Thursday, July 30, 2009

Yaris: It's what we want - or is it?
CORNWALL, N.Y. - It can fit into the tiniest of legal parking spots - and do so with minimum maneuvering.

LOCAL BRIEFS
North Crow Wing Art Flight's first working artists studio tour is scheduled Friday through Sunday in the Brainerd lakes area.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Live music

Plenty of laughs
"Good 'N' Plenty," a play by Jeffrey Hatcher, will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Aug. 7 in Brainerd High School's Little Theatre.

Watch the chocolate chips with Grandma's little helpers
I enjoy when my grandsons help me in the kitchen. As they help measure and stir, I patiently wipe up while encouraging them to cook and bake. It takes twice the time, but I love every minute. What precious moments.

POLICE BLOTTER
ARREST - Responded to a report of a female screaming at 11:59 p.m. Monday on the 30000 block of Kimble Bluffs in Pequot Lakes and arrested a 39-year-old man for assault by strangulation and interfering with a 911 call.

Benefit planned for Julie Nelson
MERRIFIELD - The Half Moon Saloon in Merrifield will host a benefit for Julie Nelson from 3-7 p.m. Saturday.

Splash and Dash III YMCA swim Lessons are scheduled
There is still room available in the Spash and Dash III swim lessons at the Brainerd Family YMCA.

BIRTHS
Katie and Cory Trotter, Aitkin, a boy, Garrett Ronald, 9 pounds, 2 ounces, July 15, 2009. Grandparents are Ronald Dotzler and Sharon Dotzler and Denny and Debbie Trotter, all of Aitkin. Great-grandparents are Sara Dotzler, Edwin Kraemer and Alice Trotter, all of Aitkin.

POLICE BLOTTER
PUBLIC ASSIST - A woman came to the police department at 11:42 a.m. Tuesday because she was concerned she was a victim of a scam. An investigator was able to verify the offer was valid and that her product would be delivered Wednesday.

COURTS
The following recently appeared in Crow Wing District Court:

National Night Out events are planned Tuesday in Brainerd
National Night Out is an event held in cities throughout the country and is designed to build stronger and safer communities by drawing neighbors together in an effort to fight crime.

Cities meeting at Cragun's
Leaders of non-metropolitan Minnesota cities are meeting to talk about how to get by amid state aid cuts and declining property values that can take a toll on taxes.

Share the celebration of summer with this 12-year-old boy
Summer in Minnesota is characterized by many things - sunshine, rain, hot afternoons, cool evenings, sparkling lakes, grass to cut and endless examples of what we fill these precious days with as we forget about the snow and cold days we experienced only months ago.

Baxter Babe Ruth team advances
The Blue Jays won the Baxter Pony Babe Ruth League and will play Bagley at 2 p.m. Thursday in the district Babe Ruth tournament at Bemidji. Front row: Mathew Krueger (left), Sam Kelash, Peyton Argir, Tyler Miller, Toran Fuglseth, Riesland Wikman. Back: Coach Joe Pohlkamp, Lars Ohlin, Jimmy Giese, Nick Welch, Jackson Walters, Jackson Dols, Tyler Mick, Matt Pohlkamp, coach Gary Walters.

SUPPORT GROUPS
Lakes Area Ecumenical Bereavement

Baxter team heading to regional
The Baxter 12-U traveling baseball team will play in the Cal Ripken Midwest Plains Regional Tournament in Grand Island, Neb., this weekend.

Breezy Point women's golf invitational
The Breezy Point women's golf invitational was held July 23 at Whitebirch. Flight No. 1 winners: Chris Miller, Sandy Arcand, Sandy Secora, Diann Howell, Debra Enger, Joan Hasskamp.

Four-wheelin' with Kinship Partners kids
On July 18, the Lakes Area Wheelers club hosted a day of four-wheeling for 24 matched and unmatched kids and their partners from Kinship Partners. It marked the fourth annual event with the Lakes Area Wheelers at the Spider Lake Trails, which has become a favorite activity for the kids.

PETS OF THE WEEK
Angel is a 1-year-old petite female shepherd mix weighing 44 pounds. She has a sweet personality and loves to cuddle, play outside and is great at fetching. Angel recently had puppies and Heartland Animal Rescue Team has one of them left to be adopted.Brainerd Dispatch/Heidi Lake

ORGANIZATIONS
Brainerd Jaycees

ALL IN THE FAMILY
Grandpa David Tuchscherer, Brainerd, submitted this photo of his grandson, Jacob Tuchscherer, 3 1/2, with his first fish from North Long Lake. Jacob is the son of Mike and Kelly Tuchscherer, Eagan.

