Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Library offers genealogy help
Finding your family's history is a fascinating journey through history. The Brainerd Public Library has many resources to make that journey easier.
Woman is on Medicare and scorned by doctors
WASHINGTON - When Pamela Baldwin moved from the Washington area, she never thought she would have trouble finding a doctor who would accept her as a new Medicare patient.
It's a busy time at the senior center
Our official name is the Lakes Area Senior Activity Center. During the months of April and May we are heavy into activities. Along with our regular daily, weekly and monthly activities, we held our third annual Quilt Bingo on April 13; we served an Applebee's Flapjack Breakfast on April 19; May 8-10 will be our annual Plant Festival; and we also are having a Craft and Bake Sale on May 10.
Last call for seniors?
Although alcohol abuse is most often regarded as a problem affecting young people, a large federally funded study has now found that nearly one in 10 Americans older than 65 drinks too much.
LinkAge Line offers help
The Senior LinkAge Line is a free information and referral service for the state of Minnesota. As the advocate for Cass and Crow Wing counties, it is my responsibility to be aware of resources that may help Medicare beneficiaries and caregivers.1
Hackensack man launches new program
HACKENSACK - From working on the Apollo space program that sent Neil Armstrong to the moon in 1969 to working on a small model train town today, 86-year-old Duane Mitton of Hackensack has had an interesting life.
BIRTHS
Timothy and Paula Kelm, Brainerd, a boy, Alexander Marcus, 7 pounds, 14 ounces, March 28, 2008. Grandparent is Caroline Kelm, Brainerd.
ATV driver arrested for fleeing near LF
LITTLE FALLS - A 20-year-old rural Bowlus man was arrested Monday south of Little Falls after fleeing from law enforcement on an all-terrain vehicle, the Morrison County Sheriff's Department reported.
LOCAL BRIEFS
BACKUS - The snowbirds are returning and the Backus American Legion will welcome them and other guests Saturday at the Post's annual welcome-back snowbirds and customer appreciation party.
Where spring meets winter
"These crocuses are a true sign that spring is coming," Mary Paine, Brainerd.
Got vacation photos?
Do you have a favorite vacation photo? Send your slides, prints or digital files to: DeLynn Howard, Brainerd Dispatch, P.O. Box 974, Brainerd, MN 56401 or e-mail photos to photos@brainerddispatch.com. Along with the photo, tell us what it shows and why it's your favorite vacation photo. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope to get your photo mailed back to you. Please submit just one favorite photo.
ALL IN THE FAMILY
Rose Zetah wrote, "It's spring - in Arizona!! Justin (left), Joshua and Jacob, sons of Ken and JoAnn (Zetah) Jablonski from Scottsdale, Ariz. Grandchildren of Rose and the late Gerald Zetah of rural Motley."
Seventh-grade squad is runner-up
The Brainerd seventh-grade girls' basketball team of Lara Ammermann (left), Chloe Miller, Heather Jache and Hannah Kangas placed second in the Pierz 3-on-3 tournament April 6. The coach was Craig Ammermann.
CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY
923 Oak Street Temple Baptist Church (Soup Kitchen)
SUPPORT GROUPS
Lakes Area Ecumenical Bereavement
Up north, down season
NORTH SHORE - They were surfing near one end of the road, downhill skiing near the other.
Brainerd fourth-grade team wins title
The Brainerd fourth-grade team, coached by Lynette Ammermann (left), won the Pierz 3-on-3 girls' basketball tournament April 6. Team members included Grettah Kangas, Maddie Ellingson, Kaitlin Ammermann and Sophie Balster.
Anytime is a good time to make a trip to the North Shore
The lighthouse at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park is under construction until about mid-May. Brainerd Dispatch/Brian S. Peterson
ORGANIZATIONS
Brainerd Jaycees
PETS OF THE WEEK
A litter of eight black-and-white 7-week-old puppies, only one female, will be available for adoption Saturday. All of the pups look different - some like poodles, some pointers, some Labs. Heartland Animal Rescue Team is taking reservations for these cuties, so stop by today. Brainerd Dispatch/Heidi Lake
Tax filers have 6 p.m. mail deadline
In past years, those filing their tax returns were able to mail their taxes by midnight at the Brainerd Post Office and still meet the April 15 postmark deadline.
Four named
The Brainerd School Board announced the names of the four finalists for Brainerd's next superintendent Monday, which includes two familiar faces.
This was Brainerd
APRIL 16 - 20 years ago (1988) - The Brainerd City Council approved an allocation not to exceed $30,000 for construction of a parking lot on River Road near the Brainerd High School baseball diamonds. The lot is to include space for about 100 vehicles.
LOCAL BRIEFS
Senate District 4 DFLers will endorse candidates for House Districts 4A and 4B on Saturday.
Are you in financial trouble?
The National Foundation for Credit Counseling notes the first step toward financial stability tomorrow begins by facing the situation today.
A house of cards?
Credit card debt can be like a snowball rolling downhill.
