Saturday, January 22, 2005
Weather announcements and cancellations
The following events have been canceled due to bad weather:
How to submit Business Notes
Business Notes submissions may be addressed to Renee Richardson, Brainerd Dispatch, P.O. Box 974, Brainerd, MN 56401; faxed to 829-0211; or e-mailed to renee.richardson@brainerddispatch.com.
Businesses help people who resolved to become fit
Two new area businesses are banking on New Year's resolutions that may need a little help.
Business Notes
Crow Wing County's Solid Waste Department gained national and state honors in 2004.
Low-income workers should be aware of earned income tax credit
For low-income workers, every dollar counts, which is one reason it's critical not to overlook the earned income tax credit this year when preparing tax returns.
Job hunting can be tough for women who are pregnant
Kristian Denny Todd found out she was pregnant with her first child in the fall of 2003 -- about the same time she was interviewing for a new job.
Brainerd High School's Students of the Semester listed
Brainerd High School has announced the Students of the Semester for first semester.
Let the fishing begin
1. The tournament is scheduled for Jan. 22, 2005, from 12 - 3 p.m. on Gull Lake at Hole-in-the Day Bay. Contestants are discouraged inside fishing area prior to 8 a.m.
A lunker for Camp Confidence
How important is the Brainerd Jaycees $150,000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza is to local charities?
Extravaganza Dispatch
Its anglers as far as the eye can see at the 2004 Brainerd Jaycees $150,000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza. Organizers are hoping for a new attendance record this year when the 2005 event unfolds Saturday on Gull Lake. Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls
Ice princesses
Every year the Ice Princesses make an appearance at the contest. They dress warm and have a good time. Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls
Role model
Since the start of the Brainerd Jaycees $150,000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza organizers have always stressed the importance of returning as many fish as possible to Gull Lake.
Q & A
Whether you're a first-time contestant or somebody who's been there from the start, you probably have a question or two regarding the Brainerd Jaycees $150,000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza. Here's a look at some of the more common questions.
Wind block
This photo from the 2002 Extravaganza was taken before the contest. The angler was protecting himself from the high winds by parking his head inside a trash can. The photo appeared this month in Field and Stream magazine on two pages. Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls
Where are they now?
It's become one of the most prestigious jobs in the lakes area -- chairing the annual Brainerd Jaycees $150,000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza.
CRIME
The Crosslake and Breezy Point police departments, the Crow Wing County Sheriff's Department and the DNR arrested a 36-year-old Brainerd man this week after a snowmobile pursuit. Criminal charges are pending.
CORRECTION
The couple shown in a photo on Page 1H Friday was misidentified. They were Kent and Mary Jo Peterson.
Snowmobile found burning in ditch
The Brainerd Fire Department responded Friday about 7:30 p.m. to a snowmobile on fire in a ditch south of Brainerd on Highway 371 near Riley Lane.
AGENDAS
Meets 9 a.m. Tuesday
SCHOOL LUNCH MENUS
Monday B Donut holes, cottage cheese, peaches, milk. L Hamburger/bun w/toppings, oven fries, orange wedges, sherbet cup, milk.
Man injured in snowmobile mishap
BAXTER -- A 34-year-old Maple Grove man suffered a leg injury Friday afternoon when the snowmobile he was riding struck the railroad tracks just south of Highway 210 near the Meredith Drive intersection, the Baxter Police Department reported.
Housing briefs
NISSWA -- Tina Anderson of Positive North GMAC in Nisswa was named Realtor of the Year for 2004.
Home brings back fond memories
Kellie Ericksen has fond memories as a child of sitting on Grandpa Pete's lap and eating Grandma Nina's homemade cookies in her grandparents' home in south Brainerd.
Winter warmth
My comforter is calling me, and I can't resist its siren song.
Parents rethink spanking as a means of discipline
Frank Hudson says he doesn't spank his 3-year-old son. But sometimes he wonders whether he's doing the right thing.
Be a mentor, be a friend
January celebrates National Mentoring Month.
Growing pains are natural for growing families, says mom-author
NEW YORK (AP) -- A new baby surely can enhance a family, bringing a unique joy and pleasure to every mom, dad and sibling. It's also likely, though, that a growing family will experience some growing pains.
Exchanging names as well as vows
Chivalry has taken on a new name.
Best trends of '04 echo in '05
Fashion's pendulum has a mighty swing. One season the buzz is all about lace; the next it's all about leather. As soon as you acquired high-heeled sling backs in every color, you're told that the ballerina flat is in. You tossed all your frilly blouses for the menswear-tailored shirts, only to discover the poet blouse is back.
