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 May 2008 |
Happy spring to all! I hope you all have your vehicles dug out from under our spring snowfall. It’s too bad our snow came so late. Maybe we should investigate the possibility of keeping our trails open till
June 1st.
May 13, 2008 we will be cleaning Highway 286 between Marcell and Talmoon.
We will meet at the Laundromat parking lot and go from there. We need you! We also need someone willing to drive up and down supplying bags, picking them up and giving our workers rides back to their vehicles when they need it.
Where: Laundromat parking lot
When: Tuesday, May 13th
Time: 5:30 pm
After clean-up we will be meeting at the Timberwolf Inn to have hamburgers for those who are interested.
Thanks to all who attended our joint meeting with the Wilderness Wheelers. Working together and with the proper agencies, it will take a long time to establish any trails that would be conducive to multi-use travel.. There are swamps to cross, private property to contend with, and other restricted areas we need to avoid. We need to appoint a three person committee to work with a similar committee that the Wilderness Wheelers are forming. We hope to use the Highway Cleaning night to discuss and appoint the new committee members. Both clubs are considering concentration of efforts in converting the trail between Marcell and Bigfork as the first joint usage trail. Archie Wass is representing our club on two different
exploratory committees which have been formed to investigate joint usage of trails.
Some of our trails need to be re-routed. Trail Coordinator Jim Jackson is working on the relocation of the Marcell trail crossing the Jason Ritter property, and the trail crossing Nicolas Kinn’s property. We also have swamps on the Effie connection and the Wilderness Willie trails that need our attention.
Jim’s dedication to these tasks is greatly appreciated.
The lawsuit involving Charles Vogel Enterprises, Inc concerning the warranty on the John Deere Groomer may be settled in the next two weeks.
We need new members and we need someone to step forward to become President of our club. Have you considered becoming active and running for the several positions that will be open in October?
We need to have volunteers for the Secretary, Treasurer and Directors positions also. Consider stepping up to the plate and running for office. You will enjoy your time on the board.
The next general membership meeting will be September 8, 2008 at the clubhouse.
Jane Hillstrom, Secretary
218-743-3658 ~~~~~~~~ snowtrack@bigfork.net
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| 5/4/08 |
| April 2008 |
April meeting:
Spring social with The Wilderness Wheelers as our guests:
Hamburger Basket Dinner
We will have a short business meeting after dinner involving a discussion with the Wilderness Wheelers about combining our trail resources.
When: Friday, April 11, 2007
Where: Logger’s Inn
Time: 6:30pm Social Hour (dinner at 7:00pm)
Cost: Dinner cost will be paid by the Marcell Snowdrifters
Cash Bar
Please:::::::::: RSVP to:
Jack or Jane Hillstrom…………..218-743-4658
Ray Hubbard…………………….218-743-3814
Archie Wass……………………..218-743-3635
We would like to have an estimated number of attendees to help the chef do his ordering.
We have retrieved our files from the attorney who has been representing us regarding the John Deere groomer. Jack Hillstrom agreed to pursue a lawsuit in conciliation court in Minnesota, if possible, or Wisconsin. The maximum amount of the suit is $7,500.00. We continue to communicate with MGE of Canada to spend approximately $10,000 for a new track system design. Marcel Grooming Equipment has indicated, in a phone call on March 15, 2008 with Ray Hubbard, Archie Wass, and Jack & Jane Hillstrom that they will be ready to replace the wheel system on our groomer in late August.
We will be setting a date for the Highway 286 spring clean-up.
Our final trail report will be on the agenda.
Ray Hubbard says the President’s position is open. Please step forward and volunteer. You will find the position busy and enjoyable. The State of Minnesota has a new grant system for 2008 and we will be busy, with club approval, attempting to use some of our trails for ATV’s in the summer and Snowmobiles in the winter. More funds will be available because of the dual usage.
See you Friday, April 11th at 6:30pm at Logger’s Inn for the joint meeting of the Marcell Snowdrifters and The Wilderness Wheelers.
Jane Hillstrom, Secretary
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| 4/3/08 |
| March 2008 |
A big “Thank you” goes to Jim Kelich for his time spent as president of our club, his participation in the trail coordinating, machine maintenance, and grooming. He resigned and will be returning to Indiana to guide the contractors repairing storm damage on his home. Good luck, Jim.
We are hoping to find someone to take his place soon to finish out his term.
The ‘Winter Weekend’ at Kec’s Kove was a lot of fun as usual. We had fifteen in attendance with 5 of us riding our sleds up and back. It was below zero when we left for the weekend and when we returned on Sunday, the trails were melting in 42 degree weather. The trails were beautiful the whole weekend. This weekend is proving to be a good choice for weather. The Valentine 3 day weekend has been way below zero for three years in a row. Also, the resorts are demanding that we take 3 nights instead of 2 on President’s weekend.
Kirk Hillstrom was the lucky winner of the weekend this year. Congratulations, Kirk.
It was warm, and I was having such a good time that I didn’t notice that the padding on the chin guard of my helmet was missing. I don’t know if I picked up the wrong helmet (Blue graphic Polaris) or if the padding fell out. If anyone who was on the weekend ride has an answer for me I would appreciate it. (Jane 218-743-3658)
Special request: If you have an e-mail, please get it to the secretary, Jane Hillstrom.
snowtrack@bigfork.net
It would also be nice to have everyone’s telephone numbers so we can make up a list of names and numbers for members to contact each other. This weekend proved the case. We had a missing person on our ride.
The John Deere has the same old problems, but we are hoping that we can get the manufacturer of the wheel and track system on the job by August, so we will have a good running groomer by next season. It will cost the club some money, but the board has agreed that there are no other options.
The death toll in MN is below WI, but it sure would be nice to see the numbers drop more. Lack of training, speeding, and alcohol are the top causes of accidents involving personal injury and deaths. There’s no room for rudeness out on the trail. Sign up a new member, and encourage training. Remind people that snowmobiles are powerful vehicles with laws applying, not a back yard toy.
We will be doing some re-routing on our trail system this summer. Jim Jackson will be the contact at:
218-832-3861. He’ll need help, so give him a call to see what you can do.
The MRR is at it again. (Minnesotans for Responsible Recreation) They are lobbying to take away our gas tax credit of 1% that goes into a dedicated fund to help pay for trail maintenance. See the attached Senate File Number 3087 to read what they want eliminated, and then write a letter to your legislator to appose the bill. Another case of ‘special interest’ groups overstepping their boundaries. Amendment #3087 will affect all motorized recreational vehicles.
The Hall of Fame reception is at 5:00pm, Friday, February 29 and dinner will be March 1, 2008 at the Windigo Lodge (South of Rapids)
The picnic at the Laurentian Divide has been canceled……………. Jane Hillstrom………………secretary
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| 3/20/08 |
| February 2008 |
The dogsled races were successful. The mushers used our facility in Effie for an overnight stay. The Saddle Club provided refreshments for them so we are donating $100 to their club to thank them for their efforts.
We are asking our club members to think about nominations for awards. The awards will honor people who have contributed to the sport of snowmobiling in a manor above and beyond the call of duty.
The awards will be: Unsung hero, Snowmobiler of the Year, Family of the Year, Dealer of the Year, and of course, The Shop was nominated for this honor, and finally, Club of the Year.
Our membership has dropped drastically this year. We need to get out there and recruit members, and/or get our dropouts back into the swing of things. We need the power of numbers and voices to keep our trails connected and open, and to keep MNUSA operating with support and membership.
Rutger’s Lodge will host a meeting of the Forest Legacy Partnership planning. February 2nd, there will be a ride starting at the Swampsider’s club house at 10 am with 2 parts; one for slow riders, and one for fast riders.
Jack and I took a little trip up to the Arrowhead Trail system and found the trails to be in great shape Friday, but pretty worn thin on Sunday. We need more snow. We stopped at Kec’s Kove and met the owners, Vivian and Larry, and checked it out. I sincerely think we’ll have a great time up there in February. Kec’s Kove is 113 miles from Turtle Lake, so I’m guessing 125 miles from our club house. Anyone riding their sled up there will meet at the club house at 9:00am on Friday, Feb. 22nd. Or meet at the Effie Café at 10:30. We’ll stop there on the way.
We are thinking about having a second weekend ride in March. We stopped at AshKaNam, and they offered a cut in rates to get us up there. The resorts along the North Trail system need the business. Anyone interested? “Jack or Jane” at 218-743-3658 – snowtrack@bigfork.net
Yup Jack is waiting for us at Kec’s Kove.
Another goal is for us to open up communications between clubs in District 2. I will be sending newsletters to our neighboring clubs.
We are planning to have a rendezvous with our neighbor clubs at the Laurentian Divide in March. We need to set the date for it.
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| 2/1/08 |
| January 2008 |
Happy 2008
A letter from our president, Jim Kelich:
What a great party. Anyone who missed out … Oh, so sorry. Also, I should have introduced myself to a few I didn’t know. But, what a great time. Thank you, to all those who put everything together. Man, oh man what a turn out.
Thanks to Jackson, Gus, Terry, Mike, Bob and Eric for helping out with the trails. Have been out riding along with Mike and getting them packed. We need more help and ride slow. I need to finish up 10 miles on the Willie trail. It is passable, but there still are a few deadfalls that will be pushed out with the groomer. Terry and I have had to replace many signs again up here on the north end. I did not know that there is a ‘season’ for hunting signs. (? ?)
December 8, Jackson and I went to Morris, MN to check out the new wheel for the John Deere. I have called a board meeting. Word will be out soon.
Jane repainted the signs for me that go out in Bigfork and Effie. They look really nice. Some people around town have even taken notice of them. Thanks, again, Jane.
Looking forward to the dog sled race. Chuck told me they have 400 dogs, and 99 mushers, and have been turning more away. The Effie barn will be used during the race for whatever is needed of it.
Everyone knows my term as president is up. I would like to have someone step up to the plate. Now would be the time so I can help them along. I am considering turning in my resignation at the end of this season.
I am heading South to spend Christmas and New Years with family and friends.
A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you and your families.
Jimmy
Membership:
Our club is not functioning as it should. Our meetings are sparse in attendance; we are having a hard time getting members to become involved and standing in to help run the club. Our trail system is being threatened by land acquisitions and new restrictions, so we need to stick together. There are people in this club who have devoted a lot of their time and would like to step aside for someone else to put in their efforts. Are there any suggestions out there that would help build the club up to a better participation of members? Solutions and participation work better than complaints.
If you have a solution to getting our club to operate better, call a board member::::::
Volunteer for an office, or attend our meetings. We would appreciate your input.
President: Jim Kelich – 743-6544 Vice president: Ray Hubbard – 743-3814
Treasurer: Zona Kinn - 743-3628 Secretary Jane Hillstrom – 743-3658
Director: Jim Oestriech – 743-3326 Director: Gus Carlson - 832-3872
Instructors:::::::::
Safety training:::::::::::::: Will be held Saturday and Sunday, January 19 and 20 at the Bigfork High School. Please call Brian Buria 743-3170 or Jim Kelich 743-6544.
We all wish to thank Midge Carlson, Judy Carlson, and Dianne Hanson for putting our Christmas party together, doing the artwork for the invitations, soliciting for door prizes, and getting things organized. The Logger’s Inn and Joe Landis did a fantastic job of putting together a wonderful evening. “Thanks again”
Trails;
The guys have been out working on our trails so we should be in good shape.
The board held a special meeting and agreed to have Marcel Grooming Equipment replace our wheel system on the John Deere groomer. We will need to spend some money, but we agreed that there are few other options.
Winter Weekend: February 22, 23, and 24th. Please reserve before January 15th.
It will be held at Kecs Kove on Lake Kabetogama. It’s about 100 miles from here so the option to ride our sleds is within our boundaries. If we decide to ride, we can meet at the club house Friday morning about 9:00am. The telephone number for your reservations is on the brochure included in this mailing.
Congratulations to: Tom and Donna Schaar in winning the $200 toward the weekend. We hope you can make it. If you are not going to be able to attend our winter rendezvous, we would like an answer so our runner up, Kirk Hillstrom, can make plans.
Jack and I hosted the Friday evening pot luck munchies, so we would like to have it in one of the other cabins this year. Let me know…….. Thanks
The weekend is always a lot of fun.
