Easter fun hops into Karlstad on Saturday
Krista Pietruszewski
nsnreporter@wiktel.com
Hey Kids of Karlstad! Something egg‑stra special is hopping into town this Saturday morning, and you’re invited! The Easter Bunny has sent word to the North Star News that he’s coming early to sprinkle treats all over Karlstad. That means it’s time to grab your baskets, put on your biggest smiles, and get ready for a town‑wide Easter Egg Hunt full of surprises, laughter, and sweet memories. Hidden Egg Stops Around Town Whispers of the Past will have hidden eggs waiting to be found. Nordem will be joining the fun with eggs of their own. SuperMarket Foods will have a special treat — and you can even take a photo with their Big Easter Bunny on display! Bunny Photos & More Fun Underdahl Ace Hardware will have hidden eggs and the Easter Bunny will be there for photos from 11:00 AM to Noon. BIG EASTER EGG HUNT EVENT The Legion Auxiliary Unit 445 and the Legion Gaming Authority of Legion Post 445 are hosting their Second Annual Easter Egg Hunt at the TC School Football Field. • Egg Hunt starts at Noon • Hot dogs served from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Bring your friends, your family, and your biggest Easter cheer. Listen closely… you might just hear the Easter Bunny hopping by! Don’t be late — the eggs won’t wait!
Greenbush American Legion Post #88 named 9th District Post of the Year
American Legion Moen-Zimek Post #88 of Greenbush, Minnesota has been named the 9th District Post of the Year by the Minnesota American Legion. The 9th District spans 13 counties across northwestern Minnesota, including Kittson, Roseau, Marshall, Pennington, Red Lake, Polk, Clearwater, Norman, Mahnomen, Clay, Becker, Wilkin, and Otter Tail, making the recognition a competitive honor among posts serving one of the state’s largest geographic regions. The award was presented on March 14, 2026, at the statewide Minnesota American Legion Appreciation Rally, with 9th District Commander Dennis Henkemeyer accepting the honor on the Post’s behalf. The award certificate will be formally presented to the Post membership at their monthly meeting on April 21, 2026. Notably, this marks the first time in the Post’s 107-year history that it has been nominated for and won the district honor. The recognition comes after a remarkable year in which Post #88 demonstrated exceptional commitment across all Four Pillars of the American Legion: Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, and Children & Youth. Remarkable Growth and Community Impact In 2025, Post #88’s American Legion Family grew by 29 members, a 22.7% increase, with active members ranging from age 11 to 101. Volunteers contributed over 1,200 hours to community events and programs. The Post and its affiliated Sons of the American Legion Squadron 88 and Legion Auxiliary awarded nearly $1,000 in scholarships to local students and donated more than $10,000 to community organizations through charitable gaming operations. Honoring Those Who Served Post #88 and Sons Squadron 88 provided full military honors at funeral services for five veterans in 2025. The Post coordinated moving Memorial Day and Veterans Day observances, placing flags at gravesites in all local cemeteries and engaging the entire Greenbush community. A Veterans Day banquet honored attending veterans with a Mail Call tradition, giving community members an opportunity to write personal notes of gratitude to those who served. Historic Facility Renovation Sons Squadron 88 led a comprehensive $22,000 kitchen renovation, fully funded through their annual “Roast at the Post” fundraiser and silent auctions. The project included commercial-grade appliances, updated flooring and walls, and new bar area flooring, transforming the Legion Club into a modern, welcoming facility for members and the broader community. Youth Education and Senior Outreach Post #88 invested deeply in the next generation, conducting classroom visits at all grade levels, distributing American flags to K-6 students with lessons on flag etiquette, and providing honor guard services at the FIRST Robotics Great Northern Regional competition. On the other end of the age spectrum, Sons Squadron 88 launched a new fish fry tradition at Greenbush Life Care Manor, and Post members participated in Meals on Wheels delivery for homebound seniors. Community Invited to Upcoming Fundraiser The community is invited to experience Post #88’s signature fundraiser firsthand. Sons of the American Legion Squadron 88 will host the 5th Annual Roast at the Post on Saturday, April 4, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Greenbush American Legion Post 88. The meal features pork loin prepared by chef Ed Lehrke, along with baked potato, corn, and coleslaw, plus raffle items. Pre-sale tickets are available from any SAL member, with limited tickets available at the door. “This award belongs to every member of our American Legion Family: the Post, Sons Squadron 88, and the Auxiliary,” said Post Commander Robert Novacek. “We are proud to serve Greenbush’s veterans and community, and we look forward to building on this momentum.” About American Legion Moen-Zimek Post #88 Founded in 1919, Greenbush American Legion Post #88 is one of Minnesota’s longest-serving Legion Posts, chartered on August 22, 1919, in the wake of World War I as Quentin Roosevelt Post 88. The Post was renamed Adolf Moen Post 88 in 1923 to honor Adolph Moen, the only Greenbush man killed in service during World War I. In 1946, the Post was again renamed Moen-Zimek Post 88 to honor Adolph Zimek, who was killed in Germany during World War II. Now in its 107th year, the Post serves local veterans, their families, and the Greenbush community. Located at 264 Main St N, Greenbush, MN 56726, the Post operates as a 501(c)(19) nonprofit organization and serves as a hub for veteran support, youth programming, and community events.