Thursday, February 20, 2003
Ten guessed it
Last week's "Guess the car" may have either stumped readers or I sure hope they haven't lost interest already.
BHS honor students listed
The following is the Brainerd High School honor roll for first semester:
Cash grain
MINNEAPOLI(AP) -- Wheat receipts Tuesday 260, a year ago 245.
Livestock
SOUTH ST. PAUL (AP) (USDA) -- Tuesday cattle estimate: 850. Last Tuesday: 875. Year ago Tuesday: 702. Monday actual: 484.
Chicken, Mojo potatoes make tasty, low-fat meal
If you enjoy Mojo potatoes but hate all the calories that come with them, then you will enjoy this week's recipe served with fat-free sour cream just as I do.
Fires
The Brainerd Fire Department responded to a garage fire at 7:03 a.m. today, about five miles south of Brainerd off Highway 25.
How to reach your Minnesota legislators
Rep. Dale Walz, R-Brainerd, District 12A
Study: Asbestos explains lung cancer in Minnesota mine workers
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Commercial asbestos exposure rather than taconite dust is the most likely explanation for the occurrence of lung cancer among northeastern Minnesota iron mine workers, according to a state Health Department study.
St. Cloud State building renovated to accommodate more students
ST. CLOUD (AP) -- Another 100 students will be able to live on campus at St. Cloud State University this autumn following a face-lift of Lawrence Hall, the oldest building on campus.
Record number of people attend Family Fun Night at Emily Charter School
EMILY -- The "I Love to Read Celebration" last Thursday at Emily Charter School's Family Fun Night drew more than 165 people, breaking all earlier Family Fun Night attendance records.
CLC offers welding short course for those interested in welding project
STAPLES -- The Customized Training Department at Central Lakes College will present a short course titled "Welding Projects and More" on four Monday nights, Feb. 24-March 17, in Staples.
Cass makes change before adopting land use ordinance changes
WALKER -- The Cass County Board made one change to the proposed land use ordinance amendments before approving them Tuesday.
Students experiment with space travel
As tragedy shakes and rattles the nation's grip on space exploration, a few students remain motivated to reach the thin air of the outer atmosphere.
Heritage Award presented to Berger and Maryon Aulie
A Margaret Kinnunen Award, established by the Northern Lights Tourism Alliance to recognize outstanding achievements in heritage tourism development, was presented to Berger and Maryon Aulie for their efforts to document and preserve the heritage of the Cuyuna Range.
Cass votes to support efforts of two other agencies
WALKER -- There were split votes Tuesday when the Cass County Board voted to support efforts of two other agencies.
Staples Motley Community Education announces upcoming quilting classes
STAPLES -- Staples Motley Community Education offers the following quilting classes. Call (218) 894-2497 to register.
CLC offers cultural understanding course at Staples
STAPLES -- A one-day course that has proven helpful in cultural understanding will be offered on the Staples campus of Central Lakes College.
Area briefs
DEERWOOD -- The Deerwood-Bay Lake Senior Citizens Club will hold its monthly potluck and meeting at noon Feb. 26 in the Deerwood American Legion Clubrooms.
Cass assessor explains changes seen over past 20 years
WALKER -- Not since 1987 have Cass County Assessing Department appraisers handled as few as the 3,900 recommended parcels per appraiser, said Assessor Steve Kuha.
Cass board approval needed to hire people
WALKER -- Anticipating state aid cuts to local governments, the Cass County Board Tuesday set a moratorium on hiring any county employees without board approval.
Cass reluctant to budget for economic development
WALKER -- Cass County Administrator Robert Yochum reported to the county board Tuesday six possible ways the county might help fund economic development. The board does not view any of these options as likely to be used this year.
Cass attorneys concerned about deed transfers
WALKER -- A group of area attorneys approached the Cass County Board Tuesday to contest the county's policy of requiring some zoning issues to be resolved before a property transfer deed can be recorded.
Cass to advertise for bids for road projects
WALKER -- The Cass County Board Tuesday authorized County Engineer David Enblom to advertise for bids for this summer's road construction projects.