Lakeland Mold fire results in evacuation
The Brainerd Fire Department was called to Lakeland Mold in Brainerd at 10:41 a.m. Thursday.
This was Brainerd
100 years ago (1905) - In this city the mercury fell from 22 above zero to 6 below in 24 hours. All of Tuesday and through the greater part of the night a gale for 40 miles an hour was blowing. Considerable sufferings in many cities.
Comments sought on Highway 371 North expansion
With a final Environmental Impact Statement complete, the four-lane construction of Highway 371 North from Nisswa to Pine River is a small step closer to reality.
Phone cards hang up on the 194th
Because of their remote base outside Baghdad, the soldiers of Company A, 1st Battalion, 194th Armor are not benefiting from calling cards.
Baxter comprehensive plan meeting slated Jan. 29
BAXTER -- Baxter residents have an opportunity to shape the city's future as a comprehensive plan update begins and a vision workshop welcomes comments.
This was Brainerd
30 years ago (1975) - The possibility of a multi-purpose ice arena in Brainerd drew a standing-room only crowd to the vocational school last night, as nearly 150 area supporters laid their case before the Brainerd School Board.
Two Wadena men charged in high school altercation
Two 18-year-old Wadena men who entered Wadena-Deer Creek High School on Tuesday to confront a student each face a criminal charge in Wadena County District Court.
Experience in Iraq
Hear about Capt. Wayne Schlangen of the Minnesota National Guard's experience on leading his troops during their deployment to Iraq.
C-I teachers do file intent to strike
CROSBY -- Crosby-Ironton teachers' union officials filed a formal intent to strike with the Crosby-Ironton School District on Friday, said Superintendent Linda Lawrie.
A note to our newspaper readers
Starting today, a few changes are being made in the format of the Brainerd Dispatch.
Little Falls School Board leaves Mid-State
The Little Falls School Board unanimously voted Monday to withdraw from its agreement with the Mid-State Education District, effective June 30, 2006.
Overheard
"All who live in tyranny and hopelessness can know: The United States will not ignore oppression or excuse your oppressors. When you stand for your liberty, we will stand with you."
Anglers come marching in
It took an event as big as the Brainerd Jaycees $150,000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza to get Don Ruppert to return to Minnesota.
Celebrating a milestone
Selene Boots, a northeast Brainerd woman, talks about reaching the century mark.
How to fish at fish fest
So you've promised this year will be different -- you'll actually catch a fish at Saturday's Brainerd Jaycees $150,000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza.
Host families sought for children from Northern Ireland
The Children's Program of Northern Ireland is a Minnesota based non-profit organization serving children of Northern Ireland and host families in Minnesota. CPNI is seeking host families for about 60 children ages 10 and 11 for the coming summer.
Overheard
"I was really concerned about coming back in the wintertime. I haven't been back since '94. I was worried I was going to freeze to death, but I'm fine."
School board plans strike policies
CROSBY -- The Crosby-Ironton School Board, bracing for a potential teachers strike, met Thursday in an emergency session to establish policies and procedures it will adopt if the district's 87 teachers go on strike.
County says decibel test near Koep house reveals sound levels within state guidelines
Sound measurements taken at Crow Wing County's downtown Brainerd construction site found levels within state guidelines.
Correction
A Page 1A story Thursday about the Crosby-Ironton teachers' union's plans to file a formal intent to strike Friday should have said Wayne "Tez" Altonen was last year's Crosby-Ironton School Board chair and was not re-elected to the board last fall.
Sides are badly divided on key issues
CROSBY -- For the average Crosby-Ironton School District resident, it may be a struggle understanding why the district and teachers' union have found themselves on the verge of a teachers' strike.
Cass auditor named state Auditor of Year
Cass Auditor-Treasurer Sharon K. Anderson first was elected in 1987.
Anna Boots
PINE RIVER -- Anna Boots, age 94, of Pine River, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2005, at Whispering Pines Good Samaritan Village in Pine River.
Joseph G. Rian
Joseph G. Rian, age 95, resident of Brainerd since 1930s, died Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2005, at St. Joseph's Medical Center. He was born on Feb. 22, 1909, in Elizabeth, Minn., to Joseph C. and Anne (Schroeder) Rian. Joseph was a charter member of St. Andrew's Catholic Church.
