The week of April 7 – 11, 2025,is designated Minnesota Severe Weather Awareness Week. Severe Weather Awareness Week is a public education campaign promoted by the National Weather Service, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, and local Emergency Management Agencies. Each day of the week features a different weather hazard, and two statewide tornado drills will be conducted on Thursday, April 10th.
Weather Alerts and Warnings are Monday’s topic. Several different types of watches and warnings may be issued for an area. Remember that watches mean that conditions are favorable for the development of severe weather or tornadoes, and warnings mean that severe weather or tornadoes are occurring, likely to occur, or are imminent. Advisories and special weather statements may come from the National Weather Service for storms that will impact an area but don’t quite meet warning criteria. Thunderstorms are considered severe when they have one-inch hail or winds higher than 58mph.
Severe weather, including hail and lightning, is covered on Tuesday. Hail develops during thunderstorms when a strong updraft is featured, especially in supercell thunderstorms. Hail causes nearly a billion dollars in damage annually and can range from pea size to over the size of softballs. Lightning kills around 100 people each year, more than tornadoes. If you are outdoors and encounter lightning, remember the saying, “When thunder roars, go indoors.” Lightning can strike ten miles from a storm and can strike even when it isn’t raining.
Wednesday’s topic is flooding. Minnesota floods kill more people than other weather events. Flooding deaths occur at night 75% of the time, and of those deaths, half die in vehicles. As little as six inches of rapidly flowing water can knock you off your feet. Never drive through flooded roadways; a foot of water will float most vehicles. Turn around, don’t drown!
Minnesota’s state-wide tornado drill will take place on Thursday. Outdoor warning sirens and NOAA Weather Radios across the state will be sounded at 1:45 PM and 6:45 PM. The two drills are intended to allow workplaces and schools an opportunity to test their severe weather plans. The second drill is to allow second-shift workers and families at home an opportunity to test their plans. In accordance with the Association of Minnesota Emergency Manager’s best practice guidelines, outdoor warning sirens in Polk County are used for tornadoes and intense thunderstorms with expected winds in excess of 70mph. There is never an “all clear” activation for sirens. So don’t forget! The statewide tornado drills are Thursday, April 10, 2025, at 1:45 P.M. and 6:45 P.M. Please take this opportunity to review emergency plans and procedures, and conduct emergency drills at work and at home.
Friday is dedicated to heat-related emergencies. During the summer months, even here in Minnesota, temperatures can soar to near or over 100 degrees. Combined with high humidity, these temperatures can create dangerous conditions. To avoid heat-related ailments, drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids, avoid strenuous activity during the hottest time of day, check on the elderly, wear lightweight, loose clothing, and never leave children or pets in vehicles. Even on warm days, vehicles act like a greenhouse, and temperatures can rise to lethal levels in minutes.
The University of Minnesota Crookston Golden Eagles Softball team salvaged a split in Sunday’s doubleheader at Winona State, as they bounced back from an 11-0 loss in Game 1 with a 2-1 win in Game 2.
GAME ONE –
FIRST INNING Riley Blake (FR, Las Vegas, NV) got the start at pitcher for UMC. She struggled early on, as the Warriors rattled off four early hits, including a two RBI singles and an RBI-double. Down 3-0 with two outs, Sydney McMurdle (FR, Twin Falls, ID) was called upon to finish the top of the inning. McMurdle helped UMC survive the half inning, leaving two Warriors on base. UMC’s offense was unable to get going in the bottom of the inning, as a strikeout and two groundouts brought a quick close to the first.
SECOND INNING Winona State loaded the bases early, and Tiegan Mancuso added the fourth run of the day for the Warriors on a sac fly. With two outs, the Warriors loaded the bases again, with two more runs coming on a walk and an RBI-single. An error from third base spurred another Warrior run to make it 7-0. The top of the inning finished on a pop out, with UMC in a deep deficit. Just like the first inning, it was three straight Golden Eagle outs to keep it 7-0.
THIRD INNING The Golden Eagles got two early outs with a runner on second, who was brought in on an RBI-single to center field. A ground out kept the score 8-0. UMC was again retired 1-2-3 to end the inning down 8.
FOURTH INNING It was another inconsistent inning for the Golden Eagles, as a 2 RBI-double put the Warriors up 10-0 with 2 outs. Winona State tacked on one more run on a single from Dana Jones. A strikeout on the next at-bat gave UMC a chance to close the gap, An error from the Warriors helped UMC’s Whitney Curry (SR, Lincolin, NE) advance to first, but she was left there after the other Golden Eagle batters were retired.
