Saturday, August 13, 2005

Hackensack is getting a new theater
Another stadium-seating theater is going up in the lakes area -- this one in Hackensack.

A look at the reasons people change jobs
Why do people join the ranks of the unemployed?

Business Notes
ANNOUNCEMENTS

Arctic Cat to build factory in St. Cloud
ST. CLOUD, (AP) -- The engines for Arctic Cat's utility-style ATV will be built in a new factory in St. Cloud, company officials announced Thursday.

Golf course sale completed
Denali Real Estate Group has closed on the property sale of Pine Meadows Golf Course.

Firefighting for the airport
For the past 17 years, Barry Aldridge has been at Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport making sure travelers are safe even if their airplane hasn't been.

COURT
Robert Eugene Rushing, 51, Pine River, received a stay of adjudication of sentence in Cass County District Court for felony second-degree burglary. He was fined $300.

CORRECTIONS
In a Friday Page 1A story on gasoline prices, the story should have said the A-Pine Express was a Shell Station.

Firefighters respond
The Brainerd Fire Department responded to a cut gas line at 6:58 p.m. Thursday on Timberlane Drive in Baxter. Firefighters remained on the scene as a safety precaution while a crew from Xcel Energy fixed the broken line.

Agendas
Meets 7 p.m. (Work session at 6 p.m.) Monday

BIRTHS
Kirk and Shawna Hamilton, Backus, a boy, Caden Robert Anthony, 9 pounds, 2 ounces, July 29, 2005. Grandparents are Dean and Bonnie Yunger, Backus, Jim and Debra Hamilton, Hackensack, and Rebecca Anderson, Backus.

BIRTHS
Shannon Engholm and Jesse Oestreich, Brainerd, a girl, Chloe Ann Oestreich, 6 pounds, 10 ounces, Aug. 2, 2005. Grandparents are Calvin and Carolyn Engholm, Brainerd, and Tony and Joann Oestreich, Aitkin.

SENIOR ACTIVITIES
LAKES AREA SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER

Driver suffers injuries in crash
BAXTER -- Benjamyn Anderson, 17, Brainerd, suffered injuries when the vehicle he was driving was involved in a July 31 crash on County Road 77 near Highway 371, Baxter police reported.

PUBLIC MEETING
The Brainerd Planning Commission will meet at 4 p.m. Wednesday at Brainerd City Hall.

MARRIAGE LICENSES
Timothy P. McDonald, 28, and Monica L. Christensen, 26, both of Morgan Hill, Calif.

AREA CRIMES
BURGLARY -- Little Dukes, Excelsior Road, Monday reported a burglary.

WITH THE MILITARY
Sgt. Matthew C. Hamilton, son of Theresa Hamilton and Michael Hamilton, is currently serving in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He is supporting the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, which is headquartered in eastern North Carolina.

Agendas
Meets 7 p.m. Monday

The Nationals
Who did what at Brainerd International Raceway? Monday's sports will feature the complete results from the track.

Ossawinnamakee home offers pretty view of nature
PEQUOT LAKES -- Growing up at a northern Minnesota summer lake home was part of Rich and Marit Reese's childhoods.

Couple keeps something old, builds something new
CROSSLAKE -- Robert and Jennifer Birkeland have enjoyed the Brainerd lakes area since childhood. They met while water skiing on Pelican Lake.

HOUSING BRIEFS
NISSWA -- Tina Anderson of Positive North GMAC Real Estate in Nisswa was named top real estate agent of the second quarter for having the highest production.

BRAINERD BUILDING PERMITS
Thompson Properties, 1200 block of Industrial Park Road, new construction, $120,000.

Fill those backpacks with new back-to-school books
The perfect complement to a child's bright new backpack -- maybe with an electro-luminescent wire sewn into the piping or an iPod pouch this year -- is a new book, and maybe even a book about school.

CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY
Brainerd Alateen

As school nears, Marcus would like a partner
In today's newspapers many back-to-school sale flyers from local merchants are tucked inside. They advertise all of the items kids need to start off the school year. Some promote clothes and other school supplies.

