January 22, 2010

Show Your "Purple Pride" as the Brainerd Jaycees Host the World's Largest Tailgate Party On Ice

Volunteers add $8.8 million in value to DNR

DNR awards $3.4 million in new Parks and Trails Legacy grants

St. Michael Lions Fishing Contest is a go

Dakota resident wins 2011 Turkey Stamp design contest

Minneapolis Boat Show Opens

The Nature Conservancy Launches “Explore the Mississippi”

World Poker Entertainment Presents
The Polar Poker Challenge Ice Fishing and Texas Hold ‘em

Ahoy! Pirates of Colonial America Drop Anchor at the Minneapolis Boat Show January 20-24

Outdoor opportunities still available at DNR winter workshop

Show Your "Purple Pride" as the Brainerd Jaycees Host the World's Largest Tailgate Party On Ice

The Brainerd Jaycees are hosting the 20th Annual $150,000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza this Saturday, January 23, on Gull Lake's Hole in the Day Bay.

This event is already the world's largest charitable ice fishing contest so organizers would like to cheer-on the Minnesota Vikings this weekend by encouraging all contest participants and spectators to show "purple pride" on the ice. Event Chairman Brent Morris said, "What's more Minnesotan than the Vikings? We'd like to think ice fishing!"

The Jaycees are expecting over 12,000 participants on Saturday with ticket sales already posting at 8,500 plus. "We are hoping that the contestants and spectators will come out in jerseys and purple gear, decorate their camps in a Vikings theme and just have fun," said Morris. In fact, the event organizers are so excited about the Vikings potential Super Bowl seat that they are offering over one-thousand dollars in cash and prizes to the top three Vikings-themed individuals, groups or camps.

Judging will be held between 11:30am-1:00pm as members of the Jaycees and KFAN Radio tour the event site looking for the best themes and the most team spirit. 1st place is $500 in cash, 2nd place is $300 cash and 3rd place is $200 cash. Get loud and go purple!!

For more info: http://www.icefishing.org

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Volunteers add $8.8 million in value to DNR

More than 32,000 citizens donated services valued at $8.8 million during 2009 to assist the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) with a variety of projects and programs. That’s the equivalent of an extra 209 full-time staff.

DNR managers, professionals and technicians work alongside volunteers to help manage the state's diverse natural resources.

"We're fortunate to have so many dedicated Minnesotans who are willing to donate their time and talents for conservation projects," said Renée Vail, DNR volunteer programs administrator. "We're extremely grateful for their efforts. Many of our projects would not be possible without their help."

Volunteer positions can range from specialist jobs requiring extensive skill and experience to work requiring little or no previous experience.

For example, Allen Schmitz was one of the DNR’s youngest Lake Level Minnesota Program gage readers when he began assisting as a volunteer 33 years ago. Since 1977, he has submitted more than 4,750 lake level gage readings during the open water seasons on Big Fish Lake in Stearns County. The information provided by volunteers is used consistently by decision-makers and lake users for a better understanding of Minnesota water resources and its influences from year-to-year. All reported historical lake levels for more than 1,300 lakes are available for all to view and use on Lake Finder on the DNR Web site: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/  

What are you interested in?

Volunteer opportunities are available at state parks, state forest campgrounds, WMAs, fisheries and hatcheries, as well as at DNR area, regional and headquarters offices.

Special event sites offer great volunteer experiences too. More than 700 volunteers assisted the DNR at the Minnesota State Fair last August. They acted as Smokey Bear, helped at the laser shot booth and archery range, dispensed lake data reports and provided entertainment and environmental education presentations on the DNR volunteer outdoor stage.

Elsewhere around the state, volunteers helped with firearms safety instruction, state park campground hosting, loon monitoring, snowmobile safety instruction, trail clearing, precipitation observing, river cleanups, issuing burning permits and doing wildlife research.

Volunteers work individually and in groups, and DNR staff provides all training. The DNR volunteer programs office also works with the DNR Alumni Volunteer Association, a program that allows retired DNR employees to participate in special projects statewide. 

 For more information about DNR volunteering opportunities, visit the DNR Web site at http://mndnr.gov and click on the word “volunteering,” or contact the DNR Information Center at 651-296-6157 in the Twin Cites metro area or toll free at 888-646-6367.

