Saturday, February 24, 2007
South from Alaska
LITTLE FALLS - Crackling sounds, not unlike the snap of heated popcorn, grew more intense as the coffee beans neared the end of their roasting time.
Deerwood bank seeks student for business venture in summer
First National Bank of Deerwood is seeking a student from Brainerd to sponsor at BestPrep's Minnesota Business Venture program this summer.
BBB announces 'Top 10' lists, predicts scams
The Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota is releasing its list of top 10 complaints and inquiries, as well as a prediction for scams in 2007.
She's happy to be back in Little Falls
LITTLE FALLS - When Cathy Norgren returned home to Little Falls, she brought a little of Alaska with her.
Business Notes
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans' North Central regional financial office announced Brian Lemieux, financial consultant, was named the regional office's top producer for 2006.
BIZ BUZZ
A Pequot Lakes fitness business has undergone a transformation into a 24-hour center.
Aitkin forestry work pays
AITKIN - For the Aitkin County Land Department, a forest management certification gained in 1997 was an investment in forestry. And now the county reports that same investment is translating into local business opportunities as well.
FORESTVIEW HONOR ROLL
The following students have been named to the second quarter honor roll at Forestview Middle School.
PILLAGER HONOR ROLL
The following students have been named to the honor roll at Pillager Public Schools.
LAKE REGION CHRISTIAN HONOR ROLL
The following students were named to the honor roll at Lake Region Christian School:
BHS SOUTH CAMPUS HONOR ROLL
The following students have been named to the first semester honor roll at Brainerd High School South Campus.
CLC PRESIDENT'S LIST
The following students were named to the first semester president's list at Central Lakes College:
CLC DEANS' LIST
The following students were named to the first semester dean's list at Central Lakes College:
Van burns
The Brainerd Fire Department was called at 3:28 p.m. Thursday to 1528 Timber Lane for a Ford van that caught fire.
Snowmobile burns in Baxter
The Brainerd Fire Department responded to a call at 8:20 a.m. Saturday to a snowmobile that caught on fire at a home on Birch Drive in Baxter .
Crow Wing County Board
Meets 8:30 a.m. Tuesday
BIRTHS
Reed and Tanya Reinbold, Henning, a boy, Jack Robert, 7 pounds, 6.5 ounces, Feb. 18, 2007.
SENIOR CALENDAR
LAKES AREA SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER
Special Crosslake council meeting planned Tuesday
CROSSLAKE - The Crosslake City Council will meet in a special session at 3 p.m. Tuesday at city hall.
Rash of vehicle break-ins in Baxter
BAXTER - There's been a rash of vehicle break-ins in Baxter in the past two weeks, Baxter Police Chief Jim Exsted said Friday.
MENUS
Monday B Breakfast bagel pizza, fruit, milk. L Mini corn dogs, tater tot potatoes, fresh veggies, pears.
Going 'Eco' in Aitkin
AITKIN - Aitkin County was the first public agency in the nation to have its forests certified by the Forest Stewardship Council back in 1997. Now it's finally been able to use its resources to build an ecological and affordable home.
Forestview Middle School is featured in magazine
BAXTER - Forestview Middle School in Baxter was featured in the American School and University's magazine of the 2006 Architectural Portfolio, an annual publication honoring education design excellence.
ASK A TROOPER: Volunteer fire/EMS lights on a private vehicle
Question: I am a volunteer fireman, and I have friends who are with EMS. Please tell us what the law is, on getting and using a red light on our own vehicle when we are responding to fire/EMS calls. Thanks!
An anxious dozen: They still await adult partners
Just about a year ago, the Brainerd Dispatch did a feature article about Kinship Partners and listed the names, ages and interests of all 53 children who were on our waiting list at that time. We received an outpouring of phone calls from people who were interested in becoming partnered with one of the children.
SUPPORT
Lakes Area Ecumenical Bereavement
MUCH OBLIGED
The 2007 School District Spelling Bees were recently held during January and February. I would like to thank the following people for helping me:
CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY
Brainerd Alateen
WHAT'S DOING
The Bethany Good Samaritan Auxiliary will hold its monthly meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday in the classrooms. Special guest will be Carrie Nelson from Home Health Care. The Gift and Goodies gift shop meeting is held at 9:30 a.m., prior to the Auxiliary meeting.