For first time in six years, Cass out-of-home child placement costs drop
WALKER -- Efforts to control out-of-home child care placement costs paid off in Cass County during 2002.
Parenting skills course offered in Staples
STAPLES -- A parenting skills course for families with adolescent children, "Parenting -- Who's Raising the Family?" will be offered 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. March 10 in Room 103 at Staples Motley High School. Cost is $5. Call Staples Motley Community Education at (218) 894-2497 to register.
Get first-rate bargain at secondhand store
PEQUOT LAKES -- Dana and Kim Firkus love a good bargain.
Emily school to host childhood screenings
EMILY -- Emily Charter School will hold early childhood screenings for Head Start, pre-kindergarten children and kindergartners 8 a.m. to noon March 7 and April 4. The screenings are all free of charge.
Search continues
TROMMALD -- The renewed search of the Virginia Mine Pit Lake for the body of 21-year-old Erika Dalquist continues today.
Cass approves deal to house inmates in Aitkin County
WALKER -- The Cass County Board approved a one-year contract agreement Tuesday with Aitkin County to board at least five inmates a day at a cost of $48 per inmate per day.
Pierz woman hurt in car-train crash
LITTLE FALLS -- An 18-year-old Pierz woman suffered minor injuries after the vehicle she was in struck a train at the intersection of Paul Larson Drive and Highway 27 in Little Falls.
Brainerd decides to proceed with plan
With a tie vote, the Brainerd City Council president had to cast a deciding vote Tuesday night on an issue surrounding the future look of Brainerd and costs versus benefits.
Brainerd to try to curb health care costs
The Brainerd City Council will look at alternatives to current health care in an effort to reduce health insurance costs.
Dehen, Olson exchange words
The gavel fell just once in the Brainerd Council Chamber Tuesday night as a discussion of the city's transportation coordinator ranged beyond his recent resignation.
Trash to treasures
A longtime antiques collector now sells wares at a co-op in Royalton. Look for her story Thursday in Tempo.
Mall business wins extension from council
BAXTER -- A Baxter eatery had its food license revoked by the city Tuesday for failing to pay state unemployment taxes, but the Baxter City Council decided to give the owner 30 days before it will shut the business down.
DeRosier trial begins with opening statements
Crow Wing County Attorney Don Ryan this morning told jurors the evidence will prove Joshua DeRosier killed his grandparents.
Videotape of crime scene brings tears from family of Bieganeks
Visually graphic and disturbing to the family members in the courtroom Wednesday, a videotape was played for jurors of the crime scene, including the bodies of Ted and Angie Bieganek in their bed.
ACE ACADEMIC
From teaching herself to read at 4 to skipping a grade in junior high, Kirstin Dunham, a Brainerd High School senior, has accomplished many academic feats.
Summer color
Summer-like color, tropical breezes and green leafy plants do not have to come with a plane ticket. See in Friday's Housing section how a Backus man created summer during mid-winter in his home.
Local briefs
It's bad news for sled dog owners who hoped to compete in the Northern Heritage Run amateur sled dog race on Saturday at the Northland Arboretum.
Baxter won't talk about superstore until EAW returned
BAXTER -- If Wal-Mart superstore protesters or supporters attended Tuesday's Baxter City Council meeting, they were sorely disappointed.
Mississippi Headwaters Board fears cuts
WALKER -- The Mississippi Headwaters Board and its specialized zoning program to locally manage land along the Upper Mississippi face uncertainty because of potential state and local funding cuts this year.
New witness in DeRosier case
A newly discovered witness was found just days before Joshua DeRosier was to go on trial facing two counts of first-degree murder.
Baxter seeks sales tax
BAXTER -- The Baxter City Council voted Tuesday to send a draft resolution to area state lawmakers requesting that the city be authorized by the Legislature to impose a 1/2 percent local sales tax.
Local briefs
Three area dance teams, along with the Brainerd Warriors Dance Team, will travel to the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul Friday to compete in the 2003 State Girls' Dance Team Tournament.
New evidence to be admitted
It was learned late this morning that as part of a motion hearing Friday, Crow Wing District Court Judge David Ten Eyck ruled that newly discovered evidence, on a limited basis, will be admissible during the Joshua DeRosier trial.
