Kelly Lake, Oconto County Wisconsin » Site News http://www.kellylake.net Welcome to the Kelly Lake Community Website Sun, 05 Feb 2012 00:13:31 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Kelly Lake Friends Visit Us! http://www.kellylake.net/archives/8793/ http://www.kellylake.net/archives/8793/#comments Tue, 06 Dec 2011 14:16:31 +0000 Roger Birr http://www.kellylake.net/?p=8793 Kelly Lake’s very own Sam Rothermel (we’ve known each other from the 60s!), his son, Greg and girlfriend, Marcella (they met in Costa Rica), visited yesterday afternoon.  Shirley and I were relaxing and enjoying a day at Manatee Beach when the cell rang; it was Sam; they weren’t far from our Florida home in Bradenton!  Last week Sam said they’d be in the neighborhood on their way from a stay in Destine, Fl to Sarasota; didn’t know exactly what day they would be here.

We dropped everything… well, we dropped the umbrella, folded the chairs, packed the books, snacks and lotion, grabbed the cooler and set foot through the sands to the parking lot.

Arriving home, we made the bed, threw the dirty dishes in the oven, gathered the strewn clothing and tossed them in the hamper and donned some deodorant in a frenzy as we kept peering out between the blinds for their arrival (of course, by now you know I’m just jesting; Shirley has already cleaned and tidied what always looks clean and tidy to me, anyway!).

We greeted them as they exited their car with welcomed hugs for familiar faces.  We gave them a quick tour and sat down to get caught-up on our ventures since leaving Kelly Lake.

Sam and his son spend much time in Costa Rica.  Sam does missionary work there (see “Links”), his son is in real estate, and, as mention, Marcela is from there.  A very interesting point is that Greg has purchased a 100-acre “go-green” coffee farm (i.e. not cutting trees—saving them—and letting them shade the coffee beans for better flavor) in Costa Rica, and he, Marcella and a recent partner plan to grow and harvest coffee on the slopes of the area.

The Kelly Lake crew was a welcomed sight.  Distance and time apart doesn’t diminish the bonds made; rather, bonds that strengthen with age and memories.  Alway’s good to see familiar faces and friends; always welcome wherever we go.  Rog and Shirley

Click on pics to enlarge)

Greg, Marcella, Sam, Shirley and me.

 

 

]]> http://www.kellylake.net/archives/8793/feed/ 0 Kelly Lake Sportsman’s Club Newsletter. http://www.kellylake.net/archives/8781/ http://www.kellylake.net/archives/8781/#comments Sat, 03 Dec 2011 01:51:19 +0000 Roger Birr http://www.kellylake.net/?p=8781

(Note:  I couldn’t copy and paste sent newsletter email in its original format w/out a lot of editing; but hope this’ll do!  Thanks, Janet, for keeping us posted!  Y’all enjoy the white wonderland, ice fishin’, snowmobilin’ and warm Friday nights at Gary’s and Romy’s!  Roger and Shirley from Florida)

