Ice fishing is a happenin' event 'round here. Eelpout festival in Walker is planned for February 17. (I, personally, avoid this like the plague, but folks sure do seem to have a heckuva good time with their fur lined mukluks, weird hats, wacky fish recipes and lots of beer). (For more info, go to www.leechlake.org or www.leech-lake.com)

The ice on 11th Crow Wing Lake is about 18" deep at the moment (Tony at the Post Office here in Akeley reported this to Big John yesterday as we haven't been fishing on the ice this winter yet) which is UNUSUAL. It usually seems as if the ice is normally around 30" thick this late into January. What a mild fall and winter we've had this year! It's safe enough to drive around on now, of course, but be especially careful if the weather turns mild again for a few days. I wouldn't be surprised if the DNR or Sheriff's Dept. asks folks to get their ice houses off the ice early this year.

Audrey's Purple Dream is a local winter event fundraiser here on 11th Crow Wing Lake. Click here for schedule of events: http://www.audreyspurpledream.com/ A couple of the ladies at the bank are going to do a polar plunge (crazy people!). Feel free to join the fun if you happen to be up that weekend (Feb 11).

The next Lake Association meeting will be May 5 (Saturday) most likely at the ARCC again. (old Akeley school). Spring newsletter coming in April (if you have news or an announcement, feel free to send it over and I can include it in the mailing.) Hope to see you there and stay warm this winter!