2 02 0 ty FA LL | com m u n i te e s ta s t y le
life | re a l s r o o o u td
Cabin Chef
Get Out & Explore
Made in Minnesota
Minnesota cabin chef– rustic recipes by Sara Watson of Blackboard.
Take a Minnesota road trip– From sites to food, Lakes Country and beyond.
'Proof' of a Lakes Country story–the founding of an area distillery.
ENJOY
THE RIDE!
Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki, Skidoo, Canam, Seadoo, Spyder, Nautique Boats, Supra Boats, Supreme Boats, Avalon Pontoons
Sales / Service / Parts / Rentals / Storage
BIG NEWS!
is now U Motors!
We've purchased Seaberg Power Sports in Detroit Lakes to give you more convenient locations, expertise, and even more power sport and marine options!
NEW! 18443 US Hwy 59
Detroit Lakes, MN
51785 Co Hwy 9 Pelican Rapids, MN 2600 Main Ave S Fargo, ND
umotorsinc.com LAKE LIFE WKND
2
CONTENTS
16
12
RUSTIC RECIPES
MADE IN MN
SARA WATSON - BLACKBOARD RESTAURANT
PROOF DISTILLERY
A place to gather in Lakes Country. Blackboard is a new restaurant on scenic Hwy 41 in Otter Tail County. Try three of their recipes in this issue.
This distillery was inspired by the quest for a high-quality spirit and memories spent at the lake.
LIFESTYLE
COMMUNITY
OUTDOORS
08
20
36
caution wknd ahead!
32
wknd Rally
Classic Car Rally and Fall Colors Drive.
Reface
Bring life back into homes with Design 2 Sell.
Choice Bank Voices
Thielen Foundation
by JCR Land Co.
Two year update on the impact made.
25
Tailgate at the Lakes
Explore
Map of Lakes Country Destinations.
Build a kite or an airplane and have fun outdoors.
62
Mock Scrapes
64
Available Hunting Land
Start a new tradition during the fall season.
39
Let's Fly
Attract the attention of bucks this fall for a successful hunt.
40
WKND DAY TRIPS GET AWAY WITHOUT GOING FAR The pandemic may have put a damper on travel plans, but here's a few locations without leaving Minnesota.
54
REAL ESTATE
LIVING LAKE LIFE FOR 40 YEARS
with Jack Chivers Realty
44
You Don't Know Jack?
50
Properties For Sale
Jack Chivers Realty - Building a lake lifestyle community.
LAKE LIFE WKND
5
For the latest in lake style living stay tuned with us online!
*lakelifewknd.com
WKND 09/20 PUBLISHER Dirk Ockhardt CONTRIBUTORS Choice Bank Design 2 Sell Blackboard Jack Chivers Realty JCR Land Co EDITOR Aubrey Roberts DESIGN Alison Monke WRITERS Ryan De La Rosa Mike Brown Dirk Ockhardt Aubrey Roberts MATZ & GREIFF 318 W Main Street Perham, MN 56573 ADVERTISING hello@matzgreiff.com (218) 346-5400 SUBSCRIBE hello@lakelifewknd.com ONLINE Find all issues online at issuu.com/lakelifelounge Daily Updated Content, Events, News and Podcasts at www.lakelifewknd.com FOLLOW © 2020 Matz & Greiff Media Group. All rights reserved. This publication cannot be reproduced without written permission.
Ready f or the wknd? The seasons are changing again. It’s my most favorite time in Minnesota when the evenings get a little more chill and I can wear a comfortable sweatshirt to walk our dog Oskar. I believe everyone around here just loves the change of colors. This year summer went by fast. I think we say that every year, however, I really don’t know where July went. Have you seen it? During these times of establishing a new normal, we have experienced a lot of challenges and I am sure we still have not fully adapted to these times of change. For myself it was the best medication to eat healthy and stay outside. We have cooked fresh and tried new recipes all summer long and will continue to do so this fall. We are very proud to have a new contributor to our magazine: Sara Watson of Blackboard Restaurant will share Rustic Recipes in our Minnesota Cabin Chef editorial section. Each dish is creative and rich but yet easy to follow and make. Check out what’s cooking now! On the other hand we have been spending a lot of time outside exploring the area more and we like to share some more destinations with you. As you know, we really love road trips and are hosting a Classic Car Rally later this month for a fall colors drive on the Scenic Byway in Otter Tail County. We will meet in Perham for a small car show and head to Phelps Mill first. After a lunch break near Star Lake and we continue our drive to Maplewood State Park. I cannot wait to see all the classic cars cruising through the winding roads with this spectacular scenery of red and yellow leaves. Join us or come by as a spectator. Enjoy this latest edition of our Lake Life publication with more local stories, please check out our online community with our wknd destination map, and tune in to our podcast program with interviews and a behind the scenes look of local makers.
Best, Photo by: Dirk Ockhardt
Dirk LAKE LIFE WKND
7
8
FALL 2020
MINI- ES R U T N E V AD
Y R T N U O C S E K A L E R O EXPL
A Passion for Cars & Roadtrips Growing up I have always been fascinated by cars. What kid does not like cars? My dad always took me to classic car shows and I admired the beauty and craftsmanship of cars from the 1920-1950s. Automobiles were designed with passion and provided a different driving experience back then. I was never really a person who had to buy cars or was even thinking about collecting them other than model cars maybe. My very first car was a 1984 VW bug – the original shape made in Mexico. I enjoyed that car and drove the bug for 10 years. Best part was I could change the fender myself by removing 8 bolts without any necessary mechanical skills. When I was out one evening I backed into a pole and caught it between the fender and bumper and ripped everything off when moving forward. That was frustrating. The next day I went to the scrap yard and bought a replacement fender, chrome bumper and elephant foot light for $80. I could not believe how easy it was to get everything replaced. Anyhow, I guess my hands-on passion for automobiles was sparked but it stayed at
that level for now. Twenty-five years later, I own a couple classic cars including another 1973 original bug made in Germany and a 1959 Triumph TR3. Since we live near the Otter Tail Scenic Byway which my son and I cruise as much as time allows the idea for a fun Classic Car Rally during the most beautiful time of the year was born. We are inviting you to a Saturday social distance friendly event on September 26th starting at 10:00am in Perham with a drive to Phelps Mill and through Maplewood State Park for a Fall Colors road trip and look forward to seeing you either as a spectator or driver. More info at www.wkndrally.com
LAKE LIFE WKND
9
Join us for a Classic Car Rally on the Otter Tail Scenic Byway for a Fall Colors road trip on Saturday, September 26th 2020 Start in downtown Perham with car show on the Parking lot of United Community Bank at 301 W Main Street. Driver check-in across Parking lot at Matz & Greiff building 318 W Main Street starting 9:30AM.
10
FALL 2020
Registration >> wkndrally.com Saturday, Sept 26th 2020 9:30am 10:00am 11:00am 12:00pm 1:00pm 3:00pm
Check-in Matz & Greiff Garage, Perham Car Show Take off to Phelps Mill Park Lunch Break Fall Color Drive Maple Wood State Park Final Drive to Vergas
LAKE LIFE WKND
11
d e t a n i g Ori in Minnesota BY RYAN DE LA ROSA AND AUBREY ROBERTS
We have Proof of a true Lakes Country story. It all began a decade ago. Sybil Lake by Vergas is the site where Joel Kath was thinking about building an Artisan Distillery. Countless bonfires later spent brainstorming with friends, family, and neighbors, there came a concept.
THE CONNECTION
THE INSPIRATION
The storytelling involved with the Proof brand is one that makes them a staple of lake style living. Much likely comes from their lake place, and Summers spent there.
Joel Kath is a Fargo native, but like many spent his summers in Lakes Country. As a child, he had family on Big Pine Lake in Perham and on Otter Tail Lake, so lake style living has been a part of him for as long as he can remember.
Passion for quality is the longstanding tradition that makes Joel a unique distiller. Being an engineer working with industrial plants meant that knowledge of chemistry and processes are fundamental. Naturally, this led to the design of a distillery. A long connection to water, both on the lake and through spirits, is present in Joel's life. His career allowed him to see the broad approaches to hydrology.
12
FALL 2020
Joel went on to graduate from NDSU in 1984 as an electrical engineer. To this day, engineering is his ‘day job’. The breadth of Joel’s work has been creating the electrical design for industrial plants, for example, airports and wastewater plants. To do this though, it’s necessary for one to understand the chemistry and process. Do you know what is remarkably similar to the processes at these plants? Distilling.
MADE IN MN He recognized that there was a vast chasm in quality when it came to Vodka on the market. Early on, he understood that cheaper spirits were imparting unfortunate effects on himself and those around. The search for quality spirits began, and Joel had big ideas.
