Tuesday, August 5, 2003
Extra credit
Jeff Baillif, the son of Rick and Patti Baillif of Brainerd, graduated from St. Mary's University in Minneapolis with a degree in industrial technology.
Educators nervous about state's method for rating schools
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Minnesota's new school-rating system uses stars to rank schools. But all eyes are on the "X."
Cash grain
MINNEAPOLI(AP) -- Wheat receipts Monday 102, a year ago 411.
Livestock
SOUTH ST. PAUL (AP) (USDA) -- Monday cattle: 300. Last Monday: 484. Year Ago Monday: 289. Friday actual: 443.
Births
Gerald and Tracey (Vrzal) Blanck, Maple Grove, a boy, Gavin Gerald, 9 pounds, 6 ounces, March 30, 2003. Grandparents are Stephen and Christine Vrzal, Montgomery, and Gerald and Theresa Blanck, Brainerd.
Agenda
Policy Committee Meeting
Nicotine vaccine being tested to help smokers
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Researchers at the University of Minnesota and elsewhere are testing a vaccine in smokers that they hope will blunt the pleasurable effect of nicotine in the brain.
Web site available for smokers who want to quit
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- A new Internet site is available for Minnesota smokers who are looking for some help in their quest to stop the habit.
Needed respite
A respite program allows area caregivers free time to run errands, catch up on projects or just take an emotional break from caring for a loved one. Look for the story Wednesday in Neighbors.
Crow Wing County Fair calendar
7 p.m. -- Demolition Derby in grandstand.
Local briefs
The deadline for applications for the Crow Wing County Fair's talent contest Friday has been extended until 3 p.m. Wednesday.
Crow Wing County Fair calendar
Tuesday -- Entry Day
City may give 2 a.m. bar closings a try after all
In three weeks, the city of Brainerd could be testing a 2 a.m. bar closing time.
New York fashion world interested in jewelry created by area women
NISSWA -- A buzz has been brewing in recent weeks within New York fashion circles about a unique jewelry collection designed and created by two Nisswa businesswomen.
Power outage
An interruption on one of two electricity feeder lines into Brainerd caused a brief power outage for about half of Brainerd and parts of Baxter Monday.
Emotional debate no surprise to Brainerd pastor
While Father Glenn Derby isn't surprised the controversy relating to the possible ordination of an openly gay priest as bishop has stirred emotions he doesn't think it will create an irreparable rift in the church.
Week of caring
Cindy Dallaire (bottom) and Michelle Olsen, employees of Herberger's, along with 25 business volunteers painted a home in northeast Brainerd Monday. Coordinated by the Crow Wing County United Way, four homes in the Brainerd area are being painted by 75 area church youth and other business volunteers this week.
This was Brainerd
AUGUST 4 - 40 years ago (1963) - The Brainerd City Council last night hired the Mark Hurd Aerial Survey Company to photograph the entire city and make topographical maps of the 905 acres that compose west Brainerd.
This was Brainerd
AUGUST 5 - 60 years ago (1943) - The Brainerd Civic Association Post-War Committee has issued a booklet on its post-war planning activities which are now taking the form of a city-wide survey of job work piles and opportunities for employment when the war ends, Carl Zapffe, general committee chairman said today
Local brief
The Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport Commission will meet at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday in the airport conference room at the Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport.
Deputy hit by vehicle
WALKER -- A Cass County sheriff's deputy was injured after being struck by a vehicle about 1 a.m. Saturday near Pine River.
Brainerd City Council takes steps to avoid future parade controversy
Brainerd will plan to avoid the problems of this year's Fourth of July parade.
Deadline for pledges for new airline extended
Officials working to recruit a new airline and expand existing air service to central Minnesota have extended the deadline for businesses to pledge part of their travel budgets to a travel bank.
Freedom to fish
Totti Schlegel (left), Confidence Learning Center staffer, baited the hook for Joe Bayliss of Brainerd while fishing Saturday on Sylvan Lake. Bayliss was among 42 anglers with disabilities who participated in the first Fishing Has No Boundaries program in the area. Fishing Has No Boundaries is a national organization based in Hayward, Wis., that gives people with disabilities the opportunity to go fishing.
Medallion hunt
The Crow Wing County Fair opens Tuesday. Look in Tuesday's Dispatch for the first clue in the annual medallion hunt.
A HONEY OF A FAIR TREAT
Honey.
Evert Deyet 'Hud' Weeks
Evert Deyet "Hud" Weeks, life-long resident of Des Moines, Iowa, and Brainerd, Minn., died on Monday, December 16, 2002, in Kansas City, Mo., of natural causes. He had just celebrated his 90th birthday with family members in early December.
