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In recognition of his outstanding overall career performance, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Andy Schmidt has been named the 2024 Conservation Officer of the Year. DNR Enforcement Division Director Col. Rodmen Smith presented awards to Schmidt and four other officers on February 12 as part of an annual award celebration at Camp Ripley.
A conservation officer since 2008, Schmidt currently works in the Duluth West station. He’s spent his entire career working in the northeastern part of Minnesota, and recently accepted a promotion to become district supervisor in the area in early March.
Before becoming a conservation officer, Schmidt worked as a trooper for the Minnesota State Patrol. Schmidt is known as a fair and thorough conservation officer who works hard to connect the community with the DNR through safety training classes and routine contacts with outdoor enthusiasts. Schmidt also is extensively involved in training new and existing conservation officers and serves on the Enforcement Division’s Honor Guard.
“Andy has been a dedicated public servant his entire career, and really models what it means to excel as a conservation officer,” Smith said. “He strikes the delicate balance of enforcing laws that protect natural resources and getting people to understand how their actions affect the resources.”
Schmidt also was named the 2024 Minnesota Wildlife Officer of the Year by the Shikar Safari Club International.
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Defending champion Hermantown will host Greenway in a Section 7A boys hockey quarterfinal Tuesday night at historic Hermantown Arena.
"I was very proud of our effort against Grand Rapids (a 1-1 overtime tie at historic Hermantown Arena) on Tuesday night, and I thought we played a very complete game," said Hawks coach Patrick Andrews. "From the second period on we took over control with a relentless forecheck and great defense. Unfortunately, the puck did not find the back of the net, which we are working on. However, at the same time when you play the right way the puck will go in, if we continue to put pressure on like we did Tuesday and play with speed and purpose the puck will go in."
Andrews said he was pleased to see his team score on the power play against the Class AA Thunderhawks.
"River (Freeman, senior power forward) got the goal, again, which is great for him and us. As he goes, we go," said Andrews.
Andrews also said his team is starting to show its superior depth, which includes a boatload of talented underclassmen.
"Senior Cam Lukvosky played very well as did the purple line with sophomores Beau Christy, Cole Lendzyk and Micklain Martalock," said Andrews. "Bryce (Francisco, junior goaltender) was fantastic once again, but we need to get him some more goals."
The second-seeded Hawks (13-8-4) are heavy favorites against Greenway (8-16-1). The winner advances to the 7A semifinals on Saturday, Feb. 22 at Amsoil Arena.
"If we play like we have the past three games – Moorhead, Benilde-St. Margaret's and Grand Rapids – even though we have not got wins in those games, we will be just fine," said Andrews of the playoffs. "We will need to continue to forecheck with purpose, be physical and reload the forecheck. Our defensemen have been phenomenal with their gaps and outlets. Combined with a scoring mentality, these things could help us play into March."
2025 4 Nations Face-Off Schedule
Today – USA vs. Finland, 8 p.m. | ESPN
Saturday – Finland vs. Sweden, 1 p.m. | ABC; USA vs. Canada, 8 p.m. | ABC
Monday, Feb. 17: Canada vs. Finland, 1 p.m. | TNT
Monday, Feb. 17: Sweden vs. USA, 8 p.m. | TNT
Thursday, Feb. 20: Championship game, 8 p.m. | ESPN
