Thursday, September 13, 2007
Purple pride
Dave Leeman, Staples, stood by his recently completed Vikings theme car. Leeman bought the 1991 Mercury Sable and did some restoration before having Dale Bukta of Brainerd complete the custom paint job. The graphics were done by Brainerd Signs. Brainerd Dispatch/Nels Norquist
Saturn's outlook looks bright
For the first time in a long time, the outlook for General Motors' Saturn division is good. And one of the reasons is a new sport utility vehicle called the Outlook.
Paint shop destroyed by fire at Madden's resort
EAST GULL LAKE - Fire destroyed a 40-by-60-foot storage and maintenance building at Madden's On Gull Lake resort Thursday afternoon.
MUSIC SHORTS
Peggy Kriha Dye is a 1987 Brainerd High graduate.
Upcoming arts and entertainment events
Live music
Larsen's prints on display at church
"Impressions of Nature," featuring nature prints by Sonja Larsen, will be on display through this month at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Brainerd. Gallery hours are 8 a.m.-noon Mondays-Fridays and 10 a.m.-noon Sundays.
THEATER SHORTS
Due to a performer's health problem, the Renegade Comedy Theatre Company of Duluth has canceled its Friday and Saturday performances of "Boston Marriage" in Central Lakes College's Cultural Arts Series.
New shows this fall
Here's where you can find the 27 new dramas, comedies and reality shows on the Big Five networks:
BEST BETS
The Grand Ladies of the Grand Ole Opry - including Jeannie Seely, Jean Shepard, Jan Howard and Helen Cornelius - will perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Grand Casino Mille Lacs Events & Convention Center north of Onamia. Tickets are $15-$20.
Mevissen's 'Broken Hart' in area stores
NIMROD - "Broken Hart: Small Town Short Stories" by Jerry Mevissen of Nimrod, has been published by the Jackpine Writers' Bloc of Park Rapids.
Five shows to return to
1. "Friday Night Lights," 8 p.m. Fridays, NBC, starts Oct. 5. It'll be a schizophrenic second season: The Panthers rebuild, paralyzed QB Jason Street tries his hand at coaching and former coach Eric Taylor joins the college ranks.
Fall TV preview: 5 to watch
This fall's TV lineup is the least impressive in recent memory because networks are playing it safer than ever before.
Whiskey Creek Fest slated in Wadena
WADENA - The annual Whiskey Creek Film Festival will run Friday through Sept. 20 at the Cozy Twin Theatre in Wadena.
Leftovers and cheesy chili chips
I had some leftover chili in the refrigerator, so I made cheesy chili chips for a little snack.
Firefighters respond
The Brainerd Fire Department was called at 10:01 a.m. Tuesday at Johnson Road off Highway 371, north of Baxter, to a tree that fell on a power line.
Central Lakes College
gets free lunch
STAPLES - The Staples Community Foundation on Tuesday provided a free lunch for all students and staff on the Staples campus of Central Lakes College. This is the fifth straight year for the gesture, said Sally Gorton, past president of the foundation. She joined Jim Hofer, Sue Rydbom, Mary Kobliska and Wendy Schluender on the serving line.
Crow Wing sheriff
BURGLARY - Train Bell Resort, 21489 Train Bell Road, Lake Edward, reported Sunday that individuals broke into its recreation center, used the hot tub, damaged the pool tables and took a few spa towels.
BIRTHS
Jessica Swadner and Branden Jahr, Pequot Lakes, a girl, Jaycee Marene, 6 pounds, 13 ounces, Aug. 29, 2007. Grandparents are Tim and Deann Swadner, Milaca, and Brenda and Bill Jahr, Bock.
BIRTHS
Matthew and Nichole (Affeldt) Kaiser, a girl, Selah Dawn, 9 pounds, 3 ounces, June 14, 2007. Grandparents are David and Charlotte Affeldt, Spokane, Wash., Linda Kaiser, Spokane, Wash., and Charles and Diane Kaiser, Boise, Idaho. Great-grandparents are Paul and Norine Affeldt, Brainerd, and the late James and Alyce Whitlock.
Sluggish summer gives way to new 'season'
Week One of the "lose three pounds a week or pay $100 per pound" went in my favor.
Scenic Smith
Sue Stebbins said, "This is what summer is all about! A perfect morning on Smith Lake near Garrison."
PETS OF THE WEEK
Freckles is a 1-year-old, neutered border collie mix. He has bright blue eyes and a lot of energy.
SUPPORT
Lakes Area Ecumenical Bereavement
Pine River Country Club women's championship
Nancy Schmidt (left) finished second and Eunice Sorenson won the net first flight in the Pine River Country Club women's club championship.
