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Vol. 2025 • No. 7 • August 22 – September 4, 2025
Ropes | Page 3B SPONGES
Flotsam & Jetsam | Page 3A
Fishery | Page 5A
Crew Members | Page 13A
Galley | Page 10B, 10C
Fishers of Men | Page 14A
Ropes | Page 3C
Port of Call | Page 6B, 6C
DO NOTHIN CAMPGROUND ADDS SUMMER FUN EVERYONE CAN ENJOY
By Justin Runberg editor@theameryfreepress.com
Located along the Apple River, five miles east of Balsam Lake, sits a campground that offers something special for the area and campers to enjoy during the warmer months. The campground provides many amenities for the roughly 100 campers seeking relaxation and the opportunity to create memories. While there are plenty of activities available for campers and visitors, one additional attraction has become popular on hot days: a new aqua park that has opened and is enjoyed by both campers and local families.
“It's been fabulous watching all the joy and the fun with all the kids this summer, and just the parents,” Barbara Jarchow, Owner of Do Nothin Campground said. “The parents get to go back and kind of live in that moment of the Do Nothin campground and kind of kick back and relax, but yet, here they are able to watch their kids having the fun and the enjoyment and making the memories, that kind of a thing. So that's kind of where we were with getting it going.”
The initial ideas for creating the aqua park came just a year ago. After some planning and preparations, Jarchow turned her vision into reality. At first, it was overwhelming because she wasn’t
AQUAPARK | FROM 3A
sure what to expect from campers and visitors. She wouldn’t say it started slow, but at the beginning of summer, it was wet and cold. Around the Fourth of July, things started to heat up, both figuratively and literally. Since then, it has been nonstop with visitors. However, what surprised Jarchow the most was the incredible support from the community for the aqua park. Now, it’s been enjoyable to watch because of everyone’s positive attitude toward the new feature.
Jarchow also noted that there really isn’t anything similar nearby. Although there are many water bodies for people to enjoy, they are limited in what activities they can offer, depending on what facilities are available. The aqua park provides a little bit of something for everyone. The group that gets the most enjoyment out of the aqua park is often young families and kids. Frequently, people come to the campground expecting to spend just a couple of hours, but they end up having so much fun that they don’t want to leave.
Since the aqua park is located within the Do Nothin Campground, they receive special treatment for access. Seasonal campers staying there have exclusive use of the aqua park on Saturdays. Although one day a week is reserved for their enjoyment, the rest of the week is open to others. From Sunday through Friday, the park opens at 11 a.m. and stays open until dusk. Safety is also a key concern, and they ensure that anyone using the aqua park wears a life vest.
Because it is the first season of the water park, Jarchow wasn’t quite sure which pieces of equipment to add. So, to start, she chose what she thought everyone could enjoy. Currently, there are two large water slides with a small nook inside them. The nook has mesh flooring where people can sit and relax in the water. Another feature added is called ‘This Chaos.’ Essentially, it is a giant float shaped like a pillow on the water. One of the most fun things for Jarchow to watch is the kids when they
have a fun group out on This Chaos. Not only is it the most popular attraction at the water park, but it’s always being used for games like King of the Hill or the Mountain. The competitions can be intense, but it’s all in good fun.
Although these features are larger and located in the deeper areas of the pond, Jarchow made sure there was some fun for the little ones as well.
“Because things get a little crazy, if you will, from a kid's standpoint, we wanted somewhere where the smaller kids, five and under, felt a little bit safer, and didn't get into that chaos of the
king of the hill,” Jarchow said. “So we put in just smaller pieces that have climbing things, jumping off platforms, and little slides for the littles. That's what we have right now.”
Although the original purpose of the aqua park was for the campers, Jarchow realized that others also wanted to use it. She worked to add another feature to her community. The Do Nothin Campground is the only business Jarchow owns, but she is always looking for ways to make it more enjoyable for visitors. It was a no-brainer, she said, because she knew it was worth
having another fun summer activity that creates memories. She credits much of her success to her dedicated workers and helpers who make everything run smoothly, explaining that it takes a village—and she has a strong one at the campground.
