Wednesday, January 19, 2005
Tuesday is the big day for seniors
MILLE LACS -- Tuesday is the day.
Group seeks to help those addicted to gambling
It doesn't matter what age a person is when it comes to having a gambling problem -- it affects all ages.
SENIOR CLASS: FEELING LUCKY?
MILLE LACS -- When Marjorie Cox of McGregor met up with her husband, John, at Grand Casino in Mille Lacs around 1 p.m. last week her plastic cup of quarters was nearly empty and she needed more money.
PUBLIC MEETING
BAXTER -- The Brainerd Public Utilities Commission will meet 9 a.m. Tuesday at the Brainerd Public Utilities Service Center at 8027 Highland Scenic Road.
CRIME
THEFT -- Chad Abel, Merrifield, Friday reported the theft of a snowmobile.
Fire
PILLAGER -- The Pillager Fire Department responded to a fire at 10 p.m. Monday of a mobile home about less than two miles west of Pillager in Sylvan Township.
Write your state legislator
Rep. Paul Gazelka.
News council will probe into bias charges
The Minnesota News Council is an independent organization that examines citizens complaints alleging inaccuracy, unfairness or unethical conduct by the media.
35 below closes city schools
When Brainerd School District officials decide to cancel school for the day, not everyone receives the message in time.
Loudness complaint prompts city to gauge county building project noise
Noise-monitoring equipment will help the city of Brainerd determine if the Crow Wing County building project is too loud.
Sun and ice
The winter sun hung low Monday over the open Mississippi River below the dam at the Wausau Paper company in Brainerd. Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls
Cass OKs K-9
WALKER -- Cass County Sheriff Randy Fisher obtained county board approval Tuesday to seek private donations for two special projects not included in his 2005 budget.
This was Brainerd
60 years ago (1945) - Thirty new Crow Wing County draftees left today for Fort Snelling where they will take pre-induction physical examinations prior to entry in the armed forces.
Reward of $1,000 offered for hit-and-run information
A $1,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the motorist who hit 55-year-old Louise Ohnstad on Friday as she crossed Washington Street in northeast Brainerd.
Ah-Gwah-Ching uses mulled
WALKER -- Ted Redmond of Minneapolis architecture firm BKV Group presented the first look of what the future uses of the Ah-Gwah-Ching Center, a state-run facility in Walker, might be at Tuesday's Cass County Board meeting.
Brainerd might seek gas bids
The city of Brainerd is considering seeking bids for the city's gasoline and diesel fuel needs.
Overheard
"It was always going to have ups and downs. I'm sure that we have made many decisions, some of which were good, some of which might not have been good, but the ouster of Saddam Hussein was worth the price."
Overheard
"Parents have come to assume our schools are open. The more you play with that kind of thing, the more you mess up parents' lives."
Weather tidbits
Getting out of a warm, cozy bed was hard for those who had to go to work Monday morning.
Cass chips in for economic development
WALKER -- The Cass County Board voted Tuesday to contribute $35,000 toward Cass County Economic Development Corp. operations this year, despite the fact that money was not included in the 2005 budget.
A not-so-cozy fire
Christine Sand was packed and ready to leave Cozy Bay Resort Saturday afternoon, having just spent an overnight stay in a cabin scrapbooking with five friends.
Frigid walk
PINE RIVER -- A 41-year-old woman and her two sons, ages 11 and 15, survived a desperate journey of about 10 miles in temperatures that approached minus 40 degrees early Monday morning, a Cass County Sheriff's Department official said Tuesday.
Police still looking for vehicle that hit woman
Louise Ohnstad, the 55-year-old Fort Ripley resident who was struck by a car while crossing Washington Street Friday, remained in good condition Monday at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd.
Snowmobile accident victim identified
CROSSLAKE -- The victim of Sunday's fatal snowmobile accident on Cross Lake has been identified as Lisa Marie Orwoll, 22, of Rogers, the Crow Wing County Sheriff's Department reported Tuesday.
Brainerd students compete at state
Four Brainerd High School students, who competed in the state debate tournament this past weekend in Coon Rapids, did not make quarterfinals.
Easement encourages land preservation
WALKER -- The Cass County Board Tuesday approved a conservation easement reverter resolution.
Speaking the language of compassion for others
Whether she's making phone calls to Guatemala to serve as a translator for a local couple adopting a child or sponsoring Cultural Thursdays events at Central Lakes College, Jan Kurtz makes every effort to "Think Globally, Act Locally," as her car bumper sticker suggests.