SUPPORT
Infertility support

'Today's' bride: Beating the cost of marriage
Like any bride, Sarah Raley believes it's bad luck for the groom to see her wedding dress before the Big Day, and she brought along her mom to look at the final four choices. Unlike most brides, she shared this special moment with 6 million people.

U of M Central Region Partnership meeting slated
The University of Minnesota's Central Region Partnership's annual meeting will be 1-5 p.m. Aug. 19 at the Central Lakes Agriculture Center, 1830 Airport Drive, Staples.

Point of view
Where is this decorative wall? Chances are you may have sat on it if you grew up in Brainerd. The answer, and another new photo showing an area landmark or well-known scenic spot, will appear in this space Monday. Point of View is making its debut today. Readers are invited to send us photos of lakes area landmarks or scenic points of note to help us test readers' photographic memory.

Crosby chief reacts to criticism
Responding to recent criticism that the Crosby Police Department had in some way failed to prevent the June 23 mauling of David Deziel by three dogs, Chief Kim Coughlin is quick to note that Deziel's attack happened outside of her jurisdiction.

Overheard
"Before my son was killed, I used to think that one person could not make a difference. But one person that is surrounded and supported by millions of people can be heard."

Caution: Chef at work
Merle Roberts, owner of Merle's Farm Fresh Meats, flipped buffalo and brat burgers on the grill Friday at the Lakes Area Growers Market cookout. The market is open on the corner of 7th and Maple in Brainerd every Tuesday and Friday. The growers were celebrating National Farmer's Market Week.

Racers not immune from high cost of fuel
Kirk Williams of Glenwood, Iowa, a sportsman Funny Car racer, spent three times as much money this year just getting to Brainerd International Raceway.

Gas gasp
Gasoline prices reached an all-time high Thursday in the Brainerd area, with some service stations selling gas for $2.55 a gallon.

Add Mille Lacs to lakes with zebra mussels
GARRISON -- Zebra mussels have arrived in Lake Mille Lacs, natural resources officials announced last week, but a marina representative is not too concerned yet.

Leech council dismisses charges against members
CASS LAKE (AP) -- The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Tribal Council voted 4-1 Friday to dismiss the removal of Tribal Chairman George Goggleye and Reps. Donald "Mick" Finn and Burton "Luke" Wilson, as the accused joined in the vote.

Nisswa Women's Club meeting to look at gardening
The Nisswa Women's Club monthly meeting will be at noon Thursday at Lutheran Church of the Cross, Sportland Corners. Jim Sherwood of The Treehouse will present the program titled "Gardening Tips."

Prosecutors say ethnic background not a factor against Rodriguez
FARGO, N.D. (AP) -- Federal prosecutors say their decision to seek the death penalty against the man accused in the death of University of North Dakota student Dru Sjodin had nothing to do with his Hispanic background.

Pequot Lakes man faces additional counts, including murder charge
A 25-year-old Pequot Lakes man arrested and charged with criminal vehicular homicide following an accident that claimed the life of 16-year-old Nisswa boy now faces a charge of murder.

Patriotic race fans
Garrett Lindquist (left) and his brother Carter, both of Winsted, and Brandon Swanson of Minneapolis were busy Thursday playing in the sand at Brainerd International Raceway's family camping area during the 24th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals. The huge flag, which used to be flown at a Sears store in the Twin Cities, has been put up at the campsite for the last eight years.

It's nothing to be afraid of
Turning 50 means more than graying hair, AARP solicitations and creaky joints.

LOCAL BRIEFS
The loan is guaranteed by the USDA and financed by the Mille Lacs Electric Cooperative in Aitkin. It will provide funding that will be used to serve 520 new customers, build 27 miles of electrical distribution line and make other system improvements in the area.

Ruud announces funding for road projects
* Resurfacing and turn lane and bypass lane creation on U.S. Highway 2 from Highway 371 in Cass Lake to just east of Cass County Road 10.