With the successful unveiling of their aqua park, looking ahead to the future, Jarchow may add more features to the water. Until then, however, people are welcome to enjoy the last bits of hot days and summer by stopping out. ■
FISH PROFILE: BLACK CRAPPIE
By Justin Runberg editor@theameryfreepress.com
Panfish are abundant but offer fun to anglers and nourishment to other fish species in the water body they inhabit. Black Crappies may be one of the more sought-after fish within Polk County and beyond. Adults can be found in lakes, ponds, backwater pools, and streams. Though people can find them in most any water they visit, the species is found throughout the United States. Being a panfish, you wouldn’t expect these fish to grow too large. On average, the black crappie reaches a length of nearly 11 inches and generally doesn’t weigh much. However, crappie can grow bigger and heavier than that. They have been reported to reach nearly 20 inches in length and weigh up to six pounds. This makes this kind of panfish one of the larger species if the conditions are right.
Crappies are also easily recognizable compared to other fish in the water. The Black Crappie has a darker browngreen color on top, with a lighter belly that turns into a cream color. Along each side of the fish, there are black spot markings that run from the head to the tail. The main difference between a Black Crappie and a White Crappie is the: number of spines on the dorsal fin. Black Crappies have seven to eight spines, while White Crappies only have six. These fish can also have a fairly long lifespan in ideal conditions, with the oldest recorded at 15 years. However, on average, they typically
Though their competition for food exists, it is mainly to sustain their population. Every spring, the Black Crappie prepares for spawning. Usually starting in May, the Black Crappie
gravel from a spot to lay eggs. Female Crappies may also spawn with other males throughout the season. Ideally, water temperatures will be
FISHERY | FROM 5A
Crappies delay spawning. Unlike other fish discussed in the Fish Profile, the Black Crappie is one of the best parents. After spawning, the male Black Crappie stays nearby for about five days, guarding his nest and young until they hatch and are ready to go. Once they emerge, the Black Crappie swims out into the lake.
The Black Crappie is one of the most popular fish to catch and is considered an excellent game fish. When setting the hook on these fish, you must be careful because its mouth is tender and weak compared to other species. The best bait to use is one that is constantly moving through the water. Effective baits include minnows, covered jigs, or small stream flies. The best time to catch these fish is either early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Whatever way you enjoy these fish, Crappies are among the more interesting species living in a water body near you. Although found elsewhere, people travel to the county to enjoy some of the great fishing that takes place on our local lakes. ■
DINING
START YOUR DAY RIGHT
END
Milltown, WI
Taylor’s Falls, MN
DAY
Savor the flavors of summer and 50s nostalgia with our lakeside combo!
Milltown, WI
Happy Hour Monday - Thursday 3pm-6pm
$1 off taps, flights, and wine
Tuesday Trivia with Teresa 6:30pm
Feud Time the 2nd Tuesday of the month
Thursday Singo Bingo at 6:30pm
Live music every weekend - see Facebook for details!
Saturday Singo Bingo at 4:00pm
Serving heggies pizza, Bavarian Pretzels, Bone-in & boneless wings, crab rangoons & southwest egg rolls
DINING & ENTERTAINMENT
INDIANHEAD SUPPER CLUB
Shore Drive Balsam Lake • 715-485-3359
Dine in Only on Specials
Wednesday: Walleye Dinner
Thursday: Jumbo Shrimp Dinner Fish Fry (Daily)
Friday & Saturday: Prime Rib All dinners include soup or salad & choice of potato Dine In or Take Out Hours: Wednesday-Sunday Bar Open at 4 p.m.; Dining Room Open at 4:30 p.m. Reservations Appreciated.
