Friday, March 11, 2005
1927 Indiana Roadbuilder stymies all
In 1927, Chevrolet, Ford and Dodge were already making trucks.
The ABCs of lakes area offerings
If you are a young person just starting to explore the Brainerd lakes area, here is an alphabetical guide to what it has -- and doesn't have -- to offer for regular entertainment and activities.
COMING NEXT WEEK
First- through eighth-graders in the Brainerd School District will demonstrate what they have learned about music as it relates to history and culture Tuesday at Forestview Middle School in Baxter.
He can act
Brainerd High School senior Matt Capelle thought he could not act.
Entertainment shorts
DEERWOOD -- Some artists view the world as if looking through a window at the world outside; others see it as if looking in a mirror at the world inside themselves.
The search for a hangout
Orange County has the Bait Shop. Roswell has the Crashdown. Sunnydale has the Bronze. Stars Hollow has Luke's Diner.
'What entertainment option do you wish Brainerd had?'
You're an area entrepreneur and you want to try something new in the Brainerd lakes area. Let's imagine that money and zoning concerns aren't factors; the sky is the limit.
BEST BETS
Renowned Minnesota yarn-spinner Kevin Kling takes the stage twice this week in the area. He'll perform his Guthrie Theater touring show, "Freezing Paradise: An Evening with Kevin Kling," 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Charles D. Martin Auditorium in Little Falls High School and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Pequot Lakes School Auditorium.
Upcoming arts and entertainment events
Live music
We no longer cook the way Grandma did
One day as I was slicing potatoes and chopping onions in my food processor, I was thinking about my grandmother and how differently I cook today compared to Grandma in her former years.
MARRIAGE LICENSES
Kevin R. Mende, 25, of Modesto, Calif., and Laura D. Bedard, 25, of Nisswa.
Fire
The Brainerd Fire Department responded to a fire alarm 6:20 p.m. Wednesday at a residence in the 1,000 block of South Eighth Street. The alarm was set off by burned food on the stove, the fire department reported.
Fire
The Brainerd Fire Department responded to a report of a chimney fire at 8:14 a.m. Tuesday at a residence on 152nd Avenue, off Crow Wing County Road 2, south of Brainerd.
Write your state legislator
Sen. Dallas Sams.
BIRTHS
Matthew Hutchins and LaVonne King, Brainerd, a boy, Andrew Riley Hutchins, 4 pounds, 12.5 ounces, Feb. 25, 2005. Grandparents are Tom Mexican Cheyenne and Janis Spear, of Lame Deer, Mont., and Kenneth and Linda Hutchins, Columbia Heights.
BIRTHS
Jessie Jurek and Megan Watt, Breezy Point, a boy, Jaden Carter Jurek, 8 pounds, 14 ounces, Feb. 11, 2005. Grandparents are Marty and Jim Vangen, David Watt, and Bhunnee and Richard Jurek. Great-grandparents are Bob and Eileen Wiebke, and Agnes and John Jurek.
Accident
PIERZ -- Three people were injured in a two-vehicle collision at 5:20 p.m. Monday at 133rd Street and 270th Avenue in Morrison County near Pierz, the Morrison County Sheriffs Department reported.
SCHOOL LUNCH MENUS
Monday B Sausage pancake on a stick, fruit or juice, milk. L Breaded pork chop, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, biscuit, milk.
Brainerd building permits
Thompson Properties, 1,200 block of Industrial Park Road, new construction, $90,000.
Baxter building permits
James Roelofs, 12,000 block of Perch Lake Drive, addition, $110,000.
Another home option
"The Escanaba."
Housing briefs
Bruce Zaske joined Wells Farge Home Mortgage as a home mortgage consultant at the Brainerd office.
Ross faces federal charges
The man accused of robbing a Pine River bank Dec. 22 will face federal charges.
Initiative Foundation awards latest grants
The latest round of Initiative Foundation grants included funding for affordable housing, faith-based initiatives, mentorship programs, and lake and river preservation.
This was Brainerd
40 years ago (1965) - Brainerd employment increased by 98 during the month of February and now stands at 4,931.
Pequot girls squeak out win at state tourney
Pequot Lakes Patriots fans erupted with emotion when the Patriots defeated Pipestone 45-44 in the Class 2A girls' basketball state tournament quarterfinals Thursday at Williams Arena in Minneapolis.
Two secretaries still waiting out investigation
Two secretaries at Cuyuna Range Elementary School in Crosby remain on paid administrative leave while Crosby-Ironton School District officials are investigating a work situation.
Brainerd Helicopter chopper crashes in Texas, three die
Three people were killed Thursday when a Brainerd Helicopter Service Inc. helicopter under contract with the U.S. Forest Service crashed during prescribed burning operations near Lufkin, Texas, officials in Texas reported.
Student of merit
Brainerd High School student Claire Northway accepted a plaque and talked about her future college plans at a reception for students in the Merit Scholarship program. Northway, Parker Kienholz and Andrew Mehr, all BHS students, have advanced as finalists in the competition. Brian Agre and Kirsten Newstrom also were recognized for outstanding performance in the preliminary qualifying test.
