Port of Call | Page 3A
Here we are…Laker #7. I honestly do not know where this summer went. August is like the Sunday of summer and I am left torn between dreading the Monday of fall and yearning for the comfort of its colors and relief in temps.
The days start to get shorter and a chill sets in at night, before you know it, summer is done.
With the crisp air creeping in, the season of cozy is right around the corner. It is time to trade flipflops and summer frocks for boots and blue jeans. A fallen leaf is nothing more than summer’s wave goodbye.
It seems like just a few very short months ago we were saying hello to each other once again. How did the days go by so quickly and why do summer vacations have to end at all?
When things get cold and dark, it’s important to remember those sunny summer days that made life wonderful. Those bright months filled with so much to be thankful for.
Port of Call | Page 2B
LAKE
Speaking of being thankful, I would like to express my appreciation to the readers for taking this Laker journey with me for the summer of 2023. The publication truly is a family affair, I write the stories, members of my work family work on ads and design. Every other Sunday my eight-year-old son helps me bag papers. My husband and teenage daughters deliver the papers door-to-door on that lakes that receive that service. My two sisters, my brother-in-law, nephews and my dad have also helped with delivery. We hired a few kiddos to help as well and they have become like family to us.
While I might have a little more free time on my hands in the upcoming months, I will truly miss the readers. I have gotten to know many of you through interviews, phone calls, emails and photos. I have become friends with strangers I interviewed in Lakers of years past. It has been a joy.
To help you stay warm all year long, I hope you pick up an old copy of the Laker and that it helps you dream of summer, sunny days, the beach, boats, bonfires and everything in between.
Crew Members | Page 4A
MARTY NOONAN
Fishery | Page 11A
Ropes | Page 12A
WEST NILE VIRUS
Fishers of Men | Page 14A
Riggings | Page 9B
Shore Leave | Page 2C
MORK'S BIG LAKE STORE
Galley | Page 6C
COOKING BY THE LAKE
In the seventh edition of the 2023 Laker, we spotlight Poplar and Big Lakes. You will learn about the mosquito safety, be served up cocktail recipes, find out about Mork’s Big Lake Store, receive a schooling on Crappies, get the scoop on Marty Noonan, and get the digs on Chad Kinzer’s Construction services.
You know what they say, “The tans will fade, but the memories will last forever.”
I am looking forward to sharing summer stories again with you next season after we get through the frigid flurry months. In the words of the great John Steinbeck, “What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness."
There is the possibility of a digital winter and spring season Laker “floating” around. If you would be interested in receiving this, it is important for you to please sent your email address to Polkcountylaker@gmail.com
Enjoy your Laker and the last days of your summer!
April Ziemer, Editor editor@theameryfreepress.com
© 2023 The LAKER is proudly
by Sentinel Publications, carrying on from Ledger Publications
By April Ziemer editor@theameryfreepress.com
Big Lake sits 8.3 miles from Osceola and is actually closer to the “blink and you’ll miss ‘em” communities of Wanderoos and Nye.
Grab grub from the amazing U.W. Wanderoos Bar and Grill or Brothers Minute
Mart in Nye and head out for a day on Big Lake.
Big Lake, received its name from being the largest of a chain of three lakes (the other two being Church Pine and Round).
It is situated the furthest north and is big Contributed
To be chosen as an Outstanding Volunteer by the Lake Waopgasset/Bear Trap Lake Improvement Association is no small feat as it takes many hard working hands to keep those lakes the dynamic duo. The Association has announced this fall, Marty Noonan will be the latest well deserving award recipient.
The Association is one of the oldest. According to the Aygust 24, 1911 Amery Free Press,
"Early last week a call was sent out to property owners around Wapagassett (or Sucker) Lake to meet on Saturday last at 3 p.m. at Unity settlement on Guanella's Bluff for the purpose, if deemed best, of organizing a Lake
ATV, Snowmobile, dirt bike parts & repair, tire alignment, engine & transmission, tune-ups. 715-646-1525
Improvement Association. In answer to this call eighteen to twenty residents about the lake came together. Much interest and enthusiasm was manifest. It was heartily and unanimously resolved to organize such an Association.