BIRCH STREET BAR
Saturday, Sept. 27 ❖ RSVP: chateaustcroixwinery@gmail.com
❖ LIVE MUSIC
Sat. Aug. 30 - Jug Sluggers, 2-5 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 6 - Ethan Bergstrom, 2-5 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 13 - Scrapegoat Skin and Bones, 2-5 p.m. and Port Barrel Tasting 1-4pm
Sat. Sept. 20 - 241s, 2-4 p.m. Sat. Sept. 27 - Steve Clarke & the Working Stiffs, 2-5 p.m. and Harvest
Thursdays, 5:30 - 8 p.m. Kyle Koliha August 28, 2 p.m–5 p.m.
Bingo is back September 3 Every Wednesday at 6 p.m.
NIGHTLY SPECIALS
Specials, Burgers, Appetizers, Wings, Soups, Fish & Shrimp Dinners.
DINING & ENTERTAINMENT
Thursday, August 28 - Sunday, August 31
Main St, Balsam Lake (1st Ave)
CORN ON THE CURB FESTIVAL
Thurs., August 28
6:30-9PM Singo Bingo at Balsam Lake Brewery
9PM-2AM Karaoke Night at Doc’s Pub and Eatery
Fri., August 29
3-6PM Farmer’s Market at Balsam Lake Café parking lot
5:30-9PM Fresh Cooked Corn and Corn Elote
Trailer in Front of Peper’s on Main St. Locally grown corn provided by the Polk County Agriculture Advocates.
4-8PM 2nd Annual Corn on the Curb Car Show Located on 1st ave E
7PM Corn Hole Tournament Between Balsam Lake Brewery & KJ’s New North. $20/team
7PM Boot Leggers Ball at the Polk County Museum. Contact museum for details.
7-10PM Live Music by Matt Glenna at Balsam Lake Brewery
Craft/Vendor Fair
Saturday, August 30 10AM-4PM; Sunday, August 31 10AM-4PM on 1st Ave E between Mill Pond & Main
7PM Live Music by Kyle Koliha at Barred Owl
8PM-MIDNIGHT Live Music by Stillwater Ave at Doc’s Pub and Eatery outside patio
8-11PM Live Music by Hofft at Top Spot outside patio
9PM-2AM DJ Dance Party at Doc’s Pub and Eatery indoor stage
10PM DJ Putz at Thirsty Otter
Sat., August 30
10AM-4PM DJ Hezz Karaoke at KJ’s New North
NOON-3PM Ice Cream Social at Trinity United Methodist Church
NOON-9PM Fresh Cooked Corn and Corn Elote Trailer in Front of Peper’s on Main St. Locally grown corn provided by the Polk County Agriculture Advocates.
1PM Demolition Derby at Balsam Lake Fire Department
1-5PM Acoustic Rock at Doc’s Pub and Eatery outside patio
3-6PM Live Music by Anglo Collins at Thirsty Otter
4PM Singo Bingo at Balsam Lake Brewery
5:30PM Singo Bingo at Balsam Lake Brewery
6-7PM Last Ski Show on Balsam Lake in front Balsam Lake Lodge
7PM Corn Hole Tournament Between Balsam Lake Brewery & KJ’s New North. $20/team
8PM-MIDNIGHT Live Music by Saturday Night Coconut Tiger at Doc’s Pub and Eatery indoor stage
7-10PM Live Music by Isaiah Otto at Top Spot
7-10PM Live Music by Katz & Company Featuring Jesse Bryan at Balsam Lake Brewery
9PM-2AM DJ Dance Party at Doc’s Pub and Eatery indoor stage
Sun., August 31
SUNDAY FUN DAY
10AM Pet and Bicycle Parade
Contact KJ’s New North to sign up. 10AM-4PM DJ Hezz Karaoke at KJ’s New North
Carnival Rides/ Games/Dunk Tank Fri 4PM-10PM; Sat NOON10PM; Sun NOON-7PM
10AM-1PM Powerwill Drag Races on Main street (pending road closure) NOON-8PM Fresh Cooked Corn and Corn Elote Trailer in Front of Peper’s on Main St. Locally grown corn provided by the Polk County Agriculture Advocates.