Chester F. Roohr
Chester F. Roohr, age 93, of Brainerd, died Sunday, Aug. 3, 2003, at Woodland Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd. Services are incomplete at this time with Brenny Funeral Chapel of Baxter.
Bernard 'Ben' Johnson
OYLEN -- Bernard "Ben" Johnson, age 73, longtime resident of the Leader/Oylen area, died Sunday, Aug. 3, 2003, at Staples Hospital. Funeral services will be held on Thursday morning at 11 a.m. in the Oylen Alliance Church with Pastor Neal Malcore officiating. Burial will be on Friday in Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. Relatives will receive friends on Wednesday evening from 4-7 p.m. at the Brenny Funeral Home in Staples.
Patricia A. (Stearns) Bunting
RICHFIELD -- Patricia A. (Stearns) Bunting, age 76, of Richfield, formerly of Brainerd. Preceded in death by husband, John Thomas Bunting Sr., son Steven P. Bunting, parents, Elmer and Anne Stearns, and sister, Jackie Halstead. Survived by daughter, Susan Bunting; sons, John Thomas Bunting Jr., and Robert Bunting and wife, Mary; grandchildren Joy Marie, James and Michael; great-grandson Zachary; nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Grace Joyce Barrager
Grace Joyce Barrager, age 81, of Brainerd, formerly of Emily, died on Friday, Aug. 1, 2003, at the Woodland Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd. She was born on Oct. 16, 1921, in Faribault to John and Emily (Thomas) Usherwood. She married Clifford T. Barrager on Oct. 12, 1946, in Faribault.
Charles R. McGuire
Charles R. McGuire, age 93, resident of Nisswa, died Monday, Aug. 4, 2003, at Bethany Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd.
Alfred Klein
Alfred Klein, age 76, of Brainerd, passed away Monday, Aug. 4, 2003, at Bethany Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd.
Ryan G. Schuer
BELLE PLAINE -- Ryan G. Schuer, 20-year-old resident of Belle Plaine, Minn., formerly of Little Falls, Minn., passed away Saturday, Aug. 2, 2003, at his home in Belle Plaine, Minn.
James A. Jacobs
WILLOW, Alaska -- James Anthony Jacobs died July 6, 2003, at home. He was born March 9, 1941, in Minneapolis and was raised in Brainerd. He came to Willow in 1972. He owned and operated a tire shop in Willow.
Alfred 'Al' Joseph Klein
Alfred "Al" Joseph Klein, age 76, of Brainerd, passed away Monday, Aug. 4, 2003, at Bethany Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd. He was born Oct. 7, 1926, in Jamestown, N.D., to Herman and Ethel (Hass) Klein. He moved to the Brainerd area with his family in 1939.
Richard Stahnke
SOBIESKI -- Richard Stahnke, 73, Sobieski, Minn., died Sunday, Aug. 3, 2003, at Westwind Home, Little Falls. Arrangements are with Brenny Funeral Home, West Chapel, in Little Falls.
John H. Roberts
BEMIDJI -- John H. Roberts, age 87, of Bemidji, Minn., died Friday, Aug. 1, 2003, at North Country Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Bemidji.
Helen C. Ham
AITKIN -- Helen C. Ham, age 93, of Aitkin, died Saturday, Aug. 2, 2003, at the Aicota Health Care Center in Aitkin.
Chester F. Roohr
Chester F. Roohr, age 93, of Brainerd, died Sunday, Aug. 3, 2003, at Woodland Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd. According to his wishes there will be no services.
Harriet Mae Meyers
MINNEAPOLIS -- Harriet Mae Meyers, 74, Minneapolis, formerly of Brainerd, died Saturday, Aug. 2, 2003.
Richard W. Stahnke
SOBIESKI -- Richard E. Stahnke, age 73, a resident of Sobieski, Minn., passed away Sunday, Aug. 3, 2003, at Westwind in Little Falls, Minn.
Ryan G. Schuer
BELLE PLAINE -- Ryan G. Schuer, 20-year-old resident of Belle Plaine, Minn., formerly of Little Falls, passed away Saturday, Aug. 2, 2003, at his home in Belle Plaine. Arrangements are pending with the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls.
Thomas Wiczek
LITTLE FALLS -- Thomas Wiczek, 80, Little Falls, Minn., died Monday, Aug. 4, 2003, at St. Otto's Care Center in Little Falls.
Carl Holvick
BAY, Calif. -- "He Builds Them By The Week." That was the title of the newspaper article in 1961 describing Carl Holvick's innovative and sturdy "Tilt-Up Construction" industrial buildings that "were popping up like mushrooms all over the peninsula." Over the period of five decades, his buildings became the ever-present symbol of Silicon Valley's technological and economic prosperity.
Tillman John Johnson
Tillman John Johnson, age 84, Brainerd, died Monday, Aug. 4, 2003, at Bethany Good Samaritan Village, Brainerd. Services will be Thursday, Aug. 7, 2003, at 1 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor Julie Sutton-Deem officiating. Friends may call Wednesday, Aug. 6, 5-7 p.m. at Halvorson-Johnson Funeral Home and one hour prior to services. Arrangements are with Halvorson-Johnson Funeral Home, Brainerd.
After Wellstone
This editorial was published July 29 in the Daily Globe in Worthington.
Open Forum
As I drive around the final bend to reach my favorite "Up North" destination, my stomach tightens and reacts to the thought of seeing a Wal-Mart superstore as I approach. They say they will attempt to create an "Up North Look". I write to communicate the sinking feeling that is slowly circulating within me. I want natural surroundings, no artificial.
Slow news day
Reports that Secretary of State Colin Powell and his top deputy may serve only one term may be the biggest non-story of the summer. Chalk it up to a slow news day in August.
Vox Pop
Vox Pop, voice of the people, publishes Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Submissions are limited to 100 words.
The Dispatch's editorial views
Editorial views in The Brainerd Dispatch represent a consensus of opinion by members of the newspaper's editorial board.
Open Forum
When I was a boy I was told anybody could become president. After two and a half years of observing this president, I believe it.
Looking at open space protection
The recent proposed ordinance change for setting aside county park space during development has drawn quite an outcry from the populous. Granted this comes as no surprise, but I believe folks should consider more information related to open space protection. An economic study out of the University of Maine (Land Conservation and Economic Growth in the Northern Forest, David J. Lewis and Andrew Plantinga) suggests that green space can actually provide economic benefits to local economies.
Judicial seats
Hypocrisy can undermine any institution but it's particularly harmful to the judicial system. Hypocrisy in the judiciary weakens people's faith that they'll get a fair shake when they stand before a judge.
With the military
Dereck J. Monnier, the son of Mike and Ronda Monnier, Little Falls, recently entered basic cadet training at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo., in preparation to enter the first academic year at the academy.
25th anniversary
Larry and Cheryl Stechmann, Baxter, will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary today with their family. They were married Aug. 4, 1978.
Richert paces sprint cars at NCS
Jerry Richert Jr. of Forest Lake sped to victory in the Wissota Sprint Cars feature Saturday night at North Central Speedway in Barrows.
Public boards weigh pay cuts in tough times
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- When Anita Duckor proposed slicing 10 percent from her pay and that of her colleagues on the Minneapolis Library Board, she said it would show board members would share the pain of cuts to library hours, services and workers.
Two more cases of West Nile virus reported in state
ST. PAUL (AP) -- A 36-year-old woman and a 60-year-old man are the third and fourth people to contract West Nile virus in Minnesota this year, the Health Department said Monday.
Judges have a new option in sentencing drunk drivers
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Judges have a new option in sentencing drunken driving offenders. Think of it as justice on an installment plan.
Andreotti sues to stop release of details of investigation
ST. PAUL -- Five days before he is to step down as leader of the Minnesota National Guard, Maj. Gen. Eugene Andreotti sued Monday to stop the state from publicly detailing an investigation that led him to retire.
Gypsy moths discovered in St. Paul, Blaine and St. Cloud
ST. PAUL (AP) -- The state's first gypsy moth infestation this year has been discovered in trees apparently imported from the East Coast to nurseries in St. Paul and St. Cloud, and a housing development in Blaine, state agriculture officials said.
State, unions take break from contract talks
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Negotiations between the state and unions representing about 30,000 workers have been recessed until Aug. 12 at the request of state mediators.
Independence Party chooses former Senate candidate as chairman
INVER GROVE HEIGHTS (AP) -- Independence Party delegates picked Jim Moore as their party chairman Sunday.
Ventura talks about politics
NEWTON, Iowa (AP) -- Former Minnesota governor and pro-wrestler Jesse Ventura discussed his political future -- and his "interest" in running for president -- over the weekend while receiving an award for his sporting past.
Edina hospital cited for allowing drugged patient to drive
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- A Twin Cities hospital has been given three citations after a medicated patient died when he crashed his car on the way home from an outpatient clinic, the state Health Department said.
Demand is light across state for later last call
ST. PAUL (AP) -- A month after it became legal for bars in Minnesota to obtain permits to stay open an extra hour until 2 a.m., state officials say applications are running well below expectations.