“A constitution and by-laws were adopted and officers, including an executive committee, were chosen. The object of the Association was defined to be to foster local interest and pride in the lake, local and popular interest in its attractions and to enhance its beauty and usefulness as far as possible.
“A mid-summer meeting is to be held annually, to which the women are to be invited, lunch served and the interests of the lake fully discussed.”
The officers elected were: President - James Wallace
Vice President - A.S. Jerdee
Secretary and TreasurerPerry S. Jerdee
Although many things have changed for the Association, many things have stayed the same, including the passion to protect the lake.
According to their website, the purpose of the association is to protect and promote the improvement of the lakes and their surroundings for the current and future benefit of recreational users, the general public, riparian and adjacent watershed landowners and residents. Also, to provide a forum for public expression on lake and watershed issues, to enhance water quality, fishery, recreational use, social activities, public safety and related education/ communications.
Outstanding Volunteer Awards have been given since 1999, when a formal recognition program to recognize outstanding volunteer service and contributions was established. The first honored was Phyllis Grimm. In 2000 Wally Christenson and Mary Hafner, in 2001 Joyle Anderson and Don Wegner, in 2002 Leo Mahoney and Ed O’Neil, in 2003 Helen Beltmann and Frank Fitzpatrick and Ray & Mary Lou Stanley, in 2004 Harold Carver and Bob & Edna Jones and ?Dodie (Winchester) Scholz, in 2005 Jacqueline Metcalf and Jerry & Gail
Tessman, in 2006 Karen Ohm and John Kugler, in 2007 Mort & Kathy Mortensen and Larry Karlson and C. Ed Myers, in 2008 Fred Pugh and Shirley Hanson and Shirley Turek, in 2009 Clarence DeLawyer and Rick Bazille & Martha Funke, in 2010 Ed Gillickson and Dave Erspamer and Thomas H. Berreman, in 2011 59 Pioneers were recognized for service prior to 1980 as part of a 100th Anniversary Celebration, in 2012 there was no inductee, in 2013 Dave Nelson and Bob Whitman, in 2014 Merl Gust and Mark Tryggestad, in 2015 there was no inductee,
in 2016 Joe & Vicki Ziglinski and Peter Seidl, in 2017 there was no inductee, in 2018 Bob Gagner and Paul Halverson, in 2019 Mark Jacobson and Lee Rickard, in 2020 Barry Eklund and John Mahoney, in 2021 Doug Drake and in 2022 Jim Andersen and JoAnn Hallquist. 2023’s Award winner Marty Noonanwas born in Long Beach, California in 1946. He grew up in Downey, CA. and graduated in 1964. After college graduation, Noonan entered the US Air Force and was commissioned a 2nd Lt. In 1970 he was awarded AF pilot wings at Reese AFB, TX
and volunteered to fly AC119G “Shadow” Gunships with the 17th Special Opeerations Squadron, Saigon, Vietnam from August 1970 to August 1971. He flew 206 combat missions in Vietnam and Cambodia, receiving many awards. He spent 11 more years in the Air Force and afterwards worked as a pilot for Continental Airlines for 29 years, then Jet airways for a few years and finally Boeing Korea training Korean Airline pilots in the B-777 flight simulator in Incheon South Korea.
He has been married to his
wife Sandy for 47 years, they have two adult children, Ryan and Kelly.
The Noonans bought their vacation home on Bear Trap in Amery in August 2001. After retirement, they became full time residents, with a winter home in Long Beach, California. Marty volunteered as a Association Trustee in late 2013 for the Ragna’s Addition on Wapogasset. He was elected President of the Association in 2016 and served for eight summers. He remains a Trustee and will serve as Past-President for the 2024-25 term. ■
indeed, spanning 259 acres with depths of 24 feet. It is approximately 1 mile when measured diagonally and half as wide. According to the Church Pine, Round, and Big Lake Protection and Rehabilitation District, even on a hot July day, you are guaranteed a chilling dive because of the many underground, fresh water springs that constantly provide bracingly cold, refreshing sources of clean water.
A public boat landing exists right across the road from the Big Lake Store.
