Dockside Winter 2018 by Big Fish Works

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Warm up to winter Local residents find ways to enjoy the outdoors no matter the weather

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Visit museum in Hutchinson to see largest collection of Les Kouba’s wildlife art

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Drift Riders Snowmobile Club marks its 50th year

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’Tis the season for ice-fishing contests

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DOCKSIDE | WINTER 2018

STOWED INSIDE

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A magazine for lake & river living WINTER 2018 • Vol. 10, No. 4

Ashore:Explore wildlife artist Les Kouba’s outdoor scenery while indoors at the McLeod County Historical Museum

Litchfield Independent Review P.O. Box 307, Litchfield, MN 55355 320-693-3266 Hutchinson Leader 170 Shady Ridge Road NW, Suite 100 Hutchinson, MN 55350 320-753-3635

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Brent Schacherer: 320-753-3637 schacherer@hutchinsonleader.com NEWS

Juliana Thill, editor thill@independentreview.net 320-593-4808

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enjoying outdoor activities

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Kevin True, advertising director true@hutchinsonleader.com 320-753-3648 Sales representatives • Colleen Piechowski: 320-753-3653 piechowski@hutchinsonleader.com • Hayley Anderson: 320-753-3651 anderson@hutchinsonleader.com • Greg McManus: 320-593-4804 mcmanus@independentreview.net • Sarah Esser: 320-593-4803 esser@independentreview.net

10 Currents:Warm up to winter by 12

Main deck: Drift Riders Snowmobile Club celebrates its 50th anniversary

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Mark Theis: 320-753-3663 mark@crowriverpress.com PRINTED BY

Crow River Press 170 Shady Ridge Road NW Hutchinson, MN 55350 Dockside is published four times a year by the Litchfield Independent Review and Hutchinson Leader newspapers. It is distributed free to lake and river property owners around Litchfield and Hutchinson. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior consent of the publisher.

Currents:Entrepreneurs create Aqua WeedStick

Currents:DNR’s outlook for waterfowl season

17 Waterways:‘Take-A-Kid Ice Fishing’ free in January 20 In the galley:Farmer’s Breakfast Casserole, Broiled Chili-Lime-Crusted Tilapia, Maple Bacon Popcorn Mix On the cover:Ron Unterburger of Lake Lillian, who is a Darwin native, caught a 2.46-pound northern at the 2018 Wintercade ice fishing tournament on Lake Ripley. Photo by Ellarry Prentice WINTER 2018 | DOCKSIDE

WELCOME ABOARD

f the four seasons, winter seems to be the one that gets a bad rap. And sometimes it’s justified. The cold, the ice, the snow. If you’ve lived here for at least a year, you know. However, there are days when it’s refreshing to step outside of your house on a sky-blue day without sweat running down your brow after a minute or two. And as hearty Minnesotans, we don’t let winter’s elements keep us indoors all season. There’s too much to enjoy outdoors. We have featured some late fall and winter activities for you to do later this year and early next year. Many groups organize ice-fishing contests in January and February. We’ve gathered information about some of them. And if you have children, consider bringing them ice fishing in January during Take-A-Kid Ice Fishing Weekend. Also in the magazine, we have a story about the Drift Riders Snowmobile Club, which celebrates its 50th anniversary. The past few winters haven’t been too cooperative for snowmobilers, but this group is a devoted bunch. If you long for some beautiful scenery before spring arrives, visit the McLeod County Historical Museum in Hutchinson to see some of Hutchinson native Les Kouba’s artwork. The museum owns the largest collection of Kouba’s original artwork, limited-edition prints, memorabilia and inventions. Some lake associations meet throughout the winter, so

check our calendar and consider attending a meeting and getting involved with your lake association. There is always work to be done, even with the lake is frozen.

Changes ahead Finally, I want to let you know that this is the last Dockside magazine I will oversee. I have accepted a new Juliana Thill job offer in Litchfield, which means I must say goodbye to my job as editor Editor of Dockside, Zest, and Crow River Business. The company plans to continue this magazine and is looking for my replacement. To the businesses who advertise in this magazine, thank you for supporting a well-read magazine that reaches thousands of people four times a year. Your advertising dollars make it possible for us to publish this valued publication. To the readers, thank you for helping to make this job one that I’ve truly enjoyed. Your kind and supportive words throughout the years have been appreciated. It’s been a privilege working with and for you. I will miss this job, but I am excited about the next chapter in my life. All the best, Juliana

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New law creates consistency for DWI offenses By Juliana Thill EDITOR

Minnesota law that went into effect Aug. 1 creates more consistency when dealing with people who have been convicted of a driving while intoxicated offense. The law says people convicted of DWI — regardless of the vehicle they’re driving — will lose their driver’s license and be prohibited from operating motor vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles, motorboats and snowmobiles. The state Legislature passed the law following the death of 8-year-old Alan Geisenkoetter Jr., who died in January 2018 after being struck by a snowmobile driven by a man whose driver’s license was revoked after multiple DWI offenses. Before the law change, people con-

victed of DWI in a highway-licensed vehicle still could legally operate ATVs, motorboats and snowmobiles. The changes to the law apply to violations that occur on or after PHOTO COURTESY OF THE Aug. 1. MINNESOTA DNR “We have zero The Minnesota tolerance for people who endanger Legislature themselves and passed Alan’s other people by Law, following operating a motor the death of vehicle or recre- Alan Geisenational vehicle koetter Jr. while they’re intoxicated,” said Col. Rodmen Smith, director of the Minnesota DNR Enforcement Division. “This new law should send

the message that drinking and driving — no matter what the vehicle — isn’t acceptable and the consequences are severe.” For example, a person convicted of DWI in a motorboat, or who refuses testing for a motorboat DWI, would have their driver’s license suspended and be prohibited from operating ATVs, motorboats and snowmobiles for one year. Additionally, first-time DWI offenders operating off-road recreational vehicles or motorboats also will be subject to chemical use assessments, conditional release and plate impoundment — the same as a DWI in a highway-licensed vehicle. The Minnesota DNR and other law enforcement agencies in the state, along with ATV and snowmobile groups, supported the law change, which passed the Legislature with bipartisan support.