ORGANIZATIONS
Brainerd Jaycees
City's 'hoop houses' must go by June 1
For Brainerd residents who have put up a temporary structure, commonly called a "hoop house", on their property, more than likely it will have to be removed by June 1.
LOCAL BRIEFS
The Brainerd Family YMCA will sponsor a Teen Scene from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Friday for youth in fifth and sixth grades.
Township tradition threatened
March township elections, a longtime rural Minnesota tradition, may now be threatened by a state law and the possibility of increased election costs for townships that stick with the late winter tradition.
This was Brainerd
FEBRUARY 25 - 40 years ago (1967 - Fritz Loven, a longtime resident of Lake Shore Village was honored recently by the Lake Shore Rod and Gun Club for his outstanding service in conservation. He was presented a plaque in "grateful appreciation for a lifetime of conserving nature's wonders."
Team captain meeting set for Relay for Life
The team captain kickoff meeting for the Relay For Life will be 6 p.m. Monday at the Brainerd Public Library. Anyone interested in learning more about the Relay for Life is welcome to attend. For more information, call Sue Tiegs at 828-8882.
Hesner case in Ryan's hands
The investigative reports into the death of Nancy Lou Hesner, whose body was recovered Dec. 23 from Borden Lake, are in the hands of the Crow Wing County attorney.
Overheard
"I don't think it's right because the way it's going to turn out we have to revamp our schedules for our terms. Some of our terms would be extended. ... If it works why change it?"
This was Brainerd
FEBRUARY 23 - 100 years ago (1907) - George A. McKinley has made arrangements with parties with a lath and shingles mill, which is now being operated farther up the river, to move it to Brainerd the plant will employ at least 20 men.
Victim identified in house explosion
CORCORAN (AP) - The Hennepin County medical examiner confirmed Thursday that the body pulled from the ruins of a house that exploded in Corcoran was that of the missing homeowner.
20 years later, the memories burn brightly
Today, the south side of the 600 block of Laurel Street includes a city-owned parking lot flanked by the Blue Ox Bar and the Downtown Art and Frame Co.
Heavy snow to arrive for weekend
A large winter storm is poised to start throwing its weight around Friday afternoon and to keep coming - in surges - for two days.
Area organizations receive grants
LITTLE FALLS - The Initiative Foundation recently awarded 24 community grants totaling $114,900.
Man was visiting at a cabin up north
The 24-year-old Nisswa man who has been missing for a week was found alive Friday in northeastern Minnesota, Lake County Sheriff Carey Johnson said Saturday.
Product Recall Information
These recalls were issued from February 18 to February 22 by various Federal and State agencies.
Overheard
"I'm grateful to reporters for bringing this to our attention, but thoroughly disappointed we did not identify it ourselves."
Lakes area remains under winter storm warning
It looks like Minnesotans will have to get their driveways and sidewalks plowed and get their boots dusted off to get to work Monday.
Pickup truck belonging to missing man found
The Dodge Dakota pickup truck belonging to Ryan Christoffer Hamre, the 24-year-old Nisswa man missing since Saturday, has been found in Lake County in northeastern Minnesota.
Three finalists for merit scholarships
Three Brainerd High School seniors recently were named 2007 National Merit Scholarship finalists.
Correction
It was incorrectly reported in a front-page teaser Thursday that the Anoka-Ramsey women's basketball team was ranked fifth in the nation. A-R is currently ranked fourth.
She talks and walks Spanish
There's more behind the woman than what people see in Jan Kurtz of rural Fort Ripley.
Arthur D. Burt
DULUTH - Arthur D. Burt, age 78, resident of Duluth, died Saturday, Feb. 24, 2007, at St. Mary's Hospital in Duluth.
David A. Mogensen
BRANSON WEST, Mo. - Funeral services for David A. Mogensen, 63, Branson West, Mo., former owner and operator of a fishing resort in Backus, will be Monday, Feb. 26, at 11 a.m. in the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints, Branson.
