Pro Snowmobile racer and internet personality Levi Lavallee had some great things to say about our neck of the woods. He recently shot an episode of snowmobiling in the area around Lake Vermilion It was really cool to see him enjoying the trails that so many of us are familiar with He and his crew started off near Tower at Fortune Bay Casino It's a popular place to stay for snowmobilers with the trail leading right to the parking lot Recent snow and hard work from groomers have made the area a snowmobiling delight. Lavellee commented on how great of a shape the trails were in. In the episode, they do some lake riding on Vermilion (where the Vermilion Penguins snowmobile club grooms and stakes.) They rode to Ely from Tower and loved that trail It's one of my favorite stretches of snowmobile trails anywhere There are rolling hills through the woods with dips and dives and twists and turns be sure to check it out sometime when you have a chance They were really impressed with a lookout over the lake and stopped to have a beef stick and a Redbull Lavallee discovers what he calls the nicest warming house he's ever seen Check out the video on his YouTube page and discover some other cool places to ride in the region Snowmobile Pro Levi Lavallee had some great things to say about riding \"up north.\"\n Pro Snowmobile racer and internet personality Levi Lavallee had some great things to say about our neck of the woods. He recently shot an episode of snowmobiling in the area around Lake Vermilion Recent snow and hard work from groomers have made the area a snowmobiling delight. Lavellee commented on how great of a shape the trails were in. In the episode, they do some lake riding on Vermilion (where the Vermilion Penguins snowmobile club grooms and stakes.) ATTENTION: \n\nFor those of you who haven't been here this is a pretty good exemplar of what we offer a fire was reported in the 3300 block of Nisen Drive on Lake Vermilion The fire destroyed a combination sauna and boathouse and Ely fire departments all responded to the scene preventing the fire from spreading to nearby cabins and protecting a large propane tank from the blaze The Tower Ambulance Service also responded to the scene to provide medical assistance; no injuries were reported Any person with disabilities who needs help accessing the content of the FCC Public file should contact Vicki Kaping at vkaping@wdio.com or (218) 727-6864 A certificate of real estate value shows that Pike Bay Lodge at 9422 Hearthside Drive in Tower was bought last month by Scott and Holly Lindsoe the husband and wife team who have operated Boondoggle on Lake Chetek in Wisconsin since 2021 operating on behalf of sellers Jay and June Schelde who bought the resort for $940,000 in 2005 and since expanded it The sale included 30 acres of land – with a further 21.4 acres available for future development included in the sale price – as well as 10 unique cabins that can sleep 6-15 people and an owner's/manager's residence 8Gallery8 ImagesAmenities on site include boat rentals and boathouse slips with power stations for boat charging and a gas pump. The Lindsoes have sold four of the six cabins they had bought at Boondoggle on Lake Chetek, and told Finance and Commerce that smaller resorts are difficult to make profitable unlike a larger resort such as Pike Bay Pike Bay Lodge has been located on Lake Vermillion's south shore outside of Tower since 1920 The Lindsoes posted a welcome video as new owners of Pike Bay earlier this week a screening of the movie Sight and Sound says is the best movie ever made saying he'd killed the mother of his child which features a swimming beach and splash pad now offers brand new amenities to enjoy year-round A Systemwide Program of the University of Minnesota Our 2025 update includes a new lake search feature that allows users to quickly look up forecasts for specific lakes across Minnesota.  Duluth, Minn. — Minnesota Sea Grant launched an enhanced version of the Minnesota Lakes Ice-Out Clock for 2025 in early February that makes it easier than ever for Minnesotans to estimate when their favorite lakes will be free of ice.  "This year’s update includes a new lake search feature that allows users to quickly look up forecasts for specific lakes across Minnesota," said John Downing Minnesota Sea Grant director and project leader "We anticipate that seasonal businesses and outdoor enthusiasts will find value in our ice-out forecasting tool."     The Minnesota Lakes Ice-Out Clock uses the latest National Weather Service weather data and seasonal snowfall trends to provide estimates of when ice will likely leave the lakes Forecasts are now available starting January 1 which gives users the ability to track how conditions change throughout the season.  