This was Brainerd
FEBRUARY 20 - 80 years ago (1923) - Brainerd Rotary Club No. 945 on Tuesday evening celebrated the 18th anniversary of Rotary with an inspiring banquet at the Ransford Hotel.
City eyes snow removal for possible cuts
One reaction to budget cuts may have Brainerd drivers navigating snow windrows in downtown Brainerd for longer periods.
Today marks last day of search for Dalquist in lake
TROMMALD -- Today will be the last day of the renewed search of the Virginia Mine Pit Lake for the body of 21-year-old Erika Dalquist.
Koering unveils bill to shield turtle races from DNR action
Unhappy with the DNR's stance on laws affecting turtle races, Sen. Paul Koering, R-Fort Ripley, introduced legislation today that would permit the tourist-drawing events to continue as usual.
Local briefs
A spaghetti benefit dinner set tonight to raise funds for the National Guard Family Support Network affiliated with troops based in Brainerd will have additional speakers.
Walter A. Reyer
MOTLEY -- Walter A. Reyer, 87, Motley, died Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2003, at Greater Staples Care Center.
Pauline Doucette
LITTLE FALLS -- Pauline Doucette, 92, Little Falls, died Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2003, at St. Cloud Hospital.
Walter A. Reyer
MOTLEY -- Walter Albert Reyer, 87, Motley, died Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2003, at Greater Staples Care Center.
Dolores A. Allen
WASECA -- Dolores A. Allen, 77, Waseca, died Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2003, at the Waterville Good Samaritan Center.
Myrtle L. Tessmer
Myrtle L. Tessmer, 82, Brainerd, died Monday, Feb. 17, 2003, at St. Joseph's Medical Center.
Violet 'Lila' Rockwood
LITTLE FALLS -- Violet "Lila" Rockwood, 83, Little Falls, died Sunday, Feb. 16, 2003, at Lutheran Care Center in Little Falls.
Correction/clarification
In an obituary for Edna Mae Pikula on Page 5A Monday, the service time was listed incorrectly.
Myrtle L. Tessmer
Myrtle L. Tessmer, 82, Brainerd, died Monday, Feb. 17, 2003, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd.
Sister Mary Assumpta Ahles
LITTLE FALLS -- Sister Mary Assumpta Ahles, 100, Little Falls, died today, Feb. 20, 2003, at the St. Francis Convent.
Luella M. Kleinschmidt
Luella M. Kleinschmidt, 82, Brainerd, died Monday, Feb. 17, 2003, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd.
Correction
An obituary for Barbara Joan Knutson on Page 5A Wednesday should have listed a surviving brother as Robert Steller, Kingsland, Ga.
Doris M. Carlson
GULL LAKE -- Doris Mae Carlson, 74, Gull Lake, died Monday, Feb. 17, 2003, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.
Barbara J. Knutson
BENSON -- Barbara Joan Knutson, 62, Benson, died Monday, Feb. 17, 2003, at Benson Swift County Hospital.
John 'Jack' R. Eisbrenner
HACKENSACK -- John "Jack" R. Eisbrenner, 69, Hackensack, died Monday, Feb. 17, 2003, at St. Cloud Hospital.
A bright spot
Call it the February blahs. Winter has lost its charm. The economy is troubled. War is on the horizon. The Vikings are making headlines for the wrong reason while the once lowly Tampa Bay Buccaneers are NFL champions.
Let's keep them out
As I listen to the debate about superstores, the 'let 'em in' argument sounds very familiar. I've said the same things. I've used the same arguments with the "keep 'em out" people. But I listened, too. I asked hard questions.
Open Forum
War, everyone agrees, should always be the absolute last resort. Instead, the Bush administration has barely been able to mask its glee for war.
Common sense
How many families have had to adjust their lifestyles to smaller incomes during the past year? How many companies have had to find ways to deliver the same services with fewer people?
Open Forum
Are you a capitalist? A free-market fan? Do you believe competition ensures consumer choice? If you answered yes then I have the activity for you! Be all you can be working to say no to the superstore! In this exciting endeavor you'll learn well-researched facts to enlighten others.
