The Isle Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 Spring Bling Gala was truly a night to remember—filled with laughter, connection, celebration, and a whole lot of hometown pride.

Held at McQuoid’s Inn, the evening brought together community members, business owners, and local leaders for a special time of networking, great food, and meaningful recognition. From the moment guests arrived, the room buzzed with energy as friends reconnected, new relationships formed, and the silent auction and Isle & Wahkon-themed bingo added a fun, local flair to the night.

Celebrating Outstanding Community Members

One of the highlights of the evening was honoring individuals who make a lasting impact in our community:

• 🏆 Presidential Award – Logan Slama
  At just nine years old, Logan inspired everyone in the room with his kindness, generosity, and heart for others. His recognition was a powerful reminder that leadership and impact have no age limit.
• 🏆 Citizen of the Year – City of Isle – Josh Hughley
  Josh was recognized for his dedication, service, and commitment to making Isle a better place for all.
• 🏆 Citizen of the Year – City of Wahkon – Karrie Roeschlein
  Karrie’s passion for community and continued efforts to uplift those around her made her a truly deserving honoree.

Each award told a story of service, heart, and the strength of small-town connection.

Community at Its Best

The Spring Bling Gala is more than an event—it’s a celebration of what makes the Isle area so special. The generosity shown through donated auction items, the support of local businesses, and the time given by volunteers all reflect the deep sense of community we are proud to be a part of.

Guests enjoyed a delicious meal by Dan’s Catering, lively entertainment, and the opportunity to support Chamber initiatives that continue to strengthen our local economy and community connections.

Presidential Award – Logan Slama
At just nine years old, Logan inspired everyone in the room with his kindness, generosity, and heart for others. His recognition was a powerful reminder that leadership and impact have no age limit.

Citizen of the Year – City of Isle – Josh Hughley
Josh was recognized for his dedication, service, and commitment to making Isle a better place for all.

Citizen of the Year – City of Wahkon – Karrie Roeschlein
Karrie’s passion for community and continued efforts to uplift those around her made her a truly deserving honoree.

Thank You

To everyone who attended, donated, volunteered, and supported this event—thank you. Your involvement is what makes events like this possible and meaningful.

Together, we are building something special here in the Isle and Wahkon area—and we can’t wait to see what the next year brings.

We hope you join us for the 2025 Soup Slurp!

Stop by participating businesses with a Soup Slurp Scorecard

Taste incredible soups from our local Soup Makers

Vote for your favorite before 2:00 PM at the Downtown Museum

Be entered to win $50 in Chamber Bucks just for completing your scorecard!

Winners will be announced by the end of the day.

Bring your family, bring your appetite, and enjoy the fun of Isle’s Olde Tyme Fall Fest!

This year’s soups and soup makers:

• Isle Muni – Creamy Chicken Noodle
• Isle Muni – Irish Stew
• White Capp Inn (Isle Muni) – Pea soup
• Karels Hardware – Reuben soup
• MLHS Community Pharmacy – Soup er Burger (GF)
• Snacks On Mille Lacs – Chicken Marsala
• Beckham’s Bar and Bistro (SOML) – Basil Noche Soup
• Lapis Loon Crystals – Cheddar Broccoli
• Lake Life Energy – Herbalife Chicken Soup
• Century 21 Atwood – Creamy Chieken Enchilada (GF)
• Impel Authority (C2I) – Loaded Baked Potato & Steak (GF)
• Teals Market – Chedder & Broccoli w/Ham

Below is additional information to get you prepared for the event.

1. There is a $10 charge for contest beginning in 2025. The Soup Slurp is organized by the IACC.
2. Tasting Participants that get signatures from ALL Soup Makers and drop of Score Cards will be entered in drawing for $50 Chamber Bucks! Encourage tasters to get all signatures even if they do not taste the soups… This will encourage them to visit all businesses, walk the town, and ENJOY their time at the event!
3. Prizes for 1st thru 3rd Place Soup Makers will be awarded!
4. Soups need to be ready for tasting by 11am.
5. Make 2 Gallons of your Soup. (No more, No less, & NO Chili!)
6. 4 oz. cups will be provided for sampling consistency. Note: You should get 85 3 oz. servings out of 2 Gallons. Only one sample per Score Card.
7. Soup Slurp Location Businesses can pick up cups/spoons/napkins & Score Sheets at Century 21 Atwood, 350 W Main after 10am Saturday.
8. Sign Score Sheets when sample is given, or if they are just getting it to complete their card.
9. If you run out of soup, everyone should be out. Do not make extra.
10. If you are hosting other soup makers at your location, please pick up Score Cards and supplies for them at the C21 office as noted above. If you run out of score cards, please check with another location. It will be hard to determine where Slurpers will start their tasting and pick up their cards.
11. One score sheet per guest. Guest must drop score sheets at Museum by 2:15.
12. Post Official “Slurp Point” window sheet on business door or window.
13. Winners will be calculated at Museum @2:30 and announced via Social Media.
14. Be sure your guests have a Great Experience in your place of business!
15. Any questions, feel free to contact Daron’s cell at 612-382-4583.

