Thursday, April 16, 2009
Kia Soul: Built for city streets, but not potholes
NEW YORK - This city is a traffic nightmare painted yellow - the hue of aggressively driven taxicabs that dominate its many ruined streets.
For motorcycles, it's automatic
With few exceptions in the history of motorbiking, the two-wheeled world has broken down something like this: Manual transmission equals motorcycle (and macho). Automatic transmission equals scooter (and sissy).
LOCAL BRIEFS
Kripa Rose, a native of Nepal and a resident of the Motley area, has repeated last year's Best of Show honor in the 2009 Juried Student Art Show at Central Lakes College.
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR
Live music
A 'pig-time' production
Central Lakes College Children's Theatre will present two public performances of "The Pig Prince" on Saturday in the Dryden Theatre on the Brainerd campus, CLC announced in a news release.
Music General dancers earn awards
Music General dancers competed March 28-29 at the Masquerade Dance Competition at the Historical State Theater in Minneapolis. The dancers received 22 Platinum Awards, 12 High Gold Awards and one Gold Award. The Judges Tap Award was given to the entire studio.
A dish fit for company
You can count on tender meat when you prepare this week's recipe for simmered pork chops and apples.
AREA CRIME
CRASH - A semi-truck pulling a long trailer making a right turn from North Sixth Street onto Washington Street Wednesday afternoon scrapped its large load against a van stopped in the center lane alongside it. The van was transporting two handicapped adults. Neither driver was injured. One of the van's passengers was transported to St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd to be evaluated. The accident snarled traffic on Washington Street for several minutes.
POLICE BLOTTER
CRASHES - No injuries were reported in a two-vehicle collision at 2:31 p.m. Monday at Highways 210 and 371.
Grassfires fought in Mission Township
The Mission Township Fire Department was busy Wednesday night, battling two wildfires off Crow Wing County Road 3, Fire Chief Leon Yeager said.
BIRTHS
Robert and Amy Fischer, Pierz, a girl, Ava Louene, 7 pounds, 1 ounce, April 3, 2009. Grandparents are Keith and Pattie Barstad, Little Fork, and Dennis and Mary Fischer, Pierz.
BIRTHS
Jesse and Renee LeBlanc, Walker, a boy, Barett Evan, 8 pounds, 2 ounces, April 5, 2009.
LOCAL BRIEFS
A beginner-oriented, hands-on outdoor photography class is scheduled from 1-3 p.m. Saturday at Charles Lindbergh State Park near Little Falls.
ALL IN THE FAMILY
Send 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.
A BRIGHT SPOT
On April 2 at the Cub Foods store in northeast Brainerd, I witnessed an act of goodwill that I'll never forget.
PETS OF THE WEEK
Charlie is an 8-year-old Lab in need of a retirement home. He's a smart guy who is house trained and knows some commands, including "sit" and "shake." Brainerd Dispatch/ Heidi Lake
ORGANIZATIONS
Brainerd Jaycees
Pleasant surprise
Do you have a recent scenic picture that shows the beauty of the lakes area? Send it to photos@ brainerddispatch.com for possible publication in the Neighbors section. Be sure to include your name, where you are from, a brief description of the photo and when and where it was taken.
CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY
Go to Any Length
SUPPORT GROUPS
Lakes Area Ecumenical Bereavement
Stitches in time
Del Carlton, retired U.S. Marine Corps first lieutenant, was honored for his service during World War II during a ceremony April 5 in Emily.
Overheard
I know it scared the you-know-what out of me.
Koering opposes plan that allows schools to put retirees' cost on levy
Sen. Paul Koering, R-Fort Ripley, said Wednesday he opposed a plan being considered by the Brainerd School Board Finance Committee that would allow the school district to levy up to $23 million of its projected retiree costs onto area taxpayers during the next 13 years.
This was Brainerd
APRIL 15 - 40 years ago (1969) - Rolland Fischer, Nisswa, was given a 30-day suspended jail sentence for failing to send his child to school. His attorney told Judge Darrell Sears that they would appeal immediately.
District success story: All-day kindergarten
Last year, when the Brainerd School Board cut $5.5 million from its budget, it also added all-day, everyday kindergarten at Riverside and Baxter elementary schools.
