Preparing your dock, lift, and water toys for winter

Winter’s Coming!

As we start getting ready to remove boats, lifts, dock and water toys, the DNR says:

• Carefully inspect everything to make sure there are no aquatic invasive species (AIS) such as zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil, or New Zealand mudsnails attached.

• Look on the posts, wheels, and underwater support bars of docks and lifts, as well as any parts of boats, pontoons, and rafts that may have been submerged in water for an extended period. In newly infested waters, adult zebra mussels may not be abundant and you might notice only a few mussels on your equipment.

• If you think you have discovered an invasive species that has not already been confirmed in your lake contact your area DNR aquatic invasive.

Storing lifts and docks for winter

You may remove water-related equipment from a water body – even if it has zebra mussels or other prohibited invasive species attached – and place it on the adjacent shoreline property without a permit.

However, if you want to transport a dock or lift to another location for storage or repair, you may need a permit to authorize transport of prohibited invasive species and aquatic plants. (Fortunately, Lone Lake doesn’t have this issue yet.)

Transporting watercraft for storage

You may not transport any watercraft with zebra mussels, faucet snails, or other prohibited invasive species or aquatic plants attached away from a water access or other shoreland property, even if you intend to put it in storage for the winter.

If you need to transport your watercraft at the end of the season, you may need a permit to authorize transport of prohibited invasive species and aquatic plants.

General Permits and more info:

• Transport Aquatic Plants and Prohibited Invasive Species from Riparian Property to a Disposal Location (General Permit 2015-002) (PDF)

• Transport Watercraft with Prohibited Invasive Species for Cleaning or Storage (General Permit 2015-003) (PDF)

• Transport Boat Lifts, Docks or Other Water-Related Equipment with Prohibited Invasive Species Attached for Repair, Storage or Cleaning (General Permit 2015-004) (PDF)

• Transport construction Equipment with Prohibited Invasive Species Attached for Cleaning, Repair or Storage (General Permit 2015-005) (PDF)

• Businesses to Transport Aquatic Plants and Prohibited Invasive Species to a Disposal Location (General Permit 2015-006) (PDF)

Getting to Know Your Director of Digital Strategy Samantha (Sam) Norton

Samantha (Sam) Norton is the granddaughter of Walt and Dianne Weisser. The Weisser’s have lived on the South side of the lake for nearly 30 years (lot #2 near the public access).

When Sam is not at the lake, she lives in Plymouth with her husband (Trevor) and their 12 year old black lab named Rally. Sam is an alumni of Dartmouth College where she was D1 collegiate swimmer. She works for a Fortune 5 company as part of a team that develops strategies to support a multi-billion dollar sales organization. In her free time, Sam enjoys baking sourdough, growing veggies in the garden, taking Rally for walks, and enjoying the great outdoors.

Here are some of Sam’s favorite memories and traditions from Lone Lake.

1. Lakeside Wedding - Sam married her husband (Trevor) in June 2023 surrounded by 200 of their closest friends and family. The lake made for picture perfect photos!

2. The beautiful views - The Norton / Weisser family loves to spend time together around the campfire enjoying the breathtaking sunsets.

3. Boat rides - They have a nightly tradition of piling into the boat for a post-dinner boat ride, usually featuring narration about the lake history and fun facts from Grandma Dianne.

4. Enjoying a glass of Bin Wine - The family has crafted over 1,000 bottles of homemade wine! They named their winery after the nickname for the cabin - the Bin! If you look closely, you can see Rally the black lab on the wine label.

5. 4th of July festivities - like many on the lake, Sam loves to participate in the annual boat parade and triathlon.

Key dates and news briefs

Labor Day weekend (Aug. 30-Sept. 2) should have AIS checking at the public boat landing. Please encourage cooperation from any guests and help keep our lake clean.

Annual Fall LLPOA Road Clean-up has been delayed until Saturday, September 28. 9am.

Please join us at the public beach for coffee/water and a delicious roll donated by Paulbeck’s amazing bakery. Less than an hour of your time will help keep our surrounding roads clean for the winter.