Leona L. Meyer
VERNDALE - Leona L. Meyer, age 83, resident of Verndale, formerly of Brainerd, died Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2007, at the Lakewood Health System in Staples. Leona was born on Sept. 26, 1923, in Pierz, Minn., to Anton and Clara (Tschida) Veith.
Adella M. Bridgwater
AITKIN - Adella M. Bridgwater, 81, of Aitkin, died Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2007, at Riverwood Health Care Center, Aitkin.
Bernadette Tschida
Bernadette Tschida, age 59, resident of rural Brainerd, died Friday, Feb. 23, 2007, at St. Joseph's Medical Center.
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.
Ruth Babcock
Ruth Babcock, age 96, of Brainerd, passed away Friday evening, Feb. 23, 2007, at the Bethany Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd. Arrangements are pending with the Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter.
Clayton O. Berg
DEERWOOD - Clayton Omer Berg, 73, of Deerwood, died Feb. 22, 2007, at his home.
Randal Ruesken
AITKIN - Randal Ruesken, age 44, resident of Aitkin, died Friday, Feb. 23, 2007, at his home. Arrangements are with Nelson-Doran Funeral Home in Brainerd.
Leona L. Meyer
VERNDALE - Leona L. Meyer, age 83, resident of Verndale, formerly of Brainerd, died Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2007, at the Lakewood Health System in Staples.
Lisa A. Banks
AITKIN - Lisa Ann Banks, age 59, of Aitkin and Apache Junction, Ariz., formerly of Eveleth, Minn., died Monday, Feb. 19, 2007, at the Banner Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix.
Elaine Simmons
PINE RIVER - Elaine Simmons, age 79, of Pine River, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2007, at her home.
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.
George W. Hart
George W. Hart, age 79, lost his battle with heart disease on Feb. 14, 2007. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; and his three sisters, Elma, Ruth and Mary.
Sister Mary Theresa Kimlinger
LITTLE FALLS - Sister Mary Theresa Kimlinger, 89-year-old resident of St. Francis Convent in Little Falls, Minn., passed away on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2007, at her residence. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2007, at the St. Francis Convent Chapel in Little Falls, Minn.
Mary Marshik
PIERZ - Mary Marshik, age 97, of Pierz, Minn., passed away today, Friday, Feb. 23, 2007, at the North Ridge Care Center in New Hope, Minn. Funeral arrangements are pending with the Emblom-Brenny Funeral Service in Pierz, Minn.
Robert Chase
Robert Chase, of Brainerd, died Thursday, Feb. 22, 2007, in Denver. Arrangements are pending with the Brenny Funeral Chapel of Baxter.
Open Forum
In response to the Open Forum letter on Feb. 20.
VOX POP
When young athletes are taken out of school, such as the Brainerd Squirts were on Thursday and Friday to attend a tournament in Fargo, N.D., I question the wisdom of the hockey association, parents and coaches. Young people should be students first and athletes second and wonder if teachers and administrators are complacent by looking the other way? What message are these adults communicating to kids? To me, it seems like hockey is more important than school. I know there are tournaments closer to home and just on weekends and that Brainerd should only attend these events.
What do you think?
Write us a letter or send us an e-mail
Open Forum
President Theodore Roosevelt possessed the vision to begin creating the national forests. The Chippewa National Forest was created 1908, which reflects President Roosevelt's long-range plan. Great leaders, at all levels of government, possess vision, which often reaches beyond what a citizen may understand or comprehend.
Guest column: A school district's 'unsung heroes'
Members of a district's school board are oftentimes the "unsung heroes" of education. These citizen leaders, with regular "9 to 5" jobs outside of our schools, have chosen to dedicate their free time to ensure students receive a top-notch education and that staff receives the support essential in providing quality instruction.
OUR OPINION: TREES
For the record, this newspaper is in favor of trees. It's also in favor of motherhood, baseball and apple pie, but that's beside the point.
As ice fishing season nears an end, thoughts of gobbles enter the mind
A week on a secluded island in the Caribbean would be great right now, but after that I could spend the rest of the spring chasing wild turkeys.
OUTDOOR NOTES
When walleye season opens on Lake Mille Lacs on May 12 anglers can keep four walleyes measuring up to 20 inches, including one over 28 inches in the four-fish limit. Anglers must release all walleyes measuring from 20 to 28 inches.