Dogsled races: January 11, 12, and 13th.
Starting Friday night will be a spaghetti dinner at the White Oak Center to “meet the mushers”; all 99 of them. They will be using our trail system, so watch for them.
Saturday morning White Oak will serve a pancake breakfast from 7 to 10 am with the races starting at 10 am running up to Effie with an ‘overnight’ at our facility there, down to Bigfork, then ending at the Marcell Community Center Sunday evening with mushers coming in late afternoon till whenever the last one comes in.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all
Jane Hillstrom………Secretary snowtrack@bigfork.net or 218-743-3658
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| 1/1/08 |
| November 2006 Newsletter |
November 2006 Newsletter
From your president,
Thank you to all who attended our annual meeting. A great big “Thank you” to Archie, Daniel and Mark Wass, Paul and Diane Hanson, Zona Kinn, and my girlfriend Tawny for their help with ditch clean up. “Thank you” to Gus and Jane for retaining their positions with the club. Also, “Thank you” to Ray for being our new Vice President. “Thank you”, Ken for all your help in the past.
Last year is a thing of the past. The groomers’ being down, the getting stuck and so forth. Break downs happen. Hopefully, this year Mother Nature will be nicer to us. So let’s put last year behind us and look forward to this season. There is help out there should a groomer go down.
Mr. Vogel has picked up the John Deere! I will be checking on the progress. I showed the driver our list of other things that need fixed as well. He assured me that Mr. Vogel will be made aware of what I was referring to when we spoke last.
Let’s all have a safe and fun season.
Jim
News:
Our annual meeting at the Logger’s Inn was held Oct 9, 2006. We were served wine cheese and crackers. Elmer Cone was our speaker with information on where to apply for money for our future projects. We need someone in our club who is willing to take a class in ‘grant writing’ and pursue the endeavor. There are funds out there for our use. We groom 115 miles of trails and have many people from other areas enjoy our trail system. There are clubs around the Twin Cities that don’t have any trails to groom and would be a possibility for approaching for grants.
Congratulations to Ken and Judy Truebenbach, the winners of the $200 weekend drawing. We are looking forward to our winter weekend with you.
Winter weekend: Silver Rapids Lodge near Ely on Kabetogema Lake, looks like a good place to congregate and have a good time. We will have the run of the lakes, we can have our dinner “together” in a banquet room, and we can have facilities with several bedrooms, or small cabins and motel suites. I am thinking of either the weekend of January 26 – 27 – 28, or February 9 – 10 – 11. I am trying to avoid known conflicts with member’s previous commitments. There is still time to push the dates around, but I’m thinking the weekend in February would be best. Each person will be making their own reservation to be sure that they will get the amenities they desire. Last year, we spent the coldest weekend of the year running around Lake of the Woods late in February, thinking the weather would be warmer later in the season. It was 34 below zero!!!!!!!!!!!
Offices for the board were nominated and elected.
Ray Hubbard accepted the nomination for Vice President. Thank you, Ray, and welcome to the board.
Board members are:
Jim Kelich……………President
Ray Hubbard…………Vice President
Zona Kinn……………Treasurer
Jane Hillstrom……….Secretary
“Gus” Carlson……….Director
Jim Oestreich………..Director
Jim Jackson ………..Trail Coordinator
We will have two crews; one for the south trail system, and one for the north system
Each crew will report back to Jim Jackson on trail conditions and maintenance.
If anyone complains to any of you about the trail stickers, explain to them that the money is going back into the clubs for trail maintenance. Gas, repairs, and manpower aren’t cheap. With the increase in gas prices, the increase in funds is more than welcome.
If you see any damage to our trails from ATV or 4x4 travel, please document it and report it to the Sheriff’s Dept. (If possible, take pictures)
Our MNUSA calendars didn’t arrive on time for our annual meeting, but will be available at our Christmas party.
Our Christmas party will be held at Richie’s on Saturday, December 16th. A special invitation will be sent out to all land owners.
MNUSA Annual Rendezvous will be held in Fergus Falls, February 8 –11.
SLED DOG RACES: Mary Jean Ogee has all the information on starting and ending times with one race ending at the Family Center in Marcell.
Nancy Carlson stepped in and produced the October newsletter for Jane. Thank you so much Nancy. I am repeating some of the information from the October newsletter, but wish to remind members of some events.
I’m hoping to have a “good” computer set up soon.
Jane Hillstrom………Secretary (218-743-3658) or e-mail…..snowtrack@bigfork.net
Jim Kelich…………...President (218-743-6544) |
| 11/1/2006 |
| December 2006 Newsletter |
It’s time to get our gear and sleds in order so we can enjoy our Minnesota winter!!
Our meetings will be on schedule again at the clubhouse on the 2nd Monday of each month at 6:30 pm.
Christmas party: Will be held at Richie’s on Highway 38, December 16, 2006 at 5:30 pm. A special invitation is extended to our landowners as our guests for dinner.
Our annual meeting was a success with Elmer Cone as our guest speaker. We enjoyed crackers, cheeses, tasted several wines, and voted for new officers.
Jim Kelich……………President
Ray Hubbard…………Vice President
Zona Kinn……………Treasurer
Jane Hillstrom……….Secretary
“Gus” Carlson……….Director
Jim Oestreich………..Director
Jim Jackson ………..Trail Coordinator
Assistant Trail Coordinator.... Two crews. One will be responsible for the North of Marcell Trail system, and one for the South of Marcell Trail system. Each crew member will report to Jim Jackson
“Thank you” Ken Truebenbach as the outgoing vice-president for your term of service and for all of your help.
“Thank you” to Ray Hubbard for coming aboard as our new vice-president.
Good news! The John Deere groomer is back and supposedly repaired and ready to go.
We extend a big “Thank you” to the Swampsider’s and the 38er’s Snowmobile clubs for their offer to help us with our grooming. We had representation from both clubs at our November meeting.
Jim Jackson will be handling all of the paperwork, and planning for the trail system. If you can think of anything to help him, give him a call....... “Thanks” Jim. A lot of work has been done on our trails with clearing and rerouting around some of the hazardous areas, and repairing “summer damage”.
Start planning for a weekend of fun:
Our winter weekend will be held at the Silver Rapids Lodge (1-800-950-9425) near Ely, February 9, 10, and 11, 2007. We are talking to Suzetter, who seems ready to please.
Our Saturday night buffet dinner will be $21.95 plus tax and gratuity in our own special room.
Prime rib and an alternate of chicken breast (upon request), mashed potatoes, gravy, 2 vegetables, roll and salad.
My reservation is in. I want to make sure I won’t be “winter camping”.
Happy Thanksgiving!!!!
EJH..... secretary
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| 12/1/2006 |
| October 2006 Newsletter |
October 2006 Newsletter
It is that time again! After a wonderful summer of sun, heat, and no rain we should be welcoming in the fall and winter with open arms. A multitude of things are on our agenda and are all very important.
October 8 - Highway Clean-Up
Meet at Marcell Café, 12:00 if you want to eat lunch, 1:00 clean-up begins!
This only takes 2 hours or less, if we have plenty of volunteers. Bags and orange vests are provided.
October 9 - Annual Meeting
Loggers Inn Bigfork - 6:30 Wine and cheese - 7 Meeting
Drawing for the Annual Ride - A place has yet to be determined for the annual ride and all suggestions are welcome.
Membership dues are due at this time to be able to be in on the drawing for the $200 voucher for the annual ride.
Election of officers - Officers to be elected are: 1 director, secretary, and vice president. All positions are for 2 years. Please inform Jim Kelich if you are interested in serving our club. If everyone takes a turn it is not a burden on anyone. Businesses in the area are urged to participate so that we can get some input from you. Guest Speaker - Elmer Cone
December 16 - Annual Christmas Perty
The Christmas Party will be at Richie’s Marcell Inn on December 16. It was decided to do it again on Saturday as we had a really good attendance last year. More details will follow in the November newsletter.
Monthly Alliance Meeting
We are in need of people to attend the monthly Alliance meetings. We could take turns if necessary so some volunteers are needed for this task. These meetings keep us informed of what the county, MNUSA, and other clubs are doing.
Snowplowing
Anyone interested in snowplowing for the club should contact Jim Kelich (743-6544). We want to offer this job to members first.
Calendars
We should have the MNUSA calendars available for purchase at the Annual Meeting. Remember, those are the ones that award a prize of at least $25 a day and only a limited number are printed. Many of our members have been former winners. The sale of calendars stops about mid December so that we have time to mail the necessary info to MNUSA before the January 1 deadline.
MNUSA Annual Rendezvous
The Annual MNUSA Rendezvous will be held in Fergus Falls, February 8-11. Anyone willing to go should contact Jim Kelich for all the details.
Trails
Jim Jackson will head up the trails committee this year. He will have a north and south crew and Jim will take care of all the paperwork. Some volunteers may be needed to help clear trails. Thanks to Mark Hoffman who has already done some of the clearing on the Bowstring end.
Sled Dog Races
The White Oak Society will again be hosting Dog Sled races again in January and it will be bigger than ever. Some of our trails will be used for the longer race. Mary Jean Ogee has all the information on starting and ending times with one race ending at the Family Center in Marcell.
Please get your membership sent in as soon as possible so that you are eligible for the drawing, or better yet, attend the Annual Meeting and bring it with you!
President,
Jim Kelich
218-743-6544
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| 10/1/2006 |
| April 2006 Newsletter |
Highway 286 Clean-up………
May 2, 2006,Tuesday evening at 5:00 PM… Meet at Hayslips in Talmoon
See you there!!!!!!
We are still hoping someone will come forward and be the main person responsible for the trails. Jim Jackson has offered to do the paperwork, so much of the workload has been relieved, but we need a “boss”…(willing workers are in place)
The trail sticker still seems to be an issue not understood by all. There are still unanswered questions with answers yet to be worked out. It’s a new fund that will need to be adjusted for proper distribution to clubs.
We are getting money from the fund, but we don’t know how much we will be allowed in the future. Of the snowmobiles registered, over 100,000 have not purchased trail stickers.
There are three places the money is used.
1.Obtaining easements
2.Trail maintenance
3.Grooming
Minnesota has 21,000 miles of trails, of which the Marcell Snowdrifters are grooming approximately 115 miles.
There are approximately 279,000 snowmobiles registered in the state, with membership in MnUSA not much over 14,000. We need people joining clubs and participating in keeping our trails open and maintained. It takes work and commitment to keep snowmobiling alive.
Any ideas for the parade in Marcell and Bigfork this summer will be appreciated. We would certainly like to be represented.
Again the dates are:
Marcell centennial ------------- July 22nd and 23rd
Bigfork Wilderness Celebration – June 10th
We finished up the season with an enjoyable evening at the Timberwolf Inn.
Have a great summer!!!!!!!!!
EJH |
| 4/26/06 |
| March 2006 Newsletter |
Marcell Snowdrifters March Newsletter
And…..Was it Cold?!?! Happy Spring!!
April 25, 2006, is our next, and last, meeting for the season. We will be meeting at the Timberwolf at 6:30 PM for dinner in hopes that we will get a good turnout. Many issues need to be discussed and decided. We are hoping to wrap up the year with some volunteers for future activities.
Bigfork will be having their Wilderness Celebration June 10th. We are hoping to have a float, or a running groomer to be in the parade. We need to decide if we want to have a booth of some sort. We will need volunteers to put this together and work it.
Marcell will be celebrating their Centennial July 22nd, and 23rd. We will be participating in that event as well. Again… We will need volunteers to put it together, and work it.
Any suggestions or ideas on these events are welcome.
My e-mail address is: snowtrack@bigfork.net. I will pass any information on to the other board members.
Otherwise, you may contact any of the board members with ideas, or willingness to volunteer.
We still need someone to organize pictures.
Mike and Michelle Treppa will be resigning. We need a trail coordinator, and an assistant trail coordinator to replace them. We also are taking applications for someone to run the groomer.
Education is the key to safe trails!
There were 18 deaths, and 256 personal injuries reported as of March 1, 2006. These are needless accidents. Three things were the major factors; alcohol, speed, and night driving. I might add one at this point; Inexperienced drivers. One tends to get over confident and over drive their skills and headlights.
