Wednesday, August 4, 2004
Crime
CASS LAKE -- Four Mexican nationals were arrested Tuesday after law enforcement officials executed a search warrant at a residence in Cass Lake.
BIRTHS
Christopher Hansen and Dana Middendorf, Brainerd, a boy, Devin Ray Hansen, 8 pounds, 7 ounces, July 22, 2004. Grandparents are James and Myra Middendorf, LuAnn and Richard Cameron and Terry and Sandra Hansen.
Accident
CUSHING -- A 42-year-old Browerville man died Sunday following a two-vehicle accident on Highway 10 in Cushing.
ACCIDENTS
Two people were injured in a two-vehicle accident Tuesday on Highway 210, in front of the Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport.
MARRIAGE LICENSES
Noel J. Middendorp, 31, and Delcie M. Carey, 35, both of Brainerd.
AREA CRIME
THEFTS --Kari Grdes, Merrifield, Monday reported theft of purse, cash, credit cards and check blanks. Purse later located in Monticello. And individuals had attempted to use the credit cards.
CRIME
BURGLARIES -- Derrold Watson, 1200 block of Oak Street, Sunday reported burglary. Arrests were made in the case, the Brainerd police reported.
Judge had granted ruling in favor of county, development group
WALKER -- The Minnesota Court of Appeals filed a ruling July 27 reversing a Cass County District Court decision and sending the Lantern Bay plat issue back to district court.
Summertime
It all started with a round, oak table -- a gift. Pleased with the look and feel of the table's seasoned oak, I thought chairs to match might be just the thing. When Carol Chisholm suggested an auction, I hesitated. What did I know about auctions? But when she offered her expertise at an auction near Brainerd, I jumped at the chance.
Board votes to terminate Carmody contract
WALKER -- Cass County Board voted to terminate the county's contract with Carmody Data Systems Inc. of DeForest, Wis., effective July 1, 2005.
Area briefs
AITKIN -- Lakes and Woods Horticultural Club's seventh annual judged horticultural show will be 1 to 3 p.m. Aug. 14 at Westside Calvary Church in Aitkin.
Loggers pay record amount for aspen stumpage
WALKER -- Cass County Land Commissioner Norm Moody reported to the county board Tuesday loggers paid a record $45.94 per cord for aspen stumpage at the July 29 county timber auction.
Minnesota State Veterans Association hosts annual meeting
LITTLE FALLS -- Nearly 80 members attended the annual meeting and picnic of the Minnesota State Veterans Association at the Little Falls American Legion Post 46 on July 19.
Area briefs
STAPLES -- The Staples Public Library will sponsor a live animal program 6 to 8 p.m. Monday for children ages 3-12 at the First Integrity Bank building across from the bank on Fourth Street.
Out-of-home placement costs under budget so far
WALKER -- Cass County Human Services spent only 37 percent of the county budgeted amount after 50 percent of the year this year for out-of-home child placements.
Cass' property value nearly doubles in five years
WALKER -- Cass County Assessor Steve Kuha reported Tuesday to the county board the value of property in Cass County has nearly doubled in the last five years, largely because of the significant number of new homes being built here.
County board votes to sell bonds to be set aside for jail facility
WALKER -- Cass County Board voted Tuesday to authorize selling $560,000 short term in bonds this summer, an annual borrowing amount based on the amount the county had been paying annually for the last county jail built 15 years ago.
A fiesta for the orphans
Joe DeRosier is living proof that one person can make a difference.
This was Brainerd
100 years ago (1904) - Notice: To anyone that wants to rent my house, No. 221, 10th Street North, I would say please don't ask Mrs. Thos. Willis, as she is not my agent. A.O. Narrow.