Fishermen will find a variety of fish including cutthroat trout, carp, largemouth bass, pumpkinseed, rock bass, sunfish, bream/bluegill, walleye, bullhead, perch, warmouth, northern pike and sucker here. Local fisherman say it is one of their very favorite places to catch
crappies.
"Really good crappies off shore during April spawn.
I used two-inch plastic stinger shade grubs,” said one. Another said, “Fished in 20 ft hole and used minnows-caught 10 to 12 inch crappies!”
“The West side of Nokomis has great fishing, but really the entire lake does,” said one Big Lake lover.
The lake is loved by many because it is a nature oasis.
Ducks, geese, swans, Bald Eagles, Great Blue Herons and Green Herons provide for a picture-perfect landscape.
Large areas for tubing and waterski enthusiast with quaint nooks to kayak and canoe, make Big Lake the choice of visitors and families that have called it home for generations alike.
Check out everything Big Lake has waiting for you. ■
Crappies can be elusive. One day you’ll find them in the bays and the next day they’re gone. You want to make sure to catch ‘em while the catchin’ is good.
have five or six.
It is common for crappies to produce very large year classes some years and very small year classes in other years. Unlike sunfish, which tend to produce strong year classes every year,
Eggs hatch in a few days. Crappies like to be near cover. In spring they hang out near brush piles, sunken trees, cattail stands and other places near shore where predators don’t have an easy
good places to fish.
Later in the year crappies tend to stay in deeper water except during dawn and dusk when they move toward shore to feed. They can be found
olive-colored back and blue, green, and black spots on their silvery sides. When in doubt count the number of spines on the dorsal fin that stretches across the top of the fish. Black crappies have seven or eight spines while white crappies
1.5-6 feet deep. Males build a disc-shaped nest near emergent vegetation and defend the nest, biting at intruders. They spawn by touching bellies and releasing several thousand eggs (female) and milt (male) simultaneously.
Crappies also can be found in between the branches of sunken trees and brush piles. Fish hiding in sunken timber are not easy to reach due to all the tree limbs and twigs yet if you can sneak a bait into these areas, they are
points, humps, deep weed lines and other structure.
Crappies travel and feed in loose schools, eating small aquatic organisms called "zooplankton" and aquatic insects and their larvae by filtering the food through their
gill rakers (comblike structures in the gills). Older fish eat mostly minnows, immature bass, sunfish and perch. They also migrate because of temperature, oxygen levels, seasons and food availability. look for structure, then be ready for an unexpected tug. Catching crappie is a lot of fun for fishermen of all ages and skill levels. ■
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus in a Wisconsin resident this year. The individual is a resident of Dane County. Cases of West Nile virus have also been reported in three horses in Wisconsin and several mosquito pools. The horse cases were located in Dunn and Clark counties, and the positive mosquitoes were from Milwaukee and Lafayette counties.
"This confirmed case in a Wisconsin resident is a reminder that even as
summer winds down, we still need to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites. While West Nile virus and other viruses spread by mosquitoes pose a risk to all Wisconsinites, people who have weakened immune systems are at the greatest risk for serious illness," said State Health Officer Paula Tran. Since West Nile virus was first detected in Wisconsin in 2002, infections in humans have been reported from June through October. An average of 17 cases of West Nile virus are reported among Wisconsin
Welcome to beautiful Balsam Lake, a village living in natural
Established in 1905 the Village of Balsam Lake rests on the southwest shore of Balsam Lake in one of the most prime tourist locations of northwest Wisconsin. Whether you are looking to relax or take part in a wide variety of activities, both on and off shore, the Village of Balsam Lake is the place for you! The Village is nestled on the largest lake in the area, (2,054 acres), which is teeming with fish to satisfy the most avid of anglers. The unique shoreline stretches 65 miles and the lake is dotted with picturesque islands and bays. Fine Dining and casual eateries abound and over 50 businesses provide a vast array of services.
residents each year. West Nile virus infections in humans have been reported from June through October; however, most people with West Nile virus report becoming ill in August and September. The risk of West Nile virus infection continues until the first hard frost.