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DNR awards $3.4 million in new Parks and Trails Legacy grants

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has awarded $3.4 million in grants to 21 local communities from the new Parks and Trails Legacy Grant Program.

These projects will help local governments acquire, develop, restore, and maintain parks and trails of regional or statewide significance across Minnesota. Funding for this program comes from the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment approved by voters in 2008.

“These projects will provide more opportunities to connect the citizens of Minnesota to the outdoors,” said DNR Commissioner Mark Holsten. Projects funded represent the diversity of park and trail recreation opportunities across Minnesota.

The DNR received 76 applications with requests for more than $30 million.  Local units of government receiving grants are required to provide at least 25 percent in matching funds. 

Information on the projects selected for funding can be found on the Parks and Trails Legacy Grant Program Web page (go to www.mndnr.gov and enter “Parks and Trails Legacy Grant Program” in the search box). Questions related to the grant program can be directed to the DNR’s Parks and Trails Division, 651-259-5642.

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St. Michael Lions Fishing Contest is a go

The annual St. Michael Lions club Ice Fishing Contest is a GO this year. The contest will be held at Beebe Lake February 6th, 2010 from noon to 3pm. We will have a new expanded fishing area.

The contest is open to all! Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 16 and under. This years raffle prizes include a gas powered ice auger, Vexilar FL20 Ultra, fishing equipment and various gift certificates.

Tickets can be purchased at Dehmer s Meats, Hardware Hank, Lion members, as well as other local businesses in St. Michael.

The Boy Scouts will be offering food, coffee and sodas. Radio personality John Hines will be the MC for the event. The KRWC 1360 Radio Road show will be broadcasting announcements during the contest so bring your radio.

This would be an excellent opportunity to bring the whole family for an afternoon of fun conversation and fishing.

For more information call Kent Johnson at 763.-497-5376.

The St. Michael Lions Club meets the second Thursday of every month at the newly remodeled old Frankfort Town Hall on Hwy. 241. We are here to serve the community and would like to thank everyone for their past and future support.

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Dakota resident wins 2011 Turkey Stamp design contest

A picture of a tom turkey strutting through the woods to attract a nearby hen, painted by Micah Hanson of Dakota, will be featured on Minnesota’s 2011 Wild Turkey Stamp.

His design was chosen from among 13 entries in a contest sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). This is the first turkey stamp win for Hanson.

Eight entries advanced to the second stage of judging, from which five finalists were selected during the contest conducted Thursday, Jan. 7, at DNR Headquarters in St. Paul. The second place finalist was Jim Caturia Jr. of Cannon Falls. Laurence Hulls of Avon took third.

An artist whose work is selected for a Minnesota fish or wildlife stamp receives no compensation from the DNR, but does retain reproduction and marketing rights.

The 2011 turkey stamp contest judges were: Eric Linder, National Wild Turkey Federation regional director; Mike Kurre, DNR Mentoring Program coordinator; Rob Drieslein, editor of Outdoor News; Amy Beyer, a DNR graphics arts specialist; and Tom Klein, a graphic artist
for the DNR’s Ecological Resources Division.

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Minneapolis Boat Show Opens
Show Expects Boats to Sell at Area’s Only ‘Boat Show Under One Roof’

Minneapolis, MN –The 38th annual Minneapolis Boat Show, the largest boat show in the upper Midwest, opened Wednesday with show producers expecting strong sales and crowds following other boat shows around the country that have seen just that. The Minneapolis Boat Show offers the largest selection of boats and outdoor gear, creating an atmosphere for attendees to find deals and negotiate with hundreds of exhibitors – all under one roof.

“We’re very proud of the show we’ve produced this year because we’re again able to offer attendees one of the best places to shop for a boat,” notes Minneapolis Boat Show producer, Jennifer Thompson. “Being able to walk the aisles and meet with hundreds of different exhibitors gives attendees a chance to not only see a variety of boats without having to drive from dealership to dealership, but provides a leg-up on negotiating price.”

What’s more, boat dealers are offering unprecedented deals and incentives this year. Coupled with a recent slight increase in consumer confidence, the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), producers of the Minneapolis Boat Show, anticipate stronger crowds and sales over last year. This echoes what’s happening at other NMMA boat shows around the country that have wrapped in recent weeks and seen an increase in sales and attendance.