Sea Grant's Minnesota Lakes Ice-Out Clock is based on more than 15,000 historical ice-out records and data on lake location and size from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) and weather data from the National Weather Service (NWS) It accounts for key factors such as:  While the forecasts provide an estimate of when lakes will be ice-free and safety is the responsibility of each individual.  Snowfall plays a critical role in prolonging ice cover because it contributes to “snow ice” formation and thickening lake ice which slows ice melt and insulates the lake surface The Minnesota Lakes Ice-Out Clock forecasts become more accurate as winter progresses Late-winter predictions tend to be closer to actual ice-out dates than early-season forecasts which rely more heavily on freezing patterns and snowfall trends.  Among the most important problems faced by the tourism industry is seasonality including the start and end dates of the high season as well as the duration of peak use Variation in seasonality and a lack of means by which to forecast the timing of recreation seasons are among the most economically impactful pressures on the tourism industry.  Tools like Minnesota Sea Grant's Minnesota Lakes Ice-Out Clock can help businesses forecast the timing and duration of tourism seasons and potentially save them time and money in the operation of their businesses "Because Minnesota’s economy and well-being is deeply tied to its lakes ice-out forecasting plays a major role in helping businesses maximize their sometimes short operating windows and helps people seeking outdoor recreation opportunities adapt to changing weather outcomes," said Downing John Downing, Director, Minnesota Sea Grant, University of Minnesota and University of Minnesota Duluth, [email protected].  Marie Thoms, Communications Manager, Minnesota Sea Grant, University of Minnesota and University of Minnesota Duluth, [email protected] 218.726.8106[email protected] Paul campus offices173 McNeal Hall1985 Buford Ave.St here is your guide to the best ones in Northeast Ohio Lago Enoteca in Ashtabula: Every Friday during Lent. Click here to learn more The Lazy Pineapple in Ashtabula: Every Friday during Lent. Click here to learn more St. Charles Borromeo, 7107 Ridge Road Parma. Fridays during Lent from 4 to 7 p.m. CLICK HERE for more information Music Box Supper Club: 1148 Main Ave., Cleveland. The fish fry is available every day the club is open. CLICK HERE for the schedule Lakewood Masonic Temple: 15300 Detroit Ave. St. Leo the Great: 4900 Broadview Road, Cleveland. 4:30 to 7 p.m. Friday's until April 11. Click here for more information Church of the Gesu in Cleveland: Every Friday from March 14 until April 11. Click here for more information Irish American Club East Side in Euclid: Every Friday from March 7 until April 18. Click here for more information Sts. Constantine and Helen Cathedral in Cleveland Heights: Every Friday from March 7 through April 11. Click here for more information St. Andrew's Ukrainian Church in Parma: Every Friday from March 7 until April 11. Click here for more information German Central Foundation in Parma: Every Friday from Feb. 28 until April 18. Click here for more information St. Joseph's in Brecksville: Every Friday from March 7 until April 11. Click here for more information Rustic Grill in Highland Heights: Every Friday from March 7 until April 18. Click here to make a reservation Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Cleveland: Every Friday from March 7 until April 11. Click here for more information Church of the Assumption in Broadview Heights: Every Friday from March 7 until April 11. Click here for more information St. Elias Church in Brooklyn: Every Friday from March 7 until April 11. Click here for more information St. James in Lakewood: Every Friday from March 7 until April 11. Click here for more information Amici Italian Restaurant & Bar in North Royalton: Lent Menu every day during Lent, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Click here for more information St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Parma: All Fridays during Lent except Good Friday 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Click here for more information Donauschwaben's German American Cultural Center in Olmsted Falls: Every Friday from March 7 until April 18 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. Click here for more information Saint Clare in Lyndhurst: Every Friday through April 11 from 4-7 p.m. Click here for more information Vermilion-on-the-Lake Clubhouse in Vermilion: Every Friday during Lent. Click here for more information American Slovak Club in Lorain: Held every Friday year-round from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Click here for more information St. Thomas in Sheffield Lake: Held every Friday from March 7 to April 11. Click here for more information hosts a fish fry on Fridays from 4 to 7 p.m Saint Ambrose Parish in Brunswick: Held every Friday during Lent. Click here for more information Sully's