Thursday, June 9, 2005
Muscle cars are making strong comeback
With one arm hugging the steering wheel of his 1970 Chevelle SS 396, Brian Chaffee flips the ignition key. The engine under the long berry-colored hood roars to life, then settles into an idle that sounds like a mechanical beast gargling hot motor oil.
Rims power a $3.1 million aftermarket industry
We write today in honor of chrome. We write of the lowly car tire elevated to art form. Of P. Diddy and designer wheels, of Shaq and the $40,000, 24-inch Superman set of spokes on which his la fabulousness glides.
Blame drivers, not SUVs
WASHINGTON -- The story didn't make many front pages. Few corrections ever do, especially if they contradict media biases.
'Sisterhood' like a comfy pair of jeans
The group's membership may be limited to four, but you don't have to be an insider to appreciate "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants," the film adaptation of Ann Brashares' novel. It is, simply put, the greatest movie ever made about magic jeans.
Entertainment shorts
PEQUOT LAKES -- Pequot Lakes Community Theater's production of "The Best of How to Talk Minnesotan: The Musical" will be staged 8 p.m. July 7-9 and 12-14 in the Pequot Lakes High School auditorium.
'Odd Couple,' 'Something's Afoot' scheduled at college
Central Lakes College Theatre has scheduled two upcoming plays. Neil Simons The Odd Couple will be staged 7:30 p.m. June 22-25 and June 29-July 2 in the Chalberg Theatre on the Brainerd campus. And Somethings Afoot will be staged 7:30 p.m. July 5-9 and 12-16 in the Dryden Theatre.
Voters name favorite shows
The May 26 Dispatch Interactive poll asked "What TV show had the best 2004-05 season?" Not surprisingly in this era when fewer and fewer shows are hits, the votes were all over the board. Lots of people love TV, but it's hard to find two who can agree on what the best show is.
COMING NEXT WEEK
On the eve of her June 17 return to the Eclectic Cafe, singer-songwriter Angie Stevens discusses changes in her music and career since leaving Brainerd for the Denver folk music scene.
BEST BETS
That sound you'll hear coming from the northern lakes area this weekend is the hundreds of fiddles and other Nordic folk instruments featured in the sixth annual Nisswa-stmman. The festivities take place Friday and Saturday, with the main festival running 10:15 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday in the Nisswa Pioneer Village. For a complete lineup of events, consult www.nisswastamman.org.
Schedule of notable tours stopping in our region
Alanis Morissette, 8 p.m. Friday, Orpheum Theatre, Minneapolis, $36-$56
Upcoming arts and entertainment events
Live music
Banana Salad was a favorite growing up
I remember as a young girl growing up Mom made Banana Salad quite often. It was one of my favorite homemade salads.
CRIME
BURGLARIES -- Kenlor Enterprises, Emily, Thursday reported a burglary and cash box taken with $509.
PUBLIC MEETING
STAPLES -- The Region Five board will meet 9 a.m. Thursday at the Region Five office in Staples.
ACCIDENT
Eugene Wheeler, Brainerd, was injured when the motorcycle he was operating struck a deer Thursday, the Crow Wing Sheriff's Department reported.
CLC, Hibbing renew law enforcement Skills partnership
Central Lakes College announces that the college criminal justice program has reached an agreement with Hibbing Community College to continue to offer the Skills training on the Brainerd campus.
Cass accepts Homeland Security grant for study
WALKER -- Cass County Board voted Tuesday to accept a $75,000 Homeland Security grant to study whether Cass, Itasca and Aitkin counties could develop an interconnected sheriff's communication system.
Summer camps for children scheduled
HACKENSACK -- Deep Portage offers a variety of summer camps for children interested in topics such as fishing, hunting, aquatics, adventure or science.
Hackensack Fire Department, first response to host open house
HACKENSACK -- Hackensack Fire Department and First Response will hold an open house from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. June 18 at Hackensack Fire Hall to acquaint people with the newly merged department.
AREA BRIEFS
NISSWA -- The Nisswa Area Historical Society will hold a members and visitors meeting at 1:30 p.m. today at the Nisswa Community Center.
