Saturday, June 21, 2008

Fitness club moving into former Reed's building
FitQuest athletic club is moving into the former Reed's sporting goods building just off Highway 371 in Baxter.

BUSINESS NOTES
Gina Nacey of Adventure Creative Group, with offices in Brainerd, was elected to a two-year term on the American Advertising Federation's national Board of Directors during the annual conference in Atlanta

A business that's just almost all in the family
Mickey's was started in 1982 in Brainerd.

Mickey's has a franchise unit in Nisswa
NISSWA - On a spring weekend just before summer officially started, people sat beneath red umbrella-topped outdoor tables eating lunch on a busy Nisswa Main Street.

POLICE BLOTTER
ASSAULT - Brittnay Hopp, 1100 block Quince Street, Friday reported that someone assaulted her somewhere in south Brainerd.

SENIOR CALENDAR
LAKES AREA SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER

Three injured in 2-vehicle accident
MILACA - Three people were injured Friday in a two-vehicle accident in Mille Lacs County.

BIRTHS
Wayne Robert and Nichole Lynn (Kircher) Elias, Grey Eagle, a boy, Alexander Lee, 7 pounds, 1 ounce, June 19, 2008. Grandparents are Gary and Roberta Elias, Little Falls, and Bob and Terry Veldkamp, Burtrum.

Little Falls City Council
Special city council meeting (work session)

BIRTHS
Doug and Lisa (Boser) Kloss, Pierz, a boy, Caden Kenneth, 7 pounds, 13 ounces, June 18, 2008. Grandparents are Ken and Eileen Kloss, Pierz, and Alvin and Marilyn Boser, Pierz.

Morrison County Board
9 a.m. Tuesday.

POLICE BLOTTER
INVESTIGATION - A woman called police Wednesday from a residence at the 2000 block of South Sixth Street saying a person she knows threw water balloons at her. The officer advised her to limit her contact with the person if possible.

BIRTHS
Adam and Sheila Ling, Fridley, a girl, Carrie Kay, 7 pounds, 11 ounces, April 30, 2008. Grandparents are Joe and Karen Ling, Brooklyn Park, Rick Lindquist, Brainerd, and Chuck and Sharon Gruhl, Elk River. Great-grandparents are Joe and Mary Ling, Brainerd.

CenterPoint Energy offers tips to prepare for higher energy costs
CenterPoint Energy estimates that, under current market conditions and assuming normal weather conditions, the average residential customer bill may increase 35 to 45 percent from last year. A customer who paid $1,000 could see an increase to $1,400 annually.

Outdoor spaces are in
NISSWA - John and Mary Jo Schmitt of rural Nisswa can think of nothing more enjoyable than entertaining family and friends in the summer at their home on Gladstone Lake.

LOCAL BRIEFS
Janie Lapka, a broker associate of Coldwell Banker Burnet based in St. Cloud, recently was awarded the Certified Residential Specialist Designation by the Council of Residential Specialists, a not-for-profit affiliate of the National Association of Realtors.

WHAT'S DOING
Alexis Orth, 10-year-old daughter of Rich and Chris Orth, has been chosen as a state finalist in the National American Miss Minnesota Pageant on June 27-28 in Bloomington.

Would you like to build memories with Nick and Steve?
Do you remember summer days spent fishing with your dad or walks in the woods with Grandpa? How about helping your neighbor in her garden, or watching the sunset with friends?

MUCH OBLIGED
The Brainerd Parks and Recreation thanks these businesses and individuals for contributing and supporting the Brainerd youth fishing clinic held on May 31 at Lum Park.

Just jammin'
The bass player for Diamond Rio performed for the crowd Thursday at Moondance Jammin Country Fest. Warm weather greeted the second annual country music festival at Moondance Ranch near Walker. Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls

A chopper at the jammed junction
North AirCare landed on a blocked off part of eastbound Highway 210 Friday afternoon after a two-vehicle collision occurred. An 11-year-old girl was airlifted to North Memorial Medical Center in Robbinsdale while the three injured adults were transported by ambulance to St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd. Brainerd Dispatch/Kelly Humphrey

COMING THURSDAY IN ENTERTAINMENT
Mason Jennings' "In the Ever" is breezier than most of his albums, but it still has tracks worth chewing over. John Hansen reviews the latest CD from the Twin Cities musician.

