Make It Mille Lacs!

Arctic Blast 16 Pictures From Around The Lake

2011-02-13T06:05:00.000-08:00

Minnesota Vikings Arctic Blast 16

A photo compilation from Arctic Blast 16 as we followed current and former vikings and team officials around Mille Lacs Lake on Saturday, February 12.

New Web Site Rolls Out Today

2010-04-07T11:10:00.000-07:00

This will be the last post on our old website. Later today, you will see a new Make It Mille Lacs website that incorporates YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Flicker. It's much easier to update, yet it compromises the staples we've provided over the last two years. It's been great watching our number of followers add up over the last three years, culminating with more than 340 visitors per day in January 2010. We think you'll like our new coverage with Mille Lacs updates posting right to our home page. We maintain the same makeitmillelacs.com URL, so save us to favorites and enjoy the ride!

Early Spring Means $$$ at Mille Lacs

2010-04-05T07:57:00.001-07:00

Fiddlestix Golf Course in Isle was open April 1st. Izatys opened its operation the same day and its golf course is scheduled to open April 16. With this unseasonably warm weather, it seems folks are getting out and coming to Mille Lacs a bit earlier than normal. It appears that Mille Lacs ice-out should occur this week. The satellite view shows about 1/3 of the lake has ice on it and with the winds of today through Wednesday, it should be gone. People are thinking about getting their boats out of storage, uncovering their winter patio furniture and raking their yards. Let's just hope Mother Nature doesn't send us back into the lows 40s and pound us with April Showers now. For the readings in Cove Bay, the Mille Lacs lake level is about 10.70 which is about the same as it was on December 6th before ice over. Normally the lake level is up a fair amount, so we probably could use some well-timed rain this month. Expect to see Tribal netters on the lake as soon as the ice is off. The nice thing about the early ice is that these netters should be off the lake for at least two weeks prior to the May 15th fishing opener.

Izatys Re-Opening April 1st

2010-03-30T11:05:00.000-07:00

Izatys Resort will re-open April 1st with Club 19's bar and restaurant springing back into action. There have been some major changes to the staffing at the Resort, which will be run this season by Jason and Sherry Tollette. Buyer Roy Winjum is still in the purchase phase and an mid-summer closing is expected. Robert Wilsey will serve as the head bar manager. Kevin Aho returns as head chef. We were told that the golf course will re-open on or about April 15th, which is about two weeks earlier than planned. Steve and Tony Tideman will be taking over duties at Walleye World/Marina. There is a special Easter dinner on April 4th from 10-3pm for $10.95. Call to make reservations for dinner at 320-532-4574.

Fiddlestix Golfing Opening This Weekend

2010-03-30T07:18:00.000-07:00

Fiddlestix Golf Course in Isle could be open as early as this weekend, according to Harley Exstad, owner. That would make it the earliest opening on record for the 18-hole golf course. Adding a couple extra weeks of business to the schedule should help Fiddlestix to another great golf year. They have a bevy of tournaments scheduled already. Visit their new website at for to schedule a tee time, get a membership or learn about their specials.

Izatys Resort's Blackbrook Golf Course won't open that quickly, but it is on pace to open several weeks earlier than normal. The Club 18 bar and restaurant opens April 1st and will be open weekends until the golf course is open. The Izatys Tuesday men's league meeting is April 13th at 6 pm at the clubhouse. Interested members can visit for more information on memberships and golf prices.

March 20th Poker Run breaks the doldrums

2010-03-05T07:12:00.000-08:00

The ice fishing season is waning and the time between that and the opener is usually fairly slow around Mille Lacs. To combat boredom, a group of area bars have banded together to offer a fun, free Poker run.

You get a card at each location and show up at BayView at 8 pm for a chance to win the $75 first prize for the best five-card poker hand. There are cash prizes for second through fifth place. The event starts at noon on March 20th. There are eight participating locations: Onamia Vets Club, BayView, Muggs, Wahkon Inn, Isle Bowl, Hunter's Point, Fishermen's Wharf and Liberty Beach.

Countdown to Sixth Annual Kite Crossing March 5-7

2010-02-25T07:11:00.000-08:00

Notice of Challenge!

Mille Lacs Kite Crossing Date: Friday thru Sunday, March 5-7 Site: Garrison Bay, Garrison, MN.

Event Format: A weekend of freeriding, endurance race, expressionsession, gear demos, instruction and more. Riders are encouraged tospend the weekend in Garrison or nearby. Saturday’s Banquet is free to all registered riders.

Race Details: Endurance race across Mille LakesSchedule: TBD and announced by the Race Committee at the Kiters Meeting Categories: Ski Men, Snowboard Men, Ski Women, Snowboard Women, Juniors (16 and under).Qualifications: The race is open to anyone willing to give it a try.

Format: The race will be a long-distance, kite endurance run. The Race Committee will determine the course based upon the conditions of the day. Details of the race are provided at the Kiter’s meeting.If you intend to race you must attend the Kiters meeting. Expect distances of 20+ miles, with shorter courses available. Snowmobile support will be provided along the course. Helmets are Mandatory.

For registration details contact organizers at Fleet-8@juno.com

Safe Harvest Levels For Mille Lacs 2010

2010-02-19T05:39:00.000-08:00

While this isn't breaking news, we haven't posted anything regarding it to date.

The 2010 Mille Lacs Lake safe harvest level for walleye will be up slightly from 2009, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Members of the 1837 Treaty Fisheries Committee recently recommended the safe harvest level for walleye at 544,000 pounds, up from 541,000 pounds in 2009. The committee also recommended the yellow perch harvest level at 270,000 pounds and the northern pike harvest level at 25,000 pounds, both the same as last year.

Safe harvest levels are recommended annually by the 1837 Treaty Fisheries Committee to ensure Mille Lacs’ fish populations remain healthy. The committee consists of representatives from the DNR as well as the eight Chippewa Bands that have 1837 Treaty fishing rights.

DNR staff will meet with the Mille Lacs Fisheries Input Group in late February to discuss the state of the fishery and other issues. Currently anglers can keep four walleye up to 18 inches in length. All walleye between 18-and 28-inches must be immediately released. An angler can keep one walleye longer than 28 inches. This regulation is similar to regulations on most other large walleye lakes and supports the goal of maintaining a consistent regulation from year to year.

Last year, walleye angling harvest plus hooking mortality was 141,000 pounds. The state’s 2009 walleye allocation was 414,500 pounds. Several strong year classes of walleye up to 18 inches should provide for better fishing in 2010. In 2009, the allocation for the Chippewa bands governed by the 1837 Treaty was 126,500 pounds. Their total harvest was 101,220 pounds.

For 2010, planned allocations for angling regulated by the DNR were set at 411,500 pounds for walleye, 135,000 pounds for yellow perch and 12,500 pounds for northern pike. The allocation levels include angling harvest and hooking mortality. In addition, a maximum overage of 30 percent is allowed for walleye because 2009 fall population assessments indicate that the walleye population is in good condition on Mille Lacs.

The Chippewa bands established their walleye allocation at 132,500 pounds for 2010, an increase of 6,000 pounds from 2009.

A South Shore Valentine? Izatys Purchase Agreement Signed by Winjum

2010-02-12T13:22:00.000-08:00

After being in limbo for more than 29 months, Izatys Resort will have a new owner in a transition that involves a pair of well-known Izatys players and buyer Roy Winjum.

The 78-year old south shore resort on Lake Mille Lacs will be run by Jason and Sherry Tollette until the sale is closed with Winjum, a Faribault businessman. Commerce Bank currently owns the resort. The close date is projected for June 2010. The Tollettes will run the resort through the 2010 season as Winjum prepares a transition team and plan.

A purchase agreement was signed on February 12th. Details of the purchase were not released.

The deal could be a boost to 130 Izatys lakeside town home owners and several thousand Village at Izatys Timeshare holders. Those groups suffered a drop in property/timeshare values with the resort going into bankruptcy and closing, coupled with the recent recession and loss of amenities. The sale should also help support local businesses as vacationers return to Izatys.

Sherry Tollette said that Club 19 will open April 1, starting with weekends. The couple stated that Izatys will be bringing back some fine dining nights in the Shore Room, more live entertainment on weekends and some theme events. Early business tallies put things on the upswing as there are more scheduled weddings than at any time since 2001. Corporate sales are also rebounding. The Tollette’s will hire staff to operate the hotel, Club 19, Blackbrook Golf Course and Walleye World and Marina for the entire 2010 season, according to Jason Tollette.

One staple of yesteryear returns as The Cheeseburger Open Golf Tourney is back after a two-year hiatus. The Stars on the Water Band from San Diego is scheduled to return for the June 19th event. Former Golf Pro Mark Kern will return to run the Pro Shop.

Right now, things are running full speed on the planning side as Commerce Bank scurries to get a needed liquor license from Mille Lacs County and certification from the Minnesota Health Department. The Tollettes will need to hire staff and train a small army of employees to ensure quality service.

Work will also begin on resurrecting the front nine of Sanctuary Golf Course, which was mothballed two years ago and is in dismal shape. The plan is for Mike Eden and staff to have the course ready in time for the 2011 golf season. Tollette said that additional dollars have been budgeted for more and improved course equipment and several key shop needs.

The Tollettes are not newcomers to Izatys.

Jason served as general manager of Izatys from 2003 to 2005 and was the golf pro from 1998 to 2002. The couple teamed up as overall property managers last year for Commerce Bank, which has owned the resort since late December 2008. They helped recruit local businessmen Rand Syverson and Brandon Niesen who successfully ran Club 19. And they had local bait shop owner Bill Lundeen operate Walleye World in 2009. Tollette is the selling agent of the property as part of his Meyer Commercial Real Estate business in St. Cloud. Jason’s father, Dick Tollette, will also devote some time to helping out with the golf course planning and improvements. He and his wife, Marvy, own the Stone Lodge on the property.

Sherry has served in hospitality sales for the last 10 years, leaving a job with Torgerson Properties and Hotels in Maple Grove as sales director for Hampton Inn last year to help out at Izatys. She is spearheading Izatys sales and marketing and will also help with property management.

“I like to call myself the fun director,” Sherry said enthusiastically. “My favorite job as you know is poolside bingo coordinator.”

Owners and vacationers can expect to see some changes and upgrades at Izatys this year. The 28-room hotel reopens with some added amenities, including microwaves and mini-refrigerators in each room,” A recent insurance claim stemming from an August 2007 storm is pending with Commerce Bank and may be used to reroof both the hotel and clubhouse and possibly add needed paint and repairs to both outer buildings.

Golf Memberships are available now and can be purchased replying to the Izatys web site pdf file. And a rental pool is being developed to help accommodate larger corporate groups. For more information, see Izatys.com for golf and rental pool information.

Winjum owns and operates a pair of successful smaller resorts, one in Faribault and one in LeCenter, MN. He signed the purchase agreement Friday and is preferring to keep a low profile during the transition and until the sale is complete, Jason Tollette said.

Winjum has privately expressed several noteworthy visions for expansion of the property but wasn’t available for comment today.

Fishing for Ducks Tourney: Feb. 20th on Garrison Bay!

2010-02-10T09:13:00.000-08:00

One of the neatest and potentially most profitable ice fishing tourneys on Mille Lacs lake is Garrison's Fishing for Ducks Tourney, which is slated for noon to 3 pm, Saturday February 20th in Garrison Bay.

The prize list is incredible and we've posted a pair of photos of the heavy hitter prizes -- a new truck and a wheeled fish house. With it's ease of access and professionally-run operation, this tourney is well worth the $30 per line entry fee ($40 if after February 14th).

In all, there are 75 prizes. For a complete event listing and prize information, please see the Garrison Duck's Unlimited Fishing at http://www.fishingforducks.org/index.html.

2010 Mille Lacs Golf: Courses Posturing.

2010-02-08T11:02:00.000-08:00

As I googled around Mille Lacs lake to my favorite golf sites, Fiddlestix and Izatys Resort both popped up again. Harley at Fiddlestix does a great job of energizing his player base early, usually being the first to get his leagues setup each spring. As a way to maintain ties to his southeast shore golfing base, Harley has setup and run a simulator golf league this winter. I have heard he has done well and drawn many to his usually dormant establishment this time of year. I expect to be receiving my eblast soon from Harley, announcing league meetings and projecting the club opening for sometime in late April. It's usually first out of the gate in the area.

Up on the northwest side of the lake, the question is will Hardwoods come back from its near death knell of a year ago? The web site is down and the domain name is up for either renewal or a new customer when you search on Google. This isn't surprising as last year the course came out of the gate very late, losing one of its men's leagues to Izatys because of poor playing conditions and questions about it even opening (which it did, late). At one time, things were looking up for this course, that has a very nice layout but has fallen on hard times and been unable to move alot of townhome property, rebuild its club house and cash in on its proximity to Mille Lacs Grand Casino and a potential plethora of golfers who might frequent its 550-room hotel.

That leaves both Izatys and Higbees on the south shore. Izatys speculation has a new buyer taking over soon, envisioning a reopening of the nine original holes on Sanctuary in 2011, making it a 27-hole course with Blackbrook. No confirmation of this potential sale has been announced yet, however. For those who played Blackbrook last year, it was in its best shape in about four years. Sand traps were redone, with stump removal and cart path repair left for this season... Higbees continues to get decent play and its low cost appealed to the budget conscious in 2009 as rounds climbed and the course got another year of maturity under its belt. Both appear postured to rebound further if the economy to bring more folks to Mille Lacs in 2010.

February Is Finest Mille Lacs Winter Month!

2010-01-30T06:58:00.000-08:00

When it comes to Mille Lacs Lake, February is all action. With four major fishing contest events, the Minnesota Vikings Arctic Blast and Garrison's Ice Race weekend, it's truly the Big Pond's best winter month to get out and enjoy! In 28 days, you get good fishing and plenty of fun. Permanent fish houses must be off the ice by the last day of February as well. Here's a look at what lies ahead:

KJ's Ice Fishing Tourney/Island View Rentals Blast is scheduled for February 6th.

The Minnesota Vikings and Arctic Blast returns Feb. 13-14

Nitti's Hunter's Point hosts its Perch/Pout Fest on February 20th

The 6th Annual Duck's Unlimited Fishing Contest is February 20th in Garrison

Mille Lacs Perch Extravaganza February 27th at Hunter's Point

Garrison Ice Race Weekend is February 27-28

My Top Five Wishes For Mille Lacs Area in 2010

2010-01-05T08:31:00.000-08:00

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...

Ripple River Art Gallery Wood Carving Class

2009-12-28T12:39:00.001-08:00

Learn Scandinavian figure carving
at Ripple River Gallery

Award-winning figure carver, Bill Jaeger, will lead a two-day workshop in Scandinavian carving, Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 16-17, at Ripple River Gallery, 27591 Partridge Avenue, Aitkin, near Bay Lake. The sessions will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days.

This two-day class will start with a short history of Scandinavian carving and its primary artists. Next, the class will move on to tool safety, sharpening and knife stroke techniques. Students may then choose figure blanks from several designs and then begin carving with group and individual instruction.

The second day the emphasis will be on painting and oil finishing with the goal of sending all carvers home with a finished figure carving.

Tools recommended for the class are a carving knife and a few palm gouges. Leather strops, knives and extra blanks will be available for purchase in class.

About the instructor: Bill Jaeger spent 29 years designing retail stores and related cabinetry before turning to woodcarving. As instructor at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis, he has had the opportunity to spend time with and learn from a few of the Scandinavian carvers left working in their craft. He has also traveled to Sweden to study with woodcarvers there.

Bill’s knowledge of carving and tradition will make the class an enjoyable experience for all. Jaeger has won numerous ribbons for his carved figures at Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum’s National Exhibition of Folk Art in the Norwegian Tradition at Decorah, IA, and at other Scandinavian festivals.

Cost of the workshop is $115. Class size is limited. Participants should bring a bag lunch (coffee and snacks provided).

To reserve space in this class or for more information, call Ripple River Gallery, 218/678-2575 or e-mail ripriv@mlecmn.net.

Ripple River Gallery is open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, January through March, or other times by chance or arrangement. The gallery is located five miles south of Deerwood on Highway 6, then 3 miles east of Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge on County Road 14 to Partridge Avenue; or south of Aitkin on Highway 169 to Bennettville, then 3.2 miles west on County Road 11 to Partridge Avenue.

Winter Storm Dents Ice Fishing Over Holiday

2009-12-24T08:58:00.000-08:00

Resort owners worst fears were realized, starting last night (Wednesday, Dec. 23) as snow started falling as part of a predicted blizzard in the Central Minnesota area. Reports show the Twin Cities could receive 16-22 inches by Saturday morning and Mille Lacs appears to be in the 12-14 inch range. As of this writing, I have seen totals of 3-4 inches in that area.

By any account of web sites I reviewed this morning, the amount of snow coupled with high winds will crimp fish house placement and operations today and possibly through the weekend.

Eddy Lyback asks customers to call or keep watching his web site, but stated they won't be allowing vehicles on the ice or be pulling out houses until after the storm. A concern on several web sites, was the potential weight of the snow on ice that ranges between 9-13 inches thick around the lake.

Some may recall the situation around New Year's Eve several years ago when heavy snow turned to rain and resulted in many resorts scrambling to get fish houses blocked up or even taken off the ice until safer times prevailed.

It doesn't looked like any rain or wet weather. However, the weight of the snow could result in many houses needing to be blocked up higher to keep water from spilling in.

Reports from Lybacks, The Wharf, Rocky Reef and Bill Lundeen all suggested a decent walleye bit at sun-up and sundown along with nice numbers of jumbo perch during the early ice season. Bill Lundeen called it the best early ice fishing in several years. We have ice and we have snow now. Best method on travel off roads on Mille Lacs will be snowmobile.

Arctic Blast Snubs South Shore in 2010

2009-12-15T05:50:00.000-08:00

The 15th Annual Minnesota Vikings Arctic Blast Snowmobile rally, scheduled for 12-13 February on Mille Lacs will have one noteworthy absence -- a stop on Mille Lacs Lake's south shore. After stopping at Izatys and BayView in recent years, this year's event will reduce two blast points -- Eddy's and BayView -- making the rally a Northwest and Eastern Lake affair.

Stops are now at Blue Goose, Castaways, Buzzy's on the Bay and Grand Casino.

BayView's Rand Syverson wasn't fond of the decision by event organizers, stating that BayView had registered among the most participants and had raised funds commensurate with other bars that host the event.

"They decided both us and Eddy's were off the list this year," Syverson said after sponsoring the event since Izatys filed bankruptcy in the fall of 2007. "We did a ton of business and it was very popular here."

2010 will mark the 15th year of the Arctic Blast as thousands of snowmobile entusiasts ride sleds to raise money for upper Midwest childern the Viking's Children's Fund supports. Through the Arctic Blast event, support is also generated for several environmental organizations in the Lake Mille Lacs Area.

Blastpoints are located along the approximately 100-mile route of well-groomed snowmobile trails around the Lake Mille Lacs area. With paid registration, riders receive a prize ticket when they check-in to a minimum of three Blast Points. Prize tickets may be turned in for a chance to win the thousands of dollars in prizes that are awarded at the Prize Party held on Sunday, wrapping up the Artic Blast event.

In addition to being your gateway for prize tickets, each Blastpoint also serve as an opportunity to get autographs from and photographs with Vikings players, alumni, coaches, Viktor the Viking, and the Vikings Cheerleaders. Throughout the event, participants can also enjoy a number of giveaways and games.

Participants can pre-register or register day of event at any of the Blast Points.

Additional information for the 2010 Arctic Blast XV event will be posted upon availability.

Ice Fishing in Bays Should Be Ok This Weekend

2009-12-08T13:02:00.000-08:00

Surfing around the various web sites around the lake, Eddy Lyback reports that most bays now have 4-5 inches of ice and should be fishable with portables and foot traffic by this weekend (Dec. 12=13). Thanks to a recent cold spate and more cold weather on the way, Ice Fishing Fanatics will be able to get back out on the Big Pond soon. Many are predicting a better ice season on Mille Lacs, including Lyback. See our ice fishing reports by clicking on the ice fishing link.

Off-year For Muskies on Mille Lacs, says guide

2009-11-21T06:31:00.000-08:00

Matt Treno knows a thing or two about Muskie fishing on Mille Lacs. The young guide from the south shore works at Thorne Brothers Muskie Shop off highway 27 and takes plenty of folks out in search of the elusive giants each year. He also talks with a host of other guides around the lake. And he's been at it for a more than a few years. Treno echoed the sentiments of many I've talked to this year, saying the Muskie catch was way off in 2008. He said about a third of the usual amount of Muskies were caught. He said Gene Miller, the legendary guide and Isle Postmaster, caught only 35 fish this season in contrast to more than 100 he has caught in recent seasons. "It was pretty slow by most accounts," Treno said last week. He did mention a recent 55-inch catch on the big pond but had few other details about it. "There are still a few die-hards out there fishing."

Anderson Resorts of Leech Lake Eyeing Izatys

2009-11-19T13:43:00.000-08:00

An outfit with major experience in the Minnesota resort business toured Izatys Resort grounds on Wednesday, November 18th. Anderson's Family Resorts owns six resorts on Leech Lake and was able to talk with Mike Edin, Golf Course Superintendent as well as acting General Manager Jason Tollete, who is also listing the resort for Meyer Commercial Real Estate. Four men toured Izatys, which was bought by Commerce Bank and partners at a Sheriff's Sale late last year. The resort closed for winter on October 20tha and is scheduled to reopen for business next spring under bank supervision. A consortium of local business owners stepped up and helped operate the various entities of Izatys this spring-summer and early fall. They operated Club 19, Blackbrook Golf Course, the Links Lodge and Walleye World. Commerce Bank has had several recent offers on the property but has not announced any deals to sell the resort. To get a glimpse at Anderson's holdings, go to http://www.andersonsleech-lake.com/ and you will see that they have holdings all around Leech Lake. There was no word on if the group made any offers.

Izatys 2009: A Pleasant Surprise

2009-09-22T11:43:00.001-07:00

When Jason Tollette announced that a pair of local businesses were going to join him to open Izatys Resort in April 2009, skeptics grinned.

Since the resort filed for bankruptcy and closed abruptly in October 2007, there just wasn't much to be positive about.

Until this summer.

With Blackbrook Golf Course in its best shape in a few years, Izatys opened fully and has been a pleasant surprise this summer season.

The pool was opened thanks to cash from Izatys Townhouse Association and the Village Timeshare teams. Club 19 reopened after a long draught. The hotel opened and filled to capacity on most weekends. Walleye World and the venerable Izatys "Lady of the Lake" came out of a long slumber. And the golf course outperformed all expectations, netting nearly 15000 rounds to this point.

All in all, it was a upbeat situation in a down economic period. There are many people to thank. It starts with Jason Tollette who, with some help from his father, Dick, put all the key pieces together.