Following through on a dream
The tragedy of the recent shuttle disaster should not be allowed to inspire discouragement in any American. What makes an astronaut, is someone who has the
Vox Pop
Vox Pop, voice of the people, publishes Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Submissions are limited to 100 words.
McCombs expresses concern in letter about Arctic Blast
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The Minnesota Vikings are "very concerned" about a charity event where two sexual assaults were reported and are taking a critical look at improving the Arctic Blast event in the future, according to Vikings owner Red McCombs.
Battle begins over Pawlenty budget
ST. PAUL -- He warned it would hurt.
Education officials gloomy about Pawlenty's budget
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Education administrators warned of painful cuts ahead after seeing Gov. Tim Pawlenty's proposed budget for the next two years.
Reaction
"We are not on the ropes. We are not destined to fail. Brighter days will come if you make the tough decisions now." -- Gov. Tim Pawlenty.
A closer look
Some highlights of Gov. Tim Pawlenty's $28.1 billion budget proposal:
Tractor chase in Herman
HERMAN (AP) -- A convicted felon took a gigantic tractor on a joyride Tuesday, eluding authorities for nearly two hours on rural roads in western Minnesota and northeastern South Dakota.
Scoreboard
WOMEN'S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Raiders blast Itasca
Someone once said, "What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger."
Full-court defense carries CLC women
Like Popeye needing a can of spinach, the Central Lakes College Raiders women's basketball team needed something to get its engines revved up and its pistons firing.
Spuds take 63-46 victory
MOORHEAD -- Megan Arns scored 20 points for the Brainerd Warriors girls' basketball team, but it was the Moorhead Spuds coming away victorious 63-46 Tuesday in a possible Section 8, Class 4A preview.
Local shorts
Makeup dates for broomball games postponed earlier this season have been set for Saturday at the Gold Medal Arena.
Smetana, Santi smother Tigers in girls' basketball
PINE RIVER -- Whitney Smetana's 14 points and Heather Santi's 10 pushed the Crosby-Ironton Rangers to a 54-31 Mid-State Conference girls' basketball victory over the Pine River-Backus Tigers Tuesday.
Scoreboard
WOMEN'S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Brainerd boys washed away by 3A's top team
SAUK RAPIDS -- Derek Levno scored 19 points and Justin Mueller added 16 as the Brainerd Warriors boys' basketball fell to Class 3A's top ranked Sauk Rapids Storm 61-52 in Central Lakes Conference action Tuesday.
Laporte nips LRCS boys
BAXTER -- Laporte nipped the Lake Region Christian School Hornets 58-57 in overtime in boys' basketball Tuesday.
Patriots prevail in Mid-State
WADENA -- The Pequot Lakes Patriots erased a nine-point first quarter deficit to defeat the Wadena-Deer Creek Wolverines 63-60 in Mid-State Conference boys' basketball Tuesday.
WARRIOR ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Kyle Goochey's 20th-place finish at the 2000-01 Alpine skiing state meet was the highest attained by a Brainerd Warrior.
Dolphin swim team competes in sectionals
The Brainerd YMCA Dolphins swim team hosted the Northern Sectional meet at Brainerd High School Feb. 9.
Brainerd can't stop Greenway's Corey Carlson
COLERAINE -- Corey Carlson entered the Section 7, Class 2A boys' hockey playoffs having scored more than 50 points.
Flyers upset W-DC in playoff hockey
WADENA -- Bo Corrow scored two goals and goaltender Aaron Jorgenson secured 25 shots as fifth-seeded Little Falls Flyers upset the fourth-seeded Wadena-Deer Creek Wolverines 4-1 in Section 4, Class 1A boys' hockey Tuesday.
Brainerd floor hockey team gives up 7-3 loss to Rochester
BLOOMINGTON -- Ashley Demo posted two goals and four saves as the Brainerd Warriors fell to Rochester 7-3 in adapted floor hockey on Tuesday.
HOCKEY HOTBED
COLERAINE -- One benefit of being assigned to Section 7, Class 2A in boys' hockey is the opportunity to play in tradition-rich locations like Hodgins-Berardo Memorial Arena, home of the Greenway High School Raiders.
