Izatys will be hosting the Friday night dinner that helps to kick off Arctic Blast on February 10, according to Jason Tollette.

Tollette and his wife, Sherry, just completed a one-year contract with Commerce Bank and its affiliates to manage the resort for 2012.

"This is a big boost for us," said Tollette, of the Arctic Blast dinner.  Last year, the meal was held at Whitehawk, on Bay Lake, and it took teams buses nearly 90 minutes to travel from McQuoids in wintery weather. "We're 15 minutes away and one of the few places on the lake that can handle a group this size."

Tollette said the party will begin at 5 pm, with players arriving at 7 pm.  A band will start playing at 9 pm.  Arctic Blast is 10-12 February and features blast points that Viking players and former players visit around the lake.  Last year, the points were Blue Goose, Castaways, Hunters Point and Buzzys.

Izatys remains open weekends for a second straight winter, starting at 4 pm Fridays.  We'll post more information when it becomes available.

The W.I.S.H. (Wahkon, Izaty's, South Harbor) Lions will once again be taking children from the Isle and Onamia school districts on a shopping trip to the Target in Rogers.

This year we have 90 children who will benefit from the generosity of local merchants, individuals, and non-local companies who have donated to this cause.

Each year the W.I.S.H. Lions does fund raisers and sends letters asking for donations.  There are no administrative costs so all donations go directly to the children.  This year, approximately $10,000 will be spent on winter jackets, warm boots, clothing, and other necessities.

With the help of over 60 volunteers, the shopping trip will address the needs of children from age 0 to 15. 
 
W.I.S.H. Lions wants to thank all of those who have donated and those who volunteer their time to make this very needed and worthwhile project a success.  We will post pictures after Sunday's shopping!