Summer in the Mille Lacs area wouldn’t be complete without Family Fun Nights!

The Isle Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to bring back this growing summer tradition for another season of family-friendly fun, food, laughter, and community connection. Over the past two years, Family Fun Nights have become a highlight of the summer, bringing together neighbors, local businesses, community organizations, and visitors for evenings filled with smiles, laughter, and lasting memories.

What started as a simple idea—to create free opportunities for families to gather and enjoy time together—has grown into a beloved community tradition. From playground adventures and lawn games to delicious food, new friendships, and familiar faces, Family Fun Nights have showcased what makes our communities around Mille Lacs so special.

One of the best parts of Family Fun Nights is seeing people of all ages come together. Children make new friends on the playground, parents reconnect with neighbors, grandparents enjoy watching the fun unfold, and community organizations build relationships with the people they serve. It’s a reminder that some of the best summer memories don’t require expensive tickets or elaborate plans—just a place to gather, have fun, and enjoy time together.

This year’s Family Fun Nights will once again feature free food, games, activities, and opportunities to explore different locations throughout the area. Each week offers a unique experience hosted by local businesses and organizations that are passionate about strengthening our community.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Family Fun Nights are presented by the Isle Area Chamber of Commerce and made possible through the generosity of local businesses and community partners who believe in creating opportunities for families to connect and make memories together.

A special thank you to Teal’s Market for supporting Family Fun Nights throughout June.

2026 Family Fun Night Schedule

June 2 | Isle City Park (Pirate Park) | 5:00–7:00 PM

Hosted by DanieGeo Productions and Isle Bakery

Kick off the summer with a fun-filled evening at Pirate Park! Enjoy tacos from Momma’s Lip Smacking Burritos Food Truck, sponsored by Oberfeld Insurance, along with treats from Isle Bakery, games, activities, and plenty of opportunities to connect with friends and neighbors.

June 9 | Isle High School Pickleball Courts | 5:00–7:00 PM

Hosted by the Isle Area Pickleball Association

Whether you’re a seasoned player or have never picked up a paddle, this Family Fun Night is a great opportunity to learn about one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. Enjoy friendly competition, family activities, free food, and a fun evening outdoors.

June 16 | Wahkon Veterans Park | 5:00–7:00 PM

Hosted by Wahkon Wave and joined by Mille Lacs Health Systems

Join us in beautiful Wahkon for an evening of community connection, family activities, games, and free food sponsored by Century 21 Atwood – Isle. Gather with friends, meet new neighbors, and enjoy a summer evening near the lake.

June 23 | Fiddlestix | 5:00–7:00 PM

One of the most anticipated stops of the summer! Families can enjoy mini golf, slides, games, and plenty of fun for all ages. Thanks to Hans Woelfle for sponsoring the food for the evening and helping make this event free for the community.

June 30 | Isle City Park | 5:00–7:00 PM

Hosted by First National Bank of Milaca – Isle Branch and Mille Lacs Health Systems

Wrap up June with an evening of food, games, activities, and community fun at Isle City Park. It’s the perfect way to celebrate a month of making memories together.

A Summer Tradition Worth Celebrating

Family Fun Nights have become more than just a series of events—they’ve become a summer tradition. They represent what makes the Mille Lacs area special: neighbors helping neighbors, businesses investing in their community, and families spending quality time together.

Whether you’ve attended every Family Fun Night over the past two years or this will be your first, we invite you to join us. Bring the kids, invite the grandparents, gather your friends, and come experience the joy of community.

We look forward to seeing you Monday evenings in June from 5:00–7:00 PM as we continue this wonderful summer tradition together.

🍎 Honoring Excellence in Education: Celebrating Our Educators of the Year

Each year, the Isle Area Chamber of Commerce has the privilege of recognizing outstanding individuals who make a lasting difference in the lives of students and families through the Educator of the Year Award. This honor celebrates those who go above and beyond—educators who inspire, encourage, and lead with heart.

As we continue this meaningful tradition, we are proud to celebrate the incredible recipients from recent years:

Recent Honorees

• 2025 – Stacy Borchert
  Recognized for her dedication, passion, and the positive impact she brings to her students and school community each day.
• 2024 – Bri Novak (High School Science Teacher)
  Celebrated for making science engaging and inspiring, helping students explore, question, and grow in their learning.
• 2023 – Dominic Kruse
  Honored for his commitment to students and his ability to create a supportive and encouraging learning environment.
• 2022 – Dave Mueller
  Recognized for his leadership, dedication, and lasting contributions to education in the Isle area.

More Than a Title

Each of these educators represents the very best of our schools. Their influence goes far beyond the classroom—shaping confidence, character, and curiosity in the next generation.

They are mentors, role models, and everyday difference-makers.

A Community Effort

The Educator of the Year Award is especially meaningful because it comes from the community. Nominations are submitted by those who have been directly impacted—students, parents, colleagues, and community members—making each recognition deeply personal and well-earned.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate these outstanding individuals, we also look forward to continuing this tradition. Nominations for the 2026 Educator of the Year are open through May 26, 2026.

If an educator has made a difference in your life or your child’s life, we encourage you to take a moment to nominate them.

Thank You, Educators

To all of our past and present educators—thank you. Your dedication, patience, and passion help shape not only individual futures, but the future of our entire community.

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

The Walleye Statue has become an iconic feature of Isle, drawing attention from tourists and locals alike. It’s already undergone one restoration, and we are thrilled to see it return in Spring 2025 looking better than ever. Thanks to the generosity of local businesses and individuals, we’ve made this restoration possible, and we will recognize all donors through a special feature in the Messenger.

There will also be a plaque at the base of the newly restored Walleye, thanking those who made this restoration possible.

If we raise more than the needed funds for the Walleye restoration, the surplus will be donated to the Isle Food Shelf and other local charities.

Dear Chamber Members,

On behalf of the Isle Area Chamber of Commerce, I am thrilled to invite you to our Annual Chamber Gala on March 25th at the McQuoid’s Inn Event Center. This event is a celebration of our local businesses, our community, and the work we continue to do together.

Event Details:

• Social Hour: 5:30 PM
• Short Meeting & Awards: 6:30 PM

All are welcome! You don’t need to be a member to attend, so please feel free to invite your friends and colleagues to join us for this fun evening.

We’ve got some exciting things lined up for the night:

• Door Prizes!
• Silent Auction!
• Complimentary Wine & Hors d’oeuvres (Catered by Dan’s Catering)

You are invited! 2025 Gala!

JUNE 6TH, 2024 at 5:00pm

Isle Area Pickleball Association

Isle High School

Address: 730 5th Avenue

Isle, MN 56342

You are cordially invited to join us for our grand opening
ceremony. The days events include a pickleball
tournament at 2:30pm, an exhibition game at 4:30pm to
be followed by our grand opening ceremony at 5:00pm.
Cake and beverages will be provided by IAPA.

Thanks for your time!

Best Regards,

Gerry Wollum
MLLHS board president

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)

Non-profit corporation working to promote the Isle Airport to the City of Isle, pilots and surrounding communities.

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.