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WINTER 2018 | DOCKSIDE

CURRENTS Michaela Anderson and Justin Kofoed created Aqua Weed Stick. Anderson came up with the idea when she was done fishing one day. After pulling her boat out of the lake, her trailer was full of weeds. It took her and an aquatic invasive species inspector more than an hour to pull the weeds off the trailer. On her drive home she started to come up with an idea for a tool to remove the weeds. She recruited Kofoed to design and engineer the idea she had in mind.The result is Aqua Weed Stick, which is designed to make weed removal simple and fast. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Invention takes swipe at weeds Entrepreneurs create device to make it easier for boaters to remove weeds from boat trailer, reducing spread of aquatic invasive species 6

By Jeremy Jones CONTRIBUTING WRITER

innesota boaters and anglers know about the importance of stopping the spread of aquatic invasive species. They take care to make sure foreign plants and animals don’t hitch a ride to another lake and damage the ecosystem. It’s for that constant effort that a pair of Hutchinson entrepreneurs created a new product. “I do a lot of bass fishing tournaments, so I’m out on the lake quite a bit,” said Michaela Anderson. “After one time out on the lake, I had so many weeds on my boat trailer that I couldn’t even see the beam.” It took her an hour to clean off the weeds, which had her crawling beneath the trailer, getting wet and dirty. That’s where the idea for the Aqua Weed Stick originated. She came up with the concept of an attachment that hooks and pulls weeds, but she needed some extra expertise to make it a reality. So she turned to Justin Kofoed, her boyfriend.

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“I had the idea and he’s an engineer,” Anderson said. “I recruited him to help with the design process.” Last winter, they had several prototypes ready but had to wait until spring to get out on the lake and test them. They settled on a design and worked with a company in Plymouth to manufacture the product. “Now we get them injection molded for more strength and durability,” Anderson said. Their website, aquaweedstick.com, provides details about the product and videos showing how it works. The Aqua Weed Stick is designed to attach to most threaded handles on the market, including broom handles, extendable paint roller handles and others. It can push, pull, scrape and cut weeds, and reach narrow spaces more easily than if done by hand. “We’ve mainly been selling online,” Anderson said. However, they are starting talks with vendors and retailers to get the product into area boat shops. Jeremy Johnson is a staff writer for the Hutchinson Leader.

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Starry Trek raises awareness of AIS Volunteers search lakes for starry stonewort By Juliana Thill EDITOR

ore than 225 trained volunteers searched 187 Minnesota lakes in August for the invasive algae starry stonewort and discovered it growing in one lake in north-central Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources confirmed a report of starry stonewort in Wolf Lake in Hubbard County during the annual “Starry Trek” event, organized by the the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center, University of Minnesota Extension, and DNR. This was the third new confirmation of starry stonewort in a Minnesota lake in 2018. During a follow-up survey in Wolf Lake, the DNR found a one-third-acre bed of starry stonewort at an undeveloped access off a township road. “These discoveries by volunteers participating in Starry Trek highlight the importance Volunteers searched of reports from members of the for AIS among vegeta- general public,” said Megan tion pulled from lakes. Weber, MAISRC Extension educator. “We need as many eyes on the water as possible to help identify new invasions and provide the best opportunities for response.” In Meeker County, six volunteers participated in Starry Trek. After being trained to identify starry stonewort and other aquatic invasive species at Spring Lake in Dassel, volunteers fanned out and checked seven lakes across the county. No new aquatic invasive species were found in lakes searched in Meeker County. “Protecting our lakes for future generations is really important to us all, and we want to make sure we’re doing the best we can to prevent the introduction and spread of AIS,” said Nicole Erickson, water resource specialist at Crow River Organization of Water. Starry stonewort is an invasive algae that was first found in Minnesota in 2015 at Lake Koronis, located in Meeker and Stearns counties, and has since been found in 13 other Minnesota lakes. Starry stonewort likely is spread when fragments have not been cleaned from trailered boats, personal watercraft, docks, boat lifts, anchors or other water-related equipment.

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WINTER 2018 | DOCKSIDE

CURRENTS

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MINNESOTA DNR

Minnesota’s regular waterfowl season began Sept. 22 and ends at different times based on federal guidelines.

DNR optimistic about waterfowl season Hunters can find weekly waterfowl migration reports on DNR’s website

he Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Duck expects good hunting for this year’s regular waterfowl season, which began Sept. 22. “The number of breeding ducks in Minnesota and North America has remained fairly high in recent years, so hopefully that will result in a good duck season,” said Steve Cordts, DNR waterfowl specialist. “We also heard favorable reports on the number of duck broods over the summer.”

Duck seasons and limits The duck season structure is similar to recent years. The waterfowl seasons are based on a federal framework that applies to all states in the Mississippi Flyway. Waterfowl hunting regulations are available wherever DNR

DOCKSIDE | WINTER 2018

licenses are sold and regulations are available online at mndnr.gov/regulations/hunting. Duck season will be open for 60 days in each of the three waterfowl zones: ◆ In the north zone, duck season runs through Nov. 20. ◆ In the central zone, duck season closed Sept. 30, then reopened Oct. 6, and runs through Nov. 25. ◆ In the south zone, duck season closed Sept. 30, then reopened Oct. 13, and runs through Dec. 2. “There seems to be fairly good support for our current zones and split seasons, so we’ve maintained that season structure,” Cordts said. “But weather and other variables play a large role in how the season goes.” The daily duck bag limit remains six per day. The mallard bag limit remains four per day, including no more than two hen mallards. The daily bag limits are three for wood duck and scaup; and two for redheads, canvasbacks, pintails and black ducks. The DNR will post a waterfowl migration report each week during the

duck season. The reports are typically posted on Thursday afternoons at mndnr.gov/hunting/waterfowl.

