Tuesday, May 11, 2004
EXTRA CREDIT
Anna Brekken, the daughter of Bob Brekken of Baxter and Sarah Davis of Sokane, Wash., a senior at Concordia College, Moorhead, participated as a member in the cast of "Waltzing DeNiro" in the college's annual one act play festival.
Contact your state lawmakers
Rep. Dale Walz, R-Brainerd, District 12A
Accidents
LITTLE FALLS -- Two women were injured Sunday in a one-vehicle rollover on Highway 10, two miles south of Little Falls, the State Patrol reported.
Accident
LITTLE FALLS -- One person was injured in a two-vehicle accident Saturday on Highway 10, four miles south of Little Falls.
COURT
Edward Lawrence Carlson, 38, Pillager, was sentenced for felony first-degree criminal sexual conduct to 12 years prison and 10 years conditional release.
CRIME
THEFT -- Bradley Nelson, of C and C Boatworks in Crosslake, reported an estimated $8,000 in stereo equipment recently stolen from boats.
Fires
The Brainerd Fire Department responded to a camper fire about 7 a.m. Sunday at a residence on the 1000 block of 10th Avenue N.E. The cause of the fire hasn't been determined. The camper was unoccupied at the time of the fire and no injuries were reported.
Notification concerns delay DFL convention
LITTLE FALLS -- House District 12A candidate Don Samuelson on Sunday said Saturday's scheduled endorsing convention at the Little Falls Public Library was delayed because of concerns that not all delegates were properly notified.
Mother's Day kiss
Rachel Kimball (left) of Brainerd met her 5 month-old daughter, Susanna, with a kiss while swinging on Mother's Day in Kiwanis Park Sunday.
Overheard
"It's hard work, but it's cool. It's cool finding something that's never been seen before by a human, something that hasn't been exposed to sunlight for 50 million years."
Two arrested in drug bust north of Crosby
CROSBY -- Two people were arrested after officers executed a search warrant about 5 p.m. at a residence on Raider Court Tuesday, north of Crosby.
Overheard
"We're a busy tourist place and people are saying they can't even be outside. So we'll try it and see what happens."
Keeton running in 12B
Former Little Falls School Board member Bob Keeton, 66, of rural Cushing, is running for the DFL-endorsement for District 12B because he wants to bring about change.
Local briefs
The Initiative Foundation, through a partnership with the AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) program, will offer 15 paid community service opportunities in central Minnesota.
Foam on the fire
Aitkin firefighter Mark Larson sprayed foam on pieces of a smoldering machine shed containing equipment and hay Monday about 1:30 p.m. at the LeRoy Weimer farm west of Aitkin in Crow Wing County, on Paddy Avenue. The shed was a total loss with both Aitkin and Deerwood fire departments responding to the scene.
Volunteer groups urged to help military families
Rep. Dale Walz, R-Brainerd, is encouraging non-profit organizations to help families of area soldiers who have been deployed. He said the Brainerd area has one of the highest deployment rates in the state.
Brainerd school administrators explain closed campus policy
It's now official.
Toman seeks Walz spot
Karen Toman, 62, of Brainerd was surprised when she learned Rep. Dale Walz, R-Brainerd, wouldn't seek re-election this year. While she hadn't thought much previously about making a bid for the District 12A seat the thought of being part of Gov. Tim Pawlenty's team appealed to her.
Quiet reflections
Birches, before the emergence of their leaves, were reflected in the calm waters of Hole-In-The Day Lake Saturday evening in Nisswa.
Spark ignites propane gas, fire officials say
A spark coming in contact with a propane leak is believed to have caused the explosion that injured two people on a converted school bus Friday.
On this day in the Brainerd lakes area
30 years ago (1974) - The highest man-made structure in Brainerd is presently pushing its way skyward just south of the city. It's a 300-foot microwave telephone tower. It will cost the Northwestern Bell Telephone Company over three quarters of a million dollars.
On this day in the Brainerd lakes area
20 years ago (1984) - Starting Tuesday, a nine-month Washington Street road and bridge project is scheduled to begin. While it will inconvenience travelers and hurt businesses, it will be a big improvement in the end.
Fossil hunter
Adam Lindgren may only be 17, but the Brainerd High School senior is already a veteran paleontologist.