There was Rand and Kathy Syverson and Brandon and Lori Niesen along with a new crop of workers who staffed Club 19, opening the pool bar, operating with a small, but decent menu of entrees.

Also pitching in to make it a winner was Bill and Kathy Lundeen and their daughter, who opened Walleye World and ran launches, rented slips, sold bait, supplies and gas to a rejuvenated fishing/boating contingent.

Thanks to Commerce Bank, which is trying to sell the resort after taking it after the bankruptcy. They paid past due taxes, updated broken and unservicable equipment and provided funding to reestablish Black Brook Golf Course as one of the area's best golf courses.

But perhaps the MVP of the season is golf superintendant Michael Edin. He and a staff of about 10 golf course maintenance guys redid sand traps, nurtured sagging greens and repaired countless irrigation problems to restore the crown jewel of the once venerable resort.

Working 70-plus hour weeks, Edin treated Black Brook like he owned it, supervising every phase of the operation. Many men's league golfers, who have spent years playing Black Brook, labeled it the comeback golf course of the year. Several said it regained the luster that it boasted back at inception minus some budget-driven no-mow areas.

We'd be remiss if we didn't mention Sherry Tollette, who helped restore the Izatys web site, served as a marketing manager and did just about every job one could imagine at the 28-room hotel.

And the final ingredient of it all was a spirit of cooperation that brought townhome owners, timeshare owners and the teams mentioned above together as the resort business blossomed after a cool and windy May and June. Some folks planted and maintained flowers.

Folks like Rob Wilsey and some of his staff spent countless hours volunteering to mow unkept fairways of the now-closed Sanctuary Golf Course. He and his staff revamped the Sewage Treatment Facility with new equipment doing mega-mowing and never-before-done upkeep to fencelines and holding ponds.

Just what is in store for Izatys isn't yet clear. Tollette and Commerce Bank claim Izatys will be open for business next April after closing for the season on October 19th. First and foremost, is the potential sale of the resort.

A deep-pocketed ownership group has not yet been found after nearly two years on the sales block. It does appear to be only a matter of time until the resort does sell, and a new chapter of Izatys will be written. As many locals will tell you, a healthy and vibrant Izatys is key to making everything else go on the South Shore of Lake Mille Lacs.

Check Out Ripple River Gallery

2009-08-07T07:48:00.000-07:00

Ripple River Gallery Feature: "Northern Flight"—woodcut print by Charles Beck

Exhibit features new work by Charles Beck

Once you’ve seen a woodcut by Charles Beck, you’ll never see the Minnesota landscape the same again.

New paintings, woodcut prints and bird forms by Fergus Falls artist Charles Beck will be featured in an exhibit at Ripple River Gallery, Aug. 12 to Sept. 13. A reception for the artist is planned from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 16.

“This is the fifth exhibit we’ve hung of Charlie Beck’s work since we opened the gallery in 2000. Each new body of work reveals more about the environment and the artist’s relation to it,” said Bob Carls, co-owner of the gallery.

Best known for his woodblock prints depicting the farm lands and forests of northwestern Minnesota, Beck also “sketches” small oil paintings to capture the landscape and brief moments in time. Beck’s carved bird forms, which he considers an extension of the landscape, are a sculptural distillation of the animal’s essence.

From his studio outside of Fergus Falls, Beck looks out on the edge of the Red River Valley, with its horizon and sunsets and feeling of vast space. To the east Beck can turn to the woods and lakes for inspiration. “I suppose I’m influenced most by the horizon, the separation between the sky and what I call vertical space and horizontal space,” Beck said. “I seem to always need that in my landscapes.”

“We live in an area where there is great variety over the course of a year,” Beck said. “That’s what makes it so exciting.” While some artists might seek the awesome majesty of a mountain peak or a crashing waterfall, Beck finds as much to discover in an old barley field in Minnesota. “It depends on how you look at it and what you see.”

Following his service in the Naval Air Force, Beck received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Concordia College, Moorhead, in 1948. In 1950 he received his Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Iowa, Iowa City. He began his exploration of woodcut prints at the University of Minnesota in 1953.

Beck and his wife, Joyce, returned home to Fergus Falls where he served on the faculty at Fergus Falls Community College for 27 years. In 2006 the college (now Minnesota State Community and Technical College - Fergus Falls) honored him by naming the school’s new gallery the Charles Beck Gallery.

Beck’s work has been exhibited at museums across the country and at colleges and universities around the region. A pair of his life-sized carved turkeys are included in the permanent collection at the Minnesota Historical Society in St. Paul.

“One must only look to experience the patterns, textures and colors of the land and sky, the hills and woods, the weeds and flowers,” Beck says. “My hope is that in some small way I have helped open the eyes of others to this diversity.”

Ripple River Gallery is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday; and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays. The gallery is located five miles south of Deerwood on Highway 6, then 3 miles east of Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge on County Road 14 to Partridge Avenue; or south of Aitkin on Highway 169 to Bennettville, then 3.2 miles west on County Road 11 to Partridge Avenue.

For more information call 218-678-2575 or e-mail ripriv@mlecmn.net.

Timely Rains Keep Mille Lacs Green/Lake Level Up

2009-07-21T06:01:00.000-07:00

If you are a Tuesday men's league golfer, you might be miffed at the recent spate of rainy Tuesdays in the Mille Lacs area. By 8 am today, we've already received 1.5 inches of rain here on the Big Pond and it's coming down in sheets yet. It rained so hard and so long last Tuesday into Wednesday that Izatys shut down Blackbrook Golf Course due to overland flooding which quickly receded and did no real damage.

On a positive note the recent rains have kept the Mille Lacs lake levels up, kept the water temperature of the lake right around 66 degrees (cool nights have helped). It's also given sprinklers a rest and kept lawn mowers busy trying to keep up with the unusual late July growing green grass.

OTHER NOTES:

Garrison Play Days
It's is Garrison Play Days this weekend. There are a ton of neat events, including a Taste of Garrison, raffle for 4 wheeler, various team sporting events and beer gardens. Go to garrisonmn.com for more information and an hour-by-hour preview of the weekend.

Fishing Update
I talked with Bill Lundeen who owns Lundeen's Tackle Castle and manages Walleye World at Izatys on Monday afternoon. He said the bite has been hit and miss. He had a group out the other day and got 10 keepers. He has mostly been slip bobbering but indicated he will be trying spinner baits with crawlers soon.

The weekend weather at Mille Lacs hasn't been the kindest for area businesses with windy, cool and rain recently. While the number isn't exact, sport fisherman have harvested about 87000 pounds of walleye from the lake according to DNR estimates to this point. Coupled with a tribal record harvest of 100,000 pounds earlier, anglers are not even near the record 2007 season.

WISH LIONS TOURNEY HELPS LOCAL YOUTH

2009-07-07T09:49:00.000-07:00

Twenty Four teams took part in the sixth annual WISH Lions Charity Golf Scramble June 28th at Fiddlestix. The group helped raise more than $13000 for an area youth Christmas Shopping Trip in December 2009. Many area businesses and citizens donated despite the recent recession and the WISH Lions, led by President Gary Groen, want to thank everyone who helped make the event a success. The WISH Lions have donated more than $60000 in support of their annual shopping event that focuses on less fortunate youth in the Isle, Onamia and Wahkon areas. For more information on how you can become part of this small but successful Lions Club, please visit http://wishlionsmn.lionwap.org/ or stop by our monthly July meeting at 6 pm Thursday, July 9th at Izatys Clubhouse.

Voge Charter: Bite is Good!

2009-06-15T10:15:00.000-07:00

I have been fishing deep mud bottoms off the edge of rock or gravel in 29 to 34 feet during the day. Then i move to the top of the reef for the last 2 hours of light. We have been using slip bobbers with 1/32 oz. jigs, white, blue, and green have been good colors. Medium leeches seem to work best, and creating slight movement triggers the bite. We are getting walleyes in all sizes and the bite is good. I have openings on saturday for 8 to noon and on sunday for 5 to 9 in the evening.

WISH Lions Golf Tourney is June 28th

2009-06-14T06:50:00.000-07:00

Sunday June 28th at noon at Fiddlestix Golf Course is the sixth annual WISH Lions Charity golf tournament. Most proceeds go to a large Christmas shopping trip for disadvantaged youth from both Isle and Onamia area schools. Last year, more than 100 children were sponsored.

It's a great tourney with great prizes and truly an event that reaches out to the community. It costs $65 dollars per person and teams are filling up fast. There is a free golf cart for a hole in one and many great door prizes, a silent auction, and a great buffet meal put on by the Fiddlestix staff.

This tournament is the only fundraiser the WISH (Wahkon, Izatys, South Harbor) Lions do. With the current recession, we are seeing about a 30 percent drop in contributions this year and are asking any business or local citizen for donations to help our noble cause.

The WISH Lions have spent more than $60,000 to help buy needy youth from infant to 15 years old winter coats, boots, gloves, pants, shirts, etc over the years. The group hosts its annual shopping event in mid December at children are bused down to the Roger's Target to shop and try on the clothes. Each child also gets one toy on the trip.

More than 50 local volunteers also help with the shopping. The children also get a free hot dog, popcorn and pop that is donated by Target.

For more information on the cause or to join the WISH Lions or register for their golf tournament, please go to http://wishlionsmn.lionwap.org/

Fishing Inconsistent With Cool Weather

2009-06-07T14:12:00.000-07:00

This last weekend's cool, rainy and windy weather didn't heat up Mille Lacs fishing success. Guide Tim Ajax was out three times last week, hitting 12 fish with a lot of 22-24 inchers on spinnerbaits in 20-25 feet of water Wednesday. He had a couple guys out in Friday's windy weather, getting three slot fish pulling spinners and some crank baits on the gravel. He didn't get out for Saturday's Muskie opener but said he didn't hear of any big catches from fellow guides on that species. With water temperatures in the high 50s still, the best fishing hasn't yet turned on, Ajax said as fish are scattered all over in no real pattern. He's found them in 5-40 feet of water to this point.

Guides Ajax/Voge Having Walleye Success

2009-05-27T09:54:00.000-07:00

Veteran walleye guide Tim Ajax reported a couple very productive outings in the last few days. Last weekend, Ajax and several customers were lindy rigging with leeches on the north end and nailed a 28.5 incher and three 27s and five nice slot fish. Several days later, he put a pair of customers on seven slot fish with a combination of pulling spinner baits and lindy rigging. Ajax' crew also nailed another 28.5 incher that day. "I think alot of last year's 27 inches are up over the slot limit now." It seems like there's more big fish out there from what I've seen early." To book a guide trip with Ajax, contact him at guide@tandtguide.com or phone 320-224-1731.

Launch Captain Dereke Voge has been having good success during both day and evening on the southeast side of Mille Lacs. He was fishing deeper mud bottoms off the edge of rock piles (25-30 feet) during last weekend's afternoons with good success. In the evening he was anchored in 12-16 feet of water slip bobbering with small jigs tipped with leeches. His boat kept 28 Sunday evening. Most of the fish are 15-17 inches during the night fishing. Voge is catching some 25-26s in deeper water during the day. Voge's charter launch is still operating out of Hunter Winfield's. Call 320-676-1100 or 612-390-5045 to set up your launch adventure with Dereke.

Fishing or Golf?

2009-05-11T12:03:00.001-07:00

As the opener came and went last weekend, I talked with many people about the fishing on Mille Lacs. Overall, the opener was pretty slow. There were some success stories. I heard about one boat catching 19 around Hunter's Point. Another boat getting a couple limits up on the sand by Carlsona.

Many I talked to decided to forgo Saturday's windy, cool and moist opener in favor of a round of golf at Fiddlestix, Izatys or Higbees. Each golf course is open for business and in varying states at this time. Higbees is offering a Wednesday night scramble with munchies and beverages. Izatys is still looking for a couple teams for its Tuesday night league. Fiddlestix has leagues Monday-Thursday. We will be posting updated lists of area tournaments on our golf page soon.

We hope to get our guide reports link back up and running with fresh reports soon. As you may recall, last year we had weekly reports from Tim Ajax, Mike Christensen, Dereke Voge, Gene Miller and Jeff Hanson. I'm sure most of those guys were out on the water last weekend and had some degree of success.

It was good to see area businesses busy last weekend. I was in Isle getting some groceries on Friday afternoon and it was bursting at the seams with fishermen stocking up for the opener. I'm sure many local businesses did well last weekend.

This week Izatys reopens Club XIX as BayView's Rand Syverson and Wahkon's Brandon Niesen open the bar and restaurant. They start operation on Thursday. The outdoor pool and hot tub are scheduled to open Memorial Day Weekend. Bill Lundeen is also operating Walleye World out of Izaty's Marina.

Tribal Netters have taken 100,000 pounds of Walleye in 09

2009-05-06T13:05:00.000-07:00

If you were wondering like I was how many pounds of Walleye have come out of Mille Lacs Lake since ice out, wonder no more. According to a story in the Mille Lacs Messenger, Tribal netters had harvested 99,232 pounds of Walleyes from Mille Lacs as of press time May 4, according to Charlie Rasmussen of the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission.

We all know there alot of huge Walleye in the lake. I'd have to personally guess that the average size fish taken was between 3-5 pounds -- and I am sure there were many that were much, much larger going to nearly 9-plus pounds. With that in mind, that would be about 20000-30000 fewer Walleyes to hook on this weekend's opener.

The tribal netting is legal and has been going on for years. The eight tribes that can legally net still have about 26000 pounds of Walleye they can go after. I hope they wait until fall so that sportsmen can get a crack at things, too.

I did receive several emails with some oberservations. These were second-hand stories. One, was that a 54-inch Muskie was one of the casualties. There were also scores of over 30-inch Northern that weren't even cleaned, but thrown away. Again, these reports can from folks who emailed me with comments they said they heard from local wardens. In journalistic circles, you can't call those credible sources. But those stories are out there.

My only feeling on this whole matter is that if you catch and keep fish, you should utilize the fish and not waste them. They are a natural resource that belongs to both Minnesota sportsmen and tribal netters. By wasting a catch, you ruin someone else's chances for those fish and nobody derives any benefit. It's a slap in the face to all who are good stewards of Mille Lacs.

Here's to wishing you the best on Saturday's opener. Like clockwork, the forecast calls for winds and rain on the Minnesota Fishing Opener. I'll be up on the sand flats near Carlsona Beach hunting for a couple eater eyes. You can bet we'll clean em and cook em up for dinner if we have any luck!

Ripple River Exhibits This Weekend!

2009-05-04T05:54:00.000-07:00

Pastel and basket exhibit offers ‘Reflections on Life’s Seasons’

If you’re fishing for something to do next weekend that doesn’t involve boats or bait, stop by Ripple River Gallery for an infusion of color. “Reflections on Life’s Seasons,” an exhibit of paintings in pastel by Denise Bunkert, opens Wednesday. Accompanying Bunkert’s paintings will be sculptural baskets by Tina Fung Holder.

Both artists will be on hand Sunday, May 9 from 3 to 5 p.m. for a reception. Bunkert will also sign copies of “Mirrors of the Soul: Reflections on Life’s Seasons,” a newly-completed collaborative project with British poet Richard Whitfield. The public is invited to meet the artists, talk about their work and enjoy refreshments.

Bunkert says that with each painting she strives to “dance with nature’s light and shadow, playing the instruments of color, rhythm and movement, until chords of harmony are brushed.” A Wisconsin native who now lives in the Minneapolis area, she draws from nature, music and poetry to inspire her luminous pastel landscape paintings. “The inherent beauty of the natural world has long been part of my consciousness and spirituality,” she says.

A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Stout, Bunkert worked as a graphic designer and college instructor for 12 years before turning to painting full time. Her award-winning work has been exhibited in numerous solo and group exhibitions and has been included in several publications.

Bunkert will be teaching two classes at Ripple River Gallery this summer: “Introduction to Painting in Pastels” on Aug. 8; and “Exploring Color in Painting Pastels,” Aug. 15.

Tina Fung Holder’s baskets incorporate the variety of native vegetation abundant near her home in the Chequamegon Bay area of Wisconsin—red dogwood, cattails, grasses, vines, leaves and birch bark. She learned basket making as a child before earning degrees in design and fiber at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where she concentrated on the methods and materials of native cultures.

‘Reflections’ will continue through June 14 at the gallery near Bay Lake.

Ripple River Gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

The gallery is located five miles south of Deerwood on Highway 6, then 3 miles east of Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge on County Road 14 to Partridge Avenue; or south of Aitkin on Highway 169 to Bennettville, then 3.2 miles west on County Road 11 to Partridge Avenue.

For more information call 218-678-2575, e-mail ripriv@mlecmn.net or visit www.ripplerivergallery.com.

Izatys: Some Positive News for a Change!

2009-04-25T13:31:00.001-07:00

Just when the Mille Lacs faithful had heard enough about the recession, a fidgety stock market, and an ice barrage on the Big Pond's South Shore, Izatys came out of its long slumber Saturday morning, jolting the local economy with a potential big boost. Jason Tollette, a St. Cloud Real Estate Developer, announced that he and a consortium of local businesses would open Izatys for operation this summer, making speculation official. Tollette, who spent two years as the general manager at Izatys during its peak years, said Blackbrook Golf Course would open May 1. BayView owner Rand Syverson and partner Brandon Niesen, who owns Morningstar Market in Wahkon, announced they would open Club IX in mid May with a full bar and abbreviated food menu and operate a pool bar on weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day. And local bait shop icon Bill Lundeen stepped forward to announce he will run the Marina and Walleye World for the summer, offering bait, tackle and fuel services. To top it off, the Izatys Townhome Association and the Village at Izatys governing boards gave approval to fund the operation of the swimming pool to complement the total package. Together, that puts Izatys back into action after a 19-month layoff. Tollette said that when Izatys is filled to capacity in both lakeside townhomes, beach villas and Village timeshares that more than 1,000 people occupy the property. He credited Commerce Bank and its partners who took title to the property late last year after Izatys Resort LLC was liquidated in Chapter 7 bankruptcy in the fall, closing in early October 2007. Tollette stated that the bank is injecting more than $500,000 into to the property to get it marketable for sale to a viable owner. He said the bank will payoff more than $400,000 in back taxes to Mille Lacs County Monday. As could be expected, the mood at the Izatys Townhome Association owner meeting was festive with the news and owners cheered and clapped as each local businessman stepped forward, pledging service and asking for support. While there won't be wholesale improvements, Tollette said that the sandtraps on Blackbrook would be redone and that all stumps would be removed from that course. Izatys Pro Shop is now open and offering $500 single memberships, $850 Couple memberships and $1,000 memberships for a family of four. We'll provide you with phone numbers fo the pro shop, Club IX and Walleye World when we receive them. In addition to the resort opening, Par 5 Drive continues its pace toward pavement, which is expected to be completed before the end of the summer as part of a South Harbor Township road project. With the fishing opener still 13 days away, we might have already seen this season's biggest catch!

Ice Bergs Blowing Into South Shore

2009-04-21T10:58:00.000-07:00

Toss in a slightly elevated lake level and some nasty Northwest winds for a couple days and you have glaciers moving onto the south shore on Lake Mille Lacs. The picture here shows at 17-foot tall ice finger that crawled ashore two days ago and as of this morning was beating up against a townhome unit at Izatys Resort. Thanks to some quick work by operations manager Rob Wilsey, the deck and unit were spared disaster after Wilsey took on the white wall with a bobcat. In his 15 years on the lake, he has never seen this much ice ashore at Izatys. Looks like there might be ice standing ashore well into May. Winds are scheduled to shift in the next couple days which means the ice will take aim at other ends of the lake.

Barry Hines Leaving for Job in Eau Claire

2009-04-01T11:45:00.000-07:00

Saturday is a chance to say thanks, have a couple beverages and chat with Barry Hines. His Going Away party is Saturday night at 7 pm at BayView. If you don't know Barry, he's been the golf course superintendant and a marina manager at Izatys Resort. Yes, Barry hung around for the past 18 months hoping that Izatys would climb out of bankruptcy and that he could be at the helm of the rebuilding project, blessed with investors who were willing to pay whatever he needed to improve the sagging golf courses.

Well, those investors never materialized. As of now, there is only a small chance Izatys will open this year. A group that has asked not to be named yet is trying to firm up plans to run the resort's pool, blackbrook golf course and the main floor outdoor bar and small restaurant in an effort to pump some life into the slumbering resort.

But back to Barry. Anybody who knew Barry would tell you he was someone you could count on. He has the gift of gab and can usually bring two arguing sides together quite smoothly. Barry took care of countless Izatys customers and owners over the last five years. From the golf course to the marina to running the ice house business, Barry was always there. He was loyal, fun and practical. And he was always willing to pitch in to help with projects even if it wasn't in his best interest.

I've had the good fortune to know Barry Hines for more than four years. A person like he would be a windfall for a company planning to reopen and run Izatys resort. Barry has alot of key contacts in the area and a great following of friends and allies as well. We can only hope that he in somehow stays on to advise the golf crew should the resort open under bank supervision this spring and summer.

In the meantime, I urge you to come celebrate your good times and share some memories with Barry on Saturday evening at BayView at 7 pm. Barry will be the guest of honor and you can bet he'll be sporting that signature smile from ear to ear. Take Care Barry, may fair winds and following seas boost you in your new endeavors!

Carlsona All You Can Eat Ribs: A-Plus

2009-03-09T10:22:00.000-07:00

If you haven't had the fortune of hitting Carlsona for its Thursday Evening "All You Can Eat Ribs", you need to schedule your trip. We took our second trip up there last Thursday night from the south shore of Mille Lacs and we were totally impressed. From the tangy, spicy rib sauce to the meat that falls off the massive racks, this meal was awesome. For $12.95, you get a trip through Carlsona's Salad Bar and you get a potato or vegetable of choice. The nice thing about Thursday nights is you also miss the large weekend crowds. In fact, you can sit in the bar, enjoy hockey or basketball and eat until you can't. For rib, I haven't found any finer in the area. For the record, someone once ate six racks of ribs there and has his picture on the wall!

Ripple River Art Gallery News

2009-03-04T10:41:00.000-08:00

‘Seasons’ exhibit explores Minnesota landscape through watercolor

Whether it’s the crisp blue-white of a winter landscape, the yellow and green of spring growth, summer’s verdant palette, or the rich tones of autumn, the Minnesota landscape offers ample inspiration for artist Dan Mondloch. “Seasons,” an exhibit of Mondloch’s watercolors, opened this week (March 4) at Ripple River Gallery near Bay Lake. The exhibit will continue through March 29.

Mondloch, a St. Cloud native who earned a bachelor of fine arts degree at St. Cloud State University, balances a life of painting—a full-time job as a house painter, and his spare time work as a watercolor artist. Mondloch shows his work at regional arts events and shows.

The familiar scenes of life in Minnesota, most inspired from personal experience, are the focus of Mondloch’s paintings. He grew up fishing, hunting and biking, and developed an appreciation for the special places in the region—secluded lakeshores, frozen ponds, long-shadowed forests. “Natural beauty is abundant in this area, and in our busy day-to-day lives it can easily go unseen,” Mondloch says.

