A Beacon of Inspiration in the Miss Minnesota Pageant
Samantha Alme
samantha.alme2@gmail.com
O’Brien Stromsodt proudly represents the Miss Red River Valley title as part of the distinguished Miss Minnesota Scholarship Organization. Hailing from the charming neighboring town of Middle River, O’Brien has become a local celebrity. Raised by her parents, Mark and Laurie Stromsodt, she graduated from Greenbush-Middle River High School in 2017. Pursuing her passion for education, she enrolled at Bemidji State University, where she studied for a degree in Elementary Education. Currently, she brings joy and learning to her kindergarten students at Viking Elementary, a proud member of Marshall County Central Schools. Recently, young women from across Minnesota gathered for the exciting Miss Minnesota 2025 competition at Treasure Island Resort and Casino. From the moment they arrived, the atmosphere buzzed with fun, excitement, and connections among some of the most remarkable young women in the state. Each day was filled with rehearsals, photo sessions, and laughter as these talented individuals prepared for their big moments. On Tuesday, Miss Red River Valley, O’Brien Stromsodt, participated in a private interview, passionately discussing her commitment to teaching and her community service initiative. Her volunteering project, “Pay It Forward,” is grounded in compassion, family, and meaningful action. O’Brien emphasized, “Volunteering isn’t just about showing up; it’s about lifting others up. It’s about declaring, ‘I’m here, I care, and I want to make a difference.’ Whether it’s organizing a mitten drive, mentoring someone in need, or supporting local families through the Sharing Tree project, every act of service plants a seed of hope. Together, we can nurture those seeds to grow stronger.” The preliminary rounds unfolded over two nights. On the first night, she showcased her talent by performing “The Greatest Show” from The Greatest Showman and participated in the On-Stage Question segment. The second night featured her competing in Fitness and Evening Gown. O’Brien reflected, “Stepping on stage was both nerve-wracking and empowering, knowing I was representing my community and everyone who has supported me on this journey.” Friday culminated in Finals Night, where the top 11 finalists were announced, and the organization celebrated the crowning of the new Miss Minnesota, Emma Vrieze. O’Brien noted, “One of the most cherished aspects of my week was spending time with my Northern Lights Princess, Kaylee. From lighthearted moments to heartfelt conversations, having her by my side made the experience even more special. This journey reminded me of the incredible power of friendship, service, and believing in something greater than ourselves. I leave with a full heart, new friendships, and a renewed commitment to pay it forward wherever life leads me.”
Greenbush's 4th of July Celebration: A Small Town Extravaganza
Samantha Alme
samantha.alme2@gmail.com
When it comes to 4th of July celebrations, Greenbush stands out among small towns in Minnesota! The Greenbush Community Partners dedicate countless hours to organizing, ensuring everything runs seamlessly, and tidying up afterward each year. Let’s give a hearty round of applause and gratitude to this incredible group that contributes so much to our community. Thursday marks the kick-off celebration for Greenbush’s Annual 4th of July Celebration! The Greenbush Pool has floatie night from 4-6pm, the Gator Claybusters are serving up burgers, potato salad, watermelon, and all the fixings at Welcome Park from 5-7pm. As the sun sets, prepare for the spectacular fireworks display sponsored by the City of Greenbush. On Friday, the fun just building! The Greenbush Pharmacy is sponsoring a Kiddie Parade on Main Street at 10:30am, which will be followed by the official 4th of July Parade, with Grand Marshalls Dwight and Darcy Hasson, beginning at 11am. Following the parade, the GMR 6th Grade Class is hosting lunch at the firehall from 11:30am-1:30pm with dine-in and take-out options available. What would a weekend be in Greenbush without race cars? Starting at noon, BUSH car races will begin. Also starting at noon is Motocross at Greenbush MX. There’s also a corn hole tournament on North Main Street starting at 4:30pm to benefit our Veterans. Starting at 4 pm, entertainment will be going strong until 1 am. RCCA is sponsoring Alex Lunde at 4pm. There will be Beer Garden Bingo 21+, sponsored by Karlstad Eagles, from 5-6pm. RCCA is also sponsoring Brock Dexter who is taking the stage at 6pm. The street dance is set to start at 9pm with One Better Liquor sponsoring Kissing Company. At 10pm, Greenbush Community Partners will draw for the $10,000 raffle. It’ll be a little bubbly at 11pm, as Remedies sponsors a UV Bubble Foam Party for those 21+. The fun just keeps on rolling