Class of '95 lives on
WASKISH - The voice on the phone was familiar, but its urgency was not.
Red-bellied woodpeckers becoming more common in
the Brainerd lakes area
Nothing brings our house to life faster than spotting a bird or animal in the yard. We keep binoculars on the dining table and we're forever peeking out the window at the wildlife outside.
Nelson-Musel
Teresa Nelson and Nicholas Musel announce their engagement. Parents are Judy and William Nelson, Duluth, and Geralyn Musel, Brainerd. A March 3 wedding is planned at Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary.
Badger-Caughey
Mary Badger and Curtis Caughey announce their engagement. Parents are Rob and Celeste Badger, Baxter, and Mike and Bunny Caughey, Brainerd. A June 30 wedding is planned at St. Francis.
Barten-Cibuzar
Gina Barten and Greg Cibuzar announce their engagement. Parents are Fran Barten, New Prague, and the late Roman Barten, and Alan and Shellie Cibuzar, Brainerd. A May 11 wedding is planned in New Prague.
Hensel-Radniecki
Laura Kathleen Hensel and Matthew Ryan Radniecki announce their engagement. Parents are John and Kathy Hensel, Brainerd, and Mick and Sheila Miller, Baxter, and Curt and Lori Davis, Penryn, Calif. A winter wedding is planned in Brainerd.
Landborg-Schmitz
Stacy Jo Landborg and Joseph Mark Schmitz announce their engagement. Parents are Dennis and Merlynn Landborg, Aitkin, and Clarence Schmitz and Martha Schmitz, Roscoe. An April 28 wedding is planned at Paynesville Lutheran Church in Paynesville.
Pfeiffer-Bedard
Angela Pfeiffer and Louis Bedard announce their engagement. Parents are Morty and Brenda Hahn, Colman, S.D., Jim and Pam Pfeiffer, Sioux Falls, S.D., and Jim and Caren Bedard, Brainerd. A wedding is planned for 2008.
Five generations
Five generations recently gathered were Reese Molby, son; Aaron Franzen, father; John Franzen, grandfather; Jack Franzen, great-grandfather; and Vivian Franzen, great-great-grandmother.
Shatka-Borders
Serena Shatka and Eric Borders announce their engagement. Parents are Richard and Judy Shatka, Brainerd, and Tim and Naomi Borders, Pillager. A May 19 wedding is planned at Northland Arboretum in Baxter.
Endrizzi-Roux
Corrina Endrizzi and Staff Sgt. Mark Roux, who is currently stationed in Iraq, announce their engagement. Parents are Bob and Bonnie Endrizzi, Ironton, and Greg and Karen Roux, Barron, Wis. A private wedding is being planned when Mark comes home on leave with a reception to follow in December.
Johnson-Ketchum
Sara Johnson and Jon Ketchum announce their engagement. Parents are Jill and Dan Johnson, Coon Rapids, and Patricia and George Ketchum, Baxter. A June 23 wedding is planned in Coon Rapids.
25th anniversary
Dwight and Barb Soderman, Brainerd, will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary with an open house from 1-5 p.m. March 3 at Oak Lawn. The event will be hosted by their children.
Kasperson-Skaff
Christine Kasperson and Nathan Skaff announce their engagement. Parents are Dean and Lois (Gaalswyk) Kasperson, Willmar, and Sam and Laneil Skaff, Moorhead. A June 29 wedding is planned at Willmar Assembly of God.
Knudsen-Schmitz
Kelli Knudsen and Jason Schmitz announce their engagement. Parents are Jim and Sue Knudsen, Brainerd, and Allen and Sharon Schmitz, Belle Plaine. An Aug. 18 wedding is planned in Brainerd.
Fox-Stangl
Katie Fox and Michael Stangl announce their engagement. Parents are Richard and Doreen Fox, Pequot Lakes, and Clyde and Marlene Stangl, St. Cloud. A June 2 wedding is planned in Nisswa.
80th birthday
Lucille Schellin, Brainerd, will celebrate her 80th birthday with her family. She was born Feb. 25, 1927, in Brainerd.