The Annual Olde-Tyme Fall Fest is Saturday September 27th from 10am to 4pm presented by the Mille Lacs Lake Historical Society at the Mille Lacs Lake Museum in Isle, MN, in cooperation with the Isle Chamber of Commerce. The IACC Soup Slurp runs from 11am – 2pm.

A Special Thanks to Teals and Snacks on Mille Lacs

for Donating Gift Cards for 2nd and 3rd Place Soup Makers!

Soup Makers Prize List: 1st Place $100 Chamber Bucks!

2nd $50 Teals Gift Card! 3rd $30 Beckham’s/Snacks on Mille Lacs Gift Card!

Not an Isle Area Chamber member yet?

Contact any chamber member or find us online and join TODAY!

As President of the Isle Area Chamber of Commerce, I am incredibly excited about the momentum we are building in our community. There is something truly special about small towns—where neighbors lift each other up, businesses support one another, and we all work together to make Isle a great place to live, work, and visit.

Our Chamber is more than just a network of businesses; it’s a group of people dedicated to strengthening relationships, finding and meeting the needs of our community, and creating opportunities for growth. By working together, we can amplify our impact—whether that’s through supporting local businesses, celebrating our youth, or organizing events that bring us all together.

One of the things I love most is celebrating the achievements of our students. Each quarter, we recognize the Student of the Quarter at Isle Schools, highlighting the dedication and hard work of our young leaders. Investing in our students is investing in our future, and we are proud to support them in any way we can.

Community events play a huge role in bringing us together, and we have some exciting things in store! Christmas in the Park is a magical celebration in December that brings holiday cheer to Isle, and Family Fun Nights offer a chance for families to connect and create lasting memories. These events—and many more—wouldn’t be possible without the support of our businesses and volunteers.

As we look ahead, I encourage everyone to be part of this journey. Whether you’re a business owner, a resident, or a visitor, your support and involvement help shape the future of Isle. Let’s continue strengthening relationships, lifting each other up, and making our community the best it can be.

Here’s to an exciting year ahead!

Danie Powell
President, Isle Area Chamber of Commerce

Isle Area Chamber of Commerce in the community

By Linda Dahlen

The Isle Area Chamber Spring Fling and Awards saw a great group of around 40 people representing an
array of area businesses. There was networking, delicious food and beverages, awards, music and silent
auction. McQuoids Inn and Event Center graciously provided the venue for the evening.
Music was provided by DJ Danie Powell of Danie Geo Productions. Danie is also the incoming Chamber
President. The event was catered by Dan’s Catering, whose great food was appreciated by all.
Silent Auction items were provided by many businesses including Teal's Market, Copper Fox, Impel
Authority, C21 Atwood, First National Bank of Milaca, Laura Horsch, Isle Bay Salon, Isle Harbor Lodge,
Linda Dahlen, Mille Lacs Health System, Tullibee Tavern, Muggs, Mille Lacs Messenger, MN Girl, and
others.

The auction raised $660 and went toward the Chamber Bucks Program. Chamber Bucks spend like cash
and can be purchased at the Mille Lacs Messenger at a 10% discount for use at many area businesses.
Bucks are also given away as prizes for the events and programs that the Chamber Sponsors. Some of
those programs are Christmas in the Park, Student of the Quarter Program, Old Tyme Fall Fest and
others.

Citizen of the Year award, presented by Chamber Treasurer Linda Dahlen, went to Maewyn DuClos, now
retired grade Isle school teacher, who has served tirelessly over several decades to benefit local youth
programs for both school and church events. Daron Stenvold presented the President’s Award to Nick
Skogen, owner of Lakeland Printers in Isle, Pastor of Isle Baptist Church, Past President of the Chamber
and go-to guy for everyone in need, including the Chamber.

The Chamber then held its annual meeting, voting in new officers and board members. Music followed
and some of the braver people there got up to dance and even line dance. Everyone appreciated the
perfect weather this year, after the blizzard we had at the 2023 Spring Fling Annual Meeting.

.         

We look forward to an amazing 2024/2025!

2024 EDUCATOR NOMINATION

Nomination deadline is May 15th, 2024

Do you know an educator that deserves to be recognized and praised for their good work? It can be a teacher, para, administrators or another part of the education realm. Send us your nominations!

Mail or Deliver Educator Nomination Application to:

Isle Area Chamber of Commerce

Attention: Business Education Partnership Committee

PO Box 324

Isle, MN 56342

or Email Application to:  LindaKD@frontier.com

Thursday, July 20, 2023  –  6:00 pm

McQuoid’s Inn Cedar Room

Chamber President: Daron Stenvold

Vice President: Don Dahlen

Treasurer: Linda Dahlen

Secretary: Danie Powell

Call to order: 

 Introduction of guests:

Approve Agenda:

Approve minutes from last meeting 

Approve financial reports:   Any comments to Financials. 