Storm Damage: Quite a few properties on the SE side of the lake have had roofing contractors contact them about hail damage from the June 12 storm. Insurance companies are providing funds for new roofs. If you have any thoughts that your roof may have had damage from that storm, it is time to contact someone to check your roof. Remember that in MN you have a year from the date of the incident to do something.

Last call for membership in 2024 LLPOA. In addition to knowing that you are assisting the organization to prepare for whatever lies ahead, all members receive a copy of the updated lake information and roster later this fall.Click this link to join!

Unchecked development, lax regulation push MN lakeshores to the edge

MPR news shared a researched article August 14, 2024 about the development of MN shorelines in the past 50 years. For a state that is focused on lake culture and a state legislature that makes many rules, how did things change so rapidly?

Some high(low) points are:

• “cabin” areas are looking more like suburban communities

• people wanting to build “bigger”

• working from the cabin is preferred by many over working in the city

• more roofs, driveways, patios and other hard surfaces (causing that rain water to often run straight into the lake, carrying soil, phosphorus, and other bad things)

• rip rap rather than soft surface shorelines (doesn’t allow the necessary softer spots for animals and plants at lake’s edge

• regulations not working

• land owners pushing the limits

• no buffer—fertilized green grass right to the shoreline
  

Impacts include:

• phosphorus in the lake….native plant roots can be 15 feet long while much of the MN grass roots are a few inches

• heavier rainfalls with climate change brings that water and phosphorus into the lake much easier

• trees eliminated as cabin owners want to see the lake rip rap doesn’t allow animals to easily move from land to water…loons especially
  

  How would you score for your property?

• Lakeshore that has no development would score 100. Forest Lake, in the town of Forest Lake, scored a 37.

• Try it. Click on the link, read the article, scrolling to the bottom for the survey link that asks….Are you a lake steward?

• Most of us want our lake cabin to be “big enough”, have flush facilities and power, a nice view, and internet!

• What are we doing to our lake by wanting all these things? Our lake has been wonderful but we are on a downward slide. Read the article and insert “LONE” into the lake finder and see how we rated in 2015. Have we improved or ???

So many reasons are possible! We need you to be a lake steward. LLPOA is looking into what we can do to encourage all of us to become purposeful lakeshore owners/stewards. Please, read the article using this link.

Please take the survey. Let’s take the next steps together to keep our lake near the top of the list for best MN lakes. You will enjoy that as will your property value!

We need your help and ideas. Let us know your thoughts as to the next steps for Lone Lake. Email at lonelakepoa@gmail.com

Exciting news for fisherpeople in the months and years to come

• This year's lake survey showed low numbers of walleyes. The MN DNR's request for the larger yearling walleyes for stocking Lone Lake was approved. (Yearlings are in the 8 – 10-inch range.)

• Good news as typically, Lone Lake is stocked with fry, newborns or fingerlings, usually the size of a finger. Fish stocking usually occurs in the spring or fall.   

• Depending on the DNR's supply of yearling walleye they will probably have enough to stock Lone Lake this November and then again next spring.  

• More good fish news to come— please share if you see the stocking operation in progress.

Important lake data for the summer of 2024

• Dave Dusbabek checked our lake for water clarity and temperature.

• July 18th the Secchi disc read 20.5’ with a water surface temperature of 78 degrees.

• August 13th the clarity dropped to 19’ and the water surface temperature dropped to 76 degrees.

• We know water clarity depends on the lake with many lakes having less than 5’. We are fortunate to have a clean lake. Thanks for helping keep it clean.

  Many thanks Dave for your efforts.

Lone Lake Tidbits

August 1-3. Aitkin Heritage Riverboat Days

Great Saturday parade for young and old.

More info

Labor Day weekend

AIS inspector at boat landing

Please check your boat and ask guests to check theirs.

Spirit Lake landing has a hot bath available on weekends to decontaminate boats.

