Country Messenger

Country Messenger is a local newspaper based in Scandia, Minnesota, USA. It reports on a variety of topics including local news, sports, business, job opportunities, and community happenings. The publication serves the City of Scandia, the City of Marine on St. Croix, May Township, and the wider Washington County region.

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Articles

New courts, more opportunities for Scandia’s pickleballers

2 days ago | countrymessenger.com | Matt Anderson

Pickleball is widely regarded as the fastest-growing sport in the United States, and the City of Scandia has taken notice. A project to add six new pickleball courts to the city is nearly finished, and the new courts are now open and ready for use by those who enjoy the sport. Nobody is more eager to hit the courts than the Scandia Pickleballers.
Scandia’s home plate heroes

6 days ago | countrymessenger.com | Matt Anderson

Hall of Famers, champions return to celebrate a fastpitch softball legacyMany Minnesotans today are devoted fans of sports like football and hockey. However, the Minnesota community of Scandia has another sport that has long been revered: fastpitch softball, which boasts a time-honored history.
Drones, data and bug spray

1 week ago | countrymessenger.com | Matt Anderson

MMCD ramps up mosquito and tick control in Washington CountyAs mosquitoes begin to hatch and ticks emerge earlier than ever, the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District is stepping up efforts in Washington County with a high-tech mix of drones, data, and public outreach to curb disease-carrying pests before summer hits full swing. If you live in Washington County, there’s a small chance you’ve recently spotted large drones flying over wetland areas.
Same hometown healthcare, new clinic

1 week ago | countrymessenger.com | Matt Anderson

Osceola Medical Center returns to ScandiaScandia residents are soon to have medical care in their hometown – again. After the closure of the former Osceola Medical Center in Scandia five years ago, a new center is set to open in the coming year. While in a slightly different location, the new center will allow Scandia residents to get the healthcare they need without the extra travel.
Maklin Bike Shop is rolling to Scandia

2 weeks ago | countrymessenger.com | Matt Anderson

It’s no secret that Scandia has plenty of popular trails for bike riders to enjoy. Soon, Scandia will have a new bike shop to accompany those trails when Maklin Bike Shop opens its doors in the coming weeks. Owned by Steve and Lynn Hamlin, Maklin Bike Shop is relocating their business from Shafer and they are hard at work preparing their new space in downtown Scandia to welcome riders in June.
Thanks for reading

2 weeks ago | countrymessenger.com | Matt Anderson

Despite being a writer by trade, I’ve never considered myself a great writer by any means. Perhaps it’s just the self-deprecating pessimist in me, but I’m typically very critical of my writing. For that reason, I find it hard to believe that anyone wants to read what I write, but it also makes me incredibly grateful to anyone who does.
What I'm waiting for

2 weeks ago | countrymessenger.com | Carrie Classon

It’s hard to know what I’m waiting for, but I’m waiting for something. Spring is late. I would have known this even if I wasn’t getting daily reminders in my email of the beautiful pictures I took exactly a year ago. One year ago, all the trees were in full bloom. The tulips were hitting their prime. The peonies were threatening to bud out. This year, there are a handful of daffodils that somehow ended up in an extra warm spot and a sprinkling of tiny tulips.
Marine will appoint new councilmember following Anderson’s resignation

3 weeks ago | countrymessenger.com | Matt Anderson

Following the acceptance of Councilmember Charlie Anderson’s resignation, the city council of Marine on St. Croix will appoint a new member to complete Anderson’s term. Anderson was first elected to the city council in 2018 and was reelected in 2022. The city council publicly announced his resignation at the May 8 meeting, declaring a vacancy effective April 14, 2025. This leaves the council with the responsibility to vote on and appoint a new member during the June meeting.
‘Go fishing, Dada?’

3 weeks ago | countrymessenger.com | Matt Anderson

I have certain vivid memories of fishing with my dad and my grandpa. I’m sure it was just as important to them as it was to me. When you’re that young, dads and grandpas are kind of fishing heroes to young boys. For that reason, I hope I can be a fishing hero to my son Graydon. Ever since Graydon was born, I’ve been dreaming about fishing with him as he grows up. When he was two years old, I even prematurely expected to take him out ice fishing for the first time. It’s not the craziest idea.
From Scandia Elementary to Juilliard

3 weeks ago | countrymessenger.com | Matt Anderson

Anderson’s journey to musical masteryA small-town hobby farm in Scandia, Minn. may not seem like the most likely place for a musical prodigy to grow up. However, former Scandia Elementary student Sam Anderson’s love and dedication to music have taken him from that small farm all the way to one of the most prestigious musical schools in the country: The Juilliard School.