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The port district is inching its way into the black at Banks Lake Golf Course.

Grant County Port District 7 is about to end its third year as caretaker of the 18-hole golf course.

In its first management year, the district invested about $100,000 to keep the course open after making a pledge at a community meeting that the district would not allow the course to close.

At a report last Thursday, port commissioners talked about the successes of maintaining the course this past season with volunteer help, increasing membership at the course and improving the golf course landscape.

“We are getting very close to being in the black,” Port District President Jim Keene stated.

Membership at the course stands at 89, and it appears that the course could be in the black in 2015, commissioners predict.

The course had fallen on bad times in 2012, when the management of the course changed and the Port District stepped up to the plate to keep the course open.

Equipment problems, maintenance restrictions, all appeared to be major problems for port officials. However, a large number of volunteers took over maintenance and other positions and 2014 will close Oct. 31, on an optimistic note. The district treasurer wasn’t at the meeting, but Keene estimated the operation was within $10,000 of profitability.

The Port District will hold a special barbecue potluck party at the clubhouse for members, volunteers and staff this Saturday at 2 p.m.

During the barbecue, a drawing will be held to award a 2015 membership. People can enter the drawing with a donation, with those funds going to repair the patio area at the clubhouse.