Gay bishop vote on hold
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- A clergyman seeking to become the first openly gay bishop in the Episcopal Church was "surprised and dismayed" by 11th-hour allegations questioning his reputation but remained calm as an investigation got under way, a spokesman said Tuesday.
Eden Prairie company confirms federal investigation
EDEN PRAIRIE (AP) -- The head of MTS Systems Corp. confirms that the company is being investigated for possible violation of federal export laws, but denies that MTS illegally sold testing equipment to India for nuclear weapons research.
Budget limits state-subsidized dental coverage
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Dentists who treat low-income patients are wondering how to comply with a new $500-a-year cap on state-subsidized dental coverage.
Newspaper: Most judicial seats filled by appointment
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Minnesota voters see judicial candidates on the ballot every two years, but they almost never decide who initially dons the black robe.
PR-B board approves hiring of coaches
With high school practices slated to start next week, Pine River-Backus fall athletes and participants in other activities may be breathing a little easier.
Buckman advances to state 4th time in 5 years
AVON -- The Buckman Billygoats rallied from a 7-1 deficit and went on to defeat the Pierz Brewers 10-8 in the winners' bracket of the Region 8C amateur baseball tournament Sunday.
Sports shorts
Cory Lease of Pierz placed fifth in the Great North Legends feature race at I-94 Raceway in Sauk Centre last weekend.
Bees remain alive in 7B tournament
COLD SPRING -- Keith Peterson pitched a four-hit shutout as the Brainerd Bees remained alive in the Region 7B amateur baseball tournament with a 10-0, seven-inning victory over Coon Rapids Sunday.
Scoreboard
Radio guide --
Scoreboard
Radio guide -- WYRQ-FM (92.1),
Epstein is Vikings' place-kicking favorite
MANKATO (AP) -- Hayden Epstein has been mentioned as the favorite to win placekicker duties for the Minnesota Vikings this season.
Stewart continues to ignite Twins
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- When Shannon Stewart came to Minnesota, he knew he had a job to do -- jump-start the Twins' offense.
Two key Gophers injured
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The top two returning scorers for the Minnesota men's basketball team will be out of action for the next two months because of injury.
Radke propels Twins
BALTIMORE (AP) -- On a night when Damian Moss made his debut with the Baltimore Orioles, Brad Radke enjoyed a return to form with the Minnesota Twins.
Smith's shot calms Storm
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Katie Smith and the ball both seem to hang in the air forever.
Smith's free throws sink Mercury
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Although Minnesota's Katie Smith never made a basket, her free-throw shooting proved too much for the Phoenix Mercury.
Wolves, Lynx hire director
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx hired Ted Johnson as director of communications on Monday.
Coach trying to give Vikings' special teams boost
MANKATO (AP) -- The Minnesota Vikings' defense has been in need of repair for the past several seasons, but special teams are in the shop, too.
State forecast for Minnesota
Today...Areas of fog early...Then partly to mostly sunny. Highs from the mid 70s to lower 80s.
State forecast for South Dakota
Today...Partly to mostly cloudy. A chance of showers and thunderstorms west and central this morning...Spreading into east this afternoon. Highs in the lower 80s east to the lower 90s southwest.
Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Areas of fog in the morning...Otherwise partly to mostly cloudy with a chance for afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the mid 70s to low 80s.
It's sunny outside
Weather drawing by Amanda Randall of Sharon Jendro's first grade class at Lowell school.
Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Partly to mostly cloudy. Areas of fog early this morning... Then a chance for mainly afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the 70s to around 80.
State forecast for South Dakota
Today...Mostly sunny west. Partly to mostly cloudy east with a chance of showers and thunderstorms east. Highs in the upper 70s northeast to the upper 80s central.
State forecast for North Dakota
Today...Scattered showers and a few thunderstorms west and central this morning...And a chance of thunderstorms west and central this afternoon. Partly sunny east. Highs 75 to 85.
Iowa state forecast
Today...Numerous showers and thunderstorms west this morning...Becoming isolated to scattered central and east. Partly to mostly cloudy with highs in upper 70s to mid 80s.
It's almost time
Weather drawing by Bailey O'Hotto in the Baxter School first-grade class of Mrs. Ruen.
State forecast for Minnesota
Today...Partly sunny with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs from the mid 70s to around 80. Tonight...Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows from the mid 50s to lower 60s.
State forecast for North Dakota
This morning...Patchy fog west and central...Scattered showers east. This afternoon...Partly sunny west. Mostly cloudy with a chance of thunderstorms east. Highs in the mid 70s northeast to the mid 80s southwest.
Iowa state forecast
Today...Mostly sunny. A slight chance of thunderstorms east. Highs in the mid 70s to mid 80s.