Through his watercolors he offers an opportunity for the viewer to see the world through his eyes. “I hope they have a deeper sense of wonder and appreciation for their natural surroundings and I encourage them to seek similar experiences in their own lives,” he said.

Although he works primarily in watercolor, Mondloch combines other media (transparent acrylic, gouache, pastel, casein and conté) to develop the intensity of his images. Light and shadow, positive and negative space, and the patterns that develop, give his paintings energy and visual impact.

“There are times when we find ourselves out in nature, without the distractions of civilized life, where we experience an amazing sense of clarity,” Mondloch said. “This has a grounding effect that helps us realize what is really important in life.” Mondloch hopes his paintings convey that sense of wonder and calm. “I hope my paintings draw you in long enough to imagine what it is like to actually be there.”

Dan Mondloch will be on hand for an informal closing reception on Sunday, March 29 from 2 to 4 p.m. The public is invited to meet the artist and visit with him about his work.

Ripple River Gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, and by chance or by appointment. Extended hours will begin in May.

The gallery is located five miles south of Deerwood on Highway 6, then 3 miles east of Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge on County Road 14 to Partridge Avenue; or south of Aitkin on Highway 169 to Bennettville, then 3.2 miles west on County Road 11 to Partridge Avenue.

For more information call 218-678-2575, e-mail ripriv@mlecmn.net or visit www.ripplerivergallery.com.

An Exciting Period on Mille Lacs

2009-02-24T08:03:00.000-08:00

FISHING TOURNAMENTS DRAW THOUSANDS
Last weekend's fishing tournaments on Mille Lacs brought thousands to the lake. We have yet to receive the list of winners from the Perch Extravaganza at Hunter's Point Resort or the Duck's Umlimited Event in Garrison Bay, but it's safe to declare the Mille Lacs area an overall winner. Despite some early snowy and windy weather, the tournaments enjoyed sun-filled days and from what I could see driving around the lake to observe, literally thousands of cars were on the ice taking part. Garrison Bay was filled with vehicles for the noon-3 pm fishing event there. Area businesses had to have felt the volume of all these customers in the area. A great weekend overall for Mille Lacs.

GARRISON RACING THIS WEEKEND
The Garrison Commercial Club isn't about to let a string of two straight weekends of great business come to an end. This weekend, they promote WSA Snowmobile Ice Racing; Kids 120 Snow Cross; Stud Club Motorcycle/ATV Ice Racing; Vintage Snowmobile Racing; Vintage Snowmobile Show; Hardwater Ice Racing. With a great weather forecast, it should be an awesome time in Garrison this weekend, making Mille Lacs a great destination for folks again.

FISH HOUSES OFF THE ICE BY MIDNIGHT MARCH 2
The DNR has given Mille Lacs fisher folks until Midnight, March 2nd to get your permanent ice houses off the lake. If you occupy the houses from midnight to 6 am you can stay in them beyond that time, but they must be occupied. Wheel houses can come on and off during the day beyond the second as can portables. With the ice season coming to close, many resorts started pulling houses off the ice Monday and will continue through this week and weekend. Our ice fishing poll indicates that about nine percent of people that fish thought the season was better than average. Sixteen percent thought it was average. And 49 percent thought it was below average. Twenty six percent of those polled hadn't fished Mille Lacs this winter. See our countdown clock on the home page of Make It Mille Lacs.com. As of this writing, there are only 73 days and 12 hours to the open water walleye opener on Mille Lacs! With the heavy snows we got early this winter, we may see a raised water level on the Big Pond this spring. I am predicting ice out for April 24th this year.

IZATYS: ALL QUIET ON THE SOUTH SHORE
Despite a quick first offer that was rejected by Commerce Bank in early January, Izatys Resort continues to sit idled as spring draws near. We continue to hear that there are three buyers interested but the recent poor economy has tightened capital investment. The resort has been mothballed since early October 2007, despite the opening of Blackbrook Golf Course and the Links Lodge for a mild stretch from June through August 2008. As you may recall, Izatys went for rougly 3 million at an auction last April, only to be rejected by bankruptcy Judge Nancy Dreher. With 130 lakeside townhomes and 67 Village at Izatys Timeshares, a huge market of potential customers awaits new ownership.

5th ANNUAL KITE CROSSING MARCH 7-8th

The Fifth Annual Mille Lacs Kite Crossing is once again shaping up to be one of the biggest and most dynamic snowkite events in the country. Last year, the Kite Crossing became the first kiting event to surpass 100 registrants. With many of the fastest snowkiters in the world being from the local community, the challenge continues to draw from across the country.

We have attached the Notice of Challenge in a PDF format. It should provide all the necessary information. The only variation to the Notice of Challenge is that we are offering a hooded version of the sweatshirt for $8 more, but only for those registering by the March 2nd deadline. We will be accepting electronic registration by e-mail. If you have registered for a Fleet 8 event in the past two years, just provide your name, category, shirt size and preferred e-mail address for receiving Updates. You can pay by Paypal by going to the Fleet 8 website. The PayPal button is a Donate button and has a fixed amount of $30 until midnite Monday, then the $40 late fee goes into effect. Guest fees and additional shirt charges will have to be paid at check-in time. You can find all this by scrolling down the page at http://fleet8.com/news/.

Riders of all levels are encouraged to attend. Come out, meet riders from around the area, share the stoke, check out some new gear and learn some new moves. We would also like to thank our hosts at the Y-Club and around Garrison as well as our loyal sponsors

Arctic Blast Delivers Fun To Mille Lacs

2009-02-10T07:59:00.000-08:00

Hundreds of Snowmobilers and Viking fans descended upon Mille Lacs lake last weekend to take part in the 14th Annual Arctic Blast rally at the Big Pond. For many, it turned out to be a great weekend. Warm weather made the traveling from blast point to blast point enjoyable in comparison with last year's below-zero temps. The event injected some much needed tourism into the Mille Lacs area. By all accounts, the five blast points -- BayView, Hunter's Point, Castaways, Fisherman's Wharf and the Blue Goose -- did exceptional business over the weekend. Current and former Viking players, coaches and cheerleaders were on hand throughout the event to help the crowd celebrate. Some revelers chartered buses to make the trip around the lake. For most blast points, it was standing room only. Maria and Charlie Jackson of White Bear Lake got a chance to meet former Vikings Chris Doleman, Gerald Robinson, Henry Thomas and Karl Dunbar. "These guys are huge," Maria noted as she had her picture taken with the four players, who were enjoying a beverage at BayView around 2:30 pm Saturday. "This is a pretty neat event."

Mille Lacs DNR Quotas Established

2009-02-04T12:57:00.000-08:00

From the DNR website

News Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lake Mille Lacs safe harvest levels set (February 3, 2009)

Safe fish harvest levels have been set at Lake Mille Lacs for the 2009 fishing season.

The safe harvest of walleye has been set at 541,000 pounds, up from 430,000 pounds last fishing season. The state’s allocation is 414,500 pounds, up from 307,500 pounds last year.

Indian bands that signed the 1837 Treaty will be allocated 126,500 pounds of walleye this fishing season, up from 122,500 pounds last year.

The state’s 2009 walleye harvest may include an overage allowance of up to 5 percent.

The yellow perch and northern pike safe harvest levels are the same as last year. The yellow perch level is 270,000 pounds; the northern pike level is 25,000 pounds. The state’s allocation is 135,000 pounds of yellow perch and 12,500 pounds of northern pike.

Due to low abundance and low incidental harvest in both the tribal and angling fisheries, quotas will not be set for tullibee and burbot. Instead, these species will be monitored, and safe harvest levels will be discussed in the future if abundance, harvest, and fishing interest increase.

Every year fisheries experts from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the eight Chippewa bands meet in January to share information and determine safe harvest levels.

“Now that we know what the State’s walleye quota is for 2009, we can evaluate where the winter fishery stands and can evaluate if our current regulation will keep us within our allocation,” said Ron Payer, Minnesota DNR fisheries chief. “And once we have done that, we will meet with the Mille Lacs Fisheries Input Group.”

The current Mille Lacs regulation allows anglers to keep four walleye up to 18 inches, which may include one trophy over 28 inches. Anglers are required to release all walleye from 18 to 28 inches.

Total walleye angling harvest was 76,000 pounds in 2008. The safe harvest level was increased from last year due to low total harvest in 2008.

Arctic Blast Kicks Off a Great Month at Mille Lacs

2009-02-02T07:05:00.001-08:00

If winter is your thing and you like Lake Mille Lacs, it is your month! Starting Thursday, February 5th, Arctic Blast XIV kicks off as current and former Viking players, coaches and cheerleaders converge upon the Big Pond to sign autographs, schmooze with fans and snowmobile to the five various Blast Points around the lake.

The points are: Blue Goose in Garrison; Castaways in Malmo; Hunter's Point in Isle; Bayview in South Harbor on Cove Bay and Eddy's in Vineland. The snowmobile rally is Saturday as sledders try to get their ticket punched at each of the various establishments to become eligible for prize drawings and a Grand Prize drawing on Sunday at Grand Casino of a snowmobile.

For more information on Arctic Blast and how to sign up, visit http://www.vikings.com/NewsArticle_Arctic_Blast_Hub.aspx. There you will find a detailed schedule of events and registration form.

Also in February on Mille Lacs, Garrison will be hosting a poker run on Saturday, February 14th. A pair of regional powerhouse fishing tournaments take place Saturday, February 21st with the Perch Extravaganza at Hunter's Point on the east shore and the Duck's Unlimited fishing tourney in Garrison Bay. Those events forecast nearly 5,000 anglers on the lake.

To end February with a bang, Garrison Days hits the ice with a bevy of great events, including WSA Pro Ice Racing/Snowmobile; Kids 120 Snow Cross; Stud Club Motorcycle/ATV Ice Racing; Vintage Snowmobile Racing; Vintage Snowmobile Show; Hardwater Ice Racing.

Ripple River Gallery Has Been Busy!

2009-01-29T08:12:00.001-08:00

For more information contact Ripple River Gallery, 218-678-2575

Gallery warms up despite winter winds!

Ah winter… Time for ice fishing and snowmobiling, cross country skiing and snowshoeing—or shopping!

Just because the temperatures dip below zero and the snow accumulates on the rooftops, don’t think that life in the north country screeches to a halt. While snowbirds escape to warmer climates, here at Ripple River Gallery we’re busy planning the exhibit and class schedule for the coming season and making room for new work that arrives weekly.

We’re also hard at work in our studios—new wood-turned bowls and vessels by resident artisan Bob Carls will be available soon, and cozy handwoven wool and mohair shawls by Amy Sharpe are available now.

If you need a break from outdoor adventure and an opportunity to feed your creative spirit, come and see what’s new! Printmaker Anna Marie Pavlik has new framed prints and, for a touch of the artistic in unexpected places, paper-covered switch plates that feature excerpts of her etchings and stratographs. Potter Gretchen Robinson has new textured trays—perfect for serving snacks or for keeping small items organized. Mixed media artist and painter Mike Marth just delivered new paintings and sculptures that feature a conglomeration of everyday items. Stop by to see the results of unbridled creativity and imagination!

If bargain hunting is your passion, join us for our “Mid-Winter Meltdown” for special discounts on a variety of work by regional artists. Basket and jewelry maker Tina Fung Holder is offering 10% off her wire and bead brooches and earrings; as well as 5% off her sculptural baskets made of native materials. Printmaker Candyce Fitzloff-Westfield is offering 25% off her etchings of fern leaves and natural artifacts. Boxed cards, including Sierra Club designs, are 25% off, and you’ll find special prices on many more items as well.

Ripple River Gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and by chance or by appointment. The gallery is located five miles south of Deerwood on Highway 6, then 3 miles east of Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge on County Road 14 to Partridge Avenue; or south of Aitkin on Highway 169 to Bennettville, then 3.2 miles west on County Road 11 to Partridge Avenue.

For more information call 218-678-2575, e-mail ripriv@mlecmn.net or visit www.ripplerivergallery.com.

Winter at It's Best on Mille Lacs in February

2009-01-20T07:32:00.000-08:00

If you've been holding out to come to Mille Lacs Lake for fun this winter, February is your month. There is something great to do every weekend. We'll lay out the fun for you and hope that you can make the trip up!

1. Arctic Blast: February 6-8. The Minnesota Viking tradition kicks off on Thursday night with players past and present signing autographs at various blast points (BayView, Blue Goose, Castaways, Buzzies and Hunter's Point). The rally starts Saturday morning with a breakfast at Eddy's and then the rest of day features stops at blast points where sledders get their tickets stamped. Things wind up Sunday at Grand Casino for a Grand Prize drawing.

2. Garrison Poker Run: Saturday, February 14th. A neat thing to do, tooling around Garrison area hot spots in search of a winning poker combination. You get a card at each stop, trying to parlay your hand into a winning poker hand. Things end up at the Y-Club where you can buy your Valentine a nice dinner.

3. Saturday February 21: Double-Barrel Fishing Fun with Garrison Duck's Unlimited Fishing Tournament and the East Side Perch Extravaganza all in the same day. Expecting more than 5,000 to show up to Mille Lacs for this pair of tournaments, hosted the week before the winter ice fishing season officially ends. The DU event is noon to 3 pm and there are more than $70,000 worth of prizes. The Perch Extravaganza is out of Hunter's Point Resort from 8 am to 2 pm and you must have a $10 button to win. Contest is lake-wide, perch must be alive and the top ten perch win some great prizes.

4. Saturday February 28th: Garrison Days hits the ice with a bevy of great events, including WSA Pro Ice Racing/Snowmobile; Kids 120 Snow Cross; Stud Club Motorcycle/ATV Ice Racing; Vintage Snowmobile Racing; Vintage Snowmobile Show; Hardwater Ice Racing

Commerce Bank Gets First Izatys Offer

2009-01-14T07:00:00.000-08:00

The first action on moving Izatys from mothballs back to operation occurred earlier this week when Commerce Bank recieved its first offer on Izatys Resort. Commerce Bank Vice President Gerald Anderson told Barry Hines that the first offer has come from Leisure Hotels, a privately held company that owns and operates more than 20-indoor water park based properties in the US.

Leisure's website is hotels.leisurehotel.com and that company built a five-star hotel in Walker, Minnesota on Leech Lake which opened last spring. Hines, who has worked for Commerce Bank to show Izatys and check on the various buildings at the property since early last fall, said at least two other companies were also expected to enter the bidding soon.

Commerce Bank would not reveal the offer price, citing confidentiality during the bidding process. Leisure Hotels own properties in Louisiana, Kansas, New Mexico, Colorado, Iowa, Minnesota, Oklahoma and Missouri.

Izatys closed its doors publicly in October of 2007 and later filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy. After a brief stint trying to operate in the summer of 2008 with a make-shift clubhouse based in the basement of the Links Lodge and Blackbrook Golf Course open, the bankruptcy court pushed Izatys Resort LLC group into Chapter 7 liquidation.

Commerce Bank became the owner of Izatys outright after former owners failed to redeem on the property, gaining title on December 28th, 2008.

State Needs a Bait Fix Now!

2009-01-13T06:27:00.000-08:00

The bottom of the food chain for Mille Lacs Area Recreation and Tourism is in jeopardy of becoming scarce, according to Bill Lundeen, owner of Lundeen's Tackle Castle, an area bait icon.

Yes, Bait is the issue. Live bait -- as in minnows and leeches.

The bait industry (and subsequently the entire fishing and tourism industries) is in a sort of crisis. The DNR has a policy in place where it won't allow the importation of baitfish into Minnesota - period. This year with the low water levels and heavy snowfalls, there is not and will not be enough bait to supply the industry in Minnesota - period. Last year we struggled to find enough, this year the supply is tighter still AND more anglers are hitting the lakes. If the DNR/State would allow the CERTIFIED importation of baitfish to Minnesota, it would lessen the struggle. We spend HUGE money to get people to fish and vacation in Minnesota - this is in jeopardy today. With the economy where it is, why would the State risk their primary draw to a policy being held on to as a "power card"? We desperately need them to open the border with proper certification NOW.

Area fishermen and women are noticing these shortages popping up around the state. There is something you can do about it. Contact your local state representative or senator and ask them to push for CERTIFIED imported bait. That bait would be safe for Minnesota lakes, rivers and streams and help power our large tourism industry, keeping anglers from all walks of fishing happy and outfitted.

Izatys Resort: Commerce Bank Owns It Outright

2009-01-01T09:57:00.000-08:00

By any measure, it's been a long, long haul for folks who have a stake in Izaty's Resort. Since the resort closed abruptly in early October 2007 through the entire year of 2008, everybody's been wondering what is next for the once thriving resort that is Mille Lacs County's second-largest taxpayer.

Well, it's 2009 and Izatys is a step closer to a comeback as now Commerce Bank owns the resort outright after Izatys Resort LLC owners failed to redeem on the property as of the end of the day Monday, December 28th.

According to Commerce Bank, there are at least three viable potential purchasers in the wings. However, tight economic times may be preventing any of those entities from coming forward right away. Banks are leery of extending credit without bullet-proof business plans and alot of owner equity involved.

Barry Hines, former Izatys Golf Course Superintendant, who has been active ensuring security while showing the property since last fall says that whoever comes in needs to take hold by February 15th to ensure they can get a plan in place to get the golf course or courses open in time for 2009.

Many speculate now that Izatys could be in for another season where there are no amenities open -- like pool, Clubhouse, Links Lodge. If a new developer does buy the resort later, it might take many months to get it back into the condition needed to sustain a business.

What it all means to the local economy is clear. Without Izatys Resort being operational, many south shore businesses feel the impact. When 130 lakeside townhomes and 67 Village at Izatys Timeshares aren't at full capacity, the whole area loses out on nearly 1,500 extra visitors.

What will 2009 hold for Izatys? At this point, it's still anybody's guess!

South Shore Ice Report: Digging Out Nicely

2008-12-18T07:17:00.000-08:00

By all accounts, you'd have to give South Shore Resort Owners and Ice Fishing Access folks at least a B+ for their efforts to move snow and open accesses and roads for anglers to get out this week.

Here's the rub on the lake. With the way the ice set up, there are jagged chunks everywhere on the main lake, making for some pretty treacherous plowing operations. Everywhere I went, I was allowed to drive my 1/2 ton Sierra 1500 onto the ice (at 10 mph) to check things out and take the photos you see below.

I visited Brandt's, Walleye Dundee's, Chapman's, Lyback's and Hunter Winfield's on Wednesday afternoon and offer this report.

Lyback's certainly has the largest amount of roads plowed. Eddie and Ryan Norell have combined to use a pair of 1966 Ford F250s (V-plow and Straight Blade) along with a Bomdardier with Disc plow to break ice ice, beat back drifts and get four-well plowed roads in nearly all directions from their landing. They are out more than 2 miles and all the way to Banana Reef. They have about 25-30 houses out in their sector. Ramp Access Fee $10/day or $40/week.

Both Chapman's and Hunter Winfield's appear to have teamed to conquer the Isle Bay network of roads and beyond. In talking with Tim Chapman, he said they have more than six miles of plowed roads. They also have 14-plus inches of ice in most areas. Ramp Access fee for both is $10/day. There are many houses out in Isle Bay.

Walleye Dundee's has cleared a single road with offshoots to Half Moon Island area. They also charge $10/day ramp fee. There are a large cluster of houses out on the bay area.

Jerry Brandt has cleared his access area and developed a sled/ATV trail from the access all the way out to Sloppy Joes. There is plenty of ice in this area but the vehicle highway has not yet been developed.

In all, expect to be able to drive light vehicles onto the ice across the south shore this weekend and emplace your portables and smaller wheelhouses. As always, check with resort owners and access folk before driving onto the ice.

Blizzard delays ice house placements

2008-12-15T11:10:00.000-08:00

A trip around Mille Lacs Lake Monday morning revealed that most resorts were struggling to open up roads to haul out fish houses. Highways 169 and 27 were wide open and mostly free of ice. Highways 47 and 18 were open but icy.

Sunday's 8-plus inches of snow, coupled with heavy winds and horrendous drifting made even the most hearty resort and ice fishing operations wince.

Castaways Owner Steve MacDonald said the heavy snow probably will delay his staff getting heavier houses onto the water for about a week. He was busy with a bobcat, removing snow. And he wasn't alone.

Lundeen's Owner Bill Lundeen said the heavy snow was about a week too soon. With the ice being 10-14 inches thick in many places, it will take heavier plow trucks to get roads open. There were at least two vehicles stranded at the mouth of Cove Bay overnight.

Check the pictures to see just what we are talking about. Hunter's Point, Mac's Twin Bay and Walleye Dundee's seemed to be making good progress in getting plowing done on the lake. There was a road open from Dundee's to Half Moon Island on the south shore but that appeared to be the only wide open road as of noon Monday.

If you have snowmobiles and portable fish houses right now, the lake is yours. DNR vehicles hadn't started much snow removal at most public landings as of 11 am. Things should improve greatly. Those with sleds were seen huddled outside Johnson's Port Side fueling up and the north lake snowmobile trails had already had a groomer go through.

WISH Lions Give Area Youth Head Start on Christmas

2008-12-08T07:45:00.000-08:00

It may have been Pearl Harbor Day, but 95 area children got a head start on having a great Christmas as part of the Wahkon-Izatys-South Harbor (WISH) Lions 5th Annual Kids Shopping Trip Sunday morning at the Target Store in Rogers.

Nineteen area Lions and 42 volunteers took "wish lists" from area families, grabbed some holiday spirit and headed out on a "dream" shopping trip. The children live below the poverty line and many aren't able to enjoy the kind of Christmas the average American child does.

"This is awesome," yelled Kevin(last name withheld), 7, as he grabbed his favorite WWE Wrestling Toy box off the shelf and ran toward his cart with a huge smile on his face. "When can we go home?"

Fortunately, for Kevin and the rest of the kids, there was plenty of adult supervision on hand to ensure the kids got needed items like sweatshirts, winter coats, boots, gloves, underwear and basic necessities. These are the kind of things they really need and the reason the Lions are so fierce about doing the event each year. Each child did receive a $15 toy.

In all, the WISH Lions donated more than $12,000 toward the children, who ranged from age 5-15. Those under age 5 were kept home and volunteers and Lions members shopped off lists provided by parents for this event.

To bring an event of this magnitude together took a ton of work. Lions members Judith Malmgren, Julie Wilsey and Barb Erickson spearheaded this year's event, doing the "lion's share" of the planning and coordination. WISH Lions have donated more than $50,000 for kids shopping in the last 5 years.

Both Isle and Onamia schools had key staff help in the planning process, identifying qualifying students and helping transport the kids to and from the event. Both schools even sent honor students to help in the bagging process, a nice community service add-on!

