Minnesota Snowmobiling is the official publication of the Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association (MnUSA). The publication is a benefit of membership in MnUSA ($35 annual membership).
MnUSA Executive Board
President Mike Clevenger
Vice President Scotty Harder
Secretary Janet Widness
Treasurer Gordon Heitke Past President Scott Wakefield
Past Presidents
Scott Wakefield, Greg Sorenson, Rod Seibel, Mark Kavanaugh, Gayle Quistgard, Mark Steinmueller, Keith Twombly, Terry Hutchinson, Curt Berg, Harold Brace, Bob Linn, Diane Wallenta, Jeff Mausolf, Bob King, Larry Shepherd, Bill Kullberg, LeRoy Strehlo, Tom Decker, Mary Violett, Allen Eglinton, Al Lalim, Harold Tomkins
Minnesota Snowmobiling (ISSN 1085-1054) is published seven times a year for $14 in September, October, November, December, January, February, and March by Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association, 14000 Sunfish Lake Blvd. NW, Ste. L, Ramsey, MN 55303. Periodicals Postage Paid at Fargo, ND and at additional mailing offices.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association, 14000 Sunfish Lake Blvd. NW, Ste. L, Ramsey, MN 55303.
PUBLISHER Dan Ferris
EDITOR Scott Wakefield
ART DIRECTOR / COPY EDITOR Dena Gervasi
ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Chuck Gekas
ADVERTISING SALES Jim Gekas, Mark Hunkeler, Larry Ladowski, Roger Cormier, Greg Jones
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Mike Clevenger, Scotty Harder, Christian Franzen, Scott Wakefield, Anna Paul, Terry Hutchinson
CONTRIBUTIONS: Letters, manuscripts, stories, materials and photographs are welcome but cannot be returned unless sender provides a SASE. Minnesota Snowmobiling is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photos and drawings. Submission of articles and letters implies the right to edit and publish in all or part.
Attendees to Rendezvous provided 23 pounds of pop can tops to Ronald McDonald House to fight cancer. Pictured
Steve Blake from Shakopee.
From
the
Editor Scott Wakefield
Eternally Optimistic
What a great season it has been, Mother Nature has been a bit finicky, but most areas of Minnesota have had snow for a while—some more, some less, and some still and will for a while. This season we set a record for snowfall. In little Hovland, MN, about halfway between Grand Maris and Grand Portage on the far northeastern part of the Arrowhead Region, they got 38.6 inches of snow in a 24-hour period for the month of February. It was a season of having to search for snow if it wasn’t out your window. And with 65% of all registered snowmobiles being in the 13-county metro area, that was a call to get moving up north for snow. Snowmobile events starting with Princeton, to Hay Days, to ISOC, and the Midwest Ride-In in January, were all well attended.
After three years of marginal snow, one may expect less, but I feel real momentum building within the industry. Case in point, Arctic Cat, a company essentially shut down, now quickly back up and running and producing NEW and exciting models. And with the rehiring of former employees and a new focus on “Riders Rule,” there is room for much optimism. Strong sales for Polaris, and holding its market share for Ski-Doo, our manufacturers are doing well.
Registrations are up with a 67% renewal rate as of February 1, essentially guaranteeing a third benchmark for all MnUSA clubs for this season. We will have a new Governor governing our state in November, and snowmobilers should be excited about the prospects versus the lackadaisical
enthusiasm from the current regime. Our member management system is up and running, and roughly 40% of all the clubs in MnUSA are using it. They are seeing how easy it is to renew memberships, print membership cards at meetings, view member profiles, and make changes accordingly in “real time”—it’s exciting!
As a farmer by trade, I’m eternally optimistic. I buy thousands of dollars of seed, plant it in the ground in a massive field, and say, “good luck, little seed.” Season after season I’m amazed how great it works out—some better, some worse—but it all works out. So, I’m excited about our future.
We just need to get the rest of the snowmobiling community to figure it out. I mean, where can you get a small life insurance policy for $2.50 a month by joining MnUSA with no questions asked or pre-existing conditions? Unfortunately, we have had members that have passed and needed to be paid out, but for those left behind, it’s a blessing to have funds to help pay for funerals and the things that go along with it.
And for those of you who have bought a new groomer or drag, and some clubs have, as I attended the Great MN Groomer Show and had discussions with clubs about their recent purchases, all of them saved thousands of dollars on state sales tax because of MnUSA’s legislation.
Tired of losing trails due to sleds with altered mufflers “cans” installed? That will start to slow down after July 1, 2026, when they are banned. A first offense will cost a fine of $250. Again, MnUSA got that legislation passed. And hopefully, a license plate design and approval of a snowmobile plate that can help fund trails for the next 60 years and beyond. A bunch of non-MnUSA snowmobilers meeting in the basement of the local VFW or what have you, will never have the ability to do such a thing.
These are the things MnUSA gets done for you and your clubs. “Strength in numbers, united as one, will get the job done!” Those who wander around not united will never accomplish much of anything.
The 2025-2026 Winter Snowmobile Season From the MnUSA President
Mike Clevenger
Hello fellow snowmobilers,
Once again, this has been an up-and-down snow season, starting out with snow in November, which really got people excited for the upcoming season. This gave everyone hope for a good start to the winter, but at least where I live, this was false hope. In southern Minnesota we continued with another brown-out year. I know there was some riding being done in some areas but for the most part it was not good. On a better note, people did have a chance to get some riding in before it turned to dirt. Northern Minnesota had better luck this year; trails were being groomed and people could ride most areas in the northern parts of the state. I would like to thank people for getting their sleds registered. It did make a very big difference from last year with our GIA fund for grooming. The DNR has told us the first, second, and third benchmarks will be paid this year and only the fourth will be in jeopardy. If registrations continue to come in, we might still get the fourth benchmark.
The 2026 Winter Rendezvous was surprisingly very successful, even with 45-degree temperatures every day of the event. We had many Regions step forward and help the Executive Board this year. I cannot thank Region 1 enough for the great job they did getting the guided rides ready for multiple groups to enjoy their wonderful trail system. Region 1 also hosted the Hospitality Room, and as usual, a great time was had by all.
Region 5 came to help run and monitor the Silent Auction and Live Auction, both of which were a great success.
Additional thanks go out to many other Regions for their help with the registration table—Regions 1, 4, 7, 8, and 9. Region 9 made and donated the wonderful centerpieces. Keep your eyes open; I think you may see them at other regional meetings.
THANK YOU to all who helped with this event! The Executive Board could not have pulled this off without TEAMWORK from many regions. Once again, we would also like to thank the advertisers and donors who make both the event, booklet, silent and live auctions so successful. We had a great response, and for that we send appreciation to all.
I hope you made it to the Legislator Reception, as your presence at this event was very much appreciated and important. As you have been told, we are much stronger in numbers, and it shows. Continue to speak with your Legislators as the year progresses, this shows them that we are active and care about the future of our sport.
I am looking forward to seeing you all at the MnUSA Spring Meeting at Wyndham Gardens Otsego. See MnUSA.org for details.
Thank you for your support!
