The Mound Westonka Blog - around Lake Minnetonka, Minnesota

Minnetonka Drive-In

DG — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 19:00:00 GMT

From the Lakeshore Weekly News:

"(David) Bennyhoff, who started working at the drive-in when he was nine years old, said that after the repainting he did this year the drive-in looks just like it did in 1961, when his parents opened it as an A&W.

It runs the same, too. The car hops still take orders, and the frosted root beer is still served along with the burgers and onion rings. Most of what's on the menu is made from scratch."

http://www.weeklynews.com/main.asp?SectionID=10&SubSectionID=10&ArticleID=6497

I think we are fortunate that we still have this perhaps historic business in our area. The root beer still tastes great. It is one of the few real drive-ins left around here. According to me, a real drive-in has a speaker that you talk into to place your order.

Langdon Bay Fishing Report

DG — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 21:31:00 GMT

It's been a slow Summer for fishing on the bay. Fish are not hitting on corn, leeches or lures. The fish tally for the year is zero. Perhaps it all has to do with the winter kill that ended so many carps lives? One theory I heard about winter kills is that thick snow cover on the lake leads to low sunlight penetration into the water. While the fish give off carbon dioxide, the plants lacking sunlight, do not give off oxygen. The bay was oxygen depleted, so the theory goes. (I wonder if the death of the fish, also kills plants, as they are co-dependent?) Carp might be thought of as survivors, and their death might indicate other species having a similar demise. There was no observed annual carp run into the bay this year. Sollies Creek which connects the bay to Lake Minnetonka has been dry most the year. Bay levels are lower than average, but not extremely so.

On the plus side, the bay is much cleaner this year with visibility of a foot or more not uncommon. Weed growth seems somewhat less than average, and I don't recall observing any pea soup conditions that are normal occurrences on the bay. Perhaps the cooler temperatures and low rainfall have caused some of this. Less rainfall may lead to less run off into the bay, that may contribute to plant growth.

The Blue herons have been around all year, and they are my bay health barometers. I may have heard a loon call this year, but was sadly unable to confirm a visit this year.

Fish Kill Creek

DG — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 16:49:00 GMT

With the passing of April 15th, the East shore of Langdon Bay has quieted down quite a bit. Sollie's Creek/Langdon Bay Creek has been temporarily renamed Fish Kill Creek. Over a hundred carp did not survive the Winter and their final resting place is the creek that flows into Lost Lake. The DNR was notified of the fish kill, but no alarms were raised, and can less carp really be a bad thing? No sunnies, crappies or bullheads washed up with the carp and we hope they survived the Winter. I can report that the minnow traps are active and productive. Now we are looking for some rain with the hope that that will flush the creek. The lake level is still good though.

Langdon Bay Ice Out

DG — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 20:09:00 GMT

It's official. April 6th is the Ice Out date for Langdon bay. I think the wind finished breaking up the ice on the South East side of the bay.

Sky Blue Water

DG — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 17:47:00 GMT

Today saw the return to the area of Sky Blue Waters. Lake Langdon is approaching its official Ice Out, which is defined as being able to navigate a pontoon boat around the edge of the lake within 50 feet of the shoreline and being able to cross the lake both east to west and north to south. Yesterday saw a huge flock of Seagulls doing whatever is they do on the remaining ice and making quite a racket. They may have been attracted to the lake by the 100 or so dead carp seen floating along the shore today. Lake Langdon is for the most part shallow, and may have ran out of oxygen as a result of global warming during the Winter.

Sollie's Creek is Open

DG — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 20:32:00 GMT

It's official, Sollie's Creek which crosses under Commerce Boulevard just North of Green T Accounting is open and flowing into Lost Lake. The annual carp run can't be far behind.

Andrews Sisters Memories

DG — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 02:56:00 GMT

Here's a recent comment left on the blog:

"Back in the 1940's, as a kid, I used to lay down by the the water running out of a culvert and catch little minnows that would swim by. When I had enough of this I would go over to Pete Sollies store and he would give me a slice of meat or two and afterwards I would go the the next store and watch the blacksmith making something on his anvil.
There also would be a time or two when the Andrews Sisters would come to town in their 3 Cadillac convertibles and their secretary would have a Cadillac sedan. The sisters would also go roller skating upstairs at the building by Cooks bay. Some of the guys would roller skate with them but I was too shy. I graduated from Mound in 1948 so I have a few memories of the early days in Mound and it was a wonderful place to grow up in. I hope I can return this summer to see how everything has changed." - Jack Legus

I am sorry that I haven't spent much time with the blog lately as I've been busy. Check the recent comments please. The Westonka Blog is Head Quartered from 'The Sollie Store'.

One thing I've recently noticed is the shrinking of the Laker Newpaper. I wish them well and hope they continue to serve us as they have for so many years.

