Saturday, May 31, 2008
BIZ NEWS
Brian E. Lemieux, a financial representative with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, qualified for the organization's Summit Circle for 2007 achievements.
BIZ BUZZ: Bridging the gap
Work on Mill Avenue continues but the light may be at the end of the tunnel for businesses who see the road traffic as a life blood.
Agendas
Baxter City Council
BIRTHS
Free Tuttle and Lacey Johnson, Baxter, a girl, Lillee Lynn, 6 pounds, 13 ounces, May 22, 2008.
CASS COURT
WALKER - The following appeared recently in Cass County District Court:
POLICE BLOTTER
NOISE COMPLAINT - Loud music was reported at 12:04 a.m. Thursday coming from the downtown Brainerd area. Officers located the source at the rear of the Liquor Pigs Bar. The report noted that there have been at least six similar complaints for the same establishment in the past year.
CRIME
The rain fell, the grass grew and the complaints started pouring in.
SCHOOL MENUS
Monday B - Cook's choice or muffin. L - Hot dog, oven potatoes, ice juicee.
Agendas
Brainerd City Council
Motorcyclist injured
A 19-year-old Crosby woman was injured Thursday night after the motorcycle she was driving struck a deer, the State Patrol reported.
Brainerd firefighters respond to calls
The Brainerd Fire Department responded to multiple calls in recent days, including a call about a dryer fire on Bon Arbor Lane at 4:33 p.m. Thursday. The fire was under control when firefighters arrived.
BIRTHS
Rachel Peterson and Richard Aulie Jr., Baxter, a boy, Isaiah Richard Aulie, 8 pounds, 2 ounces, May 14, 2008. Grandparents are Robin and Darrell Kaikkonen, Brainerd, Marci Mehr, Brainerd, and Rich Aulie, Crosby.
Agendas
Cass County Board
Housing Briefs
Keller Williams Realty Brainerd Lakes associates donated their time to the community picnic in honor of the Governor's Fishing Opener at Trailside Park in Pequot Lakes. The group assisted with food service and cleanup.
Getting the word(s) out
"Faith, Family and Friends," "Always Kiss Me Goodnight" and "All Because Two People Fell in Love."
SENIOR ACTIVITIES
LAKES AREA SENIOR
Volunteers of the Month
Marge Cekalla
Volunteer opportunities for June 2008
ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION Erica Frey (320) 251-6483 or Esther Gieschen (218) 733-2560.
MUCH OBLIGED
Thank you to Applebee's Neighborhood Bar and Grill for providing us the opportunity to raise funds for the July 25 American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. The management and staff were a joy to work with, and the breakfast delicious. Thank you also to the many patrons.
WHAT'S DOING
The memory loss support group will meet from 5-6 p.m. June 18 at the Brainerd Public Library. Contact Erica at (320) 229-7559 with questions.
Kinship Partners in need of men to volunteer their time
Are you a man who has been considering signing up with Kinship Partners but have never gotten around to it? Sometime, when the time is just right, do you want to make a difference in the life of a young boy? Do you read about the successful partnerships and think you would like to do that someday? Well, now may be the right time.
This was Brainerd
20 years ago (1988) - After 41 years, Lefty Somers is ending his school bus driving duties for Backus schools. Children enjoy him. Somers began driving buses for Backus Schools in 1947 at age 22.
'Deep, deep emotion'
Whittier and Lincoln elementary school students not only said goodbye to their friends and teachers Friday, but also to their schools. Both Whittier and Lincoln schools will be closed this summer due to school district budget reductions.
'Goodie' to the core
She's been a calming voice and a gentle shoulder to lean on for hundreds of children who've found themselves living with their mothers in the Brainerd women's shelter.
A night to always remember
Senior speaker Mary Petersen made her way to the podium Thursday night to give her speech to the 555 graduating seniors at Brainerd High School commencement. Petersen was one of four senior speakers during graduation exercises.
BLUE OCEAN
As a steady rain fell outside, Brainerd High School's Class of 2008 stood together for the last time, an ocean of blue that nearly filled the entire high school gym floor.
Speaking to a large audience
Senior speaker Travis Cizek was one of four graduates invited to speak to the graduating class of 2008 Thursday night in the Brainerd High School gymnasium.
LOCAL BRIEFS
CROSSLAKE - Three environmental presentations related to stormwater management will be discussed at 1 p.m. June 11 at the Crosslake Public Library.
Nisswa youth competes in spelling bee
Forestview Middle School eighth-grader Nick Greatens had his moment of fame Thursday competing against 288 other students from around the world in the 2008 Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C.
