Local News

BY KIM RISEN
Outdoor columnist

An event that’s been eagerly anticipated finally arrived this week and our long wait is over! No, it’s not about the snow and ice FINALLY disappearing from the landscape, it’s the grand opening of Minnesota National’s Championship Course this past Thursday and Friday.

While blustery weather may have ruled, no amount of wind, rain or cold conditions could remove the smiles of those attending the celebration. Golfers and community members who visited were treated to fine hospitality, an exciting round of golf, and a nice selection of hot and cold hors d'oeuvres.

The biggest smile of the day certainly belonged to Minnesota National owner Wayne Alden. On hand to greet each group as they arrived at the course, he also guided groups on personal tours of the new clubhouse under construction.

The clubhouse dominates the entrance to the course. The massive log frame of the great hall soars more than 40 feet into the sky (from its crown, workers are able to see McGregor, Palisade and Hill City!), and the view from inside is no less impressive. Built in the style of Minnesota’s historic lodges, the log, stone and wood finished Gatehouse has an abundance of amenities. When completed, visitors to the immense clubhouse will enjoy a large meeting room, convention center, restaurant, Irish pub, lounging areas, pro-shop, game room, business center, fitness center, male and female locker rooms and a clubroom.

Attached to the clubhouse will be a 9,000 square foot pool building housing the swimming pool, Jacuzzi and sauna.

While one might wander through the construction zone dreaming of what the finished clubhouse will look like, there is no need to wonder how the course itself will appear – all the holes are in just waiting for winter’s spell to loosen its grip.

With the completion of the front nine holes, the championship course is now open in its entirety. Measuring 7,230 yards, featuring bent grass fairways and greens, the course has five tee boxes to accommodate all levels of players (the executive course featuring junior tees for families, children or anyone enjoying a less demanding round of golf will open this summer).

As one might expect with an entirely new nine holes to play for the first time, learning the best strategy for each hole is going to take members and visitors...

BY JOHN GRONES
Publisher

Mother's Day is scheduled for Sunday, May 11th. The holiday recognizes the wonderful blessings mothers contribute to our lives.

This year the Voyageur Press would like to recognize one local mother, Judy Perrine, who is raising a traditional family that includes 12 kids and a young lady who has lived with their family for two years, bringing the total to 13 - or as Judy's husband Paul refers to them - a "baker's dozen."

In addition to Sarah, Simon and Abram, the family includes Carrie, Catherine, Emma, Doris, Isaac, Josiah, Gloria, Ellie, Susannah, and Samuel.

Raising thirteen children is by today's standards a bit unusual, but for the Perrines it is a comfortable lifestyle.

"My mother would be the first to admit that a large family is not for everyone," said Sarah. "My parents just felt led to do it."

Sarah noted that her parents have been married for 22 years, and they live near Lawler. The two met at a get-together for a friend's wedding.

A day in the life of the Perrines is quite interesting. Not only is Judy the mother of 13 children, she is also their teacher. Currently, Judy has five elementary students, a kindergartner, two high school students and a daughter gradutating this month.

Sarah shared that her mother's best attribute is how calm she is regardless of what's going on. "My mother just rolls with what the day has for her," said Sarah. "In some cases large families are really organized and more structured. My mom isn't that type of person. Our family is pretty informal."

Sarah noted that the structure of a large family evolves over time. Judy is no longer the primary cook in the house. "She bakes bread and will do breakfast on occasion, but my sisters (Catherine, Emma and Doris) usually make lunch and dinner. It used to be Carrie and I until we started the daycare."

"She moved that responsibility downwards," Sarah said laughing. "It would be unreasonable to think that one woman would do all the cooking and laundry for thirteen kids."

"My sisters do the majority of house cleaning, laundry and cooking. She's like the overseer, and she will do things here and there."

The boys in the family work with their father at Northern Bay Contracting. "They also do most of the firewood and the classic 'take out the garbage,'" Sarah explained with another chuckle. "And of course they procrastinate until Dad comes home. Then they go back to being typical teenage boys."

Sarah shared that she feels prepared for motherhood herself. She and Carrie are the oldest daughters, and they took their home skills and applied them to a family business. Sarah and Carrie currently operate Plumfield Cottage Daycare across the street from McGregor School. "I really do look forward to motherhood myself," said Sarah. "I've always had a heart for children."

If Sarah is anything like her mother, she will do just fine and she will most likely take a traditional approach. Sarah concluded that her mother is very humble.

"She doesn't like to call attention to herself or claim that she is doing something that is better or grander than other people," concluded Sarah. "It's just her personal choosing, and she is very comfortable with it."