Adventures abound in history, culture, music
AITKIN - Crisp fall air, deep blue skies, the fragrance of leaves turning, mixing with a faint smell of campfires and the sounds of powwow drums and traditional folk music.
ALL IN THE FAMILY
Do you have a treasured photo? Send us your favorite family photographs, including a brief description of the photo and when it was taken, for possible publication in the Neighbors section. Submit your recent photos to: kathi.nagorski@brainerddispatch.com or drop them off at the Dispatch.
ORGANIZATIONS
Brainerd Jaycees
CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY
Brainerd Alateen
A Superior sunset
Ed Koska of Lake Shore took this photo of a Lake Superior sunrise during a fishing trip to the Gunflint Trail area over the summer.
LOCAL BRIEFS
BAY LAKE - Registration has been extended for the October Unlimited Learning program, which will explore the question, "How do liberty and justice relate to modern public policy considerations of equality, property and gender?"
Fourth in state softball
Brainerd's MS 2B squad took fourth place out of 27 teams in the Men's Class E slow-pitch state softball tournament Aug. 25-26 at Andover. Front row: Brainerd's MS 2B squad took fourth place out of 27 teams in the Men's Class E slow-pitch state softball tournament Aug. 25-26 at Andover. Kevin Tschida (left), Pat Pickar, Chad Paulson. Bryan Vieths (back, left), Travis Svoboda, Matt Pecarich, Paul DeRosier, Doug Alderson, Dan Stenson, Todd Dahl, Tim Pickar, Kevin Stunek, Jim Miller. Not pictured: Kelly Park, Andy Bradley, Greg Hannah, Adam Kronstedt, Luke Hamilton, Jim Guida. The team was sponsored by The Insurance Office, Pecarich Marketing Team, A-Affordable Bail Bonds and Deerwood Bank.
Area 4-H members earn State Fair awards
The following Crow Wing County 4-H members were awarded ribbons at the Minnesota State Fair.
Try these pet tricks
Move over, Heloise. Here are some hard-earned tips that animal lovers can try out using simple household items:
Volleyball champs
The Lake Region Christian School Hornets volleyball team won the Granite City Baptist Academy round-robin tournament Saturday. The Hornets finished 2-1 to capture the title. Junior Brittney Bundy was named to the all-tournament team and sophomore Cayanne Robben was named tournament MVP.
This was Brainerd
SEPTEMBER 12 - 80 years ago (1927) - A new spirit for their alma mater has taken a firm grip on the athletes at the Brainerd High School. Last week 40 husky boys turned out for initial practice for the gridiron at the high school field.
LOCAL BRIEFS
CROSBY - The Cuyuna Range Youth Center is sponsoring a pig roast benefit Sept. 22 at the Deerwood Auditorium to raise funds for a 16-year-old Crosby teen who suffered serious injuries in an April 9 car accident.
Slower speed for Highway 4 is considered
A speed study for County Highway 4 may help when the road is considered for a slower speed between Breezy Point and County Road 18.
This was Brainerd
40 years ago (1967) - Some 24 young men and women from the Brainerd and Cuyuna Range area are on the payroll at the Brainerd State Hospital or are at work on conservation jobs as part of a neighborhood youth corps program.
Lakes area honors sixth anniversary of 9/11
It was six years ago Tuesday when another Sept. 11 changed America.
LOCAL BRIEFS
BREEZY POINT - The League of Minnesota Cities is hosting a regional meeting for city officials from 2 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 3 at Breezy Point Resort.
Pawlenty urges helping hand for war vets
Minnesota's county veterans service officers were told by Gov. Tim Pawlenty there will be a massive influx of veterans in need of their services as military personnel return from Iraq and other war zones.
Overheard
He's going to be fine. I really believe it."
Boat traffic's effect on bay is discussed
CROSSLAKE - Would rezoning a waterfront property in Crosslake lead to heavier boat traffic that could damage a bay?
After cuts turmoil, levy increase approved
Crow Wing County's decision on a 5 percent increase for a preliminary 2008 tax levy had impassioned speeches, a 4-1 split vote and an apology by Administrator David Hamilton.
Koep, 3 others discuss need for sidewalks
A church will have to install sidewalk, an accounting office will not and Mary Koep may not need a sidewalk at all.
Overheard
"It was never my intention to hurt anybody."
Teen recovery program site wins support
After hitting setbacks in its attempt to locate in Brainerd, the residential drug and alcohol program Minnesota Teen Challenge cleared the first of many hurdles Wednesday night.
