.jpg)
District 6 - Two Harbors CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports snowmobile activity stayed high through the week and again the trails were packed through the weekend. Several accidents were reported throughout the Arrowhead. Riders are reminded to ride within their abilities and always wear their safety equipment. Violations included operating a snowmobile on a roadway, no snowmobile safety certificate, and failure to display snowmobile registration.
CO Brent Ihnen (Ely #2) spent most of the week patrolling for fishing activity. Ihnen also checked snowmobile operators. Additional time was spent checking ice shelters for litter and other violations.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) attended training at Camp Ripley. He worked a detail with CO Osborne. Enforcement action was taken for angling and shelter violations.
CO Hudson Ledeen (Hovland) reports that cold weather did not stop folks from getting out snowmobiling. Almost everyone who was contacted complied with the regulations and was excited to talk about the good trail conditions. Ledeen also spent time at the Duluth Sport Show answering questions, as well as learning a few things from some seasoned trappers.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) attended a department meeting and training. A weekend snowmobile detail was worked with CO Lawler. Lake trout anglers were also checked. Many sleds were observed, and numerous contacts were made for a variety of snowmobile violations. Overall, the trails were in good shape. Enforcement action included loud exhaust, speed, no safety training, and failure to display registration. CO Megan Franzen (Silver Bay) spent the week attending training at Camp Ripley. Time was also spent focusing on snowmobile and ice angling activity. Many people were seen out using the local trails over the holiday weekend, and enforcement action was taken for snowmobile-related violations.
CO Trent Anderson (Tofte) attended annual awards and training at Camp Ripley. Time was spent with other area officers at the Duluth Sports Show. Many people in attendance were looking forward to the open-water season.
District 5 - Eveleth area CO Curtis Simonson (International Falls #2) reports working area snowmobile trails and lakes this past weekend. The trails remained busy over the weekend. Speed enforcement was worked. He also checked anglers on area lakes and rivers. Violations encountered were registration issues on snowmobiles and speeding.
CO John Slatinski IV (Ray) reports snowmobile activity was again the popular outdoor adventure this week. Unfortunately, crashes were again responded to. Anglers who have taken the opportunity to be mobile have reported some success. Training was attended at Camp Ripley.
CO Troy Fondie (Orr) reports monitoring area trails for snowmobile activity. Area forest roads continue to be checked, as do public water access sites. Numerous phone calls were returned on a variety of topics. Coordination with Forestry on outdoor topics locally is ongoing. Equipment work, and administrative tasks continue.
CO Sean Cannon (Cook) spent time monitoring snowmobile activity, which really picked up this week, and checking ice anglers. Time was also spent at Camp Ripley. Area lakes and trails were very busy over the holiday weekend, and unfortunately several snowmobile crashes were reported in the area. Please remember when out snowmobiling to ride to the right, slow down, and not ride beyond your abilities. Enforcement action this week included snowmobile speed, loud exhaust, and registration issues.
CO Aaron Larson (Tower) worked primarily angling and snowmobile enforcement. Larson spent time running speed for snowmobiles in his station and checked for loud exhaust. He also spent time investigating a complaint related to local ski trails and spent time at yearly training.
CO Marc Johnson (Hibbing) primarily worked snowmobile and angling activity. In addition, time was spent following up on complaints and attending an annual training held at Camp Ripley.
CO Shane Zavodnik (Virginia) spent time attending the annual CO awards ceremony over the week at Camp Ripley. Zavodnik also worked snowmobile patrol on area trails. Excessive speed and modified exhaust on snowmobiles have been ongoing issues throughout the riding season thus far.
CO Duke Broughten (Aurora) spent the week monitoring fishing and snowmobile activity. Few anglers were encountered this week. Anglers who were contacted reported poor success. Snowmobile activity increased this week. Area snowmobile trails need more snow. With the forecast of warmer weather and no snow, some trails might be in poor shape next week. Broughten also fielded calls regarding snowmobile registration, injured animals, and posting requirements.
