Post 88 Among District's Best
by: Samantha Alme
There is something special happening on Main Street in Greenbush — and it’s wearing red, white, and blue. American Legion Post 88 has been named one of three top finalists for American Legion Post of the Year in the district, an incredible honor that shines a well-deserved spotlight on the dedication, teamwork, and heart of the local American Legion Family.
According to the Post’s 2025 report, this recognition follows what members described as “a year of service, community, and growth” — and by all accounts, it truly has been. From Memorial Day ceremonies at the cemetery to Veterans Day programs in local schools, Post 88 members have been a steady presence, ensuring area veterans are honored with dignity and respect. The Post, Sons of the Legion, and Auxiliary worked together to provide military honors, host meaningful community observances, and invest in new American flags to ensure consistent, respectful tributes for years to come.
Veterans visited classrooms to share stories and answer students’ thoughtful questions, bridging generations and reminding young people that freedom comes at a cost — one paid by neighbors, friends, and family members right here at home. The annual Veterans Day banquet once again brought the community together in gratitude, complete with patriotic music, shared meals, and heartfelt moments of reflection.
One of the most exciting developments this year was a historic partnership between Post 88 and Sons of the American Legion Squadron 88. In a move that strengthened leadership and ensured sustainability for the future, the Sons officially joined in the operation and management of the Legion Club. The collaboration brought new energy, shared responsibility, and a renewed commitment to serving Greenbush — a powerful example of generations working side by side, honoring the past while building the future.
Visitors stepping inside the Legion Club recently have likely noticed impressive updates. Thanks to significant fundraising efforts — including the popular “Roast at the Post” dinner — the kitchen underwent a major renovation, transforming it into a modern, welcoming space for members and community events.
Additional improvements, from flooring to furnishings, have made the Legion Club an even stronger hub for community gatherings. Weekly burger nights, special holiday events, charitable gaming, and celebrations continue to make Post 88 a cornerstone of Greenbush life — a place where milestones are celebrated, friendships are strengthened, and service remains the heartbeat.
Post 88’s impact stretches across generations. Scholarships awarded to local students help remove financial barriers to higher education. Elementary students have received American flags and patriotic education lessons, learning proper flag etiquette and the meaning behind the red, white, and blue.
The Legion Family has also supported STEM initiatives, provided honor guards for local events, and hosted a fish fry at LifeCare Manor, bringing smiles — and second helpings — to senior residents. In short, Post 88 is not just serving veterans; it is serving Greenbush.
This finalist honor belongs not only to the members wearing Legion caps, but also to the entire community that supports them — by attending events, volunteering time, purchasing raffle tickets, donating, and simply showing up. Recognition at the district level affirms what Greenbush has long known: Post 88 is built on dedication, collaboration, and a deep love for community.
Whether presenting colors at a football game, flipping burgers on a Monday night, delivering meals, awarding scholarships, or standing quietly at a graveside, the members of American Legion Post 88 continue to live out their mission of service.
And now, the district has taken notice. Congratulations to American Legion Post 88, Sons of the Legion, and the Legion Auxiliary on this tremendous achievement. Greenbush could not be prouder.
Olympic Memories Start Here: Williams, Baudette and Birchdale Also Grew Olympians
Julie Bergman, Editor
When the final horn sounded at the 2026 Winter Olympics, hockey history wasn’t just made on the ice — it echoed all the way back to northern Minnesota.
Warroad’s Brock Nelson helped bring home gold for Team USA, adding another chapter to a remarkable family legacy of Olympic champions — his grandfather Bill Christian (1960), great-uncle Roger Christian (1960) and uncle Dave Christian (1980). Warroad and neighboring Roseau have long been synonymous with Olympic hockey.
But along Highway 11, three other small communities — Williams, Baudette and Birchdale — can also say they helped raise Olympians.
Long before today’s spotlight and televised ceremonies, young skaters from frozen creeks, roadside rinks and backyard sheets of ice were carving their own paths to the world stage.
Wally Olds – 1972 Olympics
Baudette’s Olympic story began with Walter Raymond “Wally” Olds.
Born in Warroad on Aug. 17, 1949, Olds grew up in Baudette and laced up skates at age 5 near the old school. He later recalled skating outdoors and even in the ditches along Highway 11.
“We played a lot of hockey on that long skinny rink,” Olds said in an interview with Bob Rossborough that aired during the first Hockey Day Minnesota held in Baudette. He credited outdoor ice with sharpening his skills and creativity.
That backyard-style development carried him far.
Olds became an All-American defenseman at the University of Minnesota, earning All-WCHA Second Team honors in 1969–70 and 1970–71 and AHCA West All-American recognition during the 1969–70 season.
