Thursday, August 7, 2008
Porsche SUV mates V-8 with manual
The economy is sagging, consumers are fretting over high gasoline prices, and a more than $43,000 sport utility vehicle with a city/highway fuel economy rating of just 13 miles per gallon is selling better this year than it did last year. Go figure.
GM's miscue: Thinking the future was bigger
It seems such an obvious error in hindsight.
Summer of the Bat
This is going to sound kind of random, but I have to face the fact that 2008 is the Summer of the Bat. Despite worthy competition from Indiana Jones, Mulder and Scully and Anakin and Obi-Wan, "The Dark Knight" - which recently passed the one bazillion dollar mark at the box office - is clearly the movie that everyone wanted to see this season. I would say "beware of spoilers," but I know you've all seen it by now.
ART SHORTS
NISSWA - Work by Des Moines, Iowa, apparel artist Katy Ross will be featured and sold from 4-6 p.m. Friday at the Path Less Traveled gallery at 25282 Hazelwood Drive in Nisswa.
MUSIC SHORTS
NISSWA - A fundraiser concert for the Brainerd High School orchestra program will be at 7 p.m. Aug. 16 at Lutheran Church of the Cross in Nisswa. Four BHS orchestra alumni - cello player Joe Trucano and Alexandra Jones, violin player Heather Mastel-Lipson and viola player Lyndie Walker - will perform as a quartet.
BOOK SHORTS
The Friends of the Library Used Book Sale will be from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Aug. 21-22 and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 23 at the Brainerd Public Library.
Upcoming arts and entertainment events
Live music
MID-LIFE doesn't have to be a crisis
If middle age means aches and pains, then "Mid-Life! The Crisis" director Michelle Barber hopes theater-goers will have sore funny bones this weekend.
Unsung Minnesotans
STAPLES - Moving from New York City to New York Mills can be a culture shock. One of the entertainers performing this weekend at the Old Wadena Rendezvous and Folklife Festival north of Staples has not only survived the transition, she has thrived.
Best bets
A variety of folk musicians - including Elisa Korenne of New York Mills, Caitlin Robertson (above) of Seattle and Nita Velo of Nashville, Tenn. - will perform at the Old Wadena Rendezvous and Folklife Festival from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sunday at Old Wadena County Park north of Staples. Admission is $5-$10.
Dessert easy on the eyes - and the taste buds
Interested in a fabulous recipe for a dessert finale? Combine family ice cream favorites - chocolate, strawberry and vanilla - for this easy-to-prepare dessert. It's not only pretty to serve, it's wonderful to eat.
DISSOLUTIONS
Aydt, Sandra L. and William J.
Crow Wing court
The following recently appeared in Crow Wing District Court:
POLICE BLOTTER
CRASHES - No injuries were reported in a two-vehicle collision at 4:28 p.m. Saturday at Highway 371 and Design Drive.
BIRTH
Stephen and Monica Windorski, a boy, Jonathan Ray, 7 pounds, 2.2 ounces, July 20, 2008. Grandparents are Charles and Jean Johnson, Deerwood, and Stephen and Carol Windorski, Pine River.
Baxter fast-pitch team wins title
The Baxter 16-U fast-pitch softball team won the Willmar Blast 16-U tournament July 27. Front row: Asheley Tibbetts (left) and Nikki DeChaine. Second row: Nikki Anderson (left), Katie Pohl, Fina Hernandez, Alyssa Thoennes and Emily Hill. Back: Coach Randy Thoennes (left), Taylor Crowell, Jalynn Lamb, Alanna Hansen, Krista Bjork and coach Tim Hill.
Reflections at sunset
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.
PETS OF THE WEEK
Penny is a 1-year-old cat who was abandoned in a box on Heartland Animal Rescue Team's doorstep in April. When the staff found Penny, she was in labor and later gave birth to five kittens at the shelter. Penny and her kittens were transferred into a foster home, where she and one of the kittens, Gonzo, currently reside. Penny and Gonzo are waiting to be adopted into a loving home. Penny is a short-haired, orange tabby.
CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY
Go to Any Length
LOCAL BRIEFS
Deerwood Summerfest will be celebrated Friday and Saturday.
ALL IN THE FAMILY
"Dr. David Laposky of Pine River with grandson Bryant Schwegel of Bagley. The photo was taken in wife Bev's cottage garden in July."
Baxter Cubs claim league crown
The Baxter Cubs, sponsored by Quick Construction, won the Northern Lakes Mustang League championship.