Overheard
"'Whittier is the little school with the big heart,' and I think that sums it up."
Budget cuts toll finalized
Now that the smoke has cleared following last November's failed referendum and the budget cuts have been made, the Brainerd School Board has cut a total of 86.8 full-time positions within the district, or 10 percent of its entire staff for next fall.
Brainerd recipient
of a Community Partnership grant
Brainerd is among 28 communities in Minnesota awarded Community Partnership grants from CenterPoint Energy. The grants totaled $63,500 for cities to use for safety equipment or tools used for emergency response in their community to better respond in the event of an emergency.
LeMieur running for House
Little Falls City Council President Mike LeMieur this week announced his candidacy for the District 12B seat in the Minnesota Legislature. He'll seek the Republican endorsement for the seat now held by Rep. Al Doty, DFL-Royalton.
COMING SUNDAY
For more than 18 years, Gudrun Johnson, known as Grandma Goodie, has served as a foster grandparent to the hundreds of children who have stayed at the Women's Center of Mid-Minnesota. Johnson, 89, retired this week.
Federal regulators close Staples bank
WASHINGTON (AP) - Federal regulators on Friday shut down First Integrity National Association bank of Staples, saying unsafe practices had weakened its financial condition.
Goodbye, Lincoln
Lincoln Elementary School Principal Jeff DeVaney wished Lisa Wulf a good summer Friday as she boarded the school bus. Brainerd Dispatch/ Steve Kohls
This was Brainerd
JUNE 1 - 40 years ago (1968) - A former Brainerd woman who reigned as Miss Minnesota in 1929 is in town for the week. She is Mrs. Hector Hoenig who now lives in Mandan, N.D.
Houle chosen for post
Looking for the right fit, Crow Wing County commissioners unanimously agreed that Tim Houle is their first choice for administrator.
CORRECTION
The Brainerd Dispatch incorrectly listed the date of a screening committee being conducted by Crow Wing County Republicans for District 12A legislative candidates in Wednesday's paper. The meeting will be at 7 p.m. Monday at the Sawmill Inn in Brainerd.
COMING SUNDAY IN NORTH COUNTRY
Planting an apple orchard is time consuming and somewhat expensive. But like all habitat projects, the work and the results are very rewarding.
Goodbye, Whittier
Whittier Title 1 Reading instructor TyAnne Rezac received a hug from two Whittier Elementary students Friday before they rode the bus home for the final time. Brainerd Dispatch/Clint Wood
Correction
The Brainerd Dispatch incorrectly listed the date of a screening committee being conducted by Crow Wing County Republicans for District 12A legislative candidates in Wednesday's paper. The meeting will be at 7 p.m. Monday at the Sawmill Inn in Brainerd.
2 accused of arson
A 17-year-old Pine River boy and a 20-year-old Longville man were arrested about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday and have since been charged with wildfire arson after allegedly setting a number of fires along Highway 84 between Pine River and Longville, Cass County Sheriff Randy Fisher said Thursday.
Margaret Flier
BACKUS - Margaret Flier, age 72, of Backus, Minn., passed away Monday, May 26, 2008, at St. Cloud Hospital. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, June 2, 2008, at the Goodland Presbyterian Church in Goodland, Minn., with Pastor Broom officiating. Friends may call from 4-7 p.m. Sunday at the church in Goodland and also for one hour prior to services on Monday. A private family interment will be at a later date.
Marilyn J. Koering
EDINA - Marilyn Jean Koering, age 70, resident of Edina and Washington, D.C., formerly of Brainerd, died Thursday, May 29, 2008, in Edina.
Sheryl J. Williams
PILLAGER - Sheryl J. Williams, 55, Pillager, passed away on Wednesday, May 28, 2008, at her home in Pillager.
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.
Sheryl J. Williams
PILLAGER - Sheryl J. Williams, 55, Pillager, passed away on Wednesday, May 28, 2008. She was born July 29, 1952, in St. Paul to George and Eula (Weaver) Williams.
Jason Smith
STAPLES - Jason Smith passed away at the age of 34 on Sunday, May 25, 2008, in Staples, Minn. He was born in California on July 16, 1973. In March of 1980, he and his family moved to Brainerd, Minn. He made Brainerd his hometown.
Bernard D. Reichert
FORT RIPLEY - Bernard D. "Bun" Reichert, age 83, lifetime Fort Ripley resident, died Friday, May 30, 2008, in Onamia. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 4, 2008, at St. Mathias Catholic Church. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Tuesday at Nelson-Doran Funeral Home in Brainerd.