Try this on for size
Cole Pederson, Brainerd, tried on a firefighter's helmet Tuesday night during the Brainerd Northside Residents Association's third annual Neighborhood Block Party in Gregory Park. The block party was planned in conjunction with National Night Out. Other neighborhoods in Brainerd also planned block parties Tuesday. Brainerd Dispatch/Clint Wood
Walking a Mile
On Monday, two representatives from Alexandria were given a crash course in Brainerd city government.
Cass to hold a meeting about JOBZ changes
PINE RIVER -- Cass County Economic Development Corp. will sponsor an informational meeting to update the county, cities, towns and interested developers on changes the state has made to the JOBZ program application and approval process.
Show your appreciation
A racer in his Pontiac Lemans completed a burnout in front of several hundred veteran fans and first-time visitors Tuesday during Brainerd International Raceway's Chamber Member Appreciation Night. The drag race was part of the Wednesday night street drags program. Brainerd Dispatch/Clint Wood
Man who fought city hall seeks city council seat
Robert Fitzsimmons, 51, didn't like the way he was treated when he spoke out against a Brainerd ordinance (since rescinded) banning post-frame construction.
Legislative OK for local sales tax sought
BAXTER -- Baxter officials hope their quest for a half-percent local sales tax will be considered by the Legislature.
Planner Mike Brethorst resigns
The city of Brainerd soon will be looking for another city planner.
Crow Wing County Fair
Entry Day
This was Brainerd
60 years ago (1944) - Super market specials: Peaches-50 pound bushel $5.59; Cantaloupe, 3 pound size, 2 for 29.
Cass Lake teen sentenced in fatal beating of blind man
WALKER -- Before his sentencing, a Cass Lake teen said he regretted what occurred the night a Cass Lake blind man was beaten to death.
Local briefs
July precipitation in Brainerd was 5.54 inches compared to the 10-year average of 4.81 inches, Mark Mortensen, DNR program forester, reported. Year-to-date precipitation is 14.46 inches compared to an average of 19.05 inches.
Baxter to get another hotel and water park
BAXTER -- Another hotel and water park will be built in Baxter.
Overheard
"We're a nation in danger. We're doing everything we can in our power to confront the danger."
Overheard
"The sugar overload job. Believe it or not you do get really tired of cookies and 11 different kinds of banana bread, but it's fun to see the variety and different kinds of way they present it. There are some of them and you just go 'wow.'
Deputy police chief position weighed
The city of Brainerd is looking at eliminating the police captain's position and creating a deputy police chief's position within the Brainerd Police Department.
Region 5 asks counties to evaluate gravel tax
WALKER -- Region 5 has reported to member counties there is significant potential for revenue from a regional aggregate material, or gravel, tax.
Crow Wing County Fair
Senior Citizens Day 10 a.m.-10 p.m. -- Exhibit buildings open.
Baxter to study ban on smoking
BAXTER -- Baxter officials will be researching some form of a smoking ban within the city.
Reflections
Trees that circle the Mallen Pit Lake near Riverton were reflected in the still water. Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls
Local briefs
About 400 participants on 39 teams raised $122,500 during Friday night's Relay for Life at Brainerd High School's football field.
A handful of fair art
Miriam Pritschet handed her nativity scene to a Crow Wing County Fair staff member Monday while registering in the Youth Arts Building. The fair starts today and continues through Sunday. Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls
Northwoods League reserves Mills Field lease
The Northwoods League has a new lease with the city of Brainerd.
Giving a fair appraisal
People peered past the barricades into the Fine Arts Building at the Crow Wing County Fair Tuesday as judges moved steadily between entries inside.
Joseph T. Fussy
ROYALTON -- Joseph T. Fussy, 93-year-old resident of Royalton, Minn., passed away Sunday, Aug. 1, 2004, at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in St. Cloud, Minn. Services will be Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2004, at 1 p.m. at the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls, Minn., with the Rev. Al Stangl officiating.
Obituary policy
Obituary notices are charged at 34 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.
