McGregor Responders Fill Emergency Care Gap
Stories Through Donations
McGREGOR, Minn.—When an ambulance is already out on a call in the McGregor area and another emergency happens, help can be a long way away. That gap in emergency response is exactly what motivated Tina Lamke and a group of local volunteers to create the McGregor Area First Responders, an organization dedicated to supporting ambulance crews and providing immediate care while additional emergency responders are still en route.
“We wanted to bridge that gap,” Lamke said. “If there are two medical calls happening at once and our local ambulance is already transporting someone, that second ambulance might have to come from Aitkin, Crosby, Cromwell or Grand Rapids. We can respond right away and provide assistance until they arrive.”
Lamke, who previously served on the McGregor Ambulance, said the idea for a separate first responder organization developed when discussions began about North Memorial taking over ambulance operations in the area.
“When I was on McGregor Ambulance, we didn’t have a separate first responder group,” she said. “Our ambulance members were the responders because they all lived in the service area. But once the transition conversations started, a few of us began talking about the fact that there wouldn’t necessarily be that same support system.”
Knowing how difficult serious emergency calls can be — especially with limited personnel — Lamke and several others began organizing a volunteer response team.
The original members included Lamke, her husband Devon Lamke, Rocky Barden, Angie DeWitt, Alex Nistler and Amanda Sample.
Since then, the organization has quickly expanded to include numerous community volunteers, including Megan Hagel, Stephanie Olson, Emma Lamke, Daryl Doering, Dick Chenery, Liv Carlstrom, Tori Fredrickson, Ellie Moen and Ryan Spanier. Additional volunteers are currently completing training requirements before joining.
The group officially incorporated on Jan. 29, 2025, with assistance from the McGregor Lions Club, which covered attorney fees needed for incorporation.
“They stepped up right away for us,” Lamke said.
After incorporation, the organization spent months securing supplies, establishing medical direction and preparing volunteers before officially beginning responses in May 2025.
Lamke said North Memorial Health has been supportive from the beginning, providing medical oversight and assistance with replenishing certain emergency supplies used during ambulance calls.
“Our medical director is Dr. Phil Tanghe through North Memorial,” Lamke said. “They’ve been very supportive and willing to help us in any way they can.”
Today, the responders regularly assist ambulance crews on emergency calls, including riding in ambulances when additional hands are needed.
Lamke said even seemingly simple calls can demonstrate the organization’s importance. Recently, responders handled a lift assist while the local ambulance was already transporting another patient.
“Our crew was able to go pick this person up off the ground and get them back into bed so another ambulance didn’t have to come over,” she said.
In addition to emergency response, the group is focused on community education and outreach. A free community CPR and first aid class will be held June 13 at the Minnewawa Sportsmen’s Club beginning at 9 a.m. The training is expected to last approximately six hours.
“We want people to know what to do if their neighbor or someone in a store goes down,” Lamke said. “Not everybody has to become a responder, but basic CPR knowledge can save lives.”
The organization will also host a pancake breakfast fundraiser June 14 from 9 a.m. to noon at the McGregor Community Center.
Community support has played a major role in the organization’s rapid growth. The Lions Club partnered with Grand Timber Bank to secure a matching grant totaling $10,000, while the Mille Lacs Band Foundation contributed $30,000 toward radio equipment.
“We’ve had tremendous support from the community, the city and local townships,” Lamke said.
Beyond leading the responder organization, Lamke also serves as a 911 dispatcher and assistant fire chief in Palisade, roles she said all stem from the same motivation: helping others.
“I would say my passion is truly helping people,” she said.
As the organization continues to grow, Lamke said the mission remains simple — making sure no emergency call goes unanswered while waiting for help to arrive.
“That’s really what this is all about,” she said. “Providing for our community.”
Upcoming Events
Stay connected with the McGregor Lions Club through events and activities all year long. From fundraisers and seasonal celebrations to service projects and local gatherings, there are plenty of ways to get involved, support the community, and connect with neighbors.
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Big Sandy Water Institute: Outdoor experiences for youth
More than two decades after its launch, the Big Sandy Water Institute continues to live up to its original reputation as a “recreational buffet”—offering young people a wide-ranging menu of outdoor experiences rooted in water safety, environmental stewardship, and community connection. Today, one of the most significant changes reflects the strength of that community connection: the program is now free to all participants, made possible through strong local funding support—something that was not the case when the Institute first began.
