Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Parent-teacher conferences planned
There will be parent-teacher conferences from 4-7 p.m. Thursday at Brainerd High School North Campus and South Campus.
Brainerd firefighters respond
Report at 4:30 p.m. Monday of a possible attic fire. Brainerd Fire Department responded and discovered smoke caused by a possible electrical fire.
BIRTHS
Adam and Jennifer (Hasskamp) Schneider, Aitkin, a girl, Audrianna Carol, 8 pounds, 9.1 ounces, March 1, 2009. Grandparents are Dennis and Teresa Hasskamp, Aitkin, and Mark and Jennifer Schneider, Knapp, Wis.
POLICE BLOTTER
BURGLARIES - Virgil Lundberg, 37900 block of South Arrowhead Drive, Pine River, Saturday reported a residence broken into and items missing.
Miss Brainerd Lakes contestants sought
Contestants for the 2009 Miss Brainerd Lakes Scholarship Pageant are now being sought. There will be an informational meeting at 3:30 p.m. Thursday at the Brainerd High School cafeteria.
POLICE BLOTTER
PROPERTY DAMAGE - A two-vehicle accident without injuries was reported Monday on the 7200 block of Glory Road when a parked vehicle rolled into another parked vehicle. Neither vehicle was occupied at the time.
LOCAL BRIEFS
WADENA - The Central Minnesota Horse Improvement Association will host Ask a Vet night at 7:30 p.m. March 11 at the Todd Wadena Electric Co-op building meeting room, west entrance, in Wadena.
DISSOLUTIONS
Aho, Michael J. and Amy M.
WARRIORS JUNIOR HIGH WRESTLING
The Brainerd Warriors junior high wrestling team placed second at the Park Rapids tournament Feb. 13. Earlier, Brainerd won the Paul Bunyan Invite.
AREA BRIEFS
STAPLES - The Staples Community Center is scheduling Red Cross instructor candidate training, Red Cross lifeguard training, Red Cross lifeguard instructor training and water safety instructor training. Classes will be varying dates from April 8 to May 10.
Do you have a treasured photo?
us your favorite family photographs, including a brief description of the photo and when it was taken, for possible publication in the Neighbors section. Submit your recent photos to: kathi.nagorski@ brainerddispatch.com or drop them off at the Dispatch.
MARTIAL ARTS
DeWitt Martial Arts recently promoted Loren Jones and Miranda Zilka to first-degree black belt and promoted Lynne MacKenzie, Shirley Salber and Jeffrey Ellstrom to second-degree black belt. Front: Randy Mertes, Senior Master Garrett DeWitt, Master Karmon Keppers, Dr. Renee Taylor. Back: Loren Jones, Jeffrey Ellstrom, Lynne MacKenzie, Shirley Salber, Miranda Zilka.
Chemical dependency
Go to Any Length
Got candidates?
The Crow Wing County Dairy Ambassador and Junior Princess Banquet will be March 14 at the Pierz Ballroom. Dinner will be served at 7 p.m. with a program, coronation and dance to follow. Advance tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for children under 12 and are available from any candidate or by calling 828-1998 before March 7. Tickets at the door will be $15.
Organizations
Brainerd Jaycees
Support
Lakes Area Ecumenical Bereavement
CLC'S NO. 1 FAN
Darlys Every of Brainerd was recognized as the No. 1 Raiders athletics fan Feb. 25 at Central Lakes College during 'Black and Red Day' on the Brainerd campus.
FIFTH-GRADE BOYS' BASKETBALL
The Brainerd fifth-grade boys' traveling basketball team won the Wadena-Deer Creek basketball tournament Saturday. Brainerd defeated Walker-Hackensack-Akeley, Pequot Lakes and then Wadena-Deer Creek 39-37 in overtime of the championship game. Team members include: Luke West (front left), Jack Geraets, Allen Jevning and Brady Kline, Devon Fiedler (back left), Jake Meyer, Chris Peterson, Arron Martin and Kobe Ahonen. The team is coached by Keith Ahonen and Craig West.
ALL IN THE FAMILY
Elsie Ahrens, resident of Harmony House of Motley, along with family and friends celebrated her 102nd birthday Feb. 21. A resident of Harmony House for seven years, Elsie's only advice for a long, healthy life is "hard work."