Paul Bunyan-sized 'treasure hunt'
Paul & Babe's GeoHunt, a summer-long geocaching event, will conclude Saturday in the Crosslake region.

The beauty of Ruth
Do you have a recent scenic picture that shows the beauty of the lakes area? Send it to photos@brainerddispatch.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.

'Exploring the Lore' with the Corps
On July 22, Col. John Christensen from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul Office, accompanied by Ray Nelson, manager of the USACE Crosslake Campground, and Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway board members Linda Ulland and Lynn Scharenbroich toured the Veterans Walking Trail located along Crow Wing County Road 16.

CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY
Go to Any Length

Staples man is still missing
The last time anyone saw Peter Achermann, he was shopping in Staples.

LOCAL BRIEFS
On Aug. 11, delve into how authors have responded with prose and poetry to the natural world.

Overheard
To me you just led them on a merry dance hoping something miraculous would happen and they would lose some of their steam and their resolve continues.

This was Brainerd
JULY 30 - 80 years ago (1929) - H.A. Phillips, winner of the Brainerd Dispatch popularity contest, left yesterday for Minneapolis. He will fly from Wold Chamberlain Field via Northwest Airways trimotor to Chicago, returning the next day. He is the guest of the Dispatch.

Brainerd's 'new' downtown hailed
More than $1.6 million later, the downtown reconstruction street and streetscape project is done.

Board approves hiring county assessor
The Crow Wing County Board on Tuesday approved hiring a county assessor.

Lawmakers work on Ah-Gwah-Ching's Critical Access Hospital status
Legislation that will provide a permanent solution to federal rules that had formerly prevented Cass County's Ah-Gwah-Ching from being designated as a Critical Access Hospital has been introduced.

Clunker program ignites car interest
A government program, aimed at putting people in more fuel-efficient vehicles and scrapping ones with poor emissions, is luring prospective buyers to area showrooms.

Serpent Lake district issue stalemated
The Crow Wing County Board split in half Tuesday with neither side giving ground.

Overheard
I don't think anybody, including myself, thought that we'd have this much interest.

Sluss will run for state Senate again
Terry Sluss, a Brainerd High School teacher, announced Wednesday he will again run for the Senate District 12 seat held by Sen. Paul Koering, R-Fort Ripley.

State historical society looking for advisory committee members
The Minnesota Historical Society is seeking candidates for service on the Historic Resources Advisory Committee, which is charged with provide policy and grant making guidance on expenditure of funds from the newly passed Legacy Amendment.

Struggling lodge to remain open
Brainerd Moose Lodge 1246 is not closing its doors.

This was Brainerd
JULY 29 - 60 years ago (1949) - Telephone and power crews were struggling today to repair damage caused by widespread electrical and wind storms night before last and into yesterday. Hundreds of downed trees had workmen out all night on repairs.

Fairgrounds could be new home for curling
A curling facility may be one of the newest attractions at the Crow Wing County Fairgrounds.

Dream time with a cash reward
An enterprising reader could earn $50 simply by describing their dream job.

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.

Cecilia (Farah) Maddy
McGREGOR - Cecelia (Farah) Maddy, 99, of McGregor, died Saturday, July 25, 2009, at Aicota Health Care Center in Aitkin.

Bonnie J. O'Day
LITTLE FALLS - Bonnie J. O'Day, 80-year-old resident of Little Falls, passed away Sunday at her home. A memorial service for Bonnie J. O'Day will be held Wednesday at noon at the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls. Friends may call from 10-11 a.m. at the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls.

Richard W. Gruhlke
PALISADE - Richard W. Gruhlke, age 92, of Palisade, died Monday, July 27, 2009, at the Aicota Health Care Center in Aitkin.

Virgil Alexander
BACKUS - Virgil Alexander, age 86, of Backus, passed away Monday, July 27, 2009, at his home. Arrangements are with Kline Funeral Home, Pine River.