Old business:

Membership Services/Member Spotlight:  

Status of new members and renewing members:  

Grand openings/Ribbon cuttings for new members:

Banners update and plan for winter banners design now –  and communication with banner participants

Grand openings/Ribbon cuttings for new members:

New Business:

Debrief Isle Days

Fall Fest and Soup Slurp

Membership update;  on-boarding process of new member ASAP

Member certificates and window clings

Board Member Opening

Other Topics for Discussion?

Next meeting: 

Adjourn Time:

You guys. WOW!!!  Just … wow. THANK YOU!!!

Our brains are still working to regroup from the weekend, but we just want you all to know how incredibly grateful we are for each and every one of you!!!

To all the food vendors for keeping everyone’s bellies full of deliciousness.
To all the craft vendors for bringing in a variety of creativeness.
To everyone who organized events for the weekend.
To all the volunteers for helping us serve the community.
To all the businesses whose donations helped bring our visions to life.
To the school for the countless ways they make Isle Days a possibility.
And of course, to our community and everyone else who came out to support and enjoy Isle Days 2023!!

THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 2023 AT 5:30 PM
McQuoid’s Inn and Event Center

1325 Highway 47, Isle, MN, United States, Minnesota
RSVP by email or on our Facebook Event

Please join us and other like-minded businesses and individuals who desire to see our community work together and improve for the future Thursday, March 16th, with Social Hour and Hor d’oevres beginning at 5:30pm. The Spring Fling will include: Silent Auction • Door Prizes • Hor d’oeuvres • Networking • Awards • Music • Wine and MORE!

Isle Area Chamber Spring Fling Annual Meeting & Awards March 16th

STUDENTS OF THE QUARTER – Congratulations to our Third Quarter recognized students!

Grade 7: Abbie Gallion, Jenna Hebeisen, Aria Mueller
Grade 8: Gunner Gjerstad, Sam Hebeisen, Gabe Honek
Grade 9: Jenna Carlson, Klara Kett, Josiah Mueller
Grade 10: Briana Heise, Kris Schwarzbauer, Josh Zimmerman
Grade 11: Sydney Kapsner, Tucker Strecker, Celleia Merrill
Grade12: Daniel Miller, Jill Thompson, Gabbi Lilledahl

Picture:
Back row left to right:
Sydney Kapsner, Josiah Mueller, Daniel Miller, Gabe Honek, Gunner Gjerstad, Sam Hebeisen

Middle row left to right:
Areia Mueller, Jenna Carlson, Jill Thompson, Gabi Lilledahl, Brianna Heise, Josh Zimmerman

Front row left to right:
Klara Kett, Abbie Gallion, Jenna Hebeisen

STUDENTS OF THE QUARTER – Congratulations again to the students recognized: 7: Carter Adickes, Isiah Borg, Tucker Haggberg, 8: Micah Gray, Klara Kett, Aerian Jakubiec, 9: Brianna Heise, AJ Dorr, Kaitlyn Schoeck, 10: Sydney Kapsner, Samantha Bennett, Elias Beamish, 11: Gabrielle Perkio, Erik Paulsen, Gabriella Lilledahl, 12: Emily Benson, Derek Smith, Anika Kett

Tama Exted was nominated by Michele Haggberg for the 2020 Educator of the Year.

Tama was the lead teacher when she taught 2nd grade. She helped develop a program for the first and second graders during her tenure in the elementary school. She is currently the K-12 Media Specialist/Technology Coordinator. She has made a huge impact on the school becoming a 1-1 for the 4th – 12th grade. She has alot of responsibility in keeping all the staff and students up-to-date on what apps are available, training on how to use devices and setting up all the devices.

Tama is a perfectionist in all that she does. She gives 110% to make sure her students and staff have what they need to do their job. She puts everyone ahead of herself so that everyone can move forward with their jobs. If she doesn’t have an answer immediately she will not stop until she does. Tama has been an asset to the Isle School District for many years. She is warm and welcoming to those around her. She shares great ideas so that staff can better lead and teach their students.

Tama has been the leader and mentor when it came time to move the Isle School District in to the technology world and she is helping prepare our students for their future.

Congratulations to Tama Exsted, 2020 Educator of the Year!

Congratulations to the Students of Quarter! 