Governor cites conflict with DFL for limited scope of session
NISSWA - Gov. Tim Pawlenty said Tuesday his conflict with DFL legislative leaders on the scope of transportation funding was the reason the special legislative session was limited to flood relief.
Blowing taps for 9/11
Archie Katchie of the VFW Post No. 1647 Honor Guard stood on a Brainerd Fire Department truck Tuesday to play taps during the Sept. 11 Memorial Service at the Carl Sydney Hanson American Legion Post in Brainerd. Brainerd Dispatch/ Clint Wood
HUNGRY FOR HELP
The job doesn't pay any money, but it offers a person gratification like no other - an incredible feeling after putting a smile on someone else's face who needed it.
David L. Naylon
BACKUS - David Lane Naylon, age 44, of Backus, passed away Monday, Sept. 10, 2007, at North Country Regional Hospital in Bemidji following a six-month battle with cancer. David was born Jan. 31, 1963, in Mankato, Minn.
Daniel J. Balsimo
Daniel John Balsimo, beloved son and brother, age 19, born May 31, 1988, died on Sept. 11, 2007. Survived by father, Phil Balsimo; mother, Tammy Balsimo; brothers, Phil Jr., Gary and Nick Balsimo; sisters, Angel, Sharon and Rita Balsimo; grandparents, John and Sharon Hawkins; many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Michael Walz
PIERZ - Michael Walz, 85-year-old resident of Pierz, Minn., died Monday, Sept. 10, 2007, at the Pierz Villa in Pierz, Minn. Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, Sept. 13, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Pierz, Minn., with the Rev. Gerald Dalseth officiating.
Floyd Hoskins
Floyd Lee Hoskins, of Brainerd, died Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2007, at his home.
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.
George Harklerode Jr.
NISSWA - George Harklerode Jr., age 75, resident of Nisswa, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2007.
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.
Philip Tretter
LASTRUP - Philip Tretter, 83-year-old resident of Lastrup, Minn., died Sept. 10, 2007, at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, Sept. 14, at 11 a.m. at St. John's Catholic Church in Lastrup with the Rev. Roger Thoennes officiating.
Mary Gritzmacher-Langer
PIERZ - Mary L. Gritzmacher-Langer, age 79, of Pierz, Minn., passed away Monday, Sept. 10, 2007, at St. Cloud Hospital. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, Sept. 15, 2007, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Pierz, Minn.
Lois Derksen
PINE RIVER - Lois Derksen, age 79, of Pine River, passed away at her home on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2007. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, Sept. 14, at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Pine River with the Rev. Bruce Engen officiating. Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Brainerd.
James A. 'Jim' Moraski
TOWER - James A. "Jim" Moraski, age 70, of Tower, died unexpectedly Monday, Sept. 10, 2007. He was born in Cushing, Minn., on Jan. 6, 1937, the son of Walter and Theresa Moraski. Jim attended the Browerville High School, graduating in 1955. He was a Navy veteran serving aboard the USS New DDE 818 and the USS Yosemite.
Doris P. Fuhrmann
Doris P. Fuhrmann, age 79, resident of Brainerd, died Monday, Sept. 10, 2007, at Bethany Good Samaritan Village. Doris was born in Gaylord, Minn., April 27, 1928, to Bernie and Agnes (Franke) Ryan. She married Harvey Fuhrmann on June 14, 1947.
Not a quick or easy decision
Last week, an Open Forum letter was published on behalf of a concerned citizen with many questions that, he claimed, have not been answered to this point. As business director of the Brainerd School District, I feel compelled both personally and professionally to respond to your concerns as well as remind taxpayers of the facts that have been previously shared regarding the state of our schools.
Ten reasons schools are hurting
People are asking me every day why public schools in this area are in so much financial trouble.
Taking a second look at coal
The electric traffic light flashes green, and I drive toward my air-conditioned condo with its view of the town and its attractive lights. It's cool to roll up to the garage, hit a button and the door opens to my underground parking space. I enter the elevator, electric motors whisk me up, and I soon smell dinner cooking in the electric oven. I use the TV remote for the evening news. During commercials, I read the Dispatch, printed earlier on big electrically powered presses.
VOX POP
Oct. 1 is coming. The new no smoking law will be taking effect. We have been informed the casinos are making larger no smoking areas. Will that include the card tables where many young people (some have just turned 18 years old) will be playing?
What do you think?