Variety of classes offered two days a week in summer
HACKENSACK -- Deep Portage Learning Center will offer a variety of classes 1-2:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, June 14-Aug. 17.
Little Falls business' request for TIF tabled
The Little Falls City Council tabled a request Monday for tax-increment financing for Valley Hardwoods, a business that manufactures millwork, molding and cabinet doors.
All aboard
As the skies cleared Monday, Alex (left), Erik and Barb Hamilton enjoyed a brief stop in the Nisswa Express replica locomotive in Nisswa.
Cass creates Critical Access Hospital Task Force
WALKER -- Cass County Board voted Tuesday to create a Critical Access Hospital Task Force with representatives of local governments who might establish a hospital taxing district for central Cass County.
Contestants prepare for Confidence Learning Center Fishing Classic
Ron Kristofferson is well-known when it comes time to cruise on Gull Lake and catch a few fish. Kristofferson and others are preparing to fish in the 22nd annual Confidence Learning Center Fishing Classic, set June 18 at Cragun's Resort on Gull Lake.
County to receive funds to repair off-road vehicle damage
WALKER -- Assistant County Engineer Kris Lyytinen informed the Cass County Board Tuesday the county will receive $8,500 to repair off-highway vehicle damage to shoulders along Cass County State Aid Highway 58 near Outing.
Proud to be 90
Dorothy Klick of Long Prairie received a cash prize for being the oldest person at the Central Minnesota Conference on Aging held June 1 at Central Lakes College in Staples. Klick is 90.
More than 500 attend spring fashion show
EAST GULL LAKE -- More than 500 people recently attended the Nisswa Women's Club's annual luncheon and spring fashion show at Madden's Town Hall in East Gull Lake.
138 yellow lady's-slippers bloom in Crosslake yard
What started as three or four plants six years ago in Dori and Jim Stevenson's flower garden in Crosslake has bloomed into 138 yellow lady's-slippers.
June baby honored
IRONTON -- The Crow Wing County American Dairy Association honored the first baby born in June in Crow Wing County with a $50 savings bond and a basket of dairy products.
AREA BRIEFS
CROSBY -- The Minnesota Highway Safety Center will offer the four-hour 55+ driver improvement course from 8 a.m.-noon June 27 at the Hallett Community Center, 470 Eighth St. N.E., Crosby.
83 pints collected at Emily bloodmobile
EMILY -- The American Red Cross recently held its 37th bloodmobile in Emily since 1988.
It's time to go
After treating more than 45,000 patients in 36 years at St. Joseph's Medical Center, a well-known physical therapist has retired.
Cass board, tribal council to meet
WALKER -- The Cass County Board will meet with the Leech Lake Tribal Council from 1-2:30 p.m. Monday at Northern Lights Hotel.
Turtle races to return Wednesdays to Longville
LONGVILLE -- Turtle races will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesdays this summer on Main Street in Longville.
Privately owned lake access lots addressed
WALKER -- A standing-room-only crowd filled the Cass County boardroom Tuesday to voice conflicting opinions on what the county should include in zoning ordinances for privately owned lake access lots.
Cass proposes to make resorts commercial businesses
Environmental Services Director John Sumption explained that Minnesota DNR considers resorts commercial planned unit developments. Cass proposes to call them a commercial business, he said.
Commissioners tour county-managed lands
HACKENSACK -- Cass County commissioners toured central Cass County-managed lands May 31 to see land department management techniques and issues county foresters face as a part of their management duties.
Overheard
"This will be a lesson for Americans to learn more about our flag. This is especially more important now that we are in war."
Baxter authorizes feasibility study for wastewater facility of its own
BAXTER -- The Baxter City Council Tuesday authorized a $14,000 feasibility study to find out how much it would cost the city to develop its own wastewater treatment plant.
Short-term detour planned for highways through Aitkin
AITKIN -- Motorists using U.S. 169 and Highway 210 through the city of Aitkin will be detoured for about one week beginning June 13, as work continues on a joint city, county, state and federal improvement project, the Minnesota Department of Transportation reported.
CORRECTION
Women featured in a Nisswa Women's Club spring fashion show photo on Page 6N in Wednesday's Neighbors section were misidentified. The women were the show's hostesses.
