New Year’s Eve/Day on Mille Lacs is more than ice fishing. These 5 Mille Lacs kingpins – in addition to Grand Casino – are worth checking out. Click on the “social media” links to find out what’s happening at each.

 1)      Blue Goose Inn, Garrison.  It’s totally revitalized.  It’s the Goose.  And it will be rocking.

2)      Izatys Resort, Onamia. Great fine dining and atmosphere.  And you can snowshoe, cross country ski or fish from the harbor.

3)      BayView Bar and Grill, Onamia. Excellent variety of food.  It’s the “Cheers” of the south shore.

4)      Castaways  Bar, Restaurant, Malmo. Fishing haven, and  “THE” place to be on the NE corner of Mille Lacs.

5)      Fishermen’s Wharf Resort, Isle. Eastern shore “total package” with great food and entertainment.

For lodging availability in the area, Mille Lacs Tourism is your source! And to keep track of what's going on at Mille Lacs, read the Mille Lacs Messenger online.

Save these three key dates for Mille Lacs events in February: Arctic Blast XIX, Feb. 12; 7th Annual Ducks Unlimited Tourney, Feb. 19; 28th Annual Perch Extravaganza, Feb. 26.

Ninety-one area disadvantaged kids from Isle and Onamia school districts had a brighter Christmas this year thanks to the Wahkon-Izatys-South Harbor (WISH) Lions club.

The kids, aged pre-school to 15, took a shopping trip to Target in Rogers the second weekend in December (the pre-schoolers did not go; volunteers shopped for them).  Teamed with WISH volunteer, the kids shopped for essentials like winter hats, coats, mittens, boots and long underwear. Many got their first glimpses of charitable giving, according to Judi DeZiel, club secretary.

The kids also got a toy or two. Identified by the school district staff, most of the kids were from low-income or single family homes.  Some don’t get Christmas gifts. It is why WISH started this program more than seven years ago.

Though the dollar amounts given to each child vary each year, the child and volunteer experience is the same: smiles on the student’s faces matched by the sense of giving back felt by the volunteers.

“It is one of those events where you receive back so much more than you give,” said Gary Groen, WISH president for three years running.  “I have every volunteer asking to be a part of this event again next year.  To me, that means it has been a great experience.”

The WISH Lions club puts on a popular Mille Lacs-area golf event every year to raise money for the Christmas shopping.  It has been hosted at Izatys and Fiddlestix. WISH has donated more than $24,000 to the shopping trips since its inception.

WISH Lions takes its “Go Serve the Kids” motto very seriously and welcomes new members. It focuses its giving around the southern Mille Lacs Lake areas.

The club meets once a month and welcomes inquiries for joining.  Please contact Lion John Deziel at jedeziel@hotmail.com if you would like to donate or want to be part of a group that works toward rewarding goals.  

The Mille Lacs Lake area entertainment landscape takes one giant step forward Sunday.

Garrison’s Blue Goose Inn rolls out its new-and-improved bar and restaurant after completing a month-long facelift. It sports a new bar, carpet, stage modifications, remodeled bathrooms,  an array of detailed upgrades and has been deep cleaned.

It has been closed for the last month to remodel and  it’s just in time for what is shaping up to be a great winter ice fishing season.  The Minnesota Vikings’  Children’s Fund- sponsored Arctic Blast XVI dances on the Blue Goose Inn horizon as well.  The upgrade comes on the heels of the Chico’s Place closing on Highway 169 between Onamia and Milaca one week ago.  

““It needed a facelift,” said owner Mark Tadych, between cell phone calls, Wednesday prior to an open house and private party VIP Showing. “I just want to give credit to the many businesses that helped make this happen. “If you’ve got a 17-year old look, you’ve got to refurbish.”

The ‘Goose’ was bright, clean and refreshing when we stopped in.  Various tradesmen finished details.  Techies, carpenters, and the entire staff all seemed to be taking direction from Tadych.   The Blue Goose Facebook depicts the rebuilding.  Fire destroyed the Goose  17 years ago.

The bathrooms are decked with tile, stainless sinks, granite counter tops and new stalls.  Regulars may forget where they are at.  The digitized dart boards, sound system and televisions scream, “ modern”.  But it’s the Blue Goose’s new focus on detail that may take it over the top.

Tadych, himself, built a replica paddle-boat sized version of the famous Blue Goose fishing launch.  It sits just atop the front door as you walk in.  It makes you do a double take.  You can envision it driving some fun Mille Lacs conversation.

Which may turn to the photos dotting the place that recapture the history of this surviving Mille Lacs Lake icon, which opened in the early 1920s and is a mainstay on the lake to this day?

“The history of this place is extensive,” said Dan Bobseen, chairman for Hazeltine Township, employee for Hazelwood vending company and patron of the Goose all in one.  “I’ve been here since day one and seeing all this brings back good memories.”

The second step will be the Blue Goose Inn’s ability to stay busy. 

The early 2010 Mille Lacs Lake ice fishing census is in. Consensus among area anglers, resorters and local businesses is:  fishing is good and lake access is a breeze.