An equal-partner in making the event a huge success was Target Corporation. The Rogers Target gave the shoppers a 10 percent discount on purchases across the board and provided both volunteers and kids with a free hot dog, popcorn and pop after shopping.

Lions Club President Gary Groen was beaming with pride as he stood at the end of one of three checkout lines that Target designated for the kids shopping. "This kind of a thing brings a tear to your eye," Groen said. "These kids just appreciate this so much."

The WISH Lions, unlike most other Lions clubs, don't receive gambling revenue and raise its entire yearly budget at its annual golf charity tournament. This year's event will be held once again at Fiddlestix Golf Course in Isle on June 28th, starting at noon. Last year, 28 teams participated helping the club raise more than $17,000. WISH Lions donate much of the rest of their annual proceeds toward area charitable causes.

For more information on how you can become a WISH Lion or donate to their cause, please visit their website at http://wishlionsmn.lionwap.org/. And as Lion's Club Secretary Mike Wehking said to the volunteers before they began to shop Sunday morning, "Merry Christmas!"

Izatys Sale Pending?

2008-12-01T08:53:00.000-08:00

Commerce Bank continues to push forward in its effort to sell Izatys Resort, which was converted to Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in September. As you may recall, the resort was sold at Sheriff's Sale in Mille Lacs County on October 28th and was purchased by Commerce Bank for 3.2 million dollars.

Since then, rumors have flown as to how many investors and/or groups are actually interested in the property. We touched base with Barry Hines, who is the interim property manager for Commerce Bank on Monday for an update.

"The bank has been in contact with two potential groups in the last week," said Hines, who spent five years as the golf course superintendent at the resort. "The current owners are another potential buyer working on financing as well." That means three groups are still in the fray and Hines said the bank wouldn't release the names of the other two interested parties.

"The bank is still stating that they don'
t forsee a deal being struck before the December 28th deadline," Hines said. The redemption period of the sheriff's sale ends on December 27th. With the current economic situation, there has been speculation that the bank might have trouble unloading the property as banks nationwide have tightened lending for such ventures.

Hines' duties include building checks, coordination for security, giving tours to potential investors and checking in with the bank on a daily basis.

Will we have new owners at Izaty's Resort by the New Year? We will keep you updated on what we hear.

J and J's Town Homes of Wahkon Coming!

2008-11-23T19:19:00.000-08:00

Area businessmen Kevin Cole and Jeffrey Eye believe they have a formula for success as they roll out J and J’s Detached Town homes of Wahkon amid some tough economic times.

--A family-type development in the No. 1 Mille Lacs real estate market (south shore)
-- Affordable town homes with large, detached garages
-- Dockage, Gazebos, open spaces with a quality association to make the property thrive.

“This is the nicest, big lake close to the Twin Cities,” Cole said in an interview Monday. “There’s the cost of gas and the cost of people’s time and I really believe the key is pricing. It’s something people can afford.”

Located on the former J and J Resort property, the two are teaming to develop the property into a 12-town home development with detached garages, dockage, gazebos and 12 slips. Gone will be Hidden Bay’s fish houses that were placed road-side and sort of marred the look of the property for the past few years.

The new development in Wahkon is slated to start construction mid-April, according to Cole who is a long-time area realtor-developer. The units will be priced at $169,900 and be two-story 1300-square foot units with loft-type upper levels. A lake association will own a piece of lake shore in the development.

A big hit may be the detached garages which are tabbed to be 12 by 26 feet and run along Highway 27 giving the development privacy and ample storage for its ownership.

“We’ve been in a recession for two years and we hope its hit bottom,” said Cole, who listed the J and J property for $825,000 for more than a year. “If you want to sell right now, you have to price where the market is. There are tons and tons of buyers out there but they’ve been kicking tires, feeling the economy hasn’t bottomed out.”

Based on the quick sales of Scenic Bay town homes, which are stacked tightly together in Isle, Cole and Eyes’ recipe appears to be a winner from the outside. There are currently more than 50 homes for sale around Mille Lacs lake listed above $350,000 and sales are stalled on those units.

“The lake shore owners are not adjusting to the market,” said Cole, who was asked to put on his realtor hat for an analysis of the current lake shore real estate situation. “The only properties selling around the lake are a few properties in a few choice locations.”

With Izatys still in limbo and a bevy of Beach Villa and Lakeside Townhome units for sale, the situation is further exacerbated. Current Izatys Resort LLC Ownership has until December 28th to redeem on its property or it goes back to Edina-based Commerce bank.
Former Golf Course Supervisor Barry Hines was hired by the bank to maintain the property, closing out the golf courses and checking on resort-based holdings until January 1st. He has shown the property to potential investors many times this fall. There are still several large entities allegedly interested in the property.

Rum River Estates Moving Forward

2008-11-20T14:10:00.000-08:00

It seems everything in real estate is about niche marketing these days around Mille Lacs. There are high-end niches, mid-level niches and what Jim McCrank calls “an affordable niche for baby boomers in an economy gone south.”

Welcome to Rum River Estates, located 8 miles south of Onamia on Highway 169 on the east side of the road. If you have traveled up to Mille Lacs much on this route, you’ve seen the signs, eight tenths of a mile of mowed berm, the old caboose and piles of dirt, rock with some heavy equipment co-located with a pair of park model homes.

McCrank is the sales and marketing director for the project. Investors Dan Diebold, Johnny Diebold and Mary Ann Law are putting the overall development package together on the 126-acre former Blossom Run Site.

The 49-site Rum River Estates will boast a 33,000 square-foot “Grand Log Lodge” and the resort units will be priced from $50,000 to $78,000, catering to another price niche around Lake Mille Lacs. McCrank said his group expects to break ground in April on the lodge, which will sport 12 hotel suites, a wading pool, recreation center, main hall that seats 350 people, lounge with flat screen TVs and kitchen facility along with steam rooms.
The project was delayed, McCrank said, due to the economy but plans are to get things moving this spring. McCrank said the price tag on the lodge is $4.3 million and it’s being built by Eagle Log Homes of Wisconsin Rapids. There will also be garage and storage available to owners.

“We’re tearing out all the old septic and all the buildings are being demolished,” McCrank said. “Dan Diebold is a former University of Minnesota real estate professor and we felt last spring and summer was not the proper time to push forward on the development, hoping the market does recover.”
Each park model home, which is about 400 square feet, will sit on a 4000-6000 square-foot landscaped lot. The property is adjacent to the Rum River. The development will have public gazebos along the river.

McCrank said the development will cater to families and retirees, becoming a vacation facility with some pull-through accommodations. The development will feature Stone Canyon Park Model Homes, which are sided cabins that meet RV living space standards. I toured one Monday and it was decked out with granite counter tops, energy efficient windows, a screened-in porch, slate floor and stainless appliances.

It was cozy and very nice. Each unit also will have 100 amp service. McCrank is positive about the future: “Things are contingent somewhat on the recovery of our economy,” he said. “These baby boomers who lost 25-50 percent of their retirements want to have a vacation place but can’t afford the huge financial burden of $250,000-300,000 homes.

Check Out Boone's Fine Gun Shop

2008-11-18T06:07:00.000-08:00

Boone's Fine Gun Shop in Isle is a must-visit operation for anybody with a love for hunting, firearms or just plain nostalgia. And the Mille Lacs area needed a place like this!

The shop, located in Isle at 535 East Superior St, in the old Lake Country Products ice fishing equipment building, specializes in collector, new and used firearms.

Manager Kris Hanson-Tramm gave me a tour Monday, showing off the spacious shop, which has a small-town charm, with big-city services and layout. Boone's offers a full-time gunsmith, Lee Raverty. Danny Tramm owns the business and his affinity for collector Winchester rifles is reflected in the store's inventory.

From the six-pack of Model 71s (the lever action gun you see in Old Westerns with iron sights) to the latest model Benelli shotgun, Boone's is a very cool place. They have a huge array of new and used weapons and I felt their prices were very reasonable.

Originally a nursing home, the building has a wide array of rooms that are filled with fascinating hunting-related items. One room contains old knives. Another houses Red Wing Boots. A third contains hunting clothing and some Boone's attire.

The store sports more than 350 guns and my favorite was the 25mm Manville Tear Gas weapon, complete with what appeared to be five live cartridges.

"You can't buy that one," laughed Hanson-Tramm, who has enjoyed getting the shop ready for its Friday Grand opening. Boone's will feature food and door prizes from its 8 am opening until its 6 pm closing Friday. "People are driving from St. Cloud and Rush City and saying we have a bigger selection of handguns than some Gander Mountains and Cabelas."

If you are mesmerized by the cleanliness and shiny atmosphere, thank Smokey Anderson. The self-described "local Swede" was busy polishing the place from top to bottom the whole time I was there.

Vacation Rental Regulation: Not MLT Deal

2008-11-12T15:58:00.000-08:00

Our rental property column of several weeks ago contained some inaccuracies. First, Mille Lacs Tourism is NOT leading a charge to require that lake-area homeowners be regulated like resorts to rent out their properties. Such an undertaking is NOT part of the Mille Lacs Tourism Charter.

I met with Executive Director Judy Cain Tuesday.

She explained that many parts of the state --- Leech lake, Lake Vermilion, Lake of the Woods, Lake Mille Lacs -- are experiencing a rising wave of complaints from resort owners who are struggling to compete with the large increase in private vacation home rentals.

Cain said she simply raised the issue brought to her by several local resorters. With developers buying up resorts and turning them into private homes and cabins, there is concern from cities, counties and the state that these properties are unregulated. And it is now on the radar of the state department of health and department of revenue, which are considering changes to the language of ordinances of vacation rental homes.

The owners of these homes, may in the future, be required to apply for licenses and pay commercial taxes. With the economy now worse than ever, many owners of second homes are renting out lake homes and cabins to meet the strain of paying taxes and keeping these properties in the family.

Cain said she has also heard from others in tourism that many areas are seeing waves of substandard dwellings in rental markets. Some lack CO2 detectors, smoke alarms and have leaky toilets and bad septic systems. With the current lack of oversight there is no precaution being taken for the safety and well being of people renting them.

The State of Minnesota requires inspections and licensing of resorts. They must comply with state regulations, meeting code in electric, plumbing, sanitation, septic and various appliances. The playing field is uneven, say many Minnesota resort owners.

Wednesday’s Mille Lacs Messenger reported that the Mille Lacs County Board took no action on a petition requesting that the county adopt an ordinance regulating vacation rental homes. Mille Lacs zoning administrator Michele McPherson has received a couple complaints from Mille Lacs Lake recently. For now, there are no changes pending. To clear the record, Mille Lacs Tourism is not leading an effort to get the ordinance adopted.

Mille Lacs: It's All Adding Up to Positive!

2008-11-07T06:30:00.000-08:00

Working my way around the lake the last few days, I am amazed at how positive the future looks for Mille Lacs lake -- especially through the winter and the next open water fishing season. Yes, the overall US economy is sagging and even Disneyland is forecasting a lagging vistitation. But from the recent DNR surveys suggesting a Walleye rebound to the planning and development going on around the lake, one thing is certain, Mille Lacs continues to climb the ladder as a destination vacation location and a place retirees should consider. A few reasons why:

1. Wildlife/Fishery/Serenity: As I write this less than 75 feet from Mighty Mille Lacs, a Bald Eagle is humbly perched in a lakeside tree while a flock of Geese just roared by. About 300 yards left, a half dozen wood ducks bat their wings off the water,skittering out onto the lake. The rain we got yesterday has already added more than a half inch of water to the Big Pond and the sound of waves coming onto the south shore is as soothing as it gets. A pair of late season shore anglers are catching nice Sunfish in Izatys harbor. Another duo trolls with crank baits on the main lake, resisting the call to put boats away in favor of one final fishing expedition before snowfall. We know many folks have shifted to hunting as we usher in the Minnesota Gun deer opener with thousands of hunters expected to have success in the four counties (Mille Lacs, Kanabec, Crow Wing and Morrison) that border our area. But this is the point: from the fishing opener through Feb. 28th every year (end of ice season)there's just so much to do here for sportsmen and sportswomen. Add a pair of state parks with events like snowshoe or cross country skiing in candlelight and the many interpretive events and the area borders on magnificent. Mille Lacs is also a quiet place if you want it to be. From a summer outdoor cookout with the whisper of waves to warming up to a piping-hot fire after ice fishing, Mille Lacs has what you want to offer.

2. Diverse Communities The neat thing about Isle, Malmo, Garrison, Onamia, Vineland, Wahkon and Wealthwood is what makes them different. From their positioning on the lake and boat harboring situation/ramp accesses to the varied businesses they sport, these communities are very interesting with storied histories. They also share one thing in common -- they're all getting better. As a new member of the Garrison Commercial Club, I had the pleasure of seeing how an organization like theirs gets so much done. They are busy planning a February "Winter-Fest" event that will most likely fall between Arctic Blast and the Ducks Unlimited Ice Fishing Tournament. That event could rival the Leech Lake "Pout-Fest" in magnitude. Southeast some 18 miles across the lake, Isle has pumped thousands into new streets, lights, sidewalks and is experiencing a renaissance of business. Places like Hunter Windfield's, Chapman's and Scenic Bay are healthy and humming through capital improvements. The eastern shore continues to be a fishing hotbed in all seasons. In neighboring Wahkon, a new fishing pier was added this year and the lake's newest, most luxurious town homes await owners at Meshigun Point/Frederickson Marina. There's alot going on in Malmo and Garrison, too.

3) Snowmobile, ATV Clubs. You saw the Red Top story here a couple weeks ago. I stopped by the Drift Skipper Headquarters in Isle yesterday and ran into their CEO, Tina Chapman. Tina also happens to be the Treasurer of Mille Lacs Tourism and she and her husband, Tim, own Chapman's resort. Anybody that knows her will tell you how busy she is. We got to visit and she told me about how a snowmobile club without organized rides and 20 members comes together to groom miles of trail in this area. While much of the money to do this comes from State Grants, the volunteerism of a club like the Drift Skippers is outstanding. Further north, Paula Fisher is the CEO of the Mille Lacs Trails snowmobile club (millelacstrails@yahoo.com) that has the lead on keeping 140 miles of groomed trails operational from December 1 through April 1. As stated above, State Grants coupled with pull-tab monies are the primary sources of income for these clubs. The Sno-Drifters from Aitkin round out the trio of area clubs to the best of my knowledge. They are led by Phil Rzeszutek (philrez2000@yahoo.com). The Garrison Community Club is a giant in trail maintenance up on the northwest side of the lake, boasting alot of equipment to help it run such a successful winter event each February on the ice.

4) Area Generosity There are claims that certain sides of the lake don't get along well or cooperate with others, but one thing always unites Mille Lacs -- Good Will. Currently a huge benefit is being planned for Garrison Firefighter Michael Wachsmuth, Jr, 24, who has cancer and is at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. The event, scheduled for December 6th at the Blue Goose, features a Pig Roast, silent auction and more. Hundreds are expected to attend. For more information go to Vivian Clark's Blog at the Mille Lacs Messenger for up-to-date situation reports on Michael. You may have witnessed the Oberfeld Benefit in June; the recent Food shelf Drive and Habitat for Humanity Fishing Tourney at Castaways in late October. You will want to be part of an upcoming drive led by Mike and Michelle Uden at Meat on Mille Lacs that will help needy families prior to the Christmas Holidays. If you recall, they led a group of citizens and local businesses to come up with more than 500 turkeys that were donated to needy families last year. The program has changed in 08 and will be announced shortly. Service clubs like WISH Lions, Isle-Onamia Lions and Garrison Lions do great things. And the Vet's Club of Onamia, MSA Flagship of Isle and VFW of Garrison all thrive in this area and their good will is present everywhere.

5) Retirees Retired men I talk with seem to have no problem relocating to Mille Lacs. There are nice golf courses, the fishing is usually great and there is plenty to do outside. It's their spouses that sometimes balk with the perceived lack of things to do in this area for women. However, there is a new woman's retreat center opening soon in Wahkon. Local women's clubs outings are on the rise like Red Hatters. Plus there are some phenomenal new housing opportunities on the lake that even the the most "urbanized" women can appreciate. Mille Lacs area has made great strides in Health Care (Mille Lacs Health System). Access to varied shopping experiences is more sketchy but there are plenty of niche stores, a bakery, some good coffee shops plus solid grocery stores in three of the four corners of the lake. We have a cross between art and crafts with Ripple River Gallery, SomeDay Isle, Twist of Nature and Gallery Gifts. There are specialty shops everywhere. And the full-service Grand Casino Mille Lacs offers entertainment and dining in nearly all tastes. The gamut of churches dot the area to support common Midwest religious denominations. Fine Dining experiences from Belas to Carlsona to the Casino to Lonesome Pine along with the comfortable resort bars like Rocky Reef, BayView, Hunter's Point, Castaways and the Blue Goose offer fun and excitment all year. And Mille Lacs is only 90 miles from the Twin Cities core; 40 miles from Brainerd; and 50-plus miles to St. Cloud. All those areas are major consumer outlets. Finally, retirees need things to do and most want to give back to their communities making this area a great place to live. There are so many opportunities to volunteer, serve and shine at Mille Lacs!

Some people would say: Why Mille Lacs? I'd Say: Why Not Mille Lacs?

Star-Tribune: Walleye Population Coming Back

2008-11-02T19:15:00.000-08:00

Sunday's Minneapolis Star Tribune featured a Mille Lacs Walleye story. The article: "Lake Mille Lacs Walleye Population on the Rebound," by writer Chris Niskanen stated the lake may be on the upswing after a brutally low walleye DNR survey level last year.

There were 2.8 more walleye per net in this fall's annual DNR shallow water netting surveys over 2007, according to the article, with nearly six extra pounds of fish.

However, the netting was about 2/3 of what is considered normal on the lake with regard to studies that have been done since 1983. Total angler kill on the lake this year was only 67,149 pounds out of a state allocation of 307,500 pounds.

In the deeper water netting, the DNR caught 23 walleye per net, weighing 36 pounds in contrast with 18 walleyes per net, weighing 28 pounds in 2007.

Folks may recall the July 11th, 2007 compression of the Mille Lacs slot. At that time, sportsman were taking fish at a high rate as the slot was up to four fish under 22 inches or 3 under 22 and one over 28 inches. The lake was producing alot of fish and business was good in the area. The DNR feared that they would go over quota. The ensuing shortened slots made it difficult for fisherman to keep fish and lulled the local economy somewhat.

A tougher slot and a larger forage base made this year tough, according to guides. There are far more bait fish, including Tullibee/Cisco in the lake, making getting "eater" limits especially hard.

Guide Tim Ajax recently had a customer catch a 28.25 inch walleye. When the customer asked Tim to clean the fish (it was legal to keep at this size), Tim found two, 10-inch Walleye, six perch and two crayfish in the fish belly. Needless to say, there's plenty for Walleye to eat in Mille Lacs right now and there's alot of fish in the 18-27 inch range who are enjoying immunity from being caught.

The good news in all this is that just about anybody who has never fished the lake has a great shot at catching their "personal best" Walleye since there are so many fish in the 24-27-inch range.

With ice season about 50 days away, many around the lake are wondering what 2009 will usher in. Will there be a nice "ice bite" to pique area and metro interest? Or will the lake continue to retool its famed "Wally" for future fun?

One thing should be mentioned, I am told that most area resorts favor a stable slot. Constantly changing slots frustrate fisherman.
Maybe this four under 18-inch slot will pan out as current numbers may be indicating.

One thing is certain: many eyes are on Mille Lacs. A big Walleye bite would be a huge boost to the local economy as well! We'll keep you posted!

Izatys Sold at Sheriff's Sale for 3.3 Million

2008-10-28T09:20:00.000-07:00

Mille Lacs County Sheriff Brent Lindgren administered the sale of Izatys resort Tuesday morning at 10:09 am to Commerce Bank for 3.3 million dollars at the Mille Lacs County Sheriff's lobby in Milaca, Minnesota.

The bank, being represented by Beth Gliedman, of the law firm Moss & Barnett, was the only bidder. Both Lindgren and Gliedman signed forms and the sale was complete, leaving a packed lobby(several dozen onlookers) wondering what's next?

It could be the final chapter of Izatys Resort LLC ownership. Most people reading this are aware of the plight of Izatys, which started with a Chapter 11 Banruptcy filing that was later converted Chapter 7 liquidation this year. The resort, at it was once known, has been shut down from last October to present.

Blackbrook golf course and a small food/beverage operation, a driving range and the links lodge were open for a stretch this summer with the help of a local investor while owners tried to make the Chapter 11 plan work.

It was just five years and 15 days ago that current owners had their first mortgage filed on the property. Now, this same group stares at its final 60 days of potential involvement. A 60-day redemption period expires Sunday, December 28th, meaning Monday December 29, there could be a potentially new Izatys ownership group crowned.

Gliedman said she wasn't surprised about a lack of bidders but that "we thought(the bank)one party might show up to bid." Speculation surrounding Izatys puts 3-5 legitimate parties still interested in acquiring the resort. Gliedman wouldn't release the names of potential bidders.

"You would have to show up with a suitcase of cash or a cashier's check to get it today," Gliedman said. The bank can now work direct with those interested parties, allowing them to remain anonymous while negotiating to buy the resort.

The lack of drama might have been a dissapointment to the throng of spectators who showed up to witness what they thought might be more of a substantial event.

There were: area residents; current Izatys employees; Zappa Management group reps; Izatys Resort LLC part owner Dave Kramber; the Mille Lacs Messenger's Brett Larson; a bevy of townhome owners; some folks I couldn't identify; some business people owed money by Izatys Resort; and several potential bidders.

In fact, you didn't miss much if you weren't in attendance as the the event was rather mundane. Aside from some proper humor from Lindgren, who had to read through the prescribed legal procedures, prior to bidding, it was pretty much a non-event. At least Lindgren did get some reprieve as he was allowed by all present to bypass reading the massive legal descriptions of the property.

The facts now are: Izatys is headed down the final home stretch of a recent, tough-to-watch slide. It's now 60 days closer to its final disposition. The questions remain: who will take over the resort and what will it become? Only time will tell.

Editor's Note: Any and all offensive posts will be removed from this blog immediatly. We'd welcome comments but ask that you look toward the future -- not the past.

Red Top: ATV Heaven at Mille Lacs

2008-10-27T18:41:00.000-07:00

With monster waves on Mille Lacs Lake, and biting NW winds, I took a challenge from local resident Al Kruger Monday that didn't involve anything about the lake.

We took our ATVs and rode 55 miles, covering a chunk of the Soo Line Trail from Wahkon to Red Top and all the way to the Snake River east of Highway 65.

It was unbelievable.

"You're gonna feel this tomorrow," said Kruger,63, a South Harbor Township resident for the last eight years. "Isn't this something?"

Thankfully, "Big Al" as he's known to folks around Izatys knows both the lake and ATV areas like the back of his big, calloused hands. He stopped every half hour or so to have a cigarette, chatting about his past, good hunting spots and his adventures on ATV in and around Red Top area.