into Saturday! There is a 5k Color Walk/Run starting at 8am on Main Street with registration starting at 7:15am. CREED Youth Group is hosting a community breakfast at the Community Center from 8:30-10:30am. A Street Fair as well as Little Entrepreneurs, sponsored by Border Bank, will be on Main Street from 9am-1pm–the little ones will only be selling from 10am-12pm. Again, BUSH Car Races will be held by the Greenbush Race Park starting at 12pm. Main Street will be bustling with excitement as ALTOZ, Central Boiler, WoodMaster, Jon’s Auto, Agassiz Insurance, Friends of the Library, Wikstroms, Helgeson Funeral Chapel, GMR Girls Basketball and Volleyball sponsor a ton of family friendly activities starting as early as 10am going until 2pm including: inflatables, quarter dig, face painting, ping pong ball drop, and kids bingo. Starting at 6pm, the Stock Car Races will begin at the Greenbush Race Park. 13 Sisters will be open in every morning during the festivities for coffee and shopping. Up North Treasures is hosting “Oh My Stars” event after the parade on Friday and from 10am-4pm on Saturday. Along with local groups hosting fundraising meals, there will be some amazing food trucks in town, including: Bjerk Concessions, Baby’s Bagels, Sap Sap, and Mi Madres Tacos. Sunday, the celebration begins to wind down. The area churches welcome everyone to church service! Blessed Sacrament Church begins at 8am, United Free and Bethel Lutheran Churches both begin at 10am. Legion Park will have inflatables and a kids bubble foam party beginning at 1pm sponsored by Friends of the Library. Join us in celebrating the spirit of togetherness and community at Greenbush’s 4th of July Celebration!
Whitefish Creek Enterprises named 2025 MN Logger of the Year
Whitefish Creek Enterprises, Inc. of Baudette, Minn., has been named the 2025 Minnesota Logger of the Year by the Minnesota Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI) Implementation Committee (MN SIC). The award was presented to Brady Hasbargen of Whitefish Creek at the Minnesota Logger Education Program (MLEP) workshop held in Bemidji in April. The Logger of the Year Award recognizes outstanding independent logging contractor performance with the purpose of honoring Minnesota’s competent professional independent logging contractors. The formal nomination clearly demonstrates that Whitefish Creek Enterprises are recognized by their peers for professionalism, commitment to sustainable forestry, using best business management practices, trade organization involvement, fostering excellent landowner and forester relationships, and for their exceptional community outreach activities. “Whitefish Creek is a shining example of outstanding forest management practices in our state,” said MN SIC program coordinator Rick Horton. “The company constantly demonstrates excellence in timber harvesting, and is also actively engaged in their local community, through the Minnesota Timber Producers Association and their efforts in raising money for Log A Load for Kids. I’m proud to have Whitefish Creek represent our state as our Logger of the Year.” Whitefish Creek is owned by Margaret Hasbargen and her five sons, Scott, Keith, Charlie, Mark, and Doug. Brady Hasbargen represents the next generation, and has been active in the Minnesota Logger Education Program, serving a term as board chair. Brady also serves on the TPA Executive Committee as 1st Vice President. The Sustainable Forestry Initiative® is a forest sustainability certification organization operating in the U.S. and Canada that works across four pillars: standards, conservation, community, and education.With third-party forest certification, an independent organization like SFI develops standards of good forest management, and independent auditors ensure that forest operations comply with those standards. SFI has certified more than 370 million acres to its standard in the United States and Canada. Minnesota has the second highest certified forest land base in North America. Whitefish Creek will now be entered into the competition for the Forest Resources Associations Regional Outstanding Logger of the Year, and if successful, will also compete for the national award. Many past winners have earned both of these distinctions, proving that Minnesota loggers are known nation-wide for their professionalism and dedication to sustainable forestry. The Minnesota SIC includes representatives from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Sappi, PotlatchDeltic, West Fraser, UPM-Blandin, Packaging Corporation of America, Louisiana Pacific Corporation, The Conservation Fund, Molpus Woodlands Group, SFI-certified county land departments, the University of Minnesota, the Minnesota Logger Education Program, Minnesota Tree Farm Program, Society of American Foresters, and the Ruffed Grouse Society/American Woodcock Society.