Goose season Minnesota’s goose season reopened in conjunction with the duck season statewide on Sept. 22, with a bag limit of three dark geese per day the entire season. “Dark” geese include Canada geese, white-fronted geese and brant. The daily bag limit for light geese is 20. “Light geese” include snow, blue and Ross’s geese. Goose season will be closed in the central and south duck zones when duck season is closed. “Canada goose hunting should improve as the season goes on. We had a poor goose hatch this spring,” Cordts said, adding that hunting success in September was low. More information on duck, goose, sandhill crane and other migratory bird hunting is available in the 2018 Minnesota Waterfowl Hunting Regulations booklet from license vendors and online at mndnr.gov/hunting/waterfowl.

CURRENTS

DNR warns waterfowl hunters about risk of drowning

unters hitting the water in pursuit of ducks, geese and other waterfowl are reminded to include life jackets on their hunting gear checklist. “Hunters in Minnesota are trained from a young age to always put safety first,” said Lt. Adam Block, boating law administrator for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Enforcement Division. “For duck and goose hunters, that means always wearing a life jacket on the water — no exceptions.” More waterfowl hunters die every year from drowning than from other types of hunting incidents. Swamping, capsizing and falling overboard are all common factors leading to these deaths, but in nearly all cases, the hunters would have survived had they been wearing a life jacket. “Before launching the duck boat, make sure everyone on board is wearing a life jacket or float coat,” Block said. “It’s the one item that greatly increases your odds of surviving a water emergency and living to hunt another day.” The wide variety of comfortable, camouflage life jackets designed specifically for waterfowl hunting includes inflatable vest and belt-pack styles, insulated flotation jackets, and foam-filled shooting vests with quilted shoulders and shell loops. “Typical foam-filled vests or float coats provide optimal insulation against cold air and the effects of hypothermia,

All boats must carry one U.S. Coast Guardapproved life jacket for each passenger, and children under 10 must wear a life jacket. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MINNESOTA DNR

but without question, the best life jacket for waterfowl hunting is the one you will actually wear,” said Lisa Dugan, DNR boating and water safety outreach coordinator. All boats must carry one U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each passenger, and boats longer than 16 feet must also have a throwable flotation device immediately available. Children under 10 must wear a life jacket. Visit mndnr.gov/boatingsafety to download the DNR’s “Water Safety for Duck Hunters” brochure and learn more about water safety for hunters.

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Warm up to winter with outdoor activities From ice fishing to camping, there are plenty of ways to spend time outside By Juliana Thill EDITOR

ut on some extra layers of clothing and venture outside to shake Old Man Winter’s hand and embrace the cold weather. Area residents can stay busy this winter by taking part in a variety of activities in McLeod and Meeker counties: ◆ Pioneer Christmas will be from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 1 at the Forest City Stockade, six miles northeast of Litchfield on Minnesota Highway 24 and 309th Street. Admission is $5 for adults and children 13 and older. Activities include pioneer crafts, tour of historic buildings, visit with Santa, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and demonstrations of blacksmithing, candle making, spinning and weaving. Food and beverages will be for sale, as well. For information go to www.forestcitystockade.org. ◆ Winterfest 2019 will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 9 at the McLeod County Fairgrounds, 840 Century Ave. SW, Hutchinson. Put on by the nonprofit organization, McLeod For Tomorrow, the seventh annual Winterfest will include outdoor activities for people of all ages such as snowmobile rides, face painting, horse wagon rides, snowshoe area and ice skating, snow mountain play area, snow golf and snow bowling. There will be food available for purchase, as well. For more information, visit www.mcleodfortomorrow.com. ◆ Winter camper cabins are available at many state parks, including Sibley State Park near New London. Camper cabins can be rented Thursdays through Sundays from November to March. Make a reservation by calling 866-857-2757 or going online to mndnr/reservations.

Ice-fishing contests Once cold temperatures settle in

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FILE PHOTO

Winterfest takes place in February at the McLeod County Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, with activities for people of all ages. long enough for area lakes to freeze, ice fishing begins in earnest. Many clubs and organizations in the area sponsor ice-fishing contests, which are popular events. Organizers sell a limited number of tickets, and they usually sell out before the event. So, be sure to buy a ticket early. Some local contests include: ◆ Eden Valley Sportsmen Club annual ice-fishing contest — From 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 19 at North Browns Lake public access. For more information, visit www.edenvalleysportsmen.com or contact Chuck Schoolmeesters. ◆ Brownton Rod and Gun Club annual ice-fishing contest and raffle — From 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 2 at Lake Marion public access. ◆ Kingston Lions Club annual ice-fishing contest — From 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 2 on the northwest side of Lake Francis. ◆ Litchfield Wintercade annual ice-fishing contest — From 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 9 on Lake Ripley at West Ripley Park public access. Tickets can be purchased at Litchfield VFW or the American Legion, the sponsors of the

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Chad Anderson of Kingston won first place in the Kingston Lions icefishing contest in February 2018. event. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/wintercadeicefishing/.