West Nile virus is spread to humans, horses, birds, and other animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes acquire West Nile virus by feeding on infected birds. The virus is not spread directly from person to person, animal to animal, or animal to person.
Most people (80%) who are infected with West Nile virus
do not get sick. Those who do become ill usually experience mild symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle ache, rash, and fatigue.
However, some people (less than 1%) who become infected with the virus get seriously ill with symptoms that include high fever, muscle weakness, stiff neck, disorientation, mental confusion, tremors, confusion, paralysis, and coma. Older adults and those with compromised immune systems are at greater risk of developing severe illness that can be fatal. It is important that people contact a health care provider if they suspect they have West Nile virus illness.
The best way to avoid illnesses spread by mosquitoes is to reduce exposure to mosquitoes and
eliminate mosquito breeding sites. DHS offers these tips to protect yourself and your family against mosquito bites: Avoid Mosquito
• Apply an insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 to exposed skin and clothing.
• Prior to heading outdoors, treat clothing with permethrin; do not apply permethrin directly to skin.
• Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning hours, when mosquitoes that spread West Nile virus are most active. Wear long-sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors to help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
• Make sure window and door screens are intact and tightlyfitted to prevent mosquitoes from getting into your home.
• Prevent mosquitoes from breeding around your home by removing stagnant water from items around your property, such as tin cans, plastic containers, flower pots, discarded tires, roof gutters, and downspouts.
• Turn over wheelbarrows, kiddie pools, buckets, and small boats such as canoes and kayaks when not in use.
Change the water in bird baths and pet dishes at least every three days.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas, and hot tubs; drain water from pool covers.
• Trim or mow tall grass, weeds, and vines since mosquitoes use these areas to rest during hot daylight hours. ■
240 W. Elm St. • Amery
Tim Bjorge, Pastor Sundays: 9:00 am Worship
Weekly Live Stream on Facebook: FirstLutheranChurchofAmeryWI 715-268-7135 • www.flcamery.org
Sunday
Co-Interim
Water area: 259 acres
Total shoreline: 3 miles
Maximum depth: 24 feet
Area 259 acres
Max Depth 24 feet
Mean Depth 17 feet
Boat Landings 1
Fish
Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike and Walleye
Invasive Species
Chinese Mystery Snail, Curly-Leaf Pondweed, Purple Loosestrife
South of St. Croix Falls, tucked just down off of 120th Avenue, sits a serene, solitary 117-acre body of water known as Poplar Lake. Located east of Dresser, it is surrounded by 70 parcels of land and is populated by around 45 shoreline residents, but boasts no organized lake association or protection and rehabilitation district. However, it still remains a picturesque spot for a rejuvenating day of boating, kayaking or swimming.
With a maximum depth of 34 feet, Poplar Lake offers a happy medium between some of the deepest, busiest lakes in the Polk County area and some of the shallower, reedier ones. In Poplar Lake, you can expect to find panfish and largemouth bass in abundant quantities, and northern pike and walleye have a presence as well. At
this time of year for Poplar Lake, fishing looks to be very active with peak fishing times around 6-8 a.m. and 7-9 p.m.
Whether you’re in the mood to canoe or spin around on a jet ski, you can do
it all from Poplar Lake’s public boat landing, located on the northside off of Poplar Lane.
Though it has no formal lake association or protection and
rehabilitation district, Poplar Lake still has a group of local volunteers who have taken it upon themselves to monitor the lake’s water quality for the past 32 years. Invasive species like curly
leaf pondweed, narrow leaf cattails, Chinese mystery snails and yellow iris have been detected within the lake.
107 Indianhead Shore Drive Balsam Lake • 715-485-3359
Walleye Wednesday: Walleye Dinner $16.95
Thursday: Jumbo Shrimp Dinner $16.95
All-You-Can-Eat
Spare Ribs $16.95
Fish Fry (Daily) Prime Rib (Fri. & Sat.)
