Kelly Shaner, a certified athletic trainer for Minnewaska Area Schools, recently notified the school that she will be resigning her job and moving south for personal reasons.  

She was an athletic trainer for Douglas County Hospital for five years (2016-2021) before serving as the certified athletic trainer at MAHS from July, 2021 to the present.

She was recognized for the great job she has done and the impact she has made on the school and community prior to the start of a boys basketball game against Osakis (below), Thursday, Feb. 20, and also the next night during the Section 3AA girls’ playoff opener at home between the Lakers and visiting Litchfield team, Friday, Feb. 21 (pictures at top and bottom).

At the microphone, introducing her to the crowd, was Minnewaska Area High School Activities Director Phil Johnsrud.

The boys and girls basketball teams both gave her a gift and, following a short speech by Johnsrud, she made her way through a line of the teams giving hugs while sharing some tears.

According to Shaner, her father has developed Alzheimer’s and she is moving to southern Minnesota to help care for him.  

She said she has enjoyed working in Pope County so much and will miss all the people she has gotten to know in the community.

Shaner is not only the athletic trainer for MAHS sports, she attends most home games, helps care for the athletes’ injuries and health problems throughout the year and also works for Dr. Thomas at Glacial Ridge Healthcare System.