CURRENTS

‘We are Water MN’ exhibit to visit Minnesota towns Water is a vital part of Minnesota’s history, identity and culture. In a state with more shoreline than Florida, Hawaii, and California combined, residents have a connection to water. To honor this connection, the Minnesota Humanities Center and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, in cooperation with host site University of Minnesota–Institute on the Environment, celebrated the grand opening Oct. 12 of the 2018-19 tour of, “We Are Water MN.” The exhibit will be on view in St. Paul from Oct. 14 through Nov. 26. The exhibition will then tour seven communities in Minnesota through Nov. 2, 2019. Host communities include: Bemidji, Crookston, Duluth, Austin, Northfield, Grand Rapids and Onamia. “We Are Water MN” reveals the central nature of water in people’s lives by exploring how people relate to water — how people use water, how water unites communities, how water affects every element of life, and how people care for water and protect water for the future. “We Are Water MN” is supported by the Arts & Cultural Heritage Legacy Amendment from the state of Minnesota. More information about the exhibition can be found at https://mnhum.org/we-are-water-mn/.

FFA honors college student from Dassel for his ‘outstanding’ conservation efforts Calyn Rieger of Dassel was one of two Minnesota youth in August to receive the Future Farmers of America’s award for outstanding conservation efforts. The awards were presented during a ceremony Aug. 31 at the Department of Natural Resources stage at the Minnesota State Fair. Rieger has been working for the Conservation Corps program for three seasons, working as a crew member, a wilderness crew member and a Backcountry Leadership Program crew member. The Conservation Corps provided Rieger work experience that included trail repair and cleanup, invasive buckthorn removal, and erosion control and management. Rieger’s Conservation Corps experiCalyn Rieger ence, as well as his FFA activities and community involvement, has taught him how to take responsibility, work as a team member and to become a better leader. Rieger currently is enrolled at Ripon College in Ripon, Wisconsin, with an interest in environmental studies, politics and government.

DNR seeks people for Advisory Committee on Natural Heritage Citizens with an interest in the state’s native prairies, forests and wetlands and the wildlife in them are invited to apply by Nov. 12 for a key advisory board. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking people to fill four vacancies on the Commissioner’s Advisory Committee on Natural Heritage. Appointees will be responsible for advising the DNR on issues related to sustaining the state’s natural heritage and biological diversity. Since 1966, the committee has made recommendations and given support to state scientific and natural areas, in which native plant communities and rare wildlife species are protected. The committee also now advises other programs within the department’s Ecological and Water Resources Division including nongame wildlife, Minnesota Biological Survey, prairie protection, rare resources, wetland monitoring, and terrestrial invasive species. Any Minnesota resident can learn more and apply online by visiting the Committee’s website at mndnr.gov/cac. Applicants must apply online by 4:30 p.m. Nov. 12. The DNR commissioner will appoint committee members for terms of up to five years.

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WINTER 2018 | DOCKSIDE

Making snowmobile memories Drift Riders Snowmobile Club based in Hutchinson celebrates 50 years

By Kay Johnson

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

t’s been said what goes around, comes around. That is definitely true for Vern Hahn. The Hutchinson resident was the first president of the Hutch Drift Riders snowmobile club when it was formed in 1968, and he’s president now celebrating its 50th anniversary. “The past 50 years went so quickly. It was unreal,” Hahn said. Since it was formed in 1968, the club has served Hutchinson well. It is estimated more than $400,000 has passed through its treasury to support service projects in the community. The club has invested in Phoenix Drumline, the Senior Class Party, McLeod County Historical Society and Museum, Hutchinson Public Library, Aveyron Homes, Hutchinson Youth Basketball, Hutchinson High School band trips, Youth For Christ, Hutchinson band uniform benefit, Hot Meals on Wheels, Hutchinson Hockey Association, FFA pheasant project, Gopher Campfire Conservation Club,

PHOTO BY GETTY IMAGES

MAIN DECK

PHOTO BY KAY JOHNSON

Drift Rider Park in southwest Hutchinson is the lasting legacy of the Drift Rider Snowmobile Club in Hutchinson. Featured were longtime club members, from left, Glenn Witte,Vern Hahn, Skip Sustacek and Jerry Haag. Haag said he has stayed a member for 50 years because of the friendships he and his wife, Mary, have made. Junior Olympics and McLeod County Sheriff’s Posse. The club also helped purchase a warming house at Tartan Park. For many years, it has given two $250 scholarships to Dollars for Scholars. In honor of its 50th anniversary, members gave two $500 scholarships. Much of the money raised to support these endeavors came through a partnership with the McLeod County Agricultural Association. Until 2010, the Drift Riders snowmobile club sponsored two demolition derbies each year at the McLeod County Fair. The club also has been instrumental in providing snowmobile safety training courses. Bill Arndt has taught these classes for many years. “We’re still doing it,” Hahn said, “but we don’t have the numbers like we used to.” The club also can be credited for planting more than 11,000 trees and shrubs along the Luce Line State Trail. “We have planted trees from Cedar Mills to east of Silver Lake,” Hahn said. “We bought a lot of trees. We had a vision that the trail would be more interesting with trees. We got permission and went ahead and did it. We’re pretty proud of that.” While the club is known for its philanthropy, it’s also been a fun group to be part of. Hahn and his wife, Anne, have stuck with it because they’ve enjoyed the friendships. Memories were made on local rides on the Crow River that ended with a weiner roast, hot cider, doughnuts and plenty of discussion. Family rides took place on weekend afternoons while evening rides

were reserved for adults. The club also hosted an annual weekend “snowfari” from 1970 to 2016 that took members to northern Minnesota. They would ride all day with stops along the trail, and dinner at night at a local restaurant. The trips attracted as many as 100 participants. In 2008, the club recognized members for being continuously active during the history of the club, including: Elmer and Marge Krussow, the Hahns, Bill and Joan Arndt, Glenn and Marith Witte, Skip and Sharon Sustacek, and Jerry and Mary Haag.