If you haven't been to Red Top, it can simply be described as ATV Heaven. I don't claim to have all the facts or all the maps currently for Red Top. I can claim that between Aitkin County, Some Grant in Aid Trail Money and the six or so organizations who maintain the area, that Red Top is the area's Shangri-La for ATV riders. My hats off to the Mille Lacs Drift Skippers. They seem to be the organization listed on all the signs I saw, so I assume they have a huge hand in helping to pour money and labor into maintaining the trails.

Red Top has well-cut trails, decked out with concrete block inlays up and down huge hills, ensuring traction. Monday it also had some huge water puddles that had gravel and rock bases. It features some wooden bridges through wetlands with signage that helps you find your way around. It's just plain awesome ATV riding country in and around rolling hills.

I'd liken riding the flat, predictable Soo Line Trail to hitting a single at your first at-bat as a major league player. It's plenty of fun and allows you a chance to see great scenery. But I'd say riding Red Top is like hitting a major league first-pitch home run. You can't ride fast. Your arms get a workout. You will lock into four high, four low and transition back into 2 wheel drive.

It seems like around every corner or at the top of the next hill is a new, neat obstacle. It's also a wildlife sanctuary. We saw deer and grouse on our ride through Red Top. There are some freshly logged areas. Big Al said he has seen bear in the area on past trips.

And the best part about Red Top is it is huge. We are talking square miles of fun. Like I said, I'm still trying to comprehend the overall dimensions of this place.

As we left the confines of Red Top, rolling back along the Soo Line, filling our ATVs back up at Morningstar Market in Wahkon, another neat part of this trip became evident.

Where else can you spend nearly five hours riding your ATV through awesome country and spend less than $5 on gas to get it done. That's the joy of ATV riding around Mille Lacs and its part of the affordable local wonder that is Red Top.

Put Red Top on your calendar for 2009. It closes to ATVs from Nov. 1 to May 15th except for those hunting.

Izatys: The Next Chapter

2008-10-22T20:57:00.000-07:00

Many are wondering about Izatys' next chapter, which possibly begins this Tuesday, October 28th at the Mille Lacs's County Sheriff's Sale at the courthouse in Milaca.

Will Izatys be sold amid a throng of spectators and bidders? Or might it go quietly to an entity that has been courting Commerce Bank for a long time? There may or may not deals in the works prior to the sale. Or, per the Mille Lacs Messenger, the sale may not be conducted at all. We certainly don't claim to know.

I guess we'll just have to be there October 28th. Until then, we'll toss out this "editorial", listing 10 things the "New Izatys" needs to do to ensure its future viability. The key word is "future" so let's keep blogger comments focused in that direction. Some bloggers in past posts asked if I was looking for a job with Izatys. The answer is "no". I just care about it and hope its success can be win-win for the whole Mille Lacs area.

10 Things "The New Izatys" Should Do

1. Rebuild a Sagging Infrastructure. From the golf courses to clubhouse, hotel, dockage, Walleye World, driving range, pool, hot tub, irrigation systems to recapitalizing the fleet of maintenance stuff needed to keep it all, alot of money is needed to get things back up to speed. Thats millions. Remember, a 3.02 million dollar bid was tossed out to buy the whole place last April by bankruptcy Judge Nancy Dreher because it was too low. Alot has changed in six months with our economy. Interesting to see how the value of the resort will become substantially higher. Will it?

2. Re brand Izatys?The name and resort have been around for more than 80 years. For most of that time, Izatys was associated with quality, fun, family and fishing. Does the resort need to be renamed? Not sure here. The website, slogans and overall marketing need to be crafted to ensure people know this is a "new" Izatys; that is has been retooled; that it can be a four-season family-focused operation. The name is also linked to MN Historical Marker 340 located in Vineland. Izatys was originally a Sioux Village near that site, later being conquered by the Chippewa Tribe in the 1750 timeframe.

3. Reestablish Strong Community ties. The new owners need to get out and be involved in the community. From being on key area boards to adding value to lakes' area businesses by working together, Izatys should be a leader on Mille Lacs with integrity.

4. Destination Vacation Locations Start with Amenities. If Izatys can roll in ancillary operations that also complement Mille Lacs' area businesses and fill local voids, Mille Lacs wins. Large outfits have this plan pegged. They roll in small franchises with a bevy of amenities that all want to and can use.

5. One Golf Course That is Championship. Take Sanctuary or Blackbrook or a combination of the two and make one, truly championship course. That means updated irrigation, equipment, cart paths and the resources and staff to get it done. If you can't fill 36 holes on a regular basis with golfers, maybe 27 is the way to go?

6. Adequate Housing. Not sure what this looks like. Might be a large hotel or new banks of resort-owned town homes. We know the old model didn't work with too few beds on site to draw the kind of customer base needed to make things thrive on the golf courses or for corporate outings, large weddings, etc.

7. Coalition Builders. The new team needs to be "expert" at working to build win-win situations across the four entities that will makeup Izatys: Izatys Town Home Association (ITA, 130 units on lakeside); Village at Izatys (67 timeshares); Izatys Marina Association (primary holder of slips and ramp in the harbor)and the new resort ownership itself. They need to undertand that Together, Each, Accomplishes, More (TEAM). The quicker they show a plan with vision and some long-term focus, the sooner all the entities will build trust and be able to work together.

8. Stewards of The Environment. We've Talked About the Mille Lacs Lake Watershed Management Group recently. The owners need to be involved and cognizant about over development and potential lake pollution caused by the property.

9. Instill a Family Focus. There has to be quality things to do for men, women and children to do. Things like a indoor water park, youth activities, spa and arts/culture on-site operations. If we want to compete with Brainerd Lakes, we need to offer "like" amenities.

10. Cross Promoters With Vision. The whole lake will win with another 1500 visitors in the area shopping, eating out, and exploring and spending their money for fishing launches, guides and at other sources of entertainment. If the new owners can work effectively with long-time area businesses, all will win. From charity work to creating special Mille Lacs events, the "New Izatys" can be a huge shot in the arm for the local economy.

Editors Note: Under this Sheriff's Sale, current owners have 60 days to redeem on the property per a Bankruptcy Agreement made last summer. One thing is certain: As of 1 January 2009, we will know who will be running Izatys for the future. Any offensive posts will be removed by the editor.

Results From Sore Wrist Fishing Tourney

2008-10-19T17:47:00.001-07:00

No fish were caught but a pair of $200 checks to local charities were generated as a result of organizer Chris Cahoon's first stab at a late-season Fishing Tourney Saturday from Castaways Resort.

Aitkin's Chapter of Habitat for Humanity got $200. Another $200 check went to Aitkin County Community Food Shelf Network. The food shelf check will help buy 1,000 pounds of food.

"We had all the components setup for a great event but the time of the year probably needs to change," said Cahoon, who has been coming up to the Castaways area for more than eight years. He said he came up with the idea after discussing with his brother, Troy. "It was the right thing to do. It's not about just raising money but also about raising awareness for needs around here."

Cahoon took care of everything within his control -- contacting countless area and regional sponosors who donated more than $3,000 to the event for prizes. He also got the word out about the tourney and did a great job of emceeing the event from a very busy Castaways main bar area, doubling with the Saturday meat raffle.

It was the stuff beyond Cahoon's control that resulted in less participation than he forecast. Originally, he said he had hoped to get 120 fishermen. With a 20-plus mph wind blowing from the SE into the NE corner of the lake, only 12 boats with roughly 30 fishermen showed up to brave the situation Saturday.

The event was successful, according to Cahoon, because Castaways accommodated his raffle, allowing even non-fishing participants to buy tickets to build proceeds along with a meat raffle going on. Plus, each registered participant got a free breakfast, lunch and a great bag of stuff valued at nearly $25 for participating.

He also raised awareness for both charities and said he will try and conduct a second event early next October. That way, more people will still be focused on fishing and have their boats still in the water. Plus, weather won't be as much of an issue.

Cahoon was especially complimentary of Mille Lacs area businesses who gave to this event.

"Even in a tough economy, these people dug in and came up with some great offerings to support needy people, " Cahoon said. "I was a great outpouring of support."

Sore Wrist Fishing Tourney: Get to Castaways!

2008-10-16T05:20:00.001-07:00

MALMO -- 1st Annual Sore Wrist Fishing Tournament, Saturday October 18th

If there is any chance you can make this charitable event, it would be a great one to attend from at least four perspectives.

First, it supports the Aitkin County Habitat for Humanity Chapter, headed up by Mencer Johnson. For more information on what that group does and its project agenda contact Mencer at 218-927-5656.

Second, this event is collected items for area food shelves. If you bring three canned good items you get $5 off your registration fee. Also, part of the proceeds of the event will go to benefit local food shelves, according to Chris Cahoon, organizer. Chris said Wednesday that the event will write checks to Habitat for Humanity and Jan Dickinson (food shelf organizer) based on registrations, raffles and an auction.

Third, Castaways is fun and prize list is awesome. In talking with Chris, alot of big corporations have stepped up to the plate and the usual, great Mille Lacs Humanitarian effort is also evident. What fisherman or fisherwoman wouldn't want to win a tackle box from Cabelas stuffed with $250 bucks worth of lures/fishing stuff. Chris was reading a laundry list of stuff that alone is worth making the trip up even if you put your boat away already or don't want to go out on the water. So you pay the fishing fee, eat breakfast and lunch, take some shots at a raffle and auction and enjoy Castaways! Sounds like a pretty great adventure to me!

Fourth, it appears to be the last, large organized fishing event on the Big Pond before ice. Saturday's 61 degree and mostly sunny with temperatures appear to be perfect for the event. Let's just hope the projected 16-20 MPH winds out of the southwest don't materialize as that means big waves up in the NE corner.

Here are all details to get signed up:

Event is a 7 am Saturday Morning shotgun start out of Castaways Resort.

There are Three Divisions:

Muskie/Northern; Walleye; Small mouth Bass

Registration is $20 and $25 the day of the event. It includes breakfast sandwiches, coffee and beer. Lunch provided is burgers, brats, chips and beans. Event organizer is Chris Cahoon 612-695-7159. Castaways also has all details at 320-684-2380.

Like many of the area Lions Golf Tournaments, sponsors are providing gift bags with many area donations in the bags. Come up to Malmo, Castaways Resort and take part in a good cause on a projected great day! When you're at Mille Lacs, You Are Living the Dream!

Rentals Regulation: More Negative PR

2008-10-09T21:42:00.001-07:00

When are we going to start a positive public relations campaign about Mille Lacs Lake? I am curious because I see another story that made me think of this spring’s “Morey’s” line (if you want walleye, buy them at Morey’s) this week in the Mille Lacs Messenger.

Two Editorial Notes: The story was well written by Brett Larson. My Opinion: If you buy a house and rent it out all year and never use it yourself you are a business and you should be taxed accordingly. I don’t think a single dwelling is either a resort or hotel, however.

When I read that there is a new campaign being driven by Mille Lacs Tourism to push for a Stearns-County like amendment, forcing an ordinance to get a permit and meet the same standards as resorts and hotels for home and cabin rentals, I can’t believe it.

With 25-50 vacant, unsold homes in the $400-thousand and up range on the lake, why are we going off about lake home rentals? I’d love to ask an area realtor what kind of an obstacle selling a cabin or Lake Home on Mille Lacs would be if you have the “rental factor”.

The Lead Quote on October 8th Mille Lacs Messenger story below the fold, “It looks like a resort and smells like a resort, but it doesn’t qualify as a resort because people who bought it don’t call it a resort,” – Judy Cain, Mille Lacs Area Tourism Council Director.

I have to ask some questions here. Would the Brainerd Lakes Area Chambers of Commerce (explorebrainerdlakes.com) run to the county like this and cry foul? No. They have private homes right on their website listed for rent. How about the Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce? No. They do the same thing.

Just take a gander at vrbo.com in those areas and they make Mille Lacs look like chicken scratch in terms of rentals that are in competition with resorts. Last I checked at Izatys, 24 units were in the rental pool back before the resort closed. There are probably 12-15 owners who rent their units out right now on vrbo. (Where was the complaining when nearly half of Izatys 130 lakeside units were rented out?)

Maybe it’s time we started modeling behaviors of some of these ultra-successful areas because I am tired about hearing why Mille Lacs is the “Big Train That Can’t”. What “CAN” we do and what “ARE” we doing. At Make It Mille Lacs.com we are helping area businesses with exposure through affordable ads, web pages/sites, constant contact e-blasts and introductory stories.

I’m sorry if I offend somebody here. But I can’t blame anybody for renting out a cabin or lake home. In fact, if renting them out brings people with cash to spend at gas stations, bars, restaurants, bait shops or brings folks up here alleviate distressed real estate, power equipment and ice fishing businesses, I say rent more places out!

Let me clearly state a couple other key points.

First, I think most resorts and campgrounds on Lake Mille Lacs are outstanding. Make It Mille Lacs currently features Hunter Winfield’s, Castaways and Rocky Reef. Chapman’s, Hunter’s Point, McQuoids, Mac’s Twin Bay, Appledorns, Barnacles, Twin Pines and Pete’s Retreat are great places and I know I have missed a few, so forgive me.

These operations clearly aren’t going to be affected by a few home rentals. In fact, I’d argue that any home rental in their area would probably result in those people stopping for a fishing guide service, launch, diner and drinks if available (Buzzie’s in the Mac’s case) and more.

Thank you Mille Lacs County and Michele McPherson for seeing how simply ridiculous this whole issue is. With the counties’ limited resources, adding staff and regulations to enforce rules that stem business rather than promote it is absurd.

It’s time to start touting Mighty Mille Lacs. That’s why you’ll soon be seeing “They Make It Mille Lacs” and “They Made It Mille Lacs” short stories about real people on our website. There are many great current and former people who have made this a great place to live and vacation.

Make It Mille Lacs!

Our Environment: Our Choices

2008-09-29T08:17:00.000-07:00

BOBBER DOWN

CLEAN WATER, LAND AND LEGACY AMENDMENT AND YOU

This week's Make It Mille Lacs poll asks viewers how they plan to vote on this key Nov. 4th ballot item. Go to our link at the left and vote.

The Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment asks backers to protect the Minnesota you love. It will cost state tax payers about 15 cents a day, or about a buck a week, according to published reports. Charlie Poster is leading the charge on this issue at his website http://www.yesformn.org/.

It beckons for Clean Water, Wildlife, Cultural Heritage and Natural areas. You can learn more about this amendment by contacting the organizing group info@yesformn.com.

The proposal needs Minnesota Constitutional approval (a voter majority on election day) for a new funding source. It is billed as a once-in-a-lifetime chance to leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

Here are the three major thrusts: protecting lakes and rivers; protecting wood lands, natural areas and farmland that could be lost to development; preserving lakes and great outdoors as a vital part of our quality of life and tourism industry.

If passed, this bill could generate $300 million a year in 2008 dollars. Here is where the money will go: 19.75 percent to Arts/Culture; 33 percent to clean water; 33 percent to game, fish and wildlife habitat; 14.25 percent for parks and trails.

I love Mille Lacs. I hate over taxation. But we are also trying to get full spectrum Arts/Culture supported here, right? That's a win for busineses and a win for the overall Mille Lacs experience. I'd love to know how much money would be generated and appropriated to the Mille Lacs lake area (and the four counties that border it).

To me, this bill seems like a good one -- for small area businesses, for sportsmen, for our resources, for residents and visitors to Mille Lacs and for our next generation.

More Deer in This Area: Last week's poll (20 voters) told us that 55 percent of people voting feel there are more deer in the area than in 2007. Only 20 percent said "less" deer. Warm temperatures and heavy foliage have prevented any early bow hunting assessment. We will be providing you with some reports from area registration stations as the season progresses. Send us your Trophy area Deer Photos and we will post on this site.

Stay Tuned for An Update on Progress at Rum River Estates and the full results of last weekend's "The Crossing" -- both coming Wednesday!

See Our Fishing Guide Reports Updated Wednesday (with some great photos from Mike Christensen's Waterfowl Trip to Canada)

See Our Weekend Events Outlook for October 3-5 Updated Wednesday

Subscribe to Make It Mille Lacs.com's bi-weekly E-Blast by visiting our home page at right.

Mille Lacs Makes Economic Sense

2008-09-19T19:03:00.000-07:00

If this week's stock market volatility and Wall Street collapses had you staggered and wondering how you are going to eke out a decent fall get away, never fear --- Mille Lacs is here! Ninety miles from the Twin Cities!

Resorts, golf courses, restaurants, bars, bait shops, businesses and even area churches are focused and ready to ensure you can "have it your way" at Lake Mille Lacs.

Gas prices are on par with the metro. Area bait shops are stocked and ready and can actually advise you on real lake conditions. Resorts, launches and guides are ready to take you out on the Big Pond to ensure your fishing success. There's art and culture right on our door step.

Where else can you get a decent dinner and a quality beverage for less than $10? Where else in a 90-minute range from the metro can you visit six towns bordering 134,000 acres of water with countless variety in people, entertainment and options.

At Mille Lacs. And only at Mille Lacs.

With the forecast being into the 70s for the next week and fall colors in full bloom here at Mille Lacs, get up here and play a round of golf; take out a fishing launch; stay over at a neat resort; hunt some public land; try a local restaurant and even look at some bargain lake shore real estate.

At Make It Mille Lacs.com we never cease in our efforts to provide you with more great information to help you make choices on recreation and events at the lake. Introducing our upgraded INTERACTIVE MAP. Click on the link on the home page and you find everything you need on Lake Mille Lacs -- bait shops, public landings, most resorts and area businesses we support by advertising. Zoom in with Google earth. Also get your real-time water levels, wind speeds and area weather on our fishing and home pages. We give you our top picks for weekend fun on the events page. Six local fishing guides with different specialties report in each week on our Guide Reports link that has web cams. Never been to a Meat Raffle? We have nine listed on our site. Like to hunt, we have you covered there as well!

Last Week's Poll: A small vote turnout for the Bike Ride Around Mille Lacs in which five people of 14 voters guessed right that 25 or less people would do the full 70-mile trip around the lake. More than 100 people participated in the 16th annual BRAML.

Editor's Note: We have been blogging at Make it Mille Lacs for about five months now and one common comment I get when visiting around the lake is that we focus too much on the south shore of the lake. We have heard your opinions and this week sent a sharp, young, quality photographer to capture Mille Lacs in all its fall grandeur -- everywhere. You will start seeing these photos roll out over the coming weeks. I was amazed what this young woman accomplished "on the road" around the Big Pond.

Izatys: A calm has descended on the resort. Barry Hines and a small staff continue to take care of the golf courses. The resort owners turned over the keys and a receiver is being appointed to oversee the property until liquidation. There is only speculation on new owners as Commerce Bank works through the court-appointed liquidation. Current owners have until 31 December to redeem on the property. Golfers staying at The Village have been dispatched to Higbee's, Fiddlestix or Hardwoods.

Rum River Estates: Look for our blog next week on the progress Jim McCrank is making at Rum River Estates, located south of Onamia on 169. "Cranker" sent us some photos of bear photographed on the property. We will be running those next week. Rum River Estates is in a prime hunting zone and the groundwork appears to have been laid to march toward success for RRE.

Izatys: Good Times Are On The Way

2008-09-12T05:54:00.000-07:00

Chapter 7 means new start for Izatys

I have no inside information as to what transpired at the bankruptcy hearing on September 11th aside from being told by reliable sources that the bankruptcy was converted to Chapter 7, which means liquidation.

My job as a writer is to simplify the jargon and legalese, helping the reader understand what is going on.
Attorneys, scholars and legal eagles, should reply and adjust/correct what I understand.

Vultures who have been trying to feed on the plight of the current ownership and former employees stay on your perch. I won’t tolerate personal slams on individuals who worked at, managed or owned Izatys over these last four, tough years.

Izatys will now be sold. There is a redemption period and I can’t tell you if its 60 days or more. Redemption is a chance for the owners to come back and get the resort from the bank by paying off everything. What are those chances? Not sure.

The potential new owner speculation abounds. Some senior Izatys owners and area residents with metro golf connections have a pretty good idea of who that entity may be. It’s not for Make It Mille Lacs to release that speculation. It’s probably for the Bankruptcy Court, Commerce Bank or that new business to release the information once the right bid is selected and things can go forward.

I do know this: We’ve waited since early October 2007 for deliverance at the resort.

As our property values plummeted; our rentals dried up and many of our owners took huge hits of lost revenue as part of the bankruptcy; times were as low as they could be. Families were faced with zero amenities associated with what they paid for. Women and Children were big losers. Area businesses were hammered to the point of second mortgages and possible closures.

I don’t personally blame the current owners for going to the last bell, trying to put together a deal. The losses they incurred financially and personally were staggering.

But Izatys isn’t the only property around the lake that was in a struggle for its life. Take a look around. Stop in and have a burger at another resort. Try a fishing guide. Buy some gas locally. Make a purchase at many of the great businesses on the Big Pond. Buy your bait here.

The Izatys sale and potential revitalization will mean jobs, more part-time residents returning often, new tourism and cash flowing into area business tills. Everybody will win. Let’s face it, aside from the Casino (hotel capacity not known), where else on the lake can you gather 1500 people in one spot who generally have a few bucks to spend.

It’s never all been about Izatys. It’s always helped to have Izatys doing well! Here’s to you, Lake Mille Lacs! And your possible, new five-star operation back on the South Shore, feeding countless communities, businesses and giving back to those who reside around the lake!

Red Hatters: Fun x 3 at Mille Lacs

2008-09-09T06:43:00.000-07:00

There are those who would say area middle-aged males have their fishing, hunting, lake toys and plenty of great things to do at Mille Lacs while their counterpart females have a lot less fun options.

Not so, according to Jean Jameson, Queen Mother, of the the 29-member Onamia Lady Loons chapter of Red Hatters. If you've ever seen Red Hatter groups out in the area, you cannot miss them. And they are fun.

"You have to be 50 years old," explained Jameson, about criteria to join the Red Hatter organization. "It's all about growing old gracefully and greeting middle age with vigor. We are a sister hood of fun!"

Monday night the Lady Loons were out in full force, occupying the back dining area at BayView, eating, drinking, laughing, sharing stories and eventually posing for this group photo.

An Excerpt From the Global Red Hat Society: "The Red Hat Society began as a result of a few women deciding to greet middle age with verve, humor and elan. We believe silliness is the comedy relief of life, and since we are all in it together, we might as well join red-gloved hands and go for the gusto together. Underneath the frivolity, we share a bond of affection, forged by common life experiences and a genuine enthusiasm for wherever life takes us next," - Sue Ellen Cooper, Queen Mother, the Red Hatters.

These Mille Lacs Red Hatters are following the rules. They like to fish. They like to go out and eat. They like to be very social. And even a little wild in a good way from what I saw. At the invite of the Isle Belle's of Mille Lacs, a combination of two of the three local chapters went out on a launch from Hunter Winfield's Tuesday morning.