In regard to safety, don't miss the boat
It's not a PDF, that I know.
ORGANIZATIONS
Brainerd Jaycees
No-boundaries waters
The possibilities are endless, the boundaries nonexistent. At least on this weekend at this place - in this event.
SUPPORT GROUPS
Lakes Area Ecumenical Bereavement
Shaking hands with Smokey
Karlton Anderson of Baxter shook Smokey Bear's hand Tuesday at Oscar Kristofferson Park in Baxter during the 25th annual National Night Out. Brainerd Dispatch/Kelly Humphrey
Aitkin County among oldest
The latest figures from the U.S. Census Bureau show that three counties along Minnesota's western border, and one in central Minnesota, are among the about two dozen counties in the nation where at least a quarter of the population was 65 or older on July 1, 2007
P. River man runs afoul of texting law
A 24-year-old Pine River man found out the hard way about Minnesota's new law prohibiting texting while driving.
Cass votes to implement new payment policy
WALKER - Cass County Board voted Tuesday to implement a new payment policy for money owed to the county, partially because one garbage hauler has been running in arrears for dumping at the county transfer station.
Walk a mile in her shoes - literally
Wanted: A few good men - with strong ankles.
Report cards
Report cards
LOCAL BRIEFS
July precipitation was 3.95 inches compared to a 10-year average of 4.11 inches. Year-to-date rainfall was 18.67 inches compared to an average of 19.03 inches.
Xcel Energy removing surcharge from bills
Xcel Energy customers in the Brainerd lakes area will see a financial windfall.
Judge mulls new trial in music downloading case
DULUTH (AP) - A decision isn't expected until next month on whether a Brainerd woman convicted of pirating music files will get a new trial, but the federal judge who handled the case said he might have made a mistake at her original trial.
Big Cass population increases are history
WALKER - The Minnesota demographer's office informed Cass County the county's strong population increase of the 1990s has come to an abrupt end in this decade.
Health alliance to continue serving medical clients
WALKER - South Country Health Alliance's 14 county members have voted to continue serving medical assistance clients at this time and to seek special 2009 state legislation to permit the organization to receive higher reimbursements in 2009.
Overheard
"I wish I was his agent right now."
This was Brainerd
AUGUST 6 - 60 years ago (1948) - Bigger and better is the claim of fair officials at the 1948 county fair held Aug. 11-14. This year's fair should exceed anything this county has seen in the past.
HAPPY CAMPERS
BAXTER - One campsite's motto at Brainerd International Raceway Wednesday said it all.
Events leading to assault detailed
Events leading to the July 15 brutal assault of a 36-year-old man in northeast Brainerd became clearer Tuesday after criminal charges were filed against the victim for his role in instigating the fight.
This was Brainerd
AUGUST 7 - 60 years ago (1948) - An estimated 100 boys and girls, 4-H club members throughout the county, will take part in the Crow Wing County Fair by camping at the fairgrounds for four full days.
Taking a dip
Four-year-old Sam Pikula was happily dunked head first into a tub of ice and water by his dad Eric Pikula Tuesday at Gregory Park in Brainerd during the 25th Annual National Night Out, one of several block parties in the area. The block parties are a collaborative effort between communities and law enforcement to increase crime and drug prevention awareness.
Brainerd Dispatch/Kelly Humphrey
LOCAL BRIEFS
BAXTER - The Crow Wing County Caring Community Initiative mini summit will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday at Lakewood Church in Baxter.
Report card: 27 area schools don't make grade
The school year has yet to begin, but the reports cards are in and 27 area schools didn't make the grade.
Council upholds dangerous dog designation for German Shepherd
Acting as judge and jury, the Brainerd City Council on Wednesday upheld a dangerous dog designation for Brainerd resident Pam Miller's German Shepherd.
Saving the best for last
The Brainerd Blue Thunder drew their largest crowd ever at a home game Wednesday night, the last Brainerd game of the season.
Overheard
"He's in a tough spot right now."
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.
Ruby J. Newman
Ruby J. Newman, age 80, resident of Harmony House in Brainerd, died Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2008, at St. Joseph's Medical Center. Ruby was born in Duluth, Minn., Nov. 30, 1927, to John and Ida (Maki) Newman. She had been employed as a nurse's aide.
Arlo L. Hoglund
RANDALL - Arlo L. Hoglund, 87-year-old resident of rural Randall, Minn., passed away Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2008, at Amazing Days Assisted Living near Randall. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 9, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Cushing, Minn., with Pastor Chris Culuris officiating.