Gazelka runs for House
Launching his campaign for the Minnesota House of Representatives Paul Gazelka, of rural Brainerd, said he feels similar to when he ran in cross country meets in high school.
$2.05 a gallon
Gasoline topped $2 a gallon in Brained Monday.
Garrison to spray for mosquitoes
The city of Garrison has contracted with Professional Mosquito Control Inc. to spray city streets and use briquettes in breeding sites to reduce the number of mosquitoes in the city.
Brainerd fire chief vacancy to be discussed
The Brainerd Police and Fire Civil Service Commission will meet 8:15 a.m. May 18 at city hall to discuss the fire chief vacancy.
School board accepts Franklin sale deal
Franklin Junior High School in Brainerd will be sold for $1 million.
PL hires Lingen as school chief
The Pequot Lakes School Board Monday unanimously agreed to hire Percy Lingen of International Falls as its next superintendent.
Jewel O. Arneson
PEQUOT LAKES -- Jewel O. Arneson, age 88, died Saturday, May 8, 2004, at Bethany Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, May 10, 2004, at Willim-Northland Funeral Home in Pequot Lakes.
Mitchell A. Strempke
LITTLE FALLS -- Mitchell Anthony "Buddy" Strempke, 6-year-old resident of Little Falls, passed away Friday, May 7, 2004, at Childrens Hospital in St. Paul.
Waldemar 'Wally' Schmoll
PENSACOLA, Fla. -- Waldemar "Wally" W. H. Schmoll, 80, formerly of the Brainerd lakes area, peacefully passed away May 6, 2004, in Pensacola, Fla., where he has resided for 16 years. Wally was born Nov. 7, 1923, in Owatonna, Minn. He graduated from Claremont High School in 1941 and served 22 years in the Navy.
Obituary policy
Obituary notices are charged at $10 per column inch, exclusive of the first 4 inches. A $10 fee is charged for a half-column photograph. To place an obituary in the Brainerd Dispatch, consult the funeral home handling arrangements.
James Payne
James Payne, 52, Brainerd, died May 6, 2004, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd. Burial, with Military Honors by the VFW Post No. 1647, will be at 1 p.m. on Monday, May 10, 2004, at Minnesota State Veteran's Cemetery followed by a memorial service at 2 p.m. at the Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter with the Rev. Chip Avelsgaard officiating.
David M. Ostrum
BACKUS -- David M. Ostrum, age 66, died on Sunday, May 9, 2004, at his residence in Backus. David has been under the foster care of Ron and Lee Burns, Backus, for the last 18 years. A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 14, 2004, at 11 a.m. at the Church of the Nazarene in Backus. Arrangements are with Willim-Northland Funeral Home in Pine River.
Richard R. Yasgar
LITTLE FALLS -- Richard R. Yasgar, age 75, a resident of Little Falls, Minn., passed away Monday, May 10, 2004, at his home in rural Little Falls. Arrangements are pending with the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls.
Jeffrey T. Schwanke
BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. -- Jeffrey Thomas Schwanke, 42, passed away at his home in Bonita Springs, Fla., on Sunday, May 9, 2004. A memorial service will be held at Bonita Funeral Home in Bonita Springs, Fla., on Thursday, May 13. Arrangements are pending for a memorial service in his hometown Pillager, Minn.
Obituary policy
Obituary notices are charged at $10 per column inch, exclusive of the first 4 inches. A $10 fee is charged for a half-column photograph. To place an obituary in the Brainerd Dispatch, consult the funeral home handling arrangements.
Helen Schwankl
PEQUOT LAKES -- Helen Schwankl, 88, Pequot Lakes, died Sunday, May 9, 2004, at Crosby Care Center. Memorial services will be private.
Alice E. Tassinari
MCGREGOR -- Alice E. Tassinari, age 75, of McGregor, died Thursday, May 6, 2004, at McGregor.
Edna Siltman
PINE RIVER -- Edna Siltman, age 96, of Pine River, passed away Sunday, May 9, 2004, at Bethany Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd. Edna was born Dec. 14, 1907, in Pine River to Adam and Anna Jane Fox. After high school she completed normal training and taught school in St. Mathias. She worked at Hill Hardware and Gardiner Hardware in Pine River and at the age of 62, she joined the staff at Whispering Pines Good Samaritan Center in Pine River where she worked for 20 years. Edna was very active in her sons' schooling and sports. She loved her horses and took pride in her home, always having a ready lunch for all who visited. She was involved in many activities in the Ponto Lake area.