So they fished. They shared stories. Maybe some relieved the agony (or ecstasy) of the Viking-Packer game. I was told by Jameson that a possible libation or two might be available "later".

So this Red Hatter machine is pretty big on Mille Lacs when you add the Malmo Bethesda Hot Flashes (name possibly pending per Jameson). Say as large as a major Mille Lacs Muskie fishing tournament. (75 boats, 2 males per)

When they rally at the regional level. You are looking at one, large bloc of over-50-something women in their red hats who draw head turns everywhere they go. Imagine the chaos that ensues when they all get together to have fun. And they have fun.

Make it Mille Lacs would say this Red Hatter organization is on to something very good. Next meeting for the Lady Loons: Monday, October 13th at the Vet's Club. It's Academy Award Night. And the Lady Loons are dressing up!

Contact Jean Jameson at 320-676-3037 or email her at jjbar947@yahoo.com for more information and as to how you can become a Red Hatter.

Editors Note: That is Queen Mother Jean Jameson lying on the pool table.

Fall is a Time To Rally!

2008-09-05T07:07:00.000-07:00

The Power of the People At Mille Lacs:

Jessica (we won't use her last name)is a south shore resident with a lot of heart, brawn and the ability to get teams into motion. Her sister, Stacy, was diagnosed with MS more than two years ago. She's leading a campaign to raise funds and you can donate to her team -- Stacy's Stampede -- right online through our home page. Just click on the MS Walk and you will be directed to their site. Forget that their goal has been reached. Think of people like my father or your family members or friends who suffer from this terrible disease. As I write, my father, Milan, has spent the last 14 years of his life (1994-present) fighting MS in a nursing home and he's only 71. Mille Lacs' Mystique, you say? I call it Mille Lacs generosity! Give what you can and lead the Stampede against MS to victory! Wouldn't it be great if the Stampede finished in the state's Top 10 teams?

Americans Unite: The Republicans and Democrats have just wrapped up their conventions. Both claim a certain victory yet today's CBS poll locks up the race at 42-42 with 16% undecided a percent leaning to the Nader camp. That means for next 35 days millions of dollars will be spent to win your heart and mind as to which direction this country should go. We urge you to get on top of the issues, learn what's going on around you and register to vote. We urge you to vote on Tuesday, November 4th which may be this nation's most important election in our short 232-year history.

Remember 9-11 and Never Forget: Two planes hit the world trade centers, knocking them to the ground and shaking the American psyche. The attacks toppled New York City's signature landscape, killing thousands. Our Patriots on board a plan headed for Washington, DC wrested it away from the terrorists and gave the ultimate sacrifice. crashing in a Pennsylvania farm field. The Pentagon took a hit and and lost many. Do you remember where you where? How about what you were doing? How mad, angry and patriotic you felt. Well, the enemy is still on the run all over the Middle East and the world.

Another 9-11: More should be know about Izatys fate after a 9-11 Bankruptcy hearing. Stay tuned and have a Great Mille Lacs Weekend.

Bobber Down: A Weekly Overview

2008-08-29T03:32:00.000-07:00

Our new Friday Blog Format is called "Bobber Down". It will cover the results of our previous poll; compelling issues; and things visitors have asked us to address. Here goes:

1) Wahkon Days Poll: Did you like Wahkon Days? We had 95 voters. We tossed out the 51 who didn't attend and 24 said they liked the events. There were 20 who didn't. My wife and I especially enjoyed coming into the harbor by boat and walking into town for some evening fun to watch the band and go to Muggs. My hats off to all the folks who helped put together what I thought was a great package. One question: from the water, how do you get to the new public pier? No one in town could tell me? I owe Walley Dundees $10, I think.

2) Izatys Sale I am asked about what is going on every place I go. Like I have some crystal ball? I do have ears. I do read the Messenger. Sounds like Commerce Bank can foreclose on the resort on 8/31 (which would probably be filed on a Tuesday, Sep 2). Bankruptcy Judge Nancy Dreher has given the resort until 9-11 to shake out a deal with alleged proven buyers. Just who that buyer list is? I have heard at least 10 possibles. Whoever gets it, needs to immediately engage the community, layout a viable strategic plan and to get the Village timeshare folks and Town Home owners back they need to show quality service and commitment from the gate. In the short term, the new entity would need to pump at least 2-5 million just to get deferred maintenance under control. Another 25-30 million to make Izatys a south-shore destination location. My two cents. (if you rip on people about this "bobber down", it will be taken off. We are long past why Izatys failed. We are looking toward how Izatys can succeed. Comments appreciated with look toward future.

3) 44-1-1 A sign of a business in action is not only praise and notice, but a complaint. We got our first one this week via the Messenger in a response to my Messenger piece two weeks ago entitled, "Win One For Mille Lacs." The 44-1-1 is my record to that article -- 44 in favor(verbal,email,phone calls), 1 saying "I won't get a Christmas card" - now 1 written call back against us. The writer accused me of attacking Judy Cain on professional and personal levels. For the record, Judy Cain has been a great advocate for Mille Lacs Tourism in her 13-plus years there. She is sharp, hard working and an asset to the community. Like anyone of her stature, there are proponents and opponents. Make It Mille Lacs is doing some positive public relations and business marketing on the internet to help drive customers to the Big Pond. Check out our Google positions on Mille Lacs Golf, Mille Lacs Dining, Mille Lacs Recreation, Mille Lacs Guide Reports. Top-shelf organizations always meet customer needs by: Defining their niche; building motivated teams; and focusing resources at decisive points and places. We all win at Mille Lacs when the resorts are are packed (Mille Lacs Tourism Job) and maybe someday we can see those unsightly bright, orange signs you see near Brainerd International Raceway (Warning Event Congestion Ahead) when you drive up into Nisswa for the NHRA Top Fuel Races.

4. Support Gene Miller

He's the Musky Troller up out of Castaways who trolls with up to six lines and catches alot of Muskies each year. He brings alot of visitors to Mille Lacs who get lodging, spend money, etc. I have gone with him twice to do stories. He is a steward of Muskies and rarely kills one or keeps one (unless there is a customer request to keep an over 50). He is also a neat guy to get out on the water with. Area people know him well. He puts on a good event and you always have fun with Gene. Several Muskie fishing blogs on Minnesota Fishing web sites have laid into Gene. He's our hometown guy. Let's go to his defense! Get online with those sites and tell the real story if you've been out with him. PS: We also have alot of other local Muskie guides that do well on this lake. Like Tim Ajax, Jeff Hanson, Jason Bongers, Dave Bentley and many more. Only Hunter's Point uses a like system to Gene's.

Send us your Mille Lacs Moments. We're creating a page where you tell us in 200 words or less a special event, funny happening or weird experience you had while on Mille Lacs or in the immediate area. "When You're At Mille Lacs, You're Living The Dream"

Mille Lacs Moments: Now For The Taking!

2008-08-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

Datelines: – ONAMIA, COVE, WAHKON, ISLE, MALMO, WEALTHWOOD, GARRISON

Traversing the Big Pond this summer to experience, listen and learn has been jaw-dropping as to the magnitude of just how many Mille Lacs Moments are out there for the taking.

Mille Lacs Lake is a leading recreation and events destination now.

It’s not that it can be. Or that it once was. It’s now! We’ve just got to layout our credentials for a fair, balanced review! And Make It Mille Lacs.com is helping tell the Mille Lacs story.

Blogger Comment: A respectful salute to Mille Lacs Tourism on your new web site. My letter to the Mille Lacs Messenger last week rightfully took Tourism Director Judy Cain to task for denying Make It Mille Lacs.com membership in the Area Chamber when we launched in April. We are an area business. Our charter is to help market established area businesses with a focus on recreation and events. (With an expanding menu into services)

To prove that Mille Lacs is a great recreation and events destination in Minnesota, the Midwest and Nationally. Let’s dust off The Big Pond’s credentials. I Chose the first 10 off the top of my head.

Unofficial Mille Lacs Lake “Recreation and Events” Credentials (Top 10):

1. World-Class Fishery: Led by Mr. Walleye. On his popularity tail for possible state records are Musky and Smallmouth. Slot, schmott. I won’t go there. You can usually catch fish and more big fish here. The Guides and Resorts put you on fish. Get a guide and stay at a resort and find out! Oh, Do the Ice Fishing Thing!

2. Magnificent Scenery: We have a magnificent lake with some pretty cool area scenery. Who cares if some birds poop on a couple rock piles? Have you seen artist Ken Zylla’s framed print of Spirit Island? The old Izatys launch, mixed with about seven little 16-footers with a Mille Lacs sunset just to the west. We have great bays. We have fun points (just watch the rocks) What about 200-year old white pines? We have rolling hills in Vineland and Garrison? It’s why Harley groups love to ride around this 132,000-acre treasure.

3. Culturally-Diverse, Proud Patriotic Populations, With Rich History. We have diversity with a large white population and the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe co-located. We have a legion hard-working family-owned businesses coupled with proud veterans (of all ethnic groups) living in our communities. Military service clubs (Legions, VFWs, MSA) are supporting our troops past and present and offer some pretty great prices on food, beverage and fun. Area museums capture the histories of the The Band and the follow-on white pioneers and settlers.

4. Cool Towns with Storied Heritages. Onamia, Cove, Wahkon, Isle, Malmo, Wealthwood and Garrison. We can put them in alphabetical order to avoid slights if you want. Some are more vibrant than others. All are striving to do well and make themselves more attractive to visitors. Wahkon, nice “weekend in the sun”. Oh, did I mention you can boat into at least six of them? I’d swim ashore and crawl on my belly for some time at the Wealthwood Rod and Gun Club but not sure if there is water access.

5. Good Resorts, Golf Courses: All shores have nice resorts. The east shore has the most resorts. Many are augmented with their own bars/clubs. We feature four golf courses Fiddlestix, Izatys (Blackbrook), Hardwoods and Higbees that run the gamut in price, challenge and attractiveness. All have a lot of wildlife present. The lake is also dotted with a bevy of good bars/restaurants (or restaurant/bars), a bowling alley and the whole gamut of outlets and services that one would expect dotting a world-class lake. Please don’t compare us to something we’re not. End of discussion.

6. Live Entertainment options. We have Grand Casino, Blue Goose and Barnacles that offer “Live Entertainment” with more commercial productions – i.e. Casino, Big-Box productions. The Goose and Barnacles feature weekend bands. But “live entertainment” can also be family members sitting around a campfire, sharing stories about the golfing, fishing, kite boarding, sailing, ATVing, hunting, shooting or art and craft show visits they took that day.

7. Mille Lacs is family friendly. Everywhere I go, I see families welcome. From local restaurants to bigger box stores and bait shops, people are treated well here. The parades and summer weekend community celebrations shout, "family" and weekend town summer celebrations of the towns and tribe focus on the family. The Tribe also does a nice job of asking families to come get a glimpse of its past and present with a celebration like it put on last weekend.

It seemed like the 20-some boats and hundreds of swimmers I watched assembled in and around “Hog’s Back” (North Shore Sand Stretch running west from Malmo past Carlsona were busy making Mille Lacs moments. So were the Sail boarders and para-sail types who assembled off the Malmo public landing Sunday afternoon. (Hey, I can’t visit everywhere). Yes, we hear about indoor water parks and another hotel, but let’s let that work itself out for now and enjoy it if and when it comes down the pike

8. Adventure Sports Array, Check. Curt Gowdy would be proud to trail our hunting and fishing guides. Bob Costas would be in awe of our wind surf races, para-sailing and ice boarding. And you toss in ever popular gun and bow hunting; trap and skeet shooting; motorcycling and biking; ATV and Snowmobiling; Cross Country Skiing with snow shoeing. The list doesn't end.

9. Vibrant Craft/Emerging Art Community. This is the part I know least about. But those I talk to and trust say we are loaded with crafts and are "ready for takeoff" in Art. We’d like to know more about area photographers (I know of Doug Bennington),painters, pottery types and writers. Please blog your information to us as we're putting together a pretty awesome page on your behalf in September. The eclectic is taking root here as well. Maybe a little slower than the north shore but who's comparing? With resorts serving tap amber lagers and bars hosting wine tastings and a pair of meat stores on 169 that are rivaling top-shelf metro counterparts, we're winning.

10. The Mille Lacs Mystique. The lake is Mystical. I think going by boat from a landing or harbor – to another lake side destination under a full moon is high adventure. (Reference: Wahkon Days, circa 2008). You hope for fair winds and following seas but you understand and plan for the Mille Lacs “chop”. There's Mystique on the Hardwoods golf course and on Indian point just hearing the loons and see the massive white pines still standing. And there is something mystical about catching a 28-inch walleye in October or November under full moon. The Izatys Story. The Ojibwe Story. The logging days. The resort boom. The early ice business. What a history!

Two Texts and one digital source for you history buffs/mystique seekers.

Book by Joe Fellegy: Classic Minnesota Fishing Stories: A Rare Collection of First-Hand Accounts, Anecdotes, and Reports, published 1982, Aitkin Pressis filled with mystique and illustrated by Ron Schara and Dennis Anderson. You can can get a copy on ebay or just Google Joe Fellegy and you can find it as it is out of print.

Fifty Thousand Holes is the Lyback family story of Clark and Phyllis Lyback that tells about the joys, sorrows and challenges of running an ice business and raising a family while commuting from the Twin Cities in the 1940s and on. For Lyback Book: Email: fjordhaven@scicable.com or call 320-676-3492

Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe history as told by historian and long-range planner Don Wedll gives perspective and insight about the band and it's lake presence since the 1700s with a glimpse into the many triumphs and tragedies of the Ojibwe. It's available online at http://www.millelacsojibwe.org/culture.asp

Photo: This Week's Mille Lacs Moment: That's Pastor Lundgren of Faith Lutheran who went out with Gene Miller and caught a 51-inch Musky. When You're At Mille Lacs, You're Living The Dream!When you're at Mille Lacs, You're Living the Dream!

Mille Lacs Golf Trail Review 4: Hardwoods is a Gem

2008-08-10T06:32:00.000-07:00

Editor's note: This is part 4 of 4 area golf updates, helping visitors get more information about Fiddlestix, Higbee's, Izatys, and Hardwoods. These are the golf courses in the Lake Mille Lacs immediate proximity.

For us bogey-plus golfers, it’s those pleasant surprises that make life on the course such an adventure.

Sinking a 30-foot putt; winning closest to the pin in some scramble tournament; knocking a bunker shot in; starting and finishing with the same golf ball through nine holes; discovering an exciting, local golf course you knew nothing about.

It was just that pleasant surprise that I encountered when playing Hardwoods Thursday.

I was once again fortunate enough to be partnered with Phil, 64, who is originally from Malmo and back on an annual visit to see family and play golf. As you may recall, Phil and I played together at Izatys last Sunday and his insights proved valuable in my write-up about that course.

Phil’s golf credentials as one of Rhode Island’s 10 reps at the New England Senior Amateur tourney in York, Maine in 2007 and a four-handicapper lend some credence to his observations.

Getting to Hardwoods is easy. It’s located on Captive Lake Road just south of Garrison on your left as you drive up Highway 169. Playing Hardwoods is another story for us bogey-plus players and even more established ones. But I say that in a good way!
Hardwood’s is really a tale of two nine-hole courses.

The first nine was built in 1964 and shows its maturity as it is carved into rolling hills, with some breath-taking tee-shots. It sports moderate-sized, well-manicured greens that are very tough to read for both beginner and established player so bring your “A” putting game to score.

Hardwoods front nine is fairly narrow for resorters but not long at 2871 yards from the whites. As its name implies, there are very mature oaks and other hardwood trees, plenty of softwoods and some of the area’s most majestic white pines on this nine holes. The layout is beautiful. I can see why people would want to come play it just for the beauty.

The front nine has some neat things.

Two, amazing tee shots from high-up, with pictersque views of green and fairway below. There are painted rocks for blue, white and red markers at tee boxes. Turnarounds are rock-lined an array of top-notch flower arrangments.

It has the expected porta-potties located where you’d want them; cold, good-tasting water when you need it; and resort-friendly ball channeling, meaning the course is mounded to help prevent drifting balls into wood lines along the narrowest fairways and banked up behind most greens. Hardwoods also sports a very fine cart path save for one washout stretch we noticed that needed immediate attention.

The up-and-down play of Hardwoods front nine is challenging and enjoyable. We heard Loons and saw several deer while playing.

Like all courses, it has a few things that need fixing... Namely the cart path spot and a couple tee boxes that are pretty beat up and we suffered from some very high roughs in spots.

Overall, give course supervisor Bob Weston kudos for getting Hardwoods in great shape. I was told he’s been there since the place opened. His pride is evident!

The front nine’s biggest oddity would have to be its' close proximity to a bevy of unsightly, modular-type adjacent properties. To be fair, these residences probably predate the course opening and I don’t mean to offense to anyone that lives there. It’s just a little distracting when faced with the beauty of the course. Having the dim of traffic of 169 to the east also is a slight negative.

Moving on, the back nine was built in 1971 and sports a totally different look and feel. It's surrounded by newer stick built-homes and a massive log-home development. It is much more open and forgiving. It is measurably longer at 3196 from the whites and the 205-yard par 3 fourth hole plays more like 230.

With the development comes some hiccups. There are some spots where irrigation, heavy equipment and just plain construction have nipped at the edges of the course.

Small, raised greens with the same “tough-to-read” style make the back nine a headache for those concerned with things like greens in regulation. The over-the-water shots are stunning on holes 12, 16 and 18.

You can regain some fairway confidence on the back nine but hope that you've conquered your short game. Phil and I liked the greens positioned right in front of the four-bank townhomes like the picture you see with this update.

Which brings us to the connection between the old nine and the newer nine – the Achilles’ heel small, outdated clubhouse that definitely shouts, “Total beauty makeover.”

After shooting our first nine, I stopped into the club house, going upstairs for a Gatorade. I waited too long while the woman who had been there only four days tried to figure out prices for a group of four guys buying some beers.

Upon completing my round, this same, friendly woman wasn’t totally sure of the menu and men’s league was less than two hours away. Burgers and Brats, pizzas and standard-bar rail are offered upstairs.

The downstairs pro shop operation was a positive story. Head Pro Jim Resch set us up and his follow-on afternoon replacement was friendly, outgoing and could talk in detail about the course and area history.

Prices at Hardwoods are in-line with the experience on the course. Eighteen holes with cart on a weekend is $45. It’s a bargain at $35on weekdays. Seniors get a great deal with green fee and cart at $25 on Mondays and Wednesdays. Carts are required.

A highlight was a brief encounter with owner Todd Christenson, who was friendly, outgoing and is engaged in a lot of development in this area. (original bid co-winner to buy Izatys in April auction that was disallowed by Bankruptcy Judge).

He told us about plans to build an indoor water park and new clubhouse on the property. He referred me to his GM, Trent Christenson for follow-up questions about our course review and thanked us for taking the time to come play the course.

Trent was unable to meet with me. He also didn't return my phone call, email or personal note to complete our course update. To his credit, it was later Thursday afternoon with a busy weekend approaching.

Overall, Hardwoods is a great place to play golf at a great price. No one who has played the four-course Mille Lacs Golf Trail could argue that Hardwoods probably has the lake’s “best” golf genes – layout, terrain, proximity to key business operations. It doesn't have a great clubhouse operation to put it on par with Fiddlestix. With an indoor water park and a new clubhouse, this place could really take off! See their link on this web site for a phone number or web contact information
When you're at Mille Lacs, You're Living the Dream!

Izatys: Part 3 of 4: Mille Lacs Golf Trail

2008-08-04T17:50:00.000-07:00

Editors note: This review is focused on Blackbrook Golf Course, the cost to play and the golf services available as of August 3, 2008. It is not focused on the Izatys Bankruptcy situation. Anonymous comments not dealing with Blackbrook golf will be deleted by the blog administrator. I golfed this course in early June and on August 3 for reader perspective.

Blackbrook: Champion on a Slide or a Comeback?

Blackbrook kind of reminds me of a heavyweight boxing champion. Is it making a comeback or have the punches, scars and business knockdowns taken too much of a toll on this John Harbottle-designed Championship Course?

I’d like to believe Blackbrook’s like a George Foreman. You may recall the current TV grill salesman who’s big, bald and used to box. At a young age, he knocked out Joe Frazier in the 1970s, winning a heavyweight title and was the oldest champ ever again twenty-some years later at age 45. I think Blackbrook has another title shot left in it and there might be 20 years between runs as well. And here’s why.

Special note: This course got out of the gate almost a month behind other area courses due to bankruptcy reorganization. It did not open for business until mid June. From this spring to nearly Memorial Day it was without irrigation.

Blackbrook has a great layout, featuring 10-water hazard holes and four of the neatest par 3s I have played. The signature hole has to be No. 14, a short Par 3 nestled between pricey lakeside townhomes to the left and majestic Lake Mille Lacs all along the right side. On a day with a strong northwest wind, it makes for an interesting choice of club.

Overall, Blackbrook’s fairways are laid into a hardwood forest (minus many trees from its inception) on flat, somewhat swampy ground. The greens are large, undulating and spongy and you can stick a ball on them. Most of the tee boxes are elevated. There are a lot of sand traps on the course and an abundance of nature’s creatures, featuring plenty of fox and deer.

Like a former champ, Blackbrook has some current battle scars: there are many stumps between fairways; about half the greens have spots (disease or dried or both?); the cart path that weaves through the 6391-yard layout shows the heaves and potholes of 12-plus Minnesota winters; there are scarred tee boxes and some fairway grass irregularity; an aging sprinkler system fails to cover key parts of the rough.

Like a former champ working out on a budget, Blackbrook has lacked the capital nutrition needed to sprint back into contention – things like chemicals, fertilizer, and greens and tee-box top-dressing have been rationed due to the current bankruptcy.

But like a former champ in training, Blackbrook has gotten back into the gym. It has mostly worked through its early unsightliness and has morphed into: a green course that is well mowed; a course with nice fairways, decent greens and nearly filled, weedless sand traps (except No. 10); it’s the only area course that features four sets of tee boxes: Tournament (6867), Championship (6391), Resort (5821) and Forward (5119). It has a seasoned, albeit small staff of course workers who care about how it looks.

To give some outsider perspective, I played a partial round with a gentlemen named Phil, a Malmo native who is 64 and last year competed in the New England Senior Amateur Open in York, Maine. He’s a 4-handicapper. The man knows golf and has seen courses from coast to coast and here is his take on Blackbrook:

“It’s one of the prettiest courses I’ve played with a lot of history and personality,” Phil said, before teeing it up on his favorite hole, the par 5 No. 13. “I hope it comes back because it can be a really great course.”

The course has a small pro shop with grill and mini bar. You can get burgers, pizza and sandwhiches there at area prices. The best deal on Blackbrook, to me, is senior day, which is Thursdays. Seniors golf for $30 all day with a cart. If you have some stamina, that is a great buy. The driving range sports one of the area’s finest tee-up areas condition-wise and size-wise. Buckets of balls are $5.