When the program first debuted in the summer of 2002, it was an ambitious new idea born out of the Big Sandy Lake Association. Volunteers, educators, and community partners came together with a shared goal: to teach youth how to safely enjoy—and responsibly protect—the region’s lakes and waterways. Founding leader Jim Carlson played a central role, working alongside school and community education staff to transform a simple concept into a full-scale summer program. With support from organizations like the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Army Corps of Engineers, the Institute quickly established a home base at Sandy Lake Recreation Area (Libby Dam), where students learned everything from kayaking fundamentals to boating safety and environmental awareness.
That first summer set the tone. More than 250 youth participated in activities ranging from canoeing and fishing to rafting and field trips along Minnesota’s North Shore. Safety demonstrations, hands-on instruction, and immersive outdoor learning defined the experience. As one organizer described it at the time, the Institute offered “a wide variety of experiences in just eight weeks”—something rarely found in a single program.
Today, under the direction of Dani Johnson, the Institute remains grounded in that same mission, even as it evolves to meet new challenges and opportunities.
While early organizers relied heavily on partnerships with the school and the 21st Century Community Learning Center, today’s program continues that collaborative spirit through the Afterschool Community Learning Grant (ACLG: These programs do not necessarily represent the policy of the federal department of education or MDE and you should not assume endorsement by the federal or state government.), which helped establish the Thrive Center. However, some funding sources—particularly the former 21st Century program—are currently on hold, creating uncertainty as organizers await future decisions.
Even so, many of the Institute’s cornerstone experiences remain unchanged. Students still explore the same landscapes that shaped the program’s beginnings, including Rice Lake Refuge, Long Lake, Sandy Lake Recreation Area, and Savannah State Park. Partnerships with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources continue to play a key role, with fisheries staff supporting the annual “Let’s Go Fishing” event and forestry teams leading hands-on environmental education.
That fishing day—scheduled this year for June 29 on Lake Minnewawa—has become both a kickoff tradition and a moment of reflection. In recent years, it has also served as a tribute to Carlson, whose early leadership helped establish the program’s identity and reach.
Like its 2002 predecessor, today’s Institute still offers a diverse mix of activities. July remains the core programming month, while June begins with swimming lessons supported by the McGregor Lakes Area Foundation. Longstanding offerings such as Mississippi River kayaking and DNR boat safety courses continue, alongside revived experiences like rafting.
At the same time, new elements reflect a broader vision of community engagement. This summer, students will participate in an integrative service learning project across Tamarack, Shamrock, and McGregor—building benches, creating playground art installations, and contributing to new recreational spaces. The effort expands the Institute’s original focus on environmental stewardship to include community pride and civic involvement.
Other additions highlight the importance of local support. Horseback riding lessons, previously paused due to cost, will return thanks to funding from the Oden Memorial Foundation, giving 16 students the opportunity to participate. Meanwhile, organizations like the Lions Club continue to invest in youth programming, including support for Little League uniforms and broader summer initiatives.
Though specific activities have shifted over time, the spirit of the Big Sandy Water Institute remains remarkably consistent. What began as a grassroots effort to teach kids how to “wear a kayak,” paddle a canoe, and respect the water has grown into a lasting community tradition—one that still blends recreation, education, and exploration into a uniquely local experience.
As final plans for this summer are set to be completed in mid-April, one thing is clear: whether in 2002 or today, the Big Sandy Water Institute continues to offer something special—a place where kids don’t just learn about the outdoors, but truly experience it.
Lions busy as ever, raising funds
August 29, 2000
If you ask McGregor Lion member Bob Graff what he has been doing lately, he no doubt will answer “fund- raising.” That is the answer you would likely hear from a great many McGregor Lions. Their efforts are to help pay for the complete remodeling of the old one-season Marty Paquette Pavilion to the year around McGregor Community Center.
The need for a year around Community Center had long been a topic of discussion of the local Lions and
officials and members of the McGregor Community. Last year, the Lions agreed to take over the task of fund- raising and overseeing the construction of the Community Center complex at the request of the City of McGregor who owns the building.
