Friday, June 10, 2005
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
'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.
Upcoming arts and entertainment events
Live music
Schedule of notable tours stopping in our region
Alanis Morissette, 8 p.m. Friday, Orpheum Theatre, Minneapolis, $36-$56
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.
'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.
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.
Fire
The Brainerd Fire Department responded Thursday to a trash bin fire in the 2,000 block of Greenwood Street in Brainerd.
Decks are a deal
If you are one of the millions of homeowners deciding what to do next to enhance your home, experts agree it may be time to look out the window and consider "decking out" the outdoors.
HOUSING BRIEFS
DEERWOOD -- The Deerwood Lakes Lions' and the Bay Lake Area Lions' fourth annual Tour of Homes will be July 29-30.
Bring a touch of home to the beach
You go to the beach to get away from it all -- but that doesn't mean you need to leave everything behind.
Take a chance to win your dream back yard
Since the day you bought your house, you've been talking about improving your back yard, perhaps adding a water garden or some other decorative accents.
Connecting to youth
For decades women in the Brainerd lakes area have been gathering monthly for lunch dates organized by the Brainerd Christian Women's Club.
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.
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."
Overheard
"Now that I am getting to be 90, I thought it was time to take stock of my past and present."
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.
Project complicates courthouse foot traffic
Foot traffic is a little complicated when negotiating the Crow Wing County Courthouse complex these days.
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.
Cattle bath, courtesy of Mother Nature
With the recent heavy rains, cattle walked in a low area Thursday that had filled with water from the nearby Mississippi River along Aitkin County Road 32 south of Aitkin.
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.
Walters family undeterred by rain, mosquitoes, blisters
They have walked through rain storms and mosquito swarms while experiencing painful blisters.
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.
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.
Randall settles dispute with ex-police chief
The city of Randall has settled its employment dispute with former Randall Police Chief Gary DeZurik.
Local briefs
Tickets remain available for the Miss Brainerd Lakes Scholarship Pageant planned for 7 p.m. Saturday at Tornstrom Auditorium at the Washington Educational Services Building in Brainerd.
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.
This was Brainerd
20 years ago (1985) - The Burlington Northern Railroad line between Brainerd and International Falls will be abandoned effective June 24. It was too early to tell how many Brainerd BN employees will be affected by the abandonment.
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.
William 'Bill' L. Cogger
William "Bill" L. Cogger, age 67, resident of Brainerd, died Wednesday, June 8, 2005, at his home.
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.
William 'Bill' L. Cogger
William "Bill" L. Cogger, age 67, resident of Brainerd, died Wednesday, June 8, 2005, at his home. Bill was born on July 3, 1937, in Cedar, Minn. Bill served in the U.S. Navy from 1956 to 1963. He was a member of the VFW, American Legion and the Eagles Club.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Margaret M. Wedel
LITTLE FALLS -- Margaret M. Wedel, age 88, of Little Falls, Minn., passed away Wednesday, June 8, 2005, at the Pierz Villa in Pierz, Minn. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, June 11, 2005, at 10 a.m. at St. Marys Catholic Church in Little Falls with the Rev. Nick Landsberger officiating.
Write us a letter or send us an e-mail
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
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."
OUR OPINION: Cooperation
First, a little geography lesson for the tourists who have braved the incessant rain and paid us a visit. And maybe a shocking wake-up call for the old-timers living in Brainerd and Baxter, too.
CHURCHES
NISSWA -- River, composed of Paul Marino, Phil Reesnes and Kurt Linn, will be in concert at 7 p.m. June 18 at Christ Community Church, 235 S. Hazelwood Drive, Nisswa.
Etchings that represent biblical themes on display at church
"Etchings on Biblical Themes" by Joan M. Bohlig will be on display in the Fellowship Hall at First Congregational United Church of Christ, Brainerd, through noon June 16.
Spruced up for campers
PILLAGER -- Hidden in the woods between Baxter and Pillager is an escape into a whole different world.