Write us a letter or send us an e-mail
Open Forum
In the Dispatch (Sept, 2, 2007) guest column written by Marv Begin, the writer calls me out by name initiating a debate he chooses to have regarding past actions of the county board and the current school referendum issue. Just because Mr. Begin says something does not make it true. The difference between he and I is that I respect his first amendment rights to debate, but I will not resort to name-calling or allegations of "conniving" as an elected official as he has done.
Staples-Motley sweeps Sebeka
STAPLES - Brooke Simonson registered 19 set assists, eight digs, five kills, three blocks and one ace serve to lead the Staples-Motley Cardinals to a 3-0 victory over Sebeka Tuesday in non-conference volleyball.
Warriors keep rolling in conference play
BAXTER - Not every sunrise is beautiful and not all wins are pretty, but they're better than the alternative.
Lakes Financial wins Legacy League again
Halverson Law Office won the battle against Lakes Financial 24-20 Sept. 6 at the Legacy Courses at Cragun's for the second-half title, but it was Lakes Financial that won the season title as it accumulated 444.25 year-long points.
LOCAL SHORTS
Gary Halek, an Aitkin native, has earned the prestigious Dick Siebert Award from the Minnesota State High School Baseball Coaches Association.
Nathan pays it forward as Brainerd assists leader
Chris Nathan is as skilled at scoring goals as he is at assisting teammates' scores.
Brainerd back to winning ways
WILLMAR - The Brainerd Warriors girls' tennis team hasn't played since August 30th because of rain, but it didn't show as they stomped the Willmar Cardinals 7-0 in Central Lakes Conference girls' tennis Tuesday.
Scoreboard
Area events
Otters hand Warriors loss
FERGUS FALLS - Matt Sather grabbed five saves for the Warriors as they fell 2-0 in Central Lakes Conference boys' soccer Tuesday.
Raiders pull out victory over Northland
The Central Lakes College volleyball team likes to finish things quickly.
Scoreboard
Area events
Olson, Nelson feature winners at Wissota 100
Brainerd's Derek Olson and Mike Nelson were the first feature winners of the 22nd annual Wissota 100 Wednesday night at North Central Speedway.
The playoffs start now
Let's face it, a Division I-A, err Football Bowl Subdivision playoff is years away.
Wissota 100 this week at North Central Speedway
Area racing fans will see more action in the next four days at North Central Speedway than they ever have.
Tigers sweep Huskies
PINE RIVER - Katie Wangberg collected 16 set assists, five ace serves, four blocks and two kills as the Pine River-Backus Tigers swept the Pillager Huskies 3-0 Tuesday in non-conference volleyball.
Warrior soccer teams making early impression
Brainerd soccer has come a long way in a decade since the Warriors fielded girls' and boys' varsity teams for the first time ever in late August 1997.
S-M Cardinals claim conference win
PEQUOT LAKES - The Staples-Motley Cardinals blanked the Pequot Lakes Patriots 7-0 in Mid-State Conference girls' tennis Tuesday.
Forty racers to represent BIR at division finals
Jim, Andy and John Knebel, all of Pillager, are among 40 drag racers who will represent Brainerd International Raceway at Heartland Park in Topeka, Kan., Friday through Sunday for the Summit Racing Series Finals, a year-end competition between race tracks in the NHRA's West Central Division.
LOCAL SHORTS
The final Brainerd Lakes Downhill Drags Soap Box Derby race of the season will take place at 11 a.m. Sept. 22 at the Brainerd Area Civic Center parking lot.
State forecast for Iowa
.Today...Sunny in the morning then becoming partly cloudy. Isolated
State forecast for S.D.
Today...Mostly sunny. Windy east and very warm west. Highs from 70 to 75 extreme east...To 90 to 95 southwest.
State forecast for N.D.
Freeze warning tonight west and central...
State forecast for Minnesota
Today...Mostly sunny. Warmer. Highs in the lower 50s northeast to
State forecast for S.D.
Wind advisory west into southcentral through midday...
Watch the birdie
Weather drawing by Camryn Schmidt of Mrs. Larson's second-grade class at Lowell school.
Go wild!
Weather drawing by Lizzy Thurlow of Ms. Ziegler's fourth-grade class at Nisswa school.
State forecast for N.D.
Today...Mostly sunny this morning. Increasing clouds and becoming
State forecast for Minnesota
Today...Partly sunny. Chance of showers. Highs in the lower 50s
State forecast for Iowa
Today...Sunny. Highs 65 to 75.
Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Partly to mostly cloudy northwest with a chance for showers and thunderstorms. Increasing clouds southeast. Highs from the mid 60s northwest to the mid 70s south.
Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Partly to mostly sunny. Highs from the mid 50s northeast to the mid 60s west and south.