NO-COST WORKSHOPS TO HELP CHILDCARE PROVIDERS STRENGTHEN THEIR BUSINESS SKILLS Childcare providers looking to enhance their business and financial management skills are invited to attend two no-cost workshops designed specifically for their industry. These sessions, Bookkeeping for Childcare Providers and Business Growth Strategies for Childcare Providers, will provide essential tools and insights to help childcare businesses thrive.

Mark Your Calendar for the 10th Annual Healthy Land, Healthy Lake Expo It’s 2025: Let’s Get Dirty! Let’s Get Wet! Feb 11, 2025:  Love the Mille Lacs Lake Watershed area and want it to be the best it can be? Then you won’t want to miss this year’s Healthy Land, Healthy Lake Expo! This free event will be held on Saturday, May 3, at Tulibee Tavern, 235 Main St., Wahkon from 9 am to 12:30 pm. The Expo, put on by the Mille Lacs Lake Watershed Group, will feature a robust lineup of exhibitors and guest speakers on a variety of topics such as water quality; clean lake initiatives; healthy habitats for fish, loons and other wildlife; and steps you can take to conserve and preserve your land and shoreline.  To gear up for the Expo, you can pre-order discounted native plant kits from Minnesota Native Landscapes (MNL) from now until April 27 for pick up at the event. Regularly $114 each, the Shoreline Stabilization, Wetland Edge, Rain Garden, Shade Garden, Monarch Special, and Backyard Prairie kits are available for $94. To learn more about what each kit contains or to order, visit: https://mnlcorp.com/product/mllwg-preorder/ At the Expo you’ll discover: A “Get the Lead Out” Tackle Exchange:  Trade in your old leaded tackle for free lead-free lures and weights!  Shoreline and Land Restoration Experts:  Bring in pictures or videos of your property and a list of your goals and learn what types of native plants can help you make your vision a reality — or schedule a consultation with a shoreline stewardship program representative.  A Tree Seedling Giveaway : Enter a free drawing for tree seedlings. A mobile “Clean Drain Dry” Boat Cleaning Unit:  See a demonstration of how specialized equipment can help boaters reduce the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS). Have Questions, Want Answers?   Throughout the event, representatives from the following organizations will be staffing exhibits and available to discuss aquatic invasive species (AIS), loons, monarch butterflies, native plants, shoreline and land restoration projects, smallmouth bass fishing, traditional land uses, how to care for your trees, and more:  Aitkin County Lakes and Rivers Association Arborist (formerly with DNR Forestry Department) Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission Great Roots Shoreline Restoration Keep It Clean Campaign Mille Lacs Compass Watershed Stewardship Program Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post Mille Lacs Lake Watershed Group Mille Lacs Scenic Byway Committee Mille Lacs Soil and Water Conservation District Minnesota Native Landscapes MN Lakes and Rivers Advocates Lake Steward Program Monarch Butterfly Pick Pods for Payment Program MPCA “Get the Lead Out” Program National Loon Center Foundation Norseman Guide Service Northern Waters Land Trust (kid friendly interactive activity) Rum River Watershed Partnership Wondering When to Drop In? Time your visit to the topics that mean the most to you. Our guest speaker lineup includes the following: 9:00 am:   Mille Lacs Lake Watershed Group | Margaret Vos  Welcome and opening remarks. https://millelacswatershed.org/ 9:15 am:   Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe DNR | Perry Bunting Annual summary of Mille Lacs Lake water quality data. https://millelacsband.com/ 9:30 am: Keep It Clean Coalition | Ann Brucciani Lyon Campaign and legislative update, Clean Up the Lake scuba diver findings and what’s next.  https://keepitcleanmn.org/ 10:00 am: National Loon Center Foundation | Maddi Nistler All about loons — fun facts about this amazing species, including its nesting habits, chicks, diet, threats to habitat and things you can do to make your environment more loon friendly. https://www.nationallooncenter.org/ 10:30 am: Norseman Guide Service | Mark Olson Healthy smallmouth bass habitat and how it impacts tourism. https://millelacssmallmouthalliance.com/ 11:00 am: Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates | Lily Carr How land closest to the water has the greatest impact on our lakes and how you can positively affect water quality, wildlife and our lake heritage. https://mnlakesandrivers.org/ 11:30 am: Mille Lacs Compass Shoreline Steward Program | Lynn Gallice Learn how this free program enables you to connect with a Compass Specialist, schedule a time for them to walk your property with you to identify your goals, the good things you’re already doing, and additional steps you can take to help protect the lake. https://millelacswatershed.org/ 12:00 pm: Lake and Watershed Stewardship Roundtable Discussion | Guy and Lilly Haglund Mille Lacs shoreline restoration project participants discuss their experiences, success and challenges in an informal and informative setting. For additional information about the event, visit https://millelacswatershed.org/  and select the Healthy Lake Healthy Land Expo tab and Follow Us on Facebook.  Photos and photo captions: Native plants are beautiful and low maintenance and attract birds, butterflies, and other types of wildlife. Bring in pics of your land and a list of you goals and talk with the experts about steps you can take to preserve your shoreline and help keep the lake clean and healthy.  Crazy about loons? Learn all about this incredible creature including what makes a healthy loon habitat and steps you can take to help reduce unnecessary loon mortality. Photo credit Jeremy Hymes, Unsplash Trees play an important role in the ecosystem. Talk with an arboriculture expert to determine which ones will thrive in your environment and learn how to care for them. Find out what makes a healthy smallmouth bass environment and how bass fishing is impacting tourism at Mille Lacs. What happens to trash that enters Mille Lacs Lake? Join us at the Expo and find out what the team of scuba divers from Clean Up the Lake discovered.  About the Mille Lacs Lake Watershed Group: Formed in 1997,   the Mille Lacs Lake Watershed Group strives to improve the health of Mille Lacs Lake and the Mille Lacs Lake Watershed area through education and actionable steps that landowners can take to positively impact the area’s land, waters and wildlife. We connect individuals and organizations with local and state agency experts and resources, host educational events and provide educational materials. For more information, visit: https://millelacswatershed.org/