MnUSA Directors
Executive Board
President Mike Clevenger-XM 7302 NW 97th Ave Morristown, 55052 507-838-5713 cmclevenger3@gmail.com
Vice President
Scotty Harder-XM 13126 Jenkins Dr. Becker, MN 55308 612-860-0606 sharder67@msn.com
Treasurer
Gordon Heitke - XM 2270 300th Ave Mora 55051 763-234-6712 gheitke@gmail.com
As winter sports enthusiasts, we eagerly await the snowy season for the adrenaline rush of snowmobiling. The feeling of the cold air rushing past, the sight of the unspoiled white landscapes—it’s a winter wonderland waiting to be discovered. Amidst the excitement and adventure, it’s essential to ensure that you’re properly protected with snowmobile insurance. Here are a few reasons why snowmobile insurance is a wise decision.
Family and friends
The most signi cant bene t of snowmobile insurance is the peace of mind it brings. Knowing that you’re covered in case of unexpected events allows you to fully immerse yourself in the winter experience. Focus on the breathtaking landscapes and the adrenaline rush of riding, without the nagging worry of potential nancial setbacks.
Protect your snowmobile
Your snowmobile is a valuable investment that deserves protection. With comprehensive and collision coverage, you can rest easy knowing that repair or replacement costs will be covered in the event of certain damage, theft, or accidents. Keep your ride in top condition without breaking the bank.
Be prepared for the unexpected Accidents can happen, even to the most experienced riders. Snowmobile insurance offers liability coverage, protecting you from the nancial implications of thirdparty injuries or property damage, up to speci ed limits. You can relax and have fun in your winter activities, whether riding on trails or exploring the backcountry, when you have the right protection.
Homeowners insurance
Homeowners insurance may provide some coverage for your snowmobile, but it often has limitations and can have a more costly deductible. A dedicated snowmobile insurance policy ensures that you’re adequately covered speci c to your needs.
Policies can provide off-premises and permissive use, allowing you to con dently have friends and family drive your snowmobile occasionally. You also have the option to add minor operators as drivers, so you can rest easy knowing that you have the right protection if something goes wrong.
Personalized protection
Since no two snowmobilers are alike, snowmobile insurance lets you choose your own coverage options. You can customize your policy to include things like accessory and custom parts/equipment coverage to provide protection if you’ve made enhancements or upgrades to your snowmobile. This way, you can be sure that your insurance plan matches your speci c needs.
Con dence for nancing
Obtaining insurance coverage for your snowmobile is often a requirement from lenders if you have nanced its purchase. Not only does snowmobile insurance ful ll this obligation, but it also provides peace of mind by safeguarding your nancial interests.
Have fun in the winter with con dence, knowing that you have the proper coverage for your situation. Invest in snowmobile insurance and ensure that your thrilling escapades remain just that—thrilling, safe, and unforgettable. Let the snow-covered landscapes be your playground, and let insurance be your safety net.
Scan to get a quote in as little as 3 minutes
Go to progressive.com to learn more.
Legislative News
Help Your Elected Official!
by Christian Franzen
In his Gettysburg Adress, Abraham Lincoln described American Government as a government “of the people, by the people, for the people.” In other words, as a democratic republic, the ultimate governing authority (or power) in our country belongs to all of us as citizens to bring about the common good. Yet it often seems that our voices are not heard by the folks we elect to represent us. Maybe for all our shouting, we are just whispering; if our voices are not heard, it’s not because we are not loud; snowmobilers are not shy. Rather, we need to be even smarter in approaching our elected representatives.
Don’t get me wrong; I think that the MnUSA lobbyists are terrific. We fight for snowmobiling every day at the State Capitol.
CLUB SEEKING GROOMER
The Naytahwaush Nightriders Snowmobile Club is looking to purchase a groomer, 5 years old or newer.
Please contact trail coordinator Tom Krenz with info at 763-258-6012.
The problem is that most legislators are not elected to represent lobbyists. Under our system of government, our elected representatives are supposed to represent their constituents (in other words, YOU). Every time a good legislator votes on a bill, they should be asking themselves, how does this vote impact my voters? Unfortunately, that question often remains unanswered
because they don’t know what “their” voters think. It’s well accepted that influence or “political capital” rests with the voters within a legislator’s district. When voters don’t use this “political capital,” legislators do whatever they want for whatever reason strikes their fancy.
Most legislators want to do the right thing (as they perceive it). Unfortunately, social media and propaganda found in nationalized messaging seems to result in elected officials telling us what to care about instead of citizens telling them what we care about. This is not how our government was designed to work.
Fortunately, as MnUSA members, we can use our “political capital” and tell our legislators what we desire. Snowmobiling is important to Minnesota’s quality of life, and our volunteer culture is important to our state. Thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in state revenue exist because of snowmobiling. We have a very good story to tell.
Each MnUSA member has the latent power of their own “political capital.” It’s time to use it. In other words:
• Know who your elected representatives are and let them know why you love our sport and what they can do to help.
• Stay current on legislative issues affecting snowmobiling. MnUSA publishes its legislative priorities in our magazine, on our website, and on fact sheets.
• Communicate with your legislators. Telephone calls, emails, written letters all help. The very best way to communicate is to invite your legislators to your club meeting or better yet take them on a ride.
• Invite your legislators to our annual legislative reception in St. Paul (March 9) and let them know you will be there to meet with them.
• Support legislators who support snowmobiling. Help with their campaigns and contribute to their campaigns.
• Thank them for their support.
If you take these steps, you will be helping your legislators do the best job they can. They will be representing you—their constituent. Your voice will be heard. This is what Lincoln was talking about. A government of the people, by the people and for the people.
MnUSA News WINTER Rendezvous & State Convention Recap
by Scott Wakefield
Well, it’s the time-honored tradition of thanking all MnUSA members, committee members, e-board members, directors, and the like, one time a year, as we rendezvous. This year was similar to last year; as about as similar as you can get. No clubs, trail associations or regions stepped up to host, so the MnUSA E-Board made the decision the day after last year’s Rendezvous that we must do this. The five of us decided then that we were hosting Rendezvous 2026. To make it as simple as possible, we picked the South Shore Lodge in Bemidji again to host us.
We thought it worked well then, and it would work again. Although, things didn’t start out all that well, as late on Friday night June 19th, 2025, and thru the early hours of the 20th, the area (specifically Bemidji) got hit with a derecho of straight-line winds of 120 miles per hour. Over 9 million trees were originally reported downed, but it was closer to 18 million trees, after the fact. Thanks to the North Country Snowmobile Club, they got after it right away and really worked their butts off to get the trails open and available for us 8 months later.
The next task was getting volunteers to help, and Region 5 really stepped up with donations to the silent and live
auction. They also took over the two auctions, getting them lined up and running. In addition, other volunteers worked in many areas including: securing donations, lining up sleds for the hotel, getting the food, getting rooms situated, preparing the Rendezvous booklet, and making goody bags. Jobs for such were divided up amongst the E-Board and others who volunteered. And volunteer they did, that’s the good news.
More good news was that Bemidji had good snow and cold temperatures as winter approached. And during the polar plunge held on Saturday, I got a chance to see the ice up close—36 inches thick and relatively clean, for a lake with lots of activity. So, the opportunity was there to have a great Rendezvous!
Thursday found great trails outside the bandwidth of Bemidji, and because of the hard work of the North Country Snowmobile Club along with the Blackduck Snowmobile Club, the trails were in excellent condition—thank you!
With temperatures forecasted to climb throughout the weekend, on Thursday a plan B was set in place for
Photo: Garrett Laing
Saturday, including a visit to the Bemidji woolen mill, the local brewery, and the local polar plunge, if in fact the trails had deteriorated to a point of unrideable.
