Thursday, January 8, 2009
Passat CC: Some bang, but not enough for the bucks
The taxonomy of cars was once straightforward: Sedans had four doors and a trunk; coupes had two doors and little back seats; roadsters had two doors, two seats and fabric tops.
Fuel-sipping compact doesn't cut it in snow
CORNWALL, N.Y. - Style points count for little here in the snow. The only vehicles that matter are those with four-wheel drive or, at least, all-wheel drive - a system that automatically transfers drive power from slipping to gripping wheels.
FINE ARTS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Brian Ashburn
Upcoming arts and entertainment events
Live music
Ringing in the new year with new recipes
The new year came very quietly at our house, and I took some time to ponder my expectations for the next year. Even though I'm not one to make New Year's resolutions, I resolved to take life one day at a time and to live life to the best of my ability. I will try to laugh when I'd rather cry, to reach out my hand for someone in need, to overlook the faults I see in others and to promote peace and love to family and friends.
Brainerd Planning Commission to meet
The regular meeting of the Brainerd Planning Commission will be 6 p.m. Jan. 14 at Brainerd City Hall.
POLICE BLOTTER
ARREST - An 18-year-old Crosslake man was arrested Tuesday by Crosslake police for making terroristic threats.
Fitch remains hospitalized
Nathaniel Fitch, the 13-year-old Brainerd boy who accidentally shot himself in the head Oct. 29, remains in good condition at St. Cloud Hospital, according to a hospital spokeswoman.
COURTS
WALKER - The following appeared recently in Cass County District Court:
Brainerd fire clears smoke from BMC
The Brainerd Fire Department responded at 11:26 a.m. Tuesday to smoke inside Brainerd Medical Center. The smoke was due to construction. Firefighters extracted the smoke using fans for ventilation.
POLICE BLOTTER
PROPERTY DAMAGE - A vehicle was reported in the ditch at College and Conifer roads at 8:45 p.m. Monday.
BIRTHS
Craig and Kayla (Cichon) Bohnsack, Long Prairie, a girl, Emma MaryAnn, Dec. 26, 2008. Grandparents are Berta Bohnsack, Albuquerque, N.M., Carol Cichon, Flensburg, and David Cichon, New Ulm. Great-grandparents are Donny and Darlene Lapos, Flensburg, and Jerry Cichon, Little Falls. Great-great-grandmother is Daisy Johannes, Little Falls.
ORGANIZATIONS
Brainerd Jaycees
SUPPORT GROUPS
Lakes Area Ecumenical Bereavement
Sledding to victory
Steve Emerson of Brainerd won the Sport 85 class in the Grafton (N.D.) Equipment 100 on Saturday. The next United States Cross Country Snowmobile Racing Association event is the Red Lake I-500 Jan. 16-18 at Thief River Falls.
ALL IN THE FAMILY
Shelly Thelen submitted this photograph of her son, Blake, sledding at the Brainerd High School hill on Saturday and getting "a little airborne."
PETS OF THE WEEK
Jinx, Jingle and Jax are 8-month-old neutered long-haired cats. They're friendly and full of energy. Brainerd Dispatch/Heidi Lake
LOCAL BRIEFS
MERRIFIELD - The Merrifield Marathons Snowmobile Club will conduct an open house and free trailside luncheon at the Merrifield Marathons' center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. The free luncheon will include brats, hot dogs, beans, chips, cider and hot chocolate.
Christmas Eve visitor
Do you have a recent scenic picture that shows the beauty of the lakes area? Send it to photos@brainerddispatch.com for possible publication in the Neighbors section. Be sure to include your name, where you are from, a brief description of the photo and when and where it was taken.
High on LOW
I know a lady who knows how to fish and she's not shy about showing off her trophies. I like that.
CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY
Go to Any Length
LOCAL BRIEFS
Joe Ayers, executive director of Tri-County Community Action, will discuss poverty in the lakes area at noon Thursday at the Brainerd Public Library.