C-I teachers to host rally to settle contract
Crosby-Ironton teachers have been working 19 months without a contract and have authorized a strike if necessary. A mediation session between the school district and the teachers' union was Tuesday afternoon.
CORRECTION
In Sunday's Brainerd Dispatch it was incorrectly reported that the Initiative Foundation was preparing a drought management plan. The Initiative Foundation is not associated with any drought management plan, has not funded any related studies, nor does it have an opinion on how a drought management plan would be administered.
Commissions, public will have chance to review land ordinance
WALKER -- Cass County will implement changes to the countywide land use ordinance this spring after reviews by county commissions and public comment.
Speckled with snowflakes
Leon Keppel with Bauerly Redi-Mix was speckled with snowflakes Tuesday while delivering cement to a Crow Wing County government center construction site south of Laurel Street in downtown Brainerd. Outside workers have had to endure brutal cold until today when the weather turned snowy. Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls
A penny saved
WALKER -- The Cass County Board presented recognition plaques Tuesday to employees in the Health, Human and Veterans Services and children's services divisions and in the probation department for keeping out-of-home placement costs to 88 percent of the expected budget in 2004.
LOCAL BRIEFS
Central Lakes College will host two financial aid information nights.
Attorney to push for sales tax
BAXTER -- The Baxter City Council Tuesday hired a St. Paul attorney to represent the city's interests in the Legislature to push for a local option sales tax, which taxpayers approved in November.
This was Brainerd
40 years ago (1965) - A group of 50 businessmen and farmers gathered at Van's Cafe last night to hear about each others problems. The business and professional men were the guests of the farmers.
Obituary policy
Obituary notices are charged at 34 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.
Anna M. Kraklau Kittoe
ROCKFORD, Ill. -- Anna Marie Kraklau Kittoe, 68, went to join the Lord on Sunday, Jan. 16, 2005, at 2:30 a.m. in Swedish American Hospital after a short illness, surrounded by her loving family. She was born March 28, 1936, in Brainerd, Minn., the daughter of Clifford and Freda Klapel Kraklau.
Alison 'Ali' L. Ferris
BACKUS -- Alison L. Ferris, 56, of Backus, Minn., died Friday, Jan. 14, 2005, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd, Minn., after a courageous battle with cancer.
Larry Plonty
BLOOMINGTON -- Larry Plonty, age 70, of Bloomington, Minn., seasonal resident of Hackensack, passed away Saturday, Jan. 15, 2005, at The Masonic Home in Bloomington, Minn.
Lee Boelter
PEQUOT LAKES -- Lee Boelter, age 62, of Pequot Lakes, died Monday, Jan. 17, 2005, at his home. Arrangements are pending with Brenny Funeral Chapel of Baxter.
Victoria E. Landborg
AITKIN -- Victoria Landborg, age 91, Aitkin, formerly of Ham Lake, died Jan. 16, 2005, at Riverwood Health Care Center in Aitkin.
Gloria Miller
Gloria Miller, age 62, resident of Brainerd, died Sunday, Jan. 16, 2005, at Pierz Villa. Arrangements are with Nelson-Doran Funeral Home in Brainerd.
Obituary policy
Obituary notices are charged at 34 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.
Marie Whalen
Marie Whalen, age 80, resident of Brainerd, died on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2005, at Bethany Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd.
Betty R. Oberg
Betty Ruth Oberg, 72, Brainerd, died Saturday, Jan. 15, 2005, at St. Joseph's Medical Center. She was born in Crosby on June 9, 1932, to Ed and Ruth (Floodstrom) Blomquist. She married Charles "Bud" Oberg on Dec. 5, 1953, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Crosby. She was a member of First Lutheran Church in Brainerd.
Patricia Esler
STAPLES -- Patricia Esler, age 50, of Staples, died Monday, Jan. 17, 2005, at the Cuyuna Regional Medical Center in Crosby. Arrangements are pending with Brenny Funeral Chapel of Staples.
Larry Plonty
BLOOMINGTON -- Larry Plonty, age 70, of Bloomington, Minn., seasonal resident of Hackensack, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 15, 2005, at the Minnesota Masonic Home in Bloomington due to cancer, with his wife by his side.
Jennie A. Hurtig
PEQUOT LAKES -- Jennie Alta Hurtig, age 99, passed away Saturday, Jan. 15, 2005, at Whispering Pines Good Samaritan Center in Pine River. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 21, 2005, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Pequot Lakes with burial to follow in the Pequot Lakes Cemetery with the Rev. Frank Milo to officiate. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 20, 2005, at the Willim-St. Onge Family Funeral Home in Pequot Lakes.