Back row left to right: Ethan Benson (11), Amelio Merrill (10), Cage Stokes (10), Jackie Belin (8), James Tanner (8), Dawson Stark (12), Hayden Purdy (8)
middle row: Lanicia Fronk (11)
Front row left to right: Emily Miller (11), Hailey Anderson (7), Brianna Hiese (7), Irisha Benson (12), Gabriella Lilledahl (9), Katlyn Schoeck (7)

Not pictured: LaDrake Powell (12), Emma Haggberg (10), Mikayla Anderson (9), Emily Tienter (9)

Also pictured: Principal, Jeremy Schultz and Linda Dahlen, Isle Area Chamber of Commerce

Congratulations to the following students for being chosen Students of the Quarter! Here are the quarter 2 winners:
7th grade – Mallory Vanbuskirk, Antavia Pendegayosh (not pictured) and Marshall Freiberg-LaSart
8th grade – Jacob Gallion, Kallan Pojanowski and Amaya Lancrain (not pictured)
9th grade – Alejandra BigBear-Merrill (not pictured), Daniel Miller (not pictured) and Gabrielle Perkio
10th grade – Violet Pojanowski, William Stalker and Mary Ajax
11th grade – Madison Cooper (not pictured), Beth Towle and Eric Thompson (not pictured)
12th grade – Grace Carlson (not pictured), Justin Remer and Michelle Belin!

Pictured; Willy Stalker (10th), Justin Remer (12th), and Gabby Perkio (9th) – Jacob Gallion (8th), Beth Towle (11th), Violet Pojanowski (10th), Mary Ajax (10th), Shelly Belin (12th) – Marshall Freiburg-LaSart (7th), Mallory VanBuskirk (7th), and Kallan Pojanowski (8th)

Also Pictured:  Jeremy Schultz, Principal (Left) and Linda Dahlen, Isle Chamber of Commerce (Right)

Pictured L to R – Rhonda Skoog, Linda Dahlen, Traci Gallati, Carolyn Avaire and Cori Swenson
Photo by Hans Woelfle

• 1st Place – Thompson’s Lake Country Drug – Sweet/Spicy Chili
• 2nd Place – DJ’s Furniture & Framing – Country Chowder
• 3rd Place – Mille Lacs Realty – Italian Wedding Soup

Thank you to all our Slurp Sites and Tasters for making it such a fun day!

Thank you SPIRE for being a member of the Isle Area Chamber of Commerce!

SPIRE Credit Union began as Twin City Co-ops Credit Union in 1934 during the Great Depression. The credit union’s goal has always been to improve the financial lives for both personal and business members. Today SPIRE has 17 branches across the Twin Cities metro area and throughout northern Minnesota serving Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Credit Unions are not-for-profit organizations where the profits come back to members through low fees, great rates on loans (including auto, personal, home equity, and business loans and mortgages), higher rates on savings, and educational programs. Also, credit unions are owned by members who vote and elect a volunteer board of directors. Finally, deposits at federally insured credit unions (including SPIRE) are insured by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund, which protects deposits the same way the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. insures banks in case of failure. Members’ deposits are insured up to $250,000.

A full-service financial institution, SPIRE offers an array of checking accounts (including a free checking account), ATM network, and a staff of licensed retirement and investment professionals. Through 9.30.18, if you open a new checking account, you can get $100 (certain conditions apply, see www.myspire.com for more details). In Isle, Branch Manager Linda Thiele and staff are member-focused and active in the community and welcome your questions.

Photo, L to R: Stephanie Smith Sr. MSO, Dawn Dressely Sr. MSO, Alicia Anderson MSO, Mary Paulsen MSO, Linda Thiele Branch Manager, and Katie Frey FSO.

Pictured: Last Year’s Recipient Michele Haggberg, 2018 Winner Kalie Turgeon & Linda Dahlen, Isle Chamber President

Part of the Isle Chamber of Commerce’s Mission Statement reads:
“To be a leader in promoting the spirit of our city and helping to enhance a progressive business environment as well as to serve as the business voice of Isle and the South Mille Lacs area. We seek to promote recognition of educational achievements through business/educational partnerships. Together, we strive to make Isle a better place to live and work.”

There are things that are glue that hold our community together.  City government is one, a unified business community, volunteers and organizations… are others. But Education is a key component of a healthy community. The Chamber recognizes achievement through the Student of the Month program, and ALSO through the Educator of The Year Award.

The last two years we have recognized Educators in the upper grades.  This year we wanted to recognize a different Educator.  The last two year’s recipients were nominated by their peers, this year’s nominee was submitted by a parent of students.

Nominated by Lori Stenvold, co-owner of The Wharf Resort.  The following are excerpts from Lori’s nomination form:  “Kalie has been an educator for 12 years and attended St. Mary’s University and University of Northwestern. Currently she teaches ECFE, Early Childhood Family Education, for 3 and 4 year olds. The Pre-School is 4 Star Parent Award rated. Kalie listens well to parents and students.  She ties classroom activities together with themes that kids enjoy.  She is great at communication with parents. She is the kid’s first experience with a teacher and school.  She is highly influential in shaping the kids view of school, ability to make friends, learn, etc.  She caters well to the individual student’s needs.”

The 2018 Educator of The Year – Kalie Turgeon!

left to right – bottom row – Ariahna Phan (10), Dawson Stark (11), Macen Haggberg (11)
left to right – back row – Dylan McMahon (9), Cage Stokes (9)

Not pictured:
7th Grade: Brooklyn Smith, Hannah Fradette
8th Grade: Gabrielle Perkio, Joe Bistodeau
10th Grade: Lucas Gross,

Event Sponsor was SPIRE Credit Union.  Linda Thiele gave us an interesting history about SPIRE and how it’s evolved over the years.
SPIRE will also be sponsoring 3 other C&C events.