Irish Pub in Medina: Starts on Ash Wednesday and held every Friday during Lent. Click here for more information Sacred Heart of Mary & St. Louis in Louisville: Every Friday during Lent starting on March 7. Click here for more information St. Joan of Arc Parish in Canton: Every Friday from March 7 until April 11 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Click here for more information Queen of Heaven in Green: Every Friday during Lent. Click here for more information St. Mary's Catholic church in Hudson: From March 7 to April 11, 5 to 7:30 p.m. Click here for more information St. Gabriel Fish Fry in Mentor: Every Friday from March 7 until April 11. Click here for more information St John Vianney in Mentor: AYCE fish fry every Friday during Lent. Click here for more information send your information to webstaff@wews.com Ohio's diverse landscapes allow travelers to experience all four seasons of the year in dramatic fashion. Between the Lake Erie shoreline and the Ohio River banks the Buckeye State is riddled with natural wonders that cultivate exciting adventures this is an excellent time to rethink your travel priorities away from the big cities and discover the hidden gems that lie on the fringes of the state Small-town Ohio boasts a long list of delightful destinations with supreme natural beauty, rare historical experiences, and captivating cultural encounters that can't be replicated elsewhere. From unassuming Amish Country getaways like Walnut Creek to laid-back lakeside enclaves like Sandusky start the year on a high with a trip to these top Ohio towns to visit in 2025 This famous getaway along the Lake Erie shores charms vacationers with its wealth of history and endless family-centric entertainment Sandusky's rich heritage is evident in its numerous house museums This Greek Revival mansion from the 1830s portrays the town's dynamic history through a collection of memorabilia including artifacts from the Underground Railroad The iconic Cedar Point remains the most sought-after attraction in Sandusky, providing unadulterated fun for all ages with over a dozen roller coasters, thrill rides, water slides, and other entertainment. This 364-acre amusement park opened in 1870 and is the second-longest-running amusement park in the United States families can enjoy additional fun at the Ghostly Manor Thrill Center Medina's proximity to Cleveland makes it a quiet escape from the city known for its exciting festivals and a dynamic downtown area with an eclectic mix of attractions the community will host the annual Medina Ice Festival which brings together the best ice sculptors in the region for a family-friendly winter celebration Visitors can also stop by Castle Noel to shop in the country's largest indoor Christmas attraction This unique store sells various related merchandise from costumes and props to decorations and memorabilia Downtown Medina also harbors Brother's Antique Mall where more than 100 dealers allow collectors to hunt for vintage treasures for their haul But if you want to breach the downtown limits Austin Badger Park presents a lovely outdoor escape with over two miles of walking trail meandering its green grounds This small town of Logan County is reputed for its resume of curious points of interest and as a four-season destination It hosts "America's First Concrete Street," "The Highest Point in Ohio," and "The Shortest Street in America," which have always intrigued newcomers to the town Winter travelers can access appropriate recreation at Mad River Mountain This pleasant ski resort provides 10 lifts and 20 ski trails with a 300-foot vertical drop Live show enthusiasts meet at the Holland Theatre to watch compelling performances in a friendly venue sports a Dutch-style atmosphere popular in the '20s and '30s It continues to entertain audiences with play This tiny village of Greene County hosts an impressive system of nature reserves and parks culminating in the ultimate haven for outdoor adventurers Prominent among them is the Glen Helen Nature Preserve Old-growth trees and picturesque waterfalls define the landscapes inviting hikers to discover the 20-mile trail system weaving through the park Driving around the backcountry brings you to the Richard P This postcard-worthy landmark straddles the Little Miami Scenic Trail and provides a wonderful sight for first-timers An eclectic dining scene breathes life into downtown Yellow Springs Culinary enthusiasts will fancy trying the local flavors and they can savor delicious American grub at Ye Olde Trail Tavern which serves burgers and fish & chips in a 19th-century establishment Athens has a bustling arts community with a series of art centers throughout the town The Kennedy Museum of Art is a world-class establishment with permanent and rotating exhibitions featuring Southwest Native American textiles and American art Several festivals have helped enhance