John W. Doran
SHOREVIEW - John W. Doran, age 65, of Shoreview, passed away May 28, 2008.
Rose M. Axness
Friends of Rose Axness, please join us for a celebration of life and sharing of the sweet memories of Rose, who died April 24, 2008.
The Warrior spirit is with us
One morning, Bob Marley woke up to the three little birds on his doorstep. You know what they said? They said, "Don't worry about a thing, cause every little thing is gonna be alright." This alludes to us, class of 2008, because we have nothing to concern us.
For 13 years we did it together
We made it. We never thought this day would come. We prayed for its quick delivery, crossed days off our calendars, counted hours, minutes, and seconds, and now that it's here, I'm sorry it is, because it means leaving friends and teachers that have made you and me who we are.
Don't hold anything back and make the most of what you have
Looking back on our school years, we, the graduates of 2008 from BHS, have done many amazing things. We sat 13 years in uncomfortable desks, filled in thousands of circles with No. 2 lead, have been conditioned to the sound of bells, listened to hours of lectures, did an infinite amount of projects and activities and somehow managed to persevere through it all.
Open Forum
I'm reading a couple of posts in the Vox Pop and I felt inclined to clear the air on a few things.
Preparation is the key
Wow, who would have thought you would have seen me, of all people, here in this spot speaking to you? I figured I would try out for this position to speak to the class of 2008, not because I'm the class president or because I'm an "A" student, but because I am just like all of you. Like some of you, I missed a few classes, and I've had a few lunch detentions, and unlike some of you, I know almost everybody sitting here tonight.
VOX POP
A note to all the liberal loons. Global warming: Brainerd Dispatch warned of frost at the end of May? Coldest March nationwide average in last 50 years for U.S. Gas: Soaring prices! China, Russia and Saudi Arabia drilling their own land for oil and Mexico drilling off the coast of Florida. This makes our country look simple. Once again the liberal pressure at work. May the Alaskan polar bears and spotted owls have a good laugh at our stupidity. P.S. Drill, drill, drill!
Another perspective on arenas
As always, there are two or more sides to every issue, even in the case of the civic center. We have seen, in the past month, a lot of information put out to the public by BAHA about their proposal to manage the civic center and Gold Medal Arena. One such, for example, was in the Thursday Dispatch, and I would like to present another perspective.
OUTDOORS NOTES
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the DNR again are partnering with retailers and others to offer 20 lead tackle exchanges across the state this summer, including in Aitkin, Hackensack and Baxter.
Giving a hand to guiding hands
And then there were five.
Fishing event helps to build Confidence
The boy reeled in - as fast as a boy his age could.
FISHING REPORT
Bemidji area
90th birthday
Evelyn T. Butson, Baxter, will celebrate her 90th birthday with her family and friends. She was born June 6, 1918, in Waverly, Iowa.
65th anniversary
Don and Myrle (Cusey) Dabill, Pine River, will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary with an open house from 2-5 p.m. June 8 at the Mildred Bible Chapel Fellowship Center, four miles north of Pine River. No gifts please. The event is hosted by their children. They were married June 9, 1943, at Myrle's parents' home in Poplar while Don was home on furlough and stationed in Chicago during World War II.
75th birthday
Norma Denniston will celebrate her 75th birthday with an open house from 1:30-4 p.m. June 7 at the home of Cindy Moberg, 5471 Poplar Ave., Nisswa. The event will be hosted by her daughters.
Holmvig-Bautch
Callie Holmvig and Jay Bautch announce their engagement. Parents are Randy and Lori Holmvig, Aitkin, and Jim and Dee Bautch, Baxter. An Aug. 30 wedding is planned in Deerwood.
90th birthday
Marian Chindvall, Pine River, will celebrate her 90th birthday with an open house from 2-5 p.m. June 8 at First Lutheran Church in Pine River. No gifts please. The event is hosted by her children. She was born June 10, 1918, in Minneapolis.
Marshall-Bottorff
Mary Marshall and Mike Bottorff were married April 18, 2008, at Zion Lutheran Church in Brainerd with Pastor Mark Kleckner officiating.
50th anniversary
Gary and Patsy Olson will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with an open house from 1-4 p.m. June 15 at the Long Lake Town Hall, 9033 State Highway 25. No gifts please. They were married May 31, 1958.
60th anniversary
Gene and Rita Hornby, Brainerd, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary. They were married June 3, 1948.
Hurdelbrink-Jones
Jessica Hurdelbrink and Adam Jones announce their engagement. Parents are Judy Hurdelbrink, Mandan, N.D., and the late Richard Hurdelbrink, and Steven and Valerie Jones, Baxter. A July 19 wedding is planned in Minnetonka.
