Voyageurs National Park grew by 61 acres last week.

The newly-protected land, on the Kempton Channel of Rainy Lake, represents the largest land transfer under the park association's Land Preservation Initiative. With that project, the park's nonprofit partner works to acquire the private property that remains within the national park's boundaries.

The 61 acres includes several hundred feet of sand beach shoreline. "The white sand beach, the tall pines and jagged rocks, the view — everything about this property is magnificent," said Executive Director Christina Hausman, in a statement on the park's blog.

Much of Voyageurs National Park, which spans 55 miles along the Minnesota-Ontario border, is accessible only by boat.

Jenna Ross @ByJenna

Ely

Local company offers beer runs to anglers on the ice

For Christmas this year, those ice fishing in Ely can get the gift of beer, delivered right to the door of their icehouses.

Safe Ride, a local delivery service that offers rides around town for a flat fee of $5, is partnering up with a local liquor store to offer alcohol deliveries for the same price to thirsty customers fishing on Millers Lake or Shagawa Lake.

"Santa is bringing Ely ice fishermen & women a great gift this year!" The company announced on its Facebook page. "Thanks to a partnership with our sponsor Beaver Liquor we are able to offer alcohol delivery to your icehouse (or regular house, or cabin, or tree house)!!!!!"

Nicolas Jordan, an Army veteran who launched Safe Ride last December, began offering food deliveries a few months ago. He decided to add alcohol to his service once he and the liquor store figured out a system to ensure none of those deliveries would end up in the hands of minors.

JENNIFER BROOKS @stribrooks

Fargo

Special election planned

to replace late mayor

The Fargo City Commission will meet next week to plan a special election to replace Mayor Dennis Walaker, who died earlier this month after a battle with cancer.

When commissioners meet on Dec. 22, they're expected to set a special election date in late April, the city auditor's office confirmed. Meanwhile, Tim Mahoney will continue as interim mayor. The special election could also include a ballot amendment that would do away with a current requirement that city commissioners step down from office to run for mayor.

One city commissioner, Brad Wimmer, has already announced plans to run for mayor, the Fargo Forum reports. Wimmer ran against Walaker last summer.

The date for the special election is expected to be Tuesday, April 28.

Jennifer Brooks @stribrooks