Pequot Lakes girl injured in accident listed in fair condition
BAXTER - The 11-year-old Pequot Lakes girl who was one of four people injured in a two-vehicle collision Thursday at Highways 371 and 210 in Baxter was in fair condition Friday at North Memorial Medical Center in Robbinsdale.

This was Brainerd
JUNE 20 - 40 years ago (1968) - The parking lot program in downtown Brainerd is to be financed partly by the property owners themselves and partly by receipts from parking meters located in the lots.

There are still children in need
When Kinship Partners started its "100 Mentors 100 Days" three-month campaign last Sept. 1, the fact that the mentorship program met its goal shocked even ardent Kinship supporters.

All aboard!
Emma and Jake Swanson with their grandparents, Tom and Gayle Raunio, boarded the Staples-bound BNSF special employee appreciation passenger train in Brainerd. Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls

This was Brainerd
20 years ago (1988) - A lightning strike paralyzed two thirds of Brainerd when a Minnesota Power substation transmission line shut down for about four hours.

Boy, 2, found in area creek
A 2-year-old boy was hospitalized Wednesday after being submerged in a creek near his family's home in the Bigwater housing addition west of Pillager.

All quiet on the riverfront here
With his shirt off, Jessy Borg of Brainerd fished Friday below the fisherman's bridge on the Gull River west of Brainerd.

Economy tailspin isn't increasing crime here
Increased costs for gas and food coupled with a tight economy have apparently not resulted in more crimes, area law enforcement officials said.

Camp wants vets to know it is there for them
On the shores of Glacier Lake in McGregor, a camp for military combat veterans and their families provides food, recreation and counseling at no cost to veterans and their families.

Overheard
"It's the same old rules: Don't give out information, don't hand out money and if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is."

TCC Head Start enrolling children
TCC Head Start is enrolling children for the 2008-2009 school year.

Foundation awards grants
LITTLE FALLS - The Initiative Foundation announced that it has awarded 26 community grants totaling $80,000.

COMING TUESDAY
A group of Little Falls women find friendship and inspiration by walking for a breast cancer cure - they'll cover 60 miles in three days.

VFW Friday dinner scheduled
The Brainerd VFW will be serving hot pork sandwiches beginning at 5:30 p.m. Friday. Cost is $8.

Railroad makes it a special day for employees
The BNSF Railway Special headed west Thursday afternoon through Baxter. The special passenger train ride was an appreciation gesture by the railroad for BNSF employees and their families. Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls

Four injured in wreck at 210-371 junction
BAXTER - Four people were injured in a two-vehicle collision Thursday afternoon at Highway 371 and Highway 210 in Baxter.

LOCAL BRIEFS
A Region Five Development Commission public hearing on fiscal year 2009 work program and budget will be 7 p.m. Thursday at the Region Five Development Commission office, 403 Prairie Ave. N.E., Staples.

Marie M. Tougas
Marie M. Tougas, age 74, was called home by our Heavenly Father on Thursday, June 19, 2008, at the St. Cloud Hospital, surrounded by family. Marie was born Feb. 27, 1934, in Brainerd to Joseph and Mary Dumbeck. She married Bertram Tougas at St. Francis Catholic Church in May of 1957. Marie was an active member of St. Christopher's Ladies Guild for many years. She was also a part of the Ladies Auxiliary for the Knights of Columbus and St. Christopher's Rosary group.

Sharon M. Williams
Sharon Marlene Williams, 67, Brainerd, passed away after a long illness on Monday, June 16, 2008, at her home. She was born June 3, 1941, in Perham to Alvin and Myrtle (Watson) Williams. Sharon was raised in Perham and moved to Brainerd in 1958 and graduated from Washington High School. She was an active, lifetime member of the Eagles Club. She enjoyed family, friends and life.

Joseph P. Straka
Joseph Paul Straka, age 91, resident of Brainerd, passed away on Wednesday, June 18, 2008, at St. Cloud Veterans Home. He was born on June 12, 1917, in Brainerd to Frank and Mary Straka.

Richard Kavan
Richard Kavan, age 68, of Brainerd, passed away Friday, June 6, 2008, at Almond House in Brainerd. Dick was born Aug. 25, 1939, in Omaha, Neb.

Mark Morrie' Miller
LITTLE FALLS - Mark "Morrie" Miller, age 75, of Little Falls, Minn., passed away Thursday, June 19, 2008, at St. Otto's Care Center in Little Falls.