BRAINERD PEE WEE A
Brainerd's Pee Wee A team won the District 15 championship Feb. 20-22. No. 1 seed Brainerd defeated No. 4 Fergus Falls 4-1 in the semifinals and No. 2 Moorhead 6-2 for the championship. Brainerd will play in the region tournament this weekend at Park Rapids where it opens against Elk River at 2 p.m. Friday. Front: Dylan Bartholomaus. Second row: Mason Severson (left), Tory Miller, Adam Fischer, Logan Rivard, Cole Smith. Third row: Alex Mimmack, Chris Pohlkamp, Nate DeChaine, Alex Evanson, Isaac Johnson, Griffin Campbell, Thomas Stoxen, coach Shon Roberts. Back: Coach Sandy Smith, Jake Ellingson, Matt Casperson, coach Kim Larson.
FREE THROW COMPETITION
The regional Knights of Columbus Free Throw Competition was hosted March 1 at Aitkin High School. Winners in each category are eligible to compete in state competition March 28 at Bloomington Jefferson High School. Girls' winners included (kneeling): Jaclyn Hollenkamp (left), age 10, Pine City; Hallie Schmidt, 11, Deerwood; Barb Kobylinski, 12, Upsala; Chelsey Bonsante, 13, Ironton; Michaela Gau, 14, Little Falls. Boys' winners included: Michael Hanowski, 10, Little Falls; Noah Adams, 11, Pine City; William Provost, 12, Aitkin; Kyler McKnight, 13, Chisago City; Colton Banks, 14, Isanti. Kathleen Pakarinen.
Be careful
With our declining economy the way it is, I think it is vitally important that we address crimes involving cons and scams. These types of crimes often target our growing senior population and I think it's imperative that we remain vigilant in addressing these issues.
10-U BRAINERD GIRLS' B HOCKEY
The Brainerd 10-U girls' B hockey team finished second in the Brainerd tournament. Front row: Meghan Lacy, Theresa Loeffelbein, Molly West, Angela Lacy, Kennedy Rusk. Back: Elaina Christiansen, Brooke Mimmack, Mara Roberts, Abby Thelen, Cheyenne Lund, Allyson Smith, Maddie Ellingson. Coaches: Jim Wyman, Mike Barnaby.
Serpent awakening
Diane Steinkopf, Brainerd, wrote, "I took these pictures on my way to work in Crosby. I live in Brainerd and all the way to work, I kept seeing a beautiful red sun peeking out above the trees. By the time I got to a clearing where I could actually see the sun, Serpent Lake in Crosby, the sun was no longer red but it was still gorgeous! This was taken about two weeks ago."
PETS OF THE WEEK
Izzy is a 1-year-old female German shepherd. She's high energy and will need exercise and training. She's eager to learn and already knows some commands. Izzy loves people, but would do best in a home without other pets.
Wastewater plant bids to be opened next week
After five years of planning, the expansion and upgrade of Brainerd's wastewater treatment facility is shovel ready.
Once again Opheim makes pitch for staffers
WALKER - The Cass County Board listened Tuesday to Health, Human and Veterans Services Director Dorothy Opheim's ongoing plea to let her decide where to make cuts in her department.
Questions raised about airport manager's salary
A raise for the Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport manager led to questions of fairness Monday.
Enblom gains engineer of year honor
WALKER - Minnesota Civil Engineers Association has recognized Cass County Engineer David Enblom as its engineer of the year.
Public forum turns into attack on mayor
Contentious moments erupted during the public forum portion Monday night at the Brainerd City Council meeting.
Howes introduces hospital bill
WALKER - Rep. Larry Howes has introduced a bill in the Minnesota House to seek $21 million to fund designs and construct the critical access hospital at Ah-Gwah-Ching with state bonding money, Cass Administrator Robert Yochum reported Tuesday.
Local briefs
The Brainerd Safety and Public Works Committee will meet at 2 p.m. Monday at Brainerd City Hall to discuss the downtown alley underground utility issue and the Front Street lighting with Brainerd Public Utilities Superintendent Tom Phelps.
Jobless rate hits double digits
Crow Wing County reached double-digit unemployment rate in January for the first time in 15 years.
This was Brainerd
20 years ago (1989)
Overheard
It bobs up and down day to day, and if you spend all your time worrying about that, then you're probably going to get the long-term strategy wrong.
Brainerd keeping its police chief
John Bolduc will remain Brainerd's police chief.
BHS students' hat crocheting leads to helping Race for Cure
Bob Gorron wanted a cool knit hat for snowboarding this winter, but the Brainerd High School senior didn't want to pay $20-$30 for it.
Overheard
We're probably in a depression now. But it's not going to be acknowledged until years go by. Because you have to see it behind you.
City headhunter suggested at committee meeting
Whether the city of Brainerd should continue to support existing economic efforts or engage its own headhunter was discussed in a committee meeting Monday.