Overall golf prices are moderate for the area but reduced from Blackbrook’s heyday. Golf with a cart is $44 for 18 holes with cart per person during the week. And $54 for the same deal on weekends. Memberships are also on the high end for this time of year vs other courses. A single that covers August and September is $450. A family covering the same period is $600. There are low-rate Stay and Play packages. For more information on those, contact 320-532-3101.

Blackbrook is a nice play to play golf. It may one day return to greatness. It offers challenge, scenery and some regular course niceties like an occasional beverage cart, food, drinks and a driving range.
When you're at Mille Lacs, You're Living the Dream!

Higbee's Part 2 of 5: Mille Lacs Golf Trail

2008-08-02T13:16:00.000-07:00

My second stop on the Make It Mille Lacs.com self-proclaimed five-course Mille Lacs Golf Trail was Higbee's. I had never played the course before. What I found at Higbee's was a short, nine-hole course that I can liken, in development terms, to an infant transforming into a child. It's starting to show neat stuff in its sixth season. It's rolling hills, small greens, narrow fairways and interesting tee boxes give it alot of personality. Not to mention the deer, occasional beer and abundant wildlife that traverse the course. It's got some neat landscaping, ponds and a couple holes that you'd want to have a wedding on. It isn't fully developed yet as owners Pete and Laurie Wilkes will tell you. They got the "Higbee" name doing some family historical reviews, tying the moniker into their business. If you are cutting junior's teeth on a new set of clubs or trying to get your wife or significant other to try the sport of golf, there isn't a better place patience-wise. They have golf carts and this isn't an overally fussy place to play. They have their fair share of daily golfers but it isn't packed with tee times every eight minutes. It also isn't at the top of the Mille Lacs Lake Golf Food Chain just yet. So if you take a divot, Pete Wilkes will forgive you and he might even buy you a beer and tell you about some future plans on some family property that has spanned five generations. What I liked about Higbee's was it was up and down in oak-laid hills on 3119 yards. I also liked the prices. Nine holes walking is $12.00 Monday-Wednesday and nine with a cart is $18.00 at the same time. Eighteen with a cart is $29.00 on a weekend, granted you are playing the same nine holes twice. What's also nice at Higbee's is the outdoor bar that serves beer only with some regular munchies. In nice weather, you can't beat it, if it's raining, you are heading to one of several other south-shore places for a meal or drinks. Memberships are the lowest in the Mille Lacs area from a $550 family to a $150.00 student. Other things to check out: Building Sites for Montana-Style log home kits, starting at $69,900. Finally, Higbee's doesn't sport championship fairways, tough roughs and pristine tee boxes. The fairways are all generally mowed in the same length but it has been pretty neat undulating greens that are well kept. It is a course in progress that is worth playing, won't break the family bank and watch out if when it reaches late adolescence or when it becomes twenty-someting. To contact Pete or Laurie, call him at 320-630-6482 or 320-495-3333. Or email him at golfhigbees@frontiernet.net. Give Higbee's a try and signup for their August 16th four-person scramble, at 40-dollars per person, it is a great bargain. Third stop on our 5-course tour is Hardwoods. You can see our comments later this week! Let's Startup the Mille Lacs Golf Tour! When you're at Mille Lacs, you're living the dream!
When you're at Mille Lacs, You're Living the Dream!

Fiddlestix: You've Earned Being No. 1

2008-07-28T05:31:00.000-07:00

Although he'd be too gracious to accept the honor in a formal forum of his peers, this year's top course on Mille Lacs has to go to Fiddlestix. Anybody that has played there recently can tell you that the whole place is green, manicured impeccably and the whole operation is running first class. From the service you get when you walk in the pro shop to the food and beverage operation in the clubhouse down to the treatment customers get. Fiddlestix has a great operation. Understand, this is not dissing any of the other fine outlets for golf on Mille Lacs. You have Hardwoods in the Northwest; Higbee's in the Southeast; Izatys in the Southcentral and Wealthwood in the Midnorth. It's just that Fiddlestix is doing it all right. I talked with another area golf course superintendent who played in a tournament Saturday at Fiddlestix. He said, "Mike, I've never played this course before but you have to write something about nice this place is. It's immaculate." Speculating from the outside as to why Fiddlestix has become what it is:

1. Family owned and operated for 21 years

2. Doesn't go overboard on capital improvements, but consistently improves the course, the atmosphere and the experience.

3. Harley and Harvey and their wives are firmly entrenched in the community and people like to do business with them.

4. Tee boxes, Greens, fairways and roughs are green and mowed properly.

5. Customer Expectations met: From golf tourneys to individual groups, you get what you pay for at Fiddlestix. It's probably why more than 20 tournments are being held there this summer.

6. Pride of ownership evident. I have seen Harvey smoothing out cart paths with a bobcat and Harley spraying chemicals driving tractor. These guys are involved, on site and see the situation on a daily basis.

7. Employee loyalty. John, Sam and the bar staff are happy, courteous people and the optimism of owners rubs off on the staff.

8. Partnering with local businesses. Their stay and play packages work. His hole sponsorships and sponsors on his golf cards are a hot commodity. He has an avid junior golf program and high schools use his course.

9. Marketing. He uses the local print media and has taken advantage and uses Make it Mille Lacs.com. Posting the weekly golf scores of four leagues on Make It Mille Lacs along with his menu lets he and his staff focus on their duties.

10. Pricing. You can play nine or 18 and the price is right. To see More about Fiddlestix and learn why we've ranked it No. 1 on Mille Lacs for summer 2008, please see http://www.makeitmillelacs.com/accommodations/fiddlestix-golf-page.html , which also links to their web site.

This week we will be playing the other four courses on the lake and compiling some highlights from our visits. Each course has some nice things to offer has its customer niche. They are all fun to play!
When you're at Mille Lacs, You're Living the Dream!

We Welcome Rocky Reef Resort to Make It Mille Lacs.com

2008-07-21T12:29:00.001-07:00
Sincere welcome to John and Patti Odle, owners of Rocky Reef Resort to Make It Mille Lacs.com. John is known in these parts as The Rockman. His guide reports have a large following and we will be soon posting a link on this site to those reports. John and Patti have owned Rocky Reef resort for more than 18 years. They have seen the great and lean times on the lake but have built a great business which is transitioning right now toward owner-occupied cabins and RV sites. They have a great location on the west end just off the lake. In fact, from their bar you can see the lake less than 35 feet away from the main window. The two plan to continue running their bar/restaurant and ice house business for the long term. In this tough real estate market, they have some real bargains for small cabins in the price range (under 100k) that has been moving on Lake Mille Lacs. They have great weekend breakfasts and good food at Rocky Reef. They also have one of the most loyal resort followings on the lake. Just check out their website at www.rockyreef.com and stop by for a beer or burger. John also runs a great guide service. Their phone number is 320-532-3431. Grab your piece of "The Rock".
When you're at Mille Lacs, You're Living the Dream!

Increase the Slot to 22 Inches

2008-07-16T06:06:00.000-07:00
Hey, How About Increasing That Slot? How about up to 22 inches? We're way behind our quota and the July bite slowdown is in progress.... I know anglers and the resorts would appreciate it. And we might actually move toward meeting our sportsman quota of fish in 08...

Some Ammunition:

Our last two surveys online have received more than 100 responses. They focused on area fishing. The June 4th one ran three weeks asking how many slot fish folks had caught in 08. Forty two percent of respondents said more than 9. While 33 percent said none. Twenty five percent said 1-8. Sounds like the folks who know how to fish were catching them and the amateurs and novices were shut down. Which would explain our second poll results possibly. We asked "Has Fishing Been Better Or Worse At Mille Lacs in 08?" Forty-four percent said it's been worse. Thirty-three percent said about the same and the remaining 22 percent said better. Then we talk with our guides on the matter. Guides had a great June. When we talk to launches and charters, they say numbers were down and the catches were not in the ballpark from the good years past. So what does it all really mean? Well, you gotta dig deeper. Now add the report that the sportsman has harvested only 36000 pounds of fish through the end of June vs. four times that amount-plus last year and you get the picture. Fishing has been slower on Mille Lacs for the average sportsman this season. And according to the guides that fish the lake everyday, there aren't the hordes of people on the water this year. Gas prices are probably a culprit, but if fish were jumping in the boat like they have done in the past few years, you can beat angler pressure would be up. So what's the answer -- increase the slot. Turn on the Walleye Spigot. Seems like we should use the slot to manage things in good times and IN BAD.
When you're at Mille Lacs, You're Living the Dream!

BRAML: Are you training?

2008-07-15T10:24:00.000-07:00
Hey, if you haven't started training for the September annual Bike Ride Around Mille Lacs, now is probably the time to start doing it. I've driven around the lake plenty of times and clocked the mileage at 68-70 miles. There are 12, 20 and 70-mile rides. Preregister now to ensure a T-Shirt and lunch. Or register between 7-9 bike day, which is September 14th at the Onamia Depot. To register, go to: http://www.millelacs.com/events/BRAML.pdf.

Helmets are required.
When you're at Mille Lacs, You're Living the Dream!

Fiddlestix: Believe It Or Not....

2008-07-11T13:59:00.000-07:00

There are alot of stories around Mille Lacs Lake. Few can be verified -- such as biggest Musky, Walleye, Northern, etc. But one very strange story played out Thursday night in the Fiddlestix men's league that might happen once every 20 years. Meet Brandon Niesen, a brute of a guy who happens to own Morningstar Market and has had a number of other businesses in this area. Anybody from these parts knows Brandon. He can hit the golf ball a mile. So I was witness to his mamouth 311-yard drive on Hole No. 10, where he rolled up onto the green. That is just half the story. Brandon then proceeded to five-putt the green, finishing with a six. For a 4-handicap golfer another "Believe it or Not." Golf partner Harley Exsted rotating between astonishment and ribbing while Brandon pushed the whole thing off on a new mini-van he's been driving as part of his new sales job in the metro. For those that know Brandon, you know how he can give others a lot of sXXt. Well, Brandon, we got ya! Thanks for being a great guy and a fun friend! Here's a picture of Brandon posing with Harley next to his mini-van!
When you're at Mille Lacs, You're Living the Dream!

Izatys Resort: It's All Who You Talk To...

2008-07-04T07:12:00.000-07:00
Earlier we've posted updates about the Izatys Auction, ensuing bankruptcy hearings and the announcement that Blackbrook was reopening with a unbiased report on the status of the golf course.

I have certainly gotten an earful from folks on both sides and in the middle of the Izatys situation. It's the one topic on this blog that always draws comments.

To me, it's like a strike right now in full swing. We have folks on one side vowing not to cross the property line to in any way assist Izatys Resort. This side is mostly made up of townhome owners and ex-employees who have been victims of the resort's demise -- both financially (property values, rental pool losses, job loss and wages) and amenity-wise (no pool, club, bar, walleye world).

On the other side are local citizens who could use a job, another locale to play golf at and a large percentage of Village timeshare owners who just desperately want something to do while trying to enjoy their one week at the lake. And golf on site with a chance for a beer and burger is way better than nothing at all.

Then there are the current owners who are trying to transition from Chapter 11 bankruptcy and attract investors to make another go at it or sell the debt and move on. They are 58 days away from Paydirt or Bust. Remember the song, "We May Never Pass This Way Again." For everybody's sake, let's hope not.

To me, one thing is for sure -- we won't be experiencing this in 2009. Because either the current owners secure a investor group to retool Izatys, which they claim they have nearly done or the bank takes the resort back no later than Dec. 31, 2008.

To a person that I have talked to, I think everybody agrees that a healthy, vibrant Izatys is key to this area's economic engine. Everybody wins when the resort is thriving. What many can't agree on is how to get there. Current Izatys Resort ownership is asking for support. Many have drawn a line in the sand, vowing not to cross it. Others have said, what the heck.

So the saga goes. In the meantime, I'll get out on Blackbrook periodically to check things out. I do have a membership at Fiddlestix and play men's league there.

So here is your unbiased update on Blackbrook and the transition of the lower level Links Lodge to a pro shop, small bar and limited-menu grill.

The course has improved from its delayed opening in late May. The fairways are fine, the greens about average (they were fertilized this week) while tee boxes and sand traps are still the achille's heel of the course. The roughs are a mixed bag. Some spots prevent finding your ball. Others are drying out.

The driving range tee area looks better than I have ever seen it. I have been told Bev Cart services will start today (July 4th). I stopped by to checkout the new layout. There is a small pro shop, small bar with about six tables situated in the eastern lower level room of the links lodge. There is a small game room next door. The menu was lean but inexpensive.

Is it Izatys of yesteryear -- no way. Is is a playable course that offers a drink and a burger -- yes.
When you're at Mille Lacs, You're Living the Dream!

Voge Charters a Great Experience

2008-06-30T10:21:00.000-07:00

My family and I got a chance to visit Voge Charters first hand last Thursday evening. All I can say is what a nice operation. The boat is spotless, the chairs new, the rods and reels were new with new line, new bobbers and hooks. Dereke Voge, the captain, was accomodating and fun. His bait boy, Kyle, was helpful and upbeat. We caught fish on the gravel, netting about 10 walleyes with 10 people fishing and caught some rock bass and smallmouth. It was one of those rare, glass-like nights on the water with no bugs. From being a half hour early at the dock to giving us extra time on the water, Dereke Voge is a launch captain you want. He took the time to explain his depth finders to kids and to talk our group through his plan. When we stoppped catching fish, he promptly moved us to a spot with fish. His great boat coupled with great service exceeded our expectations. You can bet we'll book Derek again next season! That's my nephew Josh standing with his proud catch. Thanks, Dereke! If you want to book a charter with Dereke, contact him at 612-390-5045. Or visit his web page at http://www.vogecharters.com/
When you're at Mille Lacs, You're Living the Dream!

Mille Lacs Area Does a "Charity Double" over Weekend

2008-06-23T16:06:00.000-07:00
Two huge events with great, charitable results. That's how you'd have to describe both the Mille Lacs "Big Give" which raised more than $20,000 to help Rich and Loretta Oberfeld and family offset medical costs which have been incurred because of her recent cancer operations. A huge throng of guests of all types descended upon the Onamia Vets Club Friday night. There was free food, plenty of drinks, a great auction by Rand Syverson and Brandon Niesen and a massive outpouring of support and donations to help out the Oberfeld's. Less than 36 hours later, the Wahkon, Izatys, South Harbor (WISH) Lions put on their fourth annual Golf Scramble to raise funds for disadvantaged youth in the Lakes Mille Lacs area and this small group posted more than $16,000 in proceeds from this event as 26 teams played golf, bid on items at a silent auction and had fun with some betting holes and raffles. These two events in such close proximity with such great turnouts despite tough economic times, shows that people will give to reputable charitable organizations and events. I was amazed by the turnout of people at both events after hearing that many similiar events in the Twin Cities have seen two thirds to three quarters of their usual turnouts with these slow economic times. The WISH group took 110 area youth Christmas shopping last year, spending more than $16000 on neccessities and gifts to help give those children a better Christmas. The WISH tourney owes some huge gratitude to the following for their extensive work: Judy and Tom Malmgren; Rob and Julie Wilsey; Barb and Bill Erickson and Joe and Rita Hadacek and Harley and Tamy Exsted and the staff at Fiddlstix Golf Course. The Big Give main organizer was Lori Niesen but she also had great help from Kathy Syverson, Barry Hines and Cindy Wagner. It's these types of people who "Make Mille Lacs" a great place to be!
When you're at Mille Lacs, You're Living the Dream!

Log Jam 2008 at Jack's on Mille Lacs

2008-06-20T05:30:00.001-07:00
Not sure if Logjam 2008 is trying to keep a secret, so "oops" if we spilled the beans. Apparently, more than 40 bands, headed by White Iron Band, Trampled by Turtles, Charlie Parr, The Schwag and Banyan head up LogJam 2008 at Jack's on Mille Lacs north of Isle this weekend. The tickets are $60 each and my only notice of this concert was a guy handing out cards this week at area establishments. The concert kicks off at 3 pm Friday and runs through the weekend. Mille Lacs version of Wiefest, Ozzfest or Woodstock, I would assume. Expect local law enforcement to be out in droves on Highway 47 this weekend in an effort to nail drivers "under the influence". It's not often we get this kind of showing in this area. Sounds like fun!
When you're at Mille Lacs, You're Living the Dream!

Fishermen's Wharf: Neat Renovations

2008-06-17T16:17:00.000-07:00
One of the fun things about this job is getting out to see various resorts, people and businesses. I got a chance to visit Fishermen's Wharf on Monday afternoon and noticed a new bridge from the main lodge across to an islet that has docks and some tent campsites. It's pretty cool and makes for a nice place to land your boat, tie off in calm water and go in for dinner or drinks. This new feature makes the Wharf a great place to come into off the Big Pond. I have been to the Wharf many times and totally recommend them for food and fun! They treat customers great and go the extra mile to take care of people! Another neat thing about the Wharf is they are on top of updating their website. Unfortunately, this techie type job goes undone during busy times at alot of places. If you are still posting ice fishing pictures and talking fish house rentals, you are a few months behind -- not the Wharf. Check out their site by visiting MakeItMilleLacs.com and check them out under our Dining and Bars heading. You will see what I mean!
When you're at Mille Lacs, You're Living the Dream!

BlackBrook Open at Izatys Today

2008-06-14T07:18:00.000-07:00
I know, you'll say BS. But I went to the course with my own golf cart and here's the scoop: Blackbrook is open with a Pro Shop being run out of the old Range Cabin. They are offering snacks, pop, beer and mixed drinks out of this venue. Due to a water pipe bursting, there is a porta-potty on-site for a bathroom. Diane Cash and Bobby Fredricks are the primary Pro Shop attendants. Prices are as follows: This Weekend are $44 plus tax which includes cart. Regular Rates (Monday-Thursday): $29.99 plus $12.50 cart fee per person. Friday-Sunday: $39.99 plus tax plus $12.50 cart fee per person. To reach the course, call 320-217-1148. Course Condition: Let's be honest, this is not the Blackbrook you are used to. The fairways are in decent shape and have been slightly narrowed. The roughs are high right now after the massive 2-inch rainfall. The greens are below their norm and collars and tee boxes in sub-par shape. While talking to Diane Cash at the clubhouse, people were entering to pay for golf and get out on the course. These are the facts as I learned them this morning on a recon. Make of it what you will. At present there are 11 paid course workers, up from the original three that took on the task from early May through early June. Barry Hines is still serving as the course superintendant and you can bet Barry will try his best to make things nice with a limited budget. We're all waiting for the June 18th and June 20th bankruptcy hearings to learn the situation. In the meantime, if you wanna play golf at Izatys, you can get out there.
When you're at Mille Lacs, You're Living the Dream!

Twin Pines: A Pretty Cool Place

2008-06-13T08:56:00.000-07:00
Happened upon Twin Pines Resort and Bar last night while taking some friends around the lake. It seems often that some of the smallest places on the lake, turn out to be some of the neatest. Although I settled for a happy hour drink, they feature a all you can eat Rib, Ham, Chicken and Steak buffet there for $12.95. The owners, Linda and Bill Enos, have faced their share of adversity over the years. They are nice people who took the time to chat with our group. The place was packed with launches coming in and leaving and Linda remarked that things were finally starting to pick up after a very slow winter and early fishing season. We will be back to try their buffet. If you recall, Linda was on Channel 9 news opposing gill netting and its impacts a month or so back. Just up the road is Mille Lacs Grand Casino and it looked like a Crystal Pierz Marine Boat Show was kicking off. Plenty to do up that way!
When you're at Mille Lacs, You're Living the Dream!

Fish Are Biting: Join the Fun!

2008-06-03T07:17:00.000-07:00

Too much negativity for you these days?.

Here's a happy story. Guide Jeff Hanson spent a day on the water Sunday, taking me out on a morning mission (See Sunday Mud Wrestling: Jeff Hanson Style) on our Guide Reports blog. He grabbed some lunch and hit the water again with some friends in the afternoon. Short summary: He slayed the walleye! Here is Jeff's quick report, which we normally place on the Guide Service link but wanted to get more people to see. "Mille Lacs walleyes are dispersed now to almost everywhere in the lake. As a guide this makes my job a lot easier! This past weekend my customers and I caught fish using multiple methods in multiple depths. Using lindy rigs on the mud flats was awesome on sat. afternoon and sunday morning for big fish! We had several fish in the 24"-27" range. Using slip bobbers on the mid-depth rocks also provided action w/ more of the fish being in the keeper (under 18") range... Others I spoke with also reported fish on the sand and deep gravel bars during the day. The evening bite has been good on the shallow (8-12') rocks using slip bobbers from 8:00-9:30 pm... The water temp. is now in the high 50's, getting over 60 yesterday afternoon and the bite is only going to get better!" -- Guide Jeff Hanson of Hansonsguideservice.com (phone 763-477-8553)
When you're at Mille Lacs, You're Living the Dream!

Mille Lacs: Paradise and Getting Better with Gas Prices

2008-05-31T12:56:00.000-07:00
I am starting to get a kick out of some of the posts on this site. One drawback to allowing anonymity is folks will pretty much say anything and get alot more courageous when they don't have to put a name to their ranting. But we've also found out that when you require a legimate email address and a name, folks get pretty timid and don't write. Well, let me state it clearly that Mille Lacs Lake is alive and well and this area hasn't been hit that much harder than any resort community in Minnesota. We might be in an average Walleye fishing year, unlike some of the bountiful harvests we're used to. However, we are 90 miles from the Twin Cities, have nice golf courses, plenty of resorts, great restaurants, fun bars, and a fine business community. And the lake level is sitting pretty well and the things are green. Too many times negativity can steamroll. If you want to dwell on Tribal fishing rights vs. State Anglers, check out the Messenger. There isn't a week that goes by without some salvo on that topic on their op-ed page. While I would admit we have been all over the Izatys situation, there is a reason. First, I own a place there. Second, the entire south shore has depended on the 1200-1500 guests on that premises to sell gas, bait, food and goods for a very many years. And when you scour through our site, most of our business comes from the South Shore community. So it is of interest to many on the south side what happens to Izatys. If gas prices hit $5 a gallon, Mille Lacs gets even more lucrative. I can feel for Canada, Lake of the Woods and the places way up north. All the polls I see say folks will stay closer to home this summer. I urge you to check out the Mille Lacs events page on this site. We offer a bountiful listing of fun things to do each weekend at the Big Pond. Have a Great Week on the Big Pond! When you're At Mille Lacs, You're Living The Dream!
When you're at Mille Lacs, You're Living the Dream!

Izatys: A long, cool summer?