3-6PM Live Music by Justin Barts at Thirsty Otter
4-7PM Balsam Lake Bash Main Event F1RST Wresting Event at Balsam Lake Brewery
7-10PM Live Music by Kyle Koliha at Top Spot
9PM-1AM Live Music by Legacy of the Loud at Doc’s Pub and Eatery indoor stage
OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEERS AND CENTURY FAMILIES
Contributed
Lake Wapogasset/Bear Trap Lake Association announces this year’s outstanding volunteers and century families. On September 6th Ryan Hanson and Dick Ambruster will be recognized at Shoreview Supper Club on Pike Lake in Amery for their outstanding contributions to the successful attainment of association goals and programs. Since 1999, there have been 49 recipients of this award. Additionally, the association will recognize two new families to the Century Club. Joyle Anderson turned 99 this year and was born on the family homestead on Bear Trap Lake. The Freiteg family (A.k.a. Friday Creek) homestead is east of Wapogasset in 1895. The Century Club began recognizing families last year, acknowledging seven other families. They include Guanella 1871 (Hickory Point Resort), Hallquist 1887, Boe 1912, Nelson 1915, Hawley 1921, Anderson 1923, Seidl 1924. The dinner and program will take place on September 6th at the Shoreview Supper Club. There will be social hour at 4:30 p.m., followed by a buffet dinner. For information about these outstanding individuals and/or the century families, call Karen Ohm at 715-268-5735. The Wapogasset/Bear Trap Lake association was formed August 24, 1911. It is one of the oldest lake associations in the state of Wisconsin.
Ryan Hanson
After graduating from high school in Tomah, WI, I attended UW–Stout to
major in Construction. It was there that I met my wife, Kristin Mortensen, who grew up on Lake Wapogasset. My first visit to the lake was in 2004, shortly after Kristin and I started dating, and I quickly understood why she loved it here.
In 2009, my mother-in-law and I started Lake Life Realty. At first, I worked mostly behind the scenes while holding a full-time job in the Cities. In 2011, I left that job and launched Lake Life Property Management, focusing mainly on the Wapogasset and Bear Trap area, while also taking on a more active role as a real estate agent.
I joined the Lake Association in 2016—even though I didn’t yet live
on the lake—and was soon recruited by Lee Rickard to help with the lake monitoring program. I took over as lead for the program in 2019. Kristin and I purchased a vacant lot on Bear Trap in 2017 and built our family home there. The following year, I took over the trustee role for our neighborhood from Bob Whitman.
Other Lake Association duties I’ve taken on include serving as website and Facebook administrator since 2016, participating in the communications committee, and assisting with the lake directory entries. Recently, I was honored to be elected as the association’s 1st Vice President.
Outside of the Lake Association, I’m
an active member of the Amery Lions Club, and my family completes highway clean-up twice a year along County Road C. Kristin and I also help manage the marina on the lake.
Wapogasset and Bear Trap have become such an important part of my life, and I feel very fortunate that Kristin and I get to raise our family in such a special place.
Dick Armbruster
I was born, grew up, and raised a family in the rural Ellsworth WI area. When we were kids, we got to come up and fish Wapo and Bear Trap a few times in the summer. When our kids were old enough, we brought them up here also to fish and enjoy the lake. After I retired from 3M we bought a cabin here in 2004 that suited our needs. That first summer we were here a guy driving a lawn mower tractor painted Viking colors pulled into our “GREEN BAY” yard. His name was Wally Erickson and asked if I would take his trustee job. I said sure. That job lasted 20 years. Being a trustee gave me respect for the fragility of our lake and the community around it. I’ve been involved in several associations and I would have to say that this one is run much better than the others I have been in. This Lake Association always seems to have just enough competent individuals’ setup when the need arises. I have truly enjoyed my time here and hope to continue that into the future. ■
Contributed
All Are Welcome to Worship with Us!