Ardis Denner
PAYSON, Ariz. - Ardis Elizabeth Denner, 87, of Payson, Ariz., died Feb. 8, 2008, at the Payson Care Center.

Debra A. DeChaine
LINWOOD TOWNSHIP - Debra A. DeChaine, age 49, of Linwood Township, passed away June 18, 2008, after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by her family and friends reciting the Our Father.

Lawrence A. Allen
BAXTER - Lawrence "Larry" A. Allen, 70, of Baxter, Minn., died at his home Tuesday, June 17, 2008. A memorial service for Larry is scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday, June 27, 2008, at the Heritage Assembly of God Church in Baxter. Friends are welcome to gather one our prior to services.

Albert Holtan Jr.
Albert "Bert" Nolan Holtan Jr., 72, of Brainerd, died Wednesday, June 18, 2008, at St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, Minn. A memorial service for Bert will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 21, 2008, at the First Congregational United Church of Christ with the Rev. Michael Small officiating.

Mark 'Morrie' Miller
LITTLE FALLS - Mark "Morrie" Miller, 75-year-old resident of Little Falls, Minn., died Thursday, June 19, 2008, at St. Otto's Care Center in Little Falls, Minn. Arrangements are pending with the Emblom-Brenny Funeral Service in Little Falls, Minn.

Vivian A. Warren
Vivian A. Warren, 87, Brainerd, passed away Friday, June 20, 2008, at her home in Brainerd.

Twyla M. Feierabend
BARROWS - Twyla May Feierabend, 47, a resident of Barrows, passed away Wednesday, June 18, 2008, at Bethany Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd.

Richard Rollins
MOTLEY - Richard Rollins, 85, of Motley, died Friday, June 20, 2008, at the Lakewood Health System Care Center in Staples. Arrangements are pending with the Brenny Funeral Chapel of Staples.

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.

Marie Tougas
Marie Tougas, age 74, resident of Brainerd, died Thursday, June 19, 2008, at St. Cloud Hospital. Arrangements are with Nelson-Doran Funeral Home in Brainerd.

Renee Hasskamp
PERHAM - Renee Hasskamp, age 93, of Perham, Minn., formerly of Crosby, Minn., died Monday, June 16, 2008, at the Perham Memorial Home. A memorial service will be held on Monday, June 23, 2008, at 2 p.m. in Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Crosby, Minn., with Pastor Dean Stoltz officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the memorial service at the church. Burial will follow in Lakewood Cemetery, Crosby, Minn.

OUR OPINION: METH LABS
When signs indicating the decay of society are all around us, it's appropriate to take note when significant progress is accomplished.

Save Ironton's water tower
"Ironton ponders future of its old water tower."

OUR OPINION: JOURNALISM
The untimely death of longtime NBC newsman Tim Russert last week evoked a tremendous outpouring of emotion from a variety of sources. Heartfelt tributes were heard from his media colleagues, from Washington, D.C.'s power brokers and from ordinary viewers who connected with the working class roots of the plain-spoken Russert.

Senators could help new president
WASHINGTON - Judging by the rhetoric coming out of the Obama and McCain campaigns this week, the United States is fated to endure another four years of bitter foreign policy partisanship whoever wins this election. The rival nominees clashed on the proper approach to the war on terrorism, the way to handle the major world trouble spots including Iraq, and the approach America should take on everyone from Raul Castro to the Iranian mullahs.

VOX POP
I am getting such a kick out of reading the "Vox Pop Department of" comments and some of the police blotter content (it amazes and amuses me what some people find to call and complain about or want investigated). I hope nobody in authority rains on your parade because the humor is a welcome relief. Thanks.

Open Forum: Vacationland Figure Skating coverage
Point of Perfection Figure skating camp in Breezy Point gets two-thirds of a page of coverage June 18 in the Brainerd Dispatch.

What do you think?
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.

Limited prospects for oil strikes
President Bush has joined Sen. McCain and others who are urging that more lands and waters be opened for oil exploration, even though every drilling rig in the world is busy, and there are existing undeveloped leases. Unfortunately, we have limited prospects for major oil strikes in U.S. territory.

OUR OPINION: CIVIC CENTER
After weeks of proposals, counter-proposals and verbal exchanges about the management of the Brainerd Area Civic Center, the end result was the establishment of an oversight committee.

