The staff of the Devils Lake Journal shares their picks for the top stories from the past 12 months in Devils Lake and the Lake Region.
Two Ice Fishing events showcased the beginning of 2025 with the annual Patriot Fish Fest held at Woodland Resort which acknowledges the camraderie and theraputic benefits of being in the great outdoors for veterans and the massive DLVFD Ice Fishing Tournament held over the last week on January bringing thousands of people to the region’s largest event staged each year of the past 40+ years.
Bitter cold temperatures and an aging water delivery system led to Devils Lake’s water main break in February and emergency repairs to the city’s water tower and underground system along 10th Ave. NE.
Three victims of domestic violence were shot in incident in St. Michael in March led to both Devils Lake and Spirit Lake Nation in lockdown.
Plus April kicked off a series of five “Hands Off” rallies on the steps of the Old Post Office, the Lake Region Heritage Center in downtown Devils Lake.
Spring
Spring brings progress to the region as the Western State Bank Event Center nears completion at the Ramsey County Fairgrounds and Altru selects Tanner White as CEO of future Altru Hospital Devils Lake.
The question of the year might be, “What is the future of the Lake Region Law Enforcement Center?” and water quality and distribution for Spirit Lake drives questions about the safety of local drinking water and treatment facilities.
Summer
Local medical progress is celebrated as dialysis unit at Altru expands significantly.
More community progress seen in the opening of Shores Event Center at Woodland Resort, and as the expansion and renovations of Prairie View Elementary School go forward.
Fall
After a standoff in September with Devils Lake Police, former officer, Rey Hennen, now faces multiple felony charges including sexual assault.
Fall continued with the first Mental Health Summit held at LRSC, a new Managing Editor for the Devils Lake Journal – Mark C. Robinson, the Marketplace for Kids held at CCCC, additional charges for ex-officer Hennen, and the SNAP benefits pause and government shutdown leads to concern across the Great Plains and culling buffalo herds for food.
Human remains found during search for missing tribal member leads to arrest and charges for D’Angelo Hunt.
News that the Altru Devils Lake Hospital acquisition will be going forward in the New Year was announced in December as the Vatican approved the transition.