How it started Snowmobiling was a new recreational sport in the early 1960s. It was billed as “Minnesota’s latest and fastest growing winter sport.” Clubs were being organized in the Twin Cities, so it wasn’t long before Ivan Hurt, Hutchinson recreation director, and Larry Graf, a member of the recreation board, suggested forming a local club. An announcement in the Hutchinson Leader said it was open to all people interested in snowmobiles or snowmobiling. An organizational meeting took place on Dec. 6, 1968, at Shep’s Shack, near Park Elementary. “It sounded like a good idea,” Hahn said. “Our membership was up in the beginning. Then it leveled off, and it’s gone down the last 15 years. Now there’s so many things to do. We had 30 members in the beginning, and we have 30 members now. We have some four-generation families, too.”

WINTER 2018 | DOCKSIDE

MAIN DECK Early dues were $3 per family. Dues went up as high as $30 by 2008, but went down again to $10 in 2017. The weather also has contributed to the club’s smaller size. “The last few years, snow conditions haven’t been conducive to snowmobiling,” Hahn said. “I haven’t been snowmobiling in three years. Before that, I never missed a year.”

A lasting legacy The club’s legacy to Hutchinson has been Drift Rider Park on the southwest shore of Otter Lake in the Island View Heights development. “The city outlined what they wanted and we went to work,” Hahn said. “We spent two years clearing it. We hauled loads of rocks. We built all the facilities and planted trees every other year. We’re pretty proud of it.” Sara Witte, city of Hutchinson parks superintendent, said it’s important to have an active group that genuinely

cares for its adopted park. “On an annual basis, the Drift Rider group donates their time and skill set to make the park a more attractive place to visit,” she said. “On numerous occasions, members have helped with tree and shrub planting activities in the park. Just last summer they showed up and planted 20-plus trees in an afternoon as part of the DNR Community Forestry Engagement grant. Through the years they have also stained the overlook and park shelter. They have added a dock and built a picnic table on the overlook.” With an aging membership, Hahn said they’ll continue as a club as long as there’s a core group. “It’s an enthusiastic group,” he said. “I like how we work together to get things done. It has tremendous memories for all of us.” Kay Johnson is a staff writer and editor for the Hutchinson Leader.

Staying smart about snowmobile safety

ach year, people across the state — Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, volunteer safety instructors, the Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association and its 250 member snowmobile clubs — recognize Snowmobile Safety Awareness Week in late January and use it as an opportunity to join together to recognize the importance of safe, responsible snowmobiling. “It’s a fun and exciting activity, but snowmobilers should always remember to make safety a top priority,” said Conservation Officer Bruce Lawrence, DNR recreational vehicle coordinator. “They should also always use common sense and keep a clear head when riding.”

Ride safely The DNR offers other key safety points: ◆ Snowmobiling and alcohol don’t mix. Don’t drink and ride. ◆ Smart riders are safe riders. Take a snowmobile safety training course. ◆ Always wear a helmet and adequate clothing. ◆ When night riding slow down; expect the unexpected. ◆ Know before the ride; always check local trail and ice conditions. ◆ Cross with care.

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PHOTO BY GETTY IMAGES

When snowmobiling, the Minnesota DNR recommends riding with at least one person, staying on the trails. ◆ Know risks and be prepared. ◆ Never ride alone. ◆ Stay on the trail. Respect private property. To legally ride a snowmobile in Minnesota, residents born after Dec. 31, 1976, need a valid snowmobile safety certificate.

Options for classroom and online classes can be found at www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/vehicle/sn owmobile/ index.html. Find Minnesota snowmobiling events and activities on the MNUSA webpage: https://mnsnowmobiler.org/ get-involved/mnusa/events.

MAIN DECK

Minnesota United Snowmobile Association plans Winter Rendezvous

row Wing County Snowmobile Trails Association, Crow Wing County and East Gull Lake will host the Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association’s 2019 Winter Rendezvous in Brainerd. The MnUSA 2019 Winter Rendezvous will be Feb. 7-10 at Cragun’s Resort. Registration package is $85 per person if purchased by Jan. 1, and includes a reception both Thursday and Friday, a banquet Saturday evening and all entertainment. After Jan. 1, the registration package is $115. The Friday VIP Ride registration is $20 if purchased by Jan. 1 and includes lunch. After Jan. 1, it’s $25. Lodging is separate from registration. Lodging at Cragun’s, 11000 Cragun’s Drive, Brainerd, is $129

plus tax per night based on a lodge room with two adults and with a two-night minimum. A deposit is required. Reservations can be made through Cragun’s Resort 800-2724867 or through https://craguns. formstack.com/forms/mnusa19. Tentative schedule of events: ◆ Thursday: Opening and hospitality reception. ◆ Friday: VIP trail ride with lunch, silent auction, reception. ◆ Saturday: Guided trail rides, silent auction, banquet and awards program. ◆ Sunday: MnUSA general membership meeting, MnUSA Board of Directors meeting. Check MnUSA’s website for more information and updates at https://mnsnowmobiler.org and click on events.

MnUSA to have Veterans Appreciation Snowmobile Ride begin in Paynesville The Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association and Minnesota Snowmobile Education and Advancement Fund will have their 11th annual Veterans Appreciation Snowmobile Ride on Jan. 12 in Paynesville. The ride is provided as a token of appreciation to veterans who have given part of their lives to serve their country. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and one night lodging will be provided to the attendees. All veterans and active duty military personnel are invited. Veterans are invited to bring their own snowmobile. However, if they do not have one, 25 snowmobiles will available to use, for those who want to try snowmobiling. For information, go to the Minnesota United Snowmobile Association's website, mnsnowmobiler.org and click on events.