Sundays: Worship 10:15 a.m. • Coffee Fellowship 9:30 a.m. Pastor Laurie Kenyon Woods
1115 Mains Crossing Ave. • Amery, WI 715-268-9291 • www.balsamlutheranchurch.org
an LCMC Bible-based Lutheran church on beautiful Sand Lake "Faith, Food, Fellowship and Fun" “Loving God, Discipling People, Serving the World”
Join us for Sunday Worship at 9 am
Outdoor Service: 10 am on August 31 Always followed by coffee fellowship 715-755-2562 • 1947 110th Ave, Dresser WI 54009 www.BethesdaLutheran.ws
East Balsam Baptist Church
Sunday Worship 9:00 A.M.
Join us in person or online at www.eastbalsam.org 715-857-5411 contact@eastbalsam.org Fully Accessible
1816 - 108th St./Co. Rd. I Balsam Lake, WI Come & Worship With Us
207 120th St, Amery, WI 54001 • 715-268-2143 www.eastimmanuel-lutheran.org
Located on the Mill Pond in Balsam Lake
All Sundays in August & September 9:30am Worship 305 1st Ave E, Balsam Lake 715-485-3800 flcbalsamlake@gmail.com • faithlutheranbl.org
First Lutheran Church
240 W. Elm St. • Amery
Tim Bjorge, Pastor Sundays: 9:00 am Worship Weekly Live Stream on Facebook: FirstLutheranChurchofAmeryWI 715-268-7135 • www.flcamery.org
“The Church in the Pines” Pastor David Maghakian Sunday Worship - 10:00 a.m. Fellowship/Coffee time to follow
Georgetown Lutheran Church
715-857-5580
887 190th Ave., Co. Rd. G Balsam Lake, WI 54810
East of Milltown & Balsam Lake
Pastor Diane Norstad • Fully Accessible
uploaded to YouTube or Facebook page: www.Facebook.com/ Georgetown.Church Communion Every Sunday Sunday Worship 10:30 am www.georgetownlutheran.net
“Opening Doors of Faith For All People”
Sunday Worship 9:30 a.m. 715-472-2605
510 E. Foster Ave., Luck secretarypaula@lakeland.ws • www.lucklutheran.org
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF ST. CROIX FALLS 719 Nevada Street St. Croix Falls, WI 54024 715-483-3550
We are an Open and Inclusive Congregation!! Please come and join us!! Love Grows Here!!
THREE CONGREGATIONS, ONE MISSION
Sunday Worship 9:30 AM
We are located just west of Amery
http:/www.nuicparish.org/events
REDEEMER LUTHERAN - LCMS
600 Keller Ave. S., Amery 715-268-7283 redeemerlutheranchurch-amery.com
EDWARD CLEMENS, PASTOR
Join us for weekly online or in person worship on Sundays at 9:30 a.m.
United Covenant Church
Summer Worship Services
8:30 am & 10 am and Bible Studies throughout the week
348 5th St NW, Clear Lake www.unitedcovchurch.org 715-263-2665
unitedcovchurch@cltcomm.net
Pastor Dan Pearson
West Denmark Lutheran Church
2478 170th St, Luck, WI 54853
715-472-2383
(leave message, will call back)
715-307-3927
(answered daily) www.westdenmark.org
Worship Sundays 10 am 8:30 a.m. Meditation Hour
Pastor Shawn Mai
Reconciling in Christ Green Congregation
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FAST FACTS
Big Lake
Poplar Lake
FAST FACTS
Boat Landings 1
Fish Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike and Walleye
Invasive Species
Chinese Mystery Snail, Curly-Leaf Pondweed, Yellow Iris
WISCONSIN’S LITTLE-KNOWN SPONGES COULD PLAY BIG ROLE IN FUTURE LAKE CONSERVATION
By Justin Runberg editor@theameryfreepress.com
Scientists say Wisconsin’s freshwater sponges — already among the most studied in the world — could become an important tool for monitoring lake health and biodiversity as researchers work to understand how small organisms sustain larger ecosystems. Sponges live in the ocean and are vital to their environment. Watching Animal Planet or other nature documentaries often shows these simple creatures in an ocean setting. However, while most live in the deep blue sea, some have made their homes in freshwater habitats here in Wisconsin.