Guilty plea in assisted suicide case
More than two years after his wife's body was found at the bottom of Borden Lake, a Garrison man has pleaded guilty to helping her commit suicide.
Sheriff's calls keep decreasing
WALKER - The Cass County Sheriff's Department responded to 17,460 calls in 2008, continuing a downward trend from the 2006 peak of 21,207.
This was Brainerd
20 years ago (1989)
Board sticks by timber sales extension policy
WALKER - Cass County commissioners voted Tuesday to stand by the county's policy set in October 2007 to offer only one free extension on timber sales for sales made before Oct. 18, 2007, and to charge a 10 percent extension fee for any additional extensions.
Area legislators react cautiously
Area lawmakers differed Wednesday on both the federal stimulus and the best way to fix the anticipated state budget deficit of $4.57 billion in the next two years.
Bid awarded for downtown improvements
The Brainerd City Council Monday split in its vote to award the bid for expected downtown improvements.
Ruby K. Fitch
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - Ruby Kathryn Fitch, of Hot Springs, Ark., died Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009, at home.
Myrtle (Mueller) Duffy
AITKIN - Myrtle (Mueller) Duffy, age 91, of Aitkin, formerly of McGregor and Minneapolis, died Sunday, March 1, 2009, at the Aitkin Health Services in Aitkin.
Kathleen Randall
Kathleen Margaret (Temte) Randall, age 55, of Aitkin, died Feb. 22, 2009, at the Cuyuna Regional Medical Center in Crosby.
William Schroeder
CROSSLAKE - William Schroeder, age 77, of Crosslake, died March 3, 2009, at his home. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Brenny Funeral Chapel of Crosslake.
Louise H. DeGeest
STAPLES - Louise H. DeGeest, age 92, of Staples, passed away Sunday, March 1, 2009, in Staples.
Patricia Elliott
Patricia Elliott, age 51, of Brainerd, died March 2, 2009, at her home. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Brenny Funeral Chapel of Baxter.
Doris Stoppelman
ISANTI - Doris Elizabeth (Spike) Stoppelman, age 85, of Brainerd, passed away March 1, 2009, at her son's home in Isanti, Minn.
Obituary policy
Obituary notices are charged at 40 cents a word, exclusive of the first 125 words, which are free. A $10 fee is charged for a half-column photograph. To place an obituary in the Dispatch, consult the funeral home handling arrangements.
David Ogard
DEERWOOD - David Rodney Ogard, age 20, of Deerwood, was born Jan. 24, 1989, in Fargo, N.D.
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.
Scott Swenson
BAXTER - Scott Swenson, age 44, of Baxter, died March 2, 2009, at Lakewood Health System in Staples after fighting a courageous battle with cancer.
Ethel James
Ethel Ardella James, 97, Brainerd, passed away on Sunday, March 1, 2009, at Bethany Good Samaritan Village. She was born Dec. 7, 1911, in Merrifield to Guy and Emma (Ludlow) Pratt.
Sonja Brunko
PINE RIVER - Sonja Brunko, age 62, of Pine River, passed away March 2, 2009.
Roger Franke
PIERZ - Roger Franke, age 71, of Pierz, died Sunday, March 1, 2009, at St. Cloud Hospital.
Yvonne Erickson
Yvonne Erickson, 80, Brainerd, died Friday, Feb. 27, 2009, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd.
Write us a letter or send us an e-mail
The Brainerd Dispatch welcomes letters on recent articles and current issues. Letters should include the writer's full name, city and a phone number (for verification only). Letters are limited to 300 words. Only one letter per person per week.
Press rooms slowly emptying
Packs of lobbyists fill two rooms outside the House and Senate chambers in Richmond, Va., every afternoon, watching the proceedings on big video screens, zapping legislators with e-mails the instant the lobbyists sense that one of their bills might be in trouble. The interest groups that hire lobbyists can rest easy; they've got the legislature covered.
Open Forum
Thanks to Reichert bus service, there will be a special bus traveling to St. Paul on our proposal for a veterans health care center at the Brainerd State Hospital. Although we are not sure of the date at this time, there will be room for 54 veterans and the auxiliaries. To sign up, call the American Legion at 829-2249 or the VFW at 829-6393 or 831-2112. It's important to show strong support for our proposal at the Capitol.
Open Forum
Recently, you carried an editorial from the Washington Post, calling for repeal of the law allowing for concealed carry in national parks. What is important is what they don't tell you. This law doesn't allow anyone and everyone to just walk into a national park with a concealed firearm. This law allows a concealed carry permit holder to carry a concealed firearm in a park if their permit is recognized in that state. For example, a Minnesota permit holder could not legally carry in any California national park because California does not recognize a Minnesota permit. It's just another effort by anti-gunners to further restrict law abiding citizens. I also would like to add that an applicant for a concealed carry permit undergoes a much more rigorous vetting process than a cabinet appointee in the Obama administration.