Frank P. Wacholz
PALISADE -- Frank Porter Wacholz, age 63, of Palisade, and formerly of Fairmont, Minn., died on Saturday, Jan. 15, 2005, at St. Mary's Hospital in Duluth with his wife, Sandy, and son, Kenny, at his side. He was born on Dec. 23, 1941, in Valley City, N.D., to Woodrow and Kathleen (Porter) Wacholz.
Kenneth Whitney
BAXTER -- Kenneth Whitney died peacefully in his sleep at home in Baxter, Friday, Jan. 21, 2005, at the age of 95 years, nine months. Kenneth was born April 23, 1909, in Oakes, N.D., to Joseph and Emma (Kunkle) Whitney. He graduated from North Dakota State University in June 1931 with a degree in poultry science. He raised chickens in Detroit Lakes, Minn., for several years. He then moved to Braienrd where he trucked for Gamble Robinsen and later worked for the Brainerd State Hospital until his retirement in 1971.
Marie Whalen
Marie Whalen passed into the Lord's hands on Jan. 18, 2005.
Robert A. Derhaag
HOLDINGFORD -- Robert A. Derhaag, age 67, a resident of Holdingford, Minn., passed away Thursday, Jan. 20, 2005, at his home.
Howard Johnson
PINE RIVER -- Howard Johnson, age 91, of Pine River, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2005, at St. Joseph's Medical Center of Brainerd.
Harold Mendel
Harold Mendel, age 78, of Brainerd, died Friday, Jan. 21, 2005, at the VA Medical Center in St. Cloud.
Eugene Stanich
DEERWOOD -- Eugene Stanich, 86, of Deerwood, died on Jan. 19, 2005, at the Cuyuna Regional Care Center, Crosby. He married Marcella Rasch in 1942. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII after which he owned and operated a theater business.
Frances A. Braunschweig
ADA -- Frances Anna Braunschweig, 89, Ada, died Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2005, at Bridges Care Community in Ada.
George Trafas
ST. PAUL -- George Trafas, age 84, a former resident of Little Falls, Minn., passed away Thursday, Jan. 20, 2005, at Our Lady of Good Counsel Home in St. Paul, Minn.
Lester Proctor
STAPLES -- Lester Proctor, age 86, of Staples, died Thursday night at the St. Cloud Hospital.
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.
George M. Trafas
ST. PAUL -- George M. Trafas, age 84, a former resident of Little Falls, Minn., passed away Thursday, Jan. 20, 2005, at Our Lady of Good Counsel in St. Paul, Minn.
Robert A. Derhaag
HOLDINGFORD -- Robert A. Derhaag, 68, Holdingford, died Thursday, Jan. 20, 2005, at his residence.
Howard O. Johnson
PINE RIVER -- Howard Orville Johnson, age 91, of Pine River, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2005, at St. Joseph's Medical Center of Brainerd.
Kenneth E. Houg
PINE RIVER -- Kenneth Earl Houg was born Nov. 10, 1916, in Ringstead, Iowa, to Marius and Minna (Christensen) Houg. Ken moved to Pine River in November of 1916, at the age of two weeks, and Pine River remained his home until he entered the VA Medical Center in St. Cloud in June of 2004. He graduated from school in Pine River.
Anna Louise Boots
PINE RIVER -- Anna Louise Boots, age 94, of Pine River, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2005, at Whispering Pines Good Samaritan Center in Pine River.
Deloris E. Neumann
Deloris E. Neumann, age 74, of Brainerd, died Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2005, at St. Cloud Hospital. Services will be Monday at 11 a.m. at Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter. Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. Sunday at Brenny Funeral Chapel.
Deloris E. Neumann
Deloris E. Neumann, age 74, of Brainerd, died Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2005, at St. Cloud Hospital. Funeral services will be Monday, Jan. 24, 11 a.m., at Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter with Captain Gene Harris officiating. Friends may visit Sunday, Jan. 23, from 2-4 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be at Oakland Cemetery.
VOX POP
I would like to know if any local organizations will be putting a call out for clothing to ship to tsunami victims? I know my family has summer-type clothes we no longer need and we'd love to send it to where the needs are so great.
What do you think?
Write us a letter or send us an e-mail
Open Forum
In response to the bellyaching because Brainerd schools weren't closed or delayed this past Friday, I have one word -- tough.
Stay in touch with senators, representatives in St. Paul
Rep. Paul Gazelka.