Six generations of Nisswa leaders
Former Nisswa Mayors Ruth Peltier (left), Dennis Lueck, B.E. "Jack" Warden, Cheri Seils and Lenny Hodgson listened Thursday while present Mayor Harold Kraus explained electronic features of the city council chambers at the new Nisswa City Hall. The 10,000-square-foot building will house the city offices and the Nisswa Police Department.

This was Brainerd
AUGUST 14 - 80 years ago (1925) - The Brainerd Lions Club has set in motion a Brainerd Lakes Region advertising campaign, which in the minds of all who have heard of the plan is to be one of the biggest things of its kind ever attempted in this section.

Kids Race Day set
The Brainerd Lakes Area Women of Today is hosting a Kids Race Day at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Gregory Park for children ages 3 to those going into sixth grade.

The show will be in air as well as on track at BIR
Fast vehicles on the ground won't be the only eye-catcher at Brainerd International Raceway this weekend, some of the action will be at least 250 feet above the ground.

This was Brainerd
AUGUST 12 - 60 years ago (1945) - Who will be the healthiest boy and girl in Crow Wing County this year? There are 484 members of the 4-H Club in the county and out of that group comes our Health King and Health Queen.

Mille Lacs Band to host 39th annual powwow
ONAMIA -- The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe will host its 39th annual traditional powwow Aug. 19-21 at its powwow grounds two miles north of Grand Casino Mille Lacs.

Listen to the inner voice
LAKE SHORE -- Marlene Goble had more reasons than most to get a colonoscopy, but her message to anyone over 50 is similar to that of the popular shoe manufacturer -- just do it.

Alice Christensen
JAMESTOWN, N.D. -- Alice Christensen, 93, Jamestown, N.D., died at Hi-Acres Manor, Jamestown, on Thursday, Aug. 11, 2005.

Louise K. Rubbelke
Louise Kathryn Rubbelke, 95, Brainerd, formerly of Hampden, N.D., and Pillager, Baxter communities, died on Thursday, Aug. 11, 2005, at Bethany Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd. Louise was born on Feb. 12, 1910, in Cavalier County near Weaver, N.D., to James and Mary Ann (Motz) Foard. She married David Rubbelke on Nov. 1, 1930, and lived in the Hampden community until 1971 when they retired and moved to Minnesota. Her husband, David, died in 1977. Louise spent her last year at Bethany Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd. She was known for her good cooking, embroidery and crocheting doilies. The highlight of her days was her grandchildren.

Dewey D. Arnold
McGREGOR -- Dewey D. Arnold, 87, of McGregor, formerly of Minneapolis, died Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2005, at the Riverwood Extended Care Center in Aitkin.

LaVaughn Shaw
LaVaughn Shaw, 82, Brainerd, died Monday, Aug. 8, 2005, at Woodland Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd. LaVaughn was born on July 4, 1923, at Plattsmouth, Neb., daughter of the late Emil and Vera (Moore) Hild. She assisted her husband with L.W. Distributors for many years. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary of Hackensack. She enjoyed bowling, bingo, fishing, boating and was past secretary of the Women's Bowling League in Pine River.

John Kersey
PINE RIVER -- John Kersey, age 78, passed away on Friday, Aug. 12, 2005, at his home surrounded by his loving family in Pine River. Arrangements are pending with Willim-St. Onge Family Funeral Home in Pine River.

Neva D. Griffith
Neva D. Griffith (Wetherbee), age 86, of Pillager, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 11, 2005, at St. Cloud Hospital.

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.

Frederick L. Hardin
PINE RIVER -- Frederick Lawrence Hardin (known as Larry to his family and friends), age 77, of Pine River, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2005, at his home.

Wayne R. Walberg
DENT -- Wayne Robert Walberg, age 59, of Dent, Minn., passed away Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2005, at the Lake Region Hospital in Fergus Falls, Minn.

Louise K. Rubbelke
Louise K. Rubbelke, 95, Brainerd, passed away Thursday, Aug. 11, 2005, at Bethany Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd.

JoAnn G. Converse
MOTLEY -- JoAnn G. Converse (Radant), 63, of Motley, died peacefully at home with family by her side, on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2005.