Quinn is Illinois' Mr.Clean
WASHINGTON - In his first few weeks in office, President Barack Obama has caught very few good breaks. But last week he had one. When he entertained the nation's governors at his first formal state dinner, he did not have to figure out what to do about Rod Blagojevich.
Branum, Brainerd head into semifinals
Emilee Branum must really like her senior teammates.
HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD
Basketball
Huskies, Flyers, Pirates advance
NEVIS - Shauna Maurer, with 14 points and 14 rebounds, led the 10th-seeded Pillager Huskies to a 53-50 victory over the seventh-seeded Nevis Tigers in a West Subsection 5-1A play-in game Tuesday.
Top-ranked entrants set
up for success
The Brainerd lakes area boasts three top-ranked wrestlers and three more in the top five.
Cardinals cruise to Mid-State victory
STAPLES - Derek Wolhowe tallied nine rebounds and a game-high 27 points as the Staples-Motley Cardinals held off the upset minded Wadena-Deer Creek Wolverines for a 75-56 Mid-State Conference win Tuesday.
SCOREBOARD
Wednesday
Warriors salute seniors in final home game
Four seniors who have been long-time members of the Brainerd Warriors adapted floor hockey team were recognized before Tuesday's 10-3 victory over the Wayzata/Minnetonka Lakers.
SCOREBOARD
Area events
Moorhead whistles past BHS
The Brainerd Warriors left everything they had on the floor Monday night in the final home game of seven seniors' careers.
Hoge, Tesdahl spark C-I
WALKER - Mark Hoge had 19 points, six rebounds and six steals to help Class 2A's eighth-ranked Crosby-Ironton Rangers to a 61-55 victory over the Walker-Hackensack-Akeley Wolves in non-conference play Monday.
LOCAL SHORTS
Stephanie Neugebauer of Central Lakes College was named to the MCAC women's basketball all-tournament team last weekend.
Mutz shoots for another trip to finals
Brainerd's Brandon Mutz begins his quest Wednesday afternoon for a return trip to the finals of the Class 3A state wrestling tournament.
LOCAL SHORTS
The Central Lakes College men's basketball team will play Minneapolis at 6 p.m. Friday in the Region 13 tournament at Minneapolis.
Skoog must have been something to watch
I wish I was old enough to have been able to watch Whitey Skoog play basketball because the 1944 Brainerd High School graduate must have been something.
Area drivers race in Michigan
Several area snowmobile racers competed last weekend in a cross country event at Munising, Mich.
Ruzich second
Jenna Ruzich, 16, Baxter, competing in the Youth Women 17-18-year-old category, missed only four of 20 targets in the 10km Mass Start Biathlon race at Mt. Itasca near Coleraine last weekend.
Kortum, Bellamy win state awards
MINNEAPOLIS - Becky Kortum, a senior forward for Hopkins, won the 14th annual Ms. Hockey Award Sunday.
State forecast for N.D.
.Today...Variable cloudiness. A chance of light rain or light
State forecast for Minnesota
.Today...A slight chance of light freezing rain northwest this
Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Increasing clouds west. Partly sunny east. Highs from the mid 20s northeast...To the lower 30s southwest.
State forecast for S.D.
Today...Mostly sunny south...Partly cloudy north with increasing clouds. Areas of fog northeast this morning. A slight chance of showers or thunderstorms northwest in the afternoon. Highs from the upper 30s northeast to the lower 70s southwest.
State forecast for Iowa
.Today...Partly cloudy. Highs in the 30s.
State forecast for N.D.
.This morning...Mostly cloudy with areas of fog. A chance of light
State forecast for Minnesota
.Today...Mostly cloudy. Highs in the mid 20s to lower 30s.
Wisconsin state forecast national
Today...Becoming partly sunny. Mild. Highs from around 30 far northwest...To the mid 40s far southwest.
Swimmers in action
Weather drawing by Pierce Solseth in the Baxter third grade of Ms. Hemstad.
State forecast for Iowa
.Today...Mostly sunny. Highs lower 40s north to lower 50s south.
State forecast for S.D.
Tuesday...Partly to mostly cloudy. Slight chance of afternoon thunderstorms far northwest. Highs from the lower 30s northeast... To the mid 60s far southwest.
2 cold!
Weather drawing by Makayla Clough in the Lowell fourth grade of Mr. Meyer.