McQuoid’s Inn was our host location and supplied coffee and juice for the event. The conference room was set up nicely and the space worked very well for the presentation.

The Wharf Resort catered in breakfast which include fruit and a fabulous breakfast sandwich which, in my opinion, put a certain chain restaurant’s Egg & Sausage McMuffin to shame. There were a few sandwiches left which some of us took home and I can tell you they were just as good heated up the next morning!

Mille Lacs County Sheriff, Brent Lindgren, was our keynote speaker and addressed the group about Drug Court and 911 advancements.  It was very interesting to hear how the County is striving to really help people who have gotten mixed up with drugs and the law break the cycle and get clean.  The most surprising to me was that it can take up to 3 months for a persons brain to start firing normally again after they have used heroin. The proposed Drug Court would help these people stay on a path to recovery.

We also talked about the 911 system and how Mille Lacs County has been a leader in the advancement of the system.  Currently you can text to 911 and down the line they anticipate being able to send images and video to 911. It was interesting to hear how text to 911 calls are routed.  They don’t just go directly to Mille Lacs County Dispatch but rather travel a road through various cell tower locations.  The good news it is works quickly and seamlessly which we should all be thankful for.

To wrap up the meeting Linda Thiele awarded a SPIRE door prize which included a SPIRE scarf, head band, mittens and a travel cup. Those in attendance were eligible for the drawing and Tina Chapman won the prize.

Our next scheduled Coffee and Commerce is May 15th at 7:00 am.  Our keynote speaker will be Mille Lacs County Attorney, Joe Walsh. Don’t Miss It!

Thank you to our sponsors!

Back row left to right: Eric Bassett (11th), Brad Bernu (10th), Matthew Mitchell (9th)
Middle row left to right: Tommi Spangler (9th), Jackie Belin (7th), Irisha Schultz (11th)
Front row left to right: Cameron Wilkes (7th), Ivy Brinkley (10th), Kharma Remer (7th)

Not pictured: Jack Ebenhoh (8th)

Top row left to right: Willy Stalker (9th), Xanna Pedersen (11th), Lilly Orazem (10th)
Bottom row left to right: Elias Beamish (7th), Anika Kett (9th), Jacob Gallion (7th), Mikayla Anderson (8th)

Not pictured: Jill Thompson (8th), Eldayshun BigBear (10), and John Kargel (11th)

Marlene Moss was awarded the Citizen of the Year Award for her extensive volunteer work in the community as well as being a substitute teacher.

The Isle Days Committee (accepted by Tami Zortmann and Tura Eye) received the President’s Award for all their hard work in planning our great Isle Days celebration.

front row – left to right: Darin Brandt (11), Tucker Strecker (7), Madison Hebeisen (7)
middle row – left to right: Emily Miller (10), Cadence Elling (8), Shelly Belin (10)
back row – left to right: Courtney Ivy (11), Jon Richert (9), Daniel Miller (8), Emma Haggberg (9)

front row left to right: Sydney Kapsner (7), Carly Gallion (10), Gabi Lilledahl
second row left to right: Sami Bennet (7), Jazmine Serrano (9), Isabel Chavez (8)
back row left to right: Teagan Haggberg (9), Cody Hunt (11), Eric McQuoid (11)
Not pictured: Ethan Benson (10)

At the same time, a lot of work is done by trusted printing presses.  Lakeland offers the expected services of stationary, envelopes and business cards, but also prints packaging, labels, stickers and die cut.  Their customer base is both local regional upper Midwest, and National with customers as far away as Washington State.  Customers range from small business, to hospitals, government entities, service and manufacturing and power companies.

All the services that big city printers offer, are offered right in Isle at Lakeland Printers, and at competitive prices too.

When asked what the major difference between being the key employee compared to being the owner, Nick said “I think the obvious major difference would be the fact that now I am fully responsible for all the financial decisions that are made. There’s a certain degree of satisfaction in knowing not only where the money is coming from, but also where it is going. Along with that comes the burden of knowing that the continued success of the business is dependent on my ability to manage all aspects of its operation.”

The Isle Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to award this years Educator of the year to – Michele Haggberg

Michele is a 5th grade teacher at Nyquist Elementary and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education.

She has been a leader in education excellence. She has mentored many field trip experiences and is a coach of multiple sports at multiple levels.

Mrs. Haggberg is an outstanding educator that always put students first. She continually works to improve her classroom experiences for students and programs district wide.  It is obvious that Michele thrives on the learning and curiosity of her students. She works to make learning fun, rigorous and relevant.  She is one of the first teachers in Isle to embrace new technology and has excelled at engaging students who are digital natives.

Mrs. Haggberg’s classroom and grade level are a memorable experience that give students tools applicable to life long success.