Auditors Road short cut

DG — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 18:08:00 GMT

As we know, we do have traffic in Mound that finds us waiting at the stoplight at Commerce and Shoreline/Lynwood. When driving North on Commerce Boulevard with the intention of going East on Shoreline, we often find ourselves waiting at the stoplight, trying to make a right turn on red, but are blocked by someone waiting to go straight on the green light. There wasn't room for a right turn lane there, and I'd say the person going straight is in their proper lane, given what happens further up the road. A way to avoid this wait is to take Auditors Road and cut across to Shoreline Drive. I am not sure what the speed limit is on Auditors, but you'll save time and see what changes have occurred to what I think is called, Mound's new main street.

I wonder what the grand plan is for traffic flow on this subject? Do the planners envision most people taking this short cut, or would they rather they go up to the stoplight and turn East there?

Langdon Bay frozen over

DG — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 19:19:00 GMT

Landon Bay has froze over for the year. Sollie's Creek that runs from the bay into Lost Lake is dry and has been for quite some time. The bay's level was lower than average during the latter half of 2008.

Auditors Road Complete

DG — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 18:53:00 GMT

It seems like only yesterday, that work started on this improvement. Auditors looking North East as it runs into Shoreline.

Dakota Rail Regional Trail

DG — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 18:52:00 GMT

The Dakota Rail Regional Trail (DRRT?) at Shadywood looking East. This picture is from a few weeks ago. Beyond, the trail looked ready for paving.

Seton Channel Bridge

DG — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:30:00 GMT

The Dakota Rail Trail crossing Seton Channel. They are still working on this bridge, and the guard rails are temporary.

Dakota Rail Regional Trail

DG — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 20:15:00 GMT

Recently this trail has had sections of it paved in Mound, Spring Park and Minnetrista. I think it's really transformed the areas it runs through. I've seen rollerbladers, skateboarders and cyclists using this new resource. It's ideal for biking because there really aren't any hills, and you're usually sheltered from the wind.

We are waiting for the part of the trail in Downtown Mound to be sorted out. Unfortunately, the drivers in Mound still don't seem to follow our Crosswalk rules. As I understand them, if any pedestrian or cyclist is in any part of a cross walk, all traffic must stop. What I see happening is drivers driving at 30 mph giving little thought to stopping. I can deal with this and accept it however, what about children? Are they going to be able to cross at a crosswalk safely, in Mound?

There are some drivers here and everywhere else too, that cause me to repeat almost daily to my son; "Never trust a car". "Even while in a cross walk, watch both ways and don't expect a car to stop." While I would like Mound to belong to the children, and not the reckless drivers, there isn't much I can do about it. The city could issue a few tickets, and perhaps it all ready does, and I am not saying they aren't concerned. We see the signs in the road near the crosswalks, and the police officer near Grandview during the school year, so I know there's some effort being made. Perhaps I am appealing to the reckless drivers here. Children have a different perspective, and aren't part of "driving competition" that sometimes occurs. They don't cut people off, they don't tailgate. they don't pass someone to save a minute of time, and they don't speed. They just want to get from one side of Shoreline or Commerce to the other. They don't always make decisions like we do. They need drivers to give them a break.

Also I've noticed on our newly paved trail something that has in occurred other localities as well. The trail has little stop signs for the cyclists in places. The meaning to me seems clear. Stop and proceed when safe to do so. Right next to the stop sign is a cross walk crossing the road, which implies traffic must stop for cyclists. So who has the right of way? It's confusing, even for an adult. If I had to go one way or the other, I'd say the cyclists should yield. I do understand painting a cross walk on the road probably makes things safer. I'd guess less confusing might have its own merits too. What to do? "Never trust a car."

OK, bad drivers aside, this is really an improvement to the area and the City had and has some role in accomplishing it. My son and I rode all the way out to the WRA Park last night, and it was an easy ride. The section going West of Mound is really nice and still rural. The fall colors ought to be great.

The British Broadcasting Corporation in Mound

DG — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 19:39:00 GMT

Local author Tom Rockvam being interviewed by the British Broadcasting Corporation in front of Green T Accounting's building:

This building was owned by the Andrews Sisters uncles for many years who operated the Sollie Store that sold groceries. The BBC was in town this day filming a movie about the life and careers of the Andrews Sisters.

The BBC in Mound

DG — Tue, 27 May 2008 23:49:00 GMT

Local author Tom Rockvam has announced that the British Broadcast Corporation will be in Mound filming a movie about the life and career of the Andrews Sisters. The date of the BBC's appearance in Mound will be June 10th.

The public is being asked to show up at 10:00 AM at "The Andrews Sisters Trail" that is South of old Shoreline in downtown Mound and runs along Lost Lake.

The Andrews Sisters spent a significant amount of time in Mound, and it seems the BBC recognizes this.

Ice out on Lake Langdon and Loons visit

DG — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 19:06:00 GMT

This weekend saw the ice going out on Lake Langdon which is defined by being able to navigate a pontoon boat around the edge of the lake within 50 feet of the shoreline and being able to cross the lake both east to west and north to south. This year's winter kill includes a higher than average amount of carp which I predict will not impact their population or cause them to be placed on the threatened species list. The creek, (Langdon Bay Creek or Sollies Creek, take your pick.) is flowing into Lost Lake at a rate of about 10 gallons per second.

The ducks have returned and seem to be doing what ducks do every Spring, and there's a huge flock of white aquatic birds on the lake that are probably pelicans. And I am pleased to announce that about 5 loons have stopped by today and I am officially proclaiming there presence on the lake again. Their calls have also been heard.

And on this busy day, about 50 carp were seen moving upstream from Lost Lake into Landon Bay. Each year the creek is running, the carp will about this time, get confused and think they are Salmon, and fight their way upstream to spawn. While salmon die after they spawn, apparently carp do not.

This entry has been updated.

Langdon Bay Creek Update

DG — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 19:52:00 GMT

Langdon Bay Creek is about half open with the ice melted off of some of it. It appears to be flowing at a minimal rate, but I can't be sure about that. Langdon Bay's level may be low enough so that it hasn't breached the berm that sometimes forms at its headwaters.

Also I have recently been informed that another name for the creek is: "Sollie's Creek". (I am uncertain about the correct placement of the apostrophe.) Named after the two Uncles of the Andrews Sisters. These uncles owned the Sollie Store located South of the Creek for many years.

Thank you for not running into me...

DG — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 01:25:00 GMT

I'd like to thank the driver who passed me on the left while I was slowing to make a left turn off of Bartlett at Avon yesterday. Thank you for not running into the driver's side of my truck at around 2:00 pm Saturday when the roads were wet and it was snowing. I am sorry that my slowing down from about 25 mph to 15 mph in a residential area to make my left turn onto Avon could've delayed as long as 15 seconds, that surely wasn't my intent. Yes I was surprised to see you passing me in what I used to consider my neighborhood, until I realized I couldn't argue with physics and that Bartlett Boulevard between Shirley Hills and Shoreline belongs to those using it to get some place in a hurry. As I started my turn, there you were, like Richard Petty making that race winning pass. All I could do is stop in amazement and wonder, was that perhaps Jeff Gordon right here in Mound? A stock car racer once told me that their cars don't have rear-view mirrors, and it has something to do with never looking back. After I got over my shock at almost being in accident, I drove up to my house and tested my turn signal, thinking perhaps it was covered in that heavy wet snow that was falling or that it wasn't working? But that wasn't the case, it blinked OK. But all is well that ends well, and I am happy that you could continue on your way and know that you had saved yourself 15 seconds of travel time.

As I write this thank you to this unknown driver, I am reminded me of another near accident I was almost in. I was making a right turn off of Shoreline onto Chateau and was passed on the right. That taught me to block the break down lane of a road when making a right turn. Signaling a right turn may not count for anything. Physically blocking the break down lane where someone may try to pass, seems the safer thing to do. Some might say I am supposed to use the break down lane along that stretch of Shoreline, East of the old Hardee's, when making a right turn. I might say that it's too narrow to be a right turn lane given the width of my truck. Its narrowness might make things more dangerous if I use it as a turning lane. The reason I think it's not marked as a turning lane is not to save on paint, but because the road isn't wide enough to have a turning lane.

Unfortunately, I can't think of anything to make making a left turn in Mound any safer? Maybe I just won't make left turns anymore. I suppose it's normal to have differing opinions between people who live somewhere and people and who just want to get through somewhere as fast a possible. I am happy I haven't inconvenienced anyone by having an accident with them, as that might make them late for wherever it is they are going.

The following was added on 2/15/09: I think that people who speed through our town, are not respecting us. Most of us want our town's roads to be safe. We think it's a reasonable expectation that we are able to use the Cross Walks safely, and more importantly, that our children and grandchildren can. We like our town and are sorry if it's an inconvience to you to have obey our traffic laws.

Westonka Horticulture Day

DG — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 16:12:00 GMT

Barbara Blaha writes: "The next Westonka Horticulture Day will be held on April 5, 2008 at the Mound Westonka High School. This is one event you don't want to miss. Keynote speaker Jeff Gillman will dispel all those gardening myths and give you the answers you need to solve your garden problems. Over 16 workshops with topics such as lakeshore restoration, planting with annuals, beekeeping, septic mound plantings, native plants, and many more topics. We gather the best speakers available to bring a quality educational program." - Westonka Horticulture Day
Their website is at: http://www.westonkahort.org/

Tribute to Tyler Hill

DG — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 15:11:00 GMT

Local resident Tyler Hill recently passed away while on a trip to Japan. tylerhill.org