WAHKON W.A.V.E & TULIBEE TAVERN'S BEEF CHILI COOK-OFF Saturday, March 22, 2025 Tulibee Tavern Banquet Room Registration is FREE! Bring in your best pot of beef chili from 10:00am - 11:00am. Individual & Commercial entries Welcome! JUDGING AT 11:30 AM After Judging (approx. 12:00pm) all are welcome to attend & enjoy All-You-Can-Eat Chili for $7.00! No Refunds. Questions? WahkonWAVE( at ) gmail.com

Wahkon W.A.V.E. Presents Adult Prom Night Saturday, April 12th 8pm-11pm 21+ Event! At Tulibee Tavern $15.00 per person DJ - Danie Grand March King & Queen Light Snacks Sponsored by Wahkon W.A.V.E and Tulibee Tavern Questions: WahkonWAVE@gmail.com

Saturday March 22nd Tulibee Tavern Banquet Room (Formerly Wahkon Inn) FREE Registration 10:00-11:00 Individual and Commercial entries Welcome! Judging at 11:30 After Judging (around 12:00) All are welcome to attend and enjoy All-You-Can-Eat Chili for $7.00 Sponsored by Wahkon W.A.V.E and Tulibee Tavern Questions: WahkonWAVE@gmail.com

You’re Invited! Mille Lacs Area Wedding Fair! Sunday, February 16th 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Wedding Fair at Tulibee Tavern 235 Main St, Wahkon, MN 56386 Join us for an unforgettable afternoon as we bring together the best local vendors to help make your wedding dreams come true. Event Highlights: Explore a curated selection of florists, venues, photographers, entertainers, and more! Free admission for guests. First 30 guest to RSVP receive a goodie bag! $1 Mimosas + $2 Bloody Mary Bar Don’t miss this chance to plan your perfect day in a fun, interactive setting. Bring your bridal party, your partner, or just yourself—there’s something for everyone! RSVP online now and save your spot on www.marriedonmillelacs.com We can’t wait to see you there! Hosted by Tulibee Tavern + Married on Mille Lacs We are seeking vendors: Contact Married on Mille Lacs for more information! www.marriedonmillelacs.com

Lakes and Pines Newsletter and Resources Overview Coaching Toys for Tots Dental Days Weatherization Tax Time Social Security Loan Help Early Head Start Center Personal Financial Health MN Department of Revenue

2025 Rental Rates for Wahkon Community Hall  Return completed form along with fees to: Wahkon City Hall, 151 2nd St. E, PO Box 8, Wahkon, MN 56386  2025 Rental Application for Wahkon Community Hall