After the 1999 Corn Feed, the major construction was begun with Bill Kangas of McGregor winning the bid to be general contractor. Most of the work was done by area subcontractors and their employees. With the Center nearly complete, including the adjacent secondary building used for storage and other purposes, the costs have risen to over $175,000.00. Thus far, using reserve funds, fund- raising and grants the Lions have raised over $125,000.00. With that huge gap, additional fund-raising has taken a top priority. Grants have been received from the Northland Foundation, the Foundation representing the Bremer Bank of Aitkin, the Cloquet Credit Union, Mille Lacs Electric Operation Round-up and Our Saviors Lutheran Church of McGregor.
Lion Phyllis Blanchard, with help from husband and Lion Jerry Blanchard, spon- sored a “No-Show Ball”, raising over $900.00. Grant requests are continually being written to obtain much needed funds, and the regular fundraising activities including Charitable Gamblingand Tuesday Night Bingo are in full swing.
Bob Graff has been one of the many tireless workers, recommending who should receive grant requests and then hand carrying many of them to the organizations involved. It was his idea to raffle off the 2000 Pontiac Sunfire Sedan obtained through McDonald-Wold of Aitkin. He has put in countless hours in seeing that the car is hauled from location to location and either manning the selling booth or arranging for others to sell the limited 1,500 tickets at $20.00 each. “Many people have comple- mented the Lions and the City for the beautiful Community Center. One way they can help is to give us a donation, like Our Saviors Lutheran Church did of $700.00 from the proceeds of their rummage sale, or buy one of our $20.00 raffle tickets for the car. If anyone wants to contribute or purchase a raffle ticket, they can contact me at (218)426- 3989. “It surely will be appreciated.” Graff said.
Oscar Maron shares the history of the Lion’s corn feed
September 12, 2000
A few more dozen ears of corn and bigger crowds.
As most everyone knows, the McGregor Lion’s held their annual Corn Feed on Saturday, Sept. 2. What most everyone doesn’t know, is how this tremendous fundraising event came about. Marty Paquette was instrumental in the start- up, held at the airport.
Who better to get the scoop on the history of the Corn Feed and how it all began than Oscar Maron. He was at his home after the hustle and bustle of the event was over. Relaxing in the screened-in porch, he began the tale.
“Well, we started in 1969, that’s the first one. We had 50 dozen ears of corn, cooked it in a great big iron kettle over a blow torch, can you imagine that?” Oscar chuckled. Actual- ly, many McGregor graduates or 4-H members can imagine that since many remember husking corn for the feed. They also recall the rickety hangar the big kettle was situated in when the corn was cooked. “The hangar had a tin roof and posts, no sides. They fit two planes in it, one from one direction and one from the other. Then they built another hangar there. They’d take the another hangar there. They’d take the planes out of there for part of the stuff that we had that we couldn’t have outside. But we still cooked the corn in that hangar.”
This was fine and dandy, but something happened one day. As Oscar recalls: “Then all of a sudden we got a big storm and the hangar blew away,” he chuckled again, “so now what are we gonna do?” Resourceful as ever, the Lions picked up a big tent with sides on it. The corn was husked and cooked in this tent for many years. Each year they added a few more dozen ears of corn as the crowds got bigger.
Where did they get the corn?
“First few years we just went out and bought the corn. There were people in the area that had late corn, well, 50 dozen, you could find that anyplace. We knew that wasn’t going to work when we had a big crowd.”
The Lions hired a broker from southern Minnesota. This broker handled everything, from finding the farmers to provide the corn to getting it delivered to McGregor. This year, the semi load of 12,000 ears - 1,000 dozen - was picked fresh the same morning as the corn feed. That’s how fresh it was. The semi was delayed due to weather conditions, but it made it up here. “The kids were all waiting, some here went home and back again. They husked it all out. We cooked it in two big stainless steel cookers with three baskets in each one. We can cook a bushel in each basket so we cook six bushels of corn at one time.”
Over the years, more activities were added to keep people around and give them something to do. Bingo, music and games are all a part of the festivities. Gone is the single line up to the big iron kettle. Now there are two lines and they have the nice, newly- remodeled pavilion to store their equipment and house their office. The Palisade Lions are the only outside vendor at the feed. The Palisade club, sponsored by McGregor Lions, have limited fundraising opportunities and are able to come to the McGregor Lions Corn Feed and sell ice cream. They are the only exception to the “no outside vendors” rule. Why no outsiders? Because they take the profits away from the community. The whole idea is to keep the money in the community and to help our school.
