Friday, July 27, 2007
Ford Taurus returns for 2008
Once America's top-selling car, the Ford Taurus is back in a big way.
MARKETING SCATTER
If you want to get your music to the masses, getting on a Starbucks compilation is a pretty good way to go about it.
Best bets
The Crow Wing County Fair begins Tuesday at the fairgrounds in Brainerd with live music on the Mills Free Stage. On Tuesday, Lonesome Tradition will play bluegrass from 1-4:30 p.m. and Wayne Renn will play country from 6-10 p.m. On Wednesday, the Country Polkateers will play variety from 1-4:30 p.m. and the Alan Godage Band will play classic country from 6-10 p.m.
'Best Years' is summer's best new program
How are high school and college students spending their summer vacations? By watching TV shows about high school and college students - if cable networks have their way.
MUSIC SHORTS
The Heartland Symphony Orchestra has hired Daniel O'Bryant as its new music director/conductor.
Upcoming arts and entertainment events
Live music
People's Choice winners
Watercolors by Laurel LaBorde and acrylic paintings by David Rickert won People's Choice awards at the recent art sale by the Lakes Area Artists. It was the group's 10th anniversary of exhibiting at the Nisswa Community Center.
Mystery author Massey to speak at Brainerd library
Sujata Massey, author of nine mysteries, will be the final speaker in the Brown Bag Lunch Summer Speakers' Series at noon Monday at the Brainerd Public Library.
County fair accepting talent contest registrations
The Crow Wing County Fair is looking for singers, dancers, musicians, comedians and entertainers of all ages for the annual Talent Contest Aug. 3 at the fairgrounds in Brainerd.
ART SHORTS
AITKIN - "Lladro & Other Mediterranean Art," featuring sculptures from the collection of Barden Heft, will be on display through Aug. 25 at the Jaques Art Center in Aitkin.
Kebobs fun for everyone
Children as well as grown-ups like to have their own barbecue. It's fun and everyone can make their own when you serve kebobs.
ACCIDENT
NISSWA - A 46-year-old woman was injured in a single-vehicle crash about 10 p.m. Tuesday on Crow Wing County Road 13, about a mile east of Highway 371 in Nisswa, Nisswa Police reported.
SENIOR ACTIVITIES
LAKES AREA SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER
BIRTHS
David and Julie Charpentier, Pine River, a girl, Louise Catherine, 5 pounds, 7 ounces, July 9, 2007. Grandparents are Steve and Tina Charpentier, Pine River, Nina and Ben Thomas, Pine River, and Phil and Pat Kordiak, Pine River.
BRIEFS
NISSWA - Greg Shepard, broker of Prime NORTH GMAC in Nisswa, was recently awarded the highest level of service achievement in the real estate industry - the Quality Service Certified Platinum.
On tour
Rick and Mary Nolan of Crosslake own one of the four gardens featured July 18 on the Crosslake Garden Club Member Garden Tour.
Peace at last resort
LAKE SHORE - After a hard day's work, Doug and Ann Johnson sit in their Adirondack chairs to unwind, drinking a glass of wine and listening to the soothing sounds of a waterfall passing through a flower garden.
Highway 210 closes between South 4th, 8th streets
Hot weather delayed milling and paving operations Wednesday on Highway 210 between South Fourth and South Eighth streets in Brainerd.
Overheard
"Our staff loves the Abiders. It bothers them to know a patient is dying and they can only check on them every 15 minutes."
HEAT (95) MELTS RECORD
It has been a record-setting week for heat in the Brainerd area.
Little Falls turns out to greet troops
LITTLE FALLS - Nancy Berg of Little Falls didn't know any of the soldiers returning home Thursday following a 16-month tour of duty in Iraq, but she wanted to show her support nonetheless.
$5 million short
It's time to right the ship, Brainerd School Board members concluded Thursday.
Staples man dies in mobile home fire
A Staples man died early Thursday morning after fire swept through his mobile home.
MPCA seeks public input on water quality standards
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is proposing to adopt updated water quality standards that will help protect Minnesota's lakes, rivers and streams.
