The Fergus Falls Daily Journal

Tom Hintgen/Daily Journal Andrew Johnson, an employee of Middle Leaf Resort, north of Henning, raked leaves during unseasonably warm weather last week.

By Tom Hintgen

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Resort owners enjoy early spring [UPDATED]

Published 10:45am Tuesday, March 27, 2012 Updated 10:46am Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Old-timers who reside in the Henning area say it’s very rare when you see all of the ice gone from area lakes, prior to March 31. Some haven’t seen warm temperatures like this since the 1930s.

This was evident last week when Andrew Johnson raked leaves at Middle Leaf Resort, along the chain of West, Middle and East Leaf Lakes, north of Henning. Middle Leaf Resort, close to Highway 108, includes six cabins, a clubhouse and seven RV sites.

“It’s nice to get some work done, in advance of what’s normally the case,” said Johnson, who works for Steve Willett, one of the resort owners. “This allows us to spread out the chores, and not have to be in such a hurry prior to the spring opening.”

There’s 300 feet of shoreline at Middle Leaf Resort, owned by Red Barn Investment, of which Willett is one of the owners.

Willett owns the main house, two cabins and two RV sites. He hopes to purchase the other units from his partners. At present, the owners rent on a month-to-month basis. Willett wants to return to weekly rentals.

His regular job is forestry consultant, and resort ownership is also to his liking.

Banking on a good resort season this year are area businesses such as Ron’s Ready Mart, formerly known as Koep’s convenience store, near Clitherall. Late last week Jean Michael, an employee at Ron’s store, also noted old-timers telling her this is one of the few times ice is out on area lakes before the end of March.

The sale of gasoline and groceries are the main things that draw customers to Ron’s Ready Mart, said owner Ron Germain. The store also offers various sporting supplies with an emphasis on hunting and fishing gear.

The wind, combined with warm temperatures, has resulted in an early spring for residents along all area lakes. Fishermen, hikers and others have taken advantage of the nice weather.

For resorts, cabin owners and others, spring cleaning and remodeling are full steam ahead.