AN EVOLUTION It all began on Sybil Lake in 2010. Ideas were sparked around the bonfire with the help of friends, family and neighbors. Lake memories and stories from the past, were inspiration for all their brands. It took 4 years of brainstorming, along with plenty of research and interning to create a solid business concept. The goal with Proof Distillery was not just to create high-quality spirits and whiskey, but to tell a story through their products. Here is how it all came together. 2 Docks Vodka: When Joel and his family would refer to their lifelong friends ‘just two dock’s down the beach’ they thought what better way to pay tribute to their longstanding friendship? The 2 Docks Vodka name was a perfect fit to tie in both lake style living and a high-quality spirit made from local MN potatoes–the foundation of this Made in Minnesota product. Minions: The story of this gin came from a simple snide comment (all in good fun) when Joel purchased the contents from a bar in Grand Forks, ND. Mind you, he did this remotely from his day job in Arizona. So, he sent a group of friends to pick up the piece that now sits as Proof’s bar in Downtown Fargo. When another opportunity came to pick up more items Joel found for sale, he was told ‘Go send your minions to go get it!’ and voila! Minions Gin was named. Crooked Furrow Whiskey: Credit goes to Grandpa Ken and farming for this one. In farming, rows in the field should be straight, but that was never the case with Grandpa Ken.
Have you ever heard the saying “a crooked row is longer than a straight row!”? Well, that is a saying Ken lived by and Joel thought this would be a perfect fit for their Whiskey. When asked if Proof Distillery would ever make a rum, the answer from Joel was simple. “No. Because that would require sugar cane. Sugar cane does not grow in the Midwest region. At Proof, we distill things that are only local. We concentrate on what’s local, to make what’s local.”
“At Proof, we distill things that are only local. We concentrate on what’s local, to make what’s local.”
LAKE LIFE WKND
13
JOEL KATH IN FRONT OF HIS HISTORIC BAR (PHOTO COURTESY OF FORUM COMMUNICATIONS)
THE LABOR OF THEIR FRUITS Proof Distilling sits in a historical bar of downtown Fargo. Unlike homebrewing, distilling, and experimenting with the process at home is not legal. Thus Joel, taking his knowledge of chemistry, was able to visit other distilleries and learn about the techniques firsthand. "Denial and error" is Joel's signature process. His engineering mind has allowed them to take recipes and alter them with their own experiences and hone the flavor profiles. When it comes to London Dry gins, which rose to popularity during prohibition, they are the current standard. However, previous incarnations of gin use malt-whiskey bases and breadth of herbs and spices. Star Anise, peppercorn, and orange peel are just a few things that make this gin. Crafted from batch to batch, until perfected. When asking Joel how they arrived at the recipes they use today, he told us this story. “My son has never, ever liked black pepper. Batch after batch, he said the Gin was too dry! We slowly removed the black pepper (which is known to add in that dry factor) until there was nothing left. Two black peppercorns were all it took to take it out. Some of the smallest ingredients make the most impact.”
14
FALL 2020
“Some of the smallest ingredients make the most impact.”
YOU CAN'T TOP COPPER The still is the main component of the distillery. Not only aesthetically pleasing, but copper also pulls impurities from the alcohol. When distilling in copper, there is a reaction on a molecular level with the sulfurs put out by the fermenting yeast— it "cancels-out" the sulfur taste, which would otherwise be bitter and not as smooth. Joel's background in startup facilities helped him immensely. His brother helped construct the facility; there is not a part or pipe they don't know intimately between the two of them. Their prized still is named "The Judge," a marvel of copper and modern engineering. Their tasting room is a great way to visit and see what goes into running a distillery. This makes them very transparent and able to show off all the pride they take in perfecting spirits. Joel is prideful of being a locally driven product and praises the brewing and distilling community that has blossomed throughout Minnesota and North Dakota. Although Distilling has not become as popular as the Craft Brewing scene in the Midwest, Joel encourages you to get out and explore other distilleries when you have the chance. He says, “When you see one distillery, you see one distillery. Because there are no two that are alike. Everything is different from size, configurations, to what they use”. Proof Distillery has over 400 distribution networks throughout the region. They recently were awarded the 2020 America Malt Whiskey Competition in New York, winning Double Gold and Best in Class. Experience the tasting room and try their nationally awarded spirits, handcrafted awardwinning cocktails, and impeccable dining in downtown Fargo. Or pick up a bottle at many liquor stores throughout Lakes Country and create your own delicious cocktail.
"THE JUDGE" STILL AT PROOF
Listen to the full interview with Joel Kath of Proof Distillery and more Lake Life stories on our weekly podcast program www.lakelifewknd.com
LAKE LIFE WKND
15
a t so e n Min g n i k o o C l a u s a C f e h C with n o s t a W a Sar 16
FALL 2020
Chef Sara Watson is no stranger to the dining industry in the Fargo-Moorhead area. Starting the restaurants of Mezzaluna, Rustica and more, her taste for rustic and creative food draws people from all edges of Lakes Country. In May of 2020, with friend Terri Trickle, Sara purchased a historic country schoolhouse formerly known as the Pickle Factory, and quickly went to work opening Blackboard Restaurant. We are privileged to share three recipes with you in this issue. We hope you try them out yourself, or find them on the menu at Blackboard restaurant.
Wild Rice Porridge Makes 4 to 6 servings
INGREDIENTS 1 ⅓ cups uncooked wild rice 3 cups water ¼ teaspoon kosher salt or salt ¼ cup butter ½ cup roasted hazelnuts ½ cup dried cranberries, blueberries, and/or cherries 1 cup whipping cream or heavy cream ¼ cup pure maple syrup
PREPARE 1. In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups water to boiling. Add salt to the water. Slowly add wild rice. 2. Return to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 40 to 45 minutes or until most of the water is absorbed, grains have burst open and rice is tender. Drain, if necessary. Set aside. 3. Crush hazelnuts with a mallet or a rolling pin, and set aside. 4. In a 12-inch nonstick skillet or nonstick large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add hazelnuts; cook and stir about 2 minutes or until just starting to brown. 5. Add cranberries; cook and stir 2 minutes more.
(The following items are optional)
Fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and/or blackberries Whipping cream or heavy cream Pure maple syrup
6. Stir in wild rice, 1 cup whipping cream, and ¼ cup maple syrup. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 3 to 5 minutes or until mixture thickens, stirring frequently. 7. To serve, spoon rice mixture into bowls. Top with fresh berries, additional whipping cream and maple syrup, if like.
LAKE LIFE WKND
17
At Blackboard, you will find that their menu is filled with their family favorites. Their goal is to not be a fine dining restaurant, but to be a fun and relaxing place to eat good food with family and friends. Walking through the dining area, you will see it has stayed the same other than a fresh coat of paint and new screens on the windows. Terri and Sara focused on creating a wonderful outdoor dining area, complete with music on the lawn every Thursday. YOU CAN MEET SARA AT BLACKBOARD RESTAURANT 29961 415TH STREET VERGAS, MN
Easy Sweet Chile Shrimp Serves 2 to 4 people
INGREDIENTS 3 T olive oil
PREPARE 1. Heat oil in saute pan.
1 # shrimp, peeled & deveined
2. Sprinkle shrimp with salt & pepper.
salt & pepper
3. Saute shrimp for about 5 minutes or until cooked through.
3 limes. 2 zested & juiced + 1 cut in ½ 1 heaping T sweet chile garlic paste (asian section of grocery store) 2 T honey 2 scallions chopped
4. Add lime juice & zest. Add chile paste. 5. Stir in honey. Mix thoroughly and chill. 6. Serve chilled sprinkled with scallions, cilantro, and toasted sesame seeds for garnish.
1 T toasted sesame seeds Cilantro (optional)
Flourless Chocolate Cake Makes 16-20 servings
INGREDIENTS ½ cup water ¼ tsp sea salt 6 eggs ¾ cup granulated sugar 18oz (2 ¼ cups) bittersweet chocolate chips 1 cup salted butter, room temperature 1 tsp vanilla
PREPARE 1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Grease one 9 inch round cake pan and set aside. 2. In a small saucepan over medium heat combine the water, salt and sugar until dissolved and set aside. 3. Melt chocolate chips in microwave or over a double boiler and pour into the bowl of a standing mixer. 4. Cut the butter into pieces and beat into the chocolate (1 piece at a time) 5. Mix in the sugar water. 6. Slowly beat in the eggs, one at a time until smooth. Then add vanilla. 7. Pour into prepared cake pan. 8. Put the cake pan in a larger pan and fill with boiling water until it reaches ½ up the sides of your cake pan. 9. Bake for 45 minutes. (the center will still look wet) 10. Remove and let cool. 11. Chill for at least 6 hour or overnight. Serve. LAKE LIFE WKND
19
THE
THIELEN FOUNDATION
Helping Youth Achieve Their Full Potential
BY KATIE BEEDY, TELLWELL
COMMUNITY
With the second anniversary of the foundation this fall, we wanted to catch up with all the positive impacts this lakes area Minnesota native has made. Adam and Caitlin Thielen’s lives have been shaped by the sports they played growing up. As an all-state center midfielder for Woodbury High School, Caitlin’s quick feet (and quicker thinking) set her apart on the soccer field. She went on to share her talents with both Iowa State and the Minnesota State University-Mankato, receiving the accolade of NSIC Newcomer of the Year—the first in Mankato’s program history. Adam, on the other hand, grew up tossing a football around his backyard in Detroit Lakes. His impressive catches for the Lakers caught the eye of MSU-Mankato’s coaching staff and...well, the rest is history. Those experiences in youth and collegiate athletics taught Adam and Caitlin the value of hard work, discipline, and being a team player. Knowing that not all youth have access to the same opportunities that they did, Adam and Caitlin have decided to use their platform to give back to the activities and communities that have given them so much.
