Aitkin Independent Age

For many years, Lakes and Pines Community Action has served individuals and families throughout the area by providing resources, support and services close to home. As the organization continues working on how services are delivered, there is an update regarding two of its office locations. Effective July 31, Lakes and Pines will be closing its physical office locations in Aitkin and Moose Lake.

The North Central Small Business Development Center at Central Lakes College is inviting aspiring entrepreneurs and new small business owners to participate in “Start Up North Accelerated,” an eight-week virtual cohort designed to help participants take their business ideas seriously and build a stronger path forward. The cohort will run Sept. 14 through Nov.

The Lakes Area Music Festival (LAMF) kicks off its 2026 season with the Prelude Series, a tradition that brings chamber music directly to communities across central Minnesota. From July 25 to 26, the acclaimed Thalea String Quartet will present three free concerts in Aitkin, Nisswa and Bemidji. No tickets are required and all performances are open to the public with free-will donations accepted.

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Don’t miss your chance to meet Mike Lindell and Phillip Parrish. Everyone is cordially invited to a town hall event at the McQuoid’s Inn and Event Center in Isle. Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 25, at 6 p.m. for an evening of their vision and community spirit. Hear directly from Lindell, candidate for governor, and Parrish, candidate for lieutenant governor, about their plans for Minnesota’s future.

Riders from across the region will gather in Aitkin on Saturday, Aug. 1, for the annual Toolin’ Tour Ride, a community event benefiting Aitkin County Habitat for Humanity. The ride begins at the Aitkin Moose Lodge and features a scenic route through Glen, McGregor, Palisade and Crosby before joining the Aitkin Riverboat Days parade.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is inviting Minnesotans to help in creating the next Minnesota state parks license plate. The theme for this plate is the North Shore and the Lake Superior agate. The North Shore refers to the western shoreline of Lake Superior from Duluth to the Canadian border. The DNR encourages anyone with a connection to Minnesota's outdoors to participate. Artistic experience isn't required — creative ideas from Minnesotans of all backgrounds are welcome.

Get ready to celebrate, Aitkin! Riverboat Heritage Days is returning bigger and better than ever this year, spanning two full days. This year’s celebration will commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence. The event, scheduled for July 31 and Aug. 1 is dedicated to honoring veterans, active military members and first responders. This year’s event includes a fireworks display! The chamber is currently raising funds to support this significant addition.

Kristi Pelto was appointed as election administrator at the McGregor School Board meeting June 22. The period for filing affidavits of candidacy for the board began on July 14 and will close at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28 for the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Three board members will be elected for terms of four years each.

One of the things I’ve learned in economic development is that communities don’t improve through one big project. More often, they improve through a series of small investments made over time. The building is getting updated. A new business is opening. A property owner replaces an old sign. Before long, those individual improvements begin to change the look and feel of a community. That’s why I was pleased to see the city of Aitkin launch its new Storefront & Signage Improvement Grant Program.