There are approximately 12 freshwater sponge species living in our waters. While this might seem like a lot, it only makes up a small part of the total sponge species worldwide. According to the latest global assessment, there are about 15,000 sponge species overall, most of which live in ocean environments. Of these, only around 220 species are found in freshwater habitats worldwide. In North America, there are just 30 species, with Wisconsin holding nearly half of all
Welcome to beautiful Balsam Lake, a village living in natural harmony. Established in 1905 the Village of Balsam Lake rests on the southwest shore of Balsam Lake in one of the most prime tourist locations of northwest Wisconsin. Whether you are looking to relax or take part in a wide variety of activities, both on and off shore, the Village of Balsam Lake is the place for you! The Village is nestled on the largest lake in the area, (2,054 acres), which is teeming with fish to satisfy the most avid of anglers. The unique shoreline stretches 65 miles and the lake is dotted with picturesque islands and bays. Fine Dining and casual eateries abound and over 50 businesses provide a vast array of services. Live & Work Where You Love To Play
UW-Stevens Point
BIG LAKE & POPLAR LAKE
Justin Runberg
Justin Runberg
Justin Runberg
Justin Runberg
Justin Runberg
BIG LAKE & POPLAR LAKE (continued)
Justin Runberg
Justin Runberg
Justin Runberg
Justin Runberg
Justin Runberg
freshwater sponge species in its waters.
The main difference between freshwater and ocean species is the water they inhabit. They are among the simplest, least complex, and multicellular organisms. Sponges also lack the regular internal systems found in fish or mammals. They are made from a tissue called spongin, which holds together tiny pieces of silica that form the sponge's outer skeleton. Sponges are filter feeders, much like their ocean counterparts. This means they pump water through their tissues to remove bacteria, algae, and other microscopic organisms, filter them out, and use them for food.
Although they serve the same function as ocean sponges, they don’t grow nearly as large.
“They pump a lot of water through their sponge tissue, and they filter out those food sources. They're a lot like what happens in the ocean,” Dreux
Watermolen, Manager of the analysis services program with the Wisconsin DNR. “The difference is in the ocean, they can grow very, very large. And here in Wisconsin, in our lakes, they tend to be much smaller. So they sometimes grow as just a crusting and encrusting formation on top of rocks or on submerged wood. Sometimes they grow to be six or eight inches tall, and they will look like what you think of as a branching sponge in the ocean.”
Their coloration varies, mostly being green. This results from the symbiotic relationship between the algae and the sponge. The algae provides extra nutrients through photosynthesis, and it also allows the sponge to act as a substrate for the algae to grow on and keeps it anchored to the bottom of the water. Unlike their ocean counterparts, which grow year-round, these species have a growth period followed by dormancy in cold weather. When spring
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arrives and temperatures rise, they resume growing. The best time to see the sponges is in late summer and early fall.
The freshwater sponges in Wisconsin have been among the most studied sponge species worldwide. Scientists began studying these organisms in the 1930s, documenting them in about 50 different lakes. After roughly 50 years, a student from the University of Wisconsin aimed to replicate the study and ended up discovering even more sponges in additional lakes.
Watermolen established a citizen monitoring project that lasted several years before it concluded. Wisconsin is one of the leading states in limnology, the study of lakes and rivers, and has conducted extensive research on its lakes. One way the state manages this is through a wildlife action plan.
“We were trying to figure out which are the species of greatest conservation need. And we found that we didn't know very much at all about freshwater sponges,” Watermolen said. “Even though we have the freshwater sponges in Wisconsin are more well studied than they are in any other state. At that time, it had been decades since any comprehensive inventory work was done. And so that's why I began working on them was to try to answer some of those questions for that wildlife action plan.”