Warrior gymnasts set sights higher
The Brainerd Warriors gymnastics team is in search of a magic potion to break the sixth-place spell it has been under as it travels to St. Paul Friday for the Class 2A state gymnastics meet.
South St. Paul rides 55-game winning streak into tourney
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The North St. Paul girls hockey team is a confident bunch these days.
Wolves streak past Nuggets
DENVER (AP) -- With Wally Szczerbiak near full strength and Kevin Garnett at the top of his game, the Minnesota Timberwolves are surging.
Rangers click
ST. PAUL (AP) -- As the New York Rangers head for the stretch drive determined to snap a five-year playoff drought, line combinations are sure to be of primary importance.
Gardy cooking up a joke
FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) -- Minnesota manager Ron Gardenhire is a notorious practical jokester, but he hasn't pulled any of his big pranks yet this spring.
Players live life on the edge
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Four Minnesota Twins lingered in a near-empty clubhouse Wednesday, speaking Spanish and laughing loudly while sitting at a long table in the middle of the room.
Burleson provides lift
EVANSTON, Ill. (AP) -- The clock was moving achingly slow and Minnesota's lead was disappearing far too fast for Kevin Burleson.
What's hot in antiques and collectibles
Antique seller Carol Chisholm listed what's hot in antiques and collectibles
Performers sought for summer Concerts in the Park in Little Falls
LITTLE FALLS -- The Great River Arts Association is scheduling its ninth annual season of summer Concerts in the Park and something new at the Great River Arts Center an Open Mic Night.
Great River Strings Ensemble to stage two shows
The Great River Strings Ensemble will present its winter concert, "Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue," at 7:30 p.m. March 1 at Cascade United Methodist Church in Deerwood, and 2 p.m. March 2 at St. James Catholic Church in Aitkin.
Art classes for kids offered in Little Falls
LITTLE FALLS -- The Great River Arts Association is offering three art classes for kids taught by Deb Vander Eyk.
Nominations due for Distinguished Artist Award
MINNEAPOLIS -- The McKnight Foundation is accepting nominations for its sixth Distinguished Artist Award in recognition of individual artists with enduring and exceptional careers.
Area publisher receives scholarship
Eunice Wiebolt, author and owner of Romarin Publishing Co., Brainerd, received a full scholarship to the 2003 Publishing College by Publishers Marketing Association.
Rock the town
Two Midwest powerhouse bands will rock the Blue Ox in downtown Brainerd next week.
Beadwork is topic of Indian museum workshops
ONAMIA -- Beadwork is a common and traditional art form used by the Ojibwe people to decorate clothing and regalia.
Director creates turntable style stage platform for Pequot play 'Mister Roberts'
PEQUOT LAKES -- It may look like a giant, wooden lazy Susan right now, but just wait until opening night.
Celebrate Van Gogh's 150th birthday in New York Mills
NEW YORK MILLS -- The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center will host the one-man theatrical performance "Vincent" by Leonard Nimoy to commemorate Vincent Van Gogh's 150th birthday.
Entertainment Guide
For week of Feb. 20-26; bands perform from 9 p.m. to close with no cover unless otherwise noted.
Rippleside students to give arts program
AITKIN -- Fifth-grade students at Rippleside Elementary School in Aitkin will present an arts program at 1:30 p.m. Feb. 28 in the Rippleside new gymnasium.
Tempo tidbits
Michael Hart, a senior at Concordia College, Moorhead, and the son of Ronald and Arlene Hart of Baxter, is participating in the Concordia College Band Tour.
CLC jazz, brass ensembles to perform winter concert
The Central Lakes College jazz and brass ensembles will perform their winter concert at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Chalberg Theatre on the Brainerd campus.
Bluegrass singer Schlegel to perform in Brainerd
The Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association will host the Becky Schlegel Band at 7:30 p.m. March 8 at the Paul Bunyan Nature Learning Center near Brainerd.
Millot to be guest skater at Vacationland Figure Skating Club's annual ice show
Brainerd's Vacationland Figure Skating Club will present its 28th annual show March 1 and 2 at the Brainerd Area Civic Center.