OUR OPINION: IPODS
Apple's obituary -- and postmortem for that matter -- has been written repeatedly. The iconic maker of easy-to-use, beautifully designed computers seemed to relegate itself to the dustbin of history by failing to play with others in the "Wintel" universe inhabited by Microsoft, Intel and its PC licensees. Apple notoriously opted not to license its operating system and so remained in its own, ever-shrinking technical cul-de-sac. Apple devotees, smug in the knowledge that they had chosen more elegant machines, came to be seen as self-indulgent dilettantes by Wintel's huddled masses.
Open Forum: Legislature should reject Baxter sales tax
No one should find it unusual that Baxter voters approved a local sales tax. They would be foolish not to. To get funding for all those projects, water and waste-water infrastructure and have most of it paid for by non-Baxter residents. What a great deal! Darrel, I want a new garage, would you please pay for it? This is exactly what you are asking us to do. Brainerd area residents need to realize what is happening and contact your state legislators to oppose this. Oh, you don't think it will cost you much? If the contractor on your building project buys material at Home Depot, Fleet Farm or Menards, do you think the contractor will eat the extra cost? I urge our state legislators to oppose this.
Ever eat a squirrel?
Brunswick Stew
Road salt vs. nature Study examines salt's impact on mountain lakes and trees
LAKE PLACID, N.Y. (AP) -- On the far side of the Cascade Lakes, paper birches cling to the craggy flank of Cascade Mountain, rising steeply from the water's edge.
Lone Angler
A lone angler staked out his fishing spot Saturday hours before the 15th annual Brainerd Jaycees $150,000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza began on Gull Lake.
Another cold winter brings another invasion of great gray owls
As the day was drawing to a close and the pale winter sun was slipping below the black line of the horizon, a bobbing branch caught my eye. In the descending dusk, a silhouette of a rounded mass of feathers swayed in a tall aspen. I recognized the outline of a great gray owl, the first I had ever seen in the wild. Several miles down the road I spotted another one.
Outdoors Calendar
19-23 -- Minneapolis Boat Show, Minneapolis Convention Center
Wintry mix
Other than an unusually late start, ice fishing in the north country has followed traditional patterns this winter, reports from area anglers indicate.
A different kind of shed
No, I'm not going to tell you how to find the best shed for your backyard. The sheds I'm writing about are the ones dropped by whitetail bucks, though in rare instances a doe is found with a nice rack.
Small game seasons run through February
Your deer license and pheasant stamp expired on Dec. 31, but that small game license in your wallet is still valid. In fact, for some small game enthusiasts the best two months of hunting are January and February.
DNR considers winter trout fishing in Aitkin County
A proposal to allow winter angling on Aitkin County trout lakes is under consideration by the DNR. If approved, opening the lakes would require rule changes, which would be identified in the DNR Minnesota Fishing Regulations publication.
DEREK AND NICOLE DIRLAM
Nicole Riederer and Derek Dirlam were married June 19, 2004, at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Baxter with the Rev. Darrell Pedersen officiating.
Betty Wallin
Betty Wallin, Nisswa, will celebrate her 75th birthday with an open house from 2-5 p.m. Jan. 30 at Christ Community Church in Nisswa. The event will be hosted by her children. No gifts please. She was born Jan. 30, 1930, in Minot, N.D.
Robert and Katherine Bowman
Robert and Katherine Bowman, Baxter, will celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary with their family. They were married Jan. 24, 1970, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Brainerd.
Cecelia Piasecki
Cecelia Piasecki will celebrate her 90th birthday with an open house from 1-4 p.m. Jan. 29 at the Brainerd VFW. Lunch will be served. No gifts please. She was born Jan. 26, 1915.
Duane and Jean Bjerkness and Carl and Jeanne Risnes
Duane and Jean Bjerkness and Carl and Jeanne Risnes will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversaries with an open house at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 29 at the Ironton American Legion.
Katie Beth Rakow and Jeremy Joseph Turner
Katie Beth Rakow and Jeremy Joseph Turner announce their engagement. Parents are Bill and Kathy Rakow, Merrifield, and Theresa Turner, Eagan, and John and Brenda Turner, Rush City. A May 21 wedding is planned at Zion Lutheran Church in Brainerd.
Shelby Lockwood and Jasen Hadley
Shelby Lockwood and Jasen Hadley announce their engagement. Parents are Barbara Cihlar, Carson City, Nev., and Brian Lockwood, Brainerd, and Tracy Hadley, Palisade, and Eva Vagner, Aitkin. A March 19 wedding is planned at Camp Ripley.
Guy and Mary Ann Wannebo
Guy and Mary Ann Wannebo, Manhattan Beach, recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with family and friends. They were married Jan. 19, 1945.