Saturday, Sept. 2
6-9 • Roberts Brothers
Sunday, Sept. 3
1-4 • Jazz Alley
Saturday, Sept. 9
6-9 • Shady and Sam
Saturday, Sept. 16
6-9 • Allison Dyg
Saturday, Sept. 23
SANGRIA FEST
10-1 • Roberts Brothers
2-5 • KC Band
6-9 • Elsa Lee
Saturday, Sept. 30
6-9 • Web and Jay
September 6: In The Fields
September 8: In2ition
September 9: TBD
September 10:
Rockin’ Woody
September 13: Shirts & Skins Acoustic
September 15: Ragtown
September 16: Black Dog Road
September 17: Empty Arms
“The thing with curly leaf, is it actually has an over summarizing structure that helps it start growing in the winter under the ice, so it’s the first thing up and doesn’t allow anything else to grow where it is, so it’s very important to have concerns for it,” Polk County Water Quality Specialist Colton Sorensen said. “Yellow iris can spread as well, and narrow leaf cattail— it’s more common than native cattail, almost.”
The lake is located directly south of Menards in St. Croix Falls, and has a sandy, mucky bottom. It is particularly noted for its water clarity.
“[The depth] drops off pretty quick, actually,” Sorensen said. “Except for the bay, which is nice if you’re swimming.” ■
By April Ziemer editor@theameryfreepress.com
Nobody really likes to talk about the nasty big “W” word-but as summer winds down and lake days become fewer and farther between, ushering in the season of autumn, it is time to think about caring for your lake home before WINTER.
Chad Kinzer of Kinzer Construction LLC says, “Fall is a great time to look at adding insulation and add storm doors before winter.”
He said it is also a great time to look at replacing some of those leaky windows but that is something that should’ve been planned early summer. “Windows have a lead time of a couple weeks to a couple months so planning needs to go in to getting them measured, ordered and installed,” said Kinzer.
Kinzer has done his fair share of remodel work as well as builds from start to finish. No project is really too small or large for him. He shared, “Winter is a great time to do those interior remodels like bathrooms, kitchens, and any other interior rooms. Work can be done on the exterior in the winter too, it is just not as ideal.”
Maybe as you put the lake summer of 2023 in the books, you might want to start thinking about what would make the summer of 2024 more enjoyable. Kinzer said, “Spring is a great time to look at adding decks. The biggest piece of advice I can give is planning your
projects out months in advance so that you can have the work completed when you would like it.”
Although the nostalgia of a family cabin that has been passed down from generation to generation can be very heart warming, there comes a point where you may be ready to start from
the ground up, in order to be able to keep traditions going.
“There are a lot of variables for when a cabin is past repair and should be looked at tearing down and rebuilding. One of the main areas to look at is the foundation. Is it solid? Does the cabin shift from season to season? Another
factor to look at is the roof. Can it with stand a snow load? Most of these things can be fixed too, just depends on how much the person uses the cabin and what are their long-term plans for the cabin,” Kinzer said.
Kinzer is willing to answer questions, meet and discuss what your lake home needs may be and what works best for your budget. Kinzer is known for his quality work with attention to detail.
As someone with a family himself; including his wife Andrea and three children, he understands the importance of your home, the
practicality of its components and the fact that it is not just a “lake house” but rather a place to provide relaxation and that will hold memories for years to come.
Check him out at chadkinzer.com and tell him you saw him in The Laker.
#ChadkinzerconstructionLLC ■
curb appeal.
but
also designed to last a
The Amery’s Price is Right brought in $50,000 to our local participating Amery Community Club businesses and there are many people to thank for ‘Coming on down”
All of our sponsors both nationally and especially locally-Amery Chev, Compass Realty and Travel Leaders New Richmond, The Amery Free Press, U.W. Wanderoos, Apple River TV and Appliance, Summit Siding and Seamless Roofing, Balsam Lake Lodge, Youngblood Custom Woodworks, Connecting Point, Amery Hospital & Clinic, Bremer Bank, Noah Insurance, Northwest Communications, Digital Experience AV, Sunnyside Marina, Xcel Energy and Amazon Hub.
The members of the Amery Community Club Board-Shawn Doerfler, Eric Scott Morrissey, Troy Keller and Tony Meyers- who heard this crazy idea and knew I was going to run with it regardless and gave me their blessing. We have had quite the ride this year, but we have really turned into a family. I now have these four (all very different) brothers and I love it (most days)!