Overheard
"We are confident the transaction will go forward and be approved."
Two teachers placed on unrequested leave regain status
Two of the five Brainerd teachers placed on unrequested leave were recalled at Monday's school board meeting, bringing the total number of teachers who will lose their jobs next school year to 60. Fifty-seven probationary teachers earlier were cut, due to budget reductions.
LOCAL BRIEFS
CROSSLAKE - The Crosslake Area Garden Club will meet at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Crosslake Community Center.
Baxter approves regulations for ATV, snowmobile operation
BAXTER - The use of all-terrain vehicles is now regulated in Baxter.
Library celebrates
Celebrating the 100-year anniversary of the formation of the Brainerd Library Board, balloons were released by dignitaries and friends of the Brainerd Public Library Monday to commemorate the event. Libraries are celebrating National Library Week this week across the country. Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls
Overheard
"We are deeply ashamed, and we will do what is possible so this cannot happen again in the future."
Mark Liedl to be land services director
Mark Liedl has agreed to join Crow Wing County as the land services director.
Raising the bar of hope
PILLAGER - For nearly 100 families in the Pillager School District, the food shelf in the Pillager Family Center provides an outlet of hope.
Mill Avenue bridge closed
The Mill Avenue bridge in northeast Brainerd was closed Monday as part of a Crow Wing County project to reconstruct Mill Avenue. Traffic is detoured to Wise Road off Crow Wing County Highway 3 and then back to Brainerd via the Beaver Dam Road and Riverside Drive. The bridge could be closed until late June. Work on Mill Avenue between the bridge and Highway 210 will continue into October with localized detours planned.
Brainerd Dispatch/ Steve Kohls
FINAL FOUR
While the four men vying to become the next Brainerd superintendent may have spent many years in education, they have walked different paths to get to this point.
This was Brainerd
APRIL 15 - 60 years ago (1948) - The Brainerd Junior Chamber of Commerce has among its many other activities, the operation of a nine-hole golf course known as the Brainerd Golf Course. Membership fees are $10 plus a $5 fee for a stag party.
Broken arm
A railroad crossing arm malfunctioned Tuesday afternoon at Elder Drive near Home Depot in Baxter. Another crossing arm, one block east, at Highway 371 and south of Highway 210, also malfunctioned. Baxter Police Chief Jim Exsted said high winds were the cause and BNSF Railway was notified. Brainerd Dispatch/Jason Walkowiak
Request for beer sales on 4th withdrawn
Nancy Cross, executive director of Brainerd Community Action, asked the Brainerd School Board Monday to withdraw her request for beer sales on school grounds at the annual Fourth of July celebration.
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.
Diane E. Clementson
AITKIN - Diane Elizabeth Clementson, 50, of Aitkin, died Saturday, April 12, 2008, at Aicota Health Care Center, Aitkin.
Patrick T. Donahue
STAPLES - Patrick T. Donahue, age 83, of Staples, died Friday afternoon, April 11, 2008, at the Lakewood Health Care Center in Staples. Funeral Mass will be Thursday, April 17, 2008, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Michael's Catholic Church with Father Peter Kirchner officiating.
Jerald Johnson
MINNEAPOLIS - Jerald Johnson, formerly of Staples, passed away at Fairview University Hospital in Minneapolis on Monday, April 14, 2008. Arrangements are pending and entrusted to the Brenny Funeral Home in Staples.
George W. Brodie
COLD SPRING - George W. "Woodie" Brodie, age 85, of Cold Spring, formerly of Hopkins, died April 13, 2008, surrounded by loving family. Preceded in death by beloved wife, Dorothy Babcock Brodie.
Robbin M. Wolf
MONTICELLO - Robbin Marie Wolf, age 47, of Monticello, Minn., formerly of Staples, died at her home on Saturday, April 12, 2008. Arrangements are pending with Brenny Funeral Home of Staples.
Virginia Day Johnson
Virginia Day Johnson, age 93, of Brainerd, formerly St. Louis Park, passed away peacefully April 13, 2008, at Woodland Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd. She was born June 13, 1914, in Hudson, Wis., to Cecil and Winnie (Norton) Day.
Norman Wunderlich
ROYALTON - Norman Wunderlich, 84, of Royalton, passed away from cancer Sunday, April 13, 2008, at his home surrounded by his family. Mass is 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 17, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Royalton. Interment with military honors by the Royalton American Legion Post No. 137 and Holdingford VFW Post No. 5160 is in the parish cemetery. Visitation is 4-8 p.m.
Norman Wunderlich
ROYALTON - Norman Wunderlich, age 84, of Royalton, Minn., passed away Sunday, April 13, 2008, at his home.
Patricia Nubbe
BEMIDJI - Patricia Nubbe, age 67, of Bemidji, Minn., died Thursday, April 10, 2008, at her home.
Muriel M. Larson
Muriel M. Larson, age 89, resident of Brainerd, died Sunday, April 13, 2008, at Woodland Good Samaritan Village.