Kiwanis Park is scene of tax protest
A Tax Day Tea Party protest filled much of Kiwanis Park in Brainerd Wednesday night as people denounced high taxes and conducted a ceremonial dumping of tea into Boom Lake.
AA rating means a savings for county
Crow Wing County received good news that translated into money savings Tuesday.
This was Brainerd
APRIL 16 - 40 years ago (1969) - Airman Frank Ball, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Ball, Brainerd, has completed basic training at Lackland AFB, San Antonio, Texas. After a short leave he will be stationed at Grissom AFB in Indiana.
Wildfire threatens homes near Gilbert Lake
A wildfire sparked in a 40-acre wooded parcel surrounded by homes Wednesday afternoon near Gilbert Lake north of Brainerd.
Wildfire season begins
Spring has finally arrived, and with it begins the wild fire season.
Recession plays a role in opposition to road improvement
Cadwell Avenue became a fresh example of the recession Tuesday.
Supporters of veterans health center in Brainerd testified in Senate
ST. PAUL - Brainerd area supporters of a health care center for veterans at the Brainerd Regional Human Services Center testified Tuesday before the Senate Veterans Affair Committee.
Wildfire threatens homes
A wildfire burst through the dry grass and trees in the Gilbert Lake area about 1:30 p.m. Wednesday forcing homeowners to consider what they may grab from their houses if they only had minutes to decide. One Blakeman Road resident loaded his vehicle with dogs and cats, wearing the cuts gained from holding a large cat as a firefighting helicopter flew overhead.
Walker man stabbed during altercation
WALKER - A 30-year-old Walker man was airlifted to a Fargo, N.D., hospital shortly after midnight Thursday after being stabbed at a rural Walker residence, reported Cass County Sheriff Randy Fisher.
Overheard
It's getting to be that time of year, definitely.
Gilbert Lake homes saved from fire
A wildfire sparked in a 40-acre wooded parcel surrounded by homes Wednesday afternoon near Gilbert Lake north of Brainerd.
Construction project taking off at airport
Runway and apron construction projects will make for a busy spring at the Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport this year.
Crow Wing County immunization clinics planned
Crow Wing County Health Department will offer walk-in school immunization clinics in April as follows: 3-6 p.m. April 23 at the Crow Wing County Health Department, 204 Laurel St., Suite 12, Brainerd; from 3-5 p.m. April 29 at the Pequot Lakes Middle School activity room; and from 3-5 p.m. April 30 at the Cuyuna Range Elementary School cafeteria.
Strike up the band: Senior Prom returns
Dust off those dancing shoes. The senior prom is back.
Decision is made for no insurance premium hike
The Brainerd School Board rejected a recommended 3 percent hike in health insurance premiums for school staff and opted for no increases for next year.
County seeks federal road funds for 371
Crow Wing County commissioners Tuesday agreed to request $100,800,000 in federal high priority funds for the reconstruction of Highway 371 into four lanes from Nisswa to Pine River.
LOCAL BRIEFS
GARRISON - The Crow Wing Sheriff's Department late Tuesday afternoon investigated the death of a 27-year-old man at a residence on Hesitation Road near Garrison.
Body found in Mission Township grass fire
Mission firefighters discovered the body of an 84-year-old Mission Township man in a grass fire, the first of two grassfires they battled Wednesday afternoon.
Corrections
Monday's coverage on the Lum Park Easter egg hunt should have mentioned that the Brainerd Rotary Club was a major sponsor of the event.
Derek Engelke
BACKUS - Derek Engelke, age 16, of Backus, passed away Sunday, April 12, 2009, as the result of a four-wheeler accident. He was born Oct. 29, 1992, in Waconia, Minn., to Terry and Teresa Engelke.
Patrick M. Burnell
MERRIFIELD - Patrick M. Burnell, age 57, of Merrifield and formerly of Mankato, died Monday, April 13, 2009, at United Hospital, St. Paul. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and children after a courageous battle with lung cancer.
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.
Gordon E. Westgaard
Gordon Edward Westgaard, age 87, of Brainerd, died Monday, April 13, 2009, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd after a lengthy battle with heart and respiratory illness.