As Jack and I rode our little ‘trek’, we witnessed people on the wrong side of the trail, going too fast for conditions, spinning into corners, and not hand signaling properly. The percent of “hot shots” is probably around 10% to 15% of the sleds out there, but it’s a growing epidemic of rudeness. One of our groomers reported that as he was grooming a trail, two snowmobiles came around a corner too fast, one slid, and as the snowmobile was coming toward the groomer sideways, he put the blade down so the rider wouldn’t end up getting hurt on the machine. The snowmobiler slammed into the blade, righted himself, and took off again at a high speed. The other snowmobiler sped by the groomer and kept going. Good thing the groomer thought fast enough to avoid serious injury or death.
Jim Kelich has contacted Charles Vogel at the dealership where we purchased the John Deere groomer to request that they come up and get the John Deere groomer and either repair it permanently, or come up with another solution.
We will be discussing the groomer issues at our April meeting.
We all want to thank Mike and Michelle Treppa for their participation in our club and the hard work they did on our trails. We will miss them and wish them luck in their move back to Texas. Good luck you guys!
Thanks to all the people who devoted time and effort toward club activities and jobs. Especially those serving on the board, and those who show up at the meetings.
The snowmobiling season seemed so short this year; I’m surprised that it’s ended.
Have a great summer.
EJH…..secretary |
| 4/1/06 |
| February 2006 |
From your President:
A wonderful time up North, but, what a cold start. How cold was it? Real cold. I want to thank Barry Pigman and Mike Elhardt for looking after me there and bak. We must have been in Barry’s words, the three stooges.
Lake riding is cold, but Paul can make a great brandy. After riding, of course! Thanks to Paul and Diane Hanson for putting up with Tawny and me.
Down to business, we need a trail coordinator. As everyone is aware, Michelle Treppa is resigning April 1st, due to Mike’s health problems. Anyone who is willing to take the job, be at our next meeting. Also, I would like Officers and Board members to be present a few minutes early. We need to discuss the John Deere.
P.S. Jane Hillstrom gets the “oops” award.....Got film?
I get the booby award....Frost bite.
Thank you...........Jimmy
Jane’s Scribbles:
The annual Snowdrifter’s weekend at the Sportsman’s Lodge was a lot of fun with 25 in attendance. The below zero weather just had to step in for our big weekend outing, but we still rode 39 miles out to Oak Island for lunch. Three of our members rode up there from Effie, and were almost frozen stiff on arrival.
Our hats are off to you!!!!!!
March 18th, the Sportsman’s Lodge will be having a Rally at Oak Island. Check it out at their website.
A bit of news from the Hillstrom’s ride up to the North Shore. We encountered many riders, and some antique sleds. It was interesting visiting with them, and getting a view of different brands of sleds. We talked to a few people with 2006 sleds, and found out that more than one brand has hard seats. I wish the manufacturers would quit bragging about “soft ride” when they put foam in the seats that are likened to the ones that went under water and froze. When we got home, our grandson had not had enough riding, so he stayed and went for a ride with us to Chisholm on an overnight. After he left, Jack and I rode up to Two Harbors, up to Grand Marais and back. We went through 2 snowfalls, and had a beautiful ride. We covered over a thousand miles. Most of the trails were groomed and easy to ride, but it was nice getting back to our “home” trails. “Thanks” to our groomers!
The weather is a big factor. If you hear someone complain about the trails, please explain to them that cold weather makes it possible to groom the trails properly. If the weather is too warm, the snow clumps up and doesn’t smoothout under the groomer. Also, we heard that proprietors of businesses along the trails are hearing complaints about the trail stickers. Clubs are already benefitting from these funds, and help pay for the increase in gas prices. These trails, and their maintenance, are not free!
Again: We need to come up with a plan to keep our landowners happy to keep our trail systems open, whether it be a tax break, or some other type of compensation.
Food for thought. Should we agree to allow ATV use of our trail systems during the summer?
The annual White Oak sled dog race including 64 teams went from Deer River to Northome. Next year they would like to include Effie, Bigfork, and end up in Marcell, using our trail system. We agrees to promote the race and allow them to use our trails. They are hoping for over 100 teams. Chuck Ogee looks like the typical “musher” with his cute hats. (Where’s your dogs, Chuck?) This could be a lot of fun for all of us.
We regretfully accept Mike and Michelle’s resignation as trail coordinators. We appreciate their talents and hard work. Thank you!
ELH |
| 3/24/06 |
| January 2006 Newsletter |
From your president
What a year to take over. We have spent a lot of time on the trails attempting to clear them of debris. It’s a never ending job. Let alone, all of the complaints about the trails being rough and not groomed. I have told many of you, if you see a piece of wood on the trail, please stop and throw it off the trail.
The track on the DX was torn and needed to be replaced. Barry found a used one. Jeff, Jay and myself spent one morning changing it out. Now the Bowstring has been groomed. A great big “Thank you” to Barry Pigman for running his butt off grooming. Mike Treppa has had some health issues. So, thanks again to Barry and Jay.
Some parts of the trails have not been groomed. It would take too much fuel and a lot of road travel to get around the beaver ponds, let alone, man power. So, I ask you to bare with us, as we are doing the best we can.
“Thank you” to all of you who attended the January meeting. You all know who you are. I hope to see more of you, as I need the input you have. My number is 743-6544.
We have made a student membership available now. It is $10.00 for each student ages 12 through 18. A Snowmobile Safety certificate is required. The next training session will be at Bigfork School, February 11, and 12 from 9:20 am to 5 pm.
Jimmie
Jane’s Scribbles:
The weather has been so warm that the lakes are slushy, and the swamps won’t freeze over. It’s been a difficult task keeping the trails in shape, and keeping the grooming equipment repaired. We’ve had reports of other clubs having troubles as well.
Our club will be giving a memorial gift of $50.00 to Rich Bechner’s family. He passed away suddenly at age 65. We will miss his big smile at the Swampsider’s Clubhouse.
The Sheriff’s Department has requested that snowmobilers watch for suspicious paraphernalia along the trails that might be used in the manufacturing of meth. If you spot any such ‘junk’ along the trails, DO NOT TOUCH it. Call Pat Medure, or the Sheriff’s Dept. Immediately at 800-458-8732. Any such debris will include empty Sudafed packages, 20# propane cylinders, Draino cans, Coleman gas ans, etc.
It was reported that 3 snowmobilers riding on a lake, chased down a doe and killed her. This type of negative behavior reflects on all of us. Please tell your snowmobiling friends to beware of this typ of activity, get the numbers off their sleds, and report them. We don’t need individuals with disrespect out there “schlocking up” what took 40 years to fight for and build. We need a good reputation to keep our trails open through public and private land, and need to keep proving that we are a group with a responsibility to our environment.
If you plan to ride your sled to the Sportsman’s Lodge, 2-17-06, for our weekend run, meet at the Effie Café, Friday, at 8 am, and leave by 8:30 am.
|
| 2/3/06 |
| December 2005 Newsletter |
Jane’s Scribbles:
Here’s hoping the Holiday Season treated you all well, and I hope for a Happy New Year to all.
Our Christmas party was held December 10th at Riley’s. We all enjoyed the evening visiting, and getting reacquainted with our land owners and the people in public offices. We really owe them a big “Thank you”.
The board had a special meeting concerning the problems with swamps, the John Deere groomer, and the spurs leading to businesses.
We viewed pictures of the DX and the John Deere on separate incidences, buried in swamps. It looks to me like we should consider supplying life jackets for the guys grooming the trails. Beaver dams don’t freeze over like we would think they should. They stay soggy underneath, and provide a warm environment preventing solid ice to form, therefore, the heavy grooming machines fall through the ice. We have several spots in our trail system that present a problem. It took 4 guys all day to get the groomers back up on solid ground. What a mess!!! The John Deere is still posing a problem with grinding up the tires, so we are going to ask the dealer to take it back and try to fix it so it doesn’t cause more tire problems.
Michelle Treppa is our trail coordinator willing to take complaint calls concerning our trails. She will, (and probably rather) accept complimentary calls as well. Her number is: 218-743-6644.
We are looking forward to another fun year hoping it will quit raining! Jack and I made a ‘slush run’ across Big Turtle New Year’s day. We need some cold weather to freeze things up.
Mark Hoffman is working on finding and writing for grants. Thanks Mark.
Remember to call for your reservations for February 17, 18, and 19 at the Sportsman’s Lodge in Baudette. Their toll free number is: 800-862-8602.
I hope you aren’t too late. The deadline was January 1, 2006.
We received the sad news that Rich Bechner passed away. We will miss his big smile at the Swampsider’s Clubhouse. Our deepest sympathy goes out to his family, friends, and his snowmobiling associates.
Membership meetings are the 2nd Monday of the month at 6:30 at the clubhouse, unless otherwise informed.
I apologize for getting the newsletter out so late. I am formatting the label program, am not proficient at the computer, but finally got it working.
Jane Hillstrom…. secretary
|
| 1/13/06 |
| October 2005 |
A letter from your president, Jim Kelich
I would like to thank Judy Hubbard for nominating me as your president, and Chuck Ogee for his second, and everyone present for their vote of confidence. I hope that I will be up to the task. I’m sorry for not being able to be present at my first meeting. I have a prior commitment. I will be out of state for a few weeks. I will be returning later in November, and will roll up the sleeves and get to work in December.
Thanks to all
Jimmy
Board members:
President::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Jim Kelich (elected)
Vice president:::::::::::::::::::: Ken Truebenbach
Directors:::::::::::::::::::::::::: Jim Oestreich (re-elected) and Gus Carlson
Treasurer::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Zona Kinn
Secretary::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Jane Hillstrom (re-elected)
Trail Coordinator::::::::::::::: Michelle Treppa
Assistant Trail Coordinator: Mike Treppa
A big “Thanks” goes out to Tim Hagen, T&T Excavating, for getting the dozer work done for us on the South trail. “Nice job.”
Jane’s Scribbles:
Our annual meeting at the Logger’s Inn was, again, enjoyable and well attended.
“Thank you” to Mary Jean Ogee for taking on the task of providing the door prizes. You do such a nice job!!!!!
A special “Thank you” goes to Nancy Carlson for editing the newsletters and getting them out to our members. She has done a great job but wishes to step down from the responsibility.
Mike Hughes has been a welcome addition to our meetings. We sincerely appreciate his attendance at our meetings, and the input he has provided. Thank you, Mike.
Many issues were on the ‘table’ that were decided upon.
Those intending to work on the Highway 286 clean-up contact Dennis Korte, (832-3669) for a date.
We have postponed the drawing for the $200.00 weekend till the Christmas party in December, because the applications for membership didn’t get included in the last newsletter. Our membership needs more time to get their applications in for the drawing. My apologies!!!
We are still thinking of buying the garage in Effie. The auction is October 28th, and we are hoping to be in the running for winning the bid. The South 10 acre section of club property is still for sale.
Anyone who knows a good furnace man to repair or replace our club house furnace, contact one of the board members. It’s getting cold!!!
The question of how we are going to cross Highway 38 to continue onto the Bowstring Trail, or go to Frontier Sports for gas is still unclear. Bob and Claudia Volner have a good suggestion, so we’ll see how we can work it out.
Our guest speaker was Elmer Cone from Cone Construction, presently chairman of the Itasca County Parks and Recreation. He spoke to us about combining our trail system with ATV trails and allowing ATVs on our trails. It sounds like the coming trend.
One of the issues we will be facing in the future is the fact that the land we now use in our trail system will change owners and possibly shut down permission to use or cross their land. New land owners are not receptive to having a trail system run through their property. There is nothing in it for them, so we need to propose a tax break for land owners allowing recreational travel on their property. Again…. Promote safe, responsible riding to people you know who own sleds or ATVs, and show appreciation to the land owners who grant permission.
New trail permit law:
A Snowmobile State Trail sticker is required for all persons operating a snowmobile on state or grant-in-aid trails.
The annual trail sticker is valid from Nov. 1st till Apr 30th. The cost is $16.00.
A $31.00 three-year sticker will be available beginning Oct. 1, 2005. The three-year permit can only be purchased in conjunction with a registration.
Anyone stopped by enforcement and found operating on a state or grant-in aid trail without a sticker will be required to purchase a $31.00 annual sticker. ($1.00 is filing fee)
We need volunteers to organize the picture albums and more social events like impromptu rides, meeting for dinner, etc. It would be fun to announce a monthly event in the newsletter.