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.
Norbert D. Moe
MOUNDS VIEW - Norbert D. Moe, age 76, of Mounds View, Minn., and formerly of McGregor, died Saturday, April 12, 2008, at his home.
Anita J. Valentine
LITTLE FALLS - Anita J. Valentine, 77-year-old resident of Little Falls, passed away Monday, April 14, 2008, at St. Otto's Care Center in Little Falls. A memorial service for Anita J. Valentine will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls with the Rev. Loren Olson officiating.
Robert E. Isaacson
LITTLE FALLS - Robert E. "Bob" Isaacson, 85-year-old resident of Little Falls, passed away peacefully Friday, April 11, 2008, at St. Otto's Care Center.
Bonnie G. Guth
LITTLE FALLS - Bonnie Gene Guth, age 66, of Little Falls, Minn., passed away Sunday, April 13, 2008, at St. Otto's Care Center in Little Falls. A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 19, 2008, at 11 a.m. at the Emblom-Brenny Funeral Service, West Chapel, in Little Falls. Friends may call from 10-11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral chapel.
Open Forum
A recent Open Forum letter stated something to the effect that, "abortion isn't murder because it isn't illegal."
What do you think?
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.
VOX POP
Everyone knows identity theft is a growing concern in our nation. What you may not know is it's happening right here in Brainerd! Let's work together to stop this, or at least to protect ourselves from the offenders in our area. Businesses need to be doing background checks on who they are hiring!
Open Forum
Once again I have to applaud the foresight of the eight Republicans who crossed the line to pass the transportation bill. Ultra conservative Republicanism has no place when it comes to benefiting the majority of the people of Minnesota!
The drudgery report
WASHINGTON - Every few years, social scientists update Americans about how unfair life is - for women, that is - by comparing the amount of housework men and women do.
SCOREBOARD
Area events
Scoreboard
Area events
Staples-Motley edges Aitkin
STAPLES - The No. 2 doubles team of Anthony Durin-Guthrie Coughlin captured the deciding victory as the Staple-Motley boys' tennis team squeezed past Aitkin 4-3 Tuesday as each team battled windy conditions for the duration of the dual meet.
Lakers edge Pierz
HOWARD LAKE - Danielle Nelson and Chelsey Meyer each had a hit for the Pierz Pioneers as they dropped a Central Minnesota Conference softball game to the Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted Lakers 3-2 Monday.
PR-B pounds Red Lake
RED LAKE - Krystle Hamilton pitched a complete game, striking out five and allowing only one hit, as the Pine River-Backus Tigers softball team blanked the Red Lake Warriors 19-0 Tuesday.
Spring plays dirty games on athletes
Spring is Mother Nature's unruly brat.
CLC's Braddix named to all-star team
Kody Braddix of Central Lakes College has been selected to the National Junior College Athletic Association's 10-player Division III all-star men's basketball team.
Bad weather hasn't affected runner
After earning all-state honors in cross country last fall, Luke Delaney has hit the ground running in track and field.
Pierz's Bell takes medalist honors at Albion Ridges
ANNANDALE - Robert Bell led the field in windy conditions, carding a 42 to take medalist honors in a Central Minnesota Conference boys' golf meet Tuesday at Albion Ridges.
Warriors rout Sartell
SARTELL - The Brainerd Warriors won two singles and all three doubles matches in a 5-2 Central Lakes Conference tennis victory over Sartell on Tuesday.
Warriors win five matches
The Brainerd Warriors won five junior varsity tennis matches Tuesday at Sartell.
Alex tops Warriors
ALEXANDRIA - The Brainerd Warriors boys' tennis team swept the doubles, but the Alexandria Cardinals won all four singles matches to claim a 4-3 Central Lakes Conference victory Monday.
State forecast for Minnesota
High wind warning in effect southwest this afternoon...
Wisconsin state forecast
Wind advisory for all but northwest wisconsin today...
State forecast for N.D.
Wind advisory in effect far south central this morning through
State forecast for N.D.
Today...Mostly cloudy. Scattered rain showers east. Scattered
State forecast for S.D.
Wind advisory central and east today...
State forecast for S.D.
Today...Partly sunny to mostly cloudy and cooler. Scattered morning rain or snow showers west...Then scattered afternoon showers. Chance of showers central and north. Windy. Highs from around 50 to the lower 60s.
Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Partly to mostly sunny. Windy and warmer. Highs in the upper 50s to mid 60s. Cooler near the great lakes.
State forecast for Minnesota
Wind advisory extreme southeast into early afternoon...
Flower girl
Weather drawing by Ellie Bymark of Ms. Desmarais' first-grade class at St. Francis school.
State forecast for Iowa
Wind advisory portions of central iowa from 9 am through 3 pm...
State forecast for Iowa
.Wind advisory northwest two thirds of iowa through early evening...
A rainy day
Weather drawing by Amy Ulanowski, a Lincoln school first-grader.