The Kelly Lake Sportsman’s Club, Inc.
New Year Newsletter “2012″
Ice Fishing Derby January 14
th
, 2012:
An exciting announcement has been made by the Club about the Grand Prize for
the 2012 Ice Fishing Derby. A new Kubota RTV 500, purchased locally at D & B
Construction Equipment in Lena, will take the top spot on the raffle tickets. This
sporty machine is valued at $11,000. It features hydrostatic drive and is trail legal
on many ATV trails as part of the States Light Utility Vehicle Program. Tickets are
available now, $2 each or 6 for $10, and can be purchased at many area
businesses.
Other prizes listed on the tickets are a Strike Master Ice Auger, value $400,
donated by The Lee Lake Bar. Handmade Iverson Snowshoes, value $350,
donated by Bob White Trout & Bait. Fishing Rod assortment, value $350,
donated by Oconto County Sportsman’s Alliance. Twelve Gauge H&R Pump
Shotgun, value $225, donated by Romy’s Holiday Inn. Two $100 Savings Bonds
donated by Peshtigo National Bank. Pontoon Rental, value $150, donated by
Yancy Powersports LLC
A Hunting Package, value $100, donated by Wescott Lake Tavern. One hundred
dollars cash, donated by Associated Bank. Tickets to the Porterfield Country
Music Festival with parking pass, donated by Joe’s Recycling. A fish mount,
donated by A Breed Apart Taxidermy, will be awarded to one lucky fish
registrant. Plus many other prizes. Drawing for all prizes listed on the tickets will
be at 3:30 pm.
We will start off the festivities at 7:00 am on Saturday January 14
th
. Our heated
tent will house ticket sales, food & beverage court, and raffles. Several raffles will
be held through out the day featuring bacons & sausages, a beautiful handmade
quilt donated by Mrs Norma Johnson, 50/50 and bucket raffles. Our food court
will feature burgers and brats grilled to perfection by Mike Wirz. The Thomson
Brother’s famous chicken booyah, and hot chili made by the Kelly Lake Chili
Queens.
Page 2
2
Fish registration is from 7:00 am to 2:30 pm. Cash prizes will be awarded to the
three top fish caught in each species category, Bass, Northern, Walleye, Perch,
Bluegill, & Crappie. Fifty dollars for first, thirty dollars for second, and twenty
dollars for third.
A special children’s drawing will be held and 2 bikes will be given away to a lucky
girl and boy. This drawing is free, and you must be present to will. Bikes are
donated by Sharper Image Salon Jamie Harvey, and Janet & Richard
Greason.
Monies generated from this event will stay local. We strive to keep
our water, and fish population pristine and abundant for future generations. ☺
Summer Fishing Contest Winners
Congratulations to the winning fishermen in our continuing fishing contest.
Walleye Matt Rice 19 1/16 inches, 4 lbs
Northern Mark Hornick 32 inches, 6½ lbs
Bass Doug Erzinger 20½ inches, 4½ lbs
Perch Randy Bigelow 12 inches, 14 oz.
Bluegill Jerry Magnin 12 inches, 14 oz.
Crappie Amy Leutjen 15 inches, 1 lb 8 oz.
Any member may participate. Our Summer contest runs from May 1
st
through
October 31
st
. The Winter fishing contest runs from November 1
st
through April
30
th
. The length of the fish will determine the winner in each category. Entrants
must hold a current membership. Registration and official rules are posted at
VIZ’s Kelly Lake Bar.
Fish Stocking 2011
With the successful money raising events and generous donations, we were able to
plant 2000 perch (6 to 7 inch range) and 1000 walleye (6 to 8 inch range) back
into Kelly Lake. In working with Silver Moon Hatchery, the fingerlings were
released on October 28
th
. Thank you Arlyn Libal and Chubs Greason for your year
long study and arraignments to make this planting possible.
Page 3
3
Pheasant Planting 2011
To better the hunting success rate for our local hunters, one hundred pheasants
were released in the Kelly Lake area on October 18
th
. In working with Suring
Sportsman’s Club, 100 pheasant chicks were raised over the summer and set loose
prior to hunting season. We hope that the hunters enjoyed the season.
Yearly Scholarship Fund
The Kelly Lake Sportsman’s Club Scholarship is given out to a graduating student