Keep February 17, 18, and 19, 2006 open for our winter rendezvous.
We’re gearing up for another great year.
Jane Hillstrom ….. secretary
|
| 10/28/05 |
| Posted when received... |
Marcell Snowdrifters
September 2005 Newsletter
It’s time to tune up….. And get ready for another great year.
* Our annual meeting will be held at the Logger’s Inn October 10, 2005.
Wine and cheese will be served at 6:30pm, and the meeting will be called to order at 7:00pm.
Elmer Cone, will be our guest speaker with information about combined trail systems for snowmobiles and ATVs.
In February, we will be taking our annual weekend trip. We will be drawing a lucky winner for $200.00 toward that weekend out of the membership who paid their dues by 7:00 pm October 10, 2005. Make sure your name is in the drawing. There will also be drawings for door prizes.
An election will be held for officers for the positions of president, secretary, and one director.
Mike and Michelle Treppa have been doing a lot of work on the trails and would really appreciate a helping hand. I believe we owe them and big “Thank you”…
WORK DAYS SCHEDULE:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
September
14, 15, 16, 17………………Wed, Thur. Fri. Sat.
21, 22, 23, 24………………Wed. Thur. Fri. Sat.
28, 29, 30…………………..Wed. Thur. Fri.
If you and your family or friends want to help out cleaning up trails, give Mike and Michelle a call to find out where and what time. ……………… 218-743-6644
If you have any interest in joining the grooming crew, call Mike or Michelle Treppa.
Our club needs to decide a few things.
1. What are we going to do about the furnace in the clubhouse
2. What will be our stand on combining the snowmobile trails with ATV trails.
3. Should we widen and repair the Bigfork bridge this fall.
I have included the minutes of the ‘special meeting’ held in May.
The south ten acres belonging to the club is listed for $50,000.00. If you know or hear of anyone interested in property close to ‘beautified’ downtown Marcell, call Paul Hanson. The snowmobile trail goes through the north ten acres of the club’s land.
The outhouse has been moved to the Wilderness Willie Trail at mm 7 by the shelter. I hear it was “Quite the sight going up Highway 38.”
Our prayers and best wishes go out for Rich Beckner, trail co-ordinater, for the Swampsiders Snowmobile Club, for his complete and rapid recovery.
Food for thought:
We will always have a need for certified instructors for ATV, firearms, and snowmobile training.
Jane Hillstrom………..secretary
Special Meeting …………..May 25, 2005
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm by president, Chuck Ogee.
The first order of business was the announcement of laws pertaining to OHV policy in the Chippewa National Forest.
The new OHV policy on the Chippewa National Forest continues the prohibition of cross-country motorized travel off of reads and trails.
Big game retrieval and other OHV use off roads and trails for purposes, such as, bear baiting or trapping, also continues to be prohibited.
Users can ride on designated OHV trails.
The new policy officially became effective September 14, 2004. Full implementation will occur throughout 2005-6 and beyond.
Currently, users can ride OHVs on low standard developed system roads, unless they are posted closed to motorized use.
The OHV policy allows for OHV use only on roads and trails that are designated open for use.
Roads and trails will be inventoried and decisions made concerning their designation for OHV use during the upcoming year.
Business
We put gates up for McKinney, and feel that we have done everything in our power to deter any off road traffic from his property.
We’ve ordered signs for our trails from the DNR to mark the trails we maintain. They will be brown and reflective with our name on them.
Bowstring trail ………….3 signs
Marcell trail north……… 3
Marcell trail south……….3
Cameron trail……………2
Effie connection……… 3
Lions Club …………… 2
Wilderness Willie……. 3
19 signs total @ $12.50 EA with a $75.00 deduction. We pay $172.50
We decided to buy or shop the ‘donation’ department for wooden posts to mount them on.
MNUSA
Money from the calendars can be used for the trails. We need to report to them as to how we used the money.
Beavers are causing problems on the Effie connection. Mike Treppa will be talking to Willie Powell to find out if he will come and trap them. Then we need to get information as to how we can get rid of the dam and/or the beaver huts.
Michelle filled out forms for a grant from the DNR for $6,476 to use for trail work.
County Garage
The asking price of the garage is $29,900.00.
A bare bones pole barn would cost at least this much.
It’s a heated building with the electrical re-done, concrete floors, central floor drain, shared well with the city, on 1.64 acres.
Paul Hanson has volunteered to approach the proper sources to get as much information on the building as possible. We as a club are interested in purchasing the building.
Our first plan is to make an offer contingent upon the sale of 10 acres split off from the club house sight. We would still have the club house, garage, and 10 acres.
The second plan is to approach the bank for a mortgage to purchase the property, with the intention of selling the 10 acres split off from the club house sight and paying off the mortgage.
The third plan is to approach the county with a lease agreement with option to purchase the garage.
With the sale of the south half of the club house property we would have enough money to pay cash for the garage in Effie. We would be asking $45,000.00 for the property.
The trail goes through the north half.
Another meeting will be called by our president in the near future to make a final decision.
Pole building
We will eventually need to increase the size of the garage on the club house property. If we purchase the garage in Effie, we can postpone the addition for the future.
John Deere
The John Deere groomer has a perpetual problem burning up tires. They have promised to fix it, but it seems to be the same as before they claimed it was fixed, but we can’t tell because we got it back after the snow melted, and have to wait till our first grooming next season. We are entertaining the probability of asking them to either fix it right, or take it back so we can buy a groomer that works.
Trails
Greg Cook has a sheer-blade on his dozer that will cut stumps down below ground level.
We may possibly need him to come and clear some areas.
Between mile markers 9 and 10 there is a problem with ice. The groomer had a difficult time maneuvering.
Money
We received a check for $400.00 from MNUSA for participating in the MNUSA weekend rally. We made centerpieces and attended their meetings. It was fun besides making a couple extra bucks for the club….
Jane Hillstrom……..Secretary
|
| 10/1/05 |
| Marcell Snowdrifters Newsletter July 2005 |
As you may know or have heard, our club is looking at possibly obtaining garage facilities for our groomer in the Effie area. We currently keep the Effie groomer at Pigmans during the grooming season and run it into Effie to fuel up. This puts on extra mileage as well as wear and tear on a very expensive piece of equipment. The thinking is that if we could find a spot to keep it in Effie, the groomer will be centrally located for grooming as well as reducing the use of it with dead heading to the Pigmans like we are currently doing. By the way, our arrangement with Pigmans has been working very well and Pigmans have been very gracious to help the club. Pigmans are not the reason we are looking for something in Effie.
A couple things have surfaced and evolved so that now we need to call a special meeting of the club so that all members can have their input into this before we charge it off. Itasca County has a garage in Effie just south of the old school that they have been trying to sell for $29,000 but have not had any takers yet. We have talked with the county about the possibility of leasing the county garage and at the county board meeting on Monday, June 20th, they are discussing this possibility and what the strings might be with our club leasing this garage in Effie.
Rather than leasing, our club has also been looking at the possibility of purchasing this building. Barry Pigman and Mike Treppa have looked over the building very carefully inside and out and they feel that this garage would work very well for the storage of our groomer. So the question is if we are to purchase, how do we finance it? By the way, the County is firm on their price, this is the appraised price and if they were to lower it, they would need to go back out and offer it to everyone in the county.
Our club owns 20 acres where the clubhouse, groomer shed, and Bowstring Trail are located. The thinking is that we could get around $40,000 for the 10 acres, more than enough to pay for the County garage, with some to spare.
So, what all this means is that we need to call a special meeting of the membership to decide the proper coarse of action. There will be a special meeting on Thursday, June 23rd at 6:30 p.m. at the clubhouse to discuss and make a decision. If anyone who has not seen it, would like to see the Effie garage before this meeting, call Barry Pigman. If anyone would like to see how the sale of 10 acres will impact the club lands, be at the clubhouse at 6:00 p.m. on the 23rd.
Respectfully,
Chuck Ogee
Paul Hanson |
| 9/15/05 |
| August 16, 2005 |
Greetings I hope that you have experienced a good summer. Ours has been fun but very busy. The rendezvous took up way too much time; we won’t let that happen next year. (Famous last words) I did manage to get to the BWCA and to Canada to do some fishing. We leave today for St. Thomas so Johanna can get married. When that’s over I will be free, maybe.
It is time to begin to think about getting our trails open and in shape for this next season. It would be great if we could get work crews to take sections of trail. Please give it some serious thought.
We are still interested in purchasing the county building up in Effie. It will be open to bids again this fall. Having that building sure would make our job easier.
This is also the time of year that we have to elect new officers. Yes we will need a new president. I said that I would take the job for a two-year term. The time is up It is now time for you to step forward and have fun being the head dude. I have always felt that we had a good club. We have a big responsibility to all the snowmobilers in the state. I think that we have done an excellent job in fulfilling that responsibility.
I will be most agreeable to continuing to represent us at the Itasca Co. Trails Taskforce Com.
There are two things, outside of new officers, that we must deal with at our meeting in Sept. First, we must find a way to deal with the new curb and gutter that has been run through Marcell. It may be necessary to re-route our trail here. Second, the price of fuel for our groomers; I can see no way that we can groom to the degree that we have in the past with the cost of fuel. How will the cost of gas effect the coming season?
The fall general membership meeting is going to be where? When?
Our first meeting of the year is scheduled for Sept. 12th at 6:30 pm. We will meet at the clubhouse. Please try to be there.
I will not be at this meeting as I have a performance gig in Bloomington.
Chuck Ogee |
| 9/16/05 |
| General Membership Meeting |
| to be held in September. |
| 4/22/05 |
| Jane's Scribbles |
Check out www.vnw.org (Virtual North Woods) for north country and snowmobiling news.
We’re looking forward to another night out. This time we go to the Effie Café at 6:00 pm.
Thank you to the Logger’s Inn for your hospitality and good food.
Jack Hillstrom reported that the turnout for the snowmobile safety classes March 5th and 6th , 2005 were great. The 7 kids at North School, and the 27 kids at the Bigfork High School all passed, and Jack brought back some nice pictures for the club’s album.
Thank you to:
Brian Buria, DNR, Paul Hanson, Jim Kelich, Ken Truebenbech, Jack Hillstrom, Judy Hubbard, Sandy Wass, Mike Treppa, Jim Olmscheid, and Barry Pigman.
The snow has held up to the point where the guys are still out grooming. These guys are greatly appreciated.
Jack and I went on a little trip up to the northern border and found some interesting places to stay for our winter weekend in February. We are thinking that we need two weekends in the winter to make sure everyone gets a chance to have a fun weekend.
It sounds like no one wants to give up on the clubhouse, so I guess we had better decide what to do with it so it will be a nice place to ‘hang out’…. I have some suggestions that I will bring up at the meeting. Jack and I rode by and wonder if anyone is interested in making a picnic ground out of the back yard.
Paul Hanson went with Jim Jackson and found some spots on the south trail that could use some improvement. Volunteers will be needed for working on the trails, bridges, and shelters.
Be prepared to volunteer for the Highway 286 spring clean-up when the snow melts.
By next season, we may have a connection from Grand Rapids to Deer River according to all the reports we’re hearing.
We now have representation at the Itasca Alliance thanks to Bill Swanson. He brought back some very valuable information. (Some as follows)
Great emphasis has been put on the importance of not disturbing an accident scene.
The Sheriff’s Department needs to investigate the scene to find out what caused the accident. Call 911, move the sled only if it’s blocking the trail, and help a victim with as little disturbance to the scene as possible. If you have a camera, take a picture.
Most accidents seem to be caused by inexperience and speed. There have been, as of February 28, 2005, 18 accidents, one with alcohol, 17 with no alcohol, one fatality. That’s eighteen too many along with a sad and unnecessary loss of life.
The county will be meeting with the loggers in the fall to get cooperation on the trails. Utilities also do not cooperate with grooming. According to the report, there will be restructuring taking place so we will have better communication with the loggers and the utilities.
If clubs are running out of money for grooming, they need to apply for extra money.
The trails are officially closed April 1st, and the ice thins from beneath, so it’s no longer safe.