CHURCH NEWS
WALKER - Living Water Church in Walker will launch a monthly all-music night worship event from 6-7 p.m. Sunday.
CLC loses, but still alive
WILLMAR - Megan Meyer scored 10 points, had six steals and pulled down five rebounds for the Central Lakes College Raiders as they were downed by the Anoka-Ramsey Golden Rams 62-35 in the quarterfinals of the Minnesota Community College Conference state tournament Friday.
Scoreboard
Area events
Scoreboard
Bowling
Hegman, Gobblers shoot down Isle
ISLE - Jase Hegman recorded a double-double Thursday as he scored 16 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to go with five blocked shots, leading the Aitkin Gobblers to a 72-66 Great River Conference victory over the Isle Huskies.
Adams has post prominence
In what could be a preview of the Section 7-2A girls' basketball final, Annie Adams made her presence felt.
Sheley, Tigers down Deer River 51-45
DEER RIVER - Taylor Sheley scored 25 points for the Pine River-Backus Tigers as they outscored Deer River 51-45 in non-conference girls' basketball Thursday.
Setting the bar high
One is capping her gymnastics career with her fifth trip to state. Her two state qualifying teammates hope to be able to make the same claim at that stage in their careers.
Raiders snap state tourney curse
MINNEAPOLIS - Seven really is a lucky number.
Fisher's play pleases fans
With a forceful dunk or an embarrassing rejection, Jesse Fisher causes crowds to go crazy.
Red-hot Rocori burns Warriors
Patience on offense. Tight defense. Minimize turnovers.
Cardinals fly past W-DC
MOTLEY - Caleb Nurnberger exploded for 30 points, including five 3-point baskets, as the Staples-Motley Cardinals rolled past the Wadena-Deer Creek Wolverines 81-61 in Mid-State Conference boys' basketball Friday.
Sophomore boys win
The Brainerd Warriors defeated Rocori 49-21 in sophomore boys' basketball Thursday.
Media may focus on wrestling for wrong reason
Minnesota's biggest, and one of its most unheralded, high school state tournaments becomes more expansive this week.
State-bound Raiders hope to get monkey off their back
The Central Lakes College men's basketball knows all about streaks. The Raiders ended the regular season winning nine of their last 11 games en route to a second-place finish in the North Division.
LOCAL SHORTS
The Brainerd Warriors junior varsity girls' basketball team lost to the Alexandria Cardinals 33-32 Friday.
Katie Kimman, Pierz easily rack up conference win
BELGRADE - Katie Kimman scored a game-high 27 points and grabbed seven rebounds to lead the Pierz Pioneers to a 54-45 Central Minnesota Conference girls' basketball victory over Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa Friday.
Brainerd prepped for playoffs
The Brainerd Warriors head into the Section 8-3A girls' basketball playoffs well tested.
UMD Alpine team qualifies for nationals
The University of Minnesota-Duluth Alpine ski team, which includes former Brainerd skier Kaitlyn Ziebell and three coaches from Brainerd, has qualified for the United States Collegiate Snowsports Association's National Championships.
At least the kids like the snow
Weather drawing by Megan Lewis in the Lowell second grade of Mrs. Larson.
State forecast for N.D.
Winter weather advisory for all of the central this afternoon...
State forecast for Iowa
Blizzard warning portions of east central iowa today and
State forecast for Minnesota
Winter storm watch statewide friday night through saturday night...
State forecast for S.D.
Winter storm watch northeast into east central friday night through saturday night...
Wisconsin state forecast
Winter storm watch friday night into saturday for all of western wisconsin...
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FORECAST FOR BRAINERD
Winter storm warning in effect until 6 p.m. Sunday.
State forecast for Iowa
Winter storm watch much of northern iowa friday night through
Wisconsin state forecast
Variety of winter storm watches and warnings this weekend...
Snow day
Weather drawing by Drue Fletcher of Mr. Meyer's fourth-grade class at Lowell school.
State forecast for S.D.
Winter storm warning central and east through sunday evening...
State forecast for N.D.
Winter storm watch far southeast friday night through saturday
State forecast for Minnesota
Winter storm warning in effect for the southern half of