In addition to hundreds of boats and a variety of outdoor accessories, the Minneapolis Boat Show will feature:

Pre-Show Shopping–Minnesotans now have the chance to pre-shop the Minneapolis Boat Show for the greatest deals on boats on display during the five-day event – all from the privacy of home by visiting MinneapolisBoatShow.com. This new feature on the show’s site allows attendees a chance to plan ahead and search boats by brand and model, schedule private appointments with exhibitors and get a first-hand look at some of the boats that will be at the 2010 show.

“Queen of the Show” – The largest boat at this year’s show is the 480 Condo Cruiser from SkipperLiner.  Designed to meet the demand of baby boomers looking for affordable comfort and style, the Condo Cruiser is truly a floating home offering top-of-the-line features. A 48-foot houseboat, the Condo Cruiser is powered by twin 220 hp 4.3L MPI Mercruisers and decked out with year-round live-aboard amenities, including a full-size kitchen, master bedroom suite and entertainment systems.

Pirates of Colonial America – Don’t miss this interactive exhibit offering the opportunity to step into the life of a colonial pirate. Both children and adults can enjoy learning about 19th century pirate life with historic artifacts, buried treasure, period shops and more.  Saturday, January 23 is official “Pirate Day” at the show. Kids will receive a free pirate toy while supplies last and keep an eye out for familiar pirate faces on the show floor. Jack Sparrow of the Twin Cities will even be roaming the show entertaining attendees!

Affordability Pavilion – Back by popular demand in its second year, this area will showcase boats for the budget-conscious, highlighting pricing options and displaying boats that visitors can finance for $250 or less per month.

SailFest Seminar Series – Sailors and wannabe-sailors flock to this annual offering to get schooled from local experts who share their experiences and first-hand accounts of navigating the open seas. This year, Nicholas Hayes, author of the new book Saving Sailing and seasoned sailor, will share his experiences and discuss the need to counteract a slow decline of sailing participation over recent decades.  

SpongeBob SquarePants – Making a special appearance Saturday and Sunday, January 23 and 24 from 12 pm – 3 pm, SpongeBob SquarePants, straight from Bikini Bottom, will create an adventure of his own at the show and mingle with show-goers Don't miss your chance to see the porous little guy!

About the Minneapolis Boat Show

The 38th Annual Minneapolis Boat Show takes place over five days from Wednesday through Sunday, January 20-24, 2010.  Hours will be: Wed., Jan. 20 from 5:00-10:00p.m., Thurs., Jan. 21 and Fri., Jan 22 from noon -10:00p.m., Sat., Jan. 23 from 10:00a.m.-9:00p.m. and Sun., Jan. 24: 10:00a.m.-5:00p.m. The show takes place at the Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 Second Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Tickets can be purchased onsite at the show. 

For more information visit www.MinneapolisBoatShow.com. Special deals and information on the show can also be found by following the show on Twitter (@MPLSBoatShow) or on the show’s facebook page (Minneapolis Boat Show).

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The Nature Conservancy Launches “Explore the Mississippi”

A small crew of staff members from The Nature Conservancy traveled from the headwaters of the Mississippi River in Minnesota down to the Gulf of Mexico late last year in order to capture the sights, sounds and stories of the Mississippi River. 

The result of their journey is “Explore the Mississippi,” an online series of articles, photos and video chronicling their experiences including interviews with a wide range of people whose lives are impacted by, and in turn impact, the Mississippi. 

The online series continues through Sunday, Jan. 31. It can be found at nature.org/ms river. 

Highlights include articles on island rebuilding, riding on a barge, invasive Asian carp that leap out of the water, restoring floodplain forests and rebuilding homes in New Orleans.  

The Conservancy’s Great Rivers Partnership is working to conserve and restore the world’s great river systems – including the Mississippi - for the benefit of the people and species that depend upon them for life.  

The Great Rivers Partnership was established in 2005 with the support of Caterpillar, Inc., through its Foundation, and is part of the Conservancy’s efforts to advance freshwater conservation around the world. For more information go to nature.org/greatrivers. 