Friday was foggy and overcast until about 9:30 a.m., as the temperatures higher aloft created the fog over the colder frozen, snowy landscape. But by 10 a.m., all who came to ride were riding, and it was spectacular. Back at the hotel, registrations kept coming in, and we ended up with 17 “walk-ins,” as well as more auction items.
All those who rode were reminded to get back to the hotel for the social hour and meal, and our great speaker Mitchell Johnson, the 76-year-old son of David Johnson, co-founder of Polaris. Mitchell was an excellent speaker, as he had the insight on how things really transpired between Polaris and Edgar Hetten, including the famous “I quit” proclamation, and the starting of Arctic Cat.
farm machinery, specifically a straw chopper that mounted on the back of a combine. And even when the production of snowmobile number one started on January 10, 1956, the straw chopper business still was the big money maker. Joel Olson bought number one to help haul hay to his cattle, and so Al set off to build number two.
The contention came about when Edgar and David asked the community to fund $35,000 for the production of the straw chopper, not snowmobiles. Guys like “Sliver Pete” Peterson, a lumberyard owner and trapper, and Harley Jenson, a logger from the Northwest Angle, were some of the first buyers. In all, 108 Sno Cats were built in 1956, followed by 115 in 1957.
After starting what would become Polaris in 1945, brother Al Hetten started in 1948 after high school graduation. The business started out installing electric poles for the REA to electrify the rural areas, then started dabbling in
In 1958, Edgar met A.C. Paul, from Manitoba, 800 miles north of Roseau. An Autoboggen was at a festival they both attended, and the Sno Cats ran circles around that Autoboggen. In 1958, A.C. Paul was short Autoboggen sleds, so a call was made to Edgar. Having 20 Sno Cats left over, Edgar agreed, but they had to be branded Autoboggens. They had some yellow Minneapolis Moline
36-inch ice chunks out of Lake Bemidji.
paint left in the back from some straw choppers that didn’t get sold, so they painted those Sno Cat’s Minneapolis Moline yellow, and those were the first 20 sold in Canada.
In 1959, Tucker Sno Cat called and said to stop using their Sno Cat name or they would sue, so they needed a new name. Polaris was that new name.
Edgar took off to Alaska to test these new Polaris sleds. The President of Polaris, Herb Borra was not happy, but Kohler financed the trip, and on that trip to Alaska, Edgar got the snowmobile “disease.” Upon his return, Herb asked Edgar to come into his office. Herb reminded Edgar that straw choppers were what was making Polaris the money to make payroll
Apr 17-19 • MnUSA Spring Meeting at the Wyndham Garden, Otsego, MN, (269) 692-5417
Jun 3-6 • 58th Annual International Snowmobile Congress ISC, Omaha, NE, Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center
Jul 12 • MnUSA Summer Event, Region 2, Quadna Mountain Resort, Hill City, MN
and told him to stop dilly-dallying around with these snowmobiles. And reminded him that the community gave Polaris $35,000 to build straw choppers not snowmobiles. By then it was too late. Edgar being irascible and short tempered said, “I quit!”, and off to TRF he went to work for LB Harts who was manufacturing Polar sleds and steam cleaners for cleaning farm equipment. And so, it goes. What a great presentation, and it continued for another hour (more of the story to come later).
Saturday again was foggy but quickly cleared off, and groups of sleds went north for better snow conditions. The sun came out around 10 a.m. and it was 43+ degrees out. Some people took advantage of the off-site events, and some waited until 3 p.m. for the Hospitality room to open up, which was hosted by Region 1 and the Friborgs—thanks guys!
The day was a whirlwind with another social hour and great meal, with their famous walleye dinner. Then there were the awards, that included “Young Snowmobiler of the Year” Mathew Nohner of Lakeville, president/ member of the youth club Tri-County Snow Czechers; “Unsung Hero”
Aug 7-9 • 21st Annual Vintage Snowmobile National Championship Show and Swap, South Dakota State Fairgrounds, Huron, SD
Aug 28-29• Rum River Outlaw Grass Drags, Princeton, MN, www.outlawgrassdrags.com
Sep 12-13 • Hay Days Grass Drags and Swap Meet, North Branch, MN
Oct 23-25 • MnUSA Fall Workshop, Region 9, Holiday Inn, Alexandria, MN
Speaker Mitchell Johnson, son of Polaris co-founder.
continued next page »
Tim Pederson, son of Walt Pederson of the Plaisted Expedition to the North Pole.
MnUSA News
Kevin Dreyer of New York Mills, and member of the Otter Trail Riders; “Dealer of the Year” Thomas Sno Sports, an Arctic Cat dealer in Ogilvie and member of the Rum River Trail Association; “Snowmobile Club of the Year” Chaska Sno-Hawks who have raised over $500,000 for their local community; “Snowmobile Family of the Year” Mike and Cheryl Clevenger of Morristown, members of the Faribo Sno-Go Club and Sakatah Trail Sno-Cruisers.
As a reminder to all MnUSA members—if you think of an individual, organization or club that would be worthy, get those nominations in by November 30, 2026. Also, a reminder that MnUSA scholarship applications are due March 31, 2026. Info for nominations and scholarships: mnusa.org.
After our awards, the DNR had awards including 30-year DNR Snowmobile Instructor Dick Thies who accepted
his print. Our evening speaker was up next, and it was Tim Pederson, son of Walt Pederson, who was part of the expedition to the North Pole with Ralph Plaisted, Gerry Pitzl and Jean-Luc Bombardier. They were the first to make it to the North Pole on April 19, 1968. Your social studies books may say Robert Perry was the first to reach the pole in April of 1909, but he wasn’t, and according to Tim, he knew it and lied about it. Tim has over 2,500 slides that his father took of the expedition, and they are in great shape. Tim was joined by his three sons on Saturday evening, and that made for a very special presentation, as the youngest son helped with the computer photos, and Tim narrated. Overall, it was a very interesting presentation, and very exciting to be a part of.
The evening was rounded out by a very quick and active live auction by auctioneer Col. Scott J. Wakefield, aka, me! I auctioned over 38 items with a mere nine minutes left before the silent auction ended at 9 p.m. sharp with 88 items, concluding the evening… whew!
Mathew Nohner, Young Snowmobiler of the Year.
Kevin Dreyer, Unsung Hero.
Chaska Sno-Hawks, Snowmobile Club of the Year.
Dick Thies, 30 years of recognition as a DNR Snowmobile Instructor.
MnUSA News
Sunday morning brought an early wake-up at 8 a.m., with the general membership meeting. After a break, the Board of Directors meeting was held. Movement on the license plate needed to be voted on, moving to co-sponsor with the state association of lakeshore owners on a design.
Youth News by
The Tri-County Snow Czechers youth club invited me back to their February meeting at the New Prague Fire Department building. I was running a little late, but the room was a buzz, as it was the night for turning in pizza fundraising money, getting all orders in and double-checking the work so that it all made sense.
An update on the permanent building at Hay Days was discussed. Also, the third benchmark has been guaranteed by the DNR, due to increased registrations and gas tax money. And with that, what a Rendezvous it was!
Scott Wakefield
This was a unique meeting, as when I walked in the door, I knew a “celebrity” was in attendance. No, it wasn’t me, but rather it was the Young Snowmobiler of the Year award winner, Mathew Nohner of Lakeville, also known as the president of the Tri-County Snow Czechers. That’s right, the guy running the meeting was the MnUSA Young Snowmobiler of the Year, and deservedly so.