DAVID AND KATIE OTTO
Katie Moore and David Otto were married Sept. 4, 2004, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Crosby with Father Howard Eisel officiating.
Four generations
Four generations recently gathered in Mesa, Ariz., were Lydia Putnam, daughter; Diondra Putnam, mother; Donna Gottsch, grandmother; and Donald and Irene Green, great-grandparents.
We are all a part of the body of Christ
Remember ... we're part of the Body!
Church notes
Area teens and their parents are invited to participate in the "Ultimate Fear Factor" 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Crosslake Christian Assemblies of God. Included will be games based on the "Fear Factor" TV show.
Phone cards hang up on the 194th
Because of their remote base outside Baghdad, the soldiers of Company A, 1st Battalion, 194th Armor are not benefiting from calling cards.
UPS Store plays Cupid
The UPS Store in Brainerd is providing free first-class postage of 37 cents for one-ounce valentines and letters to U.S. military personnel stationed overseas or to veterans in VA hospitals.
Pillager deals Menahga first loss
PILLAGER -- Dominic Squires made a pair of free throws with 20 seconds left lifting the Pillager Huskies to a 50-48 Park Region Conference boys' basketball victory over previously unbeaten Menahga Thursday.
BHS boys triumph
DULUTH -- The Brainerd Warrior boys' Alpine skiing team won Thursday's Duluth East Invitational.
Smooth transition
Bryan Virnig showed his quickness by rushing for 42 yards and returning a punt 50 yards on the Metrodome turf in the Pierz Pioneers Class 2A state semifinal victory Nov. 19.
Sports shorts
The event will feature more than 500 Alpine ski racers. Information on teams and race times may be found at www.welchvillage.com.
Pioneers win pair
PIERZ -- Hank Virnig picked up two pins at 112 pounds to help Pierz to a 61-9 win over Royalton and a 71-6 win over Pequot Lakes in the Pioneers' triangular Thursday.
Upcoming sporting events
Saturday
Upcoming sporting events
Saturday
Little Falls flies past Apollo
ST. CLOUD -- Shae Tabatt won the floor exercise and finished second in the bars, beam and the all-around behind teammate Danielle Atkinson to help the Little Falls Flyers to a 135.475-123.35 Central Lakes Conference win over St. Cloud Apollo Thursday.
BHS, Carlson blank Apollo
The Brainerd Warriors boys' hockey teams has struggled against teams with under .500 records and teams they thought they should have dominated.
Putting on the pressure
Brainerd Warriors senior Lucas Brick (24) applied pressure to Dan Beasley of the Bemidji Lumberjacks Thursday in Brainerd. Brainerd Dispatch/Clint Wood
Foster's 24 lead Pequot Lakes
PEQUOT LAKES -- Flecia Foster scored 24 points, Kristin Willer 16 and Chelsa Schwegel 10 to lead the unbeaten and second-ranked Pequot Lakes Patriots past the Pine River-Backus Tigers 55-31 in Mid-State Conference Thursday.
Warrior girls 11th at nation's largest meet
WELCH -- The Brainerd Warrior girls' team placed 11th in Friday's Welch Village Invitational, the nation's largest high school Alpine skiing race.
Scoreboard
Area events
Name that bird
Will the Eagles or the Falcons prevail? And will the Patriots return to the Super Bowl or will the Steelers take a turn?
Overtime payoff
Coaches love to watch their teams respond positively to adversity and see them in action when the chips are stacked against them.
Blue Thunder sign another local player
The Brainerd Blue Thunder will have a hometown flavor when it takes the field in June.
Mehr, Tyner lead Brainerd to win
The Brainerd Warriors boys' swimming and diving team won nine of the 12 events Thursday at Brainerd High School, including two individual wins by Andrew Mehr and Nate Tyner to beat the Sauk Rapids-Rice Storm 99-82.
Miss Versatility
Mel Waytashek's strength on the basketball court is the fact she doesn't really have a weakness.
Warriors lose Hanson, game
A 4-1 loss to the St. Cloud Apollo-Cathedral Icebreakers was costly for the Brainerd Warriors in a few ways.
Twins Caravan to stop in Little Falls Monday
The Twins Winter Caravan will arrive in the Little Falls area on Monday and will include Twins broadcaster Bert Blyleven, third base coach Al Newman, catcher/DH Matthew LeCroy and infielder/outfielder Michael Cuddyer.