MILLE LACS COUNTY NEWS RELEASE December 2, 2024 Public Comment Sought for Mille Lacs County’s Hazard Mitigation Plan  Mille Lacs County has completed an updated draft of its Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) and is now seeking public feedback. Like all Minnesota counties, Mille Lacs County is vulnerable to a variety of natural hazards such as tornadoes, windstorms, severe winter storms, flooding, drought, and extreme temperatures, which can threaten the loss of life and property in the county. Planning for natural disasters minimizes the impact of events that can cause vast economic loss and personal hardship.  All county residents, as well as other interested agency or organizational stakeholders are strongly encouraged to review and offer feedback on the interactive website, PDF of the draft plan, and proposed local mitigation actions. The review and comment period is open for a period of 15 days through December 16, 2024. The public can access the plan using the following hyperlinks: Mille Lacs County HMP Website Homepage  (feedback form at the bottom of page)   Mille Lacs County Mitigation Action Charts  (feedback form at the bottom of page) The Mille Lacs County HMP is a multi-jurisdictional plan that covers Mille Lacs County, including all cities and townships within the county.  The Mille Lacs County HMP also incorporates the concerns and needs of other key stakeholders such as school districts and related agencies, organizations, or businesses participating in the planning process. Update of the plan has been under direction of Mille Lacs County Emergency Management in cooperation with U-Spatial at the University of Minnesota Duluth and representatives from county departments, city and township governments and other participating stakeholders.  Together, the planning team worked to identify cost-effective and sustainable actions to reduce or eliminate the long-term risk to human life or property from natural hazards. Examples include infrastructure projects for areas that experience repetitive flooding; construction of safe rooms in areas where residents and visitors are vulnerable to tornadoes and severe storm events; burying powerlines that may fail due to heavy snow, ice, or wind storms; ensuring timely emergency communication to the public through warning sirens and mass notification systems; and conducting outreach to increase public awareness of severe weather and personal preparedness.  Hazard mitigation planning helps Mille Lacs County and other jurisdictions protect their residents. Working with local communities through the process helps identify vulnerabilities and develop strategies to reduce or eliminate the effects of a potential hazard. In addition, increasing public awareness of natural disasters and encouraging personal preparedness helps to create a community that is resilient to disaster, and breaks the cycle of response and recovery. Updating the plan further allows Mille Lacs County and its jurisdictions to be eligible to apply for future FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant program funding for projects that help to reduce or eliminate the impacts of future natural hazard events. Community feedback is vital to the success of the plan. Mille Lacs County invites public review and feedback of the draft plan prior to submitting it to the State of Minnesota and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for review. Feedback may be provided via the online comment forms or directly to Mille Lacs County Emergency Management. Contact: Andy Beckstrom Mille Lacs County Emergency Management Director Phone:  (320) 983-8288 Email:  andy.beckstrom@millelacs.mn.gov Please scan the following QR code to go directly to the Mille Lacs County Hazard Mitigation Plan interactive website:

Special Meeting  Wahkon City Council Rescheduled Monthly Meeting  Tuesday, November 12, 2024 @ 6:00 PM   Mayor Ronda Bjornson has called for a special meeting of the Wahkon City Council as the regular monthly scheduled meeting falls on 11/11 Veterans Day Holiday Observed upon which no business can be conducted.  This special rescheduled monthly Wahkon City Council meeting is OPEN to the public and will be held in the Wahkon Community Hall located at 151 - 2nd Street E on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 6:00 pm.