Residents voice concern over allowing manufacturing business along highway
A steady stream of residents told the Crow Wing County Planning Commission Thursday allowing a manufacturing business along a highway between Brainerd and Merrifield did not fit the rural residential area.
A number of area projects included in highway bill passed by U.S. house
A host of area projects are in a $284 billion highway bill that gained U.S. House approval Thursday. If the bill gains U.S. Senate approval a House-Senate conference committee will negotiate a compromise bill.
Progress continues
A pre-cast concrete beam was lowered into place Thursday on the roof of the Crow Wing County Judicial Center on Laurel Street.
BHS mock trial team to compete at state tournament
The Brainerd High School mock trial team will compete in the Minnesota State Mock Trial tournament March 15-16 in St. Paul.
Brainerd Civil Service Commission certifies list for fire equipment operator
The Brainerd Fire and Civil Service Commission on Wednesday certified the 2005 fire equipment operator eligibility roster in its efforts to replace the slot vacated by Fire Chief Fred Underhill.
LOCAL BRIEFS
CROSSLAKE -- The Pot O' Gold still is hidden in Crosslake as part of the city's St. Patrick's Day festivities. Following is the third clue.
This was Brainerd
20 years ago (1985) - Brainerd broadcasting just won't seem the same without Earl Johnsen at the controls. Johnsen, who has been in broadcasting nearly 30 years, has announced he is selling KLIZ. Johnsen, a tireless volunteer for the Brainerd area will remain active in business by heading a public relations advertising agency.
Overheard
"For the 'CBS Evening News,' Dan Rather reporting. Good night."
Overheard
"The pressure is very substantial from all the states. The likelihood is vastly better than last year. The will to pass the legislation is there in both bodies."
C-I grad fighting for glory in reality TV ring
At a time when a month-long teachers' strike is polarizing the community, Anthony "The Bullet" Bonsante is generating positive publicity for Crosby-Ironton.
Local briefs
The Brainerd Rental Property Owners and Managers will meet 7 p.m. Monday at the Brainerd Police Department, 225 E. River Road.
First steps toward cuts recommended
Facing a projected $3 million budget shortfall for the upcoming fiscal year, the Brainerd School Board finance committee voted Wednesday to recommend to the school board some first steps to begin making sizable budget cuts.
Mediation planned for Monday
A mediation session tentatively was scheduled for Monday night between the Crosby-Ironton School Board and C-I teachers' union negotiators, union president Stan Nagorski said Thursday.
Meeting planned for forest burn at Forestview
BAXTER -- Between May and June, The Nature Conservancy of Minnesota will conduct a prescribed burn at the Forestview Middle School forest in Baxter involving eight acres that were identified in the school forest management plan and pretreated for this purpose.
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.
Delores M. Busnelli
NEW CARLISLE, Ohio -- Delores Mae Busnelli, 68, of New Carlisle, Ohio, passed away Tuesday, March 8, 2005, at St. John's Center, Springfield, Ohio.
Gail L. Hodgson
HOLDINGFORD -- Gail L. (Busbey) Hodgson, 42, Holdingford, formerly of Brainerd, died March 8, 2005, at home.
Joseph B. Faust
PIERZ -- Joseph B. Faust, 39-year-old resident of Pierz, Minn., passed away Tuesday, March 8, 2005, in Rochester, Minn. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 11, 2005, at St. John's Catholic Church in Lastrup, Minn. Visitation from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday, March 10, at the Shelley-Virnig Funeral Chapel in Pierz and from 9-10:30 a.m. on Friday at the funeral chapel.
Donald Shepherd
AVON -- Donald Shepherd, age 75, resident of Avon, Minn., died Wednesday, March 9, 2005, at the Albany (MN) Hospital. Arrangements by Nelson-Doran Funeral Home in Brainerd.
Andrew 'Andy' Quien
PILLSBURY -- Andrew "Andy" J.B. Quien, 76-year-old resident of Pillsbury, Minn., passed away Monday, Jan. 31, 2005, at the Long Prairie Memorial Hospital in Long Prairie, Minn. A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 12, 2005, at the St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Swanville, Minn., with Pastor John Grein officiating. Burial will be in the Bearhead Cemetery in Pillsbury, Minn. Friends may call one hour prior to the service on Saturday, March 12, at the St. Peters Lutheran Church in Swanville.
Donald J. Shepherd
AVON -- Donald J. Shepherd, 75, resident of Avon, Minn., was called home to the Lord Jesus Christ on March 9, 2005, at the Albany (MN) Hospital, after a short bout with cancer. Donald was born June 14, 1929, the son of Clarence and Anna Beth (Britton) Shepherd in Brainerd, Minn. Donald married Janette Christensen on Sept. 16, 1949.
