Bears Swim Club Registration Now Open

Online registration for the Bears Swim Club is now open! This is a great opportunity for young swimmers to build technique, endurance, and confidence while being part of a fun, team-focused program.

Students grades 3rd and above are allowed to participate this tear for a small fee depending on age. Spots are limited and practices will begin in early March.

Swimmers must be able to swim at least one full length of the pool without stopping and be proficient in freestyle and backstroke.

Students can register online at lakeofthewoodsschool.org/communityed. Or there are in-person registration dates this week beginning Tuesday January 20th from 4-6pm at Lake of the Woods school. Each swimmer who registers in person will receive a free swim pass. There is also another in-person registration night Friday January 23rd from 4-6pm.

DNR Releases 2025 Forest Health Report

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has released its 2025 forest health report, and the state’s forests saw some first-time visitors last year. Forest Health Program Coordinator Brian Schwingle tells us the latest insects and other species that were recorded for the very first time.

Schwingle says none of those outbreaks are a concern to the state’s forests. You can view the full report by visiting the DNR’s website.

DNR Seeks Public Comment on Lake of the Woods Connector and Beltrami’s North Star Connector

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comment on two proposed off-highway vehicle trail connectors under its Grant-in-Aid program, which helps fund and manage OHV routes across the state.

The primary proposal is the Lake of the Woods Connector, a 58-mile route in Roseau and Lake of the Woods counties that would formally link existing county roads and trail segments already open to OHV use. If approved, the connector would create a continuous route open to ATVs, off-road vehicles and off-highway motorcycles.

The DNR is also accepting comments on the North Star Connector, a 28-mile route along the Moose River Dike in Beltrami County, which would continue current ATV use.

Written comments are due by 4:30 p.m. February 16th. More information is available on the DNR website.

Lake of the Woods Hosting Sub-section One Act Play Saturday

Lake of the Woods School is hosting their annual sub-section 32 One-Act Play this Saturday at Lake of the Woods High school in Baudette. Several schools will be there to participate in this year’s competition. Bear Activities Director Sam Lyon tells us about the event and what people are looking forward to for this competition.

Lyon tells us about why the event is so competitive and what kids are doing to prepare.

Lake of the Woods will host the event this Saturday with play beginning at 11am and running throughout the day for all 5 schools participating.