BIG CHANGE

Annual Fall road clean-up

Saturday, September 28

Same time, same place

(9am, public beach)

mark your calendar

Ages 6 months to 106 welcome!

T-shirts available

TeePublic has a webpage for all things (or at least many) Lone Lake.

(They also look for independent contractors to design things for them if you have that talent.)

Here is a link to use for Lone Lake gear: 

https://www.teepublic.com/user/lonelake

(Note—they do have occasional good sales….pre holidays for sure) so start your window shopping early!

What’s on my dock?

Never too early to start reminders about triple checking your lake machines and apparatus as it comes out of the water for “things” we don’t want to see (AIS) but are grateful for seeing sooner rather than later.

• Google anything questionable.

• Share any concerns.

• Stay ahead of the game of AIS vs. Lone Lake.

MN DNR newsletter link

Always something interesting, this week focusing on hunters and fishing.  

Summer webinars (free) also good. Check it out!

2024 LLPOA annual meeting

• Chatting with neighbors

• Amazing free items to keep your cool…..key floaties, towels, can koozies, bait bags—all meant to remind us that Lone Lake is not yet an AIS infected lake and all of us want it that way. What is your method to help?

  LLPOA activities photo summary during the past year

• road clean-ups

• 5 year planning meeting

• boat parade

• annual picnic

• culvert maintenance

• triathlon

• boat landing inspections

• membership drive

• new member packets

• sensitive wake area

• newsletter

• shoreline maintenance

• and more!

rd winners from the 2024 boat parade and dock decorating were awarded their traveling trophies to prominently display for the next year. Congratulations again to speedboat winners Dianne and Walt Weisser and family (lot 2), Cathie and Greg Pearson and family (lot 140), and decorated dock winners Judy Skoog and family, (lot 38).

Summaries

• AIS: Barb Dusbabek—working closely with county officials, boat inspections only on holiday wkends this year, plz remind guests to check their own watercraft going into and out of Lone Lake, use deep part of lake for boat activities.

• Newsletter: Beth-Anne Rowe—always looking for experts on the lake, new info, photos, news, etc. Please send to lonelakepoa@gmail.com Remember to OWN YOUR WAKE in this high water time.

• Fish and Wildlife: Zint Kics—summary of DNR June fish survey and with additional news from the others, walleye fish stocking this year could include bigger fish! Culverts to Ripple Lake issues all year. Plz: need additional people to help with this exciting opportunity—-email us! (This is not a new service, has been going on for years.)

• Water news: Dave Dusbabek—water clarity improved by 1” as the Secchi disc read 20”, discussion concerning lake levels, high water mark, culvert, etc. Board will do some research on this and an update will come in the newsletter when we know more.

• Treasurer: Linda Szymanski—transferring to updated systems, membership drive ending soon so please use this link to join soon, additional monies in ladder savings to be ready for any large lake expense.

• Secretary: Linda Kics—meeting summaries available

• Land use and zoning: Steve Frazier—working with the county to make sure new construction and other lake rules are adhered to.

• LLPOA board is disappointed to announce the “retirement “ of Bev Napurski from the position of all our techie needs—Fb, instagram, X, webpage, newsletter.

• 15 years of donated time is amazing.
  THANK YOU BEV! A replacement has been found! She will announce her new role soon!

• Stacy Van Slooten and Dave Dusbabek joined the current board members in a unanimous vote from those attending for the 2025 board. Always looking for more members and points of view and interests. Join us please.

- - - - - - - - -

• More items of interest—lead free tackle (99% of us worry about those loons)

• New-Little Free Library books…bring some-take some. Lone Lake may have it’s own year round little free library soon……more to come.

• Evergreens needing a home-small-(in pot)-see photo below. If in need, email us asap.

• Lake levels going down slowly….need that sun in the sky for evaporation and little rain (1+ inch Saturday evening…)

• Friends new and old as the “after meeting” talks lasted almost as long as the meeting.

• July 2025 for the next picnic. See you then.

(Thanks Barb for securing grant $ to obtain these items.)