Stephen J. Portz
IRONTON -- Stephen Joseph Portz, age 52, of Ironton, died on Saturday, May 8, 2004, at his home. He was born on Feb. 11, 1952, in St. Paul to Robert and Marian (Rivet) Portz. He married Kathleen Joan Weller on Oct. 7, 1971, in Watertown, S.D.
Lawrence P. Zilka
LITTLE FALLS -- Lawrence P. Zilka, age 75, a resident of Little Falls, Minn., passed away Sunday, May 9, 2004, at St. Gabriel's Hospital in Little Falls. Arrangements are pending with the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls.
Ruth R. James
BUTTE, Mont. -- Ruth Ruby James, age 74, of Butte, Mont., died on Friday, May 7, 2004, at the Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis. She was born on Crosby on Feb. 23, 1932, to George and Ruth (Doust) Laughton Sr.
Maurice D. Mailhot
Maurice D. Mailhot, age 78, resident of Brainerd, died Saturday, May 8, 2004, at his home.
David M. Ostrum
BACKUS -- David M. Ostrum, age 67, died Sunday, May 9, 2004, at his residence in Backus. Arrangements are pending with Willim-Northland Funeral Home in Pine River.
Open Forum
Why are Senate DFL leaders refusing to allow the full Senate to vote on the Defense of Marriage Amendment? DOMA passed the House with a bipartisan 2 to 1 majority.
Guest column: Treatment can help individuals
"I never sleep, I'm exhausted all the time, I have no energy and no appetite. Everything takes all the strength I have. I cry for no reason. Why am I even here?" -- (Individual describing feelings of depression)
What do you think?
Write us a letter or send us an e-mail
Open Forum
A letter writer on April 27 stated, "...taxpayers in this state don't pay for abortions in any way right now..." That is completely false. Obviously, the writer is ignorant of the Minnesota Supreme Court decision which mandates state funding of abortions.
Guest column: Take a risk for kids
I have a dream, or is it a drive, or is it insanity? I'm not sure. I'm taking a risk. I'm taking a risk on behalf of kids who may never be a ballerina, the best sports player, the greatest musician, or the kid who doesn't get a chance to speak in public. I have been actively working for the last two years to develop ongoing theater experiences for kids in third to eleventh grade in our area.
Cardinals rock Rangers
CROSBY -- Paul Williams finished 8-for-10 with three triples and seven RBI as the Staples-Motley Cardinals swept a Mid-State Conference doubleheader against the Crosby-Ironton Rangers Monday.
Lenz , Pequot Lakes pluck Gobblers, 23-4
PEQUOT LAKES -- Kayla Lenz was a perfect 3-for-3 with a double, triple, four runs scored and four RBI for the Pequot Lakes Patriots as they defeated the Aitkin Gobblers 23-4 in non-conference softball Monday.
Upcoming sporting events in the Brainerd Lakes area:
Monday
Lastrup hands Sobieski its first loss of season
LASTRUP -- Latrup's Chuck Boser and Reggie Litke were both 2-for-4 with an RBI as the Lakers beat the previously unbeaten Sobieski Skis 4-3 Sunday in Victory League baseball.
Upcoming sporting events in the Brainerd lakes area
Tuesday
Happy Mother's Day
Mark Johnson gave his mother Kathy Murphy a unique Mother's Day gift at North Central Speedway Saturday.
Landecker's 76 boosts Cardinals to second at Bemidji invitational
BEMIDJI -- Isaac Landecker's fourth-place 76 and Andrew Murray's 77 landed the Staples-Motley Cardinals in second place at the Bemidji boys' golf invite Monday.
Little Falls tops Cardinals, W-DC
STAPLES -- Matt Rakow won two singles matches and the doubles team of Tim Wasland and Jason Casillas also won twice as the Little Falls Flyers tennis team swept a pair of matches over Staples-Motley and Wadena-Deer Creek by identical scores of 6-1 Saturday.