Although it is not a game species, the freshwater sponge still plays a role in the habitats they occupy. Watermolen explained that understanding how different parts of an environment work together can help improve biodiversity within the habitat. This way, all the organisms that are part of the ecosystem collaborate to keep it thriving. ■
Ingredients
small (seeded)jalapeño
• 3 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
• 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 clove garlic 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
For Salad:
• 2 heads baby iceberg, cut into quarters through the root
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 1/3 cup crumbled Cotija cheese
• 4 slices cooked thick-cut bacon, crumbled
• 3 Roma tomatoes, seeded and chopped
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions
1. Make Creamy Avocado Dressing: Puree ingredients with 1 tablespoon water in blender or food processor until smooth, 30 to 45 seconds. Season with kosher salt and black pepper. (Makes 1 1/4 cups.)
2. Make salad: Top lettuce wedges with dressing, onion, cheese, bacon, and tomatoes, dividing evenly. Season with salt and pepper. ■
GRILLED PORK CHOPS WITH WHOLE PICKLED PEACHES
Ingredients
• 4 medium firm, but ripe peaches
• 4 whole cloves
3 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 1/3 cups apple cider vinegar
• 2 whole sticks cinnamon
• 4 (6- to 8-ounce) bone-in pork chops
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp. ground cumin
• 2 Tbsp. smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp. onion powder
• Canola oil, for grill grates
Directions
1. Prepare a bowl of ice water. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook peaches just until skins begin to loosen, 2 to 3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to ice water. Once cool, gently remove skins. Pierce each peach with a clove. Transfer to 2 wide-mouthed quart-size canning
jars.
2. Combine granulated sugar, vinegar, and cinnamon in a large saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved, 5 to 6 minutes. Ladle hot mixture over peaches. Cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate at least 12 hours and up to 3 days, turning jars occasionally to pickle peaches evenly.
3. Pat pork dry. Season with salt and black pepper. Combine brown sugar, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl. Coat chops on all sides with spice mixture. Cover and chill at least 3 hours and up to 8 hours.
4. Set up grill for direct cooking and heat to medium-high. Once hot, clean and lightly oil grates. Grill, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature on an instant-read thermometer reads 145°F, 8 to 10 minutes. Let rest 5 minutes. Serve with sliced pickled peaches. ■
Becky Luigart-Stayner | countryliving.com
Becky Luigart-Stayner | countryliving.com
Cedar Lake
Cedar Lake
CEDAR LAKE FAST FACTS
Area
1,120 acres
Max Depth 32 feet Boat Landings 1 Fish Musky, Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike and Walleye Invasive Species Chinese Mystery Snail, Curly-Leaf Pondweed, Eurasian Water-Milfoil, Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica), Rusty Crayfish, Yellow Iris
APPLE RIVER FLOWAGE DISTRICT PREPARES FOR RECORD WEED HARVEST
Compiled with assistance from AI tools
A hot spring and ongoing nutrient runoff are fueling another heavy year of aquatic plant growth on the Apple River Flowage, prompting renewed focus on long-term solutions and a likely record-setting season for weed harvesting.
The Apple River Protection and Rehabilitation District (ARPRD) will hold its annual meeting Saturday, Aug. 23 at 10 a.m. in Amery City Hall, where residents will review the 2025 harvesting season, consider long-range plans to improve water quality, and vote on the 2026 budget and board chair.
By June 20, the district had already removed 2.73 million pounds of aquatic vegetation—well ahead of the usual schedule for this time of year. Since 2012, ARPRD has harvested over 35 million pounds of plant material, including nuisance species like Curly Leaf Pondweed and Coontail.
The district released the following year-by-year totals:
2012 Aug. 10 – Sept. 14 501,750
2013 May 28 – Aug.
May 15 – Sept.
