District 6 - Two Harbors CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports extremely cold weather hit the Ely area with low temperatures approaching 40 below. Angling and snowmobile activity slowed but a fair number of people were still checked through the week. Violations included spearing without a license, taking illegal-length fish, and operating an unregistered snowmobile.
CO Brent Ihnen (Ely #2) spent the week checking ice anglers and spear fishers. Ihnen also patrolled for snowmobiling and ATV activity. Additional time was spent monitoring fish house compliance on area lakes.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) spent the week patrolling on snowmobile checking anglers and snowmobilers. The trails are shaping up very nicely. With the extreme cold weather, anglers did not last long on the lakes. Enforcement action for snowmobile violations.
CO Hudson Ledeen (Hovland) reports arctic temps hit the region over the week slowing down fishing and snowmobiling activities.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) continued to spend time on case work. A few snowmobilers riding despite the frigid weather were checked, as were a few anglers. Enforcement action included snowmobile registration violations, loud exhaust on a snowmobile, and angling without a trout stamp.
CO Megan Franzen (Silver Bay) spent the week primarily monitoring ice angling activity. Cold weather made for rough conditions out on the ice, but many anglers still braved it. Time was also spentmonitoringsnowmobile activity across the area.
CO Trent Anderson (Tofte) focused on angling and snowmobiling activity for the week. Pockets of slush remain on many area lakes. The midwinter cold reduced activity but a few fish were checked among those who timed the weather and were prepared for it.
CO Cassie Block (Two Harbors) spent time this week checking anglers on area lakes.
District 5 - Eveleth area CO Paul Kennedy (International Falls #1) spent most of the week assisting at the CO Academy snowmobile training held in the area. He also assisted local agencies on a variety of calls including a vehicle fire and report of a possible crash on Rainy Lake. He continued to patrol area lakes and trails on snowmobile with few operators observed, likely due to the frigid weather in the area. Deer-possession permits were issued and a stranded motorist stuck in a snow drift was assisted on Rainy Lake.
CO Curtis Simonson (International Falls #2) reports working area lakes and rivers this past week checking anglers and working snowmobile activity. Simonson also assisted with a snowmobile training class for new officers.
CO John Slatinski IV (Ray) assisted with a snowmobile operations course for the newest group of conservation officers. Extreme cold welcomed the group but did not hamper their efforts to learn new skills. Snowmobile trespass and noise complaints were worked as the temperatures approached single digits below zero for the weekend, bringing out more riders.
CO Troy Fondie (Orr) reports few outdoor activities over the week as extreme cold hit the area. Area lakes and snowmobile trails were checked; little activity was noted. Confiscated furs were handled and equipment was worked on.
CO Sean Cannon (Cook) spent time this week assisting with snowmobile training in the International Falls area. Time was also spent monitoring snowmobiling activity and checking ice anglers. He also monitored area forest roads. Activity was low with the extremely cold weather.
COAaronLarson(Tower) worked primarily snowmobile, angling, and trapping enforcement. He spent time working and checking for illegal snowmobile exhaust around the Lake Vermilion area. He also worked on checking for anglers on remote lakes. Violations were primarily related to trapping violations.