from an area high school each year. A $200 award is given to a selected student
who intends to further their education in the conservation field. Area high schools
that qualify are Coleman, Gillett, Lena, Oconto Falls, & Suring. Students that are
interested in applying may contact their guidance department for an application.
“New” Wounded Warrior Program
A new program started at our Chicken Tips & Toys Banquet last spring. To honor
our veterans, a collection was taken and matched by the club, raising funds to help
an area Veteran. Mr David Dibbert, a Vietnam Veteran of Gillett, was chosen as
the recipient of this award. David and his wife Donna were taken out fishing on
Kelly Lake September 9
th
. Mike Wirz donated the use of his pontoon boat for the
trip. Dan Campbell guided the successful catch. A new fishing rod & reel was
gifted to Mr Dibbert and dinner at Romy’s Holiday Inn topped off the day. This
was a very enjoyable event and we hope to continue this program every year. A
special thank you to our deserving Veterans.
Wirz Family Golf Outing Donation
On July 23
rd
sixty four golfers joined in some real fun at the Wirz Family Golf
Outing. Contests, raffles, and prizes made for a fabulous day at Parkway Golf
Course. Sponsoring the event were Mike, Don, & Bob Wirz and their families.
They generously donated the proceeds to the Sportsman’s Club for local projects.
We thank them for their hard work in planning this event and their donation.
Page 4
4
Wheel ChairAccessible Fishing Dock
Memorial Brick Site
The Kelly Lake Sportsman’s Club is very proud of the completed Wheel Chair
Accessible Fishing Dock and Site located on the north shore, access # 6. A small
park area has been constructed to compliment the dock site. A park bench and
brick memorial area have been added. We especially want to thank Fred Gretzon
and John Soukup for all of their hard work and expert layout of the bricks. You
have constructed a beautiful area! Thank You for your donation! This has made
lasting memories for everyone. Also a Big Thank You to the Nick’s and the
Hermsen’s, our gracious neighbors, for their up keep of the lawn and landscape.
You have done a beautiful job! And thank you to Schlaefer-Martin Memorials of
Green Bay. The memorial bricks look so professional. Excellent job!
If anyone would like to purchase a brick in memory or in honor of someone
special, please contact Jamie Harvey at Sharper Image Salon or find the order form
on our Web Site.
Helping Hands Day
Helping Hands Day was held on June 18
th
. Our western theme was a big hit for
the 70 plus attendees. Cowboy hats, bandanas, and sheriff’s badges were given to
each client. Games, prizes, music, fishing, horse & wagon rides, picnic lunch and
ice cream were enjoyed. We will be celebrating our 20
th
year in 2012. This
project is so worth-while. Anyone wishing to volunteer for next years event,
please talk to one of our officers or board members. We guarantee you will have
fun doing so.
Treasures & Pleasures Banquet
Our 2
nd
annual Ladies Banquet was held on October 10
th
at Romy’s Holiday Inn.
Dinner, door prizes, and raffles with beautiful prizes were won by very excited
attendees. The dinning room and the hall were filled with treasures and baskets.
The planning of Connie & Mark Szczepanski and their family sent this event over
the top. Thank you ! The girls really look forward to this banquet.
Lena Dairyfest Parade
A float was entered in the Lena parade on September 10
th
. We would like to thank
Scott & Amy Leutjen from “A Breed Apart Taxidermy” for supplying the animals
to make our float so lifelike.
Page 5
5
Chicken Tips & Toys Banquet
March 26
th
, 2012 will be the date for the spring gun banquet. The event will be
held at Romy’s Holiday Inn. If you have any questions please contact any of the
committee members, Gary Vizelka, Richard Greason, or Bob Jandt.
With Sincere Sympathy
We would like to extend our sincere sympathy to the family of Connie & Mark
Szczepanski. Our hearts go out to them for the loss of their little grandson, Odis
Alan Davis. Little Odis passed away on June 17, 2011. His parents, Chris & Kim,