Hot battle on a cold day
Two Brainerd firefighters sprayed foam on a fire within a Dumpster Tuesday afternoon near Northwest Fourth Street in west Brainerd. The small fire was quickly extinguished. Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls
This was Brainerd
JANUARY 8 - 40 years ago (1969) - Though the snow is deep and the temperature cold, hardy Brainerd area residents still find ways to enjoy the outdoors. A group of youngsters enjoy a sleigh ride in the Whipple Lake area.
Officials look at priorities
In the process of making an anticipated $1.2 million in 2009 budget reductions because of state funding cuts, Crow Wing County expects to focus on priorities.
Officials take steps to prevent property fraud
WALKER - Did you know scammers could forge your signature, then take out a mortgage against your property or transfer the deed to your home, land or business property without your knowledge for their own financial gain?
Red Cross needs to raise $10k by Jan. 21
They were granted a slight reprieve, but the Brainerd office of the American Red Cross still needs to raise $10,000 by Jan. 21 in order to keep its doors open.
Warrior dance team to compete Thursday
ST. CLOUD - The Brainerd High School dance team will compete in the Central Lakes Conference jazz division Thursday at Apollo High School in St. Cloud.
This was Brainerd
JANUARY 7 - 60 years ago (1949) - Jean Lindell of Brainerd is new Miss Winter Wonderland of 1949. She won the honor at the Little Falls Carnival this week. She is the 19-year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John. H. Lindell, Sr. of 520 North Seventh Street.
Overheard
Whether we're Democrat or Republican, we care deeply about this country.
They all come marching in
BAXTER - It may be a little surprising, but every student in sixth through eighth grades at Family of Christ Lutheran School plays in the school band.
Budget cuts to be considered at retreat
The Brainerd city staff provided a list of options for slicing into the budget in response to the state cutting $317,224 in local government aid in 2008.
Camp Olson counselor enters plea in criminal sexual conduct case
WALKER - A former camp counselor at Camp Olson near Longville has pleaded guilty to one count of felony second-degree criminal sexual conduct.
Correction
The Brainerd Dispatch incorrectly listed the year-to-date snowfall amount reported by the DNR in Brainerd for 2008 in a Page 1A story in Tuesday's paper. The correct figure is 28.25 inches. The Dispatch incorrectly reported the total as 29.95 inches.
Franzen to chair board
The Crow Wing County Board Tuesday unanimously elected Commissioner Rosemary Franzen board chairwoman and redefined how meetings will be conducted.
Digital TV conversion fast approaching
The government reports at midnight on Feb. 17, all full-power U.S. TV stations will stop analog broadcasts and switch to 100 percent digital because of a Congressional mandate. The switch is expected to provide clearer images and free airwaves for use by emergency responders.
United Way looking for big losers again
Need a little help getting in shape, losing weight or simply eating better?
LOCAL BRIEFS
AITKIN - The Northern Lights Wine Club will present The Wines of Chile and Argentina at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 15 at the Beanery Internet Cafe in downtown Aitkin.
New Years' baby loses clothes, baby items in water damage incident
Life isn't necessarily always so easy, even when you're lucky enough to be the first baby born in Crow Wing County in 2009.
Project gets go-ahead
WALKER - Cass County Engineer David Enblom obtained county board approval Tuesday to begin eminent domain condemnation proceedings against one property along County State Aid Highway 35 for a road construction easement.
How to handle 'retired' TV sets
The digital TV conversion deadline is fast approaching and while that doesn't necessarily mean out with the old, there are options to recycle those old sets.
Overheard
You lack some of the chaos that I think exists generally speaking in many pro sports franchises.
Kangas to head Cass County Board
WALKER - Cass County commissioners Tuesday selected Bob Kangas as chair and Jim Demgen as vice-chair for the 2009 county board. Newly elected Commissioner Dick Downham and re-elected Commissioner Jeff Peterson were sworn into office.
City staffers to to determine blight
The Brainerd City Council decided against hiring a consultant to prepare redevelopment findings for the proposed tax-increment financing district for Jimmy John's restaurant.