It was decided that since many of the youth in attendance wouldn’t be at Rendezvous, we would make the award announcement at the meeting. It was spectacular to see the response of the group, knowing one of their own was
going to be awarded this prestigious award. So, it was decided a speech would be needed to finish off this accomplishment. Most winners wouldn’t take that with grace and would right away starting thinking of excuses not to speak. When I announced that would be the expectation of the crowd at Rendezvous, Mathew’s mind was already sorting through ideas on what to say.
In a word, impressive! Everything about Mathew and the youth club is impressive. They were going through some of their recent escapades on snow—what broke and what got fixed, and planning their season-ending club party. I’ve got a guess on consumables, lots of Mountain Dew!
Snowmobile Family of the Year, Mike and Cheryl Clevenger and family.
Live auction along with several helpers.
ICONIC SINCE DAY ONE
It’s a special year: the 20th anniversary of the X-RS, a truly iconic package that changed the game. To celebrate, we’re dropping the EPIC special-edition 20th anniversary MXZ X-RS. This ultimate Ski-Doo features the industry-leading 130 hp Rotax 600RR E-TEC engine and racing Integral base valve shocks so you can ride full out. It’s also available with the Rotax 850 E-TEC Turbo R engine with water injection system.
GET 4 YEARS OF COVERAGE ON 2027 SKI-DOO MODELS BEFORE MARCH 31, 2026
OLLIE’S SERVICE, INC.
111 DONNA AVE, ALEXANDRIA, MN https://www.olliesservice.com
CASWELL CYCLE
768 NORTH HWY 65, MORA, MN https://www.caswellcycle.com
MSEAF and MnUSA held their 17th annual ride on January 31 in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. This was one of our largest rides ever with 152 veterans and guests participating in the ride, with 30 guides and sweeps from the local area snowmobile clubs providing us with 14 guided groups of riders enjoying the perfectly groomed trails. Our rides varied in length from 60 to 120 miles.
This event was held at Timberlake Lodge Hotel & Event Center and their staff hosted a wonderful event and provided everything we needed at a moment’s notice. They have hosted other MnUSA events and will welcome us back in the future for any events we wish to have at their facility.
Our Friday night reception was well attended, and everyone enjoyed the pizza buffet and the hospitality that was provided along with meeting others and exchanging stories. Registration, signing up for ride groups, and signing up for one of the 44 snowmobiles provided if they didn’t have their own, also was completed Friday evening. A huge thank you needs to
2026 VETERANS APPRECIATION RIDE
be given to Polaris, Arctic Cat, and the four veterans and volunteers who provided their extra sleds for others to enjoy.
Our lunch stop was at the Itasca Driftskippers clubhouse. Everyone enjoyed the space and the time to take a break after their morning ride. Having
Photo: Scott Rokis
Photo: Scott Rokis
approximately 200 snowmobiles show up for lunch is a task that they handled very well and sent us on our way for our afternoon rides.
The Saturday night banquet was again a huge success with great food and an open microphone passed around for any veteran to share their years of service and stories with the group. Their time and locations of their service and some of the things they experienced were shared and many brought laughter to the room. Our event will continue to be about support for our veterans and thanks for their service.
Our event would not have been possible without the more than 200 donors who funded and supported the ride, as this event is 100% funded by donations. Without Al Lauer and his 30+ guys and gals providing their help and support, this event would not be possible. These volunteers were members of the Lawron Trail Riders, Itasca Driftskippers, Greenway Snowmobile Club, and the Cromwell Sno-Gophers.
Minnesota Snowmobile Education and Advancement Fund & Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association thank the following for their donations to the 2026 and future Veterans Appreciation Rides
EVENT SPONSORS
Arctic Cat
Polaris Industries
Timberlake Lodge & Hotel
Lawron Trail Riders
Itasca Driftskippers
Greenway Snowmobile Club
Duluth Lawn & Sports
Ray’s Sport & Cycle
Northland Ag & Turf
R & R Rental
Byfuglien Trucking Inc.
Wildes Trailers
Piston Bully
Sno-Trails Inc
T&T Sports & Lawn
SPONSORS OF VETERANS
American Legion Post #225
American Legion Post 2
American Legion Post 57
Andrew Graf
Anonymous
Blizzard Snowmobile Club Inc
Brainerd Snodeos
Burnsville Toyota
Caledonia Sno-Gophers
Carver County Snowrunners
Chaska VFW Post 1791
Chaska VFW Post 1791 Auxiliary
Clay County Trail Blazers
Clearwater Trailblazers Snowmobile Club
Cliff & Coulee Climbers
Country Snow Cruisers Inc
Crow Wing County Snowmobile Trails
Assn
Dakota Trails Association Inc
DMT Motorsports
Doug Swanson
Earl Klersy
Elrosa Baseball Club Inc
Flags and Honor of MN
Forest Lake Snowmobile Club Inc
Four Seasons Recreational Assn
Foxtailers Snowmobile Club
Friends of Country Climbers Snowmobile
Club
Good Time Riders Snowmobile Club
Greenway Snowmobile Club
Hastings SnoMos
Hiawatha Sno-Seekers
Jeff Petschl Inc
Jerry & Nancy Hanson
Jill Sampica
Jim Folz
Joe Frederick
Jordan Commercial Club
Jordaness Lions
Kenyon Snowdrifters
K-M Snowdrifters
LaCanne’s Marine
Larry & Judith Shepherd
Leo’s South
Lonsdale Snowbirds
Low Plains Drifters
M&M Power Sports
Madelia Snowhawks Inc
Mark & Susan Steinmueller
Mark Martinson
Matthew & Lisa Tuttle
Mike & Cheryl Clevenger
MnUSA Region 4
MnUSA Region 5
MnUSA Region 6
MN Vets 4 Vets
MnUSA Region 8
Moonshiners Snowmobile Club
New Market Bank
New Prague Snow Drifters
Nicollet County Trails Assn
Northwest Trails Development Assn
Otter Trail Riders Snowmobile Club
Prior Lake Lions
Prior Lake Snowmobile Association
Randolph & Lisa Kubes
Randy LaBerge
Red Wing Riverview Riders Inc.
Rice Creek Trails Association
Richard Schleicher
River Valley Trail Blazers
Robert & Judith King
Robert J Wolf
Roseau County Trailblazers
Savage Sno-Pacers
Shakopee Lions
Shakopee Valley Lions
Shakopee VFW Post 4046
Sheri Gades
Sno Hawks Snowmobile Club
Snowbirds of Amboy
South Tonka Sno-mobilers
Stateliners Snowmobile Club
Team Lavalle Inc.
Terry & Dianne Peterson
VFW Paul F Donart Post 2853
Warren Sno-Cat Club
Washington County Star Trails
Waterford Warriors
Wells Creek Riders Snowmobile Club
Westonka Snoblazers
Whitewater Trail Blazers
William & Jane Rosten
CONTRIBUTORS
Mary Lou Clevenger
Pat Rose
Rox Speed FX Inc
FXR
Heinens
Woodys
Sly Dog
Chicken Coop
LaVallee Inc.
Chopper City
Jeff Petschl Inc.