Grunewald, Swanson set school records
COTTAGE GROVE -- Justin Grunewald and Maria Swanson both broke school records for the Brainerd Warriors boys' and girls' track and field teams as both teams finished fourth at the Hamline Relays Saturday.
Pioneers capture CMC title
BELGRADE -- Kristen Sczublewski topped all everyone with her round of 44 and helped the Pierz Pioneers girls' golf team capture the Central Minnesota Conference title Monday.
Braves stay unbeaten
ST. STEPHEN -- The Brainerd Braves baseball team got another strong pitching performance from Tony Whitlock and two crucial home runs to beat the St. Stephen Steves 6-4 Sunday in Victory League play and remain unbeaten.
Flyers win Litchfield tourney
LITCHFIELD -- The Little Falls Flyers defeated McLeod West 8-7 and Litchfield 8-5 to win the championship at the Litchfield tournament on Saturday.
S-M tracksters hope to end Detroit Lakes' dominance
Its roster includes most of last fall's Class 1A state cross country champions, two state swimmers, a state tennis player and last year's entire Section 8 track and field championship team.
Lundbohm leads BHS to win at conference meet
ST. CLOUD -- Zack Lundbohm fired an even-par 72 to lift the Brainerd Warriors boys' golf team to a first-place finish in a Central Lakes Conference meet Monday.
Flyers falter at Willmar
WILLMAR -- Matt Peterschick picked up a win at No. 3 singles and the No. 3 doubles team of Paddy Stoy and Andrew LeBlanc picked up the two Little Falls Flyers' points in a 5-2 Central Lakes Conference tennis loss to Willmar Monday.
Thiesse wins at I-94
SAUK CENTRE -- Nate Thiesse, former Brainerd resident, won his second consecutive ASA Super Late Model feature at I-94 Raceway Saturday. He started fifth after qualifying third and placing third in the fast dash.
Owens propels Warriors to second at conference meet
ST. CLOUD -- Junior Megan Owens shot a 41 to lead the Brainerd Warriors girls' golf team to second in the Central Lakes Conference meet at the Fairways in St. Cloud.
Pats fifth at Grand Rapids
GRAND RAPIDS -- The Pequot Lakes Patriots finished fifth with a team score of 353 while Wadena-Deer Creek finished ninth, Staples-Motley 10th and Crosby-Ironton was 12th at the Grand Rapids Invitational Saturday.
Kummet, BHS shut out Fergus
Coaches preach to pitchers to get ahead of the hitters. With each strike thrown, a hitter's chance of getting on base decreases.
Sports shorts
The deadline for registering for the Brainerd Parks and Recreation Department's Petite, Junior and Senior softball leagues has been extended to Tuesday.
State forecast for Minnesota
Wind advisory much of western minnesota today...
State forecast for N.D.
Today...Partly to mostly sunny and breezy. Highs in the 50s and
Wisconsin state forecast
Dense fog advisory until 9 am for south central and southeast and until 10 am for southwest...
Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Partly to mostly cloudy. A chance for thunderstorms central...And thunderstorms likely south. Highs from the 60s northwest...To the upper 70s southeast.
State forecast for N.D.
Wind advisory through 6 pm cdt this afternoon...
State forecast for S.D.
Today...Partly cloudy west with a slight chance of afternoon thunderstorms southwest. Decreasing clouds with isolated showers east. Cooler with highs in the mid 60s to mid 70s.
I like soccer
Weather drawing by Christian Marweg of Sharon Jendro's first grade class at Lowell school
State forecast for Iowa
Today...Partly to mostly cloudy with a chance of showers
State forecast for Minnesota
Today...Mostly sunny north. Partly cloudy south. A chance of
State forecast for Iowa
Dense fog advisory east early half until mid morning morning...
State forecast for S.D.
Wind advisory central and east today...
Spring season
Weather drawing by Alyssa Beckett of Mrs. Kidd's second grade class at Lincoln school.
Crow Wing DFL elects officers, sets meeting
The Crow Wing County DFL recently elected officers at its county convention and set a meeting for 6 p.m. May 20 at the Lakes Area Senior Activity Center in Brainerd.
Youth volunteer staff orientation planned
The youth volunteer staff program lets students explore new opportunities, make new friends and learn lifelong skills.