Thursday, June 26, 2008
BMW adds another sport activity model
The 2008 BMW X6 is not a sport utility vehicle - at least according to the people at BMW.
BOOK SHORTS
William Cope Moyers will tell his story of addiction and redemption at noon Monday at the Brainerd Public Library as part of the Brown Bag Lunch Summer Speakers' Series.
Upcoming arts and entertainment events
Live music
BEST BETS
Youths can display their skills at the Kids' Talent Show at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at Gregory Park in Brainerd. Then Cheryl Sawyer will demonstrate her talent as a storyteller and magician at 7 p.m. Admission is free; bring your own blanket or lawn chair.
MUSIC SHORTS
BAXTER - Gospel Night '08 will feature the Schimpp Family with Gary Timbs, the Travelers Quartet, the Golden Street Quartet and Heartsong at 7 p.m. July 3 at Heritage Assembly of God Church in Baxter. Pianist Bea Henderson Sundquist will open the program.
Mason: Not jarring
The sun shines a bit brighter when a new Mason Jennings album comes out. Although his sixth full-length CD, "In the Ever," doesn't have "spin it again" tracks like past albums, it still lives up to the ephemeral, easy-listening promise of the title.
Completely random slice of pop culture
This is going to sound kind of random, but those of us who like to laugh have a reason to cry this week with the death of George Carlin.
ART SHORTS
AITKIN - "Seeing Birds," an exhibit of prints and pottery by Betsy Bowen and Martye Allen, will be on display through July 13 at the Ripple River Gallery near Aitkin. A reception will be from 2-4 p.m. Saturday.
THEATER SHORTS
PEQUOT LAKES - Pequot Lakes Community Theatre will stage award-winning comedy "Crappie Talk" at 8 p.m. July 9-12 and 14-15 in the Pequot Lakes High School auditorium.
Cowboy Caviar and kudos
This week, I am sharing a recipe for Cowboy Caviar that I tasted last weekend at my niece Katie Nelson's house.
BIRTHS
Jesse and Amy Dorner, Baxter, a girl, Camryn Lee, 7 pounds, 15 ounces, June 9, 2008. Grandparents are Dan and Andrea Dorner, Roseville, and Ron and Brenda Backhaus, Roscoe, Ill.
MARRIAGE LICENSES
Luke G. Ringler, 19, Pillager, and Kristen J. Halvorson, 20, Staples.
POLICE BLOTTER
THEFT - Lamorris Drummond, 500 block of First Street, Wednesday reported the theft of a DVD player.
Gas theft from boats up
in Morrison County
LITTLE FALLS - While gas stations are reporting an increased number of gas drive-offs, the Morrison County Sheriff's Department also is receiving reports of gas cans being stolen or gas being siphoned from boats that are left tied to the end of docks or on boat lifts.
Eight to vie for Miss Brainerd Lakes
Eight young women will vie for the title of 2008 Miss Brainerd Lakes at the Miss Brainerd Lakes Scholarship Program at 7 p.m. Saturday at Tornstrom Auditorium in Brainerd.
Right at home
Do you have a recent scenic picture that shows the beauty of the lakes area? Send it to photos@brainerd dispatch.com for possible publication in the Neighbors section. Be sure to include your name, where you are from, a brief description of the photo and when and where it was taken.
SUPPORT GROUPS
Lakes Area Ecumenical Bereavement
Cast asunder? Adults falling down on the job
From time to time, I wonder and ponder, and in some cases, worry. Our 21st century lifestyle seems to be consuming all of our free time with self-devised projects and goals that appear to be more designed to keep us busy rather than allow us to enjoy and refresh ourselves before plunging back into work or school. I feel this is especially evident in youngsters.
LOCAL BRIEFS
STAPLES - Central Lakes College will offer a 42-credit, Medical Assistant diploma program with plans for the first cohort of students in the fall term of 2009.
Coming attractions
For many Minnesotans, state parks are synonymous with summer in the state. And as Minnesota celebrates 150 years of statehood, the state's many historic treasures - state parks included - are on display this summer.
PETS OF THE WEEK
Cauli is a 1- to 2-year-old female medium-haired calico cat. She is sweet and petite, has a lot of character, extra toes and one cauliflower ear.
CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY
923 Oak Street Temple Baptist Church (Soup Kitchen)
A bit like 'Chicken Soup for The North Woods'
If you are looking for reading material for whiling away time in the hammock or lounging on the dock, or if you plan to spend a relaxing evening listening to the sounds of summer, you might want to pick up a copy of Craig Nagel's "A Place Called Home - Moments from an ordinary life" (Authorhouse 2007).
ALL IN THE FAMILY
"Danielle McGuire visited her Minnesota grandparents, Diane and Joe Carlson, in May. She was intrigued by the dandelion crop on their lawn; in her home state of Arizona, they don't have these 'pretty flowers.' Danielle is wearing the dandelion crown that Grandma Diane made for her and the gingham dress that Dani's mother, Rebecca, wore for the Brainerd centennial in the early 1970s."
Pillager High School honors students in sports, activities
Pillager High School recently held its spring activities award night.
ORGANIZATIONS
Brainerd Jaycees
Board takes step toward ATV trail
The Crow Wing County Board Tuesday unanimously approved the study and review of the environmental feasibility of an all-terrain vehicle trail in Crow Wing County between Brainerd and Emily.
Disabled Dane
Winter, an almost 6-year-old Great Dane, has always been a special dog.
Initiative addresses the aging population
The aging population in the Brainerd lakes area may face concerns regarding housing, health care, security and transportation in the near future.
ONE LAST ITEM
LITTLE FALLS - When Morrison County Administrator Tim Houle arrived at work Tuesday morning it was business as usual.
Tense, terrifying scene described
Todd Kosovich, a senior prosecutor with the Morrison County attorney's office, described that scene in Tuesday's standoff based on interviews he conducted with witnesses who were in the room at the Morrison County Government Center.
Overheard
"It's been a tough day for a lot of folks in this community."
NO HOSTAGES HURT, SUSPECT IS KILLED
LITTLE FALLS - For about 20 minutes Tuesday morning, Morrison County commissioners and several others were held at gunpoint by a 60-year-old Little Falls gunman who has feuded with the county for the past several years.
This was Brainerd
JUNE 25 - 80 years ago (1928) - Joseph T. Deneil is in a quandary today. A wild mallard duck and seven goslings walked into his home. He shooed them out. Few minutes later the whole brood walked into his woodshed and is roosting there comfortably.
Lake Edward zoning request tabled
A rezoning request in Lake Edward Township, which has generated opposition from residents in the area, was tabled Tuesday at the Crow Wing County Board meeting.
Residents stunned by hostage situation
LITTLE FALLS - Residents of Little Falls were shocked to learn of a hostage situation Tuesday at the Morrison County Government Center that ended in the shooting of the suspect, 60-year-old Gordon Kenneth Wheeler Sr.
Morrison County appoints interim administrator
LITTLE FALLS - Before Tuesday's shooting interrupted the meeting, the Morrison County Board appointed Steve Reger, the social service director, to serve as the county's interim county administrator.
Correction
The Brainerd Dispatch incorrectly reported that five Morrison County commissioners were among those held hostage in the board room Tuesday by a gunman. Only four commissioners were among those present. Commissioner Don Meyer was absent.
A day they won't soon forget
LITTLE FALLS - When Morrison County Administrator Tim Houle arrived at work Tuesday morning it was business as usual.
LOCAL BRIEFS
CROSSLAKE - The Crosslake Area Library will host a one-year anniversary celebration at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Crosslake Community Center.
LOCAL BRIEFS
Pierz City Administrator Mike DeRosia resigned from his post effective July 18.
Chronology: Wheeler's history of conflict
Since 2005, Gordon Wheeler Sr. had a tumultuous relationship with Morrison County officials.
County administrator Houle wasn't surprised when Wheeler walked in
When Gordon Wheeler Sr. walked into the Morrison County Board room Tuesday, the five county commissioners and county Administrator Tim Houle didn't think anything of it.
This was Brainerd
20 years ago (1988) - Fishing boats and anxious anglers lined the sandy beach of Grand View Lodge Saturday morning before the shotgun start of the Camp Confidence fishing tournament.