ADAM AND HIS SIBLINGS ENJOYING LAKE LIFE
In September 2018, Adam and Caitlin made their biggest play to date: launching the Thielen Foundation. With a focus on youth development, the Foundation aims to create programs that serve, educate, and inspire individuals so they are equipped and empowered to reach their full potential in life. The Thielen Foundation will celebrate its second anniversary this fall. We spoke with Executive Director Amy Sinclair about the impact the foundation has made in its first two years, and the impact they hope to make in the future.
CAITLYN AND ADAM THIELEN
LAKE LIFE WKND
21
A CHAMPION FOR YOUTH It all started with a visit to the University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital.
allowed to accompany Adam and Caitlin. Rather than preparing a statement or a speech to the kids, they sit with them in a circle and participate in an open question-and-answer forum.
Specifically, the hospital’s Pediatric Behavioral Health Unit, which supports patients under the age of 18 struggling with depression, substance use disorder, as well as other behavioral and mental health conditions. The more interaction they had, the more they began to notice a need that had been overlooked by other “They are well aware that philanthropists for far too long. many of those kids don’t even Those kids needed a champion. know who Adam is,” Amy said. “These kids ask him all kinds “Adam and Caitlin chose to support that particular unit because it of things, and sometimes it’s was not supported by any organization or individual,” Amy said. really goofy stuff. But Adam “They just felt that the need was so great for those kids to have a will answer every question support system, inspiration, and tools.” they ask him, and he’ll answer honestly. Those kids will With an initial 100,000 dollar pledge to the Pediatric Behavioral be changed by that forever, Health Unit in September 2018, Adam and Caitlin officially kicked whether they know who he is off the Thielen Foundation. The Thielens continue to make regular or not.” visits to the hospital to speak with patients, offer messages of hope, and provide tools like journals, yoga mats and instructions, and comfort items that will help them on their path to wellness. These visits are a unique opportunity for the Thielens. Because many of the patients they meet are minors, no cameras are
ADAM, CAITLIN AND SON ASHER CELEBRATE THE LAUNCH OF THE THIELEN FOUNDATION
22
FALL 2020
FOOTBALL CAMP 2019. 200 KIDS FROM K-8TH GRADE JOINED ADAM ON THE FIELD FOR A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN IMPORTANT SKILLS ON HOW TO IMPROVE THEIR GAME BOTH ON AND OFF THE FIELD
PROMOTING POSITIVE BEHAVIOR THROUGH SPORTS While the Masonic Children’s Hospital was the Thielen Foundation’s first formal partner, the Foundation has expanded over the past two years to reach several organizations and hundreds of youth across Minnesota.
education, job training, rental assistance, and other expenses to get them on their path to independence,” Amy said.
Another early partner of the Thielen Foundation was the Salvation Army. Every year, the two organizations partner to provide Christmas gifts to help struggling families celebrate the holiday. In 2019, the Thielen Foundation expanded their partnership with the Salvation Army to have an even greater impact.
2019 also marked the beginning of the Thielen Foundation’s relationship with Brooklyn Center High School. In September of last year, the Thielens announced a program that included renovating the school’s weight room, donating thousands of dollars’ worth of athletic equipment, and creating a scholarship fund to help students who are leaders on their respective teams further their education.
“We expanded that program to not only provide holiday items that the families need and want, but to give them some financial support so parents can get tuition assistance for
The partnership also includes regular visits to the high school, where Adam and Caitlin offer the student body inspiration and nutritional education.
“We will never forget this time in our life when we were championed by someone who really cared about our future, and who we were.” Testimonial from children who was helped by The Thielen Toundation
LAKE LIFE WKND
23
“What Adam and Caitlin really wanted to do is teach kids the value of commitment, showing up, discipline, goal setting, and being a good teammate, all through the platform of sports,” Amy said. “Those kids were over the moon having Adam Thielen and Caitlin walk in their doors and offer all those resources. We received testimony after testimony from kids who said, ’We will never forget this time in our life when we were championed by someone who really cared about our future, and who we were.’” Sports continue to be central to Adam and Caitlin’s mission. The Brooklyn Center program is a pilot that the Foundation hopes to replicate
at several other schools in the coming years. In the meantime, the Thielen Foundation has partnered with several inner-city youth football teams, created to prevent kids and teens from participating in gang activity. “These street football teams have zero resources,” Amy said. “We get them funding, so that families don't have to pay an activity or a team fee, plus we provide jerseys, footballs, cones, flags, cleats, so that these kids can participate in something positive and healthy.”
PHILANTHROPY THROUGH A PANDEMIC Across the country, nonprofits have been some of the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic—and the Thielen Foundation is no exception. “We had three big fundraisers which we had to cancel, we had to refund everybody’s tickets,” Amy said. “And without hesitation, both Adam and Caitlin said, ‘It’s for times like this that we created a Foundation, for when people are really hurting and need the support. And we are not going to stop donating just because we can't do fundraisers to bring in money. We are going to keep giving.’”
“We had no idea what the potential was, if it would be just a few thousand dollars or what it would look like, but we raised more than 280,000 dollars during that 12 hours. We equally divided the funds among four organizations that already had relief efforts in place to help people in the state of Minnesota directly because of the virus.”
As Amy and the Thielens brainstormed ways to continue serving their communities during the pandemic, Adam had an idea: what if they used their platform on local radio station KFAN—on which Adam is a frequent guest—to raise funds?
Those four organizations—the Salvation Army, Second Harvest Heartland, M Health Fairview System, and the Minnesota Disaster Recovery Fund for Coronavirus—each received over 70,000 dollars to put toward their relief efforts.
Nine days later, the Foundation hosted a 12-hour radiothon—a day full of impact stories, awareness, and raising money to assist organizations serving
24
the community during COVID-19. Call-in guests ranged from Adam’s teammates like Kirk Cousins and CJ Ham, professional golfers and tennis players, to actor Josh Duhamel.
FALL 2020
From providing youth with the tools they need to succeed to helping their community endure during a pandemic, the Thielen Foundation has a lot to be proud of in their first two years.
THIELEN TWEETING AFTER THE VIRTUAL RADIOTHON
THE RIGHT TEAM With the values they’ve learned from sports and the right team by their side, Adam and Caitlin Thielen have achieved their dream of empowering and inspiring youth to reach their full potential. One valuable member of their team is Choice Bank. “Choice Bank is a treasure for us, and not just for financial support,” Amy said. “If we have ideas we want to bounce off of somebody, it’s always, ‘Call Choice Bank first and see what they have to say.’ They are so good to us, and we are so grateful for their partnership.” From providing youth with the tools they need to succeed to helping their community endure during a pandemic, the Thielen Foundation has a lot to be proud of in their first two years. “This was a start-up foundation. We didn't have a checking account, we had nothing, and we built it up from day one,” Amy said. “To come this far in a short amount of time and to formalize some really strong partnerships, to be as financially sound as we are early on, is something that makes me really happy.” To support programs that help Minnesota youth achieve their full potential in life, please visit www.thielenfoundation.org/donate/.
LAKE LIFE WKND
25
TAILGATE AT THE
LAKE Football is about so much more than the game; it’s about the rituals, camaraderie, and of course, the food that comes along with it.
26
FALL 2020
While both professional and collegiate athletics may look a bit different this season, we asked a few folks to share their favorite game day traditions. As well as provide a few ideas on how to start your own new traditions, and what better than to combine two of the best things–football and the lakes.
TRADITIONAL TAILGATING Tim Karsky
“I think my favorite place to tailgate is the parking lot outside of the Fargodome before NDSU football games. It is a great party atmosphere and we always run into our friends and fans! The food, drink, laughter, and conversation is second to none.”
"We will have to host a Zoom tailgate party before games if we can't get together outside the Dome this year.”
ZOOM TAILGATE LAKE LIFE WKND
27
TENT TRADITIONS Kristina Holtgard
“We tailgate for every NDSU Bison home football game in a Bison motor home. We're out when it's raining, snowing, and when it's -10 degrees. We have tents to warm up in when it's cold and games to play when it's warm. Some amazing friendships have been formed over the years, so this is something we look forward to all year. At our tailgates, there's no shortage of food! With our tailgate menu being more of a potluck style, you never know what to expect—but it usually involves grilling multiple kinds of meat (brats, beef tenderloin tips, and ham, just to name a few). The menu changes from week to week, especially as we use Crock Pots for chili, dips, and soup when it gets cooler outside. There's always many options for dessert, too, and we can't forget about the adult beverages that have become tradition as well.”