Value put on offenders work
WALKER - Ninety-nine offenders worked on Cass County sentence to serve crews during 2008, completing an equivalent of $88,743 worth of market value work, according to Mary Tennis, jail program coordinator.
Obituary policy
Obituary notices are charged at 40 cents a word, exclusive of the first 125 words, which are free. A $10 fee is charged for a half-column photograph. To place an obituary in the Dispatch, consult the funeral home handling arrangements.
Julia Karnowski
LITTLE FALLS - Julia R. Karnowski, age 95, of Little Falls, Minn., passed away Monday, Jan. 5, 2009, at St. Gabriel's Hospital in Little Falls, Minn.
Obituary policy
Obituary notices are charged at 40 cents a word, exclusive of the first 125 words, which are free. A $10 fee is charged for a half-column photograph. To place an obituary in the Dispatch, consult the funeral home handling arrangements.
Kevin Anderson
NEW GERMANY - Kevin Anthony Anderson, 43-year-old resident of New Germany, Minn., passed away Sunday, Jan. 4, 2009, at his home. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Jan. 14, at 1 p.m. at the Emblom-Brenny Funeral Service in Little Falls, Minn. Friends may call from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral chapel.
Joe Pietrzykowski
LITTLE FALLS - Joe Pietrzykowski, 84-year-old resident of Little Falls, Minn., passed away Jan. 5, 2009, at St. Otto's Care Center in Little Falls, Minn. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Little Falls with Father Nicholas Landsberger officiating. Burial will be held at St. Mary's Parish Cemetery in Little Falls. Friends may call from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at the church.
Margaret Stumpf
LITTLE FALLS - Margaret Stumpf, 76-year-old resident of Little Falls, Minn., formerly of Park Rapids, Minn., passed away Monday, Jan. 5, 2009, at 6:20 p.m. at the Lake Hills Elderly Care Facility in Cushing, Minn. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 10, at the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls.
Phyllis Pundt
Phyllis June (Smith) Pundt, 83, recently a resident of Bethany Good Samaritan nursing home in Brainerd found her eternal rest Tuesday morning, Jan. 6, 2009. She was born on June 2, 1945, near Verndale, Minn., to Vincent and Selma Smith. Phyllis grew up on the family farm with seven sisters and two brothers.
Alice Ziske
AITKIN - Alice L. Ziske, age 89, of Aitkin, died Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2009, at the Aicota Health Care Center in Aitkin.
Wallace Bickford
RIVERTON - Wallace Earl "Wally" Bickford, 72, of Riverton, died on Jan. 5, 2009, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis. He was born on April 27, 1936, in Crosby to William and Gladys (Valiquet) Bickford. He was a retired U.S. Navy veteran with 30 years of service. He was a member of the Myrin-James American Legion Post 443, Ironton.
Selma Ose
Selma Lillian "Sally" Ose, 97, of Brainerd, died on Jan. 6, 2009, at Bethany Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd. She was born on Aug. 5, 1911, in Morristown, N.D., to Franklin A. and Lena (Mueller) Sander.
Sister Laura Daigle
DULUTH - Sister Laura (Marie) Daigle, OSB, 87, of St. Scholastica Monastery, died at St. Mary's Medical Center, Duluth, on Jan. 4, 2009.
Lynn Boyd
Lynn "Lenny" Boyd, 66, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2009, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd, Minn. Memorial services will be held at a later date. Interment will be at Southern Nevada Veteran's Cemetery.
Karen Wiser
Karen Ann Wiser, born Sept. 16, 1941, in Webster City, Iowa. Preceded in death by parents, Carl R. and Betty Nan Bradshaw. Survived by her six children, John C., James, Jeffery, Joseph Wiser, Julie Meszaros, Jennifer Johnson, their spouses; and 12 grandchildren. In addition by her brother, Randy Bradshaw, and scores of friends.
Phyllis Pundt
Phyllis June (Smith) Pundt, 83, recently a resident of Bethany Good Samaritan nursing home in Brainerd found her eternal rest Tuesday morning, Jan. 6, 2009. She was born on June 2, 1925, near Verndale, Minn., to Vincent and Selma Smith.