2008-05-30T13:46:00.000-07:00
Not sure what to make of the current situation as reported by a local news source, referencing the Izatys bankruptcy situation. On one hand, Izatys owners made a run at reopening a golf course, the links lodge and the Marina with some outside investment and an agreement to pay back taxes over three years. On the creditors side, the bankruptcy trustee seems to be saying, "Enough is Enough", seemingly trying to push the bankruptcy toward a Chapter 7 liquidation. What does that mean for Town Home Owners, Village at Izatys Customers and the local economy? Prepare for a long, cool summer. Nothing moves fast in these proceedings as we have discovered. Every move seems to be followed by a hearing in 30 days. The next hearing is June 18th, three days shy of the official start of summer and the time that Izatys would have had to reopen to capture any summer business, give timeshare and townhome owners any amenities and to aid the sagging local economy, which is not only missing the 1500 folks who can occupy the place in good times, but is battling negative news coverage of Tribal Netting, A Smaller slot limit, sky-high gas prices and generally cool, wet weather in May. If you haven't traveled by Izatys golf courses, the greens were brownish yellow yesterday before about a one-inch saving rainfall last night. A tiny crew of mowers is trying to keep up with fairways, tee boxes and rough still without a sprinkler system. This has been worse than I imagined last fall when the resort abruptly closed. It seems nearly zero progress has been made in transitioning the resort to new ownership, cash infusion and revitalization. Sitting at a patio firepit the other night, a couple fellow owners reflected: "You know, for a Memorial Day Weekend, this is kinda nice. No blaring band, no drunks stumbling around, a marina parking lot you can actually move around in. It's so serene here. We need to be careful what we ask for." I thought those words were rather fitting as my take is we want a quality golf course back, a classy club with restaurant, a nice swimming pool, but not a 200-room hotel with a Wisconsin Dells-style Indoor Waterpark.
When you're at Mille Lacs, You're Living the Dream!

Fishing Picking Up; Jackpot on Smallmouth!

2008-05-27T05:18:00.000-07:00

As I visited folks around the lake last weekend, one thing was evident. The walleye bite is picking up. We saw a few limits come into Izatys and my friends Barry Hines and Chip Frederickson hooked into a couple limits in the Wahkon Bay area as well. However, the jackpot had to have been hit by Bart Rosen, his father and a friend who slammed the smallmouth on its opener last weekend. By their accounts, they caught no fewer than 30 on Saturday and a few less than that Sunday. I had to post some of their catch here to truly show the lunkers that exist in Mille Lacs lake. I do believe that the next state smallmouth record will come from Mille Lacs. Enjoy the pictures and thanks to Bart for sharing!
When you're at Mille Lacs, You're Living the Dream!

Thank a Veteran This Weekend!

2008-05-22T07:29:00.000-07:00
It's Memorial Day Monday! While you're out fishing the big pond or striding up the fairway on an area golf course or just out with friends having fun, remember a couple things. First, the reason you have a holiday and a day off work is that more than a million Americans have given their lives since World War I to ensure you have the freedoms you enjoy today. Second, support our soldiers in the field. Consider that more than 200,000 American soldiers, airmen and sailors are currently serving in combat zones around the world. They're in Iraq, Afghanistan, the Balkans and scattered across the globe in harm's way. They are the instruments of our political system, enforcing our nation's policies if you agree with them or not! I challenge you to get into the Onamia Vet's Club or MSA Flagship on the eastern shore and buy a veteran a beer, shake his or her hand and just say thank you. We too often forget the sacrifices our veterans are making and have made. There are untold thousands who have been physically and emotionally marred and are living destitute lives, seemingly forgotten. Try logging onto www.americasupportsyou.mil and thank the several million Americans who currently have taken up the cause to support and defend the constitution against both enemies foreign and domestic. Finally, there are many Army and Air National Guard soldiers and airmen currently deployed around the world. Keep them and their families in your thoughts and prayers. God Bless America! And Thank A Veteran this weekend! Some of them are pretty darn young, too!
When you're at Mille Lacs, You're Living the Dream!

Minnesota Tournament Trail Results

2008-05-20T11:01:00.000-07:00
Bob Carlson-Mike Gangl and Tom Sadowski-Kevin Burns each won a day of last weekend's Minnesota Tournament Trail. The event was conducted out of Hunter's Point Resort. Carlson and Gangl picked up 5k for the win and another 1k for the Big Fish, netting a 6.75 Walter on the first day. Sadowksi and Burns won 5k on Day 2. Ben Fruland and John Strong are the leaders of the MTT after three events. The next MTT Walleye Tournament on Mille Lacs is scheduled for May 31-June 1 at Hunter's Point. The weigh ins are pretty exciting as boats are due off the water in two flights at 3 and 3:30 pm. Stop by, grab a cocktail and watch the hogs roll in!
When you're at Mille Lacs, You're Living the Dream!

Opener Observations

2008-05-12T04:47:00.001-07:00

Can't say we filled up the live well opening day. But my partner and I did enjoy the morning session as the forecasted rain wasn't present and the winds weren't too bad. We worked up the eastern shoreline all the way to Fisher's. From what we saw, anchored boats slip bobbering were catching some fish. About half the boats we saw last year on the opener. Not sure if gas prices and forecast drove people away. We did notice larger boat groups... As in instead of the usual 2.2 people per boat, many had four to five people. We were told crawlers did better than leeches as the 46 degree water temps had the tendancy to ball up the leeches. We did have some success on Day 2 in Twin Bay in about nine feet of water slip bobbering with both red and green hooks. We graphed a ton of fish there but the bite was sporadic and the fish were all out of the slot. We're looking forward to some reports coming in today. Send us digital pictures of your walleye and northern for posting on Trophy's Wall of Fame on the Make It Mille Lacs.com web site.
When you're at Mille Lacs, You're Living the Dream!

We Want To Hear From The Whole lake!

2008-05-09T14:25:00.000-07:00
Thank you to the poster who stated that Mille Lacs is alot more than just Izatys and BayView. I agree. What I am asking for from posters are ideas for the blog from the whole lake! Issues, concerns, success stories. Make It Mille Lacs.Com has a strong foothold across the South Shore, but has yet to extend its footprint into the Eastern, Northern and Western Shores. There are alot of great happenings out there and we'd love to know about them from you! Starting next week, we will be featuring Fishing Guide Posts, A Golf Hole of the Week and some neat stories about people who make Mille Lacs Great! We're here to be a source for you to help you figure things out on the lake. The person who suggested we cover public launches and their accessability had a great idea. Make It Mille Lacs.Com is dedicated to covering whatever we can around the lake. We are also dedicated to especially covering those who make our site possible -- our advertisers and their ideas. As I sit looking north less than 50 feet from the water, its 54 degrees, sunny, and a unbelievable calm on the lake. Meanwhile, 169 North is loaded with traffic and the interchange of Hw 169 and 27 is very busy. Welcome to Opening Fishing! This would have been a great fishing opener day. When I took my Lund Baron out today, the water temps were 52.8 degrees near the surface. That is warmer than I thought we would get. Tomorrow looks cool, windy in the later part of the day and possibly rainy. Send us your Blog ideas and we will do our best to hit on all parts of the lake!
When you're at Mille Lacs, You're Living the Dream!

Izatys: More Smoke and Mirrors?

2008-05-08T12:04:00.000-07:00
Blogs are often about speculation so assume that this is what I am doing with regard to a Izatys having a golf course open May 10th. If definition of "open" is allowing any Jimmy Joe to cruise onto any hole and hit golf balls, I can believe it. If definition of "open" is having a pro shop staffed, a course in shape, a ranger, and a bev cart cruising to serve, I think somebody is seriously smoking something! Consider the facts: Izatys hasn't had a person on staff doing anything with regard to the courses until this week. To think that a two-person team with a mechanic can open a golf course in a week is a pipe dream, I think. So where do you check in? How much does it cost? Will the fairways actually get mowed before May 10th. My recon shows that the greens on Blackbrook and Sanctuary are have been mowed this week and they are in pretty good shape. Most bunkers are full of water. The tee boxes haven't been touched. The fairways look like they have been sleeping since they were left long last fall. And they even look kind of weedy. Come one, people, just more smoke and mirrors? Again, I hear speculation that the current owners have takers for various elements of the resort -- Marina, Links Lodge and Golf Courses. Is this is so, why hasn't the bankruptcy judge allowed a sale? Why isn't there somebody running Walleye World, renting slips to people? Wasn't this supposed to be a Chapter 11 Reorganization? Instead, I talked to boaters today who have pulled up asking where their slip rental is? Good luck on that! By my estimation it might look like the Oklahoma Land Grab this weekend when boats converge on the harbor. Thank God for Marlene Krueger, who patrols the area or we could be talking full mayhem. One thing is certain, Izatys needs to change hands. This speculation about opening the resort half-way is another recipe for disaster. Somebody made me laugh this week, saying the current owners would conduct a sod auction if we gave them the idea. Ooops, I spilled the beans.... I'll be the first to bid on a round of golf on Blackbrook -- 10 bucks! And I'll drive my own cart provided I am not charged $500 to drive on Izatys property. Smoke and Mirrors, people. We need a change!
When you're at Mille Lacs, You're Living the Dream!

Fishing Opener Success?

2008-05-05T12:00:00.000-07:00
The 2008 opener is just hours away. As I write, the countdown clock on the makeitmillelacs.com fishing page shows 4 days, nine hours, 48 minutes. With the late ice-out, guides I talk with say the opener will be slow. They point to cold water temperatures, a weak winter ice season and the CREEL surveys posted last fall by the DNR, which lead us to believe the walleye population is down on the lake. What are your thoughts? On the plus side, the lake level is up from last fall's very low levels. It will still take alot of rain to get back to average levels. I plan to hit the sand up at Carlsona, working along with probably another 1,000 boats. Last year, a long snell and a red hook with a jumbo leech did the trick in between 12-18 feet of water for those I fished with. What will you use and where will you go?
When you're at Mille Lacs, You're Living the Dream!

Tribal Fishing Nets Missing In Action...

2008-05-02T14:00:00.000-07:00
Watch out sportsmen. Apparently, Tribal netters have lost between 10-13 nets this week as part of their netting program due to ice shifts It is the talk of south shore bars and businesses today as you can't walk into any business without hearing about it.

"They shouldn't be allowed to net before the ice is off," said one Morningstar patron, who asked that we not use his name. "Have you seen the Messenger?"

As I paid for my gas, the attendent said that local Twin Cities TV stations were on the way to interview people. Might this situation be one that gets out of hand, riling PERM and the sleeping giant, former Viking Coach Bud Grant.

Several buoys have been found across the south shore today, signaling that the nets have probably collapsed, meaning there are probably thousands of fish caught in nets that can't be found.

You can understand the implications here. Imagine sportsmen running into nets on the opener next weekend. Imagine thousands of pounds of fish rotting at the bottom, going to waste.

Don't get me wrong. I think the Tribe has the right to net based on their court victory long ago. But I also think they jumped the gun on their netting operations. Why did they have to go out so early?

Tell us what you think should be done? I have seen comments from citations to charging the missing nets against the Tribal quota. On the lenient side, I have heard folks say there is a need for an agreement, pushing the netting until after ice off.

The last thing Mille Lacs needs right now is a full-scale conflict over a matter like this. Tourism is already down due the reduced slots, that started last July 11th and a very poor winter ice fishing season. I'd say the Tribe, the DNR and Sportsmen should all come to the table and do what is best for the lake and future fishing. They CAN work together.

Go to our cabin caster link and click on Mille Lacs Messenger to learn more about this story. We're sure, this isn't the last you will hear!
When you're at Mille Lacs, You're Living the Dream!

Reed's Arrives On The Scene...

2008-05-01T13:11:00.000-07:00

Just in time for ice-off and the 2008 Minneosta Fishing Opener, Reeds Sporting Goods has arrived at Lake Mille Lacs. They carry hunting and fishing equipment, supplies, including guns. Not sure how this will affect other area businesses, but here is my take. Everybody will stop in to see the new store. However, Lundeen's faithful customers will still stop for bait at Lundeen's. And the folks who want gas, bait and beer will probably still stop into Meleen's and Trophy's. I can say that having such a big-box retailer on site is lending credence to the fact that Mille Lacs is going toward "Bigger Time". We've had the Casino for a long time and a McDonald's in Garrison, but the lake is pretty much propped up by small businesses and resorts. Reeds will change the dynamics of the Highway 169/Hwy 27 interchange.
When you're at Mille Lacs, You're Living the Dream!

Izatys: Hurry Up and Wait!

2008-04-25T08:01:00.000-07:00
This certainly isn't a first-hand Resort update as details are sketchy. Apparently, Commerce Bank's quest to begin foreclosure and to take receivership of Izatys is on hold until May 26th. At a bankruptcy hearing yesterday, Judge Nancy Dreher granted Izatys Resort ownership one last chance to put a bonafide offer together that will meet the court's requirements for a sale. What a long, drawn-out affair this deal is. As you recall, an April 3rd Auction was negated because the court felt the offer price of 3.1 million was too low. I wonder how Izatys stock rises as the grounds deteriorate, the clubhouse is empty and the resort peak season is entering full swing. Any reservations for groups, weddings or big events faded long ago. So this operation will be a start from scratch deal. We all know hindsight is 20-20, but imagine if the resort would have filed bankruptcy last summer, and continued to operate through its normal winter season, which included closing for most of November and December and being open weekends. The golf courses would have been put to bed properly. The resort would be open for business and timeshare owners and townhome owners would have been able to use the amenities that have come to expect. The fish houses would still be an asset on the books. Walleye World and the club would have generated income throughout the season and the owners would have had a tangible, working asset to sell. Arctic Blast, 93X (ugghh) and opening fishing weekends would have been cash cows. And there would have been an employee base on hand. What a great thing to help in a transition. The way things shook out was disaster and as many of you have pointed out, not the way to run a Chapter 11 "Reorganization". As the saying goes, Hurry Up and Wait!
When you're at Mille Lacs, You're Living the Dream!

Five Reasons You Won't Miss Izatys this Summer

2008-04-22T06:08:00.000-07:00
There’s a lot of speculation about the Izatys Resort situation these days. Just walk into BayView or Muggs and you’ll likely hear rumors fly between customers, who all have their own insights as to what will become of the venerable South Shore Resort, which abruptly closed its doors last October and later filed Chapter 11 Bankruptcy.

I’m not going to worry about Izatys anymore this year because, in my mind, this year is already over for Izatys. I don't think the resort will reopen for business in 2008.

Mired in a sea of debt and with no legitimate buyers coming forward, the bank which holds Izatys 3.1 million mortgage may possibly foreclose on the property, causing a considerable hold on things and drawn-out transfer to new ownership.

So it’s time to make other plans if you are a Village at Izatys timeshare owner or town home owner at the resort on Mille Lacs lake’s south shore. Instead of playing golf in your backyard, eating and drinking at your neighborhood bar and restaurant and sunning yourself poolside, you are going to have to venture out to find some new things to do. Here's five ideas.

1. Get to know your boat again. Despite rare calm periods on the lake, you can always anchor just off shore or in Cove or Wahkon Bays and swim or sun off your own platform. This ain’t the St. Croix, but I envision more than a few folks taking advantage of this as it will be one way to keep cool and enjoy the sun when you have no access to a pool. If you can’t swim off your boat and get back in it, it might be time for an upgrade. If you’re up some adventure, you could rent a pair of wave runners from Two Bits rental out of Wahkon and cruise the south shore.

2. Revisit BayView and check out BeLa’s. These two restaurants are polar opposites but share one thing in common: they’re fun places with good food and they’re close to Izatys. At a mile away, BayView has completely remade itself over the last 18 months, becoming a great place for drinks, hors devours and dinner. It’s the “Cheers Bar” of the area, offering a nightly salad bar, a huge menu, a full-service liquor store, pull tabs, a weekly meat raffle and games. You can eat on the deck or take a Launch out and enjoy an evening of fishing, with BayView cuisine and beverages. At four miles away, BeLa’s just opened in Wahkon, offering a nice, quiet supper club atmosphere. They offer a moderate-priced, small-portion meal, covering a reasonable variety of tastes. If you need to hit the bar scene, you have Muggs and the Wahkon Inn adjacent to BeLa’s.

3. Check out some other golf spots. We’re not saying that Blackbrook or Sanctuary will be mothballed this year, but we’re not counting on an early opening or usual quality to be there for either course. The Izatys men’s league has already made the move to Fiddlestix. Turning in their Tuesday night hobby, more than 50 area men will now play Thursday nights at the 21-year old course, located about 3 miles southeast of Isle on highway 47. Fiddlestix has a full service bar and restaurant and appears to be a leading benefactor of the Izatys closing. Although I haven’t golfed Hardwoods, it appears to be a reasonable course near the Casino on Highway 169. For a choice golf experience that is within a reasonable distance, there is Rutgger’s Bay Lake Lodge, about 25 miles from Izatys. Stop at Hap’s restaurant for one of the area’s best meals.

4. Rekindle or develop your skills at trap or skeet shooting. Wealthwood Rod and Gun club has a great following on the north shore. Memberships are very reasonable and they have a nice club on site. Isle also has a shooting range. If you want to go one step further, you could arrange a bird hunt at either Ganz-Rossburg Game Farm near Aitkin or Mille Lacs Lodge, about 3 miles south of the resort. A great afternoon outing to get a little exercise, put a nice meal on the table for dinner and squeeze the trigger a few times.

5. Host a Barbeque. You could always catch the waft of a great steak, simmering on a charcoal grill behind the townhomes as the setting sun provides a postcard view most evenings. This year we suspect Meat on Mille Lacs and Isle Super Value might have some extra business as more folks decide to just enjoy their little piece of paradise, avoiding the drinking and driving dilemma that accompanies nights away from the resort. It’s a great way to rekindle family and neighbor relationships and it won’t break the bank in the process.
When you're at Mille Lacs, You're Living the Dream!

Izaty's: It's Now or Never for 2008

2008-04-16T08:58:00.000-07:00
Hope and optimism have given way to despair and disbelief as the Izatys Resort situation continues to slog along. Still shuttered amid Bankruptcy and with few White Knights currently riding to the rescue, folks are starting to wonder where this is all going. As you may recall, Bankruptcy Judge Nancy Dreher scuttled the April 3rd Auction purchase of developer Todd Christenson, who thought he got the property for about 3.1 million. The bankrutpcy court is looking after the creditors, who are allegedly owed some 5.8 million. So what was once the classiest South Shore juggernaut on Lake Mille Lacs seems now like a barren wasteland, propped up only by 60-some Village at Izatys timeshare units and the 130 town homes along the majestic shore. And even those places aren't seeing their usual occupancy. What does one do when the bar is closed, the pool isn't open, the hot tub is shuttled and your driving range and golf courses are going to seed? The answer is apparently nothing. And as spring trudges toward summer, many owners are wondering, "Are we gonna have anything to do here?". There is alot of speculation about who may buy or how the resort could be divided up but hardly any real answers. One thing is certain: for a new company to come in and buy the resort and hope for any kind of revenue in 2008 -- it's now or never! As the former golf course superintendent could tell you, if the grass goes to seed, the greens go to s t, the irrigation system goes south and the equipment is mothballed or sold -- now you have a full-scale rescue project. And so for what was once a 50 cents on the dollar bid for the resort could become a dime on the dollar. The current situation's best control element would be the bank that holds the 3.1 million mortgage on the resort. They either need to step in to protect their interest, maintain the course and maybe even open it or prepare to right off a whole bunch of money. Does this mean a move from Chapter 11 to Chapter 7 for Izatys Resort. I sure don't know. But I wonder what the next couple of weeks has in store for Izatys. In the meantime, it looks like the men's golf league might head for Fiddlestix; the three MTT Walleye tournaments have moved to Nitti's Hunter's Point Resort and the once-thriving corporate business that drove Izatys to prosperity in the late 1990s has found other haunts. It leaves the few Izatys townhome owners that still rent out their units wondering how they'll lure customers when the only amenity left is launching your boat at the marina and tying off to a dock (one of 47-67) that nobody is there to rent out...
When you're at Mille Lacs, You're Living the Dream!

Izatys: Sale Rescinded By Bankruptcy Court

2008-04-06T07:07:00.000-07:00
Folks are still scratching their heads trying to figure out what will happen with the venerable Izatys Resort. Auctioned last Thursday by Albert Burney for nearly 3.1 million to Fridlay-based developer Todd Christenson, the sale was disallowed in Bankruptcy Court Friday after creditors objected to the low sale price. Currently, Izatys allegedly owes more than 5.8 million to creditors, many of which would not have been paid at the bargain-priced auction offer. Instead, the Judge will try to get a higher bid but no one is really sure how that will look? Will there be another auction or will this sale no go under the radar to prospective bidders through the bankruptcy court? Time will tell. What do you think?
When you're at Mille Lacs, You're Living the Dream!

You gotta check out BeLa's

2008-03-30T09:01:00.000-07:00
Chalk one up for BeLa’s Wine and Steak House, the South Shore’s newest fine dining venue.

The comfy, classy newcomer made a big splash with area diners in Wahkon last weekend, making Saturday seem pretty busy in this normally, quiet south-shore Lake Mille Lacs hamlet.

Cars jammed the parking lot adjacent to the Wahkon Inn and lined the south side of a Highway 27, making you wonder just what was going on in town?

And you could just sense by walking inside that there was a buzz about this place, which has an upscale feel, a simple menu and moderate prices.

Our group of nine hit on most parts of the menu, finding it accommodating (steaks, chicken, ribs, fish and burgers) yet refreshing for an area accustomed to deep-fried fare.

We’d ask for the Archichoke dip and Salmon Appetizers again! And we all agreed that the New York Strip and sirloin steaks were scrumptious; the dinner salads fresh and exciting; and the service excellent. All for a place open just three days and still, by its own admission, on training wheels.

What we got at BeLa’s was what this area has been craving – a modern, fine restaurant with soft lighting, comfortable ambience, coupled with a full-service bar offering. We got a candlelight and white-tablecloth experience and we didn’t have to travel 20 miles to get it.

What you won’t find at BeLa’s is a 40-foot bar, Big-screen TV, a juke box, pull tabs and pizza.

Yet critics won’t find much to poke at – save for cloth napkins, small print/typeface on the wine list and an acoustically challenged main dining room, that can be easily fixed with some sound tile or wall coverings.

In this first of many future area reviews, we’d give BeLa’s 4.5 stars out of 5 and tell all our friends to stop in and check it out! Make a reservation! From the looks of it, they’ll be busy! Call 320-495-3600.
When you're at Mille Lacs, You're Living the Dream!

Bela's Wine Bar and Steak House

2008-03-24T15:41:00.000-07:00
I stopped by a couple weekends ago and the owners were getting ready to host a private party. They said they had finally passed all their licensing criteria and are soon opening for business. The place looked modern, spacious and comfortable for niche that hasn't been part of the area lately. I wish them the best and think they can make a nice go of it at their location. If Izatys gets booming and the Village at Izatys is full, they should have a good summer!
When you're at Mille Lacs, You're Living the Dream!