Melvin A. Beyatt Sr.
HACKENSACK -- Melvin A. Beyatt Sr., age 64, of Hackensack, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2005, at his home. He was born Jan. 29, 1941, in Walker. He was a veteran of the United States Army, serving in Germany.

Robert (Bob) Manz
DULUTH -- Robert (Bob) Manz, 83, passed away Aug. 5, 2005, with his family at his side. He was born June 27, 1922, in Duluth, to Clarence and Bessie (Hall) Manz. Bob was in C.C.C. Camp No. 3703, in Isabella. He served in the U.S. Army in Italy during WWII and also in the Minnesota National Guard.

Corrine A. Takemoto
CLEAR LAKE -- Corrine A. Takemoto, age 82, of Clear Lake, Minn., formerly of Brooklyn Center, New Hope and Fort Ripley, Minn., passed away on Aug. 9, 2005.

Laura Hannemann
GAYLORD -- Laura Hannemann, age 92, of Gaylord, Minn., passed away Thursday, Aug. 11, 2005, at Glencoe Long Term Care Center in Glencoe, Minn.

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.

Jean F. Schellhas
NISSWA -- Jean F. Schellhas, age 80, of Nisswa, died Friday, Aug. 12, 2005, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd. Memorial services will be private. A celebration of Jean's life will be held in Nisswa at a later date. Memorials are preferred to American Legion Post 627, Nisswa, MN 56468.

Sheila N. Holm
Sheila N. Holm (Stensrude), age 63, resident of Brainerd, died Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2005, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd.

Jeff G. Oliphant
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. -- Jeff G. Oliphant, 45, of Eau Claire, Wis., died Friday, Aug. 12, 2005, at home.

Vox Pop
Another Crow Wing County fair has come and gone. Can anyone tell me the last time the fair premiums were raised? They are low. 4-H members are a large part of 4-H and open class exhibits. Although you can't put a monetary amount on the life skills these kids will gain from their project areas it can get very expensive for parents and other supporters. I have been going to the fair and paying to park for several years now. I know that the grounds upkeep and entertainment cost money, but let's start thinking about raising premiums too.

Correction/clarification
In Scott Kile's Wednesday guest column, in which he criticized Crosby-Ironton law enforcement, it was not noted that the pit bulls who attacked a bystander are not in the jurisdiction of the Crosby-Ironton Police Department.

Open Forum
Beer and marijuana are both recreational drugs, although effects are diametrically opposite. (For some reason, one is legal; the other isn't.)

Critic of C-I police apologizes for mistake
My article in the Brainerd Dispatch (Aug. 10, 2005, pit bull attacks) scolds the Crosby-Ironton Police Department as the primary law enforcement entity regarding the pit bull attacks. It's been established that it was Crow Wing County law enforcement in charge of preventing the tragedy in question and failed to do so.

Enforce the law
By threatening to withhold federal highway money Congress eventually forced all 50 states to adopt the .08 blood-alcohol content as the level at which drivers would be prosecuted. Minnesota was the last state to fall into line.

What do you think?
Write us a letter or send us an e-mail

DNR sets 60-day, four-duck season for 2005
Minnesota waterfowl hunters this fall will have a 60-day duck season and four-bird daily bag limit that may include one hen mallard.

Outdoors Calendar
August

Speakers praise restoration plan, stress need for funding
GARY, Ind. (AP) -- Advocates have urged politicians to fund a proposal aimed at reviving and protecting the ailing Great Lakes by cleaning the water and stopping the invasion of exotic species.

Special fishing regulations set for Upper Red Lake
The DNR will host a public meeting on proposed special fishing regulation for Upper Red Lake.

Guiding has done a lot to promote tourism in the Brainerd lakes area
Last week I wrote about two bitter fishermen that I came across on one of the local lakes. They didn't like guides and I know they aren't the only ones.

Resorts are an important to Minnesota
Minnesota is blessed with hundreds of lake resorts. Families from across the country and abroad spend time at these wonderful places to connect with nature and reaffirm family ties.

