News

Deer Lake is at a record high this June. Some debris at the Dam on West Deer Lake Road could be the problem, and will be cleared soon. There is another small lake (Bay Lake) between Deer Lake and the Dam. Both Deer and the Creek from Moose and Little Moose flow into this intermediary Bay Lake, and then together as the Deer River to the Dam. Waters from the north (Moose and many smaller) do not flow into Deer Lake, but from Bay, with Deer, to the Dam.

The hydrology graph of the lake water level is a 10 year measurement that goes to the end of 2024 (ICE-IN: very low at 1307.55) and the beginning of 2025. In the water level gauge was replaced after ICE-OUT, May 2025, and measurement taken with the snow melt in the lake (high at 1308.62). Since then rains have increased the level substantially from where is leaves off on the graph. The record high we have now in June, 2025, would be in excess of the top of this graph at 1390.00+. Water levels will continue to be monitored throughout the season till ICE-IN.

Please, join us for the Home Tours on Deer Lake. DLA is planning a Progressive Home Tour on Saturday, June 28, 2025. The event will run from 1:00 – 4:00 PM. We will have 3 groups of up to 15 people, that will rotate to the 3 homes staying about 45 minutes at each
one. Registration is limited to a maximum of 45 people. People will arrive by car and are encouraged to carpool to alleviate congested parking. At each home, the owner will give you a tour and a little history of their home followed by a social time with a simple snack and refreshments. Those who have graciously opened their homes for this event are Diana and Herb Lieffring, Sandra Anderson and Tom Nelson. There is not a charge for people to attend, but we encourage you to

make a donation to support the work of the DLA. We hope you can join us to celebrate our Deer Lake family and be in community together.

TO REGISTER FOR THE HOME TOUR (AND DONATE TO THE DLA) PLEASE CLICK HERE:

https://forms.gle/pv4QXGuRPfxckjT68

HOMES ON THE TOUR:

HERB & DIANA LIEFFRING: 36264 CHRISTMAS PT TRL GRAND RAPIDS

Herb and Diana Lieffring’s Erdenheim (Earth Home) was built to be eco-friendly, economical, low maintenance and elderly-compatible. Features include geo-thermal heating and cooling, radiant floor heating, insulated concrete form walls, and an elevator.

SANDRA & GEORGE ANDERSON: 35204 LINDEN GROVE DR, Deer River

We bought 5 acres of the old Linden Grove Resort in 2021 and were fortunate to get Dale Juntunen as our builder. Our niece, Ellen Anderson, was the architect. We moved in just before a snow storm on December 13, 2022. Our family has been on this northwest bay of the lake for over 100 years. The house features some very unique Marvin folding doors that allow for a cozy space in winter and an expanded living room space in summer. The granite tops on the island and the buffet are from Brazil and the dining table was made by our son Rich, and Tom Dimitch. The land was used for hay for many years, so last summer we planted 28 trees. The name of this place we love is Deerhaven and it’s on Linden Grove Drive.

TOM NELSON: 36841 Sherwood Forest Trail, Deer River.

The Nelson home sits up on a bluff looking south to Christmas Point and Bear Island in the distance. The large bed of springs in the reeds in front were the subject of q scientific study several years ago. The yard has moss and sedge instead of grass, and maple trees for making syrup. There are three buildings of interest, each with extensive woodwork featuring a special style of tile paneling, called “Penrose.” The 2500sqft 2-bed room Residence is multi-level, with parquet flooring a rock fireplace with backlighting and fountain, plus a deck on the roof. The Garage, known as the “Loggy Dome,” has a woodshop below, and an open second story multi-purpose room with tile paneling and felt artworks. The Guest House features a dome-like roof, a loft, and special “live edge” flooring.

Don’t end up like this environmental mess!

The Itasca County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) offers FREE site visits to discuss the best shoreland projects, provide technical advice and cost-share funding. Contact Austin at austin.steere@itascaswcd.org

Friday, December 13 was after a very cold night.

We Had ICE-IN this morning accompanied by spectacular sundogs that were really Pillars!