2018 May 11 – Sept. 25 1,579,500
2019 May 17 – Sept. 21 1,557,000
2020 May 28 – Sept. 18 1,746,000
2021 May 6 – Sept. 24 6,919,086
2022 May 20 – Sept. 20
May 20 – Sept. 8
2024 May 14 – Sept. 10 3,888,980
2025* May 12 – ongoing 2,730,000 (as of June 20)
*2025 data is preliminary and likely to increase through summer.
ARPRD Chair Roland Peterson stated that this summer’s rapid weed growth is mainly caused by April’s unseasonably warm weather and ongoing nutrient loads from upstream sources.
The Apple River Flowage is supplied by a watershed covering over 111,000 acres. Runoff from farms, forests, and developed areas carries nutrients that promote aquatic plant growth.
The district is working with Jeremy Williamson, an ecologist at CBEC Eco Engineering, to see what can be done outside their district. Finding funding for this work has proven difficult, so the concept has been
tabled.
“Our lake management plan has eight goals, and water quality is at the center of all of them,” the board stated in its newsletter. “We’ve made progress, but there’s more to do.”
The district also has an aging equipment fleet used in its harvesting operations. Its older seven-foot cutter, in service since 2012, will soon need replacing. A second, larger harvester purchased in 2020 has greatly increased vegetation removal in recent years. Other initiatives to be discussed at the meeting include:
A vote on the 2026 mechanical harvesting permit and Clean Boats Clean Waters (CBCW) grant application
• A report on water clarity testing by volunteer Tom Scheffel
• Updates from aquatic invasive species specialist Derrick Carlson
• Discussion of land acquisition for equipment storage and weed composting
The CBCW program continues to be a vital defense against invasive species. So far in 2025, trained volunteers have inspected 39 watercraft and spoken with over 75 people at the Lincoln and Birch Street landings, promoting proper boat cleaning to prevent the spread of Eurasian milfoil and zebra mussels.
Residents of the district are encouraged to attend the Aug. 23 meeting and take part in planning for the future health and usability of the Apple River Flowage. ■
CEDAR LAKE SNAPSHOTS
Justin Runberg
Justin Runberg
Justin Runberg
Justin Runberg
Justin Runberg
CEDAR LAKE SNAPSHOTS
Justin Runberg
Justin Runberg
Justin Runberg
Justin Runberg
Justin Runberg
A SUCCESSFUL FISHING SUMMER
By Nik' Meiers
Another year down for a successful summer filled with fishing. Walleye Conners fishes as much as possible, bringing friends and family out to share in his passion. Over the course of the summer, Conners went for bass, walleye, and sunfish.
Not only did he have fun himself, but he also caught enough to fill a belly or two depending on who will share a meal with him. Not every summer is filled with success, but with a good attitude, and spirit, anyone can enjoy themselves on any shore or boat. ■
LOWCOUNTRY SHRIMP BOIL
Ingredients
• 4 cups tomato juice
• 4 bay leaves
• 2 lemons, halved and sliced
• 1 orange, halved and sliced
• 3/4 cup Old Bay Seasoning, plus more for garnish
• 1/4 cup kosher salt
• 2 lb. fingerling potatoes, halved lengthwise
• 6 ears corn, shucked and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 lb. smoked sausage, such as andouille or kielbasa, thinly sliced
• 4 lb. medium-size whole, head-on shrimp
• 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
Directions
• Combine tomato juice, bay leaves, lemons, orange, Old Bay, salt, potatoes, and 2 gallons water in a large pot with a perforated basket; bring to a boil. Cook until potatoes are almost tender, 5 to 7 minutes.
• Add corn and sausage. Cook until corn is tender, 4 to 6 minutes. Reduce to a simmer. Add shrimp and cook until bright pink and tails curl up, 3 to 5 minutes. Carefully lift basket from pot, being mindful that residual boiling water drips out.
• Transfer to a newspaper-lined table or a large serving platter. Sprinkle with parsley and additional Old Bay. ■
Emily Dorio | countryliving.com