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WINTER 2018 | DOCKSIDE

WATERWAYS

Teaching kids about dangers of ice Caution children to stay off of ponds, streams

When children are out of school for holiday breaks, they might look toward newly formed ice for entertainment. “Teach your children that ice is never 100 percent safe,” Minnesota Department of Natural Resources conservation officer Hannah Mishler said.“If your child is near the ice, you should be near your child.”

By Juliana Thill EDITOR

s temperatures dip below freezing and ice forms on many lakes, ponds and rivers, it’s an ideal time to talk to kids about the danger of thin ice. “Ice, especially snow-covered ice, is extremely deceptive. You can’t see dangerous cracks or the thickness of the ice under the snow,” Minnesota Department of Natural Resources conservation officer Hannah Mishler said. When children are out of school for holiday breaks, they might look toward newly formed ice for entertainment. “Teach your children that ice is never 100 percent safe,” Mishler said. “If your child is near the ice, you should be near your child.” While adults and children are outdoors, they should always take precautions around any body of water during the cold water season. Lisa Dugan, DNR recreation safety outreach coordinator, advises in addi-

Ice thickness guidelines Many factors other than thickness can cause ice to be unsafe. Here are the DNR’s minimum ice thickness guidelines: ◆ With new, clear ice, if it’s 2 inches thick or less, stay off. ◆ If it’s 4 inches, it could be safe for ice fishing or other activities on foot. ◆ If ice is 5 inches thick, it could be safe for snowmobile or ATV use. ◆ If ice is 8 to 12 inches thick, it could be safe for a car or small pickup. ◆ If it’s 12 to 15 inches thick, it could be safe for a medium truck. 16

DOCKSIDE | WINTER 2018

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MINNESOTA DNR

tion to checking conditions locally and being prepared with an ice safety kit, anyone recreating on ice should be wearing a life jacket. “A life jacket is the one piece of equipment that increases your odds of not drowning from cold water shock, hypothermia or exhaustion should you fall through the ice,” she said. No ice is safe, but following these

guidelines can help minimize the risk: ◆ Always wear a life jacket on the ice (except when in a vehicle). ◆ When a child is near the ice, an adult should be near the child. ◆ Caution children to stay off of ponds, streams, and other bodies of water. ◆ A thin coating of ice on a pond or lake does not mean it is safe.

WATERWAYS

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PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MINNESOTA DNR

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources allows Minnesota residents to fish without a fishing license when they are accompanied by a kid 15 or younger during Jan. 19-21,Take-A-Kid Ice Fishing Weekend.

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Adults can fish free with a child during Take-A-Kid Ice Fishing Weekend

innesotans can catch some quality family time and plan a special ice-fishing outing in January during the Minnesota Department of Natural Resource’s Take-A-Kid Ice Fishing Weekend. Minnesota residents can fish or spear fish for free when accompanied by a child age 15 or under during the weekend of Jan. 19-21, 2019. “Ice fishing is a do-able way to try fishing, even for those who have never fished before,” said Jeff Ledermann, angler recruitment and retention supervisor with the DNR. “Young people who take up fishing tend to be introduced to the pastime by someone else and then get support along the way. This weekend makes beginning that process a bit easier.” The DNR recommends being safe on the ice by bringing: ◆ Personal flotation device on rope (seat cushion-type). ◆ Ice rescue claws: One set per person for self-rescue. ◆ Hand and feet warmers. ◆ Sled with attached rope: Carry gear and/or a person, if necessary. ◆ Blanket or sleeping bag. ◆ Cell phone: For GPS, call for help. ◆ Sunscreen and sunglasses. ◆ Hot chocolate and snacks. For more information, go online to www.dnr.state. mn.us/minnaqua/icefishing/index.html. — By Juliana Thill, editor

WINTER 2018 | DOCKSIDE

ASHORE During a visit to the McLeod County Historical Museum, a “must-see” exhibit is the Les Kouba Gallery.The Hutchinson native was a well-known Minnesota wildlife artist who won two federal duck stamp contests and designed many conservation stamps. The McLeod County Historical Museum, 380 School Road NW, Hutchinson, is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays. PHOTO BY KAY JOHNSON

Enjoy Kouba’s outdoor scenery while indoors By Juliana Thill EDITOR

hen people are looking to escape the cold, yet still want to enjoy outdoor scenery, they can visit the McLeod County Historical Museum to peruse its collection of artwork by renowned wildlife artist Les Kouba. The museum owns the largest collection of original artwork, limited-edition prints, memorabilia and inventions of Kouba, deemed “Minnesota’s dean of wildlife art.” Kouba was born in Hutchinson in 1917 and died in 1998. His talent was recognized early when, at the age of 11, he sold his first painting. Kouba’s only formal art training came at the Minneapolis-based Art Instruction School. The museum’s Kouba exhibit includes works from the budding artist during his high school years, larger-than-life murals from his early working artist and sign painting days, as well as the commercial art he did for companies. Kouba created large, one-of-a-kind murals that are available for view only at the museum. Kouba also is credited for re-designing the Coca-Cola logo, as well as creating the Old Dutch windmill on potato chip bags and boxes, and Red Owl grocery store’s logo. However, it is in the area of wildlife art that Kouba is most widely known. Kouba is identified as one of the artists responsible for the resurgence of wildlife art in the 1970s. He won the Federal Duck Stamp Contest winner in 1958 and 1967, the Ducks Unlimited Artist of the Year in 1976 and 1977, and the Minnesota Waterfowl Stamp Competition in 1978. This year, Kouba was one of eight people who Hutchinson High School added to its Wall of Fame in October.

DOCKSIDE | WINTER 2018

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF THE MCLEOD COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Les Kouba painted “Dec 15th ’96 Big Snow at Hutch.”