Catherine Gustafson
BAXTER - Catherine "Kay" Gustafson, age 94, died peacefully on Saturday, April 11, 2009, at the Diamond Willow assisted living in Baxter.
James M. Houle
DULUTH - James Maurice "Old Man" Houle, age 58, of Duluth, died Monday, April 13, 2009, at St. Mary's Medical Center, surrounded by his family. He was born in Minneapolis on April 8, 1951, to Charles Houle and Betty (Kegg) Houle.
Miriam Watland
STAPLES - Miriam Watland, of Staples, passed away Tuesday, April 14, 2009, at Lakewood Health System in Staples. Arrangements are pending with the Brenny Funeral Chapel of Staples.
Caleb MacDonald
Caleb MacDonald, 27, of Brainerd, died at his home Tuesday, April 14, 2009. Arrangements are pending with the Brenny Funeral Chapel of Baxter.
Gordon E. Westgaard
Gordon Edward Westgaard, age 87, of Brainerd, died Monday, April 13, 2009, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd after a lengthy battle with heart and respiratory illness.
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.
Shyrl J. Strang
Shyrl J. Strang, 82, Waite Park
Elmer L. Liljenquist
AITKIN - Elmer L. Liljenquist, 89, of Aitkin, died Friday, April 10, 2009, at Aitkin Health Services in Aitkin.
Mavis 'Masie' D. Stieve
PEQUOT LAKES - Mavis "Masie" Dottie Stieve, 76, of Pequot Lakes, died at her home Sunday, April 12, 2009. Services for Masie will be 11 a.m. Saturday, April 18, 2009, at the Brenny Funeral Chapel of Pequot Lakes. Friends are welcome to gather Friday evening from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral chapel.
Evelyn L. Kegley
ARLINGTON, Wash. - Evelyn L. (Hardy) Kegley, age 74, passed away Sunday, April 12, 2009, at her home in Arlington, Wash.
Benita M. Woodrow
AITKIN - Benita M. Woodrow, age 80, of Aitkin, died Wednesday, April 15, 2009, at the Aicota Health Care Center in Aitkin.
Wanda M. Richards
WADENA - Wanda M. Richards, age 74, of Wadena, passed away peacefully at her home Wednesday, April 15, 2009. Arrangements are pending with the Brenny Funeral Chapel of Staples.
Better protocol advice needed
WASHINGTON - About that bow.
Sound off to Washington
Sen. Amy Klobuchar
What do you think?
On our Web site, www.brainerddispatch.com, readers may participate in forums at brainerddispatch.com/forums.
Taxes are a part of citizenship
After three months of viewing the world through the tax code and listening to everyone's critique of taxes in general and theirs in particular, two conclusions have been reaffirmed and need to be mentioned: taxes are not bad and the IRS is not your enemy.
VOX POP
Students walk a mile to school, staff cannot walk a block. Maybe we taxpayers could buy them a pass to the Y they could use on their three-month vacation to make the block walk next year.
Tell state legislators your opinion on the issues
Sen. Paul Koering
Open Forum
We've just been scammed. The people with the money told us to give them our money and they would make us rich, or at least secure. They lied. They told us we shouldn't watch or check up on them or the magic wouldn't work. They partied and laughed and we treated them with great respect. They took our houses, our college funds, and our retirement, lowered our wages, increased our hours and made us pay for our own health insurance.
Open Forum
On April 14, 2009, a former insurance adjuster wrote that the cost of medical malpractice insurance is too high because of lawsuits brought by plaintiff attorney s many of which are with little or no merit. Lawyers know it's cheaper to settle than to defend a lawsuit.
Ring builds off state performance
Kelsi Ring was a member of a Brainerd Warriors track and field team that had one of the most successful days in program history at state in 2008.
Raiders get swept by Dakota County; CLC player hit in head
Brandon Hilts getting beaned in the back of the head typified what type of afternoon it was Wednesday for the Central Lakes College Raiders.
Second Run for the Lakes Marathon
is set for April 25
The Brainerd Jaycees second annual Run for the Lakes Marathon is scheduled April 25.
LOCAL SHORTS
Central Lakes College catcher Larissa Luther has been named the Northern Division softball player of the week ending April 11.