In 1969, he was drafted 57th overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the NHL Amateur Draft. He chose not to pursue an NHL career, citing his opposition to fighting in professional hockey, and instead signed with the New York Raiders of the World Hockey Association, according to online sources.
Before turning professional, Olds represented the United States at the 1972 Winter Olympics in Sapporo, Japan, where the U.S. men’s hockey team earned a silver medal.
“I was a naïve 22-year-old and didn’t appreciate it very much until years later,” Olds later reflected of his Olympic experience.
Olds went on to play professionally in the WHA before spending eight seasons competing in Europe, skating in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden and Norway from 1976 to 1983. He also represented the United States in the 1977, 1979 and 1981 Ice Hockey World Championships.
Olds died Jan. 11, 2009, at age 59 — but his journey from Baudette’s outdoor rinks to the Olympic podium remains part of the community’s history.
Chris Imes – 1994 Olympics
Two decades later, another Highway 11 hometown celebrated its own Olympic moment.
Birchdale native Chris Imes represented the United States in men’s hockey at the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway.
Imes grew up playing youth hockey in Baudette. His dad built an outdoor rink at their home and Imes grew up skating and playing hockey there in all weather conditions including below zero temperatures, according to a story done by CBS for the 1994 Winter Olympics.
He attended school in Indus before graduating in 1990 from Athol Murray College of Notre Dame in Wilcox, Saskatchewan. He went on to star at the University of Maine.
At Maine, Imes helped lead the Black Bears to the 1992–93 NCAA National Championship, a team often cited among the best in college hockey history. During his collegiate career, he was a two-time First Team All-American. In 1995, he was runner-up for the Hobey Baker Award and named USA College Hockey Player of the Year.
Internationally, Imes competed in two World Junior Championships, helping the United States earn its first bronze medal finish in the tournament during his second appearance. He also played in two World Senior Championships.
In preparation for the 1994 Olympics, Imes trained with USA Hockey in international camps, including time at the Finnish Olympic Training Center in Vierumäki. He also competed in Sweden and Moscow during the fall of 1993.
At Lillehammer, Imes marched in the Opening Ceremony and stayed in the Olympic Village alongside athletes from around the world. The U.S. team advanced through round-robin play before falling 6–1 to Finland in the quarterfinals.
After his playing career, Imes transitioned into education and youth athletics. Since 2012, he has served as a youth hockey director with the Chicago Blues Youth Hockey Club and works as an elementary physical education teacher in the Chicago area.
Imes is the son of Jan and Dave Imes. His mother grew up in Birchdale, and his father moved there during high school. Chris and his wife, Francie, recently purchased his parents’ home in Birchdale and plan to spend part of their retirement in the community where his hockey journey began.
Dan McKinnon – 1956 Olympics
Decades earlier — when Minnesota winters revolved around outdoor ice — a Williams native was already wearing the red, white and blue.
Daniel Duncan “Dan” McKinnon, born April 21, 1922, in Williams, represented the United States at the 1956 Winter Olympic Games in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, where the team earned a silver medal.
McKinnon began skating at age four or five on local rinks, including one on Williams Creek near Gillie’s Garage. Those early winters led to an international career.
In a previous interview with the Northern Light Region, McKinnon said his most vivid Olympic memory was marching in the Opening Ceremonies wearing the official Team USA jacket. His daughter, Kellie McKinnon Caddick, recently noted that the 1956 jackets closely resemble those worn by Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
During the 1956 tournament, McKinnon suffered a groin injury and did not play in the matchup against Czechoslovakia, according to a Feb. 1, 1956, report in the Baudette Region. Coach John Mariucci indicated he would rest McKinnon further if the United States defeated Czechoslovakia. After a loss, McKinnon was expected to return against Poland. The United States ultimately finished second, earning silver.
McKinnon also represented the United States at the 1955 and 1958 World Championships.
Before his Olympic career, he served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, stationed in Guam. After the war, he attended the University of North Dakota from 1947 to 1950, earning second-team All-American honors in 1950. He was inducted into the University of North Dakota Sports Hall of Fame in 1982.
Following college, McKinnon played briefly in the minor leagues in San Bernardino, California, and later skated with the Warroad Lakers. His playing career ended in 1958 after a hunting accident resulted in the loss of part of one hand when a rifle discharged.
McKinnon died Aug. 6, 2017, in Grand Forks, North Dakota, at age 95.
From Highway 11 to the World Stage
From frozen creeks in Williams and roadside rinks in Baudette to Olympic arenas in Italy, Japan and Norway, these athletes carried northern Minnesota with them.
Long before packed arenas and national broadcasts, their games began on outdoor ice in small towns along Highway 11.
Olympic memories start at a very young age with hard work and determination. In Williams, Baudette and Birchdale, they also started at home.