11/25/2024 Special PC Mtg Notice/Agenda & 2 Public Hearing Notices NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY OF WAHKON MILLE LACS COUNTY, MINNESOTA NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Wahkon Planning and Zoning Commission will conduct a hearing on Monday, November 25, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall located at 151 2nd St. E., Wahkon, Minnesota to consider and act upon a request for a Conditional Use Permit for the following: A Conditional Use Permit (CUP) application for 251 Main Street to propose a change of use from commercial/residential to office/commercial. All interested persons are invited to attend these hearings and be heard or send written comments to Wahkon City Hall or email karrie@cityofwahkon.com . In addition, a staff report(s) will be made available at City Hall, typically one week before the scheduled meeting. City of Wahkon Zoning Administration Published: Mille Lacs Messenger 11/13/2024 Emailed MLM & others requesting meeting notifications 10/30/2024 CITY OF WAHKON MILLE LACS COUNTY, MINNESOTA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that the City of Wahkon Planning Commission will meet at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, November 25, 2024, at Wahkon City Hall, 151 2nd Street East, Wahkon, MN, to conduct a public hearing. The purpose of the public hearing is to hear from staff and anyone else interested and to thereafter make a recommendation to the Wahkon City Council regarding an ordinance containing proposed amendments to the city’s zoning regulations related to cannabis and hemp businesses. Specifically, the proposed ordinance would establish certain regulations on such businesses in anticipation of their impending state licensure and establishment. Anyone desiring to be heard regarding the proposed ordinance may speak during the public hearing. A copy of the proposed ordinance will be available at City Hall approximately one week before the public hearing. By: Karrie Roeschlein, Clerk/Treasurer Published: Mille Lacs Messenger 11/13/2024 Emailed: MLM & others requesting meeting notifications 10/30/2024 CITY OF WAHKON PUBLIC NOTICE Special Planning Commission Meeting Monday, November 25, 2024 @ 6:00 P.M. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a special meeting of the City of Wahkon Planning Commission has been called to address the following agenda items: 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. ROLL CALL 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 4. APPROVE MINUTES FROM LAST MEETING (7/24/23) 5. AMENDMENT TO CITY’S ZONING ORDINANCE REGARDING CANNABIS AND HEMP BUSINESSES (A) PUBLIC HEARING (B) DISCUSS/MAKE COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION 6. APPLICATION FOR CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER AT 251 MAIN STREET (MILLE LACS COUNTY PINS 25-040-0830 AND 25-040-0840) (A) PUBLIC HEARING (B) DISCUSS/MAKE COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION 7. ADJOURNMENT The special meeting will be held on November 25, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. in Wahkon City Hall located at 151 2nd Street E., Wahkon, MN 56386. Karrie Roeschlein, City Clerk/Treasurer • Notified Planning Commissioners 10/30/2024 • Posted 10/30/2024 at Wahkon City Hall & Wahkon Post Office • Emailed MLM & others requesting meeting notifications 10/30/2024

CITY OF WAHKON MILLE LACS COUNTY, MINNESOTA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that the City of Wahkon Planning Commission will meet at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, November 25, 2024, at Wahkon City Hall, 151 2nd Street East, Wahkon, MN, to conduct a public hearing. The purpose of the public hearing is to hear from staff and anyone else interested and to thereafter make a recommendation to the Wahkon City Council regarding an ordinance containing proposed amendments to the city’s zoning regulations related to cannabis and hemp businesses. Specifically, the proposed ordinance would establish certain regulations on such businesses in anticipation of their impending state licensure and establishment. Anyone desiring to be heard regarding the proposed ordinance may speak during the public hearing. A copy of the proposed ordinance will be available at City Hall approximately one week before the public hearing. By: Karrie Roeschlein, Clerk/Treasurer Published: Mille Lacs Messenger 11/13/2024 Emailed: MLM & others requesting meeting notifications 10/30/2024 CITY OF WAHKON PUBLIC NOTICE Special Planning Commission Meeting Monday, November 25, 2024 @ 6:00 P.M. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a special meeting of the City of Wahkon Planning Commission has been called to address the following agenda items: 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. ROLL CALL 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 4. APPROVE MINUTES FROM LAST MEETING (7/24/23) 5. AMENDMENT TO CITY’S ZONING ORDINANCE REGARDING CANNABIS AND HEMP BUSINESSES (A) PUBLIC HEARING (B) DISCUSS/MAKE COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION 6. APPLICATION FOR CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER AT 251 MAIN STREET (MILLE LACS COUNTY PINS 25-040-0830 AND 25-040-0840) (A) PUBLIC HEARING (B) DISCUSS/MAKE COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION 7. ADJOURNMENT The special meeting will be held on November 25, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. in Wahkon City Hall located at 151 2nd Street E., Wahkon, MN 56386. Karrie Roeschlein, City Clerk/Treasurer • Notified Planning Commissioners 10/30/2024 • Posted 10/30/2024 at Wahkon City Hall & Wahkon Post Office • Emailed MLM & others requesting meeting notifications 10/30/2024