With over 20 years of experience, Jim’s Tree Service offers affordable, dependable service throughout central Minnesota.  Jim has had arborist certification training.   He is fully insured and offers landscaping and sod work in addition to tree and brush removal, stump grinding, lot cleaning, cabling, corrective trimming and firewood for sale.

Jim’s web site shows other unique services he offers, in addition to the traditional services. He offers experienced YEAR ROUND High Risk Climbing service, removal of very large and complicated trees, corrective and selective trimming, emergency storm work, tree damage issues and tree disease identification.

Jim’s Tree Service not only provides tree and landscaping service but also provides snow removal and snow plow services in the Mille Lacs lake area. Welcome, Jim’s Tree Service.

Web Site:  www.jimstreeservice.net
Email:  jimthetreeman1@gmail.com
Phone 320.333.3585

Today, Mac’s has 34 rental fish houses, and caretakes 180 private fish houses in the winter season.  “In the winter, we move our rental fish houses often to follow the fish”, Kevin explains.  “Customers appreciate that our team is always ready to help them out.  We move their houses, block them up and bank them with snow as they request.  Many of them enjoy calling up the day before they come and having us go in and drill their holes and turn on their heat”.

In the summer, there are 55 fishhouses that customers also use for summer camping as well as a 50 boat marina and small RV park.  There is always a wait list for the camping spots.  Currently Mac’s Twin Bay Resort leases the bar and restaurant to Amanda Brandt, who operates “Da Boathouse in Da Bay, featuring Chef Lincoln Anderson.  It’s a great venue with a delicious menu far removed from the typical “bar food” often featured in the area.

Since summer spaces are for the whole season and the restaurant is taken care of, Kevin has the opportunity to fish two national walleye circuits, including the National Walleye Tour and the Masters Walleye Circuit.   He has found great success as a professional tournament angler, winning 3 pro/am tournaments, and he and Karen won the coveted titles of “Husband and Wife Team of the Year” twice and “Division Team of the Year” once.  He’s now fishing with his 16 year old son, Eric.  They’ve had a few top 10’s already and are looking for their first win this summer.  He adds that he “started fishing tournaments with my dad, winning our very first one”!

Mac’s Twin Bay has been a premier destination on Lake Mille Lacs for 24 years.  Their attention to customer service is what Kevin feels sets them apart and why the resort always has a summer waiting list.  It’s a small, family business that prides itself on beautiful accommodations and grounds.  The staff is seasonal, with 3 in the winter office and several others handling maintenance and operations during the year.  They still have openings for 2017 fish house rentals – deluxe sleepers, day houses and spear houses.  For 2017 summer, they do have some openings in the marina.  For more information about Mac’s Twin Bay Resort, see their web site at: www.macstwinbay.com

The Holiday Lights Contest winners have been chosen!

Individual Category winners receive $50, $25 and $10 Chamber Bucks respectively.

• 1^st  – Heather Hipp – 43901 Vista Road, Isle
• 2^nd – Monte Fronk – 1025 Superior Street, Isle
• 3^rd  – Brenda Sayers – 40293 Beach Road, #A, Wahkon

Business Category

• 1^st – Trophy – 210 Main St – Historic Bank Bldg
• 2^nd  – Certificate – Thompsons Lake Country Drug

Back row left to right – Principal Jeremy Schultz, Colby Hubbell (11th grade), Anna Taylor (9th), Maggie Peterson (11th), Eric McQuoid (10th)

Front row left to right – Lucas Gross (9th), Willy Stalker (8th), Haley Brown (8th), Emily Boyer (10th), Jack Ebenhoh (7th)

Not pictured – Isabel Chavez (7th)

President’s Award

This year’s president’s award goes to a person who really is the team spirit behind their organization.  A good leader has a loyal team, is generous, and is devoted to community.  She is also part of another team, the Isle Area Chamber of Commerce.

Rhonda Skoog has been been dedicated to the Chamber and in recent years, as a member of the Chamber Board.  She is generous through Teals for things like, The Olde Tyme Fall Fest, and Christmas in the Park and many others.  Isle Days can always rely on her.  Also, many non-profit organizations have her blessing to do their fundraisers in the Teal’s parking lot.

Congratulations Rhonda!

Citizen of the Year Award

Countless Chambers of Commerce around the country and here in Minnesota, honor local citizens for their extraordinary contributions to their communities… because these dedicated people do impact business as well.  At our annual meeting we honored someone who not only contributes to the community, but also to the business community.

She is a Chamber member who pretty much says YES to everything we ask of her.  She has organized the Isle Days Parade and has been involved in countless other areas of Isle Days.  Her husband was part of organizing the present Chamber of Commerce and we know she was behind the scenes helping, all the way.  She is a member of the Isle Lions and Mille Lacs Drift Skippers and helps runs a number of their fundraisers and assists where she can.  She was a volunteer Cheerleader Coach and rides the school bus to help supervise our youngsters.  She has helped with the North American Fishing Tournament, Hooked on Fishing for Kids and the Lions Santa Shop.