Athens's status as an arts and culture hub This brings together various stakeholders for a day of creative expression and education The Athens Farmers Market provides a chance to meet the locals in an upbeat setting while shopping for a range of merchandise outdoorsy visitors can feel at home exploring Athens West State Park Lebanon is one of the most historic Ohio towns to visit in 2025 boasting a heritage from the start of the 1800s This is clear from the numerous historical markers in the town An extensive and diverse collection of artifacts brings back memories of the past in this 30,000-square-foot museum including Native American antiques and one of America's largest pile of shaker artifacts The Golden Lamb Restaurant & Hotel was established in 1803 and is Ohio's longest-serving hotel it has hosted famous dignitaries like Mark Twain is one of the many festivals that spread cheer in the town It is a great time to join other music lovers at the Bicentennial Park and Mulberry Plaza Identifying as a "Small Town on a Great Lake," this Lake Erie gem delights tourists with its small-town charm and range of aquatic-based recreation. The Vermilion Lighthouse reminds guests of the town's maritime exploits on Lake Erie and the Vermilion River It was erected in the 19th century and is a popular subject for budding photographers Main Street Beach offers a taste of the lake's waters along its 300-foot waterfront Vermilion's bustling marinas allow guests to access fun water excursions provide remarkable sightseeing and fishing tours on the lake and river on fishing boats It takes a 70-mile drive from Columbus to Coshocton which has for years lured visitors with its captivating historical sites and stunning natural landscapes The town houses the Historic Roscoe Village a vivid glimpse of life in the early 19th century A stroll through the 1816 village showcases old buildings with vintage architectural styles the Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum pays tribute to native-born brothers with permanent exhibits of Native American antiques and other memorabilia guests can escape to the tranquil grounds of Coshocton Lake Park It has many opportunities for recreation lovers ranging from paddleboarding to boating and camping to hiking The "Old French City" explores life in Ohio's formative years as a hub for French settlers housing several historical markers to show for it Our House Tavern Museum is a notable spot in Gallipolis The red-brick tavern tells an intriguing story of the French 500 a group of settlers escaping the French Revolution The Gallipolis Railway Freight Station Museum also stores a stockpile of memorabilia documenting the region's railway history since the turn of the 20th century the French Art Colony is an excellent destination to sample local arts and community events designed to support and encourage the arts and culture This vibrant hub in northwest Ohio has something for everyone The Hancock Historical Museum preserves and interprets Findlay's colorful heritage It features a nine-building complex with curated artifacts and memorabilia highlighting different aspects of the town's past the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts is a major stop for theater lovers It hosts a lineup of almost 300 events yearly those who gravitate toward outdoor settings gather at Oakwoods Nature Preserve This pleasant nature area sprawls over 220 acres and features miles of trails cutting through a mix of woodland Walnut Creek is a gem in Ohio's Amish Country steeped in German culture and full of friendly locals This makes it a popular destination for tourists all over the state who are always intrigued by the cultural lessons at the German Culture Museum The building stores a diverse collection of artifacts and memorabilia that explain Walnut Creek's German A tour of its quiet downtown is also an opportunity to sample authentic Amish-style dishes at Der Dutchman If you are up for amiable interactions with the townsfolk you can shop at the Walnut Creek Cheese & Market where the atmosphere is always welcoming and easygoing target the Walnut Creek Art & Wine Festival in June 2025 to mingle with locals in a more festive setting Whether it is your first time touring the Buckeye State or a return trip numerous gems around the state remain underexplored Consider swapping the hustle and bustle of major metro areas with the calm and slow pace of these top Ohio towns to visit in 2025 There is no shortage of things to see and do from enjoying world-class thrill rides in Sandusky and exploring dense wilderness areas in Yellow Springs to learning about the Amish in Walnut Creek photos and original descriptions © 2025 worldatlas.com I've never seen nothing like this,” said Billy Muelken Tuesday's rain washed out the nearly 10-mile Mud Creek Road leading to the lodge Muelken estimates there are multiple washouts up to 250 feet long and