A little rain (or snow) won’t stop these friends from tailgating.
Get together with a small group of friends and grill or have a potluck at the cabin. Enjoy views of the lake, pontoon rides, and a little fishing, or take turns pulling up your favorite football clips from the past and reminisce about old times or make plans for future gatherings.
CABIN CLIPS 28
FALL 2020
FOOD FAVS “My favorite game days are Super Bowl Sunday & NHL playoffs. We always celebrate with wings, beer, and chips and queso.” Bri Lindig
“I love to host potluck parties on game day! My Pickle Wrap Dip with crackers is always a hit.”
You just can’t beat a bowl of melted cheese.
Megan Sorenson
MAGIC PICKLE WRAP DIP
recipe and photo from food.com
16 oz cream cheese, softened 16 oz baby dill pickles, drained, diced 12 oz corned beef or deli style ham, chopped Assorted crackers » Combine softened cream cheese, chopped beef, and diced pickles; mix well. » Serve with Ritz crackers, chilled or up to room temperature. » Refrigerate leftovers.
LAKE LIFE WKND
29
“The family we tailgate with always has a seafood boil. Friends (and new ‘friends’) always stop by to check out the seafood feast.” Kris Stroh
The delicious smells of seafood, potatoes, and sausage wafting through the air are sure to attract a crowd!
SEAFOOD BOIL 3 lemons 1/2 cup Old Bay seasoning 8 cloves garlic, smashed 1 onion, peeled and cut into 6 pieces 1 pound Yukon gold potatoes, halved 4 ears corn on the cob, cut into 3-4 inch pieces
» Cut 2 of the lemons into quarters. Slice the remaining lemon into wedges and reserve the wedges for garnish. » Fill a large pot with 14-16 cups of water. Place the 2 quartered lemons in the water along with the Old Bay seasoning, garlic and onion. Bring to a boil. » Add the potatoes to the pot and cook for 8 minutes.
1 pound clams, scrubbed
» Add the clams, crab, and corn, and cook for 5 minutes.
1 pound crab legs, pre-cooked
» Add the shrimp and sausage and cook for 2-3 minutes.
1 pound kielbasa or andouille sausage, cut into 1 inch pieces
» Drain the seafood mixture from the pot, reserving 1 cup of the broth.
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined 3 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
30
recipe from Dinner at the Zoo
FALL 2020
» Melt the butter in a small bowl and whisk it into the reserved broth. Pour the broth over the seafood mixture. » Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges. Sprinkle with additional Old Bay seasoning to taste, then serve immediately.
LAKE LIFE WKND
31
Lake style Living bill board
*jcrlake.com
REFACE Nestled on a beautiful level lot on the north shore of Big Detroit Lake sits a 1977 rambler that has recently been transformed into a curbside beauty. The once unappealing, basic rambler was purchased in 2018 by a renovationloving couple who were more than excited to take on both the interior and exterior updates to make it their home.
32
FALL 2020
Bringing Homes Back to Life
Troy & Skye Fingalson, owners of Design 2 Sell and North Shore Tile in Detroit Lakes are amongst the handful of people that can see the new through the old and envision the potential. “We love walking through a home, seeing the potential, and bringing it back to life”, stated Skye. “I always feel like I’m making the home happy again, almost like I can feel that it is talking to me.” Troy and Skye are no strangers to the renovation and building process; both have been in the industry for many years, and have unintentionally flipped the last 4 homes they have lived in. “We have moved 4 times, brought life back to each home, and then moved on”, Skye said. “We tend to always say that this will be our forever home while we are fixing it up, but so far it hasn’t ended up that way”, she laughs. “I’m addicted to the MLS and am always envisioning what I would do in the space if it were mine because that is what we enjoy doing.” “You never know where life will bring you and I love a good opportunity when I see one.” However, she does say that THIS will be their forever home. The location being close to town, the large and private backyard, and the beachfront make it hard for her and her husband to leave. When they purchased the home in the Summer of 2018, they immediately began renovating the interior of the home, all while living in their Master Bedroom during the process. “We have two young children, so doing this was not easy, but it is always worth it”. After finishing up the interior, they took a little break and began the planning stages of the exterior of the home. “I knew that we needed to add dimension” Skye said. “The home was basic and flat. The windows and the brick were not to scale with the home, and it needed a new roof.” “I wanted dimension, texture, and I really wanted to bring color back. Everything has been so neutral, and I did not want that. I fell in love with Benjamin Moore’s paint color “Dark Harbor” and designed the entire home around that. Incorporating texture and high contrast was also important. They used stained cedar to build their pergola over top of the garage, the posts by the front porch, and the custom-made planter box. “A great way to determine which colors complement each other is to look at a color wheel and select colors that are opposite of each
LAKE LIFE WKND
33
other. The cooler tone of the teal paint and warm tone of the cedar work great together and mix cool with warm. The white trim gave the home that high contrast.” Adding the right stone in the right place on the home was also something that Skye knew had to be done correctly. The home is not tall enough to do a wainscot among the front. “It would have made it look smaller.” That is when she decided that all it would need was the face of the garage, the chimney, and the bottom of the pillars to give it the right texture. Troy and Skye opted for real stone, and stone that was irregular shaped that would pull out the cedar color. When replacing the windows along the front of their home, they made them much larger and Skye was completely set on the gridded look. “I have always loved the gridded windows. They give a cottage feel, and they look welcoming.” By enlarging the windows, the home appeared larger. Another unique feature about the home is the wider siding. They chose a 12” wide siding instead of the standard narrow siding. “Larger scale pieces make a small space feel bigger.
34
FALL 2020
It is a common misperception that if you have a small space, you should use small scale pieces, when in fact, the larger scaled items you use, the bigger the space will appear”, Skye mentioned. By adding the front porch area, and the pergola over the garage, we were able to add a lot of dimension to the home. The soffit is not your standard aluminum soffit, and instead, is painted shiplap. The painted shiplap also lines the ceiling underneath the front porch, where Skye has a beautiful chandelier hanging. “Lighting is everything, so we chose what we wanted to highlight with the chandelier, the lanterns that hang from the pergola, the under-soffit lighting, and the landscaping lights.” One problem that Skye had while designing the exterior of the home was finding that perfect garage door color to match her front door. “I really wanted that orange-cedar tone and the factory colors were too brown. I took the front door swatch into Detroit Paint & Glass, where they color matched the front door for me so I could send it into the garage door factory to custom match.”
In any great design – it is truly all in the details. So, by adding a decorative old barn rope railing, the beautiful curved sidewalk, the unique floor to ceiling cedar planter box, and the gorgeous landscaping, the icing was now on the cake. “It takes a village of talented people in various trades to accomplish a great renovation. Let the experts be the experts and trust the process”, Skye stated. “We couldn’t have accomplished all of what we did without the help of everyone and their amazing expertise.” Stop in to Skye’s beautiful flooring and Interior design studio, “Design 2 Sell” in Detroit Lakes to visit with her about your next building or renovation project.
Skye Fingalson, Owner, Design 2 Sell
PODCAST CHARTS lakelifewknd.podbean.com #getoutandexplore #welovelakelife
WKND#033 - SARA WATSON ABOUT BLACKBOARD RESTAURANT Meet Sara Watson and hear her story about opening a Restaurant in Otter Tail County during a time of uncertainty. Her passion for food and creative cooking has lead her path from Fargo to Colorado and back to the Red River Valley to arrive in Lakes Country opening Blackboard Restaurant together with Terri Trickle.
WKND#031 - MAGGIE FRESONKE ABOUT THE COVE COWORKING We met with Maggie Fresonke to speak about remote work environments, rural living, and to hear her story about why she opened a coworking space in Perham. COVE is located in downtown just off of Main Street and offers different kind of membership plans or one day pass options to get work done in a friendly office.
WKND#030 - GLEN NYHUS WITH SCREAM’ EAGLES RC AIRPLANE CLUB The other week we were passing a field next to the highway and saw a number of colorful model plains flying in the air. After taking another look we discovered a model air field and a group of people getting ready to fly their remote control through the sky. Hear about the history of model airplane culture in the area.
WKND#029 - KELLIE AND LEE ABOUT LOVE LETTERS Love Letters a play by A.R. Gurney. Kellie Pifer and Lee Klocke. When the Fargo-Moorhead theater at Island Park lost their building both actors decided to organize a fund raiser. After the theater world was forced to shut down this spring, they came up with a way to do the performance in a social distance friendly format.
