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Brainerd ice fishing contest goes hybrid over ‘unprecedented’ ice
The Jaycees announced its Ice Fishing Extravaganza will move to a hybrid model this year, allowing contestants to participate from a number of lakes in the area.
BRAINERD, Minn. — Editor’s note: The video above first aired on KARE 11 in January 2023.
If you’re vying for a Vexilar at this year’s Brainerd Jaycees ice fishing contest, Mother Nature may have just given you a leg up.
The Jaycees announced their annual Ice Fishing Extravaganza will move to a hybrid model this year, allowing contestants to participate from a number of lakes in the Brainerd area with extended hours. The move comes amid a mild winter, leading to what organizers describe as “unprecedented” ice conditions.
The contest, which is typically limited to Gull Lake, takes place on Feb. 3 and has long been one of the world’s largest ice fishing contests, bringing in millions of dollars for local charitable organizations and the economy.
“In light of our unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of all participants, the Brainerd Jaycee Ice Fishing Extravaganza is excited to share our plans for the upcoming 2024 tournament scheduled for February 3rd,” the Jaycees said in a statement.
“In the spirit of adaptability and safety, we have devised a plan that prioritizes the well-being of the public, our community, and the dedicated anglers who make this event truly special. After careful consideration, the Extravaganza is pivoting to a hybrid model for the upcoming tournament.”
This year’s participants will be required to register for the tournament and upload a photo of their ticket to qualify. The Jaycees said the event committee is also working to have in-person support accessible across the area. Those who wish to buy their tickets online can do so at the event’s website, and pick them up at will call on the day of the event.
Tickets are also available from Fleet Farm and other participating outlets.
The event isn’t the first casualty of Minnesota’s unusual winter, as cancellations have also affected the U.S. Pond Hockey Championship, 2024 Pre-Loppet and Wayzata Chilly Open, among other related cold-weather activities.
“We insist that all contestants exercise utmost caution on any ice,” the Jaycees said. “Our steadfast commitment to delivering an unforgettable and thrilling event remains a priority. Rest assured, our confidence in this hybrid approach enables us to navigate and overcome any challenges that may arise.”
Last year, it was estimated that more than 12,000 anglers participated, with the top prize going to 13-year-old Zac Padrnos, who reeled in a 9.45 pound walleye, giving him the pick of the top prize, a Ford F150 or a GMC Canyon. He chose the Ford.
For more information about tickets, rules and timelines, click here.
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MINNEAPOLIS — Tributes are pouring in from all corners of the NFL after Vikings legend Randy Moss announced he was diagnosed with cancer on Friday.
Former Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen paid tribute to Moss before his game with the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.
Moss’s former teammate, Cris Carter, shared a message of support on social media as well.
Former NFL superstar Deion Sanders shared his optimism regarding Moss’s health update.
Former Vikings quarterback and fellow Hall-of-Famer Brett Favre also shared a message of prayer for Moss.
Prayers to Randy Moss and his family.🙏
Randy is and will always be one of the all time greats to ever run a route. Definitely on the NFL WR Mt. Rushmore. pic.twitter.com/SUXDBPM5PQ
— Brett Favre (@BrettFavre) December 11, 2024
Moss’s former fellow Vikings wide receiver Jake Reed shared his thoughts for Moss.
Thielen also shared his thoughts on social media prior to wearing his jersey before Sunday’s game.
Last year’s mild winter forced The Ice Palace in Delano to shut down after only being open for four days.
DELANO, Minnesota — The weather is full of ups and downs. But for The Ice Palace in Delano, crews are wishing for a steady winter season.
“It’s been very cold and then very warm. We’re going up and down, and up and down,” said Britton Youngstrom, director of operations. “But as you can see… everything here, we put here. Mother Nature has provided no ice or snow for us. We have a snowmaker and we have sprinklers going so when the temperatures are allowing, we’re able to grow the ice.”
Crews started laying the ground infrastructure at Delano Central Park three weeks ago and started freezing ice about a week ago.
“Everything starts happening fast when the temperatures hit,” Youngstrom said.
But on Sunday, the weather was too warm for ice building. As temperatures go down, the ice goes up. Currently, ice is about 10 to 12 feet high.
“We are a lot more on track and very hopeful for this season,” Youngstrom said.
Last winter’s mild temperatures forced The Ice Palace to open a month late and close after being open for only four days. At this time last year, ice building hadn’t even started yet.
“It’s devastating to us cause we put in a lot of work and our crews, they really grind through the night to bring the best product,” Youngstrom said. “To not be able to share that with the public is the largest thing that was kind of a morale hit because the reason we do this is to share it with people, to create positive experiences, and to really leave that positive footprint for the winter magical realm.”
While Youngstrom would not disclose how much money they lost, he described it as “fairly significant.”
They weren’t the only snow/ice-related event impacted by the weather.
The weather also forced early closures for Ice Castles and Art Shanty Projects last winter. This year, Ice Castles is moving to the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. And after having to cancel last year, the Minnesota Ice Festival plans to be back this season.
“We’re trying to decide if this is the new norm for Minnesota or not. As the last two years have proven to have that unequal temperature fluctuations. But you know, we keep trudging along,” Youngstrom said.
The family-run business is based in Idaho. They typically have locations in both Idaho and Minnesota but after last winter’s hit, they decided to just focus on Minnesota this year. They expect 40,000-50,000 visits.
“The Ice Palace, you enter into another world. That’s the feeling that we aim to achieve,” Youngstrom said.
The plan is to open Dec. 28. If the weather cooperates, they will stay open through the last weekend in February. Tickets can be bought online.
According to the release, deputies had responded to the residence for a domestic incident in September.
BARRON COUNTY, Wis. — The Barron County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after two people were found dead near a house in Chetek.
According to a release from the department, multiple law enforcement authorities responded to a 911 call reporting a woman laying on the ground in a pool of blood just after noon on Sunday.
Upon arrival, deputies and officers found a deceased woman outside of the home, according to the release.
While searching the home, the deputies also found a man who had died.
According to the release, deputies had responded to the residence for a domestic incident in September.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