FIFTH INNING Gabrielle Gomez (FR, Lakewood, CA) was called into the circle for UMC, allowing just one walk and no hits in the top of the inning. UMC’s offense remained stagnant, and their solid bat contact resulted in two ground outs and a flyout, sealing an 11-0 win for Winona State.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
R
H
E
WSU
3
4
1
3
0
–
–
11
12
1
UMC
0
0
0
0
0
–
–
0
0
1
For UMC- n/a
Pitching
IP
H
R
ER
BB
K
Jayda Berg (W) – WSU
5
0
0
0
0
3
Sydney McMurdle – UMC
3.1
8
8
7
4
1
Riley Blake (L) – UMC
0.2
4
3
3
1
1
Gabrielle Gomez – UMC
1.0
0
0
0
1
0
GAME TWO –
FIRST INNING UMC went to Delaney Pinner (FR, Winkler, MB) at pitcher to open game 2. She and the Golden Eagles quickly secured the first two outs, but not before two Warriors got on base. A flyout ended the top of the inning. UMC’s offensive showed some life early on despite two early outs. Ranya French (SO, La Salle, MB) reached base on an error, and Emilee Haglidone (JR, Lincolin, NE) was walked moments later. They would both be left on base after a UMC strikeout, keeping the score at 0-0.
SECOND INNING Penner threw two srtikeouts in the top of the second to keep the score even. Winona State pitcher Izzy Howe walked two Golden Eagles but threw two strikeouts, with the inning coming to a close after UMC’s Jocelyn Hernandez (FR, Tracy, CA) was caught stealing third.
THIRD INNING Winona State had runners on the corners with one out, but two Penner strikeouts saved UMC from surrendering a run. UMC’s Whitney Curry was walked and advanced to second after a Rayna French single, but two foul outs left them on base and kept the score tied at 0.
FOURTH INNING It was another quick top of the inning, as Winona state managed just one hit before the half-inning ending groundout at first base. UMC had little success offensively in the bottom inning, as all three Golden Eagle batters struck out.
FIFTH INNING Penner walked Winona State’s Sam Keller, who would make it to third after a sac bunt and a passed ball. Keller would score the first run of the game after a single through the left from Alyssa Woelful. Two Warriors were left on base, but they ended the top of the inning up 1-0. When UMC took over, Riley Blake made it to second on a wild pitch. Another wild pitch sent Whitney Curry to second and pushed Blake to third. A passed ball allowed each runner to advance again, putting Curry on third and sending Blake home for the tying run. French then singled to bring Curry home and give UMC a 2-1 lead with one out. Winona State decided to switch pitchers, as Howe went to the dugout in favor of Jayda Berg. UMC managed to get one more hit before the final two outs were recorded in the inning, but they would enter the 6th up a run.
SIXTH INNING Winona State’s batters were each retired by strikeout, and UMC’s offense did not last much longer. An Irelyn Spencer (R-SO, Rapid City, SD) single was the only sign of life for the Golden Eagles, who would hold onto their 2-1 lead heading into the 7th inning.
SEVENTH INNING After two quick outs, Winona State had runners on first and second. UMC sent Evie Stuck (SR, Papillion, NE) to the circle to close the game. She walked the first batter to load the bases before throwing the final strikeout to seal a 2-1 win.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
R
H
E
WSU
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
9
1
UMC
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
2
4
0
For UMC- Rayna French – 2 of 3, 1 RBI Emilee Haggadone – 1 of 2 Irelyn Spencer – 1 of 1
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has received multiple reports of scam calls of which the callers identify themselves as Polk County Employees. It’s reported the callers are telling people they missed jury duty and a warrant was issued for their arrest. The callers are then requesting payments over the phone to satisfy the warrant. This is a scam and as a reminder, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office does not collect any type of fee over the phone or in person.
The University of Minnesota Crookston Golden Eagle baseball team survived the frigid temperatures and held on for a split against Winona State on Saturday, dropping the first game 4-1 in nine innings, followed by a 10-5 victory in seven innings.
GAME ONE –
FIRST INNING After the first batter of the game, Dylan Harer, was hit by a pitch, and subsequently stole second base, UMC starting pitcher Josh Dykhoff was able to retire the rest of WSU in order, culminating in his first strikeout to end the inning. UMC was retired in order in the home half of the inning on a groundout, strikeout and popout.
SECOND INNING WSU was retired in order in the top of the 2nd, on a flyout and two groundouts. They did drive up Dykhoff’s pitch count in the inning. UMC got the first hit of the game in the home half of the 2nd inning on a 2-out single by Brock Larsen, but before that, Aaron Wensloff walked on four pitches, so the single put two on with two out. However, the defense came through for WSU and they retired Larsen on a force play to escape the jam and keep the game scoreless.
THIRD INNING After a seven-pitch at bat that resulted in a groundout, the Warriors’ lineup turned back over to the top, and Dylan Harer cleared the fence for a solo home run, making it 1-0 WSU. The last two Warriors were retired in order. UMC began to push the narrative more in the home half of the inning, as a hit by pitch and a walk put two runners on with nobody out. After Sawyer Satrom struck out, Dykhoff walked to load the bases. However, UMC couldn’t cash in, as Americo Sculati struck out and Wensloff grounded out to keep the game at 1-0, as UMC left them loaded.
FOURTH INNING The Warriors got a man on with a 1-out single, but were unable to cash in. Josh Dykhoff ended up with 5 straight 2-strike counts without a strikeout, but was still able to get out of the inning. The bottom of the inning couldn’t have started any better for UMC, as Connor Bushbaum went yard to tie the score at 1. UMC looked to add on to potentially take the lead, but after Kobe Senn reached 2nd on an error, Gritzmaker was able to get out of the jam, keeping the score tied at 1.
FIFTH INNING The fifth inning began a string of four straight innings with no runs scored for either side. WSU was retired in order on a strikeout and two flyouts. After the first two batters for UMC were retired, Sculati walked, and a Wensloff single and subsequent throwing error put runners on second and third. Yet again, though, the Warrior pitching came through in the clutch, and the game stayed tied through 5.
SIXTH INNING WSU was once again retired in order, this time on two groundouts and a flyout. UMC started to take advantage of Gritzmaker’s loss of control, as after a walk and a passed ball, a hit batsman gave the Golden Eagles runners on the corners with one away. This sparked a Warrior pitching change, and Mason Beltrand shut down the rally quickly in relief, stariking out two batters in a row to get out of the inning.
SEVENTH INNING WSU finally got a hit after multiple innings with a leadoff single, but a poor attempt of a sacrifice bunt resulted in a double play, thwarting any attempt of a rally, as the inning ended quietly after that. UMC was retired in order in the home half of the seventh, on a flyout and two strikeouts.
EIGHTH INNING WSU started to get something going with a one-out single, then Harer continued his terrific day with a walk to put two on with two down. However, after a 3-0 count, the Spartans came up empty on a groundout. Bushbaum walked to open the bottom of the eighth inning, put that was the only on-base activity for the Golden Eagles as the next three batters were retired on two popouts and a groundout.
NINTH INNING The long-awaited offense finally came for the Warriors in the ninth. After a 1-out single and a sacrifice bunt, Josh Gullickson drove in the go-ahead run to make it 2-1 Spartans. Ben Hefel was next to bat, and he delivered the dagger with a two-run home run to put the Spartans up 4-1. That lead would stick, as UMC would be retired in order to give WSU a 4-1 win.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
R
H
E
WSU
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
3
4
6
2
UMC
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
4
0
For UMC- Connor Bushbaum – 1 for 3, HR (1), BB Aaron Wensloff – 1 for 3, BB Brock Larsen – 1 for 3, BB
Pitching
IP
H
R
ER
BB
K
Pierce Gritzmaker – WSU
5.1
4
1
1
5
6
Josh Dykhoff – UMC
8.0
4
1
1
1
4
Mason Beltrand – WSU (W)
2.2
0
0
0
1
5
Nate Graafsgard – UMC (L)
1.0
2
3
3
1
1
GAME TWO –
FIRST INNING After two straight singles to lead off the first inning of game 2 for the Warriors, hard contact just didn’t work out, as three consecutive solid hits to right field were caught as loud flyouts to end the inning. The home half of the inning went far better for the Golden Eagles. After Debilzen and Larsen got things started with a double and a single respectively, Dykhoff came through with an RBI single to put UMC up 1-0. Then, a groundball to third by Bushbaum resulted in a throwing error. and two runs came across to put UMC up 3-0. Bushbaum would be out ah home to end the inning.
SECOND INNING The Warriors had a quiet top of the 2nd inning, besides a two-out single by Josh Hatano. After the first two batters in the bottom of the 2nd inning for UMC struck out looking, Satano tripled on a gap shot to right-center field. The Golden Eagles couldn’t add to their lead, however, as a pop-up to second base ended the threat.
THIRD INNING After Harer continued his fantastic doubleheader with a leadoff single to open up the 3rd, the Golden Eagles turned a slick double play to eliminate the baserunner. The inning ended quietly for the Warriors. The 3rd inning was not quiet for the Golden Eagles, however. The first three batters of the inings reached, on singles by Larsen and Dykhoff and a walk to Senn. After the Warriors tried to stop the bleeding with a pitching change, Wensloff walked to score a run, and then the first pitch of the next at-bat got behind the catcher for a wild pitch, making it 5-0 UMC. After that, yet another wild pitch made it 6-0, and UMC was not done yet, as an error scored Wensloff, and Miller became the third run to come in on a wild pitch in the inning, making it 8-0 UMC as the game headed to the 4th.
FOURTH INNING WSU had a long way to go, but they attempted to make something happen to start the 4th. After a leadoff single, an error was committed, and Hatano was then walked to load the bases with two away. Unfortunately for the Warriors, a popout to second base left the bases loaded. Larsen and Dykhoff continued their amazing day with a double and a single to put runners on 2nd and 3rd with one away. Senn was next up, and as he struck out swinging, the ball glanced off the catcher’s glove and a run scored, making it 9-0. Wensloff was next up to the plate, and he singled up the middle to put the Golden Eagles up double figures, with a 10-0 lead at the end of 4.
FIFTH INNING The Warriors were finally able to break their scoreless streak in the top of the 5th. After back-to-back singles with one out, pinch hitter Garrett Hietpass singled to cut the lead down to 10-1. WSU then got two runners on once again, but a force play to second ended the inning. UMC was retired in order in the 5th, on two groundouts and a strikeout.
SIXTH INNING The Warriors got one baserunner in the top of the 6th, but he was out on the third force play made by the Golden Eagle defense. The rest of the inning ended quietly. UMC was retired in order once again in the 6th, on two flyouts and a popout.
SEVENTH INNING The Warriors did everything in their power to try and come back in the 7th. They took advantage of a poor relief performance by Jaxson Bennett, who allowed 4 hits and 4 runs while only getting one batter out. Once WSU cut the lead down to 10-5, UMC made another pitching change, bringing in Carsen Barta. He was able to shut the door and record the final two outs, and the Golden Eagles held on to win the game 10-5.
UMC is now 12-16 on the year, and 9-9 in the NSIC. They will play two more games against Winona State on Sunday.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
R
H
E
WSU
0
0
0
0
1
0
4
5
12
2
UMC
3
0
5
2
0
0
X
10
10
1
For UMC- Josh Dykhoff – 3 for 4, RBI, 2 R Brock Larsen – 3 for 4, 3 R Danny Wensloff – 1 for 2, 2 RBI, 2 R, BB
The University of Minnesota Crookston Golden Eagles Softball teamlost to the Minnesota State-Mankato Mavericks 5-1 and 6-0 in a Northern Sun Conference doubleheader played at the Maverick Sports Dome in Mankato. The doubleheader was originally scheduled to be played in Crookston, but the games were moved due to weather.
GAME ONE –
FIRST INNING The Mavericks got going early with a couple of balks and three stolen bases in the top of the first. They would score their first run of the afternoon on a sac bunt from Maddie Helin, which brought in Carly Kimmes. The Golden Eagles made good contact with the bat to start the game, but the first three UMC hitters were retired in seven pitches, leaving the score at 1-0 MSU-Mankato.
SECOND INNING UMC’s pitching caused some trouble for the Mavericks, as Delaney Pinner (FR, Winkler, MB) struck out two Maverick batters with a fly out in between them. The Golden Eagles were also retired 1-2-3, keeping the Mavericks up 1-0.
THIRD INNING MSU-Mankato’s Cheyenne Beherends went deep for a one run homer, but it was the only scoring of the inning. Pinner walked one batter, but she was left on base after a strikeout ended the top of the inning. Two groundouts and a swinging strikeout from UMC ended the inning, with the Golden Eagles trailing 2-0.
FOURTH INNING Errors and walks put UMC behind the eight ball in the top of the 4th. With only one out, an error from left field and two walks loaded the bases for the Mavericks. MSU-M’s Marina Carter then hit an RBI-single to score Hannah Tong and increase the lead to 3-0. Sailor Hall tacked on an unearned run for the Mavericks after a fielder’s choice hit by Kimmes. Now down 4-0, UMC turned to Sydney McMurdle (FR, Twin Falls, ID) at pitcher, who threw a strikeout to end the half inning. In the bottom of the inning, Rayna French (SO, LaSalle, MB) was the first Golden Eagle to reach base. The other UMC batters were all retired, leaving the score 4-0 in favor of MSU-M.
FIFTH INNING MSU-M added another run to their total to make it 5-0 as the Golden Eagles picked up their second out of the inning. Pinch runner Ireland Broderick was caught stealing second, but not before Helin made it from third to home. UMC built on the last inning with two hits. The first came from Madisen Yandle (FR, Lakeville, MN), who singled up the middle. Haley Koch (SR, Mondamin, IA) then doubled to right center to score Yandle and put the score at 5-1. Koch was left on second after a ground out which ended the inning.
SIXTH INNING McMurdle got the Golden Eagles in a jam, as the Mavericks loaded the bases with just one out. McMurdle worked her way out of it with a strikeout and a flyout to centerfield, stranding all three MSU-M runners and keeping the score 5-1. UMC’s first two batters were retired in the bottom of the inning, but French gave UMC some life after she was hit by a pitch. Pinch hitter Emilee Haggadone (JR, Lincolin, NE) then singled up the middle, which sent French to 2nd. Both Golden Eagles were left on base after a strikeout ended the 6th, keeping the score 5-1.
SEVENTH INNING With one out, UMC sent Alexa Guilford (JR, Crystal City, MB) to the circle to close the game. The next two batters for MSU-M were retired. UMC was unable to claw back into the game, with a strikeout and two ground outs sealing the 5-1 victory for MSU-M.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
R
H
E
MSUM
1
0
1
2
1
0
0
5
8
0
UMC
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
3
1
For UMC- Haley Koch – 1 for 3, 1 RBI Madisen Yandle – 1 for 3, 1 run Emilee Haggadone – 1 for 1
Pitching
IP
H
R
ER
BB
K
Sailor Hall (W) – MSUM
7.0
3
1
1
1
7
Delaney Pinner (L) – UMC
3.2
2
4
2
5
5
Sydney McMurdle – UMC
2.2
6
1
1
1
2
Alexa Guilford
0.2
0
0
0
0
0
GAME TWO –
FIRST INNING UMC started Evie Stuck (SR, Papillion, NE) at pitcher for game two, and she had a solid start to the game as she struck out the first Maverick batter. UMC surrendered two hits but did not allow a run in the first inning. UMC’s Irelyn Spencer (R-SO, Rapid City, SD) was walked to start the bottom of the inning, but the next three batters were quickly retired to keep the score at 0-0.
SECOND INNING MSU-M’s batters were retired 1-2-3 in the top of the inning. The same held true for the UMC, as their next three batters all struck out swinging to keep it 0-0.
THIRD INNING The Mavericks were able to get back on track with a single from Marina Carter, who would score moments later off another single from Cheyenne Behrends. Behrends would score too after a ground out at third from MSU-M’s Izzy Hycnar, which made the score 2-0 Mavericks. The Golden Eagles had another quick bottom of the inning, as all three batters recorded outs.
FOURTH INNING It was a bounce back inning for Stuck, as she saw three Mavericks get out on just five pitches. After one out, UMC had a single from Reyna French through the left side. She would make it to second by way of an Emilee Haggadone sac bunt, but she was left there after a Golden Eagle ground out to leave the score 2-0.
FIFTH INNING With two outs, MSU-M had their lone hit in the inning. Stuck then struck out the next batter to end the top of the fifth. UMC used two pinch hitters in Bryanna Decker (FR, Roseville, CA) and Hannah Trzinski (FR, Steven’s Point, WI), but saw little results, as they too were held scoreless.
SIXTH INNING An error from UMC led to an RBI-single to from Maddie Helin to score Izzy Hycnar and make it 3-0. MSU-M put up another run from a Hannah Tong fielder’s choice, which scored Helin. UMC opted to change pitchers with just one out, putting Gabrielle Gomez (FR, Lakewood, CA) in the circle to relieve Stuck. The Mavericks popped up to end the half inning on the ensuing at-bat. For UMC, Riley Blake (FR, Las Vegas, NV) was called to pinch hit with two outs and empty bases. She would ground out to first to close the 6th.
SEVENTH INNING MSU-M wasted no time adding to their lead, as they started the inning with a walk and stolen base from Carly Kimmes, followed by a walk frim Behrends. A Hycnar double scored Kimmes, and Behrends scored on a bunt moments later to make it 6-0. The next two Maverick batters were taken out, and two were left on base. UMC was able to get a couple of runners on base in the bottom of the inning, after Haggadone was walked and Madisen Yandle reached on a fielder’s choice. Two strikeouts from the next two Golden Eagle batters ended the game, sealing the 6-0 win and a sweep on the day for MSU-M.
UMC is now 13-24 on the season. They’ll travel to Winona for a Sunday doubleheader with Winona State.
The Crookston Pirate Boys Tennis team lost to the Grand Rapids Thunderhawks 5-2 and were shutout in a 7-0 loss to the Bemidji Lumberjacks in a triangular played at the Gillette Wellness Center on the Bemidji State campus.
CROOKSTON VS GRAND RAPIDS Crookston’s Reggie Winjum had a solid start to the season with an impressive 6-3, 6-2 victory to get one of the two Pirate victories in the match. The other win came at second doubles with Colton Osborn and Alex Zammert winning the first set 6-2. They lost the second set before bouncing back to win an exciting third set tie-breaker 11-9 to get the victory. The first double team of Jack Everett and Hudson Rick lost a heartbreaking three-set match. The duo lost the first set 6-2 before winning the second set 7-6. In the third set tie-breaker, Grand Rapids won 11-9. Grant Funk lost a 6-4, 6-4 battle at second singles and Sam Widseth lost a hard-fought 6-3, 7-5 match at fourth singles.
Crookston-2
Grand Rapids-5
Win
Score
1st Singles
Reggie Winjum
Grady Giffen
Crox
6-3, 6-2
2nd
Grant Funk
Ben Schroeder
GR
6-4, 6-4
3rd
Gunner Groven
Jax Colter
GR
6-1, 6-2
4th
Sam Widseth
Ian Brekke
GR
6-3, 7-5
1st Doubles
Jack Everett Hudson Rick
Cooper Lonson Owen Kastendick
GR
6-2, 6-7, 11-9
2nd
Colton Osborn Alex Zammert
Anders Morque Jack Sonder
Crox
6-2, 2-6, 11-9
3rd
Jacob Halvorson Sawyer Anderson
Ethan Gugisberg Elliot Spahn
GR
6-1, 6-2
CROOKSTON VS BEMIDJI The Bemidji Lumberjacks beat Crookston 7-0. Bemidji won the first four matches. Grant Funk lost a close match at second singles in a 6-4, 7-5 loss. At third singles, Gunner Groven had the closest match of the dual. He lost the first set he lost 6-2 and bounced back to win the second set 6-4. The third set tie-breaker was exciting, but Groven came up short in a hard-fought loss, 10-8. Once the fourth match was won by Bemidji, The final three matches only played one set up to eight and the Lumberjacks won all three to win the match 7-0. Crookston starts the season 0-2 and will travel to East Grand Forks on Wednesday and will play Fergus Falls and East Grand Forks in a triangular. Bemidji improves to 2-0 on the year.
Lorraine Amelia Benoit, 84, of Red Lake Falls, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2025, surrounded by her loving family at her home in Red Lake Falls, MN.
Funeral service for Lorraine will be held 10:30 AM on Monday, April 7, 2025 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Red Lake Falls, MN with Reverend Jeffrey Lytle Officiating. Burial will be held at Oak Grove Cemetery near Red Lake Falls, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.
Born on March 6, 1941, in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, Lorraine was the daughter of Fred William and Mabel Caroline (Iverson) Landman. She was baptized in 1941 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wylie township, MN. She was confirmed in 1955 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Red Lake Falls and graduated from Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls in 1959. On April 22, 1960 she was united in marriage to Robert Benoit at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Red Lake Falls, MN. To this union two daughters were born Lorae and Lisa. Lorraine dedicated her life to caring for others through her work in healthcare. She began her career at Northwest Medical Center from 1961 to 1963 and continued at St. John’s Hospital in Red Lake Falls until 1965. That year, she joined Hillcrest Nursing Home, where she served as a Certified Nursing Assistant for 46 years until her retirement in 2011. She was a devoted member of St. John’s Lutheran Church and the American Legion. In her free time, Lorraine enjoyed needlecrafts, crossword puzzles, scratch-off tickets, gardening, and watching her favorite shows, especially soap operas and “The Bachelor.” She also cherished visits to “The Spot” in town.
Lorraine is lovingly remembered by her daughter Lorae Benoit of Red Lake Falls; son-in-law Allen Sandberg of Erskine; grandchildren Jeremy McClendon (Indiana), Tyler (Amanda) Miller of Thief River Falls, Ashley Miller (Kenny McCauley) of Moorhead, Corey (Casey) Sandberg of Fargo, Mat (Brittany) Sandberg of McIntosh, and Nicole (John) Lewis of Gully; and great-grandchildren Hunter, Hudson, Huxley, Harper, Gunner, Brooklyn, Xander, Maddox, Kylie, Austin, Satine, and Quin. She is also survived by brothers William Landman and Ralph (Carla) Landman; sisters-in-law Janice Landman, Jeanette Schmidt and Delores Turgeon; brothers-in-law James Benoit and Roger Benoit; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Benoit; daughter Lisa Sandberg; parents Fred and Mabel Landman; great-granddaughter Halle Miller; sisters Marie Landman and Betty Osmondson; and brother Fred Landman.
May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.
CASKET BEARERS Tyler Miller, Hunter Miller, Gunner Burke, Mat Sandberg, Cory Sandberg, Allyn Sandberg, Keith Landman.
HONORARY CASKET BEARERS: All of Lorraine’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren Ashley Miller, Nicole Lewis, Brooklyn McCauley, Hudson Miller, Huxley Miller, Harper Miller, Austin Langseth, Kylie Sandberg, Satine Lewis, Quin Lewis, Xander Sandberg, and Maddox Sandberg.
The Minnesota State High School League has announced the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school year competitive section assignments. The SPRING sports sections in Northwest Minnesota are below.
