Wright-Cromwell News

Not only did Wright native Jason Line earn the No. 1 spot at the NHRA Lucas Oil Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway’s qualifier, he came through and won the Pro Stock race, for his 49th career victory. It was his second career win at Brainerd, after his 2014 event win in Indianapolis after a rain delay.

In an Aug. 14 Duluth News Tribune story, Geoff Gorvin of Brainerd International Raceway pointed out that 2 percent of Tamarack, Wright and Cromwell’s population of 420 will comprise 15 percent of the entries in the Stock Eliminator, with more than 100 dragsters having engines done by Lance Line. Slated to race were Brad Koivisto, Hannah Line, Lance Line, Jared Hutar, Ryan Hutar and Steve Hutar from Cromwell; from Wright, Jason’s parents Lawrence and Maxine; from Tamarack, Ronald Prince; Glen DeMenge from McGregor; and Jason’s brother, Ben Line, who lives in International Falls. So, congrats to the whole racing community in our area!

Congratulations also to Logan Nistler, son of Shawn and Jenny Nistler, and grandson of Tom and Sandy, who has been playing in the Little League World Series in Pennsylvania. What a great opportunity for him and his family.

Bravo to Barb Dahl and Oscar Eliason from Cromwell who were named this year’s 2019 Outstanding Male and Female Carlton County Senior Citizens at the Carlton County Fair in Barnum this weekend. Both of these active seniors have a long list of volunteer activities they take part in and are to be commended for all they do in our area. They were humble in accepting these awards and thank the area folks who supported them.

The Lakeside community is still fundraising for roof improvements, and Gene Laajala will match donations up to $5,000. Donations can be sent to 2674 South Finn Road, Kettle River MN 55757.

Shooting Stars Dance classes will resume Sept. 9, so get your registrations to Suzy soon.

Yoga meets 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 26 at the Cromwell Pavilion.

The Farmers Co-op held its 100th annual meeting Aug. 13 at the Wright Senior Center. Stories of the past were read, there was a trivia contest, and officers Birdie Harrington, Beanie Randa and Jennie K. Hanson were elected. Other board members include Scott Ferry and George Uecker. Manager Tim Bury gave a comprehensive report on finances and other concerns, and the Wright Seniors served a delicious lunch. Regular meetings take place on the third Tuesday of the month at the Co-op store.

The Extreme Teen Youth fundraiser takes place 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Wright, featuring the Holy Hootenanners and a pig roast with lots of food and many silent auction items. Bring your lawn chairs for this outdoor concert.

Also taking place on this same weekend of Aug. 23-25 is the free Savanna Portage Rendezvous Encampment at the Pavilion Park in Floodwood.

There will be a movie night at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Wright 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 27. Come and see “Breakthrough.”

Our sympathies to the family of Beth Swanson (née Houck) 62 of Roseville, Minnesota who died on Aug. 8, 2019 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Her funeral service was held Aug. 15 at Roseville Covenant Church.

A beautiful and meaningful memorial service was held for Stephen Krogh on Aug. 17 at the United Methodist Church in Cromwell.

The Bethany Lutheran church was packed for the memorial service for lifelong resident Dick Anderson. His service was held on Aug. 18 with most, if not all, of his family in attendance.

The five seniors that are 90 years old or more were honored with a special birthday cake at the Wright Seniors on Aug. 8. They are Ray and Alice Gurske, Sulo Walli, Shirley Walli and Bud Olson, all still active and young at heart. Donations are still needed for the center improvements, too. Send to Ray Gurske at 1576 Kibart Road, Wright MN 55798.

Reminder: School starts Sept. 3, so if you are new to the area or know of new people with school-age kids, please call the school and register, or for more information: 218-644-3737, ext. 1000.

Some of you may be aware that Albert Peterson’s family has published a book, “A North Woods Life,” about the life and times of their family. I have several copies available for sale. Even if you never knew the Peterson Family, this is a wonderful history of Cromwell-Red Clover Township that can be enjoyed by all.

Cromwell mayor Sharon Zelazny has let me know that the Minnesota Department of Transportation has informed the city that the Highway 210 project set for 2020 will be delayed until 2021 because the public engagement process took longer than anticipated. As a result, the environmental study for contaminants along the construction route required, due to right-of-way acquisition, will not be complete until early next summer, and that would mean doing the construction over two seasons, so MnDOT feels it would be better to move the entire project to 2021. MnDOT wants to make it clear to the community that the delay was not instigated by funding; it was because of schedule and delivery. Project manager Josie Olson will be at the 6 p.m. Aug. 21 Cromwell City Council meeting at the Pavilion to answer questions. The public is encouraged to attend. Zelazny says that she and the council are disappointed with pushing the project back one year, but they also understand it is in our best interest to have construction in one season instead of disrupting our community for two years.

There’s a new siren in Cromwell. The siren is connected to the Carlton County dispatch and will sound the first Wednesday of each month at 1 p.m. It’s nice to know that now Cromwell will have early warning in the event of severe weather.

I want to thank all the volunteers who helped out at the Carlton County Fair in the Little Red School this year. Due to my begging and pleading, all the spots were filled. So thanks to Theresa French, Marilyn Kiehl, Helen Kinnunen, Sharon Zelazny, Terry Waleck, Lindsay Lally, Bev Clemons, Betty Lidberg, Rick Gresczyk, Dawn Lippo, Kay Manty, Diane Lindstrom, JoAnn Pearson, Melinda Ferry, Linda Dahlman, Eleanor Eskuri and myself for making a visit to the old one-room school so enjoyable. Thanks to those businesses who donated money or items, as this helps us with the handouts to the children.

That’s all the news from the Edge of Wright. Enjoy the last few days of summer before school starts.