County anticipates cutting positions in 2009
Facing a substantial budget deficit for 2009, Crow Wing County may have to cut 20 to 30 positions.
Fred Smith
BACKUS - Fred Smith, age 76, of Backus, went to be with our heavenly father on his birthday, June 23, 2008, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd. He was born June 23, 1932, in Buffalo, Mo.
Gerald W. Vork
McGREGOR - Gerald W. Vork, 73, of McGregor, died Tuesday, June 24, 2008, at his residence.
Riley R. Patterson
LEADER - Riley R. Patterson, age 75, of Leader, Minn., died June 17, 2008, at Minneapolis Veterans' Hospital.
The Rev. Melford Olson
The Rev. Melford A. Olson, 85, Brainerd, passed away on Monday, June 23, 2008, at Woodland Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd.
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.
Gordon K. Wheeler Sr.
LITTLE FALLS - Gordon K. Wheeler Sr., age 60, of the Randall and Little Falls area, died Tuesday, June 24, 2008, at St. Gabriel's Hospital in Little Falls. Funeral arrangements for Gordon Wheeler Sr. are pending with the Emblom-Brenny Funeral Service in Little Falls.
Blair Hafften
PILLAGER - Blair Allen James Hafften, 2, of Pillager, died Sunday, June 22, 2008, at the University of Minnesota Children's Hospital in Minneapolis. Funeral services for Blair will be 11 a.m. Thursday, June 26, 2008, at the Heritage Assembly of God Church in Baxter with the Rev. Mark Boone officiating.
Rev. Melford Olson
The Rev. Melford A. Olson, 85, Brainerd, passed away on Monday, June 23, 2008, at Woodland Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd.
Vivian A. Warren
Vivian Ardelle Warren, 87, Brainerd, passed away on Friday, June 20, 2008, at her home in Brainerd.
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.
Dolores A. Cooney
WALKER - Dolores A. Cooney, age 80, of Walker, passed away late Monday night, June 23, 2008, at North Country Regional Hospital in Bemidji. Private family services. Arrangements are with the Brenny Funeral Chapel of Baxter.
Joann Ranalls
PIERZ - Joann Ranalls, age 65, of Pierz, formerly of St. Paul, passed away Tuesday, June 24, 2008, at St. Otto's Care Center in Little Falls, Minn. A memorial Mass for Joann Ranalls will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 12, 2008, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Pierz, Minn., with visitation one hour prior to Mass at church.
Open Forum
On June 12 we experienced an act of kindness that will leave a lasting impression. My wife and I met our son at Prairie Bay Grill for his birthday dinner. We drove down from Bemidji and he came up from Camp Ripley. He is a soldier with the Minnesota National Guard and he happened to be wearing his uniform.
VOX POP
Before everyone starts to comment on the Morrison County shooting, remember the commissioners were doing the best they could with a difficult situation and a man felt his rights were being violated, and in the end, his family and the people he held hostage and their families, friends and co-workers were affected by this outcome.
Cheap gas and Dodo birds
Like the Dodo bird, the days of cheap gas are gone. They are not coming back. Still we see politicians from both parties race before the media to announce their "plan" for bringing back cheap gas. These politicians either skipped Economics 101 or slept through it. They missed the lecture that explained that the cost of bringing a product to market is passed on to the consumer.
Open Forum
A short time ago the people of this area spoke loud and clear about their opposition to the profligate spending practices of the local school districts. Now the teachers union and the school administrators are attempting an end-run by proposing to take the funding out of the hands of the electorate and imposing higher taxes at the state level.
Make sure we're being effective
During recent legislative hearings held throughout Minnesota, state Rep. Mindy Greiling may have given the impression that I support her education finance proposal. While I respect Rep. Greiling and share her passion for educating our children, I have some serious concerns about her proposal.
Baxter's Ruzich wins women's biathlon
Jenna Ruzich, Baxter, competing for Nisswa NW Biathlon, won the women's division in the 5-kilometer Minnesota Summer Cup No. 1 biathlon race Saturday at Mt. Itasca in Coleraine.
World of Outlaws coming to NCS
The Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series will make its debut at North Central Speedway on Oct. 3 as part of a doubleheader weekend with a stop at Princeton Speedway the following night.