65th anniversary
Leander and Ellidore Thesing, Brainerd, will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary with a Mass at 1 p.m. June 8 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Harding. An open house will follow until 5:30 p.m. on the church grounds. They were married June 22, 1943, in Belle Prairie.
65th anniversary
William and Ruth Hitz, Crosslake, will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary with their family. They were married June 5, 1943, in Polk City, Iowa.
50th anniversary
Marvin and Ellen (Hayes) Tretter, rural Pierz, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with a reception beginning at 1:30 p.m. with dinner served at 5 p.m. June 7 at their farm north of Pierz. The event is hosted by the couple's children and spouses. No gifts please. They were married June 9, 1958, in Lastrup.
CHURCH NEWS
Students recently confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Brainerd were Mackayla Headlee (front, left), Morganne Johnson, Jacob Moon, Ethan Dwire, John Mitchell (back), Kyria Kleckner, Pastor Mark Kleckner, Gretchen Kletscher and Sara Walter.
Blue Thunder opener suspended
The Brainerd Blue Thunder's season opener against the St. Cloud River Bats at Mills Field on Thursday was suspended by lightning with two out in the bottom of the fifth inning.
Area events
Track and field
Pats' Noska qualifies for state
MOORHEAD - Kirsten Noska of Pequot Lakes qualified for the Class 1A state track and field meet in three events at Thursday's Section 6-1A meet.
Bees bumble in loss
Despite eight errors, the Brainerd Bees only lost by one run, 10-9, to the Granite City Grays in amateur baseball Wednesday.
Summer golf pays off for Molly Hoppe
Molly Hoppe is proof that high school golfers need to play more than just during the spring.
AREA SHORTS
The Region 8C Board of Directors will meet at 7:30 p.m. June 11 at Patrick's Bar in Pierz to accept bids for the region tournament.
Warrior sophomores finish 16-4
The Brainerd Warriors sophomore baseball team went 16-4 this season.
Pequot Lakes advances
PEQUOT LAKES - Ben Kepner went 3-for-3 and pitched six innings, striking out five, to help No. 3 Pequot Lakes top No. 6 Ottertail Central 10-0 in the South Subsection 8-2A play-in game Thursday.
Blue Thunder game suspended
The Brainerd Blue Thunder's game with the St. Cloud River Bats Friday at Joe Faber Field in St. Cloud was suspended because of rain in the bottom half of the first inning.
Verndale wins first section crown
BRANDON - Brittany Kern went 2-for-3, scored two runs and stole three bases to lead the Verndale Pirates to the Section 6-1A softball championship Thursday as they defeated Hawley 5-4.
C-I's Vukelich, Christenson head to state
DULUTH - Crosby-Ironton's Peter Vukelich captured the 3200-meter run in the Section 7-1A track and field meet Friday.
Scoreboard
Area events
Off to the races
BARROWS - A substantial to-do list remains for the Lakes Area BMX Association, but it is overshadowed by large goals.
Gone fishin'
Weather drawing by Brett Hines of Mrs. Meyer's third-grade class at Riverside.
State forecast for S.D.
Today...Mostly sunny. Slight chance of afternoon thunderstorms west...North central and far northeast corner. Highs lower 70s to lower 80s.
State forecast for N.D.
Today...Partly sunny. Isolated thunderstorms east. Highs 70 to 80.
State forecast for South Dakota
Friday...Mostly cloudy with a chance of afternoon thunderstorms west to northeast. Highs from the mid 70s to lower 80s.
State forecast for Minnesota
Today...Partly sunny. Chance of thunderstorms mainly in the
State forecast for Minnesota
...Dense fog advisory parts of extreme west central and southwest
State forecast for Iowa
Today...Mostly sunny in the morning then becoming partly cloudy.
State forecast for Iowa
...Flash flood watch for parts of central iowa until 7 am this
Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Morning sunshine giving way to partly cloudy skies this afternoon. A chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms west. Highs from the middle 60s far north...To the mid 70s southwest. Cooler near the great lakes.
State forecast for North Dakota
...Dense fog advisory for dickey...Lamoure...Logan...And mcintosh
Fishing in comfort
Weather drawing by Madeline Hinrichs of Mrs. Gramer's second-grade class at Riverside school.
Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Periods of showers and thunderstorms this morning... Especially southern half. Scattered afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Some thunderstorms may be severe south. Locally heavy rains possible south. Highs from the 60s north to near 80 southwest. Cooler near the great lakes.