Scott A. Johnson
Scott Andrew Johnson was born May 1, 1985, in Park Rapids, Minn., to Bruce and Carolyn (Clason) Johnson. He was raised in Little Falls and Brainerd and graduated from Brainerd High School in 2003. He had worked various jobs in the construction field including as a landscaper and roofer.
Kenneth Houg
PINE RIVER -- Kenneth Houg, age 88, of Pine River, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2005, at the VA Medical Center in St. Cloud.
Stephen 'Steve' Motzko
Stephen "Steve" Motzko passed into the Lord's Hands at 3 a.m. Jan. 18, 2005. Born Nov. 4, 1915, to Peter and Francis Motzko on a small farm in Browerville, Minn., Steve was an outdoorsman who loved the open air, his family and his country.
Alberta C. Harris-Raymond
LITTLE FALLS -- Alberta C. Harris-Raymond, age 94, a lifelong resident of Little Falls, Minn., passed away Monday, Jan. 10, 2005, at St. Otto's Care Center in Little Falls. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, Jan. 20, 2005, at 10 a.m. at St. Otto's Care Center in Little Falls.
Wilburt A. Smith
BAXTER -- Wilburt A. Smith, age 79, of Baxter, died Jan. 17, 2005, in Crown Point, Ind. Services are pending with the Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter.
Victor E. Gradin
LITTLE FALLS -- Victor E. Gradin, age 92, a resident of Little Falls, Minn., passed away Monday, Jan. 17, 2005, at the St. Otto's Care Center.
Edna M. Powell
LITTLE FALLS -- Edna M. Powell, 72-year-old resident of Little Falls, Minn., passed away Saturday, Jan. 15, 2005, at St. Gabriel's Hospital in Little Falls, Minn. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 21, 2005, at the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls with the Rev. Raymond Donnay officiating. Friends may call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 21, 2005, at the Shelley Funeral Chapel, Little Falls.
Coverage of poker tourney criticized
Is this the current state of our journalism? Is this how the media really works? I certainly hope not. It is a truly unfortunate day in America when citizens are tried on the premise of guilty until proven innocent. Not sure what I am talking about? I have been a member of the Brainerd High School Key Club since about October, which is the approximate time rumors of the poker tournament began.
Open Forum
"Koering to sponsor bill to name 371 the Purple Heart Memorial Highway" was front page in the Brainerd Dispatch, Sunday, January 9, 2005.
OUR OPINION: HELPING POLICE
The Brainerd Police Department needs your help.
OUR OPINION: VOTING
This editorial column has often been used to encourage potential voters and admonish those who pass on the privilege of voting for (or against) our leaders.
VOX POP
We must have a budget surplus in the state of Minnesota because that must be what they're using the money to pay for that welcome center to be lit from dusk 'til dawn and it's not even going to be open until May 1. Isn't it amazing that we've got a facility lit up inside and out and there's nobody there, nobody can get to it, nobody can use it? What a wonderful way to spend our hard-earned money.
Gross generalization should be challenged
Living in the lakes area, I have laughed at the hundreds of inane, insane whining which goes on in your "Forum" section. I have been shocked and angered with the close-minded, phobic pontifications in your "Open Forum" section, and I have been appalled by the cheap shot mentality of your "Vox Pox complainers" who are allowed to remain nameless.
What do you think?
Write us a letter or send us an e-mail
Open Forum
I find it very difficult to understand the Brainerd Schools in session on MLK holiday The message you send to the students, staff and parents of this district is one of not understand in the importance of this day, This is a time to reflect on the issues we are facing as a nation in our relationships with all of our citizens, and for a school district to ignore the importance of what this man did for this country is unexcusable. We need to recognize all races and respect the right of each, We are one race, human.
Family, friends honor Cass Lake soldier killed in Iraq
CASS LAKE (AP) -- Spc. Dwayne James McFarlane Jr. was remembered Tuesday as an honorable warrior during funeral services that contained a mix of military and native Ojibwe traditions.
Sartell defeats Warriors in Central Lakes game
SARTELL -- A six-minute scoring drought in the third quarter proved to be the demise of the Brainerd Warriors in a 48-33 Central Lakes Conference girls' basketball loss to the Sartell Sabres on Tuesday.
Green makes history
Lake Region's Lindsey Green became the program's first 1,000-point scorer.
SPORTS SHORTS
SHAKOPEE -- Dan Ebert of Lake Shore raced his Arctic Cat to a third place in Sport Stock last weekend at the WSA Snocross Worldwide Championship Series event at Canterbury Downs.