City, township officials to discuss Lively Auto property
The Brainerd City Council will meet with Crow Wing Township officials regarding the expected annexation of the Lively Auto property.
Overheard
"It's like having a persistent drought. At some point when you have drought conditions you have to institute water rationing, and that's what you potentially face in the military if it goes on long enough."
This was Brainerd
JUNE 8 - 60 years ago (1945) - Crow Wing County schools were $50,272 richer today with receipt of the county's share of $3,193,162 distributed from income tax funds.
This was Brainerd
JUNE 9 - 60 years ago (1945) - Cold weather is delaying the usual June rush to resorts in the Brainerd area. Practically all resorts in the Brainerd area are open but the presence of cold weather has delayed the arrival of tourists.
Cypress Drive extension through golf course property approved
BAXTER -- No matter what development occurs at the Pine Meadows Golf Course, a major road corridor will run through the property, the Baxter City Council decided on a 4-1 vote Tuesday.
Baxter facing a flood of water issues
BAXTER -- As land continues to be developed and paved in Baxter, it has created flooding issues in recent years for the Northland Arboretum, where most of the run-off water from the nearby commercial area eventually ends up.
Construction won't strike Flag Day colors
The Laurel Street reconstruction project in downtown Brainerd is not only affecting traffic, it also is changing a tradition.
Local briefs
East Gull Lake will begin developing a comprehensive plan, a document that provides a policy framework for the city's future growth and development.
Cass, area counties receive second chance on health services alliance proposal
WALKER -- Cass and neighboring counties who hoped to join a southern Minnesota counties health services alliance to provide medical assistance services have gotten a second chance to seek Minnesota Department of Human Services approval.
Cass County sheriff's office cites unbuckled motorists
WALKER -- The Cass County Sheriff's Department cited 64 unbuckled motorists during the statewide May seat belt enforcement campaign.
LOCAL BRIEFS
The Thirty Lakes Watershed District board will host a workshop at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at 17064 Commercial Park Road in Brainerd.
Randall settles dispute with ex-police chief
The city of Randall has settled its employment dispute with former Randall Police Chief Gary DeZurik.
Instant lawn
Baxter Park and Recreation Department workers Rob Lee (left) and Josh Dalzell placed sod Tuesday at the new Whipple Lake beach area in Baxter. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the facility is planned for 10 a.m. Friday.
City approves permit for transitional group home
BAXTER -- The Baxter City Council Tuesday approved a conditional use permit amendment request by Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota to open a transitional group home for young adults with mental health issues at the former Baxter Youth Shelter at 13401 Birch Drive.
Marching Minnesota for Mentors update
Gary Walters and his children are walking the length of the state to gain awareness, money and mentors for Kinship Partners.
Walters family undeterred by rain, mosquitoes, blisters
They have walked through rain storms and mosquito swarms while experiencing painful blisters.
Ladies, start your turtles
Madison Yeager, 3, Brainerd, gripped a turtle before her race Wednesday in downtown Nisswa. This is the 40th year of turtle races in Nisswa. Hundreds of racers and spectators attend the races that will be 2 p.m. every Wednesday through Aug. 17.
Waterball
Mariah Moen (left) tackled Aaron Jacobson Tuesday as they played football in Whipple Lake in Baxter. The warm day attracted swimmers and sun bathers to the Whipple Lake beach area.
$5 more
A proposed Brainerd Public Utilities fee change would raise money for fixed costs and add at least $5 to its monthly service fee.
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.
George J. Kruse
AITKIN -- George J. Kruse, 93, of Aitkin, died Sunday, June 5, 2005, at the Cuyuna Regional Care Center in Crosby. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, June 11, 2005, at Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home in Aitkin. The Rev. William Sass will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
George Williams Jr.
George Williams Jr., 83, Brainerd, passed away on Friday, June 3, 2005, at Bethany Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd.
Herbert J. Smieja
BREEZY POINT -- Herbert J. Smieja, age 75, of Breezy Point, died early Sunday morning at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd. A Memorial Mass will be 2 p.m. Friday, June 10, at St. Christopher's Catholic Church in Nisswa with Father George Zeck officiating. Visitation with the family will be from 1 p.m. until time of services on Friday.