Peeters will take his game to Jamestown College
C.J. Peeters wanted to parlay his experience at Central Lakes College into an opportunity to advance his basketball career.
Area baseball scores
NASHWAUK - Pine River-Backus pitcher Jordan Ackerman threw a no-hitter, with 17 strikeouts and five walks, in Game One of a doubleheader against Nashwauk-Keewatin Tuesday.
'Jacks release roster, schedule
Brainerd Lumberjacks general manager and head coach JJ Kern said the roster for his Semi Pro Football team, the Brainerd Lumberjacks, is close to completion.
Area boys' golf
CAMBRIDGE - Sam Dally shot a 44 and medaled for Aitkin as the Gobblers fell by two strokes to Braham in the Braham Invite at Purple Hawk Country Club Tuesday.
Bendzick no-hits Willmar for 5 innings in Brainerd victory
WILLMAR - Dan Bendzick threw no-hit baseball for five innings to spark the Brainerd Warriors past the Willmar Cardinals 8-0 in Central Lakes Conference baseball Tuesday.
Wolverines drop pair
WADENA - Corey Pettow won the only match for Wadena-Deer Creek at No. 4 singles as the Wolverines lost both meets in a triangular Tuesday.
Pearson, Aitkin down Bombers
CAMBRIDGE - Dayna Pearson carded a nine-hole 52 to take medalist honors and lead Aitkin to a team scored of 235 to top Braham who shot a team score of 266.
Warriors blank Sartell
SARTELL - Brainerd coach Bruce Thompson said his team enjoyed Tuesday's weather.
Area softball shorts
FRAZEE - Steph Perkins took the win on the mound for the Wadena-Deer Creek Wolverines, who defeated the Frazee Hornets 18-2 Tuesday.
Warriors rally for second win
Trailing 2-1 entering the bottom of the sixth inning, the outlook wasn't promising for the Brainerd Warriors.
LOCAL SHORTS
The Brainerd junior varsity baseball team won its first game Tuesday by defeating Browerville/Eagle Valley 11-4 at Adamson Field.
Lunkers start to build their roster
The Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers of the Northwoods League announced Tuesday that Minnesota Gophers Mike Kvasnicka and Justin Gominsky have signed contracts to play for the Lunkers this summer.
Neugebauer fly provides Raiders split
Stephanie Neugebauer's sacrifice fly in the bottom of the seventh inning lifted the Central Lakes College Raiders to a 3-2 victory over Northland in the second game of a Northern Division doubleheader Wednesday at the Findorff Athletic Complex.
SCOREBOARD
Area events
SCOREBOARD
Area events
S-M's Strain finishes second
MENAHGA - Staples-Motley's Michael Strain finished second and the Cardinals placed third in the Detroit Lakes Invite at Blueberry Pines on Wednesday.
Area track and field roundup
AITKIN - Kenny Rodeski won the shot put and discus and Eric Kohler won the 300-meter hurdles and the high jump to pace the Little Falls Flyers boys' to a dominating victory at the Aitkin Invite Tuesday.
Let the flowers start growing
Weather drawing by Cecilia Boche in the Lowell kindergarten of Jan Wilcox.
Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Some cloudiness far east this morning...Then turning mostly sunny. Mainly sunny elsewhere. Highs from the upper 40s to low 50s near lake michigan and lake superior...To the lower to mid 60s inland.
State forecast for Minnesota
Today...Sunny. Highs in the upper 50s to upper 60s.
Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Sunny. Highs from 50s near lakes michigan and superior...To the 60s elsewhere.
State forecast for Iowa
Today...Partly sunny west...Mostly sunny central and east. Highs in
State forecast for S.D.
Flood watch northern and central black hills into the afternoon...
State forecast for S.D.
Flood watch black hills into thursday...
State forecast for N.D.
Today...Cloudy with scattered rain showers. Isolated thunderstorms
State forecast for Iowa
Today...Mostly sunny east...Partly cloudy west. Isolated light
State forecast for Minnesota
Today...Mostly cloudy west. Partly cloudy east. A slight
State forecast for N.D.
Today...Rain showers likely west. Mostly cloudy central. Mostly
Wish granted
Weather drawing by Kirsten Hirst in the Lowell class of Mr. Meyer.