SCOREBOARD
Area events
SPORTS SHORTS
A bus has been chartered to the University of Minnesota softball game Feb. 13 at the Metrodome against Drake to watch Brainerd High School graduate Megan Arns play for the Gophers.
Brainerd boxers win at Wadena
WADENA -- Brainerd boxers Nathan Scott, Kyle Borders and John Higgenbotham won bouts on a Golden Gloves card Saturday at the Wadena Armory.
Wolverines win Mid-State title
WADENA -- Jascha Pettit had one goal and assist as the Wadena-Deer Creek Wolverines nipped the Detroit Lakes Lakers 2-1 to win the Mid-State Conference boys' hockey championship for the second year in a row Tuesday.
Pioneers stumble after half
PIERZ -- The Pierz Pioneers boys' basketball team held a 39-34 halftime lead but Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted still came away with a 70-56 win Monday.
Spuds down Brainerd following slow start
MOORHEAD -- Despite 10 points and 12 rebounds from Adian Kummet, the Brainerd Warriors lost to the Moorhead Spuds 64-51 in a non-conference showdown Tuesday.
Storm electric against Brainerd
Sauk Rapids-Rice stormed out with a vengeance.
Scoreboard
Area events
Ray's five goals lead Warriors
Jacob Ray's five goals helped the Brainerd Warriors adapted floor hockey team open its season with a 7-4 win over Hudson, Wis., Tuesday.
Woodard paces boys to second
CAMP RIPLEY -- The Brainerd Warriors boys' Nordic ski team won the Little Falls Invitational Tuesday with a team score of 323.5 and the girls placed fourth with a team score of 292.
Brainerd evens record with win
LONG PRAIRIE -- For the first time this season the Brainerd Warriors girls' hockey team evened its record at .500 with a 7-1 win over the Wadena-Deer Creek/Long Prairie-Grey Eagle Blue Devils Tuesday.
SPORTS SHORTS
The Central Lakes Conference has honored two Little Falls Flyers as performers of the week ending Jan. 15.
Patriots zero in on Cardinals
PEQUOT LAKES -- Mandie Roggenkamp doesn't want to come off the bench.
Stoll leads Huskies past Pirates
PILLAGER -- Joe Stoll recorded a triple-double with 26 points, 14 assists and 10 rebounds to lead the Pillager Huskies to an 85-50 triumph over the Verndale Pirates in Park Region Conference boys' basketball Tuesday.
Atkinson flys high for Little Falls Flyers
WADENA -- Little Falls gymnast Danielle Atkinson won the all-around competition as well as the uneven parallel bars, the balance beam, the floor exercise and the vault with a score of 36.95 as the Flyers defeated the Wadena-Deer Creek Wolverines 136.85 to 115.30 in a non-conference meet Tuesday.
Gobblers sweep Ranger triangular
CROSBY -- Johnathon Arness was 2-0 with one pin to help the Aitkin Gobblers to victories over Crosby-Ironton 71-8 and Staples-Motley 48-18 Tuesday in non-conference wrestling.
Worth its weight(s)
Brainerd's Gold Medal Arena may soon be worthy of a gold medal.
State forecast for S.D.
Today...Mostly cloudy. A slight chance of light snow...Sleet...Or freezing rain far northeast. Highs around 30 northeast to the lower 50s southwest.
State forecast for N.D.
Freezing rain advisory northwest this morning...And central late
State forecast for Iowa
Today...Mostly cloudy. Becoming windy by afternoon. A chance of
State forecast for Minnesota
Today...A few flurries this morning...Then snow likely north into
State forecast for Minnesota
Winter weather advisory this afternoon and evening east central
Wisconsin state forecast
Freezing rain advisory for freezing drizzle for southeast wisconsin until 9am...
Building a snowman
Weather drawing by Jennifer Celley of Mrs. Bieganek's fourth grade class at Whittier school.
It's snowing
Weather drawing by Annastasia May Ramig of Mrs. Hemstad's third grade class at Baxter school.
Wisconsin state forecast
Winter weather advisory today and tonight northern and central wisconsin...
State forecast for S.D.
Today...Partly cloudy and windy west. Mostly cloudy east with a chance of light freezing rain or sleet northeast in the afternoon. Highs in the 20s northeast to the 50s west.
State forecast for Iowa
Today...Mostly cloudy. Snow or sleet likely northeast late.
State forecast for N.D.
Today...A chance of freezing rain...Rain...And snow west and