up to 8 feet deep in some locations “It was not good — dangerous as hell,” he said Fortunately for Mueklen and the nearly 40 guests booked at Glenwood Lodge the conditions at the building are safe and they still have access to electricity and other necessities few guests have been able to leave the lodge via boat Muelken has never experienced destruction to this scale because he operates a resort on the edge of the wilderness Muelken is used to being shut in due to extreme weather and has emergency rations and a contingency plan for disaster situations like this which was working to get the road operational by Friday due to the size of some of the washouts and runoff that continues to flood the road Muelken said the road remains extremely dangerous and he is urging people to not come to the resort “I'm more concerned about onlookers that don't need to be out here that are going to not only risk their lives and probably whoever else is with them,” he said Muelken commends his guests for maintaining a good outlook as he navigates how to handle the situation “I got the best people I could have,” he said “I couldn't handpick better people I don't think to be here with.” he said some guests are anxious about being cut off from the outside world in such a remote part of the state “The road is on their minds more than anything because they've never been in Ely,” Muelken said “They've never been locked out of society.” Fortunately for guests waiting for the road to resume operation age 76 of Aurora and formerly of Embarrass died Thursday son of Lloyd Bernhardt “Bernie” and Beatrice “Bea” Ranta Carl enlisted in the United States Navy on September 20 1967; serving as an Electronics Tech aboard the USS Providence then at Navel Schools Command at Mare Island CA as a Crypto   Instructor until his honorable discharge on July 16 Carl married Caroline Sue Workman on December 19 Nebraska and made their home in Virginia and Tower Carl was employed as a plant electrician for USS Minntac and was the Pastor of the Pike Apostolic Lutheran Church Carl served on the Foreign Mission Board of The Apostolic Lutheran Church of America and travelled the world on mission trips and served as Chaplain and Color Guard member of the Timothy Robinson VFW Post #8144 in Hoyt Lakes He served on the Vermilion Lake Volunteer Fire Department and the Vermilion Lake Township Board Carl loved to attend his granddaughters’ activities and never missed an opportunity to share their accomplishments playing the Seniors League in both Hoyt Lakes and Babbitt Carl especially loved to share his love of Jesus and the Word of God wherever his feet He was a member of the North Hope Church in Aurora Carl is survived by his wife: Carol; son: Brent “Skeeter” (Melissa) Lamppa of Hoyt Lakes; granddaughters: Maggie and Allie; siblings: Michael (Charlene) Lamppa of Savage Bernadette “Berni” Bradshaw of Wichita and Russel (Melanie) Lamppa of New Hope; sister and brother in law: Sandy (Workman) and John Warner of Grand Island The memorial service will be held a 2:00 p.m A gathering time for family and friends will begin one hour prior to the service at the church Inurnment will take place in the Embarrass Cemetery “Read an article in Reader’s Digest probably about 1999 about a guy in New York City that was making hot dogs and he made like $100,000 a year,” he said He finally built his hot dog cart for the 25th anniversary of his barber shop business in Silver Bay They took it to the parade and gave away hot dogs he got a grant from Lovin’ Lake County that allowed him to build a commercial-grade top for the cart.Then he just needed a place to sell “The hot dog cart kind of went to the water because we’re up here boating every weekend,” Danielson said “There’s a big party cove up on the north end of the lake you could sell a lot of hot dogs right here.” He’s been saying that for “probably 12 years.” But this summer he and his wife Vicki really made it happen The Lake Vermilion Weiner Cruiser took its maiden voyage on fishing opener It cruises the lake at about 7 miles per hour Boats pull right up to the side of the raft “We get all our hot dogs from Zup’s They’re made custom for us in the Babbitt store,” Ward said “Ward’s the guy that usually grabs the boat and visits with everybody She can often be seen wearing a hot dog costume when they take the Weiner Cruiser out every other Saturday You can track the Lake Vermilion Weiner Cruiser on Facebook Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker M&A Seminar on Preparing Your Company for Sale Presented by Maslon LLP and Northborne Partners This vacation property at 3154 Woolverton Road in Cook sold for $3.4 million Top Transactions: Lake Vermilion getaway draws $3.4M Efforts to reform Minnesota zoning laws fail again as local opposition blocks a bill limiting parking mandates[...] will break ground this summer on The Dorian a 190-unit apartment