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World Poker Entertainment Presents The Polar Poker Challenge Ice Fishing and Texas Hold ‘em

A Benefit for The Miracles of Mitch Foundation and The Starkey Hearing Foundation

Minneapolis, Minn. The World Poker Store Inc. (Pinksheets: WPKS) an International entertainment company announces the first annual Polar Poker Challenge, presented by World Poker Entertainment debuting this winter on the frozen waters of Lake Minnetonka, January 30, 2010, at Lord Fletcher’s in Spring Park, Minn. This first of its kind event puts the sporting thrill of ice fishing and Texas Hold ‘em, literally on ice. As a fundraising event for The Miracles of Mitch Foundation and The Starkey Hearing Foundation, proceeds will aid in efforts to provide support for both families of children battling cancer in Minnesota as well as children with hearing loss worldwide.

Unlike other large-scale ice fishing contests, this event is limited to 500 participants for a more intimate experience. Contestants will enjoy an early morning ice fishing contest and an afternoon of food, beverages and Texas Hold ‘em dealt inside two large heated tents erected right on the ice. Surrounded by Polar Festival games and activities, the inaugural event also invites spectators, family and friends to embrace and celebrate the frozen outdoors as only Minnesotans can.

World Poker Entertainment, a division of the St. Paul based World Poker Store inc., will direct the Texas Hold ‘em tournament as the feature event of the ice fishing awards banquet with both International poker pros and other celebrities invited to be at the tables. 

Festivities begin with a VIP reception at Lord Fletcher’s on Friday, January 29th, where Polar Poker Challenge participants will enjoy celebrity meet-and-greets, silent auctions and raffles for great prizes. The Saturday Ice Fishing and Texas Hold ‘em are private event experiences where participants will compete for various prizes and the title of Polar Poker Challenge Champion. To request an entry into this unique sporting experience visit www.miraclesofmitch.org and click on the Polar Poker Challenge link. Entries will be handled on a first-come-first-serve basis.

All participants will then gather at Lord Fletcher’s at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 30th, and will be allowed to fish in the bay until 11:00 a.m. Participants will submit their morning catch to tournament organizers and judges no later than 12 p.m. Food will then be served and each of the participants will compete in a free Texas Hold ‘em tournament as entertainment and continued competition while they enjoy the ice fishing awards banquet. Prizes for various categories, such biggest fish, most fish, etc., will be awarded, and everyone will have a chance to participate in additional raffle prize drawings throughout the rest of the day. Both the awards banquet and Texas Hold ‘em tournament will be held on the ice inside two heated tents located directly behind Lord Fletcher’s.

Spectators, friends and family are encouraged to watch the Texas Hold ‘em tournament and participate in additional festivities hosted outside of the awards banquet tent. A “Polar Village” of games and winter experiences for all ages will take place both on the ice and around the Lord Fletcher’s property. Keeping with the polar/winter theme, all visitors will enjoy broomball, curling, snow ball target, ice sculpture, sleigh rides and other events. Additional fundraising will occur through Polar Poker Challenge Pin and logo apparel sales, and food and beverages will be available on the Fletcher’s deck and also inside where visitors can warm up during the event.

Additional information and event updates are available at www.polarpokerchallenge.org and www.worldpokerentertainment.com .

About The Miracles of Mitch Foundation:
The Miracles of Mitch are the daily good works inspired by 9-year-old Mitch Chepokas to help the families of children battling cancer in Minnesota. Sealed with a pinky swear between Mitch and his father, Steve, The Miracles of Mitch Foundation was created to honor Mitch’s memory and his desire to support these families during a stressful time in their lives. Founded in 2003, the foundation assists pediatric cancer families by: making mortgage/rent and car payments, purchasing groceries, hosting a five-day summer camp for current and past pediatric cancer patients and their siblings, hosting Minnesota Miracle weekend getaways, and creating specially-tailored quality-of-life initiatives for kids with an advanced stage of cancer. For more information about The Miracles of Mitch Foundation, visit www.MiraclesofMitch.org.

About The Starkey Hearing Foundation:
With “So the World May Hear” as his goal, Starkey Hearing Foundation founder William F. Austin built an organization upon a vision to change the world. Through the efforts of thousands of volunteers and donors around the world, the foundation delivers more than 50,000 hearing aids through more than 100 hearing missions a year in countries stretching from the U.S. to Vietnam. In addition to giving the gift of hearing, the foundation promotes hearing health awareness while supporting research and education.