Ruby J. Beck
Ruby Jean Beck, age 82, resident of Brainerd, died Monday, March 7, 2005, at Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd. Ruby was born on Aug. 1, 1922, in Rockford, Iowa, to Luther and Cora (McCulloch) Wright.
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.
Esther Erickson
Esther Mae (Savidge) Erickson, 84, of Brainerd, passed away Friday, March 4, 2005, at her daughter's home in Colorado Springs, Colo. She had been living there for the past six years as her family assisted her in coping with progressive Parkinson's disease.
Marvin Johnson
UPSALA -- Marvin Johnson, 82, Upsala, died March 9, 2005, at his residence in Upsala.
GUEST COLUMN: The Mansions must be saved
The "Mansions" on the river in Little Falls are tangible and living, breathing testaments of the wonder of this river town. While in the vernacular of calling them "Linden Hill" -- everyone who hears, or reads, or visits, or who live here, call them what they are, and what they have been known as for decades: The Mansions.
OUR OPINION: POST OFFICE
While there's no need to second-guess the Baxter City Council on its reluctance to allow the location of a full-service U.S. Post Office in the Baxter Industrial Park, Brainerd Postmaster Warren McQuay was right when he contends something must be done soon.
Open Forum
I'm encouraged to learn that Minnesota's projected budget deficit is shrinking. State economists now say the projected fiscal year 06-07 budget shortfall has been reduced from $700 million to $466 million.
Open Forum
The Brainerd Post Office is vital to the Brainerd Lakes area. It provides a very important community service for our citizens. One hundred workers are employed. Eight hundred mail boxes are in the building that have daily use by our citizens. The parcel post dollar sales have declined by 15 percent due to parking problems.
Reflections on Mommy Madness
A 30-something stay-at-home mother of two recently e-mailed me with this reflection following a sermon I had preached in which I played U2's "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For":
CHURCHES
The Northwest Area Aglow retreat, "Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord," will be March 18-19 at the Northern Inn Conference Center in Bemidji. Jill Torgerson will speak on "Islamic Awareness" from 4-5 p.m. March 18. Registration is 6-7 p.m. The evening session will begin 7 p.m. with an opening processional by Company of Praise.
A missionary's best friend
John Nielsen's friends call him "the coupon king" because he uses coupons wherever he goes.
Civilian skills used to create wireless Internet access for troops
Area soldiers serving in Iraq cited access to wireless Internet as a morale booster, and a soldier's civilian skills are helping make it a reality.
Bittersweet season
Mitch Wood was faced with a decision no high school senior should have to make.
C-I's state dream ends
GRAND RAPIDS -- Since the start of the boys' basketball tournaments a week ago, the odds have been stacked against the Crosby-Ironton Rangers.
Rangers' run was a balm to community
GRAND RAPIDS -- It's said that sports has a healing effect. And, right now, no community needs more healing than Crosby-Ironton.
Scoreboard
Baseball
Pequot will take it
MINNEAPOLIS -- The Pequot Lakes Patriots didn't play their best game and that has them happy.
A weighty endeavor
Paige Olson made a power clean lift Wednesday at the Sunrise Sertoma Liftathon at Brainerd High School. About 150 students in grades 8-12 will participate in the event that raises funds for disadvantaged people in the Brainerd area and for improvements in School District 181 weight rooms. The event will conclude Friday afternoon.
Patriots shoot into semis
MINNEAPOLIS -- It was a shot Flecia Foster has practiced under starlight, in the heat of the summer and in the Pequot Lakes High School gym.
Last line of defense
Andy Herold has been one of the defensive backbones of the Brainerd Warriors adapted floor hockey team.
Sports shorts
St. Cloud State University senior guard Nate Miller of Little Falls has been named to the Daktronics, Inc. All-North Central Region second team.
Upcoming sporting events
THURSDAY
Bayport continues to lead Legion tourney
The Bayport American Legion Team No. 1 retained the lead in the men's division of the American Legion State Bowling Tournament after the second week at Jack's House in Brainerd.
Dwindling wetlands have led to poor duck hunting
"If you're not there, you don't care."
State forecast for S.D.
High wind warning west...Central and northeast today...
State forecast for Iowa
Wind advisory from 2 pm to 7 pm for central iowa...
State forecast for Minnesota
Winter weather advisory northwest today...
State forecast for N.D.
High wind warning all but the red river valley today...
Spring is coming
Weather drawing by Hunter Yliniemi of Mrs. Brenny's third grade class at Baxter school.
Snowman and friend
Weather drawing by Darren Thramer of Mrs. Surma's third grade class at Baxter school.
Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Periods of light snow most areas...Possibly mixed with rain southwest. Highs from the middle 20s to middle 30s.
State forecast for S.D.
Wind advisory most of west today...
State forecast for Minnesota
Today...Partly to mostly cloudy. Scattered snow showers. Highs from
State forecast for N.D.
Today...Partly to mostly cloudy. Windy southwest. A chance of rain
SENIOR ACTIVITIES
LAKES AREA SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER