Media Row Interviews
The day began early for Gov. Tim Walz, with media row interviews at Manhattan Beach Lodge starting at 6 a.m. The event was a key part of the 77th Governor’s Fishing Opener in Crosslake. Several media outlets, including newspapers, radio, and TV stations from across the state, were represented.
- These interviews were an opportunity for Walz to share his thoughts on the event and the importance of fishing in Minnesota’s economy.
- The media presence helped to showcase the activities and attractions of the lodge and the surrounding area.
- It was also a chance for the governor to connect with local residents and media representatives.
Some of the other individuals available for 10-minute interviews that morning included:
- Sarah Strommen, Department of Natural Resources commissioner
- Lauren Bennett McGinty, executive director of Explore Minnesota
- Nicole Lalum, industrial relations manager for Explore Minnesota
- Brad Parsons, DNR Fisheries manager
- Rodmen Smith, DNR Enforcement
- Jackson Purfeerst, Crosslake mayor
- Mike Schwieters, owner of Boyd Lodge on the Whitefish Chain
- Corinne Hodapp, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers supervisory park ranger
- Mike O’Connell, Crosslake Chamber Advisory Board member
Fishing Stocking Event
| Location: | Trout Lake, just off the Manhattan Beach Lodge docks |
| Time: | After the media interviews |
| Participants: | Gov. Tim Walz, John Kempe, assistant area supervisor with the Brainerd area DNR |
Walz and Strommen took a boat out onto Trout Lake to stock walleye fry. This event was an important part of the Governor’s Fishing Opener, as it helped to promote the growth of walleye populations in the lake.
“The fishing industry is a vital part of our state’s economy, and we’re committed to making sure that our lakes and rivers remain healthy and sustainable for future generations,” said Strommen.
Youth Fishing Event
| Location: | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Cross Lake Recreation Area |
| Time: | Later that day |
| Participants: | Gov. Tim Walz, Crosslake Community School students |
At the Crosslake Community School, Walz joined students for a youth fishing event. The event was part of the Governor’s Fishing Opener, and it provided an opportunity for local fifth- through eighth-grade students to learn about fishing and participate in hands-on activities. Some highlights of the event included:
- Fishing in the Pine River
- Learning about fish identification and biology at a tailgate aquarium
- Watching water/personal flotation device safety demonstrations
The event also featured a proclamation presentation by Walz, in which he declared the event a Fishing Education Day. Quote from the proclamation:
“‘Fishing is a vital part of our state’s economy, and it’s also a way for us to connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors.”
Other Media Events
| Event: | Resort open house visit |
| Location: | Various resorts |
| Time: | Later that day |
Walz and his staff also visited local businesses, including:
- Lake Country Crafts and Cones
- Whistling Wolf Mini Golf
- National Loon Center
- Bay View Lodge
They met with area mayors in a private meeting and attended the community celebration at Zorbaz.
| Event: | Resort history tour |
| Location: | Whitefish Chain |
| Time: | Later that day |
The tour was hosted by the Whitefish Area Lodging Association and featured Mike Schwieters, owner of Boyd Lodge on the Whitefish Chain.
Fishing Education Day:
A day dedicated to promoting fishing education and awareness, particularly among children and young adults. Loon Pontoon tour:
A guided tour of the lakes and rivers of Minnesota, highlighting the unique features and attractions of the state’s waterways. Resort open house visit:
A visit to various resorts and lodges, providing an opportunity for guests to explore the facilities and amenities. Resort history tour:
A tour of the history and heritage of the resorts and lodges, highlighting their unique features and attractions.
Artist Sonja Larsen
| Event: | Art class at the Crosslake Community Center |
| Location: | Crosslake Community Center |
| Time: | Later that day |
Artist Sonja Larsen taught children and adults the art of gyotuku, a Japanese printing technique that involves painting real fish with ink and then transferring that ink to rice paper in a way that captures the extremely fine details of the fish scales and fins. Larsen’s art:
“Gyotuku is a unique and beautiful way to preserve fish, and it’s also a way to appreciate the intricate details of the fish’s scales and fins,” said Larsen.
Use of fake fish:
“I started with fake fish and then moved on to real crappies for the second class,” said Larsen.
news is a contributor at Uistin. We are committed to providing well-researched, accurate, and valuable content to our readers.
You May Also Like