Freiday sparks Warriors
Maggie Freiday grabbed the all-around title to help the Brainerd Warriors gymnastics team to a 137.225-129.475 Central Lakes Conference victory over Sartell Thursday at Brainerd High School.
No dodging this trend
Brainerd Dispatch/Clint Wood Dan DeChaine (left), Wade Haapajoki and Derek Schmeck will be among the dodgeball players in the Brainerd YMCA league.
Finding family friendly fun
As president of Activision Publishing, Kathy Vrabeck helps promote and develop games like "Doom 3," "Tony Hawk's Underground 2" and "Call of Duty."
A look at games available for Nintendo DS
The Nintendo DS is unique among handheld video game systems. With built-in Wi-Fi and two screens (one of them touch sensitive), the challenge now is for game makers to take advantage of these features.
Media Center computers emerge as living room contenders
Led by Microsoft Corp., the computer industry has been trying for years to invade the living room with PCs designed to serve up TV, music, home movies and photos. So far, the makers of standalone set-top boxes have held their ground both in desired features and price.
Digital audio aims for the mass market
LAS VEGAS -- Ten thousand songs in your pocket. Millions of tunes on the Internet at your fingertips. And books on tape -- they're going down the path of vinyl records.
The biggest ski runs, with some cowboy culture on the side
JACKSON, Wyo. -- Bleary-eyed skiers and snowboarders clambered into Teton Village's distinctive red tram car for its opening run, squinting as they glanced up at fresh snow sparkling under the morning sun.
Send us your vacation photos
Do you have a favorite vacation photo? Send your slides, prints or digital files to:
Snow reports can be text messaged to your cell phone
BOULDER, Colo. (AP) -- Do you need to know about the snow?
Favorite Vacation Photo
Calvin and Elaine Martin of Pillager were vacationing in Texas and had this picture taken at the Falcon Dam area on the Rio Grande River that borders the United States and Mexico.
State forecast for Minnesota
.Winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories in effect
Area digs out from yet another snowfall
Friday's snowfall added to what is looking like a traditional Minnesota winter with both deep freezes and high snowbanks.
Many Minnesotans out shoveling and plowing
The snow finally arrived in central Minnesota with a storm that began Friday and tapered off Saturday morning, leaving high winds to blow several inches of snow around and make travel dangerous in parts of the state.
Wisconsin state forecast
Heavy snow warning northwest wisconsin this afternoon and tonight...
State forecast for South Dakota
Winter weather advisory northeast until 11 am...
More snow
Weather drawing by Molly Palm of Ms. Ziegler's fourth grade class at Nisswa school.
State forecast for Iowa
...Blizzard warning north central iowa until noon...
System from Canada brings snow, rain to Plains
The Plains saw scattered snow, sleet and rain Friday, while light snow fell in the Carolinas and coastal Virginia and light rain dampened parts of the Southwest.
State forecast for North Dakota
...Winter weather and wind chill advisories until noon cst eastern
Winter wonderland
Weather drawing by Troy Lenz in the Baxter School third-grade class of Mrs. Brenny.
Snowstorm snarls Twin Cities traffic, closes stretch of I-94
One of the biggest snowstorms of the season blanketed parts of Minnesota on Friday, stalling rush-hour traffic in the Twin Cities and shutting down a major interstate and other highways in western Minnesota.
State forecast for Minnesota
...Blizzard warning this morning for portions of northwest...West
Wisconsin state forecast
Winter weather advisories for portions of northwest and west central wisconsin through this afternoon...
State forecast for N.D.
Winter storm warning through tonight east...
State forecast for Iowa
Winter storm warning this afternoon through saturday afternoon
State forecast for S.D.
Winter storm warning northeast through saturday morning...
WHAT'S DOING
BACKUS -- Backus American Legion winter and spring activities include card games, twice-weekly bingo and the return of the once-a-month Sunday breakfast.
Brainerd dance team set to compete Saturday
The Brainerd dance team will compete in kick and jazz at noon Saturday at the Wayzata Dance Team Invitational.
Chamber to host winter auction
BREEZY POINT -- The Brainerd Lakes Area Chambers of Commerce is hosting its Winter Auction, titled "Keep the Chamber in the Black."
Arthritis Foundation chapter plans walks in Brainerd lakes area
The Arthritis Foundation North Central Chapter announced it is more than tripling its number of arthritis walks in 2005.
Headwaters group to meet Monday
The Headwaters Users and Landowners Association will meet 7 p.m. Monday at the Brainerd Public Library.
ORGANIZATIONS
Brainerd Jaycees