Wallace Van Guilder
Wallace "Wally" Van Guilder, 79, passed away peacefully at his home on Jan. 3, 2009, in Brainerd. At Wally's request, his life will be celebrated privately by his family.
Adeline Johnson
RANDALL - Adeline Johnson, 93, of Randall, Minn., died Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009, at St. Gabriel's Hospital in Little Falls, Minn. Arrangements are pending with the Brenny Funeral Chapel of Randall.
Laura Carlson
ARDEN HILLS - Laura L. Carlson, 94-year-old resident of Arden Hills, Minn., formerly of Randall, Minn., passed away Monday, Jan. 5, 2009, at the Presbyterian Home in Arden Hills, Minn. Funeral services for Laura L. Carlson will be held Friday, Jan. 9, 2009, at 2 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church in Randall. Friends may call from 1-2 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church in Randall. Arrangements are with the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls, Minn.
Vada Berhow
ONAMIA - Vada Berhow, 72-year-old resident of Onamia, Minn., died on Monday, Jan. 5, 2009, at the St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, Minn. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2009, at the Holy Cross Center in Onamia, Minn., with Pastor Joe Boeringa officiating.
Colleen Colbenson
ONAMIA - Colleen Colbenson, 76-year-old resident of Onamia, Minn., died on Monday, Jan. 5, 2009, at the Mille Lacs hospital in Onamia, Minn. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 9, 2009, at Living Water Assembly of God near Isle, Minn., with Pastor Joe Boeringa officiating. Burial will be the Onamia Veterans Cemetery in Onamia, Minn. Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009, at the Shelley Funeral Chapel.
Robert Fairley
Robert "Bob" Christian Fairley passed away peacefully in his sleep Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2008, at the age of 91. He was the oldest of five children, born Oct. 31, 1917, in Pine River, Minn., to Sylvester and Minnie (Skow) Fairley.
Corey McKenney
PIERZ - Corey Edward McKenney, age 7, resident of Pierz, died at St. Cloud Hospital Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2009. Corey was born in Brainerd April 25, 2001, to Margo Curren and Russell McKenney.
Open Forum
Our elected officials are soliciting ideas for managing the budget deficit. My first suggestion is that all pay, per diem and housing allowance increases that have been established in the past two years immediately be rescinded.
What do you think?
The Brainerd Dispatch welcomes letters on recent articles and current issues. Letters should include the writer's full name, city and a phone number (for verification only). Letters are limited to 300 words. Only one letter per person per week.
Open Forum
There seems to be nothing more nonsensical than the Viking officials whining for public assistance for a new stadium in today's tough times. Their latest ploy is to say, Look how many jobs they would create to build it.
VOX POP
Could snowmobilers show a little consideration and stop throwing snow back onto our driveways? And maybe give us a little time to shovel our driveways before they pack it down so hard we have to break it with an iron bar.
LOCAL SPORTS SHORTS
Central Lakes College guard Quentin Wilford has been named the Northern Division Player of the Week ending Jan. 3.
Raiders end jinx
The Central Lakes College women's basketball team has not had success against Itasca the last few years. The Vikings had pretty much dominated CLC on their way to winning three straight Northern Division championships.
Northern Lakes quiets Rebels
CROSBY - Ben Kepner recorded two goals and three assists for the Northern Lakes Lightning in a 7-1 smashing of the Moose Lake Rebels Tuesday.
Veterans help Flyers rally past Warriors
Little Falls scoring machine Ben Hanowski and the high-flying Flyers brought their show on ice to Brainerd Area Civic Center Tuesday night.
Brainerd team to open May 28
The new Brainerd franchise in the Northwoods League will open its first season May 28 against the St. Cloud River Bats at 7:05 p.m. at Mills Field.
Ice skating lessons under way
Free ice skating lessons for mentally and physically challenged children and adults will be offered Monday through Friday from 3:30 to 5 p.m. this week at the Gregory Park rink in Brainerd.