As the interview went on, an airplane could be heard taking off from the McGregor Airport. The question was raised regarding the airplane rides, but Oscar couldn’t quite nail down when they began. With help from Bud Johnson, collective memories guessed it was around 1971 or 1972. (If anyone knows for sure, please contact the Voyageur Press and leave a message. )
The Lions get the Corn Feed off the ground without too much of a hitch. “As many years as we’ve done this, it keeps getting better because you learn things, shortcuts on setting up and taking down, makes a lot of difference.” Oscar says. This is the major fundraising event of the year for the Lions. Support is awesome - it pretty much takes an entire community to put on events of this magni- tude, both Rice Days and Corn Feed. “You couldn’t operate if you didn’t get help from others,” Oscar is quick to point out. If the Lions had to buy everything, they’d either have to raise their entrance prices or have less money to give away. The business support helps keep the costs down. Admis- sion prices have not changed much over the 31 years.
So, how did the event turn out this year? The crowd was down from last year, probably due to the weather. The final count isn’t done as of press time, but it was still very successful. As Oscar puts it, “They ate a lot of corn!”
McGregor Lions Club Growing Strong, Giving Back Bigger Than Ever
From funding schools and supporting families to feeding crowds and creating community traditions, the McGregor Lions Club continues to be a driving force of generosity and service in the region. With tens of thousands of dollars donated each year, countless volunteer hours, and new initiatives expanding their reach, the Lions are not only growing in membership — they are growing in impact.
With 29 new members joining their ranks, the club has grown to 93 members strong. President Robert Swedeen shared that reaching 100 members has been a personal goal since stepping into leadership. With steady growth and strong community involvement, that milestone is clearly within reach.
Investing in the Community
The McGregor Lions have a long history of supporting local schools, nonprofits, and families in need, with many donations focused on ISD #4 and youth programs.
At their January meeting, members approved a wide range of donations. These included $6,000 to ISD #4 for photography equipment, $5,000 for baseball uniforms and equipment, $2,500 for IT program expenses, and $1,500 to the McGregor PTO for volleyball. Additional support included $5,400 to the Busy Beavers 4-H Club, $5,000 to ANGELS to support programming, $460 for school play costume fabric, and $375 to the City of McGregor for blood drives. The club also donated $200 to the Minnesota Lions Vision Foundation in memory of Virginia Johnson.
In February, the club continued its strong giving efforts. Donations included up to $2,000 for the Academic & Athletic Banquet, $3,000 for ISD #4 Post Prom, $2,000 to the McGregor Food Shelf, $2,000 to Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF), $1,500 for Community Meals, $2,500 to Something Cool, Inc., and $1,000 to Palisade Cares 4 Kids.
March giving remained just as impactful, with $3,000 donated to the Big Sandy Water Institute, $4,000 to the City of McGregor for well pump house repairs, $250 to the City of McGregor for two blood drives, and $375 supporting Music in the Park.
The club also supports organizations such as Can Do Canines, Leader Dog, the Minnesota Lions Diabetes Foundation, the Hearing Foundation, the Vision Foundation, and Kamp KACE.
Over the holidays, the Lions spent $9,000 on grocery gift cards to assist 105 local families. In response to a devastating house fire, the club also donated $1,000 to assist Norman and Bonnie P.
Simply put, the Lions show up — and they give.
Sharing Community Stories
In addition to financial support, the Lions are now helping share the stories behind the organizations they fund. The club is partnering with Voyageur Press to highlight local impact through storytelling. Organizations receiving donations will have their stories featured both in the Voyageur Press and on the MN Wonders website, helping bring greater awareness to the work being done across the community.
The first featured story will spotlight the Big Sandy Water Institute, highlighting its history and giving readers a preview of what to expect this summer. The organization recently received a $4,000 donation from the McGregor Lions, further supporting its mission and outreach.
Another upcoming feature will highlight the Community Meal program hosted by the McGregor Area Food Shelf. Supported by a recent $2,000 donation from the Lions, the program provides consistent, welcoming meals for community members each month. The story will focus on the impact of these meals, the volunteers who make them possible, and the importance of ensuring that no one in the community goes hungry.