Jumbo perch, walleyes and northern are biting.  Ice conditions are fine.  Most importantly, many walleyes are  “in the slot”.  And it’s not even Christmas yet.

“Fishing is definitely above average,” said Steve Klonne,  avid Mille Lacs ice angler and part-time worker  at Brandt’s Ice Fishing  on the south shore.  He’s been at Brandt’s for more than six years and has fished the lake most of his life.  “I caught 20 jumbos (perch) the other day.  And we’re getting a lot of slot walleyes.”

“If you want to avoid the water coming up through your holes, then it’s definitely Mille Lacs,” said Klonne via phone Tuesday from Brewster’s Bar and Grill in Lonsdale.  Klonne owns the bar and was back to check in. His advice to patrons seeking  walleye, jumbo perch, easy lake access and plenty of options :  Mille Lacs.

Manager Dave Eckstrom of Hunter Winfield’s Resort on Mille Lacs’ Isle Bay agreed:  “we’re seeing the 12-inchers (jumbo perch) and lots of slot walleyes.” A pair of local fishermen, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said they caught 12 walleyes in two hours after sunset – all in the slot.

To Mille Lacs’ area business owners, residents and vacationers this early ice fishing census has created a surge of optimism in this part of Minnesota.  Visit our ice fishing reports page that puts you in touch with the lake’s experts in their formats and in their words!  If you’d like to be added to our link list contact us.

Want to win a free, framed photo of a one-of-a-kind Mille Lacs Lake scene? 

A few weeks ago we profiled Seasons of Mille Lacs, a new area photography business. It’s  run by Judi Deziel from her south-shore home and her sales niche seems spot on: “folks who have been here, live here or vacation here,” said Deziel, pointing out lakeside view of

She’s been busy since we last featured her, stocking an array of photos, puzzles, mugs, magnets and keepsake boxes to help people remember their Mille Lacs experience and doing some amazing winter photography.

 “I’m focused on the people who have a love and a feel for Mille Lacs,” said DeZiel, pointing to a wall adorned with various Mille Lacs sunsets.  “I want those who have visited (Mille Lacs) to be able to take it (the photo) home with them. I’m into sharing what I’m seeing from birds to snowfalls to spring and autumn leaves.”

 Go to the Seasons Of Mille Lacs Facebook page and “like” it and you are eligible for a Dec. 24^th drawing to win an 8"x10" photo of your choice which will be matted, framed and delivered to your location the Seasons of Mille Lacs link.  The lucky winner will be notified via Facebook .   Deadline is noon Friday. Make It Mille Lacs fans get the online recreational overviews of all things Lake Mille Lacs. Stay Tuned for Next Week’s Make It Mille Lacs Facebook Fan feature

(pictured above: Lastrup Bar Team members look on)

Some say there's not much to do between Thanksgiving and first-ice around Lake Mille Lacs.  If you're a dart player, there's something happening at least every Wednesday across the region with leagues dotting the area.

We caught up with at least a dozen avid area dart players at Izatys Club XIX Wednesday evening.  The two teams playing -- Izatys and Herold's Bar of Lastrup -- competed for a couple hours.  Herold's won. It was competetive, yes, but it felt more like a chance to get out and socialize.

"It's just alot of fun," said Dena Pribbenow who plays and works for Izatys. "It's breaks up the monotony of winter." Leagues run from September through the end of December, Pribbenow said.  Izatys fields one of five teams in the "South 301" league, which is led by Geno's #1 of Onamia. Most of that team was present watching on their "bye" week.

For more information on area dart schedules, standings and how to get involved in leagues visit Hazelwood Corp of Aitkin

Pierz ice anglers Josh Walcheski and Jesse Wolthuizen were all smiles packing up their snowmobile, Ranger ATV and ice fishing gear Sunday evening at the Cove Bay public landing just after sundown.

"The perch bite was good and the big northerns are hitting," Walcheski said, smiling.  He had been fishing about a mile out from the landing in a foot of ice.  "We got 25 perch and caught some nice northerns."

Both have been on the Big Pond fishing the last two weekends. Neither wanted to reveal 'the spot'. "I'd say 'head'er' up as they're sticking roads 7-8 miles out," Walcheski said. "I'd say it's really gonna pickup here mid-week.  That's how it always is."

Reports were similiar around the lake with walleyes checking in as we scanned web sites, Facebook pages, blogs and contacted several resorts and businesses. As always, check ice conditions

We're thanking our supporters this holiday season and through winter. We're also wishing all who enjoy Mille Lacs Lake a Merry Christmas and a chance to win a great gift.

Signup for the Make It Mille Lacs Facebook page  for your chance to win a $50 gift card at BayView.  All you have to do is click and "like" and you're registered for next Friday's drawing and you don't need to be present to win.  Jackie will draw the winning Facebook Fan at noon Friday and we'll post the name to both Make It Mille Lacs and BayView Bar and Grill Facebook pages.

We'll announce next week's area giftcard chance Saturday morning.  You've 'Made It Mille Lacs', and we appreciate it!

People are fishing out front of Little Whitefish Resort, according to Greg Tabor today.