Gregory M. Gephart
FORT RIPLEY -- Gregory M. Gephart, age 51, of Fort Ripley, Minn., died Saturday, July 31, 2004, at his home.
Melissa A. Kaesemacher
EAGAN -- Melissa Anne Kaesemacher, 15, of Eagan, Minn., died July 13, 2004, at St. Paul Children's Hospital due to complications from her lifelong illness of Lissencephaly.
Sigrid Lund-Nichols
Sigrid Lund-Nichols, 99, Brainerd, died Friday, July 30, 2004, at Woodland Good Samaritan Village.
Obituary policy
Obituary notices are charged at 34 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.
Virgil J. Zinniel
BURTRUM -- Virgil J. Zinniel, 55-year-old resident of Burtrum, Minn., died Sunday, Aug. 1, 2004, at the Long Prairie Memorial Hospital in Long Prairie, Minn. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, Aug. 4, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John's Catholic Church in Swanville, Minn., with the Rev. Arlie Sowada officiating.
Eric Bensen
STAPLES -- Eric Bensen, age 42, of Moran Township, (between Staples and Browerville), died Sunday evening, Aug. 1, 2004, at the Hennepin County Medical Center. Funeral services will be held on Friday morning at 11 a.m. in Faith Lutheran Church, Staples, with the Rev. Stephen Sveom officiating. Burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery in Moran Township south of Staples. Relatives will receive friends on Thursday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the Brenny Funeral Home in Staples.
Trygve O. Albertson
BREEZY POINT -- Trygve O. Albertson, 83, passed away Thursday, July 29, 2004, at his home in Breezy Point.
Rex Lambrecht
LONG PRAIRIE -- Rex Lambrecht, 80-year-old resident of Long Prairie, Minn., died Monday, Aug. 2, 2004, at the Long Prairie Memorial Hospital in Long Prairie, Minn. Arrangements are pending with the Shelley-Gibson Funeral Chapel in Swanville, Minn.
Open Forum
It just leaves me speechless when I read about someone shooting a defenseless cat with an arrow. The laws about animal cruelty have to be changed in this country, no question. A lot of heartless people may think "its just a cat", but it's a defenseless creature attacked for no reason other than pure sadistic pleasure. Don't forget that many serial killers such as Dahmer and Bundy started out killing animals for similar "fun." An act like what happened to 'Lucky' should be a felony with a minimum one year in prison.
OUR OPINION: OPEN FORUMS
County fair time is also a signal the political season is in full swing. It's a great opportunity for candidates and voters to exchange ideas and opinions.
Open Forum
He bravely fought for America in many fierce battles and became a decorated war hero. Later his strong war reservations helped him decide that the patriotic thing was to oppose war along with America's reckless leaders who had brought painful suffering and division to our country.
What do you think?
Write us a letter or send us an e-mail
OUR OPINION: COUNTY FAIR
It's Crow Wing County Fair time again. Traffic on Brainerd's Thirteenth Street will soon be a steady flow of pick-up trucks, livestock trailers and vendor vehicles, hauling everything from bright T-shirts to honey sundae and elephant ear fixings.
Our Opinion: City Council
Exchanging views with colleagues who grapple with similar day-to-day problems is always enlightening and sometimes leads to the discovery of constructive solutions that hadn't been considered before. Such exchanges encourage public officials to think outside of the box when they're confronted with new challenges. Mayor Ness put it into perspective when he reflected on the benefits of his day in Brainerd.
VOX POP
The Brainerd/Baxter community calendar is a great source of information when it's accurate. Friends were coming from the Twin Cities to enjoy the Crow Wing County Fair. They planned their vacations accordingly only to find out the dates on the calendar were wrong. Vacations ruined.
Iron kids
Imagine being an 8- to 10-year-old kid and having a chance to shake Hall of Fame shortstop Cal Ripken's hand and get your picture taken with him.
A good drive makes all things possible on the golf course
In my opinion the driver is the most important club in the bag.