Thank you to the City Council for not only their blessing but for being present Saturday evening.
To those who helped during the show- Saige Rice, Mike Manor, Kar Jackers Entertainment, the Amery Royalty, the Amery Football Players, Eric, Tony A., Craig Olson and of course Tom B. It
was chaotic I know, but we were a team and you guys rocked it!
Thank you to CLEAR CHOICE PRINTING and SIGN EXPRESS for the amazing work they did for parts of the event. Your services were on point and generous to the club. You are both valuable members of the Amery Community Club.
Thank you to our beer servers (and drinkers)! My employer, the Amery Free Press, who signed on as our very first local sponsor and is always one of my biggest cheerleaders.
Thank you to Lamperts for donating some lumber and to Polk-Burnett for donating a gift card.
I am so blessed that the Amery Lions, the D'Ambrosio Family, and my dear friends Andy and Nancy Anderson of Ruby Mae’s Treasures, all hooked me up with important parts of the game. People-I have the most amazing friends who helped in some way shape or form: Tom Bensen, Matthew Johnson, Julie Hanlon-Johnson, Ed and Sarah Flanum, Kipp Harris, Heather Bonetti, Nicky Gagner, Tony Aizpurua, Jacob Young,
Josh Pratt, Lindsey Pratt, Tom VanSomeren, Dan Young, Jennifer Young and Jennifer Tyman who busted their backsides for me, fed me, listened to me vent, laughed, danced and celebrated with me.
And a family who ALWAYS helps, and supports me, even when it is not their dream and even when I am crabby: My husband Josh Ziemer,who worked tirelessly for me throughout this journey; our children who worked the week of and at the event: Mav, Reagan, Rylee, and Nick Bedard. My sisters Kelly and Lisa, who worked very hard to help me plan things and my Dad, Steve who listened to me tattle on my sisters when they wouldn’t listen to me-I love you guys.
Thank you to our Amery Community Club businesses. I take it very seriously that you chose to be a member of this club and I take my job as your President very seriously. Until my role is up in December, I will continue to work tirelessly for your business and grow the spirit of this community. I hope you found this to be a worthwhile event.
Lastly, BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY-THANK YOU to everyone who shopped, ate, drank, stayed, and played in Amery and supported our businesses. We needed you on Price is Right Saturday and we need to keep seeing you.
April Ziemer
Amery Community Club President
"This is April Ziemer reminding you to help control the pet population — have your pets spayed or neutered."
Water area: 125 acres
Total shoreline: 2.12 miles
Maximum depth: 34 feet
Area 125 acres
Max Depth 34 feet
POPLAR LAKE FAST FACTS
Mean Depth 12 feet
Boat Landings 1
Fish
Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike and Walleye
Invasive Species
Chinese Mystery
Snail, Curly-Leaf
Pondweed, Yellow Iris
By April Ziemer editor@theameryfreepress.com
It was never in Earl Mork’s plans to own the store that sat off the shore of Polk County’s Big Lake, but sometimes the best things in life are unexpected. “In ’62 it started out as Casey’s Corner. The owners were from out East and these winters were too brutal for the lady. Then it was the Sheldon Wise Corner Store, next it was Schmeed’s, then Henzl’s. You put them all together and they still ain’t got me,” said Mork. While it is hard for him to believe that almost 40 years have gone by, he is proud to say he has outlasted all of the other owners combined.
Mork was familiar with the building’s history as he had strong family ties to
Contributed
the area and had grown up nearby. Mork said, “Mother was born at Big Lake in 1909, right up the hill on the Johnson Farm.”
He attended school at Meadow View, followed by Star Prairie and finally New Richmond.
His mother raised giving children. He was one of three of her boys who served in Vietnam. Another brother served in Korea and two of his sisters were certified Red Cross Instructors. Mork had spent a chunk of adulthood running a garage in St. Paul off of Como Ave. when he headed home to celebrate a family member’s 25th Wedding Anniversary. He noticed the “Big Lake Store” was all locked up by the sheriff. He had the thought rolling around in the
back of his mind that weekend when his former wife asked, “When are you going to buy that store?”
