January 2023

There was laughter and tears as Commissioner Pete Walsh’s siblings and daughters joined with his colleagues of Lake County to remember and appreciate Walsh’s warmth, humor, and commitment. This week’s Lake County Board meeting began with several family members of Commissioner Peter Walsh and others in attendance in-person and on zoom, with the purpose of spending some time grieving, reminiscing, and story-telling about Walsh, who passed away on Thursday January 19.

Last Saturday saw mushers ranging in age from 3-years-old to 14 at the Lakeview National golf course in Two Harbors, with about as much excitement all in one place as anyone can stand. Mike Keyport, great-grandson of John Beargrease, the iconic race’s namesake, was on hand as announcer for the race, and another generation of the Beargrease family was represented by taking a commemorative run around the course to kick off the run. Many of the Cub Run mushers were young relatives of mushers from this year’s and past year’s marathon race. With nearly thirty teams lined up the atmosphere at the Cub Run was filled with dogs begging to be cut loose at the top of their voices. In its eagerness one sled dog broke free from the harness and tore away down the course into the woods. While the gathered throng waited with bated breath, said dog streaked back to the start to join its team and ran a successful race. In the shortest race with the youngest mushers the crowd spread out to give the teams, mostly operating independently, a better sense of their course. One sled, dogs and musher went a bit wide and was quickly dug out of the deep snow and set back on course by willing and pleased spectators.

I am happy to introduce Tom Ringold who was up at the Demo Forest getting ready with a group of riders to join the Spokengear Ride Group Fatbike Kick off ride . Tom lives in Castle Danger and says he enjoys all the outdoor activities available to us in the Arrowhead. Thank you Tom, Hope you had a great ride!