About World Poker Entertainment/The World Poker Store Inc.:
World Poker Entertainment is an international Entertainment Company with operations in Europe, Canada, Mexico, China and the US. The company owns and operates bar poker leagues in multiple countries as well as upscale Las Vegas style entertainment facilities in China. With a focus on bringing poker to the masses, WPE partners with charitable organizations world wide to raise awareness and support for various causes. The company also continues to benefit from the support of its advisory board members Phil Hellmuth, Johnny Chan, Marcel Luske, Hoyt Corkins, Patrik Antonius and Liz Lieu. More about The World Poker Store Inc. can be found at www.theworldpokerstore.com.

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Ahoy! Pirates of Colonial America Drop Anchor at the Minneapolis Boat Show January 20-24

Minneapolis, MN – Outdoor enthusiasts looking for more than the best in boating and outdoor accessories can look no further than the 2010 Minneapolis Boat Show, which premiers the Pirates of Colonial America exhibit at the Minneapolis Convention Center January 20-24, 2010.

While in reality pirates are villainous, it seems these rouges of the sea have become a common day fascination. Whether it be modern day books or movies, pirates have captured our imagination. The new exhibit offers a host of interactive features and gives visitors the opportunity to learn how pirates played an active role in early Colonial America – from selling the colonists inexpensive untaxed goods, to the start of the first North American college. Historical researchers, authors and veteran museum coordinators John Moga and Jon Paul Van Harpen created this visually compelling exhibit to highlight the Pirates’ journey throughout the Revolutionary War, where they gathered more than $50 million worth of booty.

“The Pirates of Colonial America exhibit is an exciting addition to this year’s show and will bring to life an historical and interactive look at pirates that the entire family can enjoy,” said Jennifer Thompson, Minneapolis Boat Show manager. “We’re especially looking forward to the show’s official ‘Pirate Day’ and expect it to be a big draw for families looking for a fun and different way to entertain the kids.”

Attendees young and old will enjoy visiting the 19th century pirates, taking home signed pirate articles and pardons, viewing historical documents, seeing their pub, the gunsmith, the stocks and taking pictures in pirate dress.

Saturday, January 23 is ‘Pirate Day’ at the Minneapolis Boat Show. Kids will receive a free pirate toy while supplies last and get a chance to meet Jack Sparrow of the Twin Cities who will be roaming the show entertaining attendees. Children 12 and under are admitted FREE to the show.

About the Minneapolis Boat Show

The 38th Annual Minneapolis Boat Show takes place over five days from Wednesday through Sunday, January 20-24, 2010.  Hours will be: Wed., Jan. 20 from 5:00-10:00p.m., Thurs., Jan. 21 and Fri., Jan 22 from noon -10:00p.m., Sat., Jan. 23 from 10:00a.m.-9:00p.m. and Sun., Jan. 24: 10:00a.m.-5:00p.m. The show takes place at the Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 Second Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

For more information call 612-332-8330 or visit www.MinneapolisBoatShow.com. Special deals and information on the show can also be found by following the show on Twitter (@MPLSBoatShow) or on the show’s facebook page (Minneapolis Boat Show)

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Outdoor opportunities still available at DNR winter workshop

Women can discover the enjoyment of winter sports in a fun and supportive atmosphere during the weekend-long Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) winter workshop in February.

Whether jigging for panfish, learning how to mush a team of dogs or being introduced to snowshoeing techniques, the DNR Becoming An Outdoors Woman (BOW) program’s annual winter workshop will be fun for all. The workshop is Friday, Feb. 26, through Sunday, Feb. 28, at the Audubon Environmental Learning Center near Sandstone. The program is for women ages 14 and older.

“The winter workshop provides a unique opportunity to try out different winter sports in a supportive atmosphere,” said Linda Bylander, BOW coordinator. “Prior experience doesn’t matter. A desire to discover the fun and excitement of doing these of doing these activities does.”

Participants select their three favorite activities from a list of classes including dog mushing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, quillwork, archery, ice fishing and winter hiking.

Lodging, meals, instruction, equipment and evening entertainment are all included in the workshop fee. Registrations are accepted by calling the Audubon Environmental Learning Center at 888-404-7743.

More information about the winter workshop and other BOW offerings is available at www.mndnr.gov/bow or by calling the DNR Information Center at 651-296-6157 or toll-free 888-646-6367 and requesting a printed copy of events.

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