Another season of snowmobiling has come to a close. It’s time to maintain the sleds, tuck them in, and kiss them “Goodnight” for the summer. |
| 4/1/05 |
| March 2005 |
March meeting will be held at the Logger’s Inn in Bigfork, Monday, March 14, 2005, with Dinner at 6:00 and the meeting at 7:00.
It seems that if we have dinner out, we get a better turnout for the meetings, so we have decided to finish off the year at different restaurants.
We have set the dates of March 5th and 6th at the North School, and at Bigfork School for classes in youth snowmobile safety. Any questions call Brian Buria… at 743-3170
We are in need of someone willing to attend the Alliance meetings the last Monday of the month.
We need a new trail Coordinator
It was suggested at our February meeting that the trails be evaluated so we can spot the places that are difficult to get through with the groomer. Someone can ride along with a groomer and mark the spots, or someone can ride the trail and measure the suspicious spots. Private property spots may pose a problem when it comes time to improve the trail.
Thanks, Anna, for volunteering to keep our membership active and up to date.
The furnace in the clubhouse is still acting up and in need of a ‘permanent’ repair. There are other repairs needed on the clubhouse that will be addressed when the weather is a bit warmer. The question of: “Should we keep the clubhouse, or sell it”, was brought up again.
Thanks, Paul for cleaning the clubhouse, taking out the garbage, and cleaning the shed.
.
In the near future, we will be asking for hospitality signs to mark our trail system. We need to get our name out there letting people know who we are, and where we groom. We are possibly eligible for Performance Base Funding.
The winter weekend was a lot of fun even though the trails weren’t in good shape. It was a chance for all of us to get together and socialize. Next year, the thought is to head back up to the northern part of the state. Hoping for snow during our winter weekend, is like gambling no matter where we go. To start the winter season off, Walker had more snow than we did.
Thank you to Cal Zwifel for guiding the riders in Walker.
Chuck and Mary Jean Ogee are off to warmer climates till March 7th. If you have any questions or input, let Ken Truebenbach (832-3237)or Jane Hillstrom (743-3658) know.
Jane Hillstrom…..secretary
Jane’s Scribbles………..March, 2005
The Marcell Snowdrifters participated in the MNUSA rally at Ruttger’s Lodge by offering a ‘guest ride’ beginning at the Timberwolf Inn, but there were no takers, so the few of us who did show up went by ourselves and had a wonderful day riding 112 miles ending with a great dinner at the Timberwolf.
We created the centerpieces for 35 tables made of fresh cut pine and cinnamon scented pinecones. My garage (the factory) and my truck smelled wonderful for days.
A big thanks to all who participated, and we had fun on top of it. Jack, Jane, Chuck and Mary Jean had a nice time at the MNUSA banquet.
Our monthly meeting was on Valentine’s day with dinner at Richie’s.
We have voted to have the March meeting at the Logger’s Inn in Bigfork at 6 pm with the meeting at 7 pm. Having dinner out once a month seems to be a big draw for the girls. Questions arose as to whether to keep the clubhouse, or sell it if we’re not going to be using it regularly. For now, it needs to be ‘spiffied’ up. Do we sheet rock? Put a new floor down? We need new cabinets. There’s a list of ‘needs”….. Last fall we started off with the idea of tearing out the paneling and replacing it with sheet rock and replacing the cabinets. How much can we spend on materials? Who will decide? The garage is now wasted space, so we need to decide what to do with that space. We need a plan.
Mike Hughes attended our meeting and, as always, brought us up to date on MNUSA issues. One of the issues is whether to impose a $30.00 fee for every sled licensed in Minnesota. Another issue is the proposal of cutting the number of regions from 9 regions down to 5, with each club sending a club member to the meetings instead of the directors trying to make all the club meetings.
Our game plan is to make our club more fun for everyone, and get our name out to the public with hospitality signs on the trails, in businesses; try to bring more business to our local establishments, and make the trail riders aware of who grooms where.
We hope to send members out with the people who run the groomers to evaluate our trails, measuring the width, review the markers, and/or anything we can do to improve them, so we can proudly put our name at the beginning and end of the trails we groom. We’ve had many mechanical problems with the DX this year which has made it difficult keeping the south end of our trail system in good shape, and there are some spots too narrow for the John Deere to pass through.
We need someone to volunteer to represent us at the Itasca Snowmobile Alliance. At this point, we have no representation, and no information. We are discussing sending our newsletter to the 12 clubs in the Alliance. (Maybe some will send theirs in return)
Thanks, Paul, for cleaning the clubhouse and the pole building, and keeping track of the furnace…
.
Thanks, Brian, for getting a Safety class going. (Bigfork School, and North School)
Thanks again, to the guys who keep our trails groomed, and our machines repaired and taken care of.
|
| 2/26/05 |
| February 2005 Newsletter |
With Nancy in New Zealand it looks like a newsletter is up to me., I hope that I am up to that. Our trails look good and our grooming has been excellent despite some more expensive DX breakdowns. From what I hear the new John Deere does an excellent job and once the guys get comfortable with running it they like it. I can see a time in the near future when we will need to replace the DX.
The centerpieces are about done thanks to Jack, Jane, Bill, Mary Jean and myself. They will be delivered intact and on time.
On Feb. 11, 2005 our club will be leading a guest group from the MNUSA rendezvous on a ride from the Timberwolf over to Scenic Pines for lunch, then, up through the Scenic State Park by Bigfork. I have no idea how many peeps we might have, maybe none at all. Anyone that wants to ride is welcome. This is a chance to have a club ride on our own trails. It will be my one and only ride for this year as I am scheduled for my next eye surgery on Feb. 16 so although I will be at Walker I will not be able to ride. Someone will have to take care of MJ for me.
Jane and I should both have room for extra gear.
Please think seriously about joining us for the MNUSA banquet on Saturday night Feb. 12 at Rutgers. It would do a lot for our club to have a good showing. Like maybe I could be the next Governor?
Our next meeting is Monday, Feb. 14, 6:30 p.m. at our clubhouse. It would be nice to have at least 50 club members there.
Chuck Ogee
Pres., Editor, & future Governor
Jane’s Scribbles.......February
The January meeting started off with a very cold atmosphere. The furnace went out.
Thanks! To the guys who keep these machines maintained, running, and out on the trails grooming. It’s a big job. If any members have a desire to groom, call Chuck or Jim Jackson.
We discussed our involvement in the MNUSA rally at Rutgers Feb. 10th, 11th, and 12th. It should be a fun time. Friday, Feb. 11th, area clubs are having “guest rides” on their area trails. So far, Jack, Jane, Bill, Denise, Mark, Anna, Chuck and Mary Jean are willing to lead a group from the Timberwolf at around 10 a.m. to Scenic State Park, Bigfork, then back to Timberwolf. Anyone wanting to ride along is welcome. It’s approximately 80 miles.
Mike Hughs reports that MRR (Minnesota for Responsible Recreation) is sending letters out to encourage landowners to shut down their property to trails. Please encourage everyone you know to use the trail systems responsibly and respect the environment, and especially, private property. One irresponsible rider can ruin it for many.
Does anyone have any ideas of how the clubhouse should be beautified?
If anyone has any input about club issues, come to the next meeting or email Jane at snowtrack@bigfork.net
See y’all at the Northern Lights Casino Feb. 18th for more fun.
Dinner and Concert.....Pam Worth.... pam.worth@northernlightcasino.com 1-866-652-4683. As of this writing 1-22-05, we have 47 reservations. Anyone wanting to ride to Walker will meet at the clubhouse Friday, February 18, at 9 a.m. We need trail leaders and maps. Barry is willing to take up the rear. Paul Hanson will possibly be able to lead.
Jack and Jane may need to trailer. |
| 2/11/05 |
| January "2005" Newsletter |
January “2005" Newsletter
MNUSA
I got a letter from the MNUSA and now they want us to tell them our ideas for centerpieces. I know nothing about centerpieces! Somebody please save me! Hanging banners will be easy.
Annual Ride
At our monthly meeting in February we should be able to finalize our plans for the outing in Walker. However, Jane got a message from Pam Worth saying that she wanted a guarantee of dinner guests. She is asking for a signed Fax commitment for the dining room charges. Sooooo- PLEASE RESERVE DINNER RESERVATIONS WITH PAM WORTH, AS WELL AS THE NITTY GRITTY DIRT BAND TICKETS. We need to know how many people will be at dinner, and need to cancel estimated persons not attending 48 hours before the 19th or we will be charged for the amount of people we are estimating and not how many are there. Jane thanks you and says sorry for the hassle.
Christmas Party
Forty seven people attended the Christmas party on that snowy night. (See Jane’s extra report for more details) Nancy Carlson also mentioned a weekly club ride starting at the clubhouse. All that has to be done is to pick up the telephone and dial a few numbers.
Trail Grooming
I have received numerous calls from peeps asking why we haven’t groomed our trails. It seems that some don’t realize that snow is necessary for grooming. According to the state we need twelve inches for grooming. We feel that we can pan, that is fill in the holes with eight to te, but then we need snow on top of that. Groomers don’t make snow they just move it around.
I started my sleds every month the past summer. I went out to start them after the big freeze and the batteries were frozen solid. It is a good idea to also recharge your batteries during the summer.
I look forward to seeing you at our next meeting MONDAY, JANUARY 10th, 6:30 P.M. at the clubhouse.
Chuck Ogee
President
Jane’s Extra Report
Annual dinner: December 12, 2004.... Jane’s scribbles
First and foremost, we want the landowners to know that we, along with many other snowmobilers, really appreciate their generosity in letting us use their land for our trail systems.
Our Christmas party became our December meeting with a great turnout. Chuck called the meeting to order, welcomed everyone, thanked the landowners, and announced dinner to begin.
We want to thank Tim and Brenda Schmitz for having us at the Timberwolf this year for our annual dinner. We enjoy the atmosphere, and the food id guaranteed delicious. We really appreciate Zona Kinn’s willingness to put it all together. Thank you!!!!!!!! At our table, we discussed helping with the MNUSA rally in February at Rutger’s hanging banners. Everyone is welcome, especially the ones who are not afraid of height. Call Chuck for day, time and place. It should be fun. We need to support the people who support us and our trails.
We have an offer from the snowmobile club in Walker to be our guides on the trails for our annual weekend February 18, 19, 20th. Anyone interested, call Chuck so he can set it up.
We all are very happy that Kermit and Juanita Linder won the trip to Northern Lights Casino this year and will be joining us for a fun weekend.
We all really appreciate Mary Jean taking care of the door prizes. Her sense of humor makes the drawings more fun, and she does such a good job getting the prizes. Thank you also goes out to Nancy Carlson for making the name tags and numbering them for the door prize drawings. Isn’t it nice to have someone around who is so organized?
Nancy Carlson suggested that the club gather at the clubhouse once a week and take a trip in the evening. Another option could be on a Sunday afternoon. Chuck wants to beautify the interior of the clubhouse so we can host a day of refreshments of sorts for snowmobilers passing by. Good thought. Input is welcome.
Jim Jackson reported that the trails aren’t in great shape as of yet with the warm weather and difficulty in grooming. We need some sub-zero weather and a bit more snow to bring them up to par.
Thanks to all whom had come to the dinner and made it a very nice evening.
Jane Hillstrom reporting |
| 1/21/05 |
| December 2004 Newsletter |
There wasn’t much to include in a monthly newsletter and then it snowed. The ground looks nice and clean when it is all white.
The annual Christmas party is at the Timberwolf, happy hour starts at 3:30 p.m. The cost is $15.00 per person. I hope to see you all there.
I didn’t have a lot of news until I started to think, funny how that is. I have talked some about, and attended the past two MNUSA winter rendezvous. MJ and I have enjoyed them both. We have met some neat people and had a lot of fun.
What is MNUSA and what has it done for us. MNUSA is composed of 17,000 snowmobilers and 300 clubs statewide. It represents snowmobilers on both a state and national level. Yes! It plays our politics for us. It’s a nasty job but somebody has to do it. Here is how it hits home for us.
1. We just bought a new groomer, not for us but for all the snowmobilers in the state. The state would like to cut our funding. We have a $40,000 loan to pay off. Can we afford to have our funding cut? MNUSA represents us.
2. The US Forest Service has adopted the Alternative Modified E Plan to manage both the Chippewa and Superior National Forests. This is called the roadless plan. Snowmobile trails are not a part of it. In this plan there is little room for any recreational use but that sanctioned by the “tree and bunny huggers.” I can just see Gilford Pinchot spinning in his grave. MNUSA represents us.