Fishing tournament fee hike has directors reeling
Jim Miller, the director of the Minnesota Walleye Trail, is scratching his head.
LOCAL BRIEFS
FORT RIPLEY - The top two candidates for the Democratic Party endorsement for the U.S. Senate race in 2008 are scheduled to appear at a joint Crow Wing and Morrison County DFL picnic.
C-I eyes levy referendum
CROSBY - The Crosby-Ironton School Board plans to ask taxpayers for an operating levy referendum this fall.
This was Brainerd
JULY 27 - 40 years ago (1967) - If a plan that was unveiled yesterday by the planning consultant is followed, Laurel Street would first become a one-way street with diagonal parking and in the future a covered mall.
Shriner rally scheduled Saturday
Rev up your engines, motorcyclists.
Highway 210 rollover
Emergency personnel Thursday responded to a single-vehicle rollover at about 2:15 p.m. on Highway 210, east of Pillager. The driver suffered minor injuries, the State Patrol reported. Brainerd Dispatch/Kristine Roberts
Highway 210 to be closed between South 4th and 8th streets
Highway 210/Washington Street will be closed at 9 p.m. Thursday from South Fourth to South Eighth streets in downtown Brainerd, the Minnesota Department of Transportation reported this afternoon.
Clarification
A Page 1A story in Thursday's edition indicated there has been no decision to consolidate St. Andrew's and St. Christopher's Catholic Churches. A decision was made to keep all year-round churches open, in addition to the new parish.
Welcome home, Clint
Brainerd Dispatch photographer Clint Wood, along with his wife, Lynette, and daughter, Hailley, 4, were welcomed back Wednesday by his coworkers at the Brainerd Dispatch, his first visit after returning home Saturday from Iraq. Sgt. 1st Class Wood was deployed for 22 months with the 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 34th Infantry Division of the Minnesota Army National Guard. Brainerd Dispatch/Nels Norquist
National Night Out events Aug. 7 in Brainerd, Baxter
National Night Out events are scheduled for Aug. 7 in Brainerd and Baxter.
Rain delay on the way
An ominous storm cloud hovered behind Brainerd American Legion pitcher Ethan Branum as he prepared to deliver a pitch. The Brainerd area received .38 inches of rain by 4 p.m. Thursday, the National Weather Service in Duluth reported. Brainerd Dispatch/Nels Norquist
This was Brainerd
July 26 - 40 years ago (1967) - Tommy Scott's Hollywood Hillbilly and International Folk Singers stage show will be at the Washington High School Auditorium Monday. The event is sponsored by the Eagles Lodge of Brainerd.
Correction
A story in Thursday's edition incorrectly listed the schedule and the events for the north Brainerd neighborhood celebration of National Night Out on Aug. 7. The north neighborhood will have a picnic dinner with food, drink and entertainment from 5-8 p.m. at Gregory Park. The Dispatch reported the north neighborhood would have an ice cream social at 5:30 p.m. in Gregory Park.
Reducing the loneliness of dying
Terry Prettyman sat next to an elderly woman, holding her hand and making small talk while she was in the final stages of life.
Minnesota college seminary bucks nationwide decline in enrollment
ST. PAUL (AP) - Enrollment at the college seminary at the University of St. Thomas has doubled in the last six years, giving hope to Roman Catholic leaders that a decades-long decline could be turning around.
Parish north of Baxter in works
Another Catholic parish will be established north of Baxter.
Thomas H. Bertram
Thomas H. Bertram, age 57, 32-year resident of Round Lake, Brainerd, died Wednesday, July 25, 2007, at his home. Thomas was born on May 23, 1950, in Belgrade, Minn., to Norbert and Valeria (Haider) Bertram. He married Paula Brang in Meire Grove, Minn., on Aug. 17, 1973. He was a member of St. Christopher's Catholic Church in Nisswa.
Brady Besmehn
Brady Besmehn, 27, of Brainerd, died July 22, 2007, at his home. Memorial services for Brady will be Sunday, July 29, 2007, at 11 a.m. at Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter with Brady's cousin, Pastor Levi Brennan, officiating. Friends may visit at the funeral home during the hour prior to services.