WKND#028 - JOEL KATH ABOUT PROOF ARTISAN DISTILLERS It all began about 10 years ago on Sybil Lake by Vergas when Joel Kath was thinking about building an Artisan Distillery. Many bonfires later and brainstorming with friends and neighbors, he came up with a concept and brand names for his products. Hear the full story about 2 Docks Vodka and Proof Artisan Distillery
WKND#026 - OUTSTATE BREWING CO FERGUS FALLS At Outstate Brewing Company in Fergus Falls you will find great brews, cool food, live music, and one of the best beer garden set ups we have seen so far in Lakes Country. Hear the full story about this new brewing/tap house that combines craft, creativity, and community, from founders Dan Mohagen and Patrick Lundberg.
WKND#025 - SHERRI HANSON ABOUT VERGAS TRAIL Sherri Hanson speaks about the new Vergas Trail addition on Long Lake. Yes-actually on the water. It has been a three year process to add the board walk to connect Loon Park with our most favorite path along the lake which is open to the public now.
35
Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and Podbean or stream live at www.lakelifewknd.com to hear these stories and more! LAKE LIFE WKND
35
! Y L F s ' t e
L
How to Build a Kite 1
GATHER YOUR SUPPLIES
As a child, we dream of flying. We imagine boxes being rockets or that if we flap our arms hard enough we'll fly away like a bird.
Kites and paper air planes can give that same sense of excitement - especially when you make them yourself! Here is how you can build your own at home. Grab your supplies and start building. Laugh, run, and have fun outdoors. Let's fly!
-
2
2 = 1/4 inch round wooden dowels utility knife or hand saw newspaper or plastic trash bag masking or packing tape
BUILD YOUR SUPPORTS
Cross the shorter dowel over the longer one about 6 inches from the top to make a 't' and wrap the dowels together with string. * Make sure the notches are parallel to the floor.
FALL 2020
string scissors ruler pencil
Cut the dowels with hand saw or utility knife. One to 10 inches and the other to 24 inches. Make a notch in both ends as well.
notches
36
-
3 LACE YOUR FRAME Wrap string around the kite, making sure it falls into the notches at the ends of the dowels.
5 SECURE THE EDGES Fold the edges of the paper or plastic over the string and dowels and tape it down securely all the way around. Poke a small hole into the top and bottom points of the kite.
*You can also tape the string in the cross section for extra support and stability.
4 COVER THE KITE Place a large piece of paper or plastic bag on the floor, and your kite frame on top of it. Cut the paper around the frame about one inch larger to make it the same shape and allow for overlap.
6 STRING IT UP Cut a piece of string 24 inches long and attach it through the holes at the top and the bottom. (This is your 'brindle'.) Secure with tape on the ends. Then attach your flying string to the brindle about a 1/3 of the way down.
Attach a tail to help stabilize the kite, and you're ready to fly!
LAKE LIFE WKND
37
How to Build an Airplane Forget the simple paper folded airplane! There are so many ways to make other 'planes' that fly even better and further. This may not look like your typical plane but guaranteed to fly!
1
GATHER YOUR SUPPLIES
-
card stock paper clear tape scissors straws (paper ones without the accordion bend work best)
2
CUT THE STRIPS
4 CONSTRUCT THE PLANE Place the circles at opposite ends of the straw, with the straw sitting inside and at the bottom of each circle.
Cut the paper into 5 inch by 1 inch strips. You will need three strips of paper for each plane.
Secure the straw to the each circle by placing a piece of tape over the straw and to both sides of the paper.
3
ASSEMBLE THE WINGS Lay two of the 5 inch strips of paper together end-to-end and tape them together across the center. You should now have one 5 inch strip and one that is approximately 10 inches. Then tape each strip together, endto-end to create a circle.
5
READY FOR TAKE OFF You are ready to fly! Have a distance flying competition or place targets round the lawn to see who can get the closest.
We want to see your creations! Send us your pictures or tag us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @lakelifewknd! 38
FALL 2020
Destinations and directions for eating, bait, public boat accesses, family fun, and more!
wkndnow.com
LAKE LIFE WKND
39
Get Away Without Going Far
OTTER BERRY FARM Aubrey Roberts
“Otter Berry Farm is one of our favorite places to visit in the fall. There are so many activities for the kids and family of all ages. Pumpkins are available for purchase and they also have u-pick raspberries. They just shared their new corn maze for 2020 and we can’t wait to check it out!”
EPIC DAY TRIPS The COVID-19 pandemic may have put a damper on summer travel plans, but that doesn’t mean the year is a total bust. You don’t have to leave the Minnesota to find gorgeous landscapes, outdoor adventures, and relaxing getaways—there are plenty of day trip destinations in and around Lakes Country too! Whether you are an avid hiker, a bargain hunter, foodie, or a beach bum, here are a few of our favorite places to visit when we just need to get away.
40
FALL 2020
MAPLE HILLS APPLE ORCHARD, DETROIT LAKES “We went to the Maple Hills Orchard for the first time last year and were so surprised to find we could pick our own fresh raspberries! We spent several hours there and plan to visit every fall. We recommend the tractor ride around the property, you will have the best view of the changing leaves around Detroit Lakes!”
VILLAGE BUNGALOW Brenda Sagert
“My favorite hidden gem in Minnesota is the Village Bungalow located in Cormorant. The owners are a wonderful team that always make us feel welcome and they have a wonderful gift selection including clothing, jewelry, soaps, purses, and much more for every age. We always have to make several stops each lake season as they get new items all of the time. This place is worth the time to seek out!”
Tim Karsky
“Sometimes the best places are right at a friend's lake cabin. This is where lifelong memories are formed with lifetime friends! The only thing that might be better than a day at the beach is a pontoon ride to get an ice cream cone.”
ic R ass2020 all l C
y
ONE OF THE 10,000 LAKES
Pick up a few gifts for your friends (or yourself) at the Village Bungalow!
Fall Colors
Ottertail Scenic Byway
CLASSIC CAR RALLY & SCENIC DRIVE Dirk Ockhardt
Estee Hutchinson and her friend Cannon Lill can't think of a better place than the beach.
I've always enjoyed taking roadtrips, especially in the fall with all the colorful trees, and its even better in a great classic ride! Throughout Lakes Country you can find (or get lost) on many different roads enjoying all the beautiful sites of nature. On September 26th there is also a social distancing friendly event starting at 10:00AM in Perham. Come as a spectator to check out all the classic cars or join us as a driver as we travel to Phelps Mill and through Maplewood State Park for a Fall Colors road trip. More info at www.wkndrally.com
LAKE LIFE WKND
41
BLACKBOARD RESTAURANT Blackboard Restaurant is a new casual dining option in Lakes Country. Located just a few miles from Maplewood State Park, you could spend your day exploring the trails and finish it off with creative food and a tasty cocktail. This restaurant has a historic schoolhouse style like nothing you have seen before.
NORTH FOLK WINERY HARRIS If relaxing with a nice glass of wine is more your speed, then North Folk Winery is the day trip destination for you. Located 40 miles north of the Twin Cities in the tiny town of Harris, MN, North Folk Winery offers delicious local wines, homemade pizza, and an outdoor patio overlooking their gorgeous vineyard. North Folk Winery is the perfect place to sit back, relax, and forget about life for a while.
QUARRY PARK AND NATURE PRESERVE WAITE PARK Located just outside of St. Cloud, MN, Quarry Park and Nature Preserve is a favorite day trip spot for nature lovers. Enjoy a leisurely walk, a swim, and a picnic, or get more adventurous with scuba diving or rock climbing. Take a dip in the pristine blue waters of Quarry Park!
42
FALL 2020
TEMPERANCE RIVER STATE PARK - TOFTE Karsten Jensen
“The BEST campground is Temperance River State Park in Tofte, MN. It's right on Lake Superior, has clean bathrooms if you like that convenience, has tent and RV campsites, has clean drinking water, a beach, and some of the best hikes you can walk to right from the campsite.” With views like these, you will forget you are just a few hours from home.
HIKING & CROSS COUNTRY SKIING MAPLEWOOD STATE PARK + BLACKS GROVE PARK, WADENA The opportunities are endless in Lakes Country for hiking and cross country skiing. Maplewood State Park gives you miles and miles of trails to discover near Pelican Rapids. If you’re heading out even farther, Black Grove Park in Wadena is another great option! This park is smaller, but the trails are roomy and you’ll cross several bridges throughout. You can’t beat the scenery here! Above: Maplewood State Park Below: Photo courtesy of Wadena PJ
LAKE LIFE WKND
43
YOU DON'T KNOW JACK? 40th Anniversary of Jack Chivers Realty In Minnesota, we all grow up with lakes. There is no way we Minnesotans would live life without them. And we all celebrate the lakes year-round as we are surrounded by thousands of them wherever we live at. For some, this relationship has been established for generations. For others, however, it came coincidentally. This is the case for Jack who was not born and raised in the area. His story, which transformed into a Real Estate company and become a lifestyle brand for West Central Minnesota, began when Jack Chivers moved to Detroit Lakes in 1966. During this time many now famous brands and places were founded in the area such as Arctic Cat, Concordia Language Villages, Maplewood State Park, ZORBAZ and many more local lake icons. It seems this time was a lake life pioneer period.