3. Did you know:
A. MNUSA promotes snowmobile safety training throughout the state.
B. MNUSA awards three-college scholarships every year. One for $10,000 and two for $500.
C. Snowmobile clubs throughout Minnesota give thousands of dollars to charities every year.
D. The Snowdrifters need a new president next year.
E. Our club should have as many members at the Winter Rendezvous banquet as we can.
F. If we show young people that we have a good time maybe they will join us?
A young boy from Africa suffering from AIDS spoke all over the world. He always finished with the following advice: “Do all you can, in the time you have, with what you have, in the place you are.” Not bad for a little kid! See you at the party.
PS The trails are 905 ready, all we need is snow.
PSS MJ has some great door prizes
|
| 12/31/04 |
| November "2004" Newsletter |
Good News!
We have sold the Track Truck, and all they have to do is pick it up.
The clubhouse has beautiful new siding. It looks like a new house until you go inside. I have some ideas…. Our special thanks to Dale Hill, who served as the “bossman”, and his crew.
Highway Cleanup
We did our highway pick up. It looked great for about an hour and I was pleasantly surprised to see so many club members volunteer. I am not going to list all of the names because I can’t. Thanks to all.
E-mail Address
It would be helpful if you could send Nancy Carlson your e-mail address if you have one. Sometimes we could send reminders to people about events that are coming up.
nangus@bigfork.net
Christmas Party
Plans are underway for the annual Christmas Party. As some of you know we put Mary Jean in charge and she has needed to be with her new grandchild. Our date is tentatively set for Sunday, December 12, at the Timberwolf Inn. Tim is working up a menu for us and we will have a separate mailing for a response so that we can give him some numbers of how many will be attending.
MNUSA Winter Rendezvous
I need a list of volunteers to help set up the banners. Please call me if you can help!
Trails
December first is only four weeks away. Our trails should be re-signed and cleared by then.
Next Meeting
Our next meeting is November 8, 6:30 p.m. at the clubhouse. Don’t miss it! The point has been made that our club is not very active. I can’t say that I agree with the observation. Our club does have active members. I look forward to every time we can get together because we have fun! If you are not joining us you are missing out on a good time with good people. Your loss!
Chuck Ogee
President
|
| 11/30/04 |
| October "2004" Newsletter |
Greetings!
Here are some recent happenings, and some things to think about before the next snowmobile club meeting.
Next Meeting
Our next meeting is the Annual Membership Meeting, October 11, at Loggers Inn, 6:30 social and 7:00 meeting. It will be the usual wine and cheese party. All memberships that are turned in by meeting time will be eligible for the $200 voucher for the Annual Ride Trip.
Annual Club Ride
The winter ride is scheduled for February 19 to Walker, MN Northern Lights Casino. Jane will reserve a block of 20 rooms. I can get some of the Leech Lake Riders to act as guides if we would like. They have some really nice trails.
HTP Track Truck
It looks like I may have the Track Truck sold to a club in Wis. The guy that is selling it wants $500 commission. I think that the membership should approve of this.
Siding the Clubhouse
Time is short and we need to take care of this. When we have a definite date I will be calling for some help.
Roadside Cleanup
Our fall road cleanup is set for Saturday, Oct. 9th. Please meet at Hayslips at 9:00 A.M. It does not take very long if we have a few folks.
Christmas Party
Volunteers are needed to plan the party. Who will play Santa?
Trails
In October we need to hit the trails and give them a good cleaning. With our recent winds they should need lots of work. We also need to replace many Stop signs with Yield signs. If we would all work together the job could be done in a short time.
Winter Rendezvous
The winter rendezvous is the second weekend in February. WE NEED LOTS OF HELP!
Charity Ride?????????
Question: Why do Twin Cities clubs give groomers to clubs that groom 40 miles of trail and make those of us that do over 100 miles buy our own?
Chuck Ogee
President
|
| 11/24/04 |
| September “2004” Newsletter |
First Meeting
The time has come to mark your calendar for Monday Sept. 13, 6:00 P.M. This is the first meeting for the 2004-2005 snowmobile season. We have lots to do before and after it snows.
Things to do list:
Side Clubhouse – We need volunteers to help side the clubhouse along with somebody who knows what they are doing.
Move Outhouse – We need to move and install an outhouse on the Wilderness Willie Trail.
Trails – Trails need to be brushed out and ready to go
Fall Road Clean Up – We need to put together a road pick up crew for our strip of highway sometime after freeze up. Possibly we could also put together a “hit squad” for those jerks that litter it up right away.
MnUSA Winter Rendezvous
This year’s MnUSA winter rendezvous is at Rutgers Lodge on Sugar Lake, Feb. 10 through the 13th. All of the snowmobile clubs in the area are working together to put it on. The job that we got volunteered for was banners and table decorations for the banquet on Saturday night. Most of the job can be done before hand. The next planning meeting will be held on Oct. 12, 7:00 P.M. at Rutgers. We are to bring a report on what we have done so far. All I can do is bring a list of volunteers. I would like to have at least six committed people. Do you hear your mom calling?
Annual Winter Ride
We have to set a date for our yearly outing and where we are going as soon as possible. The earlier we know the easier it is for people to make plans. We need to get our reservations in early also.
Charity Run
It would be neat if we could have some kind of charity run using our own trails this year. Maybe somebody would like to put it together?
Membership Drive
It seems that there are very few young people getting involved in snowmobile clubs around the whole state. Somehow we have to make membership more attractive to young people. I don’t like the idea of a user fee for non-members as that forces people to join and we need people that are active not held hostage.
I would like to see our clubhouse used for something besides a place to meet once a month. Why have it if we don’t use it?
I look forward to seeing many of you at our September meeting. Mark it on your calendar now!
Chuck Ogee
President |
| 9/1/2004 |
| Mid Summer Newsletter |
Greetings from the President
I hope that you have had a fun event filled summer so far. Although there is no snow at this time that doesn’t mean there is nothing happening in the world of snowmobiling. We hope to get our clubhouse sided yet this summer. It looks like this may take place sometime in August.
Winter Rendezvous
On June 29th there was a meeting at the Lawrence Lake Liquor Store concerning the MNUSA Winter Rendezvous that will take place at Rutgers this next January. All of the local snowmobile clubs, including us, have volunteered to help put it on. At this meeting we were given the job of taking care of hanging banners and signs at Rutgers. A small but important job I am told. I will serve as the front-runner on this but would like some help. Please let me know if you would like to lend a hand.
The Swampsiders are in charge of arranging trail rides for Saturday. It would be nice if we could furnish some guides on some of our well-groomed trails. I will call Rich Beckner to see if we can be of some help.
The next meting on this is August 10th at the Super 8 Motel in Grand Rapids at 7:00. I will be there, if you would like to go give me a call.
Things to think about:
Siding the clubhouse in August
Clearing trails for next winter
Moving an outhouse up to the rest stop on the Wilderness Willie Trail
Starting your sled(s) for 10 minutes
Helping out at the Winter Rendezvous
Joining a health club
Who you are going to vote for
Becoming the next President of the Snowdrifters
Fall highway cleanup
Cleaning the basement
Etc. Etc. Etc.
Next Regular Club Meeting
September 13, 7:00 p.m. at the clubhouse
I Remain YF&NS
Chuck Ogee
|
| 8/3/04 |
| May "2004" Newsletter |
| Not Available |
| 5/30/04 |
| June "2004" Newsletter |
Greetings
Although the snowmobile season is over for many, for some of us, it is never over. There is always something to do. Examples include: getting the clubhouse resided, repairing the DX, trail work, and more trail work. We can use more help.
New Groomer
Some of you may not know it yet but we bought a new groomer when you weren’t looking. We replaced the old Track Truck with a new John Deere that pulls a ten-foot wide groomer. It should make grooming our northern trails a much easier task. The trick now is learning how to run the thing!
Debt
The new groomer puts us in debt again so any ideas to help us get out of it would be appreciated. I think that we have to pay back a loan of about forty-five thousand. We would go into debt just as the DNR commissioner wants to come up with a new way of financing our trail system. If the State cuts our financing maybe they would pay for the new groomer and groom their own trails? They get a lot of free work from active snowmobilers; I think that it this is not often appreciated by the State powerbrokers.
Bigfork Wilderness Celebration
June 12 is the Bigfork Wilderness Celebration; we would like to get our new machine hauled up there to be in the parade so people can see it. I would like somebody to head this up as I won’t be able to be there. I will be working at the White Oak with 600 Boy Scouts. If I can work it out I hope to be there for a little while. It would be nice to have some people ride along and do the “parade wave”. We could also maybe sell some memberships. People from the area should know more about us as we do add some to the local economy.
Road Clean-up
A special thanks goes out to that hardy group of people that picked up the trash along Co. Rd. 286 on April 24th. I won’t mention names as I wasn’t there and might leave somebody out. You know who you were. There is nothing more frustrating than picking up four miles of highway then driving back on the same road and seeing that some dork has already thrown trash out the window.
Second Term
I said that I would serve as your President for two years. The first year is toast, and I begin my second year. Some of you should be thinking about who is next. If you are a member of this club please give it some serious thought. To be a good club we need the support of all of our members. If you know of someone that rides on our trails that is not a member of a snowmobile club, sham them into becoming a member.
Have a great summer and remember our club doesn’t melt like the snow; we need your help. We will be in touch.
Chuck Ogee
President
|
| 5/31/04 |
| April 2004 Newsletter |
Greetings
Another season has managed to slide by. We finally got some good snow and had some nice trails to sled on. I am now ready for spring and the annual 286 highway pickup. That always gets the summer off to a good start.
Highway Cleanup
The highway clean up project will be on Sat., April 24. Please meet at the clubhouse at 9:00 a.m. It does not take very long if lots of people help. It seems the same people show up. Why don’t you think about it!
Clubhouse Remodeling
Lots of stuff should happen this year, one of them being residing and remodeling the clubhouse. We will need some volunteers to help so try to attend a meeting and see what the schedule is.
New Groomer
We are in need of a new groomer as the track truck is tired. That also means that we will go back into debt but as Higgins said, “What is life but a series of inspired follies? The difficulty is to find them to do.” Please attend the next meeting to vote on the groomer that will be purchased. Your input is very important in this matter.
Charity
I would like to think about some things we could do for charity next year. It would be neat if we could sponsor some kind of ride. We have so much fun when we get together that it is a shame that we only take one ride a year.
There are a lot of people that I should thank for their time and effort this year. If I tried to list all of their names I would fill up this page and invariably forget someone and become cursed. So I will just say thanks and have a great summer. I will call you if I need you.
Next meeting
The next meeting will be Monday, April 12, 6:30 p.m. at the clubhouse.
Chuck Ogee
President
|
| 4/13/04 |
| February "2004" Newsletter |
I apologize for this newsletter being posted so late but am experiencing serious computer trouble because I got some stupid virus that someone sent.
Linda Pigman
As I write this for our newsletter your former president and his lovely wife are basking in the sun in Mazitlan. I think that this is what former presidents get to do.
Today when I got up it was 36 below zero not real good snowmobile weather. Our groomers, however, were out there grooming. Our equipment doesn’t always cooperate; it seems to break a lot. Before we can groom again it must be fixed. This takes time and money. Non-club members often don’t understand this. Our groomers have been working like rented mules to keep our trail in shape, along with trying to keep machines running. The last time that I saw Jim Jackson he was covered with so much hydraulic fluid that he looked like he had combed his hair with buttered toast. The next time you see one of these guys, Kermit, Barry, Jim or Gus let them know how much you appreciate our nice trails.
This brings us to the topic of groomers. I think that we need to replace the old Track Truck, the one that we use on the north end. It is tired. If anyone has any ideas on how to get a new one free, please come to the next meeting and let us know!
Club Annual Ride
The club outing is coming up on February 13 so get your sleds tuned up. Remember to meet at the clubhouse at 9:00 a.m. so that we can get a head count of who is riding or “trailering” to Fortune Bay. Jane Hillstrom has been working on all of this to make sure things run safely and smoothly. Paul Hanson is going to be our trail master, be sure to comment on his nice tan! Remember to bring hors d’ oeuvres for Friday night. Check in is at 3:00 p.m. according to their brochure.