SECTION 8A BASEBALL (18 teams) Ada-Borup-West Badger/Greenbush-Middle River Bagley Blackduck Clearbrook-Gonvick Fertile-Beltrami Fosston Kittson County Central Lake of the Woods Mahnomen/Waubun Norman County East/Ulen-Hitterdal Northern Freeze Northome/Kelliher Red Lake County Red Lake Sacred Heart West Marshall Win-E-Mac
SECTION 8AA BASEBALL (13 teams) Barnesville Crookston Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton East Grand Forks Hawley Menahga Ottertail Central Park Rapids Pelican Rapids Perham Roseau Thief River Falls Warroad
SECTION 8A SOFTBALL (16 teams) Ada-Borup-West Badger/Greenbush-Middle River Bagley Clearbrook-Gonvick East Polk Fertile-Beltrami Lake Park-Audubon Lake of the Woods Mahnomen/Waubun Norman County East/Ulen-Hitterdal Northern Freeze Red Lake Red Lake County Central Red Lake Falls Sacred Heart West Marshall
SECTION 8AA SOFTBALL (14 teams) Barnesville Breckenridge-Wahpeton Crookston Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton East Grand Forks Hawley Menahga Ottertail Central Park Rapids Perham Roseau Thief River Falls Wadena-Deer Creek Warroad
SECTION 8A BOYS GOLF (14 teams) Ada-Borup-West Badger/Greenbush-Middle River Bagley Fertile-Beltrami FHL Academy (in Bagley) Fosston Kittson County Central Lake of the Woods Mahnomen/Waubun Northern Freeze Red Lake County Sacred Heart West Marshall Win-E-Mac
SECTION 8AA BOYS GOLF (15 teams) Barnesville Crookston Detroit Lakes Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton East Grand Forks Fergus Falls Hawley Park Rapids Pelican Rapids Perham Red Lake Roseau Thief River Falls United North Central Warroad
SECTION 8A GIRLS GOLF (13 teams) Ada-Borup-West Badger/Greenbush-Middle River Bagley Fertile-Beltrami Fosston Kittson County Central Lake of the Woods Mahnomen/Waubun Northern Freeze Red Lake County Sacred Heart West Marshall Win-E-Mac
SECTION 8AA GIRLS GOLF (16 teams) Barnesville Crookston Detroit Lakes Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton East Grand Forks Fergus Falls Frazee Hawley Park Rapids Pelican Rapids Perham Red Lake Roseau Thief River Falls United North Central Warroad
SECTION 8A BOYS TENNIS (10 teams) Crookston Detroit Lakes East Grand Forks Fergus Falls Minnewaska Area New London-Spicer Osakis Perham Riverside Christian School (in EGF) Thief River Falls
SECTION 8A BOYS AND GIRLS TRACK (25 boys teams – 26 girls teams) Ada-Borup-West Badger/Greenbush-Middle River Bagley/Fosston Cass Lake-Bena Clearbrook-Gonvick Climax-Fisher-Sacred Heart Crookston Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton Fertile-Beltrami Goodridge/Grygla Kittson County Central (Girls only) Lake of the Woods Mahnomen/Waubun Nevis Norman County East/Ulen-Hitterdal Northome/Kelliher Park Christian Park Rapids Red Lake County Roseau TrekNorth (in Bemidji) United Clay Becker Walker-Hackensack-Akeley Warroad West Marshall Win-E-Mac
The Minnesota State High School League has announced the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school year competitive section assignments. The winter sports sections in Northwest Minnesota are below.