VOLUNTEERS WHO PROVIDED
PERSONAL SLEDS
John Olmscheid
Mike Clevenger
Don Wineland
Terry Hutchinson
Photo: Scott Rokis
The Big
New 2027 Sled Line-Up
This article is not meant to compete with the other publishers who pride themselves on in-depth analysis of each model and changes in each of the manufacturers, year by year down to nuts and bolts. We tend to do the 30,000-foot look at what the manufacturers have to offer, to get our MnUSA members excited to go to the local dealer to find out more.
by Scott Wakefield
So, let’s get flying by starting alphabetically with ARCTIC CAT—The CAT is back! Brad Darling is manning the helm after jumping in with both feet 10 months ago. Darling has taken a company that was not operating, to up and running, by rehiring good, qualified people and re-entering as the manufacturer of the best snowmobiles money can buy, and doing it sooner than anticipated, with the newest sled version rolling off the assembly line August 11, 2025. This has been driven by the three new pillars of “Passion,” “Legacy” and “Riders First,” and by listening to what loyal Arctic Cat fans want to see. They are listening…here’s the 2027 Arctic Cat lineup and pre-check info, so as they say at Arctic Cat, “Lock In and Get More.”
The return of the Jag and El Tigré, and for spring only, a new limited-edition Whiteout color option. Also, some of the best programs of the year thru March 23, with a spring guarantee of delivery, 3-year limited warranty or a 2-year limited warranty and a free EPS upgrade, EPS (electric power steering) or take the 2-year and $800 in Cat Cash on a Trail, Deep Snow, Crossover, Touring, Utility, Youth and Enduro sled options.
Specifically in Trail models they offer: Jag, ZR, El Tigré and Thundercat with 600 E-Tech motors or 858 options in each, starting with Jag 400, Jag 400 Sno Pro SG, Jag Sno Pro. In the El Tigré options: El Tigré 600, El Tigré 858 137, 858 146, followed by the ZR 600, ZR 600 Sno Pro, ZR 600 EPS, ZR 600 Sno Pro EPS SC, ZR 600 Sno Pro EPS, and in engine configuration 858, ZR 858, ZR 858 Sno Pro, ZR 858 Sno Pro ESP SG and ZR 858 Sno Pro EPS; spring only ZR 858 White Tiger and ZR 600-R-XCEPS. Additionally, the ZR 7000 4-stroke, and finally the Thundercat with the 998 CC C-Tech 4-stroke engine, also in the 146-track option, all done by the March 23 deadline.
POLARIS SnowCheck deemed Snow Day Deals include the 2027 Indy XCR, VR1, Indy Adventure, Indy XC, and Indy SP. The Indy XCR comes with two engine options—650 Patriot and Patriot 9R. While the VR1 has four engine options—650 Patriot, 850 Patriot, Patriot 9R, and Patriot Boost. The Adventure has two options— the 4-stroke Prostar 4 and 650 Patriot, similar to the XC, with the XC adding the 850 Patriot engine choice. The Indy SP has the same engine options as the Adventure.
Only certain models are available during Snow Day Deals SnowCheck through March 13, 2026, of these types of models: RMK, Switchback, Indy, Voyageur and Titan. SnowCheck gives up to $3,000 off select models, and financing as low as 0%, plus $250 in free parts and accessories. Some select sleds offer a 2-year warranty. See dealer for details by the March 13th deadline.
SKI-DOO offers great deals through its Spring Check sales event until March 31, 2026, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the X-RS. The ‘27 MXZ X-RS features the industry-leading 130 hp Rotax 600RR E-TEC engine and racing integral base value shocks. It’s also available in the Rotax 850 E-TEC Turbo R engine with water injection system.
The all-new Scandic SE is now on the REV GEN 5 platform. The redesigned Scandic of workhorses also features the uMotion rear suspension for maximum comfort, capacity, control and quietness.
On the trail side, the spring only Renegade X gets the 4 years of coverage, along with the Renegade Adrenaline with Enduro Package, as well as the Renegade Adrenaline.
In the MXZ platform you have the MXZ Adrenaline, with 4 years of warranty, the MXZ with Blizzard Package, MXZ X, and finally the MXZ X-RS—all with the 4-year limited warranty, which consists of
a 12-month BRP limited warranty and a 36-month B.E.S.T. Coverage warranty.
For further details contact your local Ski-Doo dealer. But if you are considering purchasing a new sled, make sure you do it by March 31, 2026.
Well, there you have it, a 30,000-foot look at what the BIG three have to offer for 2027. Don’t wait too long, as time is counting and soon the deadlines will be here.
Vintage News
New Location…Same Spectacular Event!
With so many vintage shows this year and so many well attended, it’s hard to cover all of them. And with so many each weekend, sometimes you must decide on going to one and reporting on one that has gone through a recent change after many years.
That was the case this year with the Midwest Ride-In which was held annually in Waconia the last weekend in January. However, that little growing community necessitated a change when development pushed this little show out the door. After a couple of years at ERX, this committee was able to
find a location that marked all the boxes once checked by the Waconia location. This location needed: walkability, a lake, a big ballroom area, a lot of land for a trail ride, room to expand in the future, and a real homey feel, like Waconia. Check, check, check and check.
So, off to Dehn’s Pumpkin Patch and Events in Dayton, MN, right off 94 and behind Cabela’s with French Lake and the very close Diamond Lake—great for lake riding and future events on frozen water. What an expansive area for future growth as Leo and Diane Dehn and family graciously welcomed all of us—a close to record group of attendees—to their palatial estate of close to 1000 acres, including relatives, siblings and the like. Variations in topography really benefited the Ride-In committee when it came to no over-the-top snowfall, as this acreage has rolling hills, lowlands and woods, to hold snow once it did fall. The lowlands and swamp areas were good for a trail ride or two, and with changing conditions during the week, so was the trail ride, location and distance. That’s called “rolling with the punches” folks, and that’s what was done down to the day before it was to happen.
The trail ride on Friday was special as the Memorial Kevin Leshe Trail Ride was led by his brother, which was a nice touch. On Saturday, there was the Jack Speckel Memorial Trail Ride with 443 sleds counted. Jack would’ve been proud to see his beloved Arctic Cats represented on this wonderful sunny winter’s day.
Saturday was a spectacular day, as the parking lots continued to fill up shortly after 9 a.m., and then becoming completely full, which is great problem to have. Next year it’s been stated there will be more grains planted and the bean stubble may be rolled to smooth it out.
The ballroom was well laid out (there were more chairs in that ballroom than the ERX site), and the silent and live auctions entertained those hanging out in the ballroom. A neat addition was a fake wall with industrial plastic strips as a
walkthrough versus a small service door like at ERX; a Leo Dehn, original no less.
Leo worked so hard to make this such a great event—tirelessly grooming during the week, grinding up ice, and on game day, parking cars, and keeping the heat going in the ticket booths. I was able to sit on a picnic table outside the ballroom with Leo and his family, overlooking the wonderful expanse of vintage sleds and vintage sled folks. I sat and watched everyone enjoying the wonderful pork chops grilled to perfection by a local snowmobile club, in addition to smash burgers, cheese curds, and mini donuts; eating, drinking and taking it all in. Life is really good some days, and any day at the Midwest Ride-In is some of life’s best.
Milestones In Memoriam: Randy Feyereisn
Randy Feyereisn, age 68 of Faribault, MN, died on Monday, February 9, 2026, due to injuries sustained while snowmobiling near Cable, WI.