Our first ever Citizen of the Year Award goes to – Mitzi Reis.

Congratulations to our High School October Students of the Month!

7th grade: Jill Thompson and Brendan Peterson
8th grade: Megan VanBuskirk and Teagan Haggberg
9th grade: Emily Miller and Marty Muelners
10th grade: Grace Carlson and Dawson Stark
11th grade: Megan Hagel and Justin Borgfelt

Left to right back row: Jeremy Schultz, Principal, Brendan Peterson (7), Marty Muelners (9), Justin Borgfelt (11), Teagan Haggberg (8), Dawson Stark (10), Linda Dahlen, Isle Chamber of Commerce
Left to right front row: Jill Thompson (7), Grace Carlson (9), Megan VanBuskirik (8), Emily Miller (9), Megan Hagel (11)

The current manager is Shannon Schminkey.  Her parents have owned a resort and bar on Big Sandy Lake since 1981, with Off-Sale, On-Sale, Kitchen, and Camping.  By 1989, Shannon was working in a significant capacity in her parent’s business, including running the restaurant and bar.  Shannon has college with emphasis in Accounting, business and HR.  She worked in the Twin Cities for 17 years before coming back north to help her folks with their business again from 2005 to 2015.  It was in 2015 that she came on board as the Manager of the Isle Municipal Liquor Store.

She notes that the City has a great location with its present store, and has reasonable pricing in both the bar and Off-Sale.   She has facilitated the menu growing in size and quality since coming on board, knowing that good food brings people in and keeps them there longer.  Some features are homemade pizza and sandwiches and Muni Munchies.  The Muni also boasts some of the best entertainment bands in the area with a variety of modern rock and roll, classic rock and country bands.   Bands are scheduled at least once a month, and twice a month in the Summer time.   Under Shannon’s lead, the Muni is cleaner, more up to code and there are visions for a better kitchen in the future.  Pricing is in line with local competition.

Shannon is proud of her friendly staff who have great humor and work well together as a team.  Wise inventory management, smart buying and personnel restructuring have even garnered the approval of the Minnesota Municipal Beverage Association who have shared that they feel the store is on the right track.

For 20 years, Bob had a successful Twin Cities business called Metro Handyman, doing HUD rehabs and remodeling of mostly commercial properties. He sold that business. He and brother Frank bought the 230 Main building, and also together own Molly’s Café & Silver Lake Motel in Silver Lake, MN.

17 years ago, after the first redesign and remodel of the apartments and coffee shop at 230 Main, Bob wanted to go to the next level. He updated all the apartments again, adding windows, remodeling kitchens and upgrading flooring etc. He also wanted to serve the local folks in the south Mille Lacs area, and open a quality bar/restaurant in downtown Isle. It was long in the making, but Beckham’s opened their doors in spring of 2016.

With his many years of experience restoring and updating properties, The 230 Main building was a work in progress of updating the structure and meeting codes, while at the same time maintaining the historic integrity of the building. Anyone who steps inside Beckham’s can see the effort was a resounding success.

The management and marketing behind Beckham’s immediate success and appeal has been to give people what they want while offering fantastic food at reasonable prices. New Specials are introduced regularly. The ones that are most popular are then added to the menu as regular features. The menu has 30 regular selections now, many of which are “Signature” creations. But the menu is ever changing, which adds to the fun of going to this great little eatery. For breakfast, try the “Paul Bunyan” or try the “Bob Burger” that stands 6 inches tall. There are also other features like wraps, ribs, sandwiches and more. The bar is full service with many unique beers and other drinks.

Bob humbly attributes his success to having talented and trustworthy staff to help run Beckham’s and Snacks. “I could not do this without my great staff” he proudly says.

Hours vary, but usually are 10am to 10pm Monday through Thursday, 10am-11pm Friday and Saturday, closed Sundays. Stop in today for a taste of Big City cuisine in a classy but comfortable Small Town atmosphere.

Note: Beckham’s is named after Bob’s grandson by the same name.

Jason Holmer, Ron Schara and Jim DaRosa

The Mille Lacs Smallmouth Alliance (MLSA) is a 501(c)(3)  charitable non-profit organization, recognized by the IRS under IRC 401(a). The Alliance is dedicated to rebuilding, preserving and maintaining Mille Lacs as a world class trophy smallmouth bass fishery.  Our work will include: educating fishermen, local businesses and visitors to the lake about the benefits of catch and release and advocating with conservation officials about sound fish management practices. We believe a healthy trophy smallmouth bass fishery contributes to the economic vitality of the Mille Lacs Lake area through tourism and overall property values and a robust community. Plus, taking care of a precious natural resource is just the right thing to do.

The founder and President of the MLSA, Jim DaRosa, was and is the spark plug behind the effort to unite area stakeholders in preservation and conservation efforts of the Mille Lacs Lake fishery.  Jim and wife Jeannette live on Malone Island, in Isle.