Back when he arrived, he enjoyed lake life yearround, snowmobile racing in the winters and jet skiing or sailing in the Summers. Jack started working as a full-time real estate agent for Calhoun Companies, based out of Minneapolis, selling commercial real estate properties and businesses in the tri-state area. He traveled all over and sold many businesses which got him in contact with people going into retirement. Jack began proposing to move to Lakes Country for their retirement before anyone else did. He eventually found his niche as a lake property Growing up in Pittsburgh, PA, in the 1950s— expert and decided to open his own brokerage: Jack wanted to see more of the world in his early Jack Chivers Realty was established in Detroit years. At that time, Pittsburgh was going through Lakes in early 1980. a depression and he took the chance to leave by joining the Navy. After sailing all seven seas For Lakes Country, the commodity of living on and spending time in Africa, his path led him to a lake is one that spans vast price ranges, styles, North Dakota at first to play college Basketball and demographics. With all the properties on before he eventually arrived in Minnesota. Here nearly two thousand lakes between Becker and he immediately became enamored with Lake Life. Otter Tail County alone, the competition is stiff. However, a forty-year-old brand that has sold Jack found himself at the lake for the first time billions of dollars’ worth of real estate, is a lakes on July 4th, 1966, while attending a party in area marvel. Jack Chivers Realty is one of the Detroit Lakes. This defining day, he decided to longest standing businesses and possibly the make Detroit Lakes his home and still lives on oldest real estate company in the area. the lake today.
44
FALL 2020
How Did That All Happen? Jack always shared his passion for Detroit Lakes and Lakes Country, saying, "Don't just visit... live it!" However, living life and seeing the world was also important for Jack. Besides his Real Estate agency, he founded Magnum Belize, a travel company for hunting and fishing which lead him to venture to Belize to open and manage a resort for a while.
Jack Chivers at the start of his Real Estate career
personality of the property Jack found himself traveling to to match the buyer. "What do this charming small country you want the lake to do for and building this venture you?" Jack was one of the first company for over nine years "Lake Experts" in the greater with some business partners. area around Detroit Lakes and Something from nothing. Prior known for that throughout the to that Jack sold hundreds of State of North Dakota. After resort properties in Minnesota he founded his own brokerage, and Canada which gave him he grew the company steadily the experience and insight in that industry. Captain Morgan’s offering residential and commercial real estate services. Retreat became the first resort property of several, in which he To this day, Jack is the was invested in. It's still going most experienced and strong to this day, but Jack left most successful real estate Belize and the organization professional in possibly the long ago. whole tri-state area. His company’s name has become an Jack came back to the Lakes icon for recreational property area after many successful sales and is known far beyond entrepreneurial gigs. He local borders. Jack Chivers is learned so much about businesses when working to sell one of very few in the nation celebrating over 50 years of them, which in turn also led industry experience. He has to many fruitful relationships resigned from the company a with other entrepreneurs. few years ago but his passion These connections blossomed even more when getting buyers and love for the lakes is the spirit which drives the success into lake homes. of our group to this day. The process of selling a lake home isn't just about real estate. Jack describes it as getting the
A New Beginning In late 2013, Dirk Ockhardt purchased the brand and took over as managing broker of Jack Chivers Realty. At this point he had no idea what it means to live on a lake, and he was of the belief he would simply be selling real estate. However, he soon realized he would be doing much more. Dirk was born and raised near DĂźsseldorf, Germany, and initially became familiar with West-Central Minnesota attending a high school exchange program in Barnesville where he graduated in 1996. He has remained friends with many of his classmates from that time and was the beginning of his Minnesota story. After spending only one year as a foreign exchange student in Minnesota, Dirk had returned to finish school in Germany.
Made in Minnesota
Detroit Lakes Team In Germany, he grew up in a very entrepreneurial household which inspired him to create his first company at age 18 while still attending high school. He founded a new sparkling wine brand called The young Paul, which he had produced through a winery in the Southern German wine region. He designed the brand, created marketing campaigns, and built his own distribution network. The passion for advertising and creating something new is one that never left him.
But he got swept up in the world of art and changed direction, running an art gallery for several years while studying art history and eventually opening his own gallery before returning to school in 2006 to earn a law degree. The art world allowed for experiences unlike any other. He traveled the world and met famous artists and collectors. His passion for the arts remains to this day.
Dirk is a true visionary and creator. He is an entrepreneur with more than 20 years of experience as a brand manager and founder. When he purchased Jack Chivers Realty in 2013 he had no idea where it would lead to. He just wanted to own and operate his own company. Real estate made sense as he has experience in banking and education in contract law as a business lawyer. But as time would tell– Dirk would be handling more than just contracts. He arrived in Fargo after graduating from Law School in 2009 and began his Real Estate career in 2011. When he moved from Fargo to the lake in the Summer of 2014, he had no idea what it meant to live lake life. He did not know how special it was and that living in Lakes Country is a lifestyle decision. Being so connected to nature gave him a new perspective on living life after growing up in a metropolitan area. He had always enjoyed water and nature, but this was different.
The law school he attended is one of the oldest in Germany near the Baltic Ocean north of After that, Dirk became more Berlin. During this time Dirk familiar with the Midwest did not stop organizing and and Canada, first as a foreign building things. He established exchange student, but later as Shortly after moving to a small the University’s Golf program an intern at an engineering lake and raising his son rural and founded an annual student firm in Calgary, Alberta after he felt the transformation golf tournament for competing he graduated High School in students nationwide. Procuring Germany in 1999 and then as a member of the German Air Force, sponsors and organizing events became his hobby while stationed for one year in Happy cramming for exams. In 2007 Valley Goose Bay, Canada. he also founded the LLB Forum, In 2001, he started his sales which became Dirk's first career working with Dresdner digital platform, helping law Bank in Essen, Germany. He students compile study material earned an associate degree and form group meetings. in banking and planned to continue with an MBA program. Perham Team
46
FALL 2020
which he began to incorporate in the communication and advertising of his company. He felt that Jack Chivers Realty is not just selling properties but that they are connecting people with a unique lifestyle by bringing them to the lake. This understanding was the trigger for building more than a real estate company. In 2015, he began publishing a small booklet with stories about the area and including real estate listings which he distributed throughout the FargoMoorhead area and Lakes Country. Together with some partners the pamphlet grew to become a small magazine with even more lifestyle content. The foundation for what became the LAKE LIFE WKND community was established. During the past years Dirk added a podcast program, annual expo event, and a digital map interface to the mix.
The LAKE LIFE WKND Community Without the intent, Dirk transformed a traditional real estate brand into a lifestyle company by reinvigorating the brand's advertising and breathing fresh marketing campaigns into the often stale niche. Real Estate needed new ideas. When Dirk bought Jack Chivers Realty, he actually began creating a network of companies all active in the communication and advertising industry. He concluded that a Real Estate Brokerage is in fact an advertising agency with one
Dirk is very grateful for the product: real estate property. many people who have helped After he built up his sales him along the way. There are team which serves buyers and friends, neighbors, mentors, sellers directly, he spun off the and most importantly the marketing department of Jack people that trusted him to join Chivers Realty and founded the group. Without the skilled Matz & Greiff Media Group and passionate individuals in 2017. He purchased the old that work with him, he would Matz & Greiff Garage in Perham have not been able to grow the which was founded in 1927 and company and build something added it to the company network. so unique. Dirk is proud to have attracted such sales talent The Perham group produces who live lake life and serve exclusive campaigns for a small people in the area looking for number of companies including it. The company has grown to Jack Chivers Realty. It is the a size, bigger than ever before, home of the WKND community and is still growing. In its 40 and not only publishes the year history, the brokerage magazine but also other books. has not yet seen so many The most recent one was the consecutive years of growth Spanky’s Stonehearth cookbook year after year. Thanks to the 1st edition which was designed team and dedication of each and created by Matz & Greiff. member in sales, marketing, and administration, the brand Minnesota is a unique place could not be in a better position and has brought up many to serve its clients. There are products and ideas for many plans for more growth to the other people. Maybe it’s in the lake life companies already. water. The water sure changed the lives of both Jack and Dirk. Are you ready for the wknd yet? What Jack started was brought to the next level after Dirk took the brand and swam with it. Moving from the outside, to the lake, was the beginning of a personal and business transformation. Rather than approaching real estate in the traditional way, he realized lake life is a lifestyle product. His experiences have come full circle. Furthering the concept, he defined a vision by creating the WKND magazine that you hold in your hands. The need to communicate this community was paramount to the success of Jack Chivers Realty. For today, and the future.