Nominations open up in January every two years, and residents can submit the names and accomplishments of athletes, coaches, fans and outstanding graduates. A committee studies the applications, and since 2008 it has selected five to eight new names each time. Kouba and the other inductees have their photo added to the Wall of Fame in a trophy case outside the HHS gym, along with a plaque highlighting their achievements. Jeremy Jones, staff writer at the Hutchinson Leader, contributed to this story.

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The more snow and ice people remove manually, the less salt they will have to use and the more effective it can be. Also, most salts stop working at temperatures colder than 15 degrees. Instead, use sand for traction.

Go easy on salt this winter to protect Minnesota waters

hen Old Man Winter blows into Minnesota, residents sometimes turn to salt to clear snow and ice from pavement. However, de-icing salt, which contains chloride, runs into nearby bodies of water and harms aquatic wildlife, according to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Minnesotans scatter an estimated 365,000 tons of salt in the metro area each year. But it only takes a teaspoon of salt to permanently pollute five gallons of water. Chloride accumulates in the water over time, and there’s no feasible way to treat or remove it. Salt helps melt ice on roads and sidewalks and protects drivers and pedestrians. The MPCA recommends a low-salt diet for lakes, streams, and rivers. Much like table salt, rock salt’s benefits are peppered with danger. A University of Minnesota study found that about 78 percent of salt applied in the Twin Cities for winter maintenance ends up either in groundwater or local lakes and wetlands. Forty-seven bodies of water in Minnesota have tested above the standard for chloride, 39 of which are in the Twin Cities metro area. The MPCA suggests salting strategies to help reduce chloride pollution in state waters, while saving money and limiting salt damage to infrastructure, vehicles, and plants: ◆ Shovel. The more snow and ice you remove manually, the less salt you will have to use and the more effective it can be. ◆ 15 degrees is too cold for salt. Most salts stop working at this temperature. Use sand instead for traction. ◆ Apply less. More salt does not mean more melting. Use less than four pounds of salt per 1,000 square feet. One pound of salt is approximately a heaping 12-ounce coffee mug. Leave about a three-inch space between granules. ◆ Sweep up extra. If salt or sand is visible on dry pavement it is no longer doing any work and will be washed away. Use this salt or sand somewhere else or throw it away.

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IN THE GALLEY Farmer’s Breakfast Casserole Nonstick cooking spray 3 cups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes 3/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese 1 cup diced cooked ham, cooked breakfast sausage or Canadian-style bacon 2 green onions, sliced 2 jalapenos, seeded and chopped 4 eggs, beaten 1 1/2 cups milk 1/8 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for the pan Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons) 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1 tablespoon chili powder 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon dried oregano, rubbed in your palm 1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder 1⁄2 teaspoon onion powder 3⁄4 teaspoon kosher salt 1⁄4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 4 fresh tilapia fillets SOURCE: WWW.CULINARY.NET

Coat a 2-quart square baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Arrange hash browns evenly in the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle cheese, ham, and green onions over hash browns. In a bowl combine eggs, milk, salt, pepper and jalapenos. Pour egg mixture over hash brown mixture in dish. Bake, uncovered, in a 350 oven for 50 to 55 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Makes 6 servings.

Maple Bacon Popcorn Mix 6 slices thick-cut bacon 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, divided 8 cups popped popcorn 2/3 cup pecan halves, coarsely chopped 2/3 cup dried cranberries 2 tablespoons butter or margarine 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper 1/4 teaspoon maple extract Heat oven to 400. Line jelly roll pan with foil. Place wire rack in pan. Arrange bacon in single layer on rack. Bake 15 minutes, or until ends of bacon start to curl. Remove and reserve 2 tablespoons bacon drippings. Brush bacon with 2 tablespoons maple syrup; bake 15 minutes SOURCE: WWW.CULINARY.NET until browned. Cool then coarsely chop bacon. In large bowl, combine popcorn, pecans and cranberries. Combine butter, black pepper, maple extract, remaining maple syrup and reserved bacon drippings. Cook over low heat until butter is melted. Drizzle over popcorn mixture and mix thoroughly. Spread popcorn mixture in jelly roll or roasting pan. Bake 5 minutes. Toss in bacon pieces. Serve warm. Yield: 2 quarts.

Broiled Chili-Lime-Crusted Tilapia

DOCKSIDE | WINTER 2018

Garnish Lime wedges Torn fresh cilantro leaves Pico de Gallo (see recipe below) Place the oven rack in the top portion of the oven. Crack the oven door and preheat the broiler to high. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly brush the foil with olive oil. In a shallow dish, combine the olive oil, lime SOURCE: WWW.CULINARY.NET juice, cornstarch, chili powder, coriander, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk to blend. Dip both sides of each tilapia fillet into the spice mixture and use your fingers to coat evenly. Place the tilapia on the prepared baking sheet with the bottom facing up. Broil for 4 minutes, then carefully flip and cook for 4 to 5 minutes more, or until the fish flakes easily. Serve with lime wedges and torn cilantro or top with a few spoonfuls of Pico de Gallo. Serves 4

Pico de Gallo 3 plum (Roma) tomatoes, seeded and diced 1⁄3 cup finely diced red onion 2 scallions, sliced 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro 1 tablespoons minced jalapeño 1 teaspoon minced garlic Juice of 1⁄2 lime 1 teaspoon olive oil 1⁄2 teaspoon kosher salt In a medium bowl, combine the tomatoes, red onion, scallions, cilantro, jalapeño, and garlic. Add the lime juice and oil, season with the salt, and stir to combine. Serve immediately or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve. Makes about 2 cups.