Elsa V. Turner
CROSBY - Elsa Violet Turner passed away Aug. 4, 2008, at the Cuyuna Regional Care Center in Crosby surrounded by her family at the age of 89. She was born on March 1,1919, to Henry and Jennie (Andersson) Peterson in Maple Plain, Minn. She was the fourth of seven children.
Andrew W. McDougall
ROYALTON - Andrew S. McDougall, age 21, of Royalton, Minn., died Monday, Aug. 4, 2008, in Buckman, Minn. Funeral is 10:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 8, 2008, at Shepherd of the Pines Lutheran Church in Rice, Minn.
Esther A. Severson
BAXTER - Esther Anna Severson, 85, of Baxter, died early Sunday morning, Aug. 3, 2008, at her home, where she was being cared for by her three daughters. Funeral services for Esther will be noon Saturday, Aug. 9, at the Worlein Funeral Home in Austin, Minn., with visitation starting at 11 a.m.
Helen C. Anderson
MERRIFIELD - Helen C. Anderson, age 61, of Merrifield, passed away Monday, Aug. 4, 2008, at St. Cloud Hospital. A celebration of Helen's life is planned for Saturday, Aug. 9, 2008, at her home, 27153 County Road 3, Merrifield, Minn., from 2-5 p.m. There will be a short program at 2 p.m. followed by a time of sharing until 5 p.m.
Marcella Joel
A memorial service for Marcella Joel of Badger will be held Saturday, Aug. 16, at 1 p.m. at The Church on the Wise Road, 10345 Wise Road, Brainerd. Visitation is one hour prior to the service. Helgeson Funeral Chapel of Roseau handled the arrangements.
Duane W. Erickson
Duane "Sonny" Erickson, 55, of Brainerd, passed away Wednesday, July 23, 2008, at Fairview University Hospital, Minneapolis, with friends and family by his side after a 10-week battle with pneumonia. He had a lung transplant on Sept. 6, 2006.
Helen C. Anderson
MERRIFIELD - Helen C. Anderson of Merrifield passed away Monday, Aug. 4, 2008, at St. Cloud Hospital. Arrangements are pending with the Brenny Funeral Chapel of Baxter.
Aaron M. Storkamp
SARTELL - Aaron M. Storkamp, age 28, of Sartell, Minn., formerly of Pierz, Minn., died Aug. 4, 2008, in Pierz Township, Morrison County, Minn. Services are Friday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Pierz. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Thursday and Friday from 9-10 a.m. at the Emblom-Brenny Funeral Service in Pierz.
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.
Kris D. Adams
ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Kris David Adams, 47, died on July 5, 2008, in Anchorage, Alaska. He was born in Brainerd to Lloyd and Queenie Adams on July 9, 1960. Kris moved to Anchorage, Alaska, with his parents in 1977, and in 1994 moved to Platinum, a village on the Bering Sea.
What Bush should ask for in Beijing
I was one of five "Chinese freedom activists" - as the White House press release called us - who met with President Bush last week as he prepared to depart for the Olympics in Beijing. I did not tell him not to go. I did not tell him to poke the Chinese government in the eye by meeting with dissidents. What I did tell him was that he ought to use this opportunity to push for an agreement with the Chinese on the free exchange of information.
A gesture of principle in Mexico City
The image lasted for only as long as it took to play the national anthem - yet it still resonates four decades later. Black American sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos, winners of the gold and bronze medals, respectively, in the 200-meter race bow their heads and raise their black-gloved fists to protest racism during the medal ceremony at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City.
VOX POP
Kudos to the Blue Thunder players for being active members of this community! This summer, beside playing ball, pretty much every day they also found time to volunteer, bagging groceries at Cub, spending time with residents of Edgewood Vista and attending and cheering on other local teams. This was my third summer hosting and it has always been such a pleasure getting to know these young people! I wish luck to all of them as the season comes to a close!
Banking industry doing well
In spite of negative headlines regarding challenging economic conditions, failed banks and the ongoing credit crisis, the banking industry is solid and strong. The industry - which includes traditional federally insured, federally regulated depository institutions, your local commercial bank, thrift or savings bank - is well regulated and even profitable.
OTHER OPINION: TRANSPORTATION
For the first time in 28 years, Americans are driving less, a happy development for proponents of public transportation. But as people shift to buses and subways, they are encountering transit systems that are crowded and outdated. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters has put forth a plan that would make those problems worse.