Randy Lynn, the son of Leonard Feyereisn and Ardith Young was born on September 17, 1957 in Honolulu, HI while his father was stationed there with the U.S. Army. He was very proud to tell people he was born in Hawaii. He attended Faribault Senior High School and graduated with the class of 1975. Following high school Randy attended RCTC and earned his associate’s degree in engineering and drafting. On April 19, 1980 he was united in marriage to Lynn Bjorklund. Randy began his working career at Nutting Truck & Caster, then moved to Crown
Cork & Seal before starting a 40-year career at Mercury Minnesota as an Engineer, retiring in 2023.
Randy loved being outdoors and loved snowmobiling. He was currently President of the Faribo Sno-Go Club and had been for many years. He also enjoyed deer hunting with his family and friends, 4-wheeling, especially in Idaho, classic cars, playing softball in his younger years and was famous for his maple syrup, raspberries and homemade caramels. Randy was also a member of the Faribault Rifle and Pistol Club. His pride and joy were his grandchildren and he never missed any of their games or events. They called him Papa Randy. He loved making them pancakes and having extras that he could send home with them.
Osterkamp Danny & Fay Yochum Dave & Laurie Lorence
& Patti Myers Dave & Tammy Wolf
& Rita Meichsner
Knutson
Dusty & Alysa Zander
Edward Barnick
Eric & Angela Bachinski
Eric & Ivy Wendt
Gage
Gary & Leslee Granke
Gary & Judy Lothenbach
Gary Wester
Gordon Brekken
Gordon & Diane Heitke
Greg Stark
Gregory Shepard
Grey Mavencamp
Jason & Brooke Huerkamp
Jeff Alberts
Jeff & Louise Kack
Jeff & Terri Jo Melo
Jeff & Tonya Schield
Jeff Walstrom
Jeff Ylinen
He is survived by his wife, Lynn Feyereisn; his sons, John (Erica) Feyereisn and Joseph Feyereisn and fiancé Stephanie Brockman; six grandchildren, Peytyn, Ashlyn, Adelyn, Jasper, Natalee and Isabella; his father, Leonard Feyereisn; his siblings, Sue (Gerry) Hunt and Jim Feyereisn; his step brother, Chris Vlasek and by nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Ardith (Richard) Buan and his brother, Dan Feyereisn.
Services were held in February in Faribault.
Jeffrey Price
Jill & Randy Brandt
Jill Erickson-Buresh
Jim Bryant
Jim & Barb Mickow
Joe Gerrits
Joe & Cindee Reis
Joel Matter
John Matejcek
John Wade
Jon & Judy Hendry
Jon Jacobson
Jon & Tawni Maynard
Kason Heinecke
Keith & Heather Berndt
Keith & Jennifer Twombly
Ken & Pat Eckel
Ken Lewis
Ken & Katie Russell
Kent & Laurie Hicks
Kevin & Ann Schield
Kim Werkmeister
Kip & Leon Wessels
Kris Schiffler
Kurt & Melanie Schultz
Lance & Katrina Hapka
Larry Grabanski
Larry & Judy Shepherd
Levi & Kristen LaVallee
Marc Laskow
Mark & Lori Coleman
Mark & Patti Eldred
Mark & Karen Thompson
Merle Weidemann
Michael & Mary Denker
Michael & Jodi Guckenberg
Michael Klimek
Mike Berthiaume & Karen Randall-Fisher
Mike & JoElle Boucher
Mike & Wendy Brandt
Mike & Cheryl Clevenger
Mike & Kym Duea
Mike & Judy Nodsle
Mike & Ilyne Rasmussen
Mike & Peggy Reis
Mike & Vicki Thelen
Nicholas Schuetz
Nick & Gretchen Slavicek
Paul Fossum
Paul Kirscht
Paul Mendoza
Paul Vranish
Petschl Family
Randy & Sue Baudler
Randy LaBerge
Randy Vannet
Rich & Ruth Zeman
Richard Buresh
Richard & Judith Johnson
Richard & Barbara Schmidt
Rick & Ruth Whitcomb
Ron Warhol
Rob White
Robert Carney
Rod Skorich
Ron Peterson
Scott & Lisa Wakefield
Scotty Harder
Shawn & Kathy Rampelberg
Sheri & Russell Gades
Steve & Carolyn Blake
Steve & Terri Kast
Steve & Brittni Meier
Steven & Linda Knopp
Steven & Jane Spaeth
Terry & Debbie Hutchinson
Terry & Dianne Peterson
Tim & Karen Bothun
Tim & Linda Clark
Todd Johnson
Todd Novitsky
Tony & Val Barthel
Trace & Lisa McCoy
Walter & Connie Petersen
Wayne & Darlene Kuehl
Willard & Kim Hunnewell
William Kaphing
Wyat Vandal
Milestones
Former MnUSA President Takes Last Ride
Allen (Al) Eglinton, 86, passed away Saturday, January 31, 2026, surrounded by family at Bay Harbor Assisted Living in La Crescent, MN.
Al was born on April 28, 1939, at the Caledonia Hospital to Albert Charles Eglinton and Helen Irene (Olson) Eglinton. He attended country school until 6th grade and Caledonia High School through 12th grade until he graduated in 1957. He was a member of the District I football championship team of 1956. After graduation, he left the family farm and began two years employment with Remington Rand Univac in Saint Paul, MN as a draftsman. During his employment he worked on the Athena Guidance System which attempted several moon landings.
He married Marion Louise (Schuldt) Eglinton on May 10, 1958, in the Presbyterian Church in Caledonia. Shortly after, he purchased the family farm and moved back to Caledonia where they raised dairy and beef cows, hogs, and chickens.
In 1966 he enrolled in the language arts program at Winona State College and graduated in 1968 with an English major and Speech minor. He accepted a language arts position at La Crescent High School and enjoyed 33 rewarding years on staff. Being a part of so many students’ lives during their formative years was truly a joy for him.
Al was an organizer of the Caledonia, Minnesota Sno-Gophers Snowmobile Club and served three years as its first president. The club is still active and currently grooms 160+ miles of trail and has recently constructed a new shed for their two groomers and various other trail equipment.
He urged his club to join Minnesota Association of Snowmobilers (MAS) to make a larger impact on the sport. Later he helped in bringing MAS and the Snowmobile Association of Minnesota (SAM) into one group, (MNUSA). His efforts served to unite the U.S. and Canada into a sizable snowmobile force.
Al is survived by his wife Marion, four children, 14 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and one greatgreat-grandchild. He will be missed by the many friends he made across the U.S. and Canada while attending snowmobiling events and trail rides.
A Celebration of Life was held February 14, 2026 in Caledonia, MN. He was laid to rest in Union Ridge Cemetery near his sister, parents, grandparents and other family members.
Memorials and condolences for the Allen Eglinton Family can be sent in care of McCormick Funeral Home, 205 East Main Street, Caledonia, MN 55921.
WHAT'S COOKIN'? Cheddarburger Skillet
1 pound ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
10 3/4-ounce can cream of mushroom soup
10 3/4-ounce can cheddar cheese soup
(for more zing, try nacho cheese soup) 1/4 cup water
2 cans whole potatoes, drained and cut up (I prefer to add 3 cups cooked elbow macaroni instead) 1/2 pound Velveeta cheese slices
Brown ground beef and onion. Drain grease and add mushroom soup, cheese soup and water. Stir all ingredients together. Add potatoes or elbow macaroni, if you prefer. Continue cooking until all ingredients are well combined and heated through, stirring occasionally. Add Velveeta cheese slices on top, and heat until melted.