complex in Lake Elmo after buying[...] The University of Minnesota plans to sell 60 acres at UMore Park for $8.1M to North Wind Test for a major aero[...] The Federal Reserve is expected to keep interest rates unchanged despite political pressure from President Tru[...] The Trump administration is swiftly remaking housing policy as the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Develo[...] construction job openings dropped by 38,000 in March signaling slowing labor demand amid tariffs Sign up for your daily digest of Minnesota News Efforts to reform Minnesota zoning laws fail again as local opposition blocks a bill limiting parkin[...] a 190-unit apartment complex in Lake Elmo af[...] The University of Minnesota plans to sell 60 acres at UMore Park for $8.1M to North Wind Test for a [...] The Federal Reserve is expected to keep interest rates unchanged despite political pressure from Pre[...] The Trump administration is swiftly remaking housing policy as the U.S Department of Housing and Ur[...] signaling slowing labor demand amid tarif[...] Trump's trade demands stretch beyond tariffs Performance contracting helps governments and schools cut energy costs is now an official city after a local vote Milwaukee Mitchell Airport will start a $95.2M international terminal project this summer after dela[...] Listen here analysis and commentary on Minnesota business We are the only independent daily newspaper dedicated to business reporting Get our free e-alerts & breaking news notifications Subscribe for access to the latest digital and special editions Just Sold: Landmark Lake Vermilion resort sells for $9M Performance contracting helps governments and schools cut energy costs Twin Cities housing starts were up across the board in April on the strength of another solid month for single[...] "I've never seen someone so bold as to take a 'no' and do it anyway." DULUTH — Christine Wyrobek purchased about 45 acres of undeveloped residential land at the mouth of Black Bay on Lake Vermilion with the intent of developing rustic campsites for veterans — a plan that St Louis County officials have nixed and that her neighbors are fighting a different plan — one that she believes falls within the ordinance dictating what she is permitted to do with her land a couple that owns one of the parcels of land in question Louis County appealing its decision on rezoning Louis County Planning Commission voted 7-1 against Wyrobek's request to rezone her new residential property on the popular fishing lake — an area that has long sat quiet in August she went live with images of her new campsites and the first public review of the experience: tricky to get to Wyrobek said her primitive campsites fall securely within the county ordinance allowing short-term rentals for fewer than 180 days on residential property — which also allows for VRBO and Airbnb rentals She's only operating the number of campsites she believes she can have on her land according to her read of the county ordinances: just four sites per land parcel "Our view of the law is that it's allowed here," Wyrobek said adding that the county's land development plan cites a shortage of campgrounds in the area Wyrobek has 13 campsites on her land in the Superior National Forest some that include amenities for glamping: canvas tents on raised wooden platforms with bedding French press coffee pots and a view of Lake Vermilion at "the doorstep of the Boundary Waters," are listed for about $100 per night "Veterans are one of the very few groups that make the choice to go out and put themselves at risk for us," Wyrobek said "We wanted to develop something that could live past us and showed our gratitude and try to help." She is operating the site under the nonprofit Rough-N-It Inc. a city planner from the Chicago area who has decades of experience in zoning — and a summer place near Wyrobek's property — described the continued hosting of campers despite the ruling from the planning commission I've never seen someone so bold as to take a 'no' and do it anyway," he said The county cannot comment on property disputes because of the complaint Louis County communications manager Dana Kazel Wyrobek said she was told three weeks ago that the county is investigating what she has done so far but that she hasn't heard any follow-up Wyrobek's land is described by county officials as having a topography that includes bluffs and steep slopes There are five parcels of residential land that she wants rezoned to shoreline multiple use — which would allow for a tent-only campground and education center In denying her request during a May meeting county officials said they did not want to set a precedent with this property and that they didn't see the campground project as benefitting anyone beyond Wyrobek and there is other property in this area that is zoned for this sort of development County officials described her request