William 'Bill' L. Cogger
William "Bill" L. Cogger, age 67, resident of Brainerd, died Wednesday, June 8, 2005, at his home.
Marion F. Stone
STAPLES -- Marion F. Stone, 94, formerly of Staples, died Monday, June 6, 2004. Funeral services will be Friday, June 10, at 1 p.m. in the United Methodist Church in Staples with the Rev. Wesley Johnson officiating. Family will receive friends Thursday evening from 5-8 p.m. at Brenny Funeral Home, Staples. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenny Funeral Home, Staples.
Margaret Wedel
LITTLE FALLS -- Margaret Wedel, age 88, of Little Falls, Minn., passed away today, June 8, 2005, at St. Mary's Villa in Pierz, Minn. Funeral arrangements are pending with the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls, Minn.
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.
Janis J. Yaggy
PALISADE -- Janis J. Yaggy, 55, of Palisade, died Friday, June 3, 2005, at her residence.
Robert W. Kittelson
PEQUOT LAKES -- Robert W. Kittelson, age 68, died Saturday, May 14, 2005, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd. A memorial gathering will be held at noon Sunday, June 12, 2005, in the Community Room at Whitebirch RV and Camping Resort (Campground No. 2), Breezy Point. Willim-St. Onge Family Funeral Home of Pequot Lakes is in charge of arrangements.
Sylvia B. Roach
Sylvia B. Roach, 89, Brainerd, passed away on Friday, June 3, 2005, at Bethany Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd.
Florence Jackson
BATTLE LAKE -- Florence Jackson, age 99, formerly of Palisade, died on Saturday, June 4, 2005, in Battle Lake, Minn. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday at Bethel Lutheran Church in Palisade. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Sunday at the Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home in Aitkin. The family would prefer memorials to the Bethel Church building fund.
Thomas M. Shaw
Thomas Morris Shaw, 83, Brainerd, entered his rest in the gentle hands of our Lord on June 7, 2005, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd. He was born March 26, 1922.
Deep Thoughts on Deep Throat
Although the frenzy over Mark Felt's admission is understandable, it shouldn't distract us from the truly significant questions about Watergate. How, for example, did the White House turn into a hothouse of criminality? To what extent did the Watergate mentality pervade other areas of Nixon's presidency, such as policymaking?
OTHER OPINION: TAXES
For months congressional Democrats have stuck to a just-say-no approach to Social Security, attacking President Bush's ideas while refusing to say how they would fix the program or, in many cases, refusing to acknowledge that the program needs fixing.
VOX POP
To the lady who decided to steal instead of pay $45 for the tablecloth at our sale May 26, and to your friends and relatives, if you see a pretty beige, round cloth with about 5 inches of lace around the edge, you'll know how she got it. And I hope your conscience eats and eats at you so you never enjoy it as much as I did putting it together. We saw you and your friend leave but soon realized you hadn't paid either of us. So beware. People steal at garage sales.
Open Forum
"Thank you very much for the recent donation of $4,630.34 to Udonsawangmatatummasatan to help with victims of the Tsunami in South Thailand. Your generous gift will help us to provide services to individuals and family members who are affected by the Tsunami disaster. We also wanted to take this opportunity to let you know how much we appreciated all your work. Rebuilding lives is a long and difficult process, but your help makes it possible. Without contributions such as yours, we could not provide this extensive relief to victims. Thanks again for your kindness."
Born to race
It would be a safe bet to say that not many real estate agents have to learn to write with their left hand after breaking their right wrist.
Hasselberg eager to regain old form
Mary Hasselberg's junior year for the University of Montana Grizzlies women's golf team was a milestone in her young career.
Scoreboard
Baseball
Hoppe improves on first round of last year's meet
Jared Hoppe has room to improve but he has to be happy with his opening round in the Class 2A boys' state golf tournament Tuesday.
GOLF SHORTS
Madden's Resort is hosting a Super Demo Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Airport Driving Range.