Brown and Hammers prevail on Sauk Lake
Brian Brown and Jenny Hammers weighed 22 pounds, 8 ounces of bass July 24 to win the Range Bassmasters tournament on Sauk Lake.

Experts cite value of forest fires
THOMASVILLE, Ga. -- Firefighters have battled blazes on nearly 4 million acres of public and private land so far this year -- and federal officials are on track to deliberately burn 2.5 million more.

Trumpeter swan needs monetary help to have its wing amputated
The swan that spent last winter on Big Portage Lake has been enrolled in the Iowa Trumpeter Swan Restoration Program and now lives at a private residence in Clear Lake, Iowa.

Party time on Mille Lacs means pontoons and bobber fishing
Kevin McQuoid of Isle loves to party. When he's not guiding small groups on his tournament fishing boat, McQuoid leads parties of 15 anglers and more to walleyes on Mille Lacs, where he grew up. His parents operate McQuoid's Inn. Kevin guides from there and from Mac's Twin Bay Resort.

Impact of jack pine budworm historically minor in our area
Around Independence Day, residents and visitors to Cass, Morrison and Crow Wing counties may have noticed that some of the area's jack pines had a reddish tinge to them. This was due to the effects of jack pine budworm caterpillars that fed on needles during May and June.

Anglers show concern for environment by exchanging lead tackle
They came from Brainerd, Baxter, Breezy Point and beyond bearing boxes and bags of lead.

Charles and Loretta Patrick
Charles and Loretta Patrick, Brainerd, recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with their family and friends. They were married Aug. 1, 1955, in Iowa.

Michelle Burns and Brian Watson
Michelle Burns and Brian Watson announce their engagement. Parents are Herman and Pennie Burns, Crosby, and Mark and Cindy Sampson, Brainerd, and Don and Lois Watson, Palisade. An Oct. 1 wedding is planned at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Crosby with a reception to follow at the Aitkin VFW.

Kevin and Kathy (Binkley) Wernberg
Kevin and Kathy (Binkley) Wernberg, Nisswa, will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. They were married Aug. 16, 1980, in Bemidji.

Jamie Holtberg and Clay Lipke
Jamie Holtberg and Clay Lipke announce their engagement. Parents are John and Eileen Holtberg, Little Falls, and Harold and Constance Lipke, Little Falls. An Aug. 27 wedding is planned at Little Falls.

Allison Tange and Scott Rian
Allison Tange and Scott Rian announce their engagement. Parents are Phil and Sue Tange, Aitkin, and Pat and Dick Turner, Grove Springs, Mo. A Sept. 24 wedding is planned in Aitkin.

CHRISTOPHER AND KATHERINE DANIELSON
Katherine Wilcox and Christopher Danielson were married June 11, 2005, with the Rev. David Holte officiating.

Viola (Pikula) Lord
Viola (Pikula) Lord, Brainerd, will celebrate her 90th birthday with an open house from 1-3 p.m. Aug. 20 in the dining room of Mississippi Terrace, 215 SW Fourth St., Brainerd. She was born Aug. 31, 1915, in Merrifield.

Dale and Lori Thompson
Dale and Lori Thompson, Brainerd, will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary with family and friends starting at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 20 at the Green Lantern. They were married Aug. 16, 1980, in Brainerd.

Koering
Five generations recently gathered were Cameron Koering, son; Carla Koering, mother; David Koering, grandfather; Leonard Koering, great-grandfather; and Olivia Koering, great-great-grandmother.

Tom and Ione Malloy
Tom and Ione Malloy, Brainerd, recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with their children and grandchildren. They were married Aug. 13, 1955, in Brainerd.

Jeanne Jones and Corey Christiansen
Jeanne Jones and Corey Christiansen announce their engagement. Parents are Robert and Phyllis Jones, Brainerd, and Fredric and Annabel Christiansen, Maple Grove. A Sept. 10 wedding is planned at St. Francis Catholic Church in Brainerd.

JEREMY AND ANDRIA SPOLARICH
Andria Bollig and Jeremy Spolarich were married June 18, 2005, at Zion Lutheran Church in Brainerd with Pastor Mark Kleckner officiating.

A soggy trip to India
A mission team from Faith Baptist Church witnessed the aftermath of a monsoon that wiped out much of Bombay, India, in late July.

God as chess master
God brings victory even from our bad moves.

Church news
NISSWA -- Christ Community Church in Nisswa will have "In Living Color" vacation Bible school from 6-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday. All children 3 years old to fifth grade are invited. Children will be learning about Jesus through the colors of the Jesus Bracelet and how to use the bracelet to share Jesus with their family and friends. Lessons, crafts, games and a special missions project are all a part of the plan. Call 963-2626 to register.

Scoreboard
Baseball

In the Brainerd lakes area:
Saturday

First-time can be overwhelming and fun
For first-time race-goers, attending the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway can be a bit overwhelming.

Hoops evaluations slated Tuesday
The Brainerd/Baxter Basketball Association will conduct its final floor play Tuesday to evaluate players for its upcoming fall season.

Blue Earth, Andover golfers win junior titles
Jon Trasamar of Blue Earth and Hillary Gerster of Andover won the Minnesota PGA Junior Golf Association Players Tour Tournament of Champions Thursday at the Legacy Courses at Cragun's.

Bombers win invitational
The Lakes Printing Baxter Bombers/ 12-under girls' slow-pitch softball team won the Field of Dreams Invitational tournament last weekend in Andover.

It was one snell of a good idea
Bob Steinhoff and his fishing partner, Mike Pelowski, won a Grand National Walleye Cup tournament on Mille Lacs in July.

Lucas Oil Nationals At Brainerd International Raceway
SATURDAY

In the pits at the NHRA Nationals
Steve Zelem, a member of the Skoal Funny Car crew, worked on cylinder heads for Tommy Johnson Jr.'s Funny Car Friday in the Brainerd International Raceway pits.

Brainerd Parks & Recreation
Men's MS1 Softball

Troxel enjoys rush of Top Fuel
Melanie Troxel travels in a rocket that blazes down a quarter mile drag strip in about 4.5 seconds at more than 320 mph as a NHRA Powerade Drag Racing Series Top Fuel pilot, which makes her the fastest and quickest woman racer.

Schroeder's takes third
Schroeder's TV and Appliances of Brainerd took third place in the Minnesota Sports Federation Masters 40 and over slow-pitch state tournament July 23 at Elk River, qualifying for the national tournament.

UND president says NCAA mascot policy unclear
GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) -- The University of North Dakota will appeal an NCAA edict that the school's Fighting Sioux nickname and Indian head logo demean American Indians, President Charles Kupchella said.

Clinics to train football, soccer officials
In an effort to help officials get started in football and soccer, the Minnesota State High School League will sponsor preseason training clinics at sites throughout Minnesota.

Bees advance in tourney
ST. CLOUD -- The Brainerd Bees are one victory away from the state amateur baseball tournament after defeating Ultimate Sports of Waite Park 4-0 in the Region 7B tournament Thursday night.

Upcoming sporting events
Friday

Shifting gears
Brainerd International Raceway, site of the 24th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals Friday through Sunday, is a special place for NHRA Top Fueler Morgan Lucas.

Records fall
Drivers in all four NHRA Powerade Drag Racing Series professional classes set all eight of Brainerd International Raceway's track records Friday in the second round of qualifying for the 24th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals Saturday through Sunday.

Robinson helps Thunder snap skid
If Matt Robinson would have had a razor he could have shaved in the dugout.

Border Cats blanked by Blue Thunder
It was far from a perfect game but Dillon Gee will take it.

On radio and television:
Radio guide

More farmers are buying and using computers, but pace is slowing
WICHITA, Kan. -- American farmers are buying computers and using them for business, but at a much slower pace than they did just two years ago, a new federal study shows.

Cleaning up a reputation for pestering pop-ups
NEW YORK -- A pioneer of software that tailors pop-up ads to Internet users' browsing habits is beginning to shun a practice that has invited much derision and plenty of lawsuits.