as spot zoning — in which a piece of land is zoned differently than the land surrounding it The ruling favored the more than 40 neighbors who turned out to voice opposition — some of whom have had property on Lake Vermilion for generations They described it as a poorly planned idea that the land can't support Some wondered what would happen in the future if the property was rezoned and sold — could a hotel be built there Beatty Township officials noted that there would be increased traffic on the scenic but dangerous Raps Road "People have paid taxes to the county and the state so they can have the peace and quiet and serenity that would continue on for their lifetime," said neighbor Philip Simensen Ahlberg sent the county a several-page objection to Wyrobek's rezoning request Among his concerns: the impact on neighbors whether the land can support commercial use and how supplies and garbage will be transported from the sites "It's a project that shouldn't have ever been proposed," he said "No one is trying to disparage or not support veterans Everyone has uniformly said this is a great thing in part because she said the county did not have a factual and reasonable reason for denying her request Her original plan was to build 47 campsites on her property — which could take up to a decade "If we don't get further permitting we'll be at capacity by next year," she said Wyrobek said she has been surprised by the response from her neighbors She said she believes they are resistant to change "It's private land," she said Camping is such a minimal impact use for the land compared to big houses — to what else we could put on the land," she said "There's almost a mob mentality that people just don't want change She said some neighbors have yelled at her and her son for cleaning up the land; some have hidden in the woods and taken photographs of them the neighbors say Wyrobek has removed stakes in the ground that indicate divisions in property and that she is encroaching on neighbors' property we can put it behind us soon so we can all be good neighbors," she said Christa Lawler covers Duluth and surrounding areas for the Star Tribune. Sign up to receive the new North Report newsletter. No Section Peek inside homes for sale in the Twin Cities area After falling behind 17-0 at halftime and being dominated most of the game the Bulldogs may have locked up a spot in the College Football Playoff Ohio — It was once a family mansion then a museum but eventually became an empty relic which has gazed over Lake Erie for 112 years will soon make way for a new chapter in Vermilion's history the Wakefield Mansion was picked of its architectural artifacts Thursday afternoon before heavy machinery began the demolition process which sits north of downtown Vermilion and overlooks Main Street Beach While bittersweet for the town's residents the demolition of the mansion will provide additional real estate for a much-anticipated rejuvenation of the lakefront park "This is a really important project for Vermilion because this will turn this space into public land," said Marilou Suszko the town's chamber of commerce organization "I think it's going to take a long time for our hearts and our eyes to adjust to not seeing this here crews have had the tedious task of removing large amounts of asbestos from the mansion which was used as the Inland Seas Maritime Museum and Great Lakes Historical Society for several decades The museum moved to a larger space in Toledo in 2014 the city of Vermilion raised enough money to purchase the property in order to prevent it from being privately developed after study and review of potential future uses for the palatial estate city officials came to the conclusion that it simply wasn't economically viable to remediate restore and re-purpose the century-old building "It's the Main Street Beach Revitalization Project really captures the goal of this project," said Jared Saylor the director of communications for the Western Reserve Land Conservancy which has been intimately involved in the planned development "Although I think a lot of folks in the city and land conservancy included would have preferred to preserve this property [if it was economically viable] I think what we're going to put here in its place is going to be really special for the people of Vermilion." the Wakefield Mansion will be demolished and an ancillary building will be dismantled and auctioned off Two smaller parcels of land that feature two modest homes will also be absorbed into the development's footprint The beloved lighthouse will remain in place The additional real estate will allow for the expansion of Main Street near the adjacent beach additional parking spaces will also be constructed along with walkways and boardwalks leading to the beach The redevelopment plan also includes the construction of new public restrooms the project will drastically improve public