Some tough times for this boat engine manufacturer
There's some bad news on the manufacturing front.
It's being reported that Mercury Marine has initiated another round of job cuts and will suspend production at the company's Fond du Lac, Wis., facility starting Aug. 28.
Mercury Marine, a subsidiary of Brunswick Corp. of Lake Forest, has already experienced tough times due to slow boat sales and what officials call a "poor economy."
This latest cut for the engine maker will mean 60 jobs will be cut, with the Aug. 28 shutdown being extended from two weeks to three.
Company spokesman Steve Fleming told reporters that more layoffs "may be coming," but he didn't know how many.
A royal battle: I can just imagine the battle between man and beast.
San Diego angler Steve Oudomsouk managed to outfight a 113-pound blue catfish while fishing on the San Vincente Reservoir in the Golden State. His prize landed him the honor of holding the state record there for that species.
The old record was a mere 101-pound blue taken from that same impoundment eight years ago.
Fishing report
Fox Chain: Excellent white bass angling is happening on Petite and Fox Lakes as well as Lake Marie. The walleye action is holding its own on Lake Marie, with leeches one of the better triggering baits. A few muskie anglers reported that the mid-evening action on Lake Catherine is very good. Decent-sized fish chasing surface buzz baits over weed lines.
Fox River: Look for improved smallmouth action just off the banks in Elgin and Geneva.
Lake Michigan: The long hiatus is over for yellow perch. Perch fishing resumes Aug. 1, and there are pockets of hot spots, especially near Lake Forest in 45 feet of water. Salmon action is excellent off Waukegan with both coho and Chinook being taken from the 100-foot depths.
Bangs Lake: The die-hards are seeing a payoff for their diligence in the search for big largemouth bass. Good action at sunrise on the west shorelines.
• Mike Jackson's radio program can be heard Sunday mornings from 6-7 a.m. on WSBC 1240-AM.