Trails
Some trails were rough last weekend due to a groomer breakdown but should be good now. For those of you that want to take a nice trip, Wilderness Willie and the Bowstring Trail are not heavily used. Bowstring goes to all the way to Squaw Lake and is a very nice ride. Pack a lunch or stop in at one of the restaurants in town.
MSA Convention
The Minnesota Snowmobile Convention will be in Walker this year. Many things are planned including a governor’s ride. Check your Minnesota Snowmobiling publication for all the details.
Winner!
Congratulations to Jim Jackson and Joel Karels, our first area calendar winners!
Our next club meeting is Monday, February 9, 6:30 at the clubhouse.
Chuck Ogee
President
|
| 4/2/04 |
| January 2004 Newsletter |
I have been riding some of our trails so I can issue a trail report to our commercial members each week. Following the piece is the criteria that I use to rate them. Needless to say we have not rated an "excellent" yet. It seems that every time we get things looking good Ma Nature does her best to mess things up. Our groomers Jim, Barry, Kermit and Gus have been working hard to keep ahead of her. I am contemplating sacrificing the cat to see if I can get Ma to send us some significant snow.
Along with every season comes a growing list of fatalities, all accidents. According to insurance companies all accidents are preventable. For one the speed limit is fifty "50" miles per hour. Think about it. I don't want any statistics happening on our trails. If someone is riding like a fool don't be afraid to tell him or her about it. You may save their life.
Poor: Less than 6 inches of snow, lots of bare spots, rough riding, difficult or not possible to groom.
Fair: Six to ten inches of snow, some bare spots especially on corners, rough riding over swamps, marginal to groom.
Good: Ten inches to one foot of snow, very few bare spots, smooth riding over swamps, smooth grooming successful.
Excellent: One foot or more of snow, no bare spots, smooth riding trails, well groomed.
As always please remember that excessive speed on trails is the major reason for accidents.
Annual Ride
The Annual Ride is underway and plans are beginning to formulate. Chuck would like us to meet at the clubhouse at 9:00 a.m. to see who is riding up to Fortune Bay and who needs help transporting gear, etc. It is about 80 miles to Fortune Bay and we will have the people who are "trailering" bring whatever needs to go. He will have the coffee pot on. (Chuck Ogee- 218-832-3910)
Friday night is snack night. We will have snacks in the "room block" area about 5 p.m. or so. If your room is not in that area bring your goodies to the area. We will be discussing departure for our trail ride on Sat. at that time.
Saturday night we have reservations in the dining room at 6 p.m.
Please let Jane Hillstrom know if you have rooms outside the block of rooms that were reserved for us. We don't want anyone to miss out on all the fun! It will be a busy weekend there and we want to make sure everyone is informed of all plans. (Jane Hillstrom 218-743-3658)
Clubhouse Spruce-Up
We are in need of some ideas to make the interior of the clubhouse more presentable. Come with some ideas to the next meeting.
Next Meeting
Our next meeting is January 12, 6:30 p.m. at the clubhouse.
Chuck Ogee
President
|
| 1/22/04 |
| December "2003" Newsletter |
Spending two weeks sitting in a tree gives one pause to contemplate many of the mysteries of the universe such as: Why Is It That When You Wash Two Socks Do You Only End Up With One? Is There Life After Death?, and Where Did The Other Sock Go? Maybe if you find the answer to one of the questions you would have the answer to them all.
It is Sunday Nov. 22nd and I am calmly watching the Vikings beat Detroit. It is snowing outside and this is good. Have you put new plugs in your sleds? Have you started them and let them run for awhile? This is easy to say but difficult to do.
Christmas Party
Don't forget to sign up for the Christmas party Saturday December 6, at the Loggers Bar and Restaurant in Bigfork. Happy hour starts at 5:30 p.m. By having the party on Sat. night, we hope some of the members who live out of town may be able to attend. I am looking forward to seeing everyone. MaryJean is working on door prizes again and we should have a video on last years club outing to watch.
Trails
We received approximately 13 inches of snow! Many think that it's time to start grooming. We have to be careful not to go too fast. When groomers get stuck in swamps it is a bad thing. The swamps have to be frozen solid before we groom. If you want to help, take your sled out on the trail and smash down that swamp grass, don't just ride in the same ruts, move your sleds around. It has been suggested that we don't start grooming until about December 7th. Please be patient.
Club Annual Ride to Fortune Bay February 13
The hotel rooms are filling up fast so get your reservations in now. It is one of the most fun times of the year. Check last months letter for details.
Landowners
If you know of any landowners who have not received a special invite to the Christmas party, please call Chuck Ogee at 218-832-3910. We do not inadvertently want to miss anyone. Without the generosity of our landowners we would have a hard time making trails.
A happy holiday season to you all and we hope to see you at the Christmas party! The next regular club meeting is December 8, 6:30 at the clubhouse.
Chuck Ogee
President
Please send your check to the clubhouse address for the Christmas party. If you are unsure about attending at least call MaryJean (218-832-3910) so that we can give Loggers some numbers, at least, a few days in advance. It is only fair to them.
|
| 12/02/03 |
| November 2003 Newsletter |
Greetings
Greetings from your new president! I'm not sure how I ended up in this position, especially when my motto has always been, "Don't put me in charge!" Paul Hanson must be a smooth talker!
I have three things I would like US to work on this year. First, getting a more active membership. The only way I see to do this is to have so much fun that people won't want to miss anything. From our experience the past two years the annual club outing is too much fun to miss. There have to be more! Second, get our clubhouse squared away so it is comfortable to use. It should be available to any member at anytime. Last but not lease, to get us enough snow so we can have some fun on the sled!
Christmas Party
Please note the date change for the Christmas Party. It has been changed to the 6th of December, that is a Saturday, at Logger's Restaurant and Bar in Bigfork. Please try to pre-register so we know how many will be there. MaryJean is going to get door prizes again this year. We will also have a video of last years club outing.
Clubhouse Improvements
Thanks to Gus Carlson, Jim Jackson, and Chuck Ogee for getting the front picture window in. More improvements will be made when the rest of the windows arrive.
Annual Meeting
For those of you that missed the Annual Meeting, it was fun. We had a great turnout with 35 or 40 there. The wine and cheese following the meeting were great too! The officers for the coming year are:
President - Chuck Ogee
Vice President - Barry Pigman
Treasurer - Zona Kinn
Secretary - Jackie Nixon
Board Members - Gus Carlson and Jim Oestrich
Winners of the Club Overnighter were Willie and Kathy Powell
Club Overnighter
The Club Overnighter will be at Fortune Bay on Lake Vermilion this year instead of the much discussed Grandview Lodge in Ely. The date has also been changed to Feb. 13, 14, 15. Hopefully we will have enough snow to ride up there this year.
Next Meeting
Our next regular meeting is November 10, at the clubhouse.
Chuck Ogee
President
|
| 11/6/03 |
| October "2003" Newsletter |
We are back into the swing of the winter snowmobiling season. Trail work has been in progress for much of the summer as we have been working off a grant we received for trail work. Jackson has several local contractors doing various projects. We have another exciting year ahead of us with predictions of lots of snow. Our trail coordinator will be on hand to discuss the latest and greatest with our system.
Annual Meeting
Mark your calendars for October 13, 6:30 at Loggers Inn in Bigfork for our annual meeting. Registration will be at 6:30 with the meeting at 7 p.m. and our smash hit wine and cheese social at 8 p.m. In past years we have had 35 to 40 members in attendance and I hope this year is no different. Shelly Patten, DNR regional safety officer, will present a program that promises to be worth while and informative.
Several door prizes have been donated by Ozzie Schwegman for the meeting.
Election of Officers
We will have election of officers at the annual meeting which are President, Treasurer, and 1 board member (Bigfork/Effie), all will be for a two year term. We will also have elections for a Vice President for a 1 year term. The club needs YOUR help so seriously consider running for an office.
Membership
It is that time of year to renew your membership. Please complete the attached renewal NOW so that it is back in our mailbox before the Annual Meeting. Why you ask? All members who have paid their 2003/2004 dues by the Annual Meeting will be eligible for a $200 weekend for two which will be drawn at the meeting. The only way this $200 can be redeemed is to go on the club overnighter.
Club Overnighter
Our overnighter is being worked on by the Hillstroms, Hubbards, and Ogees. They will have a full report and recommendations at the Annual Meeting.
Christmas Party
The Christmas party is scheduled for December 7, 2003. Specifics need to be worked out yet and that will be announced at the Annual Meeting.
Clubhouse
Windows and new siding were approved so Gus and Chuck are putting the hammer down and are making this happen before the snow flies, so be ready to offer your valuable assistance when asked.
Thank You!
Too often we forget to thank those who help the club. Linda Queen needs a big THANK YOU for the great job in cleaning the clubhouse- not only is everything clean but our sink is spotless-no rust in sight.
Linda Pigman keeps our web-site current without any fanfare. Our address is http://vnw.org. A big thank you needs to go out to all who have helped make Highway 286 as clean as it is.
Without the help from each and every one of you we would not be able to exist. See you at the Annual Meeting on October 13!
Paul Hanson
President
|
| 9/24/03 |
| September "2003" Newsletter |
It is that time of year again. Hopefully this winter will be much more productive in the snow category. We will continue to have fun no matter what though, right?
First Meeting
Our first meeting of the year will be September 8 at 6:30 at the clubhouse. We will have several items to discuss.
Annual Meeting
The annual meeting is planned for October 13. We need to decide on a location. Officers up for election this year are President, Treasurer, and 1 board member, all for 2 year terms. We also have need to elect the Vice President due to the resignation of the current VP. This will be for a 1 year term to complete the current term.
Trails
Jackson will be on hand to discuss the status of trail work. He has been diligently working on various trails needing attention with the grant money that we received. If you know of a specific area that needs help, let Jim know as it may not be on his list.
Adopt-a-Highway
The fall cleanup needs to be done and the normal date has been September 27, but this needs to be solidified at our September meeting.
Christmas Party
The annual Christmas party needs to be planned and I am looking for someone to take the lead and get this set up.
Annual Snowmobile Overnighter
The annual overnighter also needs to be planned, location, time etc. I'm looking for someone to take the lead and make this happen again. It has always been fun and well attended.
Windows and Siding
We discussed replacing the windows and siding on the clubhouse at the last spring meeting. We obtained material estimates and decided to delay the job until this fall. Guess what? Fall is here!
I hope to see you all at the September meeting!
Paul Hanson
President
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| 9/24/03 |
| Change of Clean Up Date |
Please note change in Highway 286 Clean Up Date!
The Spring Clean Up of State Highway will be held Saturday, May 3, 2003.
The plan is to meet at the Hayslip's parking lot in Talmoon at 9:00 a.m. Clean up will begin there and conclude at the Lakewood's/Trapper's Grill Cafe parking lot in Marcell. Any questions, contact Chuck or Mary Jean Ogee at 832-3910 or Jim Jackson at 832-3861. |
| 4/23/03 |
| April 2003 |
I think this past winter is going down in history as the worst ever as far as snow goes. We had one weekend of fair riding and that was the last weekend there was snow, two weeks ago. Oh well, guess there is always next year.
Meeting Night Changed
Our next meeting will be April 7, 6:30 p.m. at the clubhouse.
"38ers" Ride
The 38ers ride went off without a hitch. There were 8 riders from the 38ers and 6 from the Snowdrifters. We rode about 75 miles and had a burger at the Loggers Inn. We will do this again next year. This years' ride was on Saturday and it seemed to work very well. It will be up to the Snowdrifters to come up with the agenda for next year.
Adopt-a-Highway
At the last meeting, it was decided to renew our Adopt-a-Highway for another 2 years. Jim Jackson volunteered to lead the charge so be sure to offer your valuable 2 hours - that is all it takes if about 10 folks show up. I think Jim is planning on doing it April 26 at 9 a.m. Meet at the clubhouse.
Trail Info
Jim has informed me that we have received our grant for trail work. Jim has lots of different jobs planned already but if you know of a particular section that needs some TLC, now is the time to speak up and let Jim know so that we can get it taken care of. We have been discussing the possibility of putting up some gates to curb the 4 wheel drive truck damage. We would need landowner approval before we do this but I think most landowners will think it is a great idea. We must be proactive about the damage we are getting or else some of our landowners might say enough is enough. As always, each and everyone of us can help by getting the word out and helping enforce folks.
