Looking back at 2021

June: The McIntosh Library kicked off summer with their annual reading program. The 2021 theme was Raptors Rule and they delivered with the Headwaters Science Center bringing many raptors to Roholt Park for the kids to learn about.

The McIntosh Community Club held their Community City Wide Garage Sales in McIntosh on Saturday, June 19th. Many residents participated with deals and treasures for all who came to take a look.

Tom Martushev, a Win-E-Mac senior, and Ethan Shimpa, a junior, both advanced to the Section Golf Tournament  which will be held Tuesday and Wednesday, June 1 & 2, at  Bemidji Town & CC. The Sub-Section tournament was held  in Park Rapids at Headwaters Golf Club.

The Winger Lions served hotdogs and baked beans at the Annual Take a Kid Fishing Day on June 8th in Erskine serving over 135 kids and families.

It was Boogie Down 70’s at McIntosh Senior Living as they celebrated reaching the milestone of 70% of staff vaccinated for Covid-19. As of last week, 72.3% of the staff have been vaccinated along with 98% of residents. The vaccine has made an enormous difference in long term care, reducing the threat of Covid-19 and allowing residents to return to normal life again. Residents now enjoy visits from families and friends and numerous outings on the MSL bus. All staff and residents are very thankful.

The Winger Lions also hosted their annual Fish Fry at the Winger Community Center.

Win-E-Mac school honored retiree's Sandra Jore, Sharon Tuenge and Bill Solheim. 

Celebrating 25 years of Service was Laura Perkerwicz at the Erskine Senior Meals site in the Erskine Community Center. Laura has been a part of the Senior Nutrition program and was honored by Lutheran Social Services.

July: The Dierkes again hosted their annual reading of the Declaration of Independence, this year on July 3rd. There are many readings and lots of fun to sit and visit with friends and neighbors while enjoying a snack and refreshments. 

Joel Strom, Dan Salvhus, Roy Ostenna and Kollin Ferden each received a quilt as a thank you for their service in the armed forces. These hand made quilts were presented at Dan and Darlene Dierkes on Saturday, July 3rd during their reading of the Declaration of Independence. The quilts were presented by members, Lois Boehrnsen and Connie Strom, of East Polk County Quilters (formally known as East Polk Quilts of Valor).

The Polk County Fair returned for 2021 from July 7th through July 11th. There were many new attractions and also old favorites. The Polk County Sheriff's Department announced their newest addition. A second K9 team.  K9 Rex, a Shepherd/Belgian Malinois mix was paired with Polk County Deputy Ben Stout. 

Win-E-Mac announced their school retrofit plan to remodel the restroom facilities over the summer and the remodel of the locker rooms.

Madison McKeever a Win-E-Mac graduate was named as an assistant coach at Concordia, St. Paul, MN.

McIntosh welcomed a new business in July. Untouchable Productions, located next to Little Bobby's Bar & Grill is a music producer.

The resident's of Poplar Meadows were blessed with their completed gazebo which was built with money earned from fundraising by Poplar Meadows staff and community members.  The project was built by Lance Erickson and his crew and took a little over a month to complete.

Minnesota entered a drought warning phase in July. A naturally occurring feature of Minnesota climate the drought causes stress on the public water supply as well as agriculture producers and fluctuates the water levels in lakes, rivers and streams.

Minnesota Northwest also struggled with air quality due to the impact of the wildfire smoke that covered our area for days at a time.

The Winger Fire Department held its 63rd Annual Street Dance at Liquor Pigs off Main Street in Winger with DJ Wild Wes. 

Kids from the Clubhouse Childcare Center and other community kids were able to have some fun with chalk art on the sidewalks outside of the McIntosh Community Center as part of the summer programs at the McIntosh Library. Local artists were on hand to help out the kids as they created their one of a kind designs. 

The Mac-Winger class of 1961 celebrated their 60 year class reunion at the Ostenson farm south of McIntosh and the Mac-Winger class of 1981 celebrated their 40 year class reunion at the Garnet Aanenson house.

Quilters of East Polk County presented a Quilt of Valor to two area Veterans at the Hwy. 2 Cruisers Car show in Fosston, MN on July 31, 2021. Ilene Reierson and Kathy Finstad presented Orrie Flermoen and Roger Clifton with their respective quilts. We thank each of you for your service and dedication to our country.

August: The 2nd Annual Flea Market Flip competition was held in August on Main Street. There were 12 teams who displayed their flip creations with purchases from The Shoppes of McIntosh.

The 7th Annual Bryan Stordahl Memorial Golf Tribute was held at Oak Lake Golf Course in Erskine.

Andrew Quam, farming with his father Philip and brother Peter made the best of a bad situation. Bailing a "failed corn crop" into round bales for forage. The bales test out as decent for cattle feed. The Quams are renting the fields from the Sidney Finseth family and will use the crop to fed their cattle.

McIntosh Tractor Day was held on Saturday, August 28th. The day started with a Antique Tractor Parade, followed by the Kiddie Pedal Pull and the day ended with a Tractor Pull on the old football field.