Dirk Ockhardt, Broker
LAKE LIFE WKND
47
t e e M THE CHIVERS!* MIKE CARLSON
Mike’s experiences in and out of Minnesota guarantees he knows his way around a lake. Coupled with his college-backed expertise of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Mike’s the ultimate lake guide. (218) 850-7146 | mike@jackchiversrealty.com
LORI ELLEFSON Lori’s passion for spaces and environments led her to obtaining a BS in Interior Design and her career in real estate sales. She has her GRI Designation from the Graduate Realtor Institute, so we can affirm you are working with a highly professional and knowledgeable sales agent. (218) 790-3281 | lori@jackchiversrealty.com
BLAKE OLSON Living and loving Minnesota lake life since growing up on a family farm, experienced and highly educated Blake will use his skills to ensure your lake life real estate needs are exceeded. (218) 849-9758 | blake@jackchiversrealty.com
SCOTT DAVIS Scott has strong roots to the Detroit Lakes area and is heavily involved in the local Chamber. He is passionate about serving his community and carries that same passion to his clients both buying and selling real estate. (218) 234-6544 | scott@jackchiversrealty.com
KRISTI SANDS Growing up in the Alexandria Lakes Area, Kristi loves the woodsy, lake life style. She now lives in Detroit Lakes raising her family and pursuing her passion for Real Estate. She enjoys working with people and helping them with all their buying or selling needs. (320) 345-1181 | kristi@jackchiversrealty.com 48
FALL 2020
JASON WITZKE Jason is a proficient local gem when it comes to knowing Minnesota lake life. With more than 15 years’ experience in almost all realms of real estate, you can count on Jason’s expertise and dedication for you. (218) 234-1904 | jason@jackchiversrealty.com
JEN SCHALEKAMP Jen has a natural act for serving! She enjoys connecting one on one with others to achieve their real estate goals, whether buying or selling in Becker and Otter Tail County. (218) 731-0877 | jen@jackchiversrealty.com
BOB HOVDE Bob has all the knowledge and experience to serve his clients best. He has been in the industry for over 50 years. In that time, he also taught school for 18 years and received his Broker’s License. (218) 234-9429 | bob@jackchiversrealty.com
RHONDA MAHLUM Rhonda lives and plays on Otter Tail Lake and possesses extensive real estate industry experience. Her knowledge in property value and investment opportunities make her a great asset to our team. (701) 391-2359 | rhonda@jackchiversrealty.com
STEVE WILSON A North Dakota transplant and over 35 years’ experience in sales, Steve’s focus on customer relationships, attention to detail and service approach secures the fact that he’s your expert for the job. (701) 793-7886 | steve@jackchiversrealty.com
816 Washington Ave Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
107 West Main Perham, MN 56573
(218) 847-3112 | info@jackchiversrealty.com LAKE LIFE WKND
49
Lake Ida
5
dle orant
5
6
Big Cormorant Lake
Boyer Lake
CORMORANT
LAKE PARK
takke ake
5
Lake LaBelle Lake
21Duck
9
Leaf Lake
8
Marshall Lake
11
4
20
Little Cormorant Lake
Larson Lake
Seabold Lake
Lake Maud
6
11
AUDUBON
Enter City, Lake, Street or MLS
FALL 2020
n
50
Loon Lake
Pearl Lake
19
Mill Pond
Sauers
Lake Melissa
Lake Sallie
10
12
Brandy Lake
Long Lake
CALLAWAY
2
LOCATE ME
3
1
21
2
4
Johnson Lake
Abbey Lake
Big Detroit Lake
DETROIT LAKES
Floyd Lake
21
21
Senico Lake
15
Buffalo Lake
1
Pickerel Lake
Eagle
Clinton Lake
16Lake
Rock Lake
26
Little Round
Eagan Lake
Big Egg Lake Round Lake
FRAZEE
Cotton Lake
1
Tamarack Lake Pine Lake
Flat Lake
Hungry Lake
Height of Land Lake
Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge
143
Dead Lake
Little Toad Lake
Island Lake
12 E3
37
FILTER
Toad Lake
ICE CRACKING
(218) 847-3112
Many Point Lake
Lakeshore Res., Lakeshore Lots, Lots & Land
Strawberry Lake
EVERGREEN
Shell Lake
26
Big Rush Lake
SORT
jcrlake.com
37
Wolf Lake
Bi
10
ERHARD
LAKE LIFE WKND
Devils Lake
Lake Jewett
Long Lake
PELICAN RAPIDS
Prairie Lake
Tamarack Lake
17
Fish Lake
4
Lake Lizzie
DUNVILLA
Pelican Lake
E1
1
Heilberger Lake
Fish Lake
Eddy Lake
Maplewood State Park
Lake Lida
Crystal Lake
27 Franklin 28 Lake E2
25
Little Pelican Lake
West Lost Lake
Anna
East Silent Lake
East Spirit Lake
Mud Lake
4
10
Loon Lake
Leek-Trowbridge
West Silent Lake
Pleasant Lake
Long Lake
23
Lake
Hook Lake
Hand Lake
Sybil Lake
Scalp Lake
Five
DENT
Round Lake
Dead Lake
Tamarack Lake
7 4
Rice Lake
Big McDonald Lake
Little McDonald Lake
Wimar Lake
Graham Lake
6
Rose Lake
Fairy Lake
Long Lake
Deer Lake
Twin Lakes
East Lost Lake
Pickerel Lake
Star Lake
Round Lake
West McDonald Lake
18
VERGAS
26
Six Lake
20 24Lake
9
1
Walker Lake
RICHVILLE
Otter Tail Lake
Long Lake
Marion Lake
Silver Lake
Murphy Lake
Round Lake
11
Gourd Lake
3
Buchanan Lake
2 Rush Lake
22
OTTERTAIL
8
5
Little Pine Lake
PERHAM
3
13
11
West Leaf Lake
Big Pine Lake
East Leaf Lake
14
Mud Lake
7
NEW YORK MILLS
Bear Lake
LAKE STYLE LIVING
We have updated our property search map to include a filter for destinations, restaurants, and events in the area. Check it online by selecting the WKND pin on the upper left hand corner on the page.
Search, filter and discover properties and more in real time at www.jcrlake.com.
51
BUT
(218) 847-3112 1
FRAZEE
2
2
$ 64,900
# 20-31101
3
DETROIT LAKES
FALL 2020
2
1,128
DEAD LAKE
1
484
6
SHARED
$ 194,900
# 20-30881
2
7
1
1,564
DEAD LAKE
150
$ 269,900
# 20-30549
1
958
LEAF LAKE
SHARED
$ 270,000
# 20-30969
1
0.38 ACRES
$ 269,000
# 20-30585
2
8
1,509
WYMER LAKE
3
2.5 ACRES
$ 169,900
# 20-30591
PERHAM
3
2
$ 99,000
# 20-31043
1
52
1,352
DETROIT LAKES
2
4
2
1 ACRE
$ 85,000
# 20-31415
3
3
1,816
5
jcrlake.com
1
672
60
RESIDENTIAL 9
FRAZEE
$ 279,000
# 20-31201
4
10
2
2,720
PERHAM
3
3,312
DETROIT LAKES
3
2,880
15
2.9 ACRES
4
3,505
NEW YORK MILLS
2
3,191
DETROIT LAKES
2,123
FRAZEE
ACRES
0.48 ACRES
$ 499,000
# 20-30732
4
4
$ 424,900
# 20-31136
3
0.35 ACRES
$ 399,000
# 20-30150
3
16
$ 379,900
# 20-30615
3
ACRES
$ 359,000
# 20-28944
14
1.15 ACRES
5
PERHAM
5
ACRES
$ 319,000
# 20-31196
3
3.5
$ 309,000
# 20-30676
6
12
2,656
DETROIT LAKES
4
11
3
13
3
4,160
1.2 ACRES
LAKE LIFE WKND
53
jcrlake.com
MID-CENTURY Estate
Luxury Living
(218) 847-3112
MID-CENTURY ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN Frank Lloyd Wright style Summer Estate located in the heart of Lakes Country. This original 1954 structure is a time capsule celebrating mid-century design which makes one feel as if you were stepping into a picture. The sellers are the second owners and have lived on the property since 1974.
They hosted many country galas on the roughly 13 acres park-like setting with over 1,200 feet of combined water frontage, on two lakes, and breathtaking views of Minnesota. The seasonal structure remains untouched giving this property its unique character. However, for year round use the owners decided to build an addition in 2004, with the characteristics of the original architecture and adding 1,084 sq ft of living space, including a 2 stall tuck under garage. This time piece remains so unique that it could become a museum exhibition but is available for purchase for an admirer of classic architecture and mid-century design.