Bigfork Celebration
We have received a request from the City of Bigfork for assistance at the city celebration in June. This will be discussed at the April meeting.
This will be the last newsletter until September. Hope everyone has a safe and sane summer!
Paul Hanson
President
|
| 3/31/03 |
| March 2003 |
If you haven't had a chance to ride your sled so far, it looks like March might be a bust as well. There is always next year.
Joyce Estate Ride
The Joyce Estate ride was not held due to the lack of snow. The groomers have been out and from what I hear the trails are not too bad considering.
Accident
I heard there was an accident on the Marcell north trail. I don't know specifics yet but will try to find out exactly what happened.
The "38er's" Ride
The "38er's" Ride is planned for March 8. The plan is to meet at the clubhouse at 9 a.m. and ride north to Cameron, to Herb Brandstrom, to Bigfork Lions, and to Bigfork for lunch at Loggers. If we don't have anymore melt-downs by then we should have enough snow to pull it off. If you have any questions contact Paul or Bob Markert, otherwise, we will see you on the 8th.
Adopt a Highway
At the last club meeting there was a discussion on the merits of renewing our adopt-a-highway for 2 more years. What does the membership feel about this? There were mixed feelings at the last meeting, the job seems to rest on the same folks every time, with the number of helpers decreasing. If there is not more interest shown by the members, this might get dropped. Speak out, now is the time. Let Paul (832-3541) or Bob (659-4432) know what you think or attend the next meeting.
For Sale
For Sale: 1994 Puma, 688 actual miles, electric start, reverse, warmers, like new condition, only $1000. Call Paul at 832-3541.
Next Meeting
Next regular meeting is March 10 at 6:30 at the clubhouse.
Paul Hanson
President
|
| 3/17/03 |
| February 2003 |
We have had the groomer out, mostly just for show, but we have done some good. It is very hard on equipment with such little snow so we have to go slow, but so it goes.
Joyce Estate Ride
The Joyce Estate ride is set for February 23rd. We will leave from the clubhouse at 9 a.m. Hopefully we will get more snow by then and not have a melt down before then also. We need everything we have right now and more to pull this ride off. We are tentatively planning a burger in Marcell after the ride.
38er's Snowmobile Ride
The 38er's Snowmobile Club is tentatively planning a ride on March 2nd and our club will be invited to join them with a stop planned at an area restaurant. This is tentative right now and will be discussed at their next meeting. Call Bob or Paul if you are interested in this ride on March 2.
Snowmobile Safety Training
The club just completed snowmobile safety training in Bigfork for 12 area young folks. It was a very good class and all the instructors had fun with the group. CO's Shelly and Randy Patten helped set up the class and with "laws" and "behind the wheel". Club members who helped put the class on were: Judie Hubbard, Paula Powell, Bob Markert, Jim Olmscheid, and Paul Hanson. Thank these folks next time you see them.
Overnighter
The overnighter at the Ash-Ka-Nam Resort was a complete success. There was enough snow on the lakes for smooth riding and enough snow on the portages to get where we wanted to go. The weather was warm and everyone had a great time and no catastrophes occurred. Our thanks to Jack and Jane for all the planning.
Our next meeting is February 10, at 6:30 p.m. at the clubhouse.
Paul Hanson
President
|
| 2/6/03 |
| January 2003 |
All of us need to do the snow dance. It is very hard to break this no snow pattern it seems. From what I hear, there is more snow up on the Ash River so we should be able to at least ride after we trailer up, assuming it does not snow much before then. We have had the groomer out on some of the trails north of Marcell and the grooming did some good even though we only have five or six inches of snow. At least now when we get new snow the trails will be that much better.
Ash River Weekend
The overnighter to Ash River will be our next big event. Jane is the contact for lodging at 743-3658. Be sure to give her a call if you have not done so yet. We can check in Friday afternoon and Jane has set up cabins already based on the reservations she has to date. The Ash-Ka-Nam Resort is on the Ash River Road County Rd. 129 about 10 miles east of Hwy. 53. The phone numbers are 218-374-3181 or 1-800-950-1081. Our potluck is set for Friday, set up about 4, at the bar/dining area. The resort is closing the dining area for our club potluck so needless to say, don't bring anything to drink to the potluck. Please let Jane know if you are "trailering" so arrangements can be made for hauling personal gear for those who are riding sleds. Contact Paul at 832-3541 if you are planning to ride your sled from Marcell so we can organize that.
Christmas Party
Our Christmas Party went off great. We had 45 members and landowners attend. We filled the back room at Richies. The food was great and a big thank you goes out to Mary Jean Ogee for the excellent job with door prizes.
Next Meeting
Our next regular meeting is January 13 at 6:30 at the Club House.
Paul Hanson
President
|
| 1/18/03 |
| December 2002 |
It is hard to believe but we even have some snow on the ground, might be a good sign for this winter. This newsletter is going out to all of our landowners and club members. We have had separate land owner banquets in past years, but since attendance has lagged, we thought we would combine the landowners recognition banquet with the club Christmas Party in hopes that more landowners would make it. Without our landowners and their willingness to permit snowmobile trails on their land we would not have the trail system we have today and we thank you for that. It is our hope that some of you can make it to our Christmas Party at our expense so we can formally recognize each and every one of you.
Trails
Jim Jackson and Chuck Ogee are working on getting our trails ready for the season. There are a few areas that need extra attention but for the most part we had a very easy year from the storms - knock on wood. Jackson reports one of the biggest concern is damage caused in certain areas by four-wheelers. Four-wheeler use is not legal on most of our system but there is a certain segment of our population that fail to recognize this. All of us need to help enforcement of this problem.
Overnighter
Jane is working on our overnighter, Jan. 31 - Feb. 2. Please call her with your accommodation preference. 218-743-3658
Ash-Ka-Nam Resort - 1-800-950-1081
E-mail.... ashkanam@paulbunyan.net
Located at the junction of the Ash River, Kabetogama and Namakan Lakes.
Bar and Restaurant will accommodate our group for Friday night 'pot luck'. The Lodge serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Cabins:
The Long House: This very large cabin has 5 bedrooms, 2 full baths, quarter bathrooms, large kitchen and a living area. Sleeps 16 people, 12 individual beds.
The Aspen Lodge: This native aspen log cabin has 5 bedrooms, 2 full baths, kitchen, living room. Sleeps up to 17. 10 individual beds.
Big Pine Lodge: Log building has four condos, with 2 bedrooms, full bath, kitchenette and a living area. Sleeps 5
Riverside: This cabin features a stone fireplace, deck, 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths, and a large kitchen-living room area. Sleeps up to 14 people with 10 individual beds.
The Overlook Cabin: This log cabin has 2 bedrooms, bathroom and kitchen-living room combination.
Shade Tree and Pine: 2 & 3 bedroom cabins. Each cabin has a bathroom and kitchen-living room combination.
Overnighter to Cass Lake
An overnighter to the Palace Casino in Cass Lake would be an easy short ride and fun spot for 1 night. We have that planned for Jan. 3-4 or 4-5. If you are interested please call Paul (832-3541). This will need to be planned before the next newsletter.
Christmas Party
Party is at Richie's Marcell Inn, Dec. 8 at 4 p.m. The meal will be chicken, ham, potatoes, salad, desert, and relish tray for $12.50 which includes tax and tip. Landowners pay nothing! All those planning to attend, please clip off the portion at the bottom of the newsletter (not available online) and return it with payment by December 3 so we can get an accurate head count and let Richie's know how many to expect. This will be in the back room at Richie's and there will be door prizes.
Next Meeting
Our next regular meeting will be on Monday, Dec. 9 at 6:30 p.m., in the clubhouse.
Paul Hanson
President
|
| 12/01/02 |
| November 2002 |
Snow is in the air, the small lakes are frozen, and doe permits are here - must mean something. It is that time of the year, finally.
Annual Meeting
Our Annual Meeting was well attended with about 30 members present. Thanks to all who attended. Our Officers elected were:
Vice President - Bob Markert
Secretary - Jackie Nixon
Director - Gus Carlson
Thank you Judie for serving as Vice President and thanks to Bob, Gus and Jackie for your willingness to serve the club. For those of you who were not at the Annual Meeting, you missed a good presentation by Don Basista. Nancy and Gus Carlson won the drawing for the "Club Overnighter."
Christmas Party
Our Christmas Party is set for December 8 at 4 p.m. at Richies Marcell Inn back room. We will send a separate flier out for this at a later date. The Landowners will be invited at club expense, rather than hold a separate banquet. The meal will be chicken, ham, potatoes, salad, desert, and relish tray for $12.50 (includes tax and tip).
Club Overnighter
The club overnighter will be Jan. 30 - Feb. 2 at Ash-Ka-Nam on the Ash River, about 1 mile from where we went last year. Jane Hillstrom is handling reservations and will be working off last years attendance list. If you are interested in going, be sure to call Jane at 743-3658. More specifics will follow in the January Newsletter and hopefully there will be enough snow to ride from Drifter Country.
Snowmobile Safety Training
We need more trainers! We have had 3 of our trainers move from the area so it is necessary to train in a few more people. Bob Markert, Dale Hill, Helen Oestrich, and Paula Powell have volunteered to help with this effort. Shelly Patten is having a "train the trainers" session in December in Grand Rapids. The details have not been worked out yet but all interested will be notified when we receive info. If anyone else is interested, call Paul Hanson.
Trails
Be sure to let Jim Jackson know which sections of trail you have worked on so Jim does not have to waste his time.
Thank You!
A big thanks goes out to these folks for volunteering to help the club.
Adopt-A-Highway - Bob and Naomi Markert, Ron and Kathy Lovick, and Gene Wolff.
Clubhouse soffits and facia - Gus , Nancy, and Bruce Carlson, Maurie Swenson, Gene Wolff, Jim and Helen Oestrich, Diane and Paul Hanson.
The Shop Open House - Jack and Jane Hillstrom
Alliance Meetings - Barry Pigman
Clubhouse Cleaning - Diane and Paul Hanson
Newsletter - Nancy Carlson
Website - Linda Pigman
I'm sure there are some I have forgotten and I'm sorry, but without the help of everyone, we could not be the club we are. The club is thankful to all who keep us strong. P.S. THE CLUB IS NOW DEBT FREE!
Next Meeting
Our next meeting is November 11 at 6:30 p.m. at the club house. See you there!
Paul Hanson
President
|
| 11/8/02 |
| October Newsletter |
It was nice to see the good turnout at our last meeting. This is a good sign we will have one of the best years yet, just wait and see.
Carpenter Helps Needed
At our last meeting, we set October 5th and 6th as the weekend to finish the facia and soffits on the clubhouse. We will meet at 8 a.m., hope you can find some time, even if it is only a few hours, to stop by and lend a hand. We have all the materials paid for, just need some help to get it up.
Annual Meeting
Our Annual Meeting is approaching fast. Please mark your calendar for October 14, 6:30 p.m. at Loggers Supper Club in Bigfork. The meeting will start promptly at 7 p.m. and our smash wine and cheese social will follow at about 8 p.m. In past years we have had 35 to 40 members attend and hope this year will be no different. Club officers up for election are Vice President, Secretary, and 1 Board Member. Please give these positions some thought as we need YOU! The Loggers kitchen will be closed on the 14th so don't plan to eat there and the doors will be open at 6 p.m. Our new Trail Coordinator will be on hand to meet everyone and also discuss fall trail needs.
Club Overnighter
Our club overnighter is being worked on by Jane, Jack, Judie, and Ray. They will have a full report and recommendations at the Annual Meeting.
Membership
It is that time of year to renew your membership. Please complete the attached renewal NOW so that it is back in our mailbox before the Annual Meeting. Why you ask? All members who have paid their 2002/2003 dues by the Annual Meeting will be eligible for a $200 weekend for 2 which we will draw at the Annual Meeting. The only way this $200 can be redeemed is to go on the club overnighter.
Christmas Party
The Christmas Party is scheduled for December 8, with the location yet to be determined, but it will be announced at the Annual Meeting.
It is time to get those sleds tuned up, help get the trails cleared, and think snow. See you on the 14th!
Paul Hanson
President
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