen and notepad at noteworthy events!

After a shortened mtg to discuss the Fall lineup, the group enjoyed a potluck finger food brunch. Darlene, thank you so much for your contributions and years serving on the Board of Directors for the Northern Exposure to Lifelong Learning Program. You were truly an asset to the board.



Board members not pictured are Cheryl Grover, Nancy Viktora, Bonnie Underdahl, DonnaRae Jacobson and Carol Wolkenhauer.