While it wasn’t planned, Earl moved his family to the area. He said he wouldn’t have been able to keep the place successfully running without the support of his children-Earl Allen, Jeffrey Jackie and Jeremiah.
The store offers bait, pontoon rental, sells snacks, pop, beer, gasoline and rents dock space. There is also plenty of parking.
Mork said, “Big Lake is great. It is clean, and it doesn’t get carp.”
He offers eight docks that anyone can fish off of as he just wants to offer people a place to fish.
He is especially passionate about offering the opportunity to fish during winter months. Mork plows roadways on the lake allowing people easy access to drive onto the frozen water to fish, without getting stuck.
He is also the backbone behind the
yearly Big Lake Ice Fishing Contest. He and his son Earl Allen work tirelessly to put on one of the most beloved winter fishing competitions in the area, all
so they can raise money for stocking walleyes into the lake.
Big Lake's Store Ice Fishing Contest donation translates to an additional
1,000 fingerlings stocked annually. Mork added that building the fish population is an ongoing process. The biggest hurdle to building the population may not be with fishermen but rather if the fish can reproduce sufficiently.
"Walleyes like to spawn near rocks or in moving current where their eggs are protected from being eaten by panfish," Mork said. He added that he has witnessed walleyes spawn in the shallow waters of the lake, only to have schools of perch feed on the eggs. Nevertheless, he explained, during the late 80s, Big Lake produced plenty of six to nine-pound walleyes - a testament of the potential of the lake.
South of Osceola, Cedar Lake boosted its walleye population with the addition of fish cribs or structures to increase fish habitat. Mork believes
Earl Mork stated the biggest mistake walleye fishermen make in both winter and summer fishing at Big Lake is using methods from other walleye lakes like Mille Lacs, which do not translate to Big Lake.
1. Best time for walleye fishing is just before dusk until 9 p.m.
2. Fish shallow water, as shallow as 6-10 feet of water.
3. Minnows need to be just inches off the bottom.
4. Fishing in weed pockets works well - the trick is getting a minnow near or on the bottom without it hiding or getting tangled in the weeds.
1. Fishing in too deep of water.
2. Fishing for walleyes with too large of a sucker-minnow.
3. Not fishing close enough to the bottom.
even without cribs in Big Lake, walleyes can make a comeback due to the abundance of baitfish for food, the proper type of weed beds for cover and with the aid of stocking.
"We're about 50 percent there," he said, hoping it won't be too long before folks can come out regularly if they want to catch a few walleyes for dinner. "With 450 lakes in Polk County, folks shouldn't have to drive out of the state to Mille Lacs or to Canada to catch a walleye. Fishing is a billiondollar industry and we need that money here in Wisconsin."
Mork used to do
plenty of fishing himself but said he doesn’t need to anymore as people bring the fish to him. Mork said, “Sometimes they do not feel like cleaning them and sometimes I even have them brought to be already filleted and fried up!”
He admits he is pretty lucky as he has met many great people over the years. He especially enjoys the kids who come into the store.
“I am getting old though, Mork said, “I have no idea what the future holds. I am taking it day by day and enjoying that I have the best view on the lake.” ■
By April Ziemer editor@theameryfreepress.com
While we traditionally focus on surf and turf recipes in the Laker, we are shifting gears this issue and diving into CAMPFIRE COCKTAILS!
It has been an amazing summer, so for the last Laker of the summer, it is time to say, “CHEERS!”
Liquid S’Mores
This is for sure one of the coolest cocktails of all time. When you take a childhood favorite dessert like s’mores and mix it with alcohol-it is an epic win!
Break this drink out at a backyard fire, you are the rock star of the night. If you are ever on a date and you whip this bad boy up–it’s honestly a wrap as she/ he will be in love with you.
What’s perfect about this recipe is how simple it is to make a campfire cocktail! It just takes a few minutes and before you know it, you’ll have one of the best drink ideas ever created.
You can also make this a holiday cocktail by using eggnog. Get creative as well if you wish and add your own unique flavors or ideas.