Show and Go this weekend at BIR
Outlaw drag racing returns to Brainerd International Raceway Friday through Sunday for the 22nd annual PleasureLand RV Centers Show and Go.
Women unite for classic
The Pines clubhouse was filled with them.
SCOREBOARD
Area events
SCOREBOARD
Area events
Martin, Peterson lead sweep
Brainerd's sophomore VFW baseball team swept a doubleheader from Monticello on Tuesday.
Edward Jones takes over lead
With a 35-9 victoy over Lakewood Bank, Edward Jones seized the lead in the Legacy men's golf league at Cragun's Resort.
Staples golfers lead Junior
Cup in action at The Preserve
Nick Forsberg and Cydney Hasselberg, both of Staples, shot the low scores in Sunday's Pepsi Lakes Junior Cup series at The Preserve.
Jenkins, Impola pitch Brainerd wins
Brainerd's sophomore VFW baseball team swept two games from Alexandria by the 10-run rule Wednesday.
Brainerd sweeps Bemidji in extra-inning encounters
BEMIDJI - The Brainerd American Legion swept a pair of extra-inning games from Bemidji on Tuesday night by scores of 3-2 in eight innings and 4-3 in 10 innings at Bemidji State University.
S-M defeats W-DC 14-7
STAPLES - Trevor Smith, Trevor Ness and Joe Roline each had three hits and Jordan Riewer struck out 11 as Staples-Motley defeated Wadena-Deer Creek 14-7 in American Legion baseball Monday.
Nisswa sweeps Bemidji
BEMIDJI - Nisswa ripped 27 hits and swept an American Legion baseball doubleheader from Bemidji on Wednesday.
Vintage scores victories
The Vintage at Staples dominated the first two weeks of District 8 MGA Junior Golf action.
GOLF SHORTS
The 10th Bay Lake Lions Scholarship Scramble is scheduled July 21 at Cuyuna Country Club in Deerwood.
Staples-Motley loses, ties with LF
LITTLE FALLS - Trevor Ness hit a two-run homer in the fifth inning and Alex Jansson had two hits as Staples-Motley lost to Little Falls 5-2 in VFW baseball Tuesday.
Wasau blanks Blue Thunder
WAUSAU, Wis. - The Brainerd Blue Thunder's season-long hitting woes continued Tuesday as they lost to the Wisconsin Woodchucks 7-0.
LOCAL SPORTS SHORTS
Brainerd's Trevor Thompson and Beau Hanowski of Little Falls helped the North team to two victories in the Lions High School All-Star Baseball Tournament last weekend at Chaska.
Serfling leads Crosslake-Pequot Lakes
IRONTON - Jake Serfling was 3-for-4 with a double and Brandon Hilts went 2-4 with a double and two RBIs to lead the Crosslake-Pequot Lakes Legion baseball team past Ironton 11-8 Tuesday.
Summer scene
Weather drawing by Talia Walters of Mrs. Gessell's first-grade class at Riverside school.
State forecast for S.D.
Severe thunderstorm watch southcentral to southeast until 1 pm cdt...
Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Partly to mostly sunny north. Becoming partly sunny south. A chance of showers and thunderstorms west central to south in the afternoon. Highs from the upper 70s far northwest...To the mid 80s south. Turning cooler near the great lakes.
State forecast for Minnesota
Tonight...Partly cloudy in the evening...Then becoming mostly
Taking off
Weather drawing by Tyler Smith of Ms. Hemstad's third-grade class at Baxter school.
State forecast for Iowa
.Tonight...Partly cloudy. Chance of thunderstorms mainly south of
State forecast for N.D.
Severe thunderstorm watch until 2 am for portions of south
State forecast for S.D.
Severe thunderstorm watch northwest through 10 pm cdt and through northcentral until 2 am cdt...
State forecast for Iowa
Severe thunderstorm watch number 609 in effect for a large part
Wisconsin state forecast
Tonight...Partly cloudy north and central. A chance of showers and thunderstorms south late. Lows from the upper 50s to the low 60s.
State forecast for Minnesota
Today...Partly to mostly cloudy. Showers and thunderstorms
State forecast for N.D.
Today...Partly to mostly cloudy. Becoming breezy central and east.