Sons of Norway to host Centennial Celebration
The Sons of Norway Sagatan #18 will host a Centennial Celebration at 12:30 p.m. Saturday at the Brainerd National Guard Armory.
Lorrie Morgan to return to Grand Casino Mille Lacs
ONAMIA -- Lorrie Morgan, who performed to a sold-out house at Grand Casino Mille Lacs last March, is coming back for two shows April 3 and 4 at the Grand Casino Mille Lacs Events & Convention Center.
BHS orchestra concert to benefit Kinship Partners
The Brainerd High School orchestras will give their winter concert at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Tornstrom Auditorium, Washington Middle School, Brainerd.
From trash to treasures
ROYALTON -- For most travelers on Highway 10, the stoplight in Royalton is a royal pain. City folks racing north to the lake country or those heading south don't welcome the wait.
TV productions class helps Dobson become better organized
Brainerd High School junior Adam Dobson has become much better at meeting deadlines.
Area singers for 'Messiah' sought
Singers are wanted for Handel's "Messiah, The Easter Celebration."
Nisswa Lions renovating restrooms for community center addition
NISSWA -- The Nisswa Lions have begun renovating the men's and women's restrooms at the Nisswa Community Center.
An old-fashioned Nisswa Gazebo dedication set
NISSWA -- The Nisswa Chamber of Commerce will dedicate the city's new landmark on Main Street at noon June 7.
Nisswa hosts annual Winter Jubilee
NISSWA -- Despite a lack of snow, Nisswa's annual Winter Jubilee was held last weekend and included the annual snow sculpture contest.
Free income tax help offered in Cass County
Volunteers in Cass County have been trained and certified by the Internal Revenue Service and state of Minnesota to help people prepare federal and state income tax returns, as well as Minnesota property tax or renter's refunds.
Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway float takes first place in parade
Struttin' your stuff -- it's the mission of parades. Here in Minnesota we have parades any time of year. Maybe we're better strutters than most.
Nisswa Winter Jubilee
This snow sculpture took second place at the Nisswa Winter Jubilee.
Area briefs
HACKENSACK -- VFW Quartermaster Peter "Tuck" Geving welcomed new life members Richard Blackburn and Gary Phillips of the Walker VFW.
Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Partly cloudy. Highs in the 30s to the low 40s.
I wish it was summer
Weather drawing by Brad Pugh of Mr. Meyer's fourth grade class at Lowell school.
State forecast for South Dakota
Today...Mostly sunny. Highs in the 30s east to the 50s southwest.
State forecast for South Dakota
Today...Partly to mostly sunny. Patchy early morning fog east. Highs from around 40 northeast...To the mid to upper 50s south.
State forecast for North Dakota
T0day...Cloudy north...Increasing cloudiness south. A chance of light snow or freezing drizzle north spreading to the south by late afternoon. Temperatures north and east in the 20s and lower 30s this morning...Falling slowly late morning and afternoon. Highs southwest and south central in the 30s and lower 40s.
Minnesota state forecast
Today...Mostly cloudy north. A few flurries northeast. Partly to mostly sunny elsewhere. Highs in the mid 20s north to mid 30s south.
Iowa state forecast
Today...Mostly cloudy south this morning. Sunny otherwise. Highs in the upper 30s to upper 40s. Tonight...Mostly clear. Lows in the upper teens to upper 20s.
Minnesota state forecast
Today...Mostly cloudy north with scattered flurries in the afternoon. Mostly sunny south. Highs from the teens northwest to lower 50s far south.
State forecast for North Dakota
Today...Partly sunny and warmer. Highs around 30 northeast to the mid 40s southwest.
Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Partly to mostly sunny. Highs from the upper 30s to the mid 40s.
Iowa state forecast
Today...Sunny. Highs in the upper 40s to lower 50s. Tonight...Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 20s to lower 30s.
Under the winter sun
Weather drawing by Troy Bialka of Mrs. Ruen's first grade class at Baxter school.
What's doing
The Brainerd American Legion Post will serve the monthly pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon Sunday. Cost: $4.50. Bar bingo to follow.