E1
TONSETH LAKE $ 750,000
# 20-31443 jcrlake.com/20-31443
BEDROOMS
2
BATHROOMS
2
SQUARE FEET
3,648
ACRES OF LAND
12.66
FRONT FEET
1,200 on Tonseth & Kempfer
(218) 847-3112 17
LAKE LIZZIE
3
18
FALL 2020
3.5
3,300
3
2,038
LAKE SEVEN
6
14,181
22
170
# 20-28825
23
208
ACRES
RUSH LAKE VIEWS # 20-27906
5 ACRES
54
$ 1,999,000
# 20-29532
WEST LABELLE LAKE
2
1,200
$ 749,000
# 20-30770
21
75
$ 734,000
LAKE MELISSA
7
56
1,200
# 20-30523
3
20
2
LOON LAKE
4
19
$ 510,000
# 20-31092
jcrlake.com
NEW DEVELOPMENT
WEST SILENT LAKE # 20-30785
1.09 ACRES
24
151
PRIVATE LAKE
ACRES
LEVEL
$ 35,000
LEVEL
$ 84,900
SLOPED
$ 95,000
# 20-28937
4.5
$ 32,000
75
SLOPED
LAKESHORE RESIDENTIAL LAKESHORE & LOTS 25
FRANKLIN LAKE
5.2 - 6.6 ACRES
26
$ 119,000 - 249,000
# 20-24107
100 EA
LONG LAKE
0.56 ACRES
100
LEVEL
FRANKLIN LAKE
28
$ 170,000
# 20-30632
5.6
ROLLING
$ 159,000
# 20-24185
27
ACRES
483
FRANKLIN LAKE
$ 220,000
# 20-30633
5.2
ACRES
SLOPED
451
SLOPED
FRANKLIN & CRYSTAL LAKE E2
$1,590,000
4
2
3,384
4.65 ACRES
A two-in-one opportunity with 650 front feet on Franklin Lake, and 300 on Crystal Lake, with Guest House, Exquisite Landscaping and build site prepped. This property stands alone. Come see the spectacular views and gorgeous sandy beach front on two of the areas most sought after bodies of water. Use the property as it is or take advantage of the most magnificent build site we ever seen. LAKE LIFE WKND
57
YOUR MIND At Ease Dock & Lift is your local source for any type of dock and lift system. We sell and service high-quality and long lasting lake front equipment.
AT EASE ATEASEDOCK.COM 31694 HWY 10 / FRAZEE / 218.334.2202
Camp
Exclusive Properties
MUD LAKE
An unparalleled hunting destination in Becker County. This one of a kind, 480 acre secluded getaway features a private lake, custom log home, 32'x48' shop, groomed trails, and 6 permanent deer stands. Property being sold as turn key to include the log furniture, pontoon duck boat, and the Ford tractor with mower deck.
While the scenery is breathtaking and the hunting is off the charts, what makes this such a special property is that it is characteristic of a truly remote wilderness experience yet it's only a 30 minute drive from Detroit Lakes. The current owners of Mud Lake Camp have enjoyed years of very successful waterfowl hunting, deer hunting, and wild rice harvesting, not to mention the abundant opportunity for turkey, grouse, and bear hunting. Request a private tour.
E3
MUD LAKE CAMP
$1,250,000
# 20-28378
mudlakecamp.com
BEDROOMS BATHROOMS ACRES OF LAND FRONT FEET BONUS
2 with loft, sleeps 12 Full bath with laundry 480 4,084 of private lake shore 32 x 48 shop
MOCK SCRAPES ATTRACT ATTENTION OF BUCKS BY MIKE BROWN
Adding mock scrapes is a great way to both take an inventory of bucks on your property, and also attract the attention of bucks as they are on the move during the fall. Here are a couple suggestions of what you can do on your property through mock scrapes to target those bucks and give you a shot at harvesting one.
With deer season quickly approaching, I’ve been seeing a lot of trail cam photos posted to Facebook and other social media sites. Bucks antlers are fully grown and will be soon shedding their velvet. Testosterone levels in bucks increases and they become less and less tolerant of each other. Hence the bachelor groups of bucks that will soon be dispersing into their own home range. Once your stands are placed in locations that take into account the wind, and deer travel, getting those deer to stop for the shot might be all it takes to get an
62
FALL 2020
arrow or bullet in the vitals of that buck. One way is to add a mock scrape, whether it’s a horizontal scrape using existing vegetation or adding a vertical scrape might be all it takes to stop that deer for a shot. Let’s first talk about the horizontal scrape. If you are fortunate enough to hunt in an area with tree species that have overhanging branches, bucks will target those trees and scrape beneath those branches. So what does a hunter do if they don’t have those overhanging tree branches? Well, let’s make some. All it takes is a piece of rope and a young tree. Find that young tree in a location that suits a shot from that particular stand location. Bend the young tree over so that it is hanging waist to chest high off the ground. Take one end of the rope and tie it around the top of the tree, while taking the other end of the rope and tying it off around the base of the tree. Once tied off, use a rake and scrape the vegetation clear of the area beneath the tree and throw down some deer urine. Place your trail camera and see how quickly the deer will utilize the mock scrape and hopefully enjoy some success during deer season. Next, let’s discuss the options if you don’t have those over hanging branches. The vertical scrape would be a viable option in this scenario. Using a branch off a tree that is common in your hunting area, such as oak, pine or aspen, cut that branch 5-6 feet long, ¾-1 inch diameter, hang the branch from a tree in a location that will give you an opportunity at a shot. This can be done by
using a ladder or climbing sticks to get off the ground. Tie a rope around a tree branch or between two trees and hang that branch off a rope, hanging down around waist to chest height. Once again, use a rake and scrape the vegetation away from the dirt and use some deer urine to get the scrape started. All deer, including fawns, will naturally use those scrapes, leaving scent from their preorbital glands, licking and urinating. Deer will utilize these scrapes throughout the spring, summer and fall and will give you the opportunity to inventory the bucks during summer and fall, and hopefully set yourself up for a shot at that big one you’ve been dreaming of.
MIKE BROWN LAND EXPERT AND AVID HUNTER A land owner and avid hunter, Mike is your resource for buying or selling hunting properties in West Central Minnesota. He has a BA in Wildlife Management and Fishery Science making him an expert in land advising. (218) 790-1552 | mbrown@jcrland.com
LAKE LIFE WKND
63
(218) 847-5242 1
ACREAGE - FOSSTON # 20-29673
3.75 ACRES 2
ACREAGE - NEW YORK MILLS # 20-29959
4 ACRES 3
# 20-29721
FALL 2020
LEVEL
ACREAGE - AUDUBON # 20-27998
9.6
64
LEVEL
ACREAGE - VERNDALE
38.9 ACRES 4
SLOPED
ACRES
ROLLING
$ 23,500
5
$ 35,000
6
7
BECKER CO
8
LEVEL
ACREAGE - LAKE PARK # 20-30423
ACRES
HILLY
ACREAGE - MENAHGA # 20-30803
40
WADENA CO
$ 79,900
# 20-25704
99
OTTER TAIL CO
$ 71,900
ACREAGE - TWIN VALLEY
200 ACRES
MAHNOMEN CO
jcrland.com
ACRES
LEVEL
ACREAGE - PERHAM # 20-31050
0.52 ACRES
LEVEL
$ 79,900
NORMAN CO
$ 79,900
BECKER CO
$ 85,000
WADENA CO
$ 89,900
OTTER TAIL CO
LAND & COMMERCIAL 9
ACREAGE - LANCASTER # 20-30101
152 ACRES 10
ACREAGE - UNDERWOOD # 20-28441
50 ACRES 1
ROLLING
DETROIT LAKES # 20-26166
MIXED
$ 119,900
$ 239,000
BEJOU
# 20-24365
12
$ 149,000
BAR AND GRILL - BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY
3
$ 549,900
# 20-30851
ACRES
MIXED
ACREAGE - DETROIT LAKES # 20-28378
480
OTTER TAIL CO
$ 104,900
ACREAGE - PERHAM
31.4
KITTSON CO
TURN KEY FLORAL SHOP DOWNTOWN
2
11
ACRES
MIXED
OTTER TAIL CO
$ 1,250,000
BECKER CO
PERHAM
# 20-29783
$ 149,000
PRIME CORNER ON MAIN STREET
4
CALLAWAY
# 20-27205
$ 415,000
WINERY + EVENT CENTER + LAKESHORE
LAKE LIFE WKND
65
YOUR LAKES COUNTRY
ONE-STOP SHOP
For your ‘to do’ list and everything in between, Lakeland General Store is your One-Stop-Shop for every season in Lakes Country!
LAKELAND GENERAL STORE DUNVILLA | HWY 59 / HWY 34 (218) 863-5703 | dunvillastore.com
BUILD YOUR future HERE IN OTTER TAIL COUNTY We Will Support You With Building Your New Home
Available Lots Wide range of choices from rural acreage to new subdivisions in communities
Money
Up to $10,000 property tax rebate for new single family construction*
Quality of Life High quality schools, lower cost of living, access to natural resources and diverse attractions and activities
*Rebate of County portion of the property taxes as well as the City portion
bigbuildotc.com
Community Development Agency