Upcoming sporting events in the Brainerd lakes area:
Wednesday
Tough road ahead for Brainerd VFW
COLD SPRING -- The road to the VFW state baseball tournament goes through Cold Spring and that road just got a little bumpy.
Upcoming sporting events in the Brainerd lakes area:
Tuesday
Softball teams qualify for national tourneys
At least four Brainerd slow-pitch softball teams have thus far qualified to participate in national tournaments.
Par 3 tournament features huge potential payout
Few charity tournaments can compare to the dollar amount available at the $200,000 Brainerd Lakes Area Par 3 Championship.
Northwoods League may return
Will they be the Brainerd Walleyes? The Brainerd Bunyans?
Sports short
The Brainerd Bees have been seeded third in the Region 7B amateur baseball tournament and will play 7 p.m. Friday at Faber Field in St. Cloud against No. 6 Coon Rapids.
Legacy League
Deerwood Bank took over first place in the men's Twilight Golf League at Pine Meadows July 29 with a 12-0 victory over Independents.
Brainerd riding high into state
Most baseball teams hope to be peaking as they head into the American Legion Division I state baseball tournament Thursday through Sunday in Northfield.
Harley drag bikes heat up BIR in first-ever event
In another first for Brainerd International Raceway, the All Harley Drag Racing Association stopped at BIR for one of its national points series races last weekend.
Sports shorts
The 11th annual Nisswa Crazy Days weightlifting championships is scheduled noon Aug. 14 at the American Legion in Nisswa.
Golf shorts
Jenny Muesing shot a 42 to win the six-hole girls' 6-9 age group June 28 in the Legacy Junior League July 28. Karlee Winkelman shot a 43 and Kerstin Martin a 54.
Brainerd VFW battles for a trip to state
The Brainerd VFW baseball team is one victory away from a trip to state.
Legacy Junior Golf League
Members of the Legacy Junior Golf League are: Kerstin Martin (front row, left), Karlee Winkelman, Jenny Muesing, Andy Muesing, Cole Foss, Katie Lippo, Alexandria Erickson (back row, left), Della Gramer, Blake Hewitt, Tony Engel, Riley Nelson and Dax Van Steenwyk.
Area briefs
PEQUOT LAKES -- Graduates, former students, faculty and friends are invited to attend the 31st annual Pequot Lakes All-Class Reunion on Sunday.
Celebrate Crosslake Days events start Saturday
CROSSLAKE -- Celebrate Crosslake Days will run Saturday through Aug. 15 with a variety of crafts, events and activities for children and adults. Events include:
State forecast for S.D.
Severe thunderstorm watch parts of west and central until 7 am mdt/8am cdt...
State forecast for Minnesota
Today...Partly cloudy south. A chance of showers far south this
Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Partly cloudy. A chance of thunderstorms in much of the west and south. Highs in the 70s to lower 80s.
Colorful summer
Weather drawing by Jenna Hollingsworth of Mrs. Meyer's third grade class at Riverside school.
Stormy waters
Weather drawing by Gina Magnan of Mrs. Bieganek's fourth grade class at Whittier school.
State forecast for S.D.
Today...Considerably cloudy this morning. Variably cloudy this afternoon. Scattered showers central and east...And areas of drizzle southwest in the morning. Isolated thunderstorms far southwest this afternoon. Highs 80 to 85 southwest...And in the 70s elsewhere.
State forecast for Iowa
Today...A chance of thunderstorms...Mainly northeast two thirds.
State forecast for N.D.
This morning...Partly sunny east. Mostly cloudy west and central
Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Partly to mostly cloudy. Scattered morning showers south. Highs in the 70s. Cooler near lake michigan.
State forecast for Iowa
Today...Isolated light showers northwest quarter this morning
State forecast for N.D.
Today...Showers and thunderstorms west and central. Partly sunny
State forecast for Minnesota
Today...Partly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms