Saturday, July 4, 2009
Retreat for combat vets attracts film crew
Project New Hope, McGregor, which provides free weekend retreats for military families, recently reported The Learning Channel will be filming at the camp's retreat during the July Fourth weekend.
BUSINESS NOTES
MANHATTAN BEACH - Chef Chad Minor was appointed executive chef for Manhattan's Restaurant at Manhattan Beach Lodge.
After makeover, the lion looks g-r-r-reat
Since the late 1960s children have clamored to put their heads inside the lion's mouth in Brainerd.
Deerwood thrift store hopes to help shoppers and church
DEERWOOD - In these hardscrabble economic times, the virtue of thriftiness is taking on a fresh sheen.
SENIOR CALENDAR
LAKES AREA SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER
POLICE BLOTTER
THEFTS - Holiday Station, Garrison, Thursday reported a gas theft.
Everyday People
Kevin Grondahl, Staples parks and recreation director, saw his vision of a new Dower Lake Pier become a reality last month.
Planning meeting
The Brainerd Planning Commission will meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the City of Brainerd Council Chambers.
Cass County investigates assault
Cass County Sheriff deputies were searching Friday for the suspect of an alleged sexual assault that occurred around 8-8:30 p.m. Thursday in the woods near Cragun's Conference and Golf Resort.
Firefighters kept busy
The Brainerd Fire Department responded to three calls in quick succession Thursday that began at 12:21 a.m.
Cass County Board of Commissioners
Meets 9 a.m. Tuesday
Baxter City Council
Meets 7 p.m. Tuesday
Morrison County Board of Commissioners
Meets 9 a.m. Tuesday
Brainerd City Council
Meets 7:30 p.m. Monday
Magical, mystery tour
IDEAL CORNERS - Red Mountain Lodge. It's what Kevin and Cindy Roberg call their home on Kimble Lake in Ideal Corners.
LOCAL BRIEFS
The Council of Residential Specialists and the National Association of Realtors recently announced that Jim Eisler of Edina Realty in Brainerd and Crosslake has earned the Certified Residential Specialist Designation.
WHAT'S DOING
AITKIN - The 22nd annual Aitkin Jaycees Dump Run will be 8 a.m. July 18. Registration begins at 7 a.m. in County Market parking lot in Aitkin. For registration forms or more information go to www.thedumprun.com or contact Lara at (218) 820-9608.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
AMERICAN RED CROSS Tom Bickford 821-3598
VOLUNTEERS OF THE MONTH
Hometown: Bemidji, Brainerd for the past 33 years.
Merrifield man injured in three-vehicle accident
PEQUOT LAKES - A 39-year-old Merrifield man was injured in a three-vehicle accident at Highway 371 and Lake Street in Pequot Lakes at 5:22 p.m. Thursday, the State Patrol reported.
Recession won't dampen celebration
The people who call Brainerd the Minnesota Fourth of July Capital say the celebration is free and has family, fun and enjoyment written all over it.
FOURTH OF JULY CALENDAR
Saturday, July 4
Freedom to catch candy
Children and adults waved and reached for flying candy from the floats Friday night at the Freedom Day Parade in Nisswa.
Ushering in the Fourth of July celebrations
Equipped with a flag and face paint, Kathlynn Tangen watched for the Nisswa Freedom Day Parade to begin Friday night in Nisswa.
DWI patrols increased in area
ST. PAUL (AP) - After a deadly Memorial Day weekend on Minnesota roads, authorities are stepping up patrols for drunken drivers over the Independence Day holiday.
Second time a charm for band
And the winner is - No Shirt, No Shoes, Knows Jesus.
Gospel Night performers
Caleb (left), Jayme and Sam Garms sang with their family in the Great Adventure Gospel Band Friday during Gospel Night at Heritage Assembly of God Church in Baxter.
Pavers scheduled for completion next week
The irrigation system and pavers should be complete at the end of next week in the downtown Brainerd reconstruction project, the contractor, Tom's Backhoe Service, reported Thursday.
Overheard
He'd be the 800-pound gorilla in the Republican field, no doubt it.
Health care officials point to pain from Pawlenty budget cuts
Area health officials told state lawmakers Thursday how their institutions will be affected by the March 1 elimination of a state medical assistance program for low-income patients without private insurance.
What's open/closed for the Fourth of July
The Brainerd Post Office will operate on a holiday schedule Friday in observance of the Fourth of July. The Post Office will only be open until noon on Friday. There will be mail delivery on Friday but not on Saturday. Regular mail service will begin again on Monday.
Fourth of July schedule
BRAINERD/BAXTER
No injuries in plane crash on Upper Hay Lake
JENKINS - No one was injured when a small float plane crashed at 1:27 p.m. Friday on Lower Hay Lake located west of the Whitefish Chain in Ideal Township.
BHS grad commands lead unit in Afghan operation
A Marine commander from Brainerd is playing a key role in the U.S. Marines' massive operation in Afghanistan.
This was Brainerd
40 years ago (1969) - Three men were wounded at the Launching Pad dance hall parking lot when a man, said to be from a motorcycle gang, opened fire with a pistol. One victim is in critical condition with shots to the abdomen, one wounded in the thigh, and the other shot in the knee.
This was Brainerd
JULY 3 - 100 years ago (1909) - The usual rush of Fourth of July travel set in today. Every train had one extra car and the M & I had two. Nearly every train was behind time because of the large number of people traveling.
Bridges planners meet
Educational and business professionals met recently to follow up a June 11 meeting about the future of the regional initiative involving six school districts, Central Lakes College, numerous area businesses, and the Brainerd Lakes Chamber's Workplace Connection.
Eva Traff
BAXTER - Eva Traff, age 90, resident of Staples, died Thursday, July 2, 2009, at Diamond Willow Assisted Living in Baxter. Eva was born Oct. 3, 1918, in Bellingham, Wash., to Charles A. and Annie (Nelson) Traff. Eva worked as a stenographer at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., during World War II and later for the FAA in St. Paul. Following retirement, she returned to the family home in Staples.
Larry Dean Klemz
LITTLE FALLS - Larry Dean Klemz, a 61-year-old resident of Little Falls, Minn., passed away Thursday, July 2, 2009, at the VA Hospital in St. Cloud, Minn.
Marlys JoAnn Johanson
DEERWOOD - Marlys JoAnn Johanson, age 72, of Deerwood, died Friday, July 3, 2009.
Al Vande Brake
FORT RIPLEY - Al Vande Brake, 59, Fort Ripley, passed away on Friday, July 3, 2009, at St. Cloud Veterans Medical Center.
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.
Richard O. Lee
SUN CITY, Ariz. - Richard O. Lee, formerly of Crosby, passed away Dec. 3, 2008, at his home in Sun City, Ariz. He was born in Albion, Ind., Oct. 24, 1916, to the Rev. and Mrs. Loomis and Ethel Lee.
Karen J. Maier
CROSBY - Karen Judith Maier, age 70, of Crosby, died July 2, 2009, at the Cuyuna Regional Medical Center in Crosby. She was born on Aug. 9, 1938, in Crosby to Robert and Stella (Midthun) Walker.
Helen Draves
STAPLES - Helen Draves, age 92, of Staples, passed away at the Lakewood Health Systems Hospital in Staples.
Michael C. Wilder
OUTING - Michael Wilder, 70, Outing, died Wednesday July 1, 2009, at North Memorial Medical Center, Robbinsdale. He was born March 13, 1939, in Minneapolis to Joseph and Libby (Wicks) Wilder. He was a Realtor and home builder for 45 years.
Shirley Bentfield
BAXTER - Shirley M. Bentfield, of Baxter, passed away late Thursday evening at her home.
George 'Buddy' Roderick
McGREGOR - George "Buddy" Roderick, 77, of McGregor, died Monday, June 29, 2009, at Aicota Health Care Center in Aitkin.
The issue that's not going away
WASHINGTON - The implicit message, delivered by the Supreme Court majority in two of the most important decisions of the term that ended this week, is that racial discrimination is no longer as big a problem as we once thought.
What do you think?
On our Web site, www.brainerddispatch.com, readers may participate in forums at brainerddispatch.com/forums.
Keep in touch with your Minnesota lawmakers
Sen. Paul Koering
Don't mistake the sparklers for fireworks
WASHINGTON - As we officially enter the second half of 2009, some stock-taking is in order.
Open Forum
July Fourth is one of those American holidays that evoke fond memories. It's a time for family picnics, community celebrations, fun in the sun, and of course, fireworks. It's also a time marked by patriotism, as we remember those who fought for our freedom over 200 years ago, as well as those who continue to serve on our behalf today. I know I'm not alone in saying that the sound of The Star Spangled Banner being played at a Fourth of July parade brings tears to my eyes; I consider myself blessed to live in this great country.
Rising debt may be next crisis
WASHINGTON - The Founding Fathers left one legacy not celebrated on Independence Day but which affects us all. It's the national debt.
Will NOW leader bring new focus?
At a moment in political history when feminists have a friend in the White House (and her husband might be a friend as well), the National Organization for Women begins the task of trying to reclaim ground lost during the long, dark night of the administration of George W. Bush.
Flying the caution - and American - flag over 4th
This weekend could be the busiest of the year on the waterways. Make sure you look alive.
Rueben and Gert Rohloff
Rueben and Gert Rohloff will celebrate their 50th anniversary with an Open House
60th Birthday
Happy 60th Birthday Kathy.
Sabrina Thrugstad
There will be a Graduation Open House for Sabrina Thrugstad, Saturday,
Alfred and Patricia (Leeb) Hoskins
Alfred and Patricia (Leeb) Hoskins of Hillman celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 20th at their home on Peavey Lake.
Laura Larson
Laura Larson, Brainerd will celebrate her 90th birthday with an Open House July 11 from 2-4pm at the Lakes Area Senior Activity Center, 803 Kingwood Street.
Curt and Marcia Smith
Curt and Marcia Smith celebrated their 40th anniversary with family and friends at Lum Park.
Kristina Johnson and John Nelson
Kristina Johnson and John Nelson announce their engagement. Parents are David and Shelly Johnson, Brainerd, and Wendy and Jeff Klein, Brainerd, and Barry and Betty Nelson, Brainerd.
Brainerd lakes area churches
Brainerd
CHURCH NEWS
Pastor David P. Holte will be honored for his 25 years of ministry at Trinity Lutheran Church of Brainerd on July 12 at a reception in the fellowship hall following the 9 a.m. worship service.
Lunkers rally to take down first-place MoonDogs
MANKATO - A two-run rally in the seventh inning gave the Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers a lead they would not relinquish as they won a tight 4-3 game against the North Division-leading Mankato MoonDogs Thursday night in Northwoods League action.
Hegarty helps Brainerd capture split
Jack Hegarty struck out 12 batters and went 2-for-3 with a double as the Brainerd sophomore team beat Sauk Rapids 4-1 in the second game of a doubleheader Thursday.
SCOREBOARD
Area events
Former football star focuses on baseball
At Mahtomedi High School, Justin Gominsky was a two-sport prodigy. He was an all-state football player, a 6-4 wide receiver once described by the Star Tribune of Minneapolis as "a sure-handed game-breaker who can bring a crowd to its feet and opposing coaches to their knees."
'Monster' Mike back on the track
Gritting his teeth and fighting his way through the agonizing pain caused by the broken tibia and fibula in his left leg, "Monster" Mike Schultz took his wife Sara's hand, looked in her face, and said, "Sara, I'm never racing again."
Target Field to open April 12, new schedule shows
NEW YORK (AP) - Target Field has a target date.
Lunker offense struggles
The Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers, starting the second half of the Northwoods League season Friday night, fell 5-1 to the Thunder Bay Border Cats.
NCS cancels World of Outlaw Late Model race
North Central Speedway officials announces they have been forced to cancel the scheduled World of Outlaw Late Model race July 9 because of the inability to reach a contract with the organization.
Box hits walk-off homer against Staples-Motley
PEQUOT LAKES - Jacob Box hit a walk-off, two-run home run Thursday in the seventh inning as the Crosslake-Fifty Lakes-Pequot Lakes Legion team defeated Staples-Motley 2-1.
Outlaw Drag Racing highlights Show & Go weekend
Round Two of the Outlaw Drag Racing Series will be featured this weekend during the 23rd annual Show & Go at Brainerd International Raceway.
Lunkers host holiday weekend games
The Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers will host a two-game series against the Thunder Bay Border Cats beginning at 7:05 p.m. Friday at Mills Field.
The Nation's weather
A low pressure system moving through the Central Plains on Saturday is forecast to kick up scattered showers and thunderstorms over the Upper Midwest and Mid-Mississippi River Valley. The Northern Plains may see scattered isolated thunderstorms develop in the afternoon, while the Southern Plains is expected to remain hot and humid with highs approaching 100 degrees.
State forecast for Wisconsin
Today...Mostly cloudy south through early afternoon...Then partly sunny. Partly sunny north. Numerous rain showers far southwest in the morning. A chance of showers rest of south in the morning. A chance of showers south in the afternoon. Isolated thunderstorms southwest. Highs from the lower 70s north and east...To around 80 central. Cooler near lakes michigan and superior.
State forecast for North Dakota
.Today...Partly cloudy. Scattered thunderstorms central and
State forecast for Wisconsin
Today...Partly sunny west. Becoming partly sunny east. Highs from the mid 70s north...To the lower to mid 80s southwest. Turning cooler near lakes michigan and superior.
Getting ready for the 4th
Weather drawing by Katie Streiff in the Baxter third grade of Ms. Hemstad.
State forecast for N.D.
.Today...Partly to mostly cloudy. Scattered thunderstorms southwest
State forecast for South Dakota
Today...Cloudy skies...Becoming partly sunny by afternoon. In the morning...Showers diminishing in the southeast...And isolated thunderstorms with areas of fog west. This afternoon...Scattered thunderstorms west...And a slight chance of showers or thunderstorms east. Highs mid 70s to lower 80s.
State forecast for S.D.
Today...Cloudy central and east. Showers and thunderstorms south...Chance of thunderstorms north. Highs from the upper 60s to the mid 70s.
Local forcasts
Today...Partly cloudy. Highs 75 to 80. Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph.
State forecast for Iowa
Today...Partly cloudy in the morning then becoming mostly cloudy.
State forecast for Minnesota
.Today...Mostly sunny north. Mostly cloudy south with a chance of
Happy Birthday, America
Weather drawing by Alexa Bluth in the Harrison third grade of Mrs. Meyer.
State forecast for Iowa
.Today...Showers...Ending west to east...But remaining cloudy
State forecast for Minnesota
Today...Becoming mostly cloudy central and south. Showers and