Erickson scores four goals in Pequot loss
BREEZY POINT - Emily Erickson completed a hat trick in the third period on her way to four goals during the Pequot Lakes Patriots' 7-5 loss to the Moose Lake Rebels Tuesday.
Erdrich, Kornbaum lead Flyers to victory
LITTLE FALLS - The Little Falls Flyers received 18 points from Nick Erdrich and 17 from Dan Kornbaum to secure a 61-51 Central Lakes Conference victory over the Sartell Sabres Tuesday.
Fergus Falls tags Warriors with loss
FERGUS FALLS - Emily Thesing and KB Capers scored 16 points each for the Brainerd Warriors in a 71-48 Central Lakes Conference loss to the Fergus Falls Otters Tuesday.
Ruttger, Warrior teams pull sweep at St. Cloud Invite
KIMBALL - Taryn Ruttger secured an individual win and the Brainerd Warriors Alpine ski teams swept the St. Cloud Invite at Powder Ridge Tuesday.
Otters outlast Brainerd in OT
The Fergus Falls Otters outscored the Brainerd Warriors 13-7 in overtime to claim a 82-76 Central Lakes Conference victory Tuesday.
McAllister, Mangan pace Warriors
DETROIT LAKES - Hannah McAllister and Pat Mangan continue to rack up top five finishes to lead the Brainerd Warriors Nordic ski teams.
SCOREBOARD
Area events
SCOREBOARD
Area events
Diver turned swimmer takes off
Jake Larson's decision to dive off starting blocks rather than a board may have caused Brainerd Warriors diving coach Owen Trout a little angst.
Gobblers grab top spot in conference
BRAHAM - Meredith Chaput's 24 points, seven steals and eight steals led the Aitkin Gobblers to a 74-73 victory over the Braham Bombers Tuesday in a battle for the top spot in the Great River Conference.
Flying Warriors take off on Blue Devils, win 9-2
WADENA - Lizzy Desrocher scored twice and Ellie Whiteman finished with a goal and two assists to lead the Brainerd/Little Falls Flying Warriors to a 9-2 victory over the Long Prairie-Grey Eagle/Wadena-Deer Creek Blue Devils Tuesday.
W-DC slips past BH/V
BERTHA - The Wadena-Deer Creek and Bertha-Hewitt/Verndale wresting teams grappled to a 39-39 tie Tuesday, but W-DC snuck away with the win by criteria.
Wilford celebrates award with big game
Quentin Wilford was named Northern Division men's basketball player of the week Tuesday by the Minnesota College Athletic Conference.
State forecast for N.D.
Winter storm warning northwest and most of central and winter
State forecast for Minnesota
.Winter storm watch far northwest from thursday night into
State forecast for S.D.
Today...Becoming mostly cloudy statewide. A chance of snow north with snow likely north central. Snow may be mixed with rain or freezing rain northwest and north central. A slight chance of snow southeast in the late afternoon. Highs from around 10 northeast...To the lower 50s southwest.
State forecast for N.D.
Winter storm watch north and east thursday and friday...
State forecast for Iowa
Today...Colder. Mostly cloudy with scattered flurries. Highs 12
Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Cloudy. Light snow likely northeast half. A chance of light snow showers and flurries elsewhere. Areas of fog and patchy freezing drizzle south early. Highs from the mid teens west central...To the lower 30s far east. Temperatures falling in the afternoon.
State forecast for Minnesota
.Winter storm watch portions of northwest from 6 pm tonight
State forecast for S.D.
Winter weather advisory northern black hills through this evening...
Snowman and friend
Weather drawing by Hannah McKeog in the St. Francis fifth grade of Mrs. Olson.
That fenced in feeling
Weather drawing by Bella Parks in the Baxter third grade of Mrs. Surma.
Wisconsin state forecast
Winter weather advisory portions west central from 6 am cst today until 9 pm cst friday...
State forecast for Iowa
Today...Cold. Partly cloudy with highs from 15 to 30.