Rose Vesely
North Country Snowmobile Club, Region 1
Club News
MnUSA Premium Clubs!
Be a part of the group who is supporting trails and the success of MnUSA. For $100 a year, your club will be listed in Minnesota Snowmobiling Magazine each issue. Plus, you’ll receive a wonderful 18”x24” sign with stand, declaring you are a proud MnUSA Premium Club, perfect for showing off at your local meetings or events you attend. Simply send a check to the MnUSA office at 14000 Sunfish Lake Blvd. NW, Ste L., Ramsey, MN 55303 (in the memo write “CLUB DONATION”), or contact Scott Wakefield today at oliver1650@icloud.com or 612-483-5638.
MnUSA Premium Clubs
Ash River-Kabetogama Snowdrifters
Benton County SC
Big Lake Sno Cruisers
Blue Earth Snow Rovers
Bonanza Valley Trail Blazers
Cokato Ridge Runners
Country Snow Cruisers, Inc.
Crow River Sno Pros
Dalton Snow Thrashers
E. C. Riders
Elk Lake Easy Riders
Ely Igloo Snowmobile Club
Eveleth Trailhawks Snowmobile Club
Freeborn Cty Snowmobile Trail Assn
Greenway Snowmobile Club
Harding Lastrup SnoDusters
Hillman Swampstompers
Hinckley/Pine City Flames
Leech Lake Riders Club
Lincoln Lakes SC
Longville Snowmobile Club
Lost River Trails
Madelia Snohawks
Mille Lacs Trails
Naytahwaush Nightriders
New Market Snomads
Northern Pine Riders
Northwoods Trail Riders
Otter Trail Riders
Palmer Powder Hounds
Pequaywan Area TrailBlazers
Pequot Brush Pilots
Prior Lake Snowmobile Assn
Reservoir Riders
Ridgerunner’s Snowmobile Club
River City Snow Riders
River Valley Trail Blazers
Rock County Sno-Masters
Roseau County Trailblazers
Scott County Sno Trails
Sherburne Co. Snowmobile Trail Assoc.
Sno Barons Snowmobile Club
Snowbirds of Amboy, Inc.
St Augusta Blizzard Busters
Tamarack Sno-Flyers
Trail Breakers Inc
Voyageurs Snowmobile Club
Wells Creek Riders
Westonka SnoBlazers
Club News
In Memory of Tom McArthur (1959-2022)
Tommy Mac – you say that name around here, and everyone has a story to tell. Tom McArthur was an integral part of the Naytahwaush Nightriders Snowmobile Club. He was my dad’s best friend, and like an uncle to me. He passed away doing one of the things he loved most— snowmobiling—on the second day of our annual Hospice fundraising ride. That weekend in Park Rapids was unforgettable, filled with pit stops, memories, and rallying for a special cause.
Tom helped our club with every event, even during the summer. Despite raising three boys with his wife Ruth, and running the Village Store, he always made time to brainstorm ideas we still use today. Tom was involved in every part of Snodeo, Hospice fundraising, Fun Run, banquets, meetings, and trail maintenance. His absence leaves our club searching for his advice.
He was a spectacular club member, and truly one of a kind. He was one of the kindest souls I’ve ever known.
Everyone knew him, and Tom treated each person like family. He was the type of person who would give his shirt off his back to help anyone in need, even in below-freezing weather.
“Tom wasn’t my uncle by blood, but he’s been my Uncle Tom since I asked at four if I could call him that, and he said ‘Of course, Mick.’ That was who he was – to me and to everyone – full of life, endlessly generous, and loving without limits. If you knew him, you knew he was gold.” – McKaylee Swanson
Tom gave the best life advice. The weekend he passed, we stopped at the Bully Barn in Park Rapids during our Hospice ride. At age 21, I was struggling with career options – money or passion. I asked Tom for his opinion, and he said something like this: “Anna, you’re young. You have your whole life ahead of you. If you need money to make things work right now, choose that. But…never forget your passion and always go back to what you love.” Tom taught me that while it’s important to make a living, it’s also imperative that we enjoy what we do with our lives. I will carry his advice with me forever.
“Tommy Mac was my best friend. We did everything together – from fishing, snowmobiling, helping with our club’s Snodeo races, to the Hospice ride he started. Tom was always there to help. His family meant everything to him, and he embraced my daughters like they were his own, teaching them life lessons. I miss him every day!”
– Steve ‘Carrot’ Paul
His death deeply affected our community, but it also reminded us to start living the lives we never made time for before. It took time for our club to find its footing again, but I believe Tom would be proud of us for continuing – even when we weren’t sure we could. We’ll miss Tom’s presence for the rest of our lives, but his legacy will continue on.
Submitted by Anna Paul, Naytahwaush Nightriders Snowmobile Club Secretary
Tom and Ruth McArthur.
The 2022 Hospice Ride group.
A young Anna Paul and Tom McArthur in 2006.
THE ALL-NEW 858 IS HERE
2/1/26
February & March RAFFLE CALENDAR WINNERS
$50 Scott Tommerdahl Felton
2/2/26 $25 Peggy Koscielniak Hillman
2/3/26 $25 Blair Holthusen Gr ygla
2/4/26 $25 Paul Geannakouri Austin
2/5/26 $25 Bob Good Waconia
2/6/26 $25 Jeff Davis Brooklyn Center
2/7/26 $50 Evan Vanderlinde Waconia
2/8/26 $50 Kurt Doree Hibbing
2/9/26 $25 Mike Clevenger Morristown
2/10/26 $25 Tessa Bergstrom Grand Forks
2/11/26 $25 Jason Witt Henderson
2/12/26 $25 Mike Smith Dodge Center
2/13/26 $25 Brooke Pollock K alispell, MT
2/14/26 $250 A shley Klerer Gaylord
2/15/26 $50 Bill Wyffels Pillager
2/16/26 $250 Bob Sell Spring Grove, PA
2/17/26 $25 Dann Haider Waubun
2/18/26 $25 Maylee Decker Southhaven
2/19/26 $25 Carl Peterson Menahga
2/20/26 $25 Jim Berg Moorhead
2/21/26 $50 James Hanson Thief River Falls
2/22/26 $50 C yd Malelcha Prior Lake
2/23/26 $25 Jim Keesling Columbia Falls, MT
2/24/26 $25 Ron Schesso S t Bonifacius
2/25/26 $25 Rita Gelhar McGregor
2/26/26 $25 Becky Orrock Big Lake
2/27/26 $25 Fred Holter Oslo
2/28/26 $50 Floyd Baynes Faribault
3/1/26 $50 Derek Gibbs Madison Lake
3/2/26 $25 S tarla Tyree S avage