This could be great with a peanut butter vodka, espresso, Kahlua, oreos, whiskey or whatever flavors you are feeling! Use this recipe as a guide and go from there to make the best cocktail for your tastes.
Ingredients
2 oz vanilla vodka-Regular vodka works too
2 oz almond Milk or any preferred milk
1 oz irish cream liqueur Bailey's or St. Brendan’s
1 tbsp hot chocolate powder
Garnish crushed graham crackers, chocolate sauce & marshmallows
Instructions
1. Crumble graham crackers on plate, rim glasses with chocolate syrup then dip the glass in the graham crackers.
2. Shake all other ingredients in a shaker with ice, pour over ice, garnish and serve!
What sets mulled wine apart is its taste profile, which combines the fruity undertones of the wine with the depth and warmth of the spices.
This marriage of flavors results in a harmonious balance that caters to a wide array of palates. The sweetness and the gentle tanginess of the fruit notes contrast with the earthy, spicy elements, creating an invigorating and comforting taste sensation.
As the fire crackles and the night sky sparkles with stars, the warmth of the wine gently spreads, making you feel relaxed.
Also, the enticing aroma of the spices mingles with the woody scent of the campfire, creating an experience that is both nostalgic and soothing.
This traditional homemade mulled wine recipe is incredibly easy to make and always SO cozy and delicious.
To begin, gather your ingredients. For this mulled wine recipe, you will need:
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Wine: No need to splurge on a pricey bottle — a mid-range bottle of dry red or white wine will do. (Or if you’re making a big batch, this is a great recipe to break out a nicer boxed wine too!) The best wine for mulled wine will be fruity and full-bodied, so that it can withstand the heat and not have its flavor completely drowned out by the aromatics. I recommend looking for a bottle of Zinfandel, Merlot, Grenache,
Brandy: Similar to sangria, it’s also traditional to spike your mulled wine with an extra bit of liqueur. Brandy is the traditional choice, but Cointreau (or another orange liqueur) or tawny port are also delicious alternatives.
Fresh oranges: One of which we will slice and mull in the wine, one of which you can slice and use as a garnish if you’d like. (Edit: To minimize bitterness, I recommend peeling the orange before simmering it in the wine.)
Cinnamon: I love the making mulled wine with cinnamon sticks, but you could whisk in some ground cinnamon if that’s what you have on hand.
Mulling spices: These vary in mulled wine from country to country, but whole cloves and star anise are my favorites, plus perhaps a few cardamom pods.
Sweetener: Feel free to add your favorite sweetener to taste. Sugar is classic, but I prefer to naturally sweeten mine with either maple syrup or honey.
Instructions
Combine ingredients. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and give them a quick stir.
Simmer. Heat until the wine almost reaches a simmer over medium-high heat. (Avoid letting it bubble in any way. Alcohol begins to vaporize at 172°F,
so take care to ensure that the wine does not evaporate.) Reduce heat to low, cover completely, and let the wine simmer for at least 15 minutes or up to 3 hours.
Strain and season. Using a fine mesh strainer, remove and discard the orange slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise and ginger. Give the mulled wine a taste, and stir in your desired amount of extra sweetener if needed.
Serve. Serve warm in heatproof mugs, topped with your favorite garnishes.
The recipe is straightforward! It can be made single serving, or in a batch for gatherings.
Apple Cider: There is a difference in apple cider. If you can buy it from a local orchard, that is the best way to buy it. The cider in the grocery store, unless it's in season and is directly from a local orchard, is not the same. However, it will work when you have no other choice
Fireball Whisky: This cinnamon flavored whiskey is sweet, spicy, and has a warming kick.
Add mulling spices wrapped in cheesecloth to the apple cider in the
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slow cooker. After the cider has warmed up and had time to allow the spices to seep through, pour a cup and add a shot of Fireball Whiskey.
Serve the spiked apple cider with some fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks as a garnish.
Substitute Spiced Caramel Cider for the apple cider.
Serve Fireball Apple Cider cold with a splash of ginger ale and a cinnamon sugar rim. ■
learned a lot about places we want to visit, and this is after close to 70 years in the area.
Dorothy Goldie