access to the beach creating a park-like atmosphere that could draw in visitors from throughout the region providing Vermillion businesses with increased economic activity "I think it's really an opportunity to brighten the diamond that is this beach only 17% of shorelines on Lake Erie are publicly accessible," Saylor said The demolition of the Wakefield Mansion also bookends a decade-long journey that captivated Vermilion residents who frequently wondered what the future held for the homestead "It served a lot of different purposes and there are a lot of memories that leave with this building As demolition crews began making large incisions to the century-old facade a longtime resident of Vermilion that also helped with fundraising efforts As sad as she was to see the building torn down "I understand that it is bittersweet but I'll take the sweet attitude," Gregory said Main Street Beach will remain open throughout the summer construction on the widened roadway and round-a-bout will commence The entire project is expected to be complete by May 2022 A buddy and I recently went on a snowmobiling trip to the Lake Vermilion area in Northern Minnesota and we remembered this little place we've driven by for years that is tucked behind a gas station We weren't too concerned about how nice of a place it would be and that's not something you see very often We called to see if they had any available rooms for the weekend I figured it would be a busy weekend because the trails have been fantastic up in that area and there isn't a whole lot of winter weekends left The name of the place we'd driven by for years turned out to be The Vermilion Hotel It's the first building on your right when you are driving north into Cook It took us several calls to reach someone and get a room booked With how cold the weekend turned out to be There was also a good-sized bathroom and another closet that was perfect for our snowmobile gear I took the picture right before we checked out I snuck a peek at one of the regular rooms while housekeeping had the door open They are smaller but still decent rooms that had two queen beds in them They even have a little lobby with a fireplace It's nice that they also provide a public laundry area They also have bags of ice in the freezer for you to use which came in handy as it was -27 below on Saturday morning and we didn't get riding until the afternoon They are also airconditioned in the summer I was pleasantly surprised at the bang for the buck we got with this hotel on vacation If you are looking to book this for a snowmobile vacation it's a good choice They have a large parking lot for your truck and trailer and they are right on the trail system We booked a room at a hotel that's connected to a gas station. We didn't expect much, but we happened to be pleasantly surprised.\nRead More I see them every summer on big lakes in Minnesota You can explore beautiful Minnesota lakes with everything right with you so I did a little research and got a little bit of a sticker shock I've looked at several businesses for pricing including Lake Vermilion Houseboats, Rainy Lake Houseboats, and Kinsey Houseboats The prices do vary a bit from place to place A lot of the price depends on what size houseboat you are renting but if you have a family you're going to need a bigger boat Peak months in the summer are the priciest Renting a houseboat that can sleep 4-6 people ranges anywhere from $400-$600 per day Weekly rates are about $2600-$3000 dollars Premium large boats can be as much as $7,000 Everywhere I looked requires a minimum 3-day rental with a damage deposit and in some cases a cash deposit ahead of your trip If you want just a three-day weekend, depending on what kind of boat you'll select, the cheapest I've encountered was about $850 from Kinsey's, and it can go up to $4,470 for a weekend on the Executive Houseboat from Lake Vermilion Houseboats. I have to admit that some of these houseboats look like floating hotels How awesome would it be to spend a week on the water on one of these things A lot of the houseboats come furnished as well with everything you need for your stay but if you consider what the cost to stay at a resort is and the convenience of already being on the water and they have cheaper pricing in colder months in the spring and fall fall colors would be fantastic on a houseboat Renting a houseboat on a Minnesota Lake should be on your bucket list! But start saving now, because it isn't cheap.\nRead More I've looked at several businesses for pricing including Lake Vermilion Houseboats, Rainy Lake Houseboats, and Kinsey Houseboats If you want just a three-day weekend, depending on what kind of boat you'll select, the cheapest I've encountered was about $850 from Kinsey's, and it can go up to $4,470 for a weekend on the Executive Houseboat from Lake Vermilion Houseboats. fall colors would be fantastic on a houseboat.