Favorite e-mail scams
"You don't know me, but I used to be married to a corrupt dictator ..."

First ThinkPad tablet gets it right and sleek, with a few drawbacks
Out of the box, the first ThinkPad born of the IBM-Lenovo cross-breeding (starting at $1,899) is a thing of 21st-century beauty, a compact, sleek little black slablet that's a worthy addition to the ThinkPad line of portables.

Fraud land
LAGOS, Nigeria -- Day in, day out, a strapping, amiable 24-year-old who calls himself Kele B. heads to an Internet cafe, hunkers down at a computer and casts his net upon the cyber-waters.

As threats loom, online audio book leader keeps building
NEWARK, N.J. -- Mary Lou Kalbow started listening to books while driving a five-hour rural postal route in Minnesota about five years ago. Now she downloads titles by Janet Evanovich, Jonathan Kellerman and James Patterson to her portable MP3 player and listens all day while she works as a massage therapist.

Not just for extreme four-wheelers
MOAB, Utah -- It was the voice of the little girl in the back seat, looking for anything to grab onto as the Jeep teetered at an unnerving angle, that caused me pause.

Send us your Favorite Vacation Photo
Linda Brandon, Nisswa, took this picture high atop the ruins of Conwy Castle in Conwy, Wales, while on a tour with a local choir group.

State forecast for Minnesota
.Today...Partly cloudy north. A chance of showers central and south.

Vikings are back
Weather drawing by Mikaela Boyd of Ms. Christiansen's fourth grade class at Baxter school.

Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Areas of fog early west central. Mostly cloudy turning partly cloudy. Highs in the upper 70s north to lower 80s south.

Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Partly to mostly cloudy. A chance of showers far south and west. Highs mainly in the 70s.

Good racing weather forecasted
The prospect for rain is slim Friday for the crowds gathered at Brainerd International Raceway. The National Weather Service in Duluth is forecasting a 20 percent chance of rain during the day with high temperatures of about 80 degrees.

A butterfly
Weather drawing by Kasey Smith in the Riverside third grade of Mrs. Meyer.

Worldwide Weather
Saturday

State forecast for Minnesota
Dense fog advisory for the far southeast until 9 am cdt this

The Weather Elsewhere
Saturday

State forecast for Iowa
.Today...Mostly cloudy. Showers and isolated thunderstorms south.

State forecast for S.D.
Today...Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms west. Partly cloudy east with a slight chance of thunderstorms late near the missouri river. Highs in the mid 60s northwest to the mid 80s southeast.

State forecast for South Dakota
Today...Mostly cloudy. Occasional showers and isolated thunderstorms southwest through northeast. A chance north and south of this line. Cooler with highs from the upper 50s southwest...To around 70 far southeast.

State forecast for N.D.
Today...Partly to mostly cloudy with patchy morning fog. A chance

State forecast for Iowa
Dense fog advisory until 9 am far northeast...

State forecast for North Dakota
.Today...Partly sunny. A chance of showers south. Highs in the

Much Obliged
I would like to thank the Crow Wing County Fair and all of the supporters of the Military Appreciation Night at the fair. The evening was well planned out and a true salute to soldiers and their families. The night was very fun for our whole family.

What's doing?
The monthly meeting of Encore Arts Association will be a potluck at 6 p.m. Thursday at Gail's. For information and/or directions, call 829-1236.

ORGANIZATIONS
Brainerd Jaycees

Much Obliged
Thanks to all the volunteers that worked our Republican fair booth at the Crow Wing County Fair. Congratulations to Krystal Graf, winner of the American Flag, flown over the White House, donated by Senator Coleman and to the other winners. Thanks for taking the time to stop and say, "Hello." Your interest was much appreciated.

CONTACT US

  • Switchboard 218-829-4705
  • Report News 218-855-5860
  • Advertising 218-855-5835
  • Classifieds 218-855-5898
  • Circulation 218-855-5897
  • Vox Pop 218-855-5888
  • View the Staff Directory
  • or Send feedback

ADVERTISING

SUBSCRIBER SERVICES

SOCIAL NETWORKING