3/3/26 $25 Justin Moore L anaric, IL
3/4/26 $25 Keth Vos Minneapolis
3/5/26 $25 Myron Knodel Dilworth
3/6/26 $25 Brook Busack S acred Heart
3/7/26 $50 Ron Kalinoski Thief River Falls
3/8/26 $50 Matt Motz Lonsdale
3/9/26 $25 John Rowe Elko New Market
3/10/26 $25 Judy Lothenbach Inver Grove Heights
3/11/26 $25 Shawn Fichert Williams
3/12/26 $25 S am Tiede New Prague
3/13/26 $25 Lee O’Brien Belle Plaine
3/14/26 $50 Jason Lindah Pine Island
3/15/26 $50 S teve Bartsch Owatonna
3/16/26 $25 Leon Anderson Fargo, ND
3/17/26 $250 S teve Silliman Big Fork
3/18/26 $25 Bob Heyer Winona
3/19/26 $25 Bob Nurnberger S taples
3/20/26 $25 Carol Van Sloun Chaska
3/21/26 $50 Alex Forslund Cambridge
3/22/26 $50 Eric Bottelson Glenville
3/23/26 $25 John Moyer L ake City
3/24/26 $25 Michelle Goetz Maple Grove
3/25/26 $25 Jerel Nelsen S taples
3/26/26 $25 Mark Salz L akeville
3/27/26 $25 Ben Denny Rochester
3/28/26 $50 Roman Yudin Gloversville, NY
3/29/26 $50 Jerry Kvistad Elk River
3/30/26 $25 Jake Luhman Red Wing
3/31/26 $25 Dave Babrock S tewartville
MnUSA Business Partners
The 89 Bar & Grill Bemidji, MN 218-751-8571
Hoot-N-Holler Blackduck, MN 218-659-9225
Sled Girlz Ada, MN 701-405-3448
Jerry’s Bar & Restaurant Angle Inlet, MN 218-223-8381
Points North Services Angle Inlet, MN 218-223-4201
Brustad Land Surveying Bagley, MN 218-694-5280
Galen’s Fresh Food Market & Do It Best Bagley, MN 218-694-6212
Pinks Repair Bagley, MN 218-694-6575
Gerbracht Logging Baley, MN 218-694-2132
Adrian’s Resort Baudette, MN 218-634-1985
Ballard’s Resort Baudette, MN 218-634-1849
Border Bank Baudette, MN 218-634-3300
Cyrus Resort Baudette, MN 218-634-2548
Lake of the Wood Marine Baudette, MN 218-634-2289
LOW Passenger Service Baudette, MN 218-395-0414
Northern Sports Baudette, MN 218-634-1089
Sportsman’s Lodge Baudette, MN 218-634-1342
Walleye Capital Sanitation Baudette, MN 218-634-3151
Bemidji Sports Centre Bemidji, MN 218-751-4477
North Country Hardware Clearbrook, MN 218-776-3615
Sportsman Lodge Gonvick, MN 218-487-5295
Shorty’s Place Gully, MN 218-268-4199
Lobo’s Bar & Grill Lake Itasca, MN 218-266-3611
Side Track Tap Bar & Grill Leonard, MN 218-968-2304
Boom Town Brewery & Woodfire Grill Duluth, MN 218-722-0977
American Legion Post 109 Two Harbors, MN 218-834-4141
Blackwoods, Inc. Two Harbors, MN 218-834-3846
Castle Haven, Inc Two Harbors, MN 218-834-4303
Cooperative Light & Power Two Harbors, MN 218-834-2226
√Country Inn - Two Harbors Two Harbors, MN 218-834-5557
Harbor Insurance Two Harbors, MN 218-834-2114
Judy’s Café Two Harbors, MN 218-834-4802
KAZ Contracting Service Two Harbors, MN 218-576-7759
Sonju Two Harbors Sports Center Two Harbors, MN 218-414-7639
Superior Hiking Trail Assn Two Harbors, MN 218-834-2700
TH Auto Inc. Two Harbors, MN 218-834-6167
Two Harbors Federal Credit Union Two Harbors, MN 218-834-2266
Hoss Construction Saginaw, MN 218-393-4261
LaBerge Logging & Contracting Silver Bay, MN 218-226-3586
Mariner Motel Silver Bay, MN 800-777-8452
Northwest Outlet Inc Superior, WI 715-392-9839
Superior Shores Resort Two Harbors, MN 218-834-5671
Friederichs Auctions Minneapolis, MN 763-591-1642
IUOE Local 49 Minneapolis, MN 612-788-9441
The Doublewide New Market, MN 952-461-3682
√Dent Werks PDR Plymouth, MN 612-599-7719
Charlie’s on Prior Prior Lake, MN 952-226-5253
Doherty’s Tavern Prior Lake, MN 952-447-9010
Hollywood Sports Complex Watertown, MN 952-955-2424
Brothers Market Alexandria, MN 320-762-8121
Ollie’s Service Alexandria, MN 320-763-4455
Winning Edge Graphics Alexandria, MN 320-763-7953
Pit 611
Audubon, MN 218-439-6121
Spud’s Small Engine Service & Repair Barrett, MN 320-528-2299
Bleachers Sports Bar & Grill
Detroit Lakes, MN 218-844-6820
Belle Plaine Equipment Sales Belle Plaine, MN 612-902-2773
Schlemmer Electric Bloomington, MN 612-296-6000
Idea Builders LLC Golden Valley, MN 612-245-8040
√CorTrust Bank Mayer, MN 952-657-2500
Boats Inc.
Detroit Lakes, MN 218-847-0324
Detroit Lakes Express Inc
Detroit Lakes, MN 218-847-8049
Detroit Lakes Tourism Bureau Detroit Lakes, MN 218-844-7567
Richwood Grill
Detroit Lakes, MN 218-847-8897
T.S. Recreational, Inc
Detroit Lakes, MN 218-844-3033
Donnelly Co-Op Donnelly, MN 320-246-3555
AgCountry Farm Credit
Elbow Lake, MN 218-685-5311
Farmers Agency Elbow Lake, MN 218-685-6880
Grant County Lumber Elbow Lake, MN 218-685-5321
Haley Oil Company Elbow Lake, MN 218-685-4466
Midwest Machinery Elbow Lake, MN 218-332-0550
Somedays Bar & Grill
Evansville, MN 218-948-2002
Frontier Marine & Powersports Fergus Falls, MN 218-998-4386
AJ’s Gas & Grocery Herman, MN 320-677-2300
DHS Grain Ltd. Hoffman, MN 320-986-2467
Hanson Auctioneers Hoffman, MN 320-760-5485
Runestone Telecom Association Hoffman, MN 320-986-2013
Duane Rau Trucking Kensington, MN
Warner Garage Door New York Mills, MN 218-385-2853
54K LLC Norcross, MN
Joe’s Backhoe Ottertail, MN 218-371-6923
Ottertail Aggregate Ottertail, MN 218-367-2581
Al Vesely Fundraiser
Voltedge Electric Ottertail, MN 218-637-3725
Perham Area Chamber of Commerce Perham, MN 218-346-7710
Steve’s Sanitation Perham, MN 218-346-4834
Ice Cracking Lodge Ponsford, MN 218-573-3631
Ruther Excavating Inc. Richville, MN 218-298-1477
Farmers Cooperative Oil Association Wendell, MN 218-685-4491
OTHER MEMBERS
Absolute Insurance West Fargo, ND 701-365-0515
Track Inc - Tucker Sno-Cat Dealer Monico, WI 952-888-7372
Long-time club member and fellow snowmobiler, Al Vesely, has incurred some major dental/medical issues and his small motor repair shop burned recently. Al also suffers from cerebral palsy. A GoFundMe page has been created for Al to help incur his medical cost at the Mayo Clinic. Your donations will help Al move through this major hurdle and again have a purpose in life. The following is a link to Al’s GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-al-vesleyrebuild-restore-dignity
Rod Seibel, Club Administrator North Country Snowmobile Club