his grandparents Connie & Mark, and many other relatives in the area will greatly
miss him. May he rest in peace.
Also extended Sympathy to Judy & Bob Jandt. Judy’s beloved Father passed
away. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. ♥
2012 Memberships are on sale at:
VIZ’s Kelly Lake Bar Sharper Image Salon The Kelly Lake Kwik Stop
Officers & Board Members 2011
President Gary Vizelka
920-842-4554
Vice President Arlyn Libal 920-609-2055
Secretary Janet Greason
920-826-5340
Treasurer Jamie Harvey
920-842-5210
Board of Directors
Mike Wirz (president)
Mark Szczepanski
Merrilee Libal
Connie Szczepanski
Dan Campbell
Connie Stodola
We are looking for New Board Members and Officers. Please consider taking a
post. Elections will be held at the February meeting.
Aluminum Can Drop Off Site:
Please be kind and recycle your aluminum cans. All cans put into our drop off site
at the Round Roof parking lot cage, are recycled with the money going to the
Kelly Lake Sportsman’s Club projects. All monies and projects stay local for fish
and pheasant stocking.
Page 6
6
Community Events Calendar: 2011 & 2012
December. . . . . . Sharper Image welcomes Liz Jurecki to it’s staff. Book your
(2011)
Appointments now with Liz at a discount. Buy a tanning
Package and receive free tans. Stocking Stuffers also available
For the Holidays. Stop and see Jamie 920-842-5210.
December 11
th
. . .Lee Lake Bar Customer Appreciation Christmas Bash.
(2011)
Call Kim or Ron for details at 920-897-3131.
January 14
th
. . . . Kelly Lake Sportsman’s Club Ice Fishing Derby.
January 21
st
. . . . White Potato Lake Ice Fishing Derby.
January 26
th
. . . . Club Meeting at VIZ’s Kelly Lake Bar at 7:30 pm.
January 28
th
. . . . Kelly Lake Bed Races.Register at the Udder Bar by
January 21
st
. See Arliss Ausloos for details 920-829-5965.
January 28
th
. . . . .January 28
th
. Big Mouth & the Power Tool Horns Band at
Romy’s Holiday Inn from 8:00 to 12:00. Tickets are available
at the Lee Lake Bar at $10 each. See Kim or Ron Tank.
February 23
rd
. . . . Club Meeting at the Udder Bar Spruce at 7:30 pm
Election of 2012 Officers.
February 26
th
. . . .Wescott Lake Ice Fishing Derby. Wecott Lake Tavern.
February 26
th
. . . .Pickled Pickerel Tournament at VIZ’s Kelly Lake Bar.
March 17
th
. . . . . .Chili Cook Off / St. Patty’s Day Party at VIZ’s Kelly Lake Bar.
March 25
th
. . . . . .DAV Gunless Turkey Shoot at VIZ’s Kelly Lake Bar at 1:00 pm.
March 26
th
. . . . . .Chicken Tips & Toys Banquet at Romy’s Holiday Inn.
March 29
th
. . . . . .Club Meeting at Wescott Lake Tavern at 7:30 pm.
April 21
st
. . . . . . . Maple Syrup Harvest Festival – VIZ’s Kelly Lake Bar.
April 26
th
. . . . . . . Club Meeting at VIZ’s Kelly Lake Bar at 7:30 pm.
May 31
st
. . . . . . . .Club Meeting at Parkway Golf Course at 7:30 pm.
June . . . . . . . . . . .. Helping Hands Day Kelly Lake.
June 28
th
. . . . . . . .Club Meeting at Lee Lake Bar at 7:30 pm.
July 26
th
. . . . . . . .Club Meeting at Wescott Lake Tavern at 7:30 pm.
August 30
th
. . . . . .Club Meeting at Parkway Golf Course at 7:30 pm.
September 27
th
. . . Club Meeting at VIZ’s Kelly Lake Bar at 7:30 pm.
October 25
th
. . . . . Club Meeting at Lee Lake Bar at 7:30 pm.
December 6
th
. . . . .Club Meeting at the Udder Bar at 7:30 pm.
The Kelly Lake Sportsman’s Club, Inc.
9407 St Bernadette Road
Suring WI 54174
ProtectRestoreEnhance
]]> http://www.kellylake.net/archives/8781/feed/ 0 “Happy Birthday” to Our Wonderful Grandson, Evan! http://www.kellylake.net/archives/8704/ http://www.kellylake.net/archives/8704/#comments Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:27:41 +0000 Roger Birr http://www.kellylake.net/?p=8704 Evan Schoenebeck is 8-years-old today!  Some say he resembles his “Grandpa Birr” when I was young, mustache and all!  Just kidding!  His mother (my daughter, Rebecca) thinks he has my mannerisms; likes to tinker; does things HE wants to do (focuses intently on on those things); likes to see how things work and why; is athletic and enjoys sports (selectively, of course) and just learned to water ski!