Open Forum
I would like to add my two cents worth to the wonderful coverage the Dispatch gave us Thursday about the sad plight we have about members.

Domestic violence: Not just men
WASHINGTON - Barack Obama's recent call for responsible fatherhood is welcome, overdue - and misleadingly incomplete.

A shore thing
This wasn't necessarily a place to be heard, which may have been a good thing. It was difficult to hear anything over the buzz generated during a shoreland rules open house Tuesday night at the Northland Arboretum.

'08 deer seasons, licensing simplified
The DNR announced major changes to simplify deer seasons and licensing for this fall, according to Lou Cornicelli, DNR big game program coordinator.

AREA FISHING REPORT
Walleyes continue to hit minnows, but leeches have started working, too. Lakes such as Gull, Round and North Long are worth noting in 12 to 30 feet. Bluegills and bass are shallow and active on most lakes. Crappies are scattered between the shorelines and shallow weed areas. Northern pike are hitting minnows on most lakes in 12 to 14 feet.

New' lake experience doesn't disappoint
I was referred to a customer by another customer looking to fish on a lake I had never fished before.

Wedding planned - Ashley Albachten and Evan Beatty
Ashley Albachten and Evan Beatty announce their engagement. Parents are Melanie and Shane Strack, Randall, Brian and HeatherAlbachten, Buffalo, Joe Beatty, Williamsburg, Colo., and Suzanne Klizmann, Fort Collins, Colo. A July 18 wedding is planned in Little Falls.

Wedding planned - Ahnna Hoffman and Jason Wing
Ahnna Hoffman and Jason Wing announce their engagement. Parents are Kevin and Jenny Hoffman, Brainerd, and Randy and Julie Wing, Brainerd. A July 19 wedding is planned at Ruttger's Bay Lake Lodge in Deerwood.

88th birthday - Loyal K. Hoag Sr.
Loyal K. Hoag Sr. will celebrate his 88th birthday with an open house from 1-4 p.m. June 29 at Pequot Terrace Lot B 22 in Pequot Lakes. No gifts please.

50th anniversary - Babe and Phil Backberg,
Babe and Phil Backberg, Pelican Lake, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with an open house from 2-6 p.m. June 28 at Gary's Pine Room in Ironton. They were married July 5, 1958, in Bartlett Township.

60th anniversary - Bev and Ed Gryz
Bev and Ed Gryz, Pillager, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary. They were married June 26, 1948, in Minneapolis.

50th anniversary - John and Clare Staulcup
John and Clare Staulcup, Pine River, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with an open house from 1-5 p.m. June 28 at their home off of Hwy. 84 NE, Pine River. Watch for signs. No gifts please. They were married April 26, 1958, in North Branch.

25th anniversary - Stephen and Charlotte Rose
Stephen and Charlotte Rose, Baxter, will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary with a vacation to Jamaica. They were married June 25, 1983, in Fargo, N.D.

Wedding planned - Clarissa LaDoucer and Jason Gildart
Clarissa LaDoucer and Jason Gildart announce their engagement. Parents are Teresa LaDoucer and David Kobilka, Merrifield, and Evie and Mike Gildart, Fort Ripley. An Aug. 8 wedding is planned in St. Mathias.

50th anniversary - William and Sena Ojala
William and Sena Ojala, Baxter, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. They were married June 27, 1958, in Marshall.

99th birthday - Isabel Madison
Isabel Madison will celebrate her 99th birthday on Sunday at Diamond Willow Assisted Living in Baxter.

Wedding planned - Michelle Stinger and Chad Thiesse
Michelle Stinger and Chad Thiesse announce their engagement. Parents are Ralph and Bobbi Stinger, Plymouth, and Dwight and Linda Thiesse, Brainerd. A July 5 wedding is planned at Holy Name of Jesus Church in Plymouth.

100th birthday - Ethel Satre
Ethel Satre, Brainerd, will celebrate her 100th birthday with an open house from 2-4 p.m. June 28 at the Woodland Good Samaritan Village, 300 dining room, 300 Buffalo Hills Lane, Brainerd. No gifts please. She was born June 28, 1908, in Crow Wing County.

80th birthday - Don Hicks
Don Hicks, a lifelong resident of Pillager, will celebrate his 80th birthday on July 3. A family picnic is being planned. Birthday greetings may be sent to 12100 51st Ave. SW, Pillager, MN 56473.