What do you think?
The Brainerd Dispatch welcomes letters on recent articles and current issues. Letters should include the writer's full name, city and a phone number (for verification only). Letters are limited to 300 words. Only one letter per person per week.
Open Forum
Had the most fun ever at the fair this year. We took our grandchildren and felt it was definitely a family occasion. The pig races were the most fun we have had in years. The grandchildren had so much fun they wanted to go back again and again.
Baxter team to chase World Series dream
Playing a fly ball off the Green Monster at Fenway Park, going up against the ivy at Wrigley Field to steal a home run or playing for a World Series title against the warehouse backdrop of Camden Yards.
Dutch's Duffers top standings in golf league
Dutch's Duffers secured the top spot in the Legacy men's league standings July 31 with a 29-15 victory over Ocelco Inc. at the Legacy Courses at Cragun's.
Women's league keeps Legacy pro scrambling
EAST GULL LAKE - Golf carts dart in multiple directions. Young men carry golf bags to more GPS-equipped carts stationed outside the Legacy Clubhouse.
SCOREBOARD
Area events
Moondogs trip Blue Thunder
After scoring two runs in the eighth inning, the Brainerd Blue Thunder looked to be in control of Tuesday's Northwoods League baseball game at Mills Field against the Mankato Moondogs.
LOCAL SPORTS SHORTS
Pierz's Robert Bell shot rounds of 78-71 to finish tied for 11th with a 7-over 149 Tuesday in the 108th US Amateur Championship qualifier at Windsong Farm in Independence.
SCOREBOARD
Area events
AREA GOLF SHORTS
Jennifer Muesing's 44 and Andy Muesing's 39 helped them win their respective divisions in the Legacy Junior Golf Championship July 30 at the Legacy Courses at Cragun's in East Gull Lake.
Warriors football equipment distribution set for Friday
The Brainerd Warriors varsity football program will distribute varsity equipment Friday in the high school equipment room.
Going out in style
The fireworks at Mills Field didn't take place only after the game.
Bees wind up with 11-14 record
COLD SPRING - The Brainerd Bees amateur baseball season came to a conclusion Monday with a 3-2 loss to East Bethel in the Region 7B tournament.
They joke about Wilkerson but look who leads Funny Car standings
In the NHRA's infancy it wasn't uncommon for drivers to own the car, drive it and be the crew chief.
Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals
WHAT: 27th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals.
Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals
THURSDAY: Sportsman qualifying begins at 9:30 a.m.
NHRA drivers to practice softball in Brainerd
The two NHRA softball teams that will compete in a charity event Aug. 14 at Reading, Pa., will have their first practice session at 9 a.m. Friday at Memorial Park in Brainerd.
Sarge's season earns him respect
When Tony "The Sarge" Schumacher pulls onto the track in his U.S. Army dragster at Brainerd International Raceway he deserves a salute.
State forecast for N.D.
Today...Partly to mostly sunny. Slight chance of thunderstorms
State forecast for Minnesota
Today...Sunny. Highs in the lower 70s to lower 80s.
Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Partly to mostly sunny. Patchy early morning fog. A chance of late morning and afternoon showers and thunderstorms north. A slight chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms south. Highs from the upper 70s north...To the low 80s south. Cooler near the great lakes.
State forecast for S.D.
Today...Partly sunny. Scattered thunderstorms south this morning and a slight chance for thunderstorms statewide this afternoon. Highs in the 80s. Tonight...Mostly clear to partly cloudy. A slight chance of evening thunderstorms southwest. Lows 55 to 60 north and 60 to 65 south.
State forecast for Minnesota
.Today...Partly sunny. Patchy fog north in the morning. Slight
State forecast for Iowa
Today...Mostly sunny. Isolated thunderstorms in western iowa this
Under the sun
Weather drawing by Liberty Hansen of Mrs. Gramer's
second-grade class at Riverside school.
Summer treat
Weather drawing by Caitlin Middleton of Mrs. Meyer's third-grade class at Riverside school.
State forecast for Iowa
Today...Partly cloudy. Slight chance of thunderstorms. Highs near
Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Sunny to partly cloudy. A chance of afternoon thunderstorms northeast. Highs from the middle 70s far north...To the low 80s south.
State forecast for N.D.
Today...Sunny. Highs 80 northeast to lower 90s west.
State forecast for S.D.
Today...Clear to partly cloudy with isolated thunderstorms in the morning southeast. Highs from near 80 northeast to around 90 west.