My Top Five Wishes For Mille Lacs Area in 2010

I put together my Top Five general wishes for the Mille Lacs area in 2010. Several may be way out of bounds, but they are just wishes...

1. Sale of Izatys. The resort has been in limbo for two years since its slide into bankruptcy and was bought by mortgage holder, Commerce Bank. It ran on five of six cylinders last year, operating Club 19, the pool, the hotel and Blackbrook golf course. It's time for a sale and a new direction with some restoration of the property.

2. End To Tribal-Sportsmen Fishing Bad Blood Let's face it, the fishing has been way below average the last couple years. But that hasn't kept the tribe from netting it's quota. As a measure of good faith, I'd like to see the tribe take less than a full share to ensure things start getting better on the lake. The DNR gave us set slots in 2008 and that sportsmen have to go by. It would go a long way in lessening the tension between the two groups!

3. A Galvanizing EventThere are those who claim the lake is made up of factions who work against each other. Resort owners vs. private property rentals, east side vs. west side, major fishing tourneys in Garrison and East Side competing against each other on same weekend.... I would like to see one weekend event that all parts of Mille Lacs bought into and were run at the same time. Not sure what that looks like but the easiest would be a early to mid January fishing tourney blowout. I am sure the folks at Mille Lacs Tourism have tossed this one around... Maybe a main-stream concert?

4. Some good news on Spread of Invasive SpeciesJust some positive news about spread of zebra mussels, lake mites, etc.

5. Economic Upturn/New Business How about an Asian Food place? And while small business dislikes competing with big box stores, it's better to get a few than have the masses travel to Brainerd. We're ok on grocery stores, bait shops, and bars. We're pretty lean on retail around here. It would be great to get lake real estate moving again... Those in the know say property 150 and below moves, those over have been stagnant. We need to get all those elite, empty properties sold to get folks with some cash up here to spend. There are dozens of townhomes around the lake for sale. The development around the Mille Lakes Golf and Resort up by Garrison sits almost vacant...