Kavanaugh tied for sixth on Day 1
ONAMIA -- It couldn't have started any better for Joe Kavanaugh and Cydney Hasselberg.
Beilke finally gets her shot at state
For as much success as Jenni Beilke has experienced in her athletic endeavors she has never competed in a state meet sanctioned by the Minnesota State High School League.
MOTORSPORTS SCOREBOARD
KC Race promotions
Upcoming sporting events in the Brainerd lakes area:
Thursday
Brainerd fast-pitch splits
The Brainerd 18-under fast-pitch softball team beat Nashwauk-Keewatin 13-7 and lost to the Range Area Panthers 9-0 Wednesday in Arrowhead League play.
Ready to roll
Last year the new wrinkle for the Online Inline Half Marathon was to start and finish at the Minnesota Department of Transportation building in Baxter.
Brainerd wins again
WAUSAU, Wis. -- Markus Frieske and Zach Penprase each drove in four runs and the Brainerd Blue Thunder cranked out 18 hits to strike the Wisconsin Woodchucks with a 17-6 Northwoods League baseball loss Thursday.
S-M doubles 1-1 after Day 1
BURNSVILLE -- After dropping their first-round match, the duo of Charlie Hoemberg and Matt Edin beat Spencer Broughten and Shane Milbrath of Waseca 6-3, 6-4 Thursday in the doubles portion of the Class 1A state boys' tennis meet.
New weapon in struggle for walleye
Breaking news on the bait front: Willow cats are once again legal bait in Minnesota.
SPORTS SHORTS
The fourth annual Sour Grapes Half and Half Marathon is scheduled Saturday, rain or shine, at Northland Arboretum in Brainerd.
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.
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.
Sour Grapes set for Saturday
Unlike weekend warriors of the football season, whose primary physical accomplishments may include surfing the channels from FOX to CBS, about 100 weekend warriors will flock to the Northland Arboretum for fun, food and running Saturday.
Kavanaugh, Wilson finish tied for 15th place
ONAMIA -- Cory Wilson and Joe Kavanaugh experienced Thursday what the other endured Wednesday.
CLC sits four back
CHAUTAUQUA, N.Y. -- The Central Lakes College Raiders men's golf team shot a 295 in Thursday's third-round of the NJCAA Div. III golf tournament and finds itself four shots off the lead heading into Friday's final round.
Aitkin just short
DULUTH -- The Aitkin Gobblers were the first team to hand the Hermantown baseball team a loss this season, but they needed to do it twice.
Scoreboard
Baseball
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.
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.
Scoreboard
Baseball
Upcoming sporting events in the Brainerd lakes area:
Upcoming sporting events
State forecast for Minnesota
Today...Partly to mostly cloudy. A slight chance of showers and
State forecast for Iowa
Flood watch for portions of southwest iowa late this afternoon
State forecast for Iowa
Today...Partly to mostly cloudy with scattered thunderstorms. Highs
State forecast for N.D.
Today...Mostly cloudy with isolated showers and thunderstorms
Summer swimming
Weather drawing by Lillian McQuinn of Mrs. Marohn's first grade class at Nisswa school.
Big wave
Weather drawing by Cole Saba of Mrs. Tetreault's third grade class at Whittier school.
State forecast for S.D.
Today...Decreasing clouds east. Partly sunny west. Early morning showers or thunderstorms likely far southeast...Then diminishing. Isolated morning showers elsewhere in the east and far southwest. This afternoon a chance of thunderstorms west and far southeast. Highs in the 70s.
Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Thunderstorms likely west. A chance of showers and thunderstorms elsewhere. Partly to mostly cloudy. Highs from the middle 70s northwest to the upper 80s south. Cooler by the great lakes.
State forecast for Minnesota
Today...Mostly cloudy. Isolated showers and thunderstorms
State forecast for N.D.
Today...Partly to mostly cloudy. A chance of showers west and south
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.
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.
SENIOR ACTIVITIES
LAKES AREA SENIOR