Jim has been involved in the outdoor industry for over 45 years. He is the retired host of the Fishing and Outdoor Radio Show which aired on five radio stations in the Chicago market for 32 years. He has been a bass tournament angler for 20 years and has won many events in the Midwest and southern states.   Beside Mille Lacs Lake, he has fished for smallies in Lake Erie, Sagnaw Bay, Sturgeon Bay, St. Clair (Detriot) Kentucky Lake, and Pickwick in Alabama.

Recognizing from the early 90’s that Mille Lacs was a world class smallmouth fishery, he through his radio show sponsored trips to Mille Lacs for his listeners, bringing up to 60 anglers from the Chicago Area to experience Mille Lacs.   Anglers marveled what a great bass, walleye and musky fishery Mille Lacs was.

After retirement and for the past 10 years, Jim has been guiding exclusively for smallmouth bass on Lake Mille Lacs.  The MLSA is dedicated in preserving and maintaining a World Class Trophy Smallmouth Bass.

MLSA is excited about the BASSMASTERS Angler of the Year will be showcasing the lake in September 2016.  Thousands of visitors will attend and estimates that 3.4 million dollars in new money will injected into the local economy during those four days.

With the Angler of the Year event comes ESPN 2 Bassmasters television series.  This TV show is viewed by millions of bass anglers across the nation.  Jim predicts that Mille Lacs will be placed on the bucket list of bass lakes to fish.

MLSA Officers:
Jim DaRosa, President
George Liddle, Vice-President
Linda Dahlen, Secretary/Treasurer

MLSA Board Members:
Justin Baldwin
Tony Roach
Brian Wood
Jason Holmer
Mark Schutz
Terry McQuoid
Janet Parker
Scott Bonnema

Honorary Board Members:
Ron Schara
Mark Zona
Al Lindner
Ron Lindner
James Lindner
Denny Brauer

For more information about MLSA or Jim DaRosa, see the websites below.
www.MilleLacsSmallmouthAlliance.com

Kris’s father always encouraged her in business and when Bob Lapinski first talked with Kris about taking over the drug store, she was initially hesitant.  Being a self-employed business owner would be a big  change, but her dad’s encouragement years before spurred her on to explore further.   The rest is history.

Kris is a Registered Pharmacist and Walt continues as a pipe fitter in the Twin Cities.  Kris’ vision for the drug store involves many things, including changing with the economic times around the Big Lake while remaining competitive in the local retail market.    She added better quality Children’s toys, like Melissa and Doug, as well as craft yarns and quality sweatshirts and souvenir items.  She reduced the greeting card inventory in favor of better selection and higher quality too.  Some future plans are to relocate the pharmacy within her building and restructure the aisles for a better customer shopping experience.

The Thompsons are active in the Isle area community, including Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and the Isle Area Chamber of Commerce.

MISSION STATEMENT

Our goal at Thompson’s Lake Country Drug is to provide our customers and community with the best possible service, selection and pricing possible.  We desire to be aware of and respectful of our culturally diverse community and its unique opportunities.  With this in mind, we will be able to face each new day and its challenges with strength and compassion.

Congratulations to the Students of the Month for April, 2016. Each month the Chamber recognizes students who are selected by their teachers for their excellence in many areas. The Chamber strongly believes that the partnership of local business and education is crucial in developing our leaders of tomorrow.

Back Row L to R, Michael Stamper, Savanna Oberfeld, Jon Richert, Josh Zimpel, Braden Willis. Front Row L to R, Priscilla Bonilla, Violet Pojanowski, Braden Duffee, Danni Lee, Grace Carlson.

Hans Woelfle came to Isle in 2005 and in 2006 started working at Isle Hardware Hank. In 2013 he retired from the hardware store and after a couple of years, decided he want to do more for the community. In 2015 he got his real estate license and started selling real estate locally through the Brainerd office of Keller Williams Realty Professionals.

He joined the chamber as an individual in 2008 and in 2012 became the secretary and remains the secretary to this date. In January 2016 he renewed his membership as a real estate agent and business member through Keller Williams.  

Hans has volunteered many hours in the Isle community, he is an Isle Lion, President of the Mille Lacs Lake Historical Society, a member of the Chamber, Isle Days committee and the Centennial committee.  He organizes the Isle Days car show, and last year started an Isle area car club called the Lake Country Cruisers.  He has also organized volunteers for several fishing contests on the lake and has been a part of the IREC advisory board.

Hans enjoys helping the seniors in the area doing odd jobs, he organizes the Lions Christmas tree of giving, along with many other events in the area.

He has two sons, one of whom works at a book bindery in Brainerd and the other is a Research Chef at Frito Lay in Dallas Texas.

His wife, Shari, works for a twin cities hospital from home coding medical records.

Picture is Hans and former Chamber President Steve Reis.

A healthy trophy Smallmouth Bass fishery will contribute to the economic vitality of the Mille Lacs area through added tourism dollars, overall property values and a robust community.

Visit their website at www.millelacssmallmouthalliance.com and become a member today!