Elaine Palthe | 1937-2024

Elaine Palthe | 1937-2024

Elaine A. Palthe, 87, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, peacefully passed away on Thursday, July 25. Born on February 16, 1937, in Winger, Minnesota, Elaine was the cherished daughter of Albin and Clara (Loiten) Fristrom and the younger sister to Marlys Ogaard.

Her upbringing in the small, close-knit Scandinavian farming communities of northwest Minnesota instilled in her a love of faith and community and inspired dreams of travel and exploration. Elaine's journey took her to Concordia College, where she graduated with a degree in elementary education. Her adventurous spirit led her to teach in the Twin Cities, an Air Force base in England, and finally, Portland, Oregon. She settled back in Minnesota after a whirlwind romance with John Palthe, which led to a three-month engagement and a joyful marriage of 41 years before John's passing in 2009. Together, Elaine and John raised three daughters, first making their home in Roseville and then, in 1985, settling in the woods on the serene shores of Lone Lake in Aitkin. In 2019, Elaine moved to the Twin Cities to be closer to her girls and their families, but always considered Aitkin and the house she and John built to be her home.

Known affectionately as "Sweets"; by her husband and "Naine" by her grandchildren, Elaine's warmth extended far beyond her immediate family. She found a second home in her First Lutheran Church community and volunteered at every opportunity, with the choir as her most cherished place to share fellowship and song.

Elaine delighted in feeding her friends and family, with the coffee pot always on, a table well set, and fresh peanut butter or chocolate chip cookies and apple bars waiting. She was thrilled to welcome boys into her family with her sons-in-law and have bigger appetites at her table. With Naine's famous "skinny" Swedish pancakes becoming a beloved tradition for her grandchildren, her kitchen was always a nurturing place of warmth and laughter, and a favorite place for the family to gather.

Elaine's legacy is one of extraordinary kindness and unwavering dedication. Regarded as one of the kindest souls many had ever encountered, she generously gave her time and energy to others. Her life, defined by her deep love for family, friends, church, and community, has left an enduring impact on all who were fortunate enough to know her.

The family is extremely grateful to Elaine's longtime friend Phyllis Helling who visited her often since her move to the cities and ensured she enjoyed life to the fullest. Whether out to lunch or shopping, they were dressed in their best, accessorized, and on the go! Lone Lake friends and neighbors also held a special place in Elaine's heart. The family is forever thankful for the care and support they had for each other over the years. Most recently, Elaine was blessed to have a wonderful care team at her Trails of Orono home. So many staff members shared how much they loved Elaine and how incredibly sweet and kind she was. The family is truly comforted to know she had a community who lovingly took care of her.

Elaine is survived by her three daughters and their families: Kari Palthe Anderson (Eric), Kirsten Schoeller (John), and Kaisha Rafferty (John), as well as seven grandchildren, Jack (Maddie), Evan, Carson, Joshua, Jayden, Avery, and Johnny, who will forever cherish her memory. She is also survived by her sister-like-cousin, Marion Kershner (Morrie).

A celebration of Elaine's life will be held on Friday, August 2nd, at First Lutheran Church in Aitkin, Minnesota. 1:00 pm: gather and visit; 2:00 pm: service; 3:00 pm: coffee and sweet treats.Memorial donations may be made to First Lutheran Church in Aitkin.

Published by Aitkin Age on Jul. 29, 2024.

A note from Tiffany | July 2024

Hi lake friends, it was great to see many of you at the annual meeting! Thanks again to Dick Preiner for the use of his beautiful building.

The meeting was quick and efficient, ending at 10:15 as we didn’t have a speaker this year, but lots of fun pictures from the past year including road clean ups, the culvert crew, 4th of July Triathlon, and boat parade.

We did discuss the high water issues and are planning a separate meeting sometime in the future discussing more on the topic with local experts in the field (or lake-ha). Stay posted, that will be an educational opportunity for myself and anyone else that’s interested!

Most importantly, let’s be good neighbors to each other. This lake is a blessing to us all and we are grateful.

Have a great rest of your summer,

Tiffany