John W. Seifert
McGREGOR - John W. Seifert, 91, of McGregor, died Monday, July 27, 2009, at Riverwood Healthcare Center in Aitkin. Visitation will be an hour prior to the 11 a.m. Friday, July 31, 2009, funeral service at Holy Family Catholic Church in McGregor. Father Paul Fruth will officiate. Burial will be 1 p.m. Monday, Aug. 3, at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. Arrangements are with McGregor Funeral Home.

George Turner
RANDALL - George Turner, of Randall, died Monday, July 27, 2009, at St. Cloud Veterans Hospital. Services for George will be 11 a.m. Friday, July 31, 2009, at St. James Catholic Church in Randall with Father Tim Wenzel officiating. Friends are welcome to visit starting at 9 a.m. at the church. Interment will follow services at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near Camp Ripley. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Brenny Funeral Chapel of Randall.

Bianca Stanifer
PILLAGER - Bianca Danielle Marie Stanifer, 21, of Pillager, Minn., (formerly of Monroe, Mich.), died Friday, July 24, 2009, as a result of a motorcycle accident.

Myrna L. Forbes
Myrna L. Forbes, 86, of Brainerd, passed away Sunday July 26, 2009, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in north Minneapolis. Services will be held Thursday, July 30, 2009, at 6 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Brainerd. Friends may call from 4 p.m. until the time of the service at the church on Thursday. Interment will be in the Crystal Lake Cemetery in north Minneapolis.

George Turner
RANDALL - George Turner, of Randall, died Monday, July 27, 2009, at the St. Cloud Veterans Hospital. Services for George will be 11 a.m. Friday, July 31, 2009, at St. James Catholic Church in Randall with Father Tim Wenzel officiating. Friends are welcome to visit starting at 9 a.m at the church. Interment will follow services at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near Camp Ripley. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Brenny Funeral Chapel of Randall.

Myrna L. Forbes
Myrna Lucille Forbes, 86, Brainerd, passed away on Sunday, July 26, 2009, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis. She was born on Oct. 6, 1922, in Lake Benton, Minn., to Peter and Annie Amanda (Hansen) Petersen.

Gordon A. Hukriede
LITCHFIELD - Gordon A. Hukriede, age 90, of Litchfield, passed away Monday, July 27, 2009, at the Rice Care Center in Willmar.

Inez V. Amundson
CUSHING - Inez V. Amundson, 88-year-old resident of Cushing, Minn., passed away Tuesday, July 28, 2009, at St. Cloud Hospital. Funeral services for Inez Amundson will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009, at Lincoln Evangelical Free Church in Cushing, Minn. Visitation from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the church. Arrangements are with Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls, Minn.

Maynard Chakel
PIERZ - Maynard Chakel, age 82, of the Pierz Villa in Pierz, Minn., died Tuesday, July 28, 2009, at the PIerz Villa.

Velma 'Vel' Smith
MADISON, Wis. - Velma "Vel" Smith, age 76, formerly of Brainerd, passed away on Monday, June 22, 2009, at Meriter Hospital after a long illness. She was born on Oct. 24, 1932, in Burtrum, Minn., the daughter of Arthur and Edith Johnson.

Toini M. Berglund
AITKIN - Toini M. Berglund, age 93, of Aitkin, died Monday, July 27, 2009, at the Aicota Health Care Center in Aitkin.

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.

Open Forum
In 1961 the town of Brainerd offered an incentive program called Build Brainerd, Inc. Various incentives were used to attract new companies to Brainerd. Larson Manufacturing was one of the companies that came from Chicago. They manufactured a variety of products, one of them being automatic door mats. Fortyeight years later with a new name and owner the company still exists as Larco. My question is what are the towns of Brainerd and Baxter doing to attract new good-paying manufacturing jobs to the area?

Open Forum
So you want the government to run health care?

VOX POP
To the person who stopped in at Triangle thinking they may be in possession of a missing dog, please stop in at the Washington Educational Services Building across the street. There is another poster on the bulletin board in the front hallway or stop in the front office and tell them you think you have the missing dog. They will get you the phone number. I believe they have put up a new poster at Triangle, too. We are keeping our fingers crossed that it's her.

Afghanistan needs a robust election
Just last week, a national debate was held for the presidential campaign in Afghanistan on a local television channel. The first ever, to be sure. Unfortunately, the incumbent, President Hamid Karzai did not attend.

Carroll, Richardson pace Breezy tourney
Sue Carroll of Breezy Point and Joan Richardson of Pokegama were the low net and low gross winners in the Breezy Point women's invitational July 23 at Whitebirch.