IN THE GALLEY Grilled Cinnamon French Toast with Granola Crunch

Cranberry Splash Punch 4 cups cranberry juice 3 cups pineapple juice 1/2 cup cherry juice 2 cups purĂŠed strawberries or raspberries (fresh or frozen) 6 cups ice cubes 2 lemons, sliced 2 limes, sliced 3 cups orange soda or ginger ale Mix all juices and purĂŠed berries, and chill thoroughly. To serve, put punch in container and add ice cubes and fruit. Slowly stir in soda. Makes: 8 servings.

1/2 cup orange juice 1/4 cup light brown sugar 2 tablespoons butter 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup strawberries, sliced 1 banana, thinly sliced 3/4 cup milk 1 egg 1 teaspoon cinnamon 4 slices whole-grain nut bread 1/4 cup granola, for garnish To make sauce: In saucepan, stir together SOURCE: WWW.CULINARY.NET orange juice, brown sugar, butter, vanilla, strawberries and banana. Simmer over medium heat 5-6 minutes, or until flavors have combined, stirring occasionally. To make French toast: In shallow bowl, whisk together milk, egg and cinnamon. Dip slices of bread into milk mixture and cook 2 minutes on each side over medium heat on flat griddle or grill, or until golden brown. Serve French toast with strawberry-banana sauce and top with granola. Servings: 2. Recipe courtesy of Oroweat on behalf of the Grain Foods Foundation

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WINTER 2018 | DOCKSIDE

SHIPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LOG

Calendar of area lake events, meetings November Belle Lake Association meets at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month at Bonfire Bar & Grille. Lake Stella Homeowners Association meets at 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month at Litchfield American Legion. Greater Lake Sylvia Association meets at 9 a.m. the second Saturday of each month at Southside Township Hall, Annandale. Lake Minnie Belle Improvement Association meets at 7 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of the month at Bonfire Bar & Grille, 16818 Minnesota 22, Litchfield. Lake Jennie Improvement Association meets the third Saturday of the month. Contact a board member for time and location. Clearwater Lake Property Owners Association meets the third Monday of the month.

December & January Belle Lake Association meets at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month at Bonfire Bar & Grille. Lake Stella Homeowners Association meets at 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month at Litchfield American Legion. Greater Lake Sylvia Association meets at 9 a.m. the second Saturday of each month at Southside Township Hall, Annandale. Lake Minnie Belle Improvement Association meets at 7 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of the month at Bonfire Bar & Grille. Lake Jennie Improvement Association meets the third Saturday of the month. Contact a board member for time and location. Clearwater Lake Property Owners Association meets the third Monday of the month.

February & March Lake Washington Improvement Association meets at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month at Dassel Rod & Gun Club. Belle Lake Association meets at

DOCKSIDE | WINTER 2018

A statue of Chief Little Crow, who overlooks the Crow River from his vantage point in Eheim Park in Hutchinson, was flocked in hoar frost last April. FILE PHOTO

7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month at Bonfire Bar & Grille. Lake Stella Homeowners Association meets at 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month at Litchfield American Legion. Greater Lake Sylvia Association meets at 9 a.m. the second Saturday of each month at Southside Township Hall, Annandale. Lake Minnie Belle Improvement Association meets at 7 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of the month at Bonfire Bar & Grille. Lake Jennie Improvement Association meets the third Saturday of the month. Contact a board member for time and location. Clearwater Lake Property Owners Association meets the third Monday of the month.

April Lake Marion Improvement Association meets at 6:30 p.m. on the third Thursday in April, June and August at Brownton Rod and Gun Club. Lake Washington Improvement Association meets at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month at Dassel Rod & Gun Club.

Belle Lake Association meets at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month at Bonfire Bar & Grille. Lake Stella Homeowners Association meets at 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month at Litchfield American Legion. Greater Lake Sylvia Association meets at 9 a.m. the second Saturday of each month at Southside Township Hall, Annandale. Lake Minnie Belle Improvement Association meets at 7 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of the month at Bonfire Bar & Grille. Lake Jennie Improvement Association meets the third Saturday of the month. Contact a board member for time and location. Clearwater Lake Property Owners Association meets the third Monday of the month.

Free calendar listing If your organization or lake association has a meeting or event to list in the calendar, contact editor Juliana Thill at 320-593-4808 or email thill@independentreview.net.

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Lake information available online

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Belle Lake Association • Facebook: Belle Lake Association Brooks Lake Area Association • Website: www.brookslake.info • Facebook: Brooks Lake Clearwater Lake Property Owners Association • Website: www.clpo.org Collinwood Community Lake Association • Website: www.collinwoodlake.com Crow River Organization of Water • Website: http://crowriver.org • Facebook: Crow River Lakes and Streams • Twitter: @crowriverorg French Lake Improvement Association • Website: www.frenchlake.org • Facebook: French Lake Improvement Association

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Greater Lake Sylvia Association • Website: www.lakesylvia.org Koronis Lake Association • Website: www.koronislakeassociation.org • Facebook: Koronis Lake Association Lake Francis Area Recreation and Conservation Club • Website: www.lakefrancismn.org • Facebook: Lake Francis Lake Association

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Lake Minnie Belle Improvement Association • Website: www.lakeminniebelle.org • Facebook: Lake Minnie Belle Improvement Association Lake Ripley Improvement Association • Facebook: Lake Ripley Improvement Association Lake Stella Association • Facebook: Lake Stella Association - Darwin, MN Lake Washington Improvement Association • Website: www.lakewashingtonassn.com • Facebook: Lake Washington Improvement Association Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center • Website: www.maisrc.umn.edu • Facebook: Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center • Twitter: @AISresearchMN North Browns Lake Association • Website: www.northbrownslake.org • Facebook: North Browns Lake Association Pleasant Lake Improvement Association • Website: www.pliamn.com • Facebook: Pleasant Lake

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