Upcoming sporting events in the Brainerd lakes area:
Thursday
CLC'S Frentzos sits tied for first
CHAUTAUQUA, N.Y. -- Central Lakes College men's golfer Theo Frentzos fired a first-round 71, placing him in a three-way tie for first place individually at the NJCAA Division III national golf tournament Tuesday.
Duo open against No. 1
In the past when an individual or doubles team qualified for the state tennis tournament it could be one and done -- lose the first match and you're out.
Upcoming sporting events in the Brainerd lakes area:
Upcoming sporting events
MOTORSPORTS SCOREBOARD
KC Race promotions
Soaring sisters
Last year Ally Hartje sat in the crowd and watched her twin sister Taylor compete in the triple jump at the Class 2A state track and field meet.
Scoreboard
Baseball
Need a long drive? This may help
Here are a few ideas for you to play with when you are trying to nail a big drive.
Brainerd snaps Woodchuck's winning streak
WAUSAU, Wis. -- Brennan Garr went 3-for-5 with a home run, double, RBI and two runs scored as the Blue Thunder ended the Wisconsin Woodchucks six-game winning streak with an 8-4 victory Wednesday.
Gobblers advance to section championship
GRAND RAPIDS -- John holder singled and scored the game-winning run in the ninth inning on an error to lift the Aitkin Gobblers past Esko 4-2 Tuesday and place the Gobblers in the Section 7, Class 2A baseball championship game Thursday.
Kavanaugh tied for sixth on Day 1
ONAMIA -- It couldn't have started any better for Joe Kavanaugh and Cydney Hasselberg.
Sports shorts
All ages are welcome to participate in a variety of events. There is no fee to participate. Meets will be conducted every Thursday in June.
SPORTS SHORTS
The fourth annual Sour Grapes Half and Half Marathon is scheduled Saturday, rain or shine, at Northland Arboretum in Brainerd.
Tower too tough
With a decisive 27-17 victory over Northern Investments Thursday at the Legacy Courses at Cragun's, Tower Mortgage increased its men's league lead to 11 points.
Pace, Asfeld have a busy day ahead
Laura Pace and Eric Asfeld enter the Class 1A state track and field meet at the National Sports Center in Blaine on Friday and Saturday with two full plates.
Cathedral caps Wolverines' year
ST. CLOUD -- Seth Hamman was 2-for-4 and Jordan Wohlwent finished 1-2 for the Wadena-Deer Creek Wolverines in a 6-3 loss to St. Cloud Cathedral in the losers-bracket game of the Section 6, Class 2A baseball playoffs Tuesday at Putz Field.
Different experiences await Class 1A golfers
For four area golfers the Class 1A state boys' and girls' tournament Wednesday and Thursday at Izatys Resort in Onamia presents four unique experiences.
State forecast for Minnesota
Flood watch parts of the south until 7 am...
State forecast for Iowa
Flood watch for portions of southwest iowa late this afternoon
Wisconsin state forecast
Flood watch until wednesday evening for portions of west central wisconsin...
State forecast for S.D.
Today...Considerably cloudy. Showers likely through the south this morning...Possibly with an isolated thunderstorm. Chance of showers elsewhere except dry northeast. This afternoon...Rain likely southeast with an isolated thunderstorm. Chance of showers or thunderstorms elsewhere. Highs 65 to 75.
State forecast for N.D.
Today...Showers and thunderstorms northwest...A chance of showers
State forecast for N.D.
Today...Partly to mostly cloudy. A chance of showers west and south
Boomers
Weather drawing by Kayli Scammahorn of Mrs. Wig's third grade class at Garfield school.
Summer swimming
Weather drawing by Lillian McQuinn of Mrs. Marohn's first grade class at Nisswa school.
State forecast for Iowa
Today...Partly to mostly cloudy. Thunderstorms this morning north
State forecast for Minnesota
Today...Partly to mostly cloudy. A slight chance of showers and
State forecast for S.D.
Today...Partly cloudy. Thunderstorms ending far east early...Isolated showers northwest. Highs from 65 to 70 northwest to the mid 80s far southeast.
Wisconsin state forecast
Today...A chance for showers and thunderstorms most sections. Highs from the middle to upper 70s far northwest to the 80s south.