Out at home
In a close call, the Lunkers' Michael Gedman was tagged out by Battle Creek catcher Jimmy Tanner Wednesday at Mills Field. Brainerd Dispatch/Kelly Humphrey

Hammer Heads, Reds, Mets win titles
The Brainerd Parks and Recreation Department's youth baseball leagues recently concluded their playoffs with the Hammer Heads winning the Mustang League title, the Reds claiming the Bronco League crown and the Mets securing the Pony League championship.

Spiderman to be at Lunkers game
The Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers of the Northwoods League will welcome Marvel Comic character Spiderman when they take on the Battle Creek Bombers at 7:05 p.m. Thursday at Mills Field.

Competition prevails for 6-year-olds
The 6-year-old division in Soap Box Derby racing, sponsored by the Brainerd Parks and Recreation Department, has been extremely competitive.

Mathison signs with St. Paul Saints
Todd Mathison, son of Brainerd High School graduates Tony and Cheryl Mathison, and grandson of Sharon Mathison and Steve and Ardelle Wentworth, signed July 24 to play for the St. Paul Saints of the American Association.

GOLF SHORTS
Friends and family of Mark Ocel, Cragun's Resort and Camp Confidence will present the fifth annual MAO Scramble Saturday at Cragun's Legacy Dutch Course.

SCOREBOARD
Area events

Racing at the end of the rainbow
A trio of Midwest Modifieds roared through Turn 3 at North Central Speedway under a double rainbow Tuesday night. The modifieds were participating in the special World Dirt Racing League event at the track that featured late-model cars. Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls

Bracket season reaches halfway point at BIR
When last weekend ended for bracket drag racer Jack MacFarlane of Aitkin he had two first-place finishes, a semifinal finish and a coveted Wally trophy.

Miller overcomes Simpson in feature
BARROWS - The World Dirt Racing League Late Models made their second visit to North Central Speedway on Tuesday night.

SCOREBOARD
Area events

Bees snap losing streak
The Brainerd Bees stopped a 10-game losing streak with a 4-3 win over the Bemidji Mudcats in exhibition amateur baseball Tuesday.

Halverson Law continues to rule
With a 29-11 victory over Deerwood Bank, Halverson Law Office strengthened its grip on the top spot in the Legacy men's league at Cragun's July 23.

Davis, Mass pace feature races
A race with a prize of $1,000 is a pretty good reason to show up for racing on a weekday night.

Lunkers lose 3rd straight
WAUSAU, Wis. - The Wisconsin Woodchucks smacked four doubles and knocked off the Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers, 6-1 Tuesday night to complete a series sweep in front of 3,486 fans at Athletic Park.

LOCAL SHORTS
"Monster" Mike Schultz of Pillager will compete in adaptive motocross in the ESPN Summer X Games Friday in Los Angeles.

Lunkers win in 12th
On a chilly, damp night fitting for football, former Viking great Matt Blair greeted the crowd and threw out the first football. Three hours and fifty minutes later, David Valesente sent the crowd home happy in a thrilling 5-4 Brainerd Area Lunkers victory on Vikings Night.

Time for hoops
Weather drawing by Jaron Cole in the Lowell kindergarten of Jan Wilcox.

State forecast for S.D.
Today...Mostly sunny west. Partly cloudy with a slight chance of showers or thunderstorms east. Highs in the upper 60s to mid 70s.

State forecast for Minnesota
.Today...Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers and thunderstorms....

State forecast for N.D.
Today...Partly to mostly cloudy. A slight chance of showers and

State forecast for N.D.
Today...Partly cloudy. A slight chance of showers this morning...

State forecast for Wisconsin
Today...Partly cloudy. Highs from around 70 northwest...To the upper 70s south.

State forecast for Wisconsin
Today...Mostly cloudy. Periods of showers with isolated thunderstorms. Highs from the mid 60s north...To the upper 70s far southeast.

Partly cloudy day for fishing
Weather drawing by Lauren Dockendorf in the Baxter third grade of Ms. Hemstad.

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

State forecast for S.D.
Today...Showers and isolated thunderstorms spreading from west to east. Highs in the 60s west and north to the mid 70s far southeast.

State forecast for Minnesota
Today...Increasing clouds. An afternoon chance of showers and

State forecast for Iowa
.Today...Showers ending east this morning. Otherwise...Partly to