So who do we blame?

The lakes area black hole theory factory continues to work overtime.

Readers think they know what is causing part of North Long Lake to not freeze over.

Most folks feel it is pollution that somehow is creating a spot that won't freeze over like the rest of the lake. Just where that pollution is coming from is another story.

One caller suggested it was from dishwashing at Iven's Restaurant, which is on the bay. Others said it could be road salt or a farmland source.

A couple have blamed Brainerd International Raceway, which also is on the lake. A caller said that it's from the BIR sewer system. Another said it is caused by "excessive torque from the horsepower of the dragsters" that has opened up a spot under the lake and allowed heat to come up.

One woman had a terse theory. "It's telling us it's the end of the world."

After providing a long, involved theory on drainage, Murray Hoelz of Baxter said, "My second theory is that it is a watering hole for Paul Bunyan's Babe the Blue Ox."