Dr. Bradley D. Ness
WASECA - Dr. Bradley D. Ness, age 50, of Waseca, died Tuesday, July 24, 2007, at his home.
Thomas Snee
STAPLES - Thomas Snee, age 88, of Staples, passed away early Thursday morning, July 26, 2007, at the Lakewood Care Center. Arrangements entrusted to the Brenny Funeral Chapel of Staples.
Myrna K. Steele
ISLE - Myrna Kay Steele, 66, of Isle, died Monday, July 23, 2007, at her residence.
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.
Vivian E. Williams
LITTLE FALLS - Vivian E. Williams, 84-year-old resident of Little Falls, Minn., died Monday, July 23, 2007. Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 28, at the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls. Interment will take place at a later date at the Cushing Union Cemetery in Cushing, Minn.
Berton H. Asp
McGRATH - Berton H. Asp, 63, of McGrath, died Wednesday, July 25, 2007, in McGrath.
Calvin O. Torgerson
Calvin O. Torgerson, 81
Cyril E. 'Cy' Brick
Cyril E. "Cy" Brick, age 79, longtime resident of Brainerd, and current resident of McGregor, died Thursday, July 26, 2007, in Aitkin. Cy was born in Waite Park, Minn., July 21, 1928, to Peter and Agatha (Lardy) Brick. He was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church in Brainerd. He retired from the U.S. Postal Service, had served in the U.S. Army Reserve and was a member of American Legion Post No. 255.
Ralph E. Holland
ROYALTON - Ralph E. Holland, age 78, formerly of Royalton and Bowlus, Minn., passed away Tuesday, July 24, 2007, at the Ah-Gwah-Ching Center in Walker, Minn. Funeral arrangements are pending with the Emblom-Brenny Funeral Service, West Chapel, in Little Falls, Minn.
William 'Bill' Smith
PINE RIVER - William "Bill" Smith, age 74, of Pine River, passed away Thursday, July 26, 2007, at his home.
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.
Thomas H. Bertram
Thomas H. Bertram, age 57, 32-year resident of Round Lake, Brainerd, died Wednesday, July 25, 2007, at his home.
Margret Inwards
Margret Inwards, 91, Brainerd, passed away Thursday, July 26, 2007, at Bethany Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd.
Susan M. Anderson
BACKUS - Susan Margarette Anderson, age 104, of Backus, passed away Tuesday, July 24, 2007, at her home. She was born Aug. 8, 1902, in Walker to John and Jennie (Burnside) Bailey.
Jerome 'Jerry' Gwost
FLENSBURG - Jerome 'Jerry' Gwost, 75-year-old resident of Flensburg, died Tuesday, July 24, 2007, at his home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, July 28, 2007, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Flensburg, at 10:30 a.m. with Father Leo Moenkedick and Father Ron Dockendorf officiating.
VOX POP
If I come into town from the east to Brainerd, I see a population on the sign of 13,178, and when I come in from the west side of Brainerd, I have 13,555. Why is there a difference?
What do you think?
Write us a letter or send us an e-mail
Open Forum
I keep wondering why all the scaredy-cats keep writing to the Vox Pop? Are you afraid that the cops will come and get you just for writing about loud pipes? Why don't you write your opinions and sign your name and then stand up for what you believe in? If you want a loud bike - then go ahead, but look out for the guy beside you who may not like the sound.
OUR OPINION: CORRECTIONS
While the recent demise of the juvenile detention center in Crow Wing County was an unpleasant experience commissioners are well advised to take their time before selling off all of the center's assets.
Open Forum
I was pleased to see the Dispatch publish a story featuring Gov. Pawlenty's rise to further prominence since being named head of the National Governors Association. (7/23/07)
What do you think?
Exchange ideas in our online forums
One family; one God
We have so many different churches in our area. Different denominations, different creeds and traditions, but the fact is, according to the Bible, we are all one family.
CHURCH NEWS
PIERZ - St. Joseph's Parish, Pierz, will have a summer festival on Aug. 5. Polka Mass will be at 10 a.m. There will be a chicken, ham and sauerkraut dinner served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost for adults is $7; children 6-11, $4; five and under are free. Live music will be by Dale Dahmen and the Polka Beats. A grand raffle drawing will be at 4:30 p.m.
Monks enjoy happy trail
They made it! The monks who planned to walk from Brainerd to Bemidji in a two-week time period accomplished their goal in only eight days.
Baxter wins opening game in regional
GRAND FORKS, N.D. - Cole Smith hit a two-run homer and Drew Sannes and Chris Pohlkamp combined on a four-hitter as Baxter defeated Scott County, Mo., 9-5 in the first round of the Midwest 11-U Cal Ripken regional baseball tournament Thursday at Apollo Park.
Brainerd outslugs Nisswa for playoff win
The Brainerd and Nisswa Legion baseball teams locked up in a regular old slugfest as both teams combined for 31 runs and 30 hits but it was Brainerd who hung on for a 17-14 victory in the first round of the Subdistrict 6, Division I tournament at Adamson Field.
Festler to forego senior season, head to USHL
Jared Festler can finally take a deep breath.
Duluth sinks Thunder
DULUTH - The Duluth Huskies and Brainerd Blue Thunder entered Thursday knowing they would be taking part in an unusual day of baseball.
Verndale eliminates Staples
STAPLES - Tom Roline struck out nine batters as the Staples-Motley American Legion team was eliminated by Verndale 7-1 in the losers' bracket game in the Subdistrict 6 Division II baseball tournament Thursday.
Shockers win opener at nationals
OAKDALE - The Brainerd 14-U girls' softball team opened with a 5-2 win over Apple Valley Gold in preliminary pool play Thursday at the Northern Zone American Fast-pitch Association National Tournament.
Scoreboard
Area events
Bemidji douses Brainerd
Bemidji secured the top North Subdistrict 6 seed in next week's district American Legion baseball tournament by trouncing Brainerd 19-8 Thursday afternoon at Adamson Field.
Lastrup lights up Lightning
PIERZ - Morgan Shepherd went 2-for-5 with a pair of RBIs but it wasn't enough as the Lakes Area Lightning lost to the Lastrup Lakers 9-4 Wednesday.
Gopher athletics surge forward
Two weeks ago at the University of Minnesota Sports Booster event at the Legacy Courses at Cragun's, Gophers athletic director Joel Maturi, head football coach Tim Brewster and director of men's hockey operations Mark Bahr were among the guests to speak about the upcoming fall season.
Rosenthal is scoring threat for Team Minnesota
By the time the dust settles on Kelly Rosenthal's Brainerd Warrior soccer career she may be considered the best ever.
Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Widely scattered showers and thunderstorms east half. Patchy early morning fog across the state. Thunderstorms likely far northwest. Highs in the upper 80s to lower 90s...But only the 70s near the great lakes. Tonight...Showers and thunderstorms spreading west to east. Lows from the lower 60s north to the upper 60s south.
State forecast for Iowa
Today...Mostly cloudy this morning. Partly cloudy this afternoon.
State forecast for Minnesota
Today...Sunny north. Partly cloudy south. Highs 80 to 85.
State forecast for N.D.
Today...Partly to mostly cloudy with scattered showers and
State forecast for N.D.
Today...Mostly sunny. A slight chance of an afternoon thunderstorm
Score
Weather drawing by Mercedes Stavig of Ms. Hemstad's third-grade class at Baxter school.
State forecast for Iowa
Today...Mostly sunny in the morning then becoming partly cloudy.
State forecast for Minnesota
Today...Showers and thunderstorms likely north and central. Some
State forecast for S.D.
Today...Scattered thunderstorms far west...Mostly sunny central and east. Highs in the 80s.
State forecast for S.D.
Today...Mostly cloudy central and west. Increasing clouds east. Scattered thunderstorms statewide. Highs in the 80s west and central and in the lower to mid 90s southeast.
Much-needed rain
Weather drawing by Caleb Warren of Mrs. Larson's second-grade class at Lowell school.
Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Decreasing clouds northwest. Cloudy or mostly cloudy southeast with a chance for showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the low to mid 80s. Cooler near the great lakes.