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A day of golf, friendly competition and community support resulted in a record $25,000 raised for the United Way of Bemidji Area during the 22nd Annual Beltrami Electric Touchstone Energy® Open on September 11 at Castle Highlands Golf Course.

The annual tournament brings local businesses, golfers and community members together to support the United Way and its work to strengthen the Bemidji-area community. This year’s record contribution brings the tournament’s total fundraising impact to more than $249,000 since the event began in 2005.

“Every year, we are amazed by the generosity of our sponsors, golfers and volunteers,” said Angela Lyseng, Beltrami Electric Cooperative communications specialist. “This tournament is about much more than a day on the golf course. It’s an opportunity for our communities to come together and make a lasting difference for the people and organizations served by the United Way.”

The tournament featured 36 teams competing in a four-person scramble. The top three teams were:

  • First Place: Affinity Aces, Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union
  • Second Place: WESCO
  • Third Place: Team Echternach

Beltrami Electric Cooperative extends its sincere appreciation to the businesses that sponsored the tournament, the golfers who participated and the volunteers who helped make the event a success. Their continued support helps make it possible for the Touchstone Energy® Open to provide meaningful support to the United Way of Bemidji Area year after year.

2026 first place team from Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union
First-place team: The Affinity Aces team from Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union took first place in the 22nd Annual Beltrami Electric Touchstone Energy® Open. Pictured, from left: Nicole Wangberg, Natalie Rader, Gail Johnson and Sarah Kuesel.
2026 second place team from WESCO
Second-place team: The WESCO team placed second in the tournament. Pictured, from left: Mark Bakk, Al Ripley, Jack Kinnunen
2026 third place team was Team Echternach
Third-place team: Team Echternach placed third. Pictured, from left: Penny Echternach, Tyler Echternach, Jesse Echternach and Jared Echternach.