Take time Feb. 18 to fish with your kids

Posted on January 29th, 2017

Out, See, Go by Chris Engle, contributor Darkness fell across Otsego Lake and the wind picked up, pounding on the fabric walls of my shanty like the cold breath of the big, bad wolf. I unzipped the door and stepped out to shovel more snow against the walls to secure the shelter in its place on the ice. By th…

What to know before fishing our frozen lakes

Posted on December 21st, 2016

Out, See, Go, by Chris Engle, contributor I had been planning to spend this month’s blog sharing some fishing and ice-safety advice before last weekend’s tragic news of the death of two local fishermen. Regrettably, in light of these terrible events, I feel I should open with a refresher in ice s…

National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day!

Posted on December 16th, 2016

We used to make fun of Uncle Bob’s ugly sweater. But now, we want to borrow it. The ugly Christmas sweater knows no bounds. As if the ugly sweater wasn’t ugly enough already, we have found new ways to embellish and add to its hideousness. The ugly sweater is now 3D with lights, tinsel and even s…

So What’s with all Gaylord’s White Stuff?

Posted on December 15th, 2016

THE SKINNY ON GAYLORD’S SNOW FROM JIM KEYSOR OF THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE There are myriad ways our region stands out, though our most well known attribute may just be the heaping helping of white stuff we receive each winter. And we mean lots of snow— the fluffiest, most amazing kind of snow yo…

How to have your own elk encounter

Posted on November 23rd, 2016

Out See Go, by Chris Engle, contributor My first run-in with a wild elk became a close call with an entire herd. I was snowmobiling with family through Montmorency County about 40 or 50 miles east of Gaylord when the lead sled came to a sudden halt. My uncle shut off his machine and lifted his helmet. I pul…

Locals Vote Best Chili in Gaylord

Posted on October 7th, 2016

It’s fall and there is nothing better than a warm hearty bowl of chili. Chili, with beans or without, spicy or mild, from white chicken, beef or venison; a bowl of chili is just as unique as the individual who eats it. Eat it alone or pour it over fries and baked potatoes. Add garnishes lik…

A man, a fish sandwich, and his gift to us

Posted on October 7th, 2016

Out See Go by Chris Engle, contributor Let’s start this story way back in 1962. That spring, with the season of Lent on the horizon, two businessmen were betting that sales of their hamburgers were about to take a hit. Catholics shun meat on Fridays during those 40 days before Easter and there were a l…

Fall’s mystery mushrooms

Posted on September 15th, 2016

Out See Go, by Chris Engle, contributor By the time I pulled into a faraway spot in the Gaylord Meijer parking lot and unbuckled my seat belt, another couple was already investigating the odd-looking fungi growing at the base of a small tree. “You guys came to see the mushrooms too, eh?” I…

Have You Herd?

Posted on September 2nd, 2016

Gaylord has it’s very own elk herd. The Elk Park has over 70 elk, sika and fallow deer contained on 108 acres. September is one of the best months to observe. The male bulls are trying to establish dominance for mating with the female cows. They are very active and make loud vocalizations kn…

National Dog Day, Friday, August 26th

Posted on August 25th, 2016

We are celebrating National Dog Day. Here’s to “man’s best friend,” from prehistoric Dino to Space age Astro, loveable Lassie, the always hungry Scooby Doo, the gifted Mr. Peabody or the modern day “Max” from the movie Pets. They love us unconditionally and are always there to gree…