Tabor said he is playing it safe with recent snow and about 4-plus inches of ice and his gate is still closed for traffic. Little Whitefish should be ahead of Mille Lacs main lake in terms of access for ATV, Sleds and autos.  Keep tabs on the situation at Little Whitefish Resort on their Facebook page.

“Folks come over from Mille Lacs when they haven’t caught anything for 48 hours,” Tabor said. “The resort is pretty much closed until April but we’ll bring out pizzas, beer and pop for people.”

Little Whitefish Resort maintains a 4-row wide road from the landing when open, allowing fishermen to the prized panfish – specifically crappies. Tabor said that the early evening bite is best.  A landing pass costs $10 per day.  He said crappies typically range from the 12-16 inches in size. And the lake is also home to some large northern.

Today’s Soo Line Trail opening to snowmobilers is extra special thanks to lots of white stuff that fell Tuesday and Wednesday. It also means the phone is ringing and the email humming at McQuoid’s Inn, located on the southeast corner of Mille Lacs Lake just north of  Isle.

“Snowmobiling is huge for us, “ said Katie Verdeja, an employee at McQuoid’s. “We’ve already had people calling, wondering when they can get out on sleds and the ice.”

Verdeja said recent bay ice was 5-plus inches, enough that fishermen were walking out. However, the ice is still too thin for sleds.  She said all people should check with their resort or dnr before venturing out onto the ice.

McQuoid’s has 10 rental snowmobiles ready for this season and can get more with notice, Verdeja said.  The venerable Mille Lacs resort discontinued ATV rentals due to a soft market. The resort is a premier lodging destination for vacationers all year round.  It’s a hot spot for the three major February events on Mille Lacs – Artic Blast; Perch Extravaganza; and Duck’s Unlimited Fishing. Get your reservations in early. Call 800-862-3535.

In addition to its conference center, cabins, trailers and hotel rooms, McQuoid’s is also great alternative lodging point for those who don’t want to spend a night or weekend in an ice house. It's close to everything and during ice season its especially appealing to couples, women and young families, Verdeja said.

While the recent 4-plus inches of snow may delay you from getting out on the main lake for a few more days, mark your calendars for the following dates: Three Mille Lacs annual events that draw thousands to the Big Pond and this year are finally on different weekends!

The 16th Annual Arctic Blast  is here February 12-13 with its blast points projected to be the same as of this writing.  This is a Minnesota Vikings Children's Fund Charity event that usually brings a whole bunch of retired players, a couple current ones.  

The Ducks Unlimited Fishing Contest will be held February 19, 2011 at noon in Garrison.  The link is to the event Facebook page.

The Perch Extravaganza held at Nitti's Hunter's Point is scheduled for February 26, 2011 from 8-2 pm.

Area resident Judi Deziel has recently launched a new and interesting niche business called Seasons on Mille Lacs.  In her words: "Living on Mille Lacs provides an everchanging view of the lake, the wildlife, the beautiful scenery in the area, and, of course, the spectacular sunsets.  For the past few years, I've tried to capture what I see to preserve it and to share it with others.  Seasons Of Mille Lacs is made up of outdoor scenes, photos of birds, photos of summer flowers, and many sunsets.  I have matted and framed prints for sale and also use Shutterfly to sell prints ready for framing.  Click Seasons of Mille Lacs to visit our website. Contact SeasonsOfMilleLacs@hotmail.com if you're interested in a framed print." Judi and her husband live on the south shore. The Seasons of Mille Lacs facebook page was recently launched. Here is a recent photo from Judi as ice is forming...

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The countdown is on for Mille Lacs Ice fishing.  In many years, some of the bays have been fishable with walk outs over Thanksgiving.  The main lake typically freezes enough for houses and vehicles to be out between Christmas and New Year's but there have been many cases where lighter houses with wheelers and sleds are out on the big pond the first few weeks of December.  Always check with local resorters and DNR reports before venturing out on the ice.

Here are some recommended Ice Fishing Operations you should check out (They work with MIML).  Click on the link and you'll get to the business web page.  Many of the local operations are now using social media so you can track their daily fishing reports, specials, and key events.

Starting from the NE Side of Mille Lacs and working to the SW,  Castaways has a good rental selection, large storage area, a massive food menu,  great ice roads and a big bar atmosphere; Fishermen's Wharf has literally everything, including lodging and the now-famous Toucan's Bar; An institution on Mille Lacs is McQuoid's Resort and Inn, featuring great lodging, guide servies and house options; Hunter Winfield's to me is the most nostalgic, yet modern of all the operations and located right in Isle close to all amenities; Lyback's Ice Fishing has great daily ice and fishing reports and a great house selection and is the oldest operation of these; Nobody misses the purple houses of Jerry Brandt which are situated from 1 1/4 mile to sloppys to 7 mile gravel and he features a huge fish house storage area. Dotting the western shore are KJ'c Ice Fishing bring you nice, huge rentals which feature newer with full service; Rocky Reef Resort  features the new foam houses and a fleet of others on the west end with a fun bar and restaruant.  Sure, there's more on Mille lacs, but all these businesses will treat you great and make you want to come back again!