(Editor’s Note: The following article was submitted by the Big Lake Chamber of Commerce.)

Nearly 40 new school staff were welcomed to the Big Lake community on Monday, Aug. 21, with a scavenger hunt organized by District SEL Coordinator & Homeless Liaison Ben Bonnett and community tour by Chamber Executive Director Gloria Vande Brake.

Medallions were created by Chamber member Majestic Creations and hidden throughout the school buildings and in the community. Staff obtaining the most medallions won the opportunity for Superintendent Tim Truebenbach to sub in their class for an hour, an item from the High School Hornet store and a CentraCare Health Bounce Back prize.

Mayor Paul Knier, City Administrator Hanna Klimmek and Chamber Vice-Chair Brenda Geldert of Options Inc welcomed them to the community and offered their services.  Chamber members contributed items for a welcome bag that was packed by Options Inc. clients that morning.

McPete’s Sports Bar & Lanes owner Eric Peterson provided a tour of his facility, including the bowling lanes, arcade, mini-golf & volleyball courts.  

The Wave Youth Center President & Founder Molly Schroeder and Big Lake Community Food Shelf Executive Director Sandy McClurg provided tours of their facilities.

Citizens for Big Lake Freedom Rock Linda Paulson gave a passionate talk about how the state’s 4th Freedom Rock came to Big Lake with many donations, including the shelter to begin construction this fall.  

Cocoa Mass owner Molly Drossel provided free ice cream cones to the new school staff, a great treat on the hot afternoon!

Chamber Executive Director Gloria Vande Brake gave a historical perspective as the staff rode the Vision Transportation bus throughout the community. Much of her data came from the book, “History of Big Lake” available at the Big Lake Public Library.