DNR to fly elk surveys in northwest minnesota
Public can document elk observations using new elk sightings tool on the DNR website
Minnesota DNR
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will conduct aerial elk surveys in the next few weeks when snow cover and other conditions allow. DNR staff will survey the Kittson County and Grygla elk herds in northwest Minnesota and the border elk herd in both Minnesota and Manitoba. Aerial survey information helps the DNR monitor elk populations and make decisions about future elk management and harvest regulations. “We will start our elk surveys after Jan. 1 and when there is a minimum of 8 inches of snow cover,” said Doug Franke, area wildlife supervisor and elk survey coordinator. “Surveys are typically completed within one to two weeks depending on weather conditions.” DNR pilots will fly fixed-wing aircraft on both sides of the border during daylight hours at an altitude of approximately 200 to 300 feet, with wildlife staff in the aircraft counting the elk from above. The DNR is also asking for help from people who have recently seen elk in their area. People can share information using the new elk sightings tool on the DNR website (mndnr.gov/elk/elk-sightings.html) or by calling their local DNR office: Karlstad area wildlife office, 218-772-1261 Thief Lake Wildlife Management Area, 218-633-7671 Thief River Falls area wildlife office, 218-219-8587 “Thank you to everyone who has reported elk sightings to us,” Franke said. “These reports provide an important supplement to data from our aerial surveys and help us better understand elk movement and distribution in Minnesota.”
Three Major Fires Over Holidays Destroy Homes
East Baudette The first fire was reported on Friday, December 19. The Baudette Fire Department was dispatched to the structure fire in southeast Baudette, according to Fire Chief Brad Levasseur. Other agencies that responded were the Lake of the Woods Ambulance, Lake of the Woods County Sheriff’s Department, and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal. No foul play is suspected, Levasseur said. Lake of the Woods County Sheriff Gary Fish plans to issue a press release on the incident, but had not done so as the Northern Light went to press Monday. Williams Just a few days later, on Tuesday, December 23rd, a residential fire was reported at Teresa McDowell's home in Williams. At approximately 5:30 a.m., a smoke detector went off, waking Teresa and her daughter Cheyenne, McDowell said. Both individuals exited the house with only the clothes they were wearing and their three dogs. Five cats remained inside and did not survive the incident. The house was declared a total loss, she said. According to her account, Teresa McDowell instructed her daughter to put on her coat and boots over her pajamas and leave the house. Teresa did the same and left to secure the dogs outside. Teresa then returned inside the house to retrieve a lockbox containing their birth certificates. Already, the smoke filled the house. She didn’t have time to get her purse or car keys. The evacuation process took less than five minutes from the initial alarm, she said. No additional personal belongings were recovered at the time. Among the losses was the burial flag for her late husband, Tony, an Iraq War veteran. Later, another flag, previously flown in Iraq, was recovered from the debris by a family member, along with her jewelry box and her wedding ring. Following the fire, the family stayed temporarily with relatives before moving into a furnished rental property. Their immediate needs include food and clothing. A fundraising campaign has been established to assist the family: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-teresa-and-cheyenne-after-the-fire. Local emergency services, including the Williams Volunteer Fire Department, Baudette Fire Department, police, and EMTs, responded to the incident. “We want to thank the Williams Fire Department and the Baudette Fire Department, the police, and the EMTs for their help. We also want to thank everyone who has already donated to us. It has really been overwhelming,” Teresa McDowell said. Baudette A third major fire was reported early Saturday afternoon, December 27. The Baudette Fire Department arrived on scene at 2:45 p.m. and stayed until 7:30 that night, according to Baudette Fire Chief Brad Levasseur. According to Lake of the Woods County’s property tax records, the house at 515 Main Avenue South, in Baudette, belongs to Pricilla Larson. Larson declined to be interviewed for this article. According to Social Media posts, Larson’s four grandchildren live with her. Donations are being accepted for the Larson family at the Baudette Library or the Baudette Municipal Liquor Store, according to the post. Baudette Fire Chief reported that the Lake of the Woods Ambulance, the Lake of the Woods Sheriff’s Department, the Williams Fire Department, and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal had responded to the fire. He said no injuries were reported, and foul play is not expected.
New Capital Account established at Lancaster School
Board members of Lancaster School recently unanimously approved the establishment of a new bookkeeping account for larger capital projects. Its intent is to provide a vehicle for donations to fund infrastructure without having to pursue additional levies from taxpayers, or at least minimize them to some extent. The “Fund” was initiated in the hope that individuals, companies and other organizations such as the LEFSA might make tax-deductible donations to help defray the cost of these ever-growing needs of the School District. Funds that are donated will grow in terms of earnings until such time as they are needed. Here the Board has taken the initiative of opening a brokerage account where they can obtain the best rates available on bank insured certificates of deposit nationwide. This conforms to regulations set forth by the State of Minnesota. If you or someone you know is interested in supporting Lancaster School’s capital needs via a contribution to this fund, please contact their business manager, Mendy Coffield, at your convenience. For further information or questions they can be reached at mcoffield@lancaster.k12.mn.us or via telephone at (218) 762-5400. Additional information on The Fund can also be obtained on Lancaster School’s website.