90th birthday - Leona Cronin
Leona Cronin, Brainerd, will celebrate her 90th birthday with an open house from 2-4 p.m. June 29 at the Lakes Country Apartments, 1953 South 7th Street, Brainerd. No gifts please. She was born June 30, 1918, in Hartman, Ark.

Wedding planned - Molly Marie McDowell and Michael Robert Johnson
Molly Marie McDowell and Michael Robert Johnson announce their engagement. Parents are Susie McDowell and Randy Carlson, Moorhead, and the late Mac McDowell, and Bob and Jenny Johnson, Brainerd. An Aug. 2 wedding is planned in Moorhead.

Brainerd Lakes Area Churches
Brainerd

Message of rescue changing to one of a retreat center for pastors
After 33 years and more than 5,000 presentations, Dave and Barb Anderson's ministry is changing.

CHURCH NEWS
DULUTH - Twenty-seven Brainerd area high school students recently attended Discipleship Week at the College of St. Scholastica. The four-day retreat was sponsored by the Catholic Diocese of Duluth and NET (National Evangelization Team) Ministries, a national organization based in St. Paul.

St. Cloud slips by Bees in amateur baseball
Nate Smolke, Grant Eller and Tim Martin each had two hits, but the St. Cloud Rosters defeated the Brainerd Bees 5-3 Wednesday.

Valesano to face the best
To play with and against the best is the aspiration of every athlete.

Area events
STOCK CAR RACING

Staples smashes Verndale behind Riewer's pitching
STAPLES - Staples' starter Jordan Riewer struck out nine, walked three and allowed two hits for an 11-0 victory over Verndale Thursday.

SCOREBOARD
Area events

Mankato crushes ball and Blue Thunder
MANKATO - The Brainerd Blue Thunder built a 5-4 lead only to see the Mankato MoonDogs score 12 runs over the next four innings to secure a 17-8 Northwoods League victory Friday.

29th Brainerd Men's Invitational
Spots remain for the 29th annual Brainerd Men's Softball Tournament held July 12-13 at Memorial Park in Brainerd.

Little Falls tops Waite Park
ST. CLOUD - Ben Hanowski finished 4-for-4 with two doubles to lead the Little Falls Legion baseball team to a 4-3 victory over Waite Park Friday in the St. Cloud Tournament.

Blue Thunder quiet MoonDogs
MANKATO - Mitch Caster nailed a two-run homer leading to a four-run first inning and a 10-3 Brainerd Blue Thunder victory over the Mankato MoonDogs Thursday.

Brainerd area forecast
Saturday night...Partly cloudy. Isolated showers and thunderstorms in the evening. Lows 50 to 55. Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 20 percent.

State forecast for Iowa
.Today...Mostly sunny in the morning then becoming partly cloudy.

State forecast for Minnesota
.Today...Becoming partly cloudy this afternoon. Patchy fog with a

State forecast for S.D.
Today...Partly cloudy with a slight chance of morning thunderstorms southwest...Then a chance of afternoon thunderstorms south and east. Highs in the lower to mid 80s.

State forecast for Iowa
Today...Partly cloudy. Chance of thunderstorms. Highs 81 to 86.

Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Partly cloudy. Chance of thunderstorms...Mainly in the afternoon except for the southwest. Highs from the upper 70s north...To the mid 80s south.

State forecast for South Dakota
Today...Partly sunny east to mostly sunny west. Widely scattered afternoon thunderstorms south. Highs in the upper 70s northeast to upper 80s southwest plains.

State forecast for N.D.
Today...Mostly sunny in the morning...Then becoming partly cloudy.

Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Partly cloudy. A chance of showers or thunderstorms east two thirds with a slight chance in the far west. Some storms may produce hail and gusty winds east half. Highs from the mid 70s north...To the lower 80s south. Cooler near lake superior.

Shooting hoops
Weather drawing by Josiah Imgrund in the Riverside first grade of Mrs. Gessell.

Summer is for friends
Weather drawing by Kamryn Higdem in the Baxter third grade of Ms. Hemstad.

State forecast for North Dakota
.Today...Partly to mostly sunny. Highs 75 to 85.

Warm and clear in Midwest
Cloudy and wet conditions were to continue across the Northeast on Saturday. There was a chance of thunderstorms, particularly in the Ohio Valley. Highs were to be in the 70s and 80s.

State forecast for Minnesota
Today...Partly cloudy with a chance of thunderstorms in the