Grandpa and Grandma Birr wish you a Happy Birthday from Florida!  Sorry we can’t be there for your party and gift opening, but we’ll be back to Kelly Lake in a few weeks and come to see you!  See you later, alligator; after ‘while crocodile!

Love, Grandpa and Grandma Birr

(Click on pics to enlarge)

Picture of  alligator Grandma took in our lake here in Bradenton!  It should still be here when you come down!

Evan last summer at Kelly Lake.

Evan and I in our younger years!

 

 

]]> http://www.kellylake.net/archives/8704/feed/ 0 Happy Birthday to Kelly Lake’s One-and-only, Tom Lutz! http://www.kellylake.net/archives/8699/ http://www.kellylake.net/archives/8699/#comments Mon, 28 Nov 2011 15:06:17 +0000 Roger Birr http://www.kellylake.net/?p=8699 I’ve known Tom since I was about 10; we met at Kelly Lake. Through the years we have become more than good friends, but close friends. We’ve seen each other go through our trials and tribulations, but not without many, many goods times and laughs!  Our wives, Karen and Shirley, were always there to bolster us up, keep our spirits high, and see we stayed in check during those ‘good times and laughs’!

Tom stood up for Shirley’s and my wedding in ’89; Karen tended to Shirley’s preparations for the ceremony, in Shirley’s deceased mother’s stead.  I won’t disclose my friend’s age—he’s getting up there—but, I’ll be 63 next month, and Tom’s 11 years my senior; looking at him you couldn’t tell!

Many thanks for good friends who are there to encourage/support, laugh, entertaining, fun-loving and are true-blue and loyal!  From Bradenton, FL, Shirley and I raise a toast on Tom’s  74th birthday—oh, I let it slip, anyway!  Happy birthday, Tom!  Rog and Shirley

1989, our wedding.  Shirley’s sister, Kaye, stood up with Tom!  He still can muster-up that devilish grin!

 

]]> http://www.kellylake.net/archives/8699/feed/ 0 Happy Birthday to Kelly Lake’s Gary (VIZ) Vizelka;—The Kelly Lake Bar owner! http://www.kellylake.net/archives/8550/ http://www.kellylake.net/archives/8550/#comments Mon, 21 Nov 2011 13:38:14 +0000 Roger Birr http://www.kellylake.net/?p=8550 HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GARY, from Bradenton, FL! Shirley told me it’s your birthday; she THINKS you’re 60! Would you confirm that, please, ’cause I told her you don’t look even close to being 60 (you can take that either way!). Anyway, happy birthday from us down here in sunny, 80s Florida! Rog

]]> http://www.kellylake.net/archives/8550/feed/ 0 Press release: DEER CAMP-THE MUSICAL COMES TO OCONTO FALLS http://www.kellylake.net/archives/8323/ http://www.kellylake.net/archives/8323/#comments Mon, 31 Oct 2011 11:53:12 +0000 Roger Birr http://www.kellylake.net/?p=8323

The Oconto Falls Friends of the Arts are proud to present DEER CAMP-THE MUSICAL on Saturday, November 12 at 7 PM in the Falls Area Performing Arts Center.

DEER CAMP hilariously follows four fearless deer hunters from on their annual trek to deer camp. But things are looking bleak this season., After decades of hunting trips, the guys have yet to bring home a single deer and the wives are getting suspicious. This season they need to show their wives that they are the mighty hunters they claim to be. This is not so easy when the thought of hanging out in the deer shack is more appealing than freezing in a deer stand. Luckily for our guys, what happens at deer camp stays at deer camp. Laugh and sing a long as they hatch a plan to save their hunting paradise without firing a shot. The show features hilarious songs like: “Mighty Hunters”, “She’s Playing Bingo”, “Coupon Clippin’ Ladies”, and “The Grunt Horn Song”.

Tickets are $33 plus a $2 processing fee. For more information, call the Oconto Falls Friends of the Arts at (920) 848-7469/(920) 848-SHOW or visit us online at www.ocontofallsfriendsofthearts.com

]]> http://www.kellylake.net/archives/8323/feed/ 0 The Great Fire Wall of China! http://www.kellylake.net/archives/8289/ http://www.kellylake.net/archives/8289/#comments Fri, 21 Oct 2011 12:51:15 +0000 Roger Birr http://www.kellylake.net/?p=8289 This sent to me by Kelly Lake’s Dave Fickenscher (home on east side of the lake with KL Cam 2) from China where he embarks on pyrotechnic shows with a team putting on spectacular displays all over the world!   It’s all fun until someone loses their hearing!  Great shot and work, Dave!  Rog

“Pilots from the US, Skip Stewart and Lithuania, Jurgis Kairys simulate an air fight, Rich’s Incredible Wall of Fire, at the China  International General Aviation Convention in Pucheng, Northwest China’s Shaanxi province on Oct 14, 2011.

