Karlstad Chamber of Commerce held first annual meeting
Krista Pietruszewski
nsnreporter@wiktel.com
The KCoC held its annual meeting to discuss dues, vote on board members, review the chamber’s progress over the past year, and outline goals for 2026. The chamber has been meeting monthly at different local businesses to promote networking and community engagement. One of the key achievements highlighted was the successful light contest, which received positive feedback from the community. The chamber also discussed the importance of supporting local businesses and encouraging business growth in Karlstad. Members emphasized the need for internships and partnerships with local schools to keep young talent in the community. The chamber plans to host a job fair to connect students with local businesses and provide opportunities for internships and summer jobs. Membership Fees: Membership fees for the chamber were set at $75 annually for small businesses, $150 for large businesses, $40 for non-profits or home-based businesses, and $25 for individual community supporters. The due date for all members is March 1st. The chamber aims to use these funds to support event promotion, business spotlights, and other community initiatives. Organized KCoC Board members are: Chairman Matthew Steien of State Farm Insurance Vice Chairman Krista Pietruszewski of the North Star News Treasurer Brian Wikstrom of Wikstrom Telephone Company Clerk/Administrator Ashlee Anderson of Aces on Main and Empress Creative Marketing/Communications Danielle Byfuglien of Mattracks, Inc. The next meeting is scheduled for February 10 at 4 P.M., at Prime Security Bank, where they will be the business spotlight. The chamber encourages all local businesses and community members to get involved and support their efforts to enhance the local economy.
National Musky Tournament Coming to Minnesota's Northwest Angle
Joe Henry, Lake of the Woods Tourism
Lake of the Woods Tourism is proud to announce that the Professional Musky Tournament Trail (PMTT) will host its 2026 Recon Boats World Championship at the legendary Northwest Angle on September 17–19, 2026, marking one of the most prestigious musky fishing events ever held on Lake of the Woods. Located at the northernmost point of the contiguous United States, the Northwest Angle is where the lake’s famed 14,552 islands begin—an iconic musky fishery known worldwide for trophy potential, scenic beauty, and unpressured waters. Tournament Central—including activities, angler gatherings, and weigh-ins—will be held at Jerry’s Restaurant and Bar, located on the mainland of the Angle at Angle Inlet, Minnesota. Tournament anglers and fans will find a wide range of beautiful lodging options throughout the Northwest Angle, including full-service resorts on both the mainland and nearby island resorts, offering easy access to prime musky water and classic Northwoods hospitality. “This is a marquee event for musky anglers across the United States and Canada,” said Joe Henry, Executive Director with Lake of the Woods Tourism. “Hosting the PMTT Championship at the Northwest Angle showcases one of the most legendary fisheries in the world and highlights the unique geography, resorts, and fishing heritage that make this part of Lake of the Woods so special.” The Northwest Angle, often called the “Crown Jewel” of musky country, offers anglers unparalleled opportunities to chase trophy fish in a breathtaking wilderness setting. “Hosting our championship at Lake of the Woods is a dream come true,” said Tim Widlacki, PMTT Tournament Director. “This location embodies everything the PMTT stands for—challenge, camaraderie, and conservation. It’s a place where legends are made, and we can’t wait to see who rises to the occasion.” The 2026 championship will conclude a season of qualifying events, with top teams competing for a championship title and a first-place prize package valued at more than $55,000. For tournament details, schedules, and registration, visit promusky.com. For info about the NW Angle, go to https://lakeofthewoodsmn.com/northwest-angle/
East Grand Forks approves three of the four union contracts
Brenda Halvorson - Exponent Reporter
Labor agreements with three of the four unions were approved at the Jan. 6 meeting of the East Grand Forks city council along with the compensation plan and cost of living adjustments for non-union employees. The union contracts cover 2026, 2027 and 2028 for Law Enforcement Labor ServicesLocal 152, International Association of Firefighters Local 3423 and AFSCME Council 65Local 3452, which is for the city’s department heads. Each contract includes a four percent cost of living increase each year. The city will continue to offer health insurance coverage through the Individual Contribution Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA). The law enforcement and firefighter contracts also include grade increases as a wage market adjustment. There are no grade changes for the AFSCME group but a memorandum of understanding was reached with the departments heads that addresses a post employment health care savings plan. The Teamsters Union, which represents the public works and parks maintenance employees, remains in negotiations with the city. Some full time employees are not part of an organized bargaining unit. However, the cityhistorically has approved health insurance contributions and cost of living wage adjustments in the same amount as the unions. All contracts were approved unanimously. Council member Dale Helms noted that he voted against the tax levy increase and the budget in December, in part because the labor contracts were not settled at that time and because he believed the levy increase of eight percent was too high. “But the levy passed,” Helms said, “so I’m going to sit here and help you spend the money. I’m going to vote for them.” Snow Removal The council heard a report from Jason Stordahl, public works director, on the process and schedule for a snow emergency. “We try to get through all streets in the entire city, curb to curb, during that snow emergency,” Stordahl said. If snow continues they try to clear it that same day, if they can, he added. Otherwise they go to the regular maintenance schedule for each area of town. Stordahl noted the higher snow piles that can build until the department can remove them, snow piles that attract children to play. He asked the public’s help to keep children off the piles because of the danger. In response to a question from Helms Stordahl reminded the public that it was against the law for commercial or residential properties to clear snow from their driveways and sidewalks and pushing it into the streets. Property owners can be fined and public works will send letters reminding people of that. The police department aids in enforcement. In other business the council: • Hired Renee Olson as city clerk in the administration department. • Promoted Jack Croaker to equipment operator in the public works department. • Approved a resolution enabling elected and/or appointed officials to be covered by Minnesota Workers Compensation Law. • Designated C&H Insurance as the agency to handle the city property, liability and workers compensation policy for 2026. •Approved the administrative services agreement with Wex Benefits to administer the flexible benefits plan in 2026. • Appointed council member Donald Casmey to the Pine to Prairie Drug Task Force. • Approved the special event application for the KC Pro West Youth Snowmobile Racing Organization to hold an event Jan. 31 and Feb. 1. • Approved the special event application for the Frozen Feat 5K/10K Run to be held Feb. 14. • Approved annual reorganization items for 2026 including setting the time of the regular council meetings for the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 5 p.m. and the regular work sessions for the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at 5 p.m.; named The Exponent as the official city newspaper; named American Federal, Frandsen Bank & Trust, RBC Wealth Management and PMA – 4M Fund as official depositories; and authorized the mayor, city administrator, finance director, accounting technician and human resource generalist to conduct online banking.