SECTION 8A BOYS BASKETBALL (21 teams) Badger/Greenbush-Middle River Bagley Blackduck Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig Cass Lake-Bena Clearbrook-Gonvick Climax-Fisher Fertile-Beltrami Fosston Goodridge/Grygla Kittson County Central Lake of the Woods Mahnomen/Waubun Northern Freeze Northome/Kelliher Red Lake County Red Lake Sacred Heart Stephen-Argyle Warren-Alvarado-Oslo Win-E-Mac
SECTION 8AA BOYS BASKETBALL (13 teams-No change) Barnesville Crookston Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton East Grand Forks Hawley Menahga Park Rapids Pelican Rapids Perham Roseau Thief River Falls Wadena-Deer Creek Warroad
SECTION 8A GIRLS BASKETBALL (22 teams) Badger/Greenbush-Middle River Bagley Blackduck Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig Cass Lake-Bena Clearbrook-Gonvick Climax-Fisher Fertile-Beltrami Fosston Goodridge/Grygla Kelliher/Northome Kittson County Central Lake of the Woods Mahnomen/Waubun Northern Freeze Red Lake Red Lake County Central Red Lake Falls Sacred Heart Stephen-Argyle Warren-Alvarado-Oslo Win-E-Mac
SECTION 8AA GIRLS BASKETBALL (14 teams-No change) Barnesville Crookston Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton East Grand Forks Frazee Hawley Menahga Park Rapids Pelican Rapids Perham Roseau Thief River Falls Wadena-Deer Creek Warroad
SECTION 8A BOYS HOCKEY (10 teams – No change) Bagley/Fosston Crookston Detroit Lakes East Grand Forks Kittson County Central Lake of the Woods Park Rapids Red Lake Falls Thief River Falls Warroad
SECTION 8AA BOYS HOCKEY (9 teams) Bemidji Brainerd Buffalo Elk River Moorhead Roseau Sartell St. Cloud St. Michael-Albertville
SECTION 8A GIRLS HOCKEY (6 teams – No change) Crookston Detroit Lakes East Grand Forks International Falls Thief River Falls Warroad
SECTION 8AA GIRLS HOCKEY (8 teams) Alexandria Bemidji Brainerd Buffalo Moorhead Roseau Sartell/Sauk Rapids-Rice St. Cloud
SECTION 8A WRESTLING (8 teams – No change) Badger/Greenbush-Middle River Barnesville Crookston Fertile-Beltrami Fosston/Bagley Frazee Mahnomen/Waubun United North Central
SECTION 8AA WRESTLING (12 teams) Alexandria Detroit Lakes Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton Fergus Falls Minnewaska Area Park Rapids Perham Pequot Lakes Roseau Sauk Centre/Melrose Thief River Falls United Clay Becker
The Minnesota State High School League has announced the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school year competitive section assignments. The sections in Northwest Minnesota FALL Sports are below.
SECTION 8 9-PLAYER FOOTBALL (8 teams) Badger/Greenbush-Middle River Goodridge/Grygla Kittson County Central Lake of the Woods Northern Freeze Stephen-Argyle Warren-Alvarado-Oslo Win-E-Mac
SECTION 8A FOOTBALL (7 teams) Ada-Borup-West Bagley Cass Lake-Bena Mahnomen/Waubun Polk County West Red Lake County Red Lake
SECTION 8AA FOOTBALL (8 teams) Barnesville Crookston Frazee Hawley Park Rapids Pelican Rapids Roseau Warroad
SECTION 6 9-PLAYER FOOTBALL (7 teams) Blackduck Clearbrook-Gonvick Fertile-Beltrami Fosston Laporte Park Christian Norman County East/Ulen-Hitterdal
SECTION 8A VOLLEYBALL (22 teams) Ada-Borup-West Badger/Greenbush-Middle River Bagley Blackduck Clearbrook-Gonvick Climax-Fisher Fertile-Beltrami Fosston Goodridge/Grygla Kittson County Central Lake of the Woods Mahnomen/Waubun Northern Freeze Northome/Kelliher Red Lake County Central Red Lake Falls Red Lake Sacred Heart Stephen-Argyle Warren-Alvarado-Oslo Win-E-Mac
SECTION 8AA VOLLEYBALL (14 teams) Barnesville Crookston Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton East Grand Forks Frazee Hawley Menahga Park Rapids Pelican Rapids Perham Roseau Thief River Falls Wadena-Deer Creek Warroad
SECTION 8A BOYS SOCCER (12 teams) Albany Central Minnesota Christian Crookston East Grand Forks Fergus Falls Fergus Falls Hillcrest Lutheran Academy Melrose Minnewaska Area Morris Pelican Rapids St. Cloud Cathedral St. John’s Prep
SECTION 8A GIRLS SOCCER (9 teams) Albany Crookston East Grand Forks Fergus Falls Hillcrest Lutheran Academy Melrose Pelican Rapids St. Cloud Cathedral St. John’s Prep Walker-Hackensack-Akeley
SECTION 8A GIRLS TENNIS (9 teams) Crookston East Grand Forks Park Rapids Parkers Prairie Perham/New York Mills Roseau Staples-Motley Thief River Falls Wadena-Deer Creek
SECTION 8A GIRLS SWIMMING (9 teams) Alexandria Detroit Lakes Fergus Falls Fosston/Bagley Morris Park Rapids Perham/New York Mills/Henning Thief River Falls Warroad/Roseau/BGMR
SECTION 8A BOYS CROSS COUNTRY (Boys – 23 teams, Girls – 24 teams) Ada-Borup-West Bagley/Fosston Barnesville Cass Lake-Bena Clearbrook-Gonvick Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton Fertile-Beltrami Frazee Hawley Lake Park-Audubon Lake of the Woods/Rainy River Northern Freeze Nevis New York Mills New York Mills Homeschool (Girls Only) Park Rapids Pelican Rapids Red Lake County Riverside Christian School Roseau TrekNorth United North Central Warroad West Marshall