We were front page news and on TV all over China.

Dave”

(Click on pic to enlarge)

 

]]> http://www.kellylake.net/archives/8289/feed/ 0 Kelly Lake Cam 1 Will Be Down Until mid-April! http://www.kellylake.net/archives/8241/ http://www.kellylake.net/archives/8241/#comments Sat, 08 Oct 2011 13:18:49 +0000 Roger Birr http://www.kellylake.net/?p=8241 We’re shutting Cam 1 down for the winter. However, Dave Pramentier has agreed to place one on his shore and interface with kellylake.net in lieu of Cam 1; he’s located about a 1/4 mile north of us. Cam 2, across the lake at Dave Fickensher’s, will still be operational.  In any case, we’ll have 3 web cams for next year.

I’ll continue to post stuff on the site, BUT it’ll more likely be some things we’re doing in Florida, some old past pics from Kelly Lake archives and ESPECIALLY photos YOU send of activity/events around the lake during our misguided adventures away from Kelly Lake; why would anyone want to leave?!

Also, my e-dress will change with the move; that I’ll post when we’re settled in down in Bradenton, FL.

We plan to fly back for my mother’s 100th birthday January 6th. Perhaps we’ll see some of you then. Be that as it may, Shirley and I are finalizing preparations to close-up, show the caretakers the ropes and head out to visit Mom in Two Rivers before setting out from there to somewhere south of Chicago. We plan on being in our home in Florida early Monday afternoon, unpack and get acclimated/assimilated, go to the grocery to stock up, and perhaps relax in the pool with some bubbly when done!

Y’all have a great fall and winter!  We’ll see you in spring.  Rog and Shirley

]]> http://www.kellylake.net/archives/8241/feed/ 0 Holt Park: Posted in the Oconto Times Herald September 28th, 2011. http://www.kellylake.net/archives/8213/ http://www.kellylake.net/archives/8213/#comments Thu, 06 Oct 2011 15:54:40 +0000 Roger Birr http://www.kellylake.net/?p=8213 As per request, I’ve posted the article written last week in the Times Herald.  The second copy is the continuation of column 1.

Click on article to enlarge)

]]> http://www.kellylake.net/archives/8213/feed/ 0 HAPPY 59th BIRTHDAY to Kelly Lake’s GARY CLEVERS! Photos added. http://www.kellylake.net/archives/8205/ http://www.kellylake.net/archives/8205/#comments Wed, 05 Oct 2011 14:37:12 +0000 Roger Birr http://www.kellylake.net/?p=8205 This is a belated posting because I’ve been having problems adding images; still do! As soon as we get this worked out, I’ll add pics.  I just didn’t want to put off posting a “Happy Birthday” (albeit belated) to our dear friend, Gary, last Sunday, October 2nd!  A few more events in the folder to share, also.

Anyway, we joined our good friends and Kelly Lake neighbors Saturday—Gary, Kathy, their daughter Jenna and her boyfriend, Clark—for nearly a half-day celebration of Gary’s 59th birthday a day early!  We decided to get the party started here at 2 PM to watch the Brewers WIN, while we imbibed in some libations and munched on hors d’oeuvres.

Later that evening, we headed to Gary and Kathy’s cottage a few doors down the road for cake and ice cream, and watch the Badgers WIN!  Of course, you know the Packers also WON!

Sunday, Gary and his son, Jerad, went pheasant hunting and bagged a couple!   What a weekend for celebrating Wisconsinite sports and Gary’s birthday!  Happy birthday, Gary!  Rog and Shirley

(Click on pics to enlarge)

Son, Jerad, Kathy, Gary, daughter Jenna and her boyfriend, Clark.

Kathy, Gary, Jenna, Clark and Jerad.

Kathy, Gary, Shirley, me, Clark, Jenna and Jerad.

Jerad, Liberty and Gary finishing off a great weekend with some pheasants to bring home.

]]> http://www.kellylake.net/archives/8205/feed/ 0