New and Ongoing Community Efforts
Over the years, the Lions have expanded their outreach in meaningful ways.
The club hosts “Music in the Park” three times annually: the Thursday before Memorial Day, around the Fourth of July, and Labor Day weekend. These events bring the community together for live music and fellowship.
The Lions have also taken over the Community Meal held on the third Wednesday of each month, helping ensure no one in the community goes hungry. In March, the Community Meal was prepared by the McGregor Area Food Shelf and received the proceeds of the event. The next event will be held on Wednesday, April 15 and will begin at 5:30pm. Grand Timber Bank will be the host with all free will donations going to the McGregor Area Food Shelf.
The club remains active in local blood drives organized by Amy Staudinger at the McGregor Community Center. With an average of 32 donors per drive and 54 registered participants, the effort continues to meet a critical need. Upcoming drives are scheduled for March 5, May 1, and June 26, with incentives such as free A1C testing and gift cards.
For more than three decades, the Lions Club has celebrated the achievements of students at McGregor High School through an annual banquet recognizing academic, athletic, and extracurricular excellence. The event highlights the dedication and talent of students while fostering school pride and community support.
In 2002, the Lions Club, in collaboration with the McGregor Booster Club, introduced the Oscar Maron School Pride Award. This award honors students who excel in extracurricular activities that may not receive widespread recognition, emphasizing leadership, creativity, and commitment across areas such as music, theater, clubs, and student government. By highlighting these achievements, the Lions Club ensures that well-rounded contributions to school life are celebrated alongside traditional academic and athletic accomplishments.
The Senior Fish House Tradition
Each winter, the McGregor Lions place a heated fish house on the ice for area seniors and individuals with disabilities.
This season saw strong participation. Coordinator Russ Thompson reported that the Fish House was utilized 45 out of 51 available days. He expressed appreciation to those who helped place, maintain, refuel, and remove the house, including Tom Maijala, Bruce Waslie, Jerry Stech, Dale Carter, Scott Turner, and Lee Laursen.
Russ will continue managing reservations but is seeking someone to take over the project next year. Dale Carter is considering stepping into that leadership role.
Leadership and Elections
During a recent meeting, Tom Spencer called for nominations from the floor for officer positions for the 2026–2027 calendar year. The proposed ballot, to be voted on in April, includes Jerry Feucht for President; Pat Scollard for 1st Vice President; Amy Staudinger for 2nd Vice President; and Mike Shultz for 3rd Vice President. Nominees for two-year director positions are Bobbie Jurek and Walt Ford, with Terry Carter nominated as Secretary and Tom Maijala as Treasurer. Robert Swedeen and Betsy Swedeen were nominated to serve on the Membership Committee. Tail Twister nominees include Jackie Scollard, Shirley Scollard, and Deb Laursen, while Lion Tamer nominees are Jon Lamke, Pat Scollard, and Dale Carter.
The ballot was approved by Pat Scollard and Carol J. It was noted that the gambling manager position is appointed by the Board rather than elected, and Deb Laursen will continue serving in that role. Robert Swedeen will move into the role of Immediate Past President (IPP).
59 Years of Corn and Community
The club’s largest and most recognized fundraiser remains the annual Lions Corn Feed, held every Sunday of Labor Day Weekend. This year marks the 59th event, scheduled for September 6.
What began in 1966 with just 50 dozen ears of corn cooked in a large iron kettle over a blow torch has grown into a massive community celebration serving thousands of ears in a single afternoon.
From its early days in a simple airport hangar to today’s large-scale operation featuring semi-loads of fresh corn, the event has become a cornerstone of the community. Volunteers husk, cook, butter, and serve up to 12,000 ears of corn, alongside bingo, music, and family activities.
More than just a meal, the Corn Feed is the Lions’ primary fundraiser — and a tradition that continues to bring the community together year after year.
Looking Ahead
The McGregor Lions Club continues to reflect a strong, active, and forward-looking organization. With growing membership, expanding service projects, and continued community support, the club remains deeply committed to its mission.
Nearly six decades after that first kettle of corn, the spirit remains the same: neighbors helping neighbors, one project at a time.