Tuesday, October 16, 2007

EXTRA CREDIT
Dan Lepel, son of Mike and Sharon Lepel, Merrifield, was crowned homecoming king during coronation ceremonies at North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, N.D. He was sponsored by the Dental Club and Diesel Technology Club. He is a 2006 graduate of Brainerd High School.

A video set where seniors run the show
It's nearly showtime, the set is ready, and the crew and host of "Village in Motion" are going through their morning drill. As they prepare for the taping, the director asks for a few last-minute changes.

Practicing what she preaches
Elizabeth Cabalka, Annandale, did a few yogo stretches with the audience Sept. 27 at the 2007 Cancer Healthcare Conference at the Little Falls Ballroom. Cabalka, a caregiver advocate, author of several books and a consultant, wanted to show the audience that caregivers need to learn how to breath and take care of themselves. Brainerd Dispatch/Jennifer Stockinger

There's still time for Part D signup
It's not too late.

For families, a precious time to regroup
We gather in the dining room of the old house to have cake and ice cream to honor a beloved aunt who died more than 45 years ago. This month would be her 100th birthday. Wide-eyed around the table are children ranging from 4 months to 9 years old and their parents, who are in their 30s and 40s. They are the grandchildren and great-grandchildren who never knew this warm, wonderful woman with bright brown eyes, who towered nearly six feet tall. And so we, the gray-haired children whom she nurtured a lifetime ago, begin to tell stories.

Volunteers sit so the dying aren't alone
Too many patients, too little time. Sandra Clarke, a nurse in Eugene, Ore., looked in on a patient not expected to live through the night.

Stretching for their own health
More than 200 people, who attended the 2007 Cancer Healthcare Conference at the Little Falls Ballroom on Sept. 27, did yogo stretches with the presenter. The conference was focused on caregivers and how they must also take care of themselves. Brainerd Dispatch/Jennifer Stockinger

File of Life cards offered
File of Life cards are available by calling the Senior LinkAge at (800) 333-2433 or by contacting Gail Swanson at the Central Minnesota Council on Aging at (320) 253-9349 or at gail@cmcoa.org.

Keeping their edge
WASHINGTON - Glenys Dyer, 82, is drawing Queen Elizabeth on the tiny screen of her Nintendo video game player. Suddenly her instructor - a cartoon figure on the screen - tells her to shift gears and draw a picture of herself, then read a passage from a novel aloud.

Tips for brain agility
Do aerobic exercise: This tops most lists of what scientists recommend for preserving brain cells. Aerobic exercise not only keeps the heart in shape, it also protects brain neurons by sending more blood to the brain to keep oxygen flowing.

Take care of yourself
LITTLE FALLS - To all the caregivers out there, make sure you not only care for your loved one, but make sure you also take care of yourself.

Welcome to middle age - and presbyopia
You're holding menus at arm's length and squinting. You've had difficulty reading items on your computer. Numbers on your cellphone's tiny screen are indistinguishable. The buttons on your iPod, DVD player and remote seem frustratingly small. Deciphering the fine print on a map is, well, impossible.

Crow Wing court
The following recently appeared in Crow Wing District Court:

Pros and cons of adopting of state building code aired
CROSSLAKE - Crosslake City Council members said they had much to think about after listening to pros and cons related to adopting the state building code.

Overheard
"I knew anything was possible."

Volunteers add bounce to volleyball program
It is assumed a program that has made six trips to nationals in the past seven seasons and taken home two titles within that span requires a lot work behind the scenes.

Ready for the rain
With umbrella in hand Monday, Tom Cowell crossed Laurel Street in Brainerd during an afternoon rain shower. Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls

Correction
The Brainerd Dispatch incorrectly listed the date of the VFW Post and Auxiliary Make A Difference Day Halloween party in Sunday's What's Doing.

This was Brainerd
OCTOBER 16 - 30 years ago (1977) - The Crow Wing County unit of the American Cancer Society recently completed its 1976-77 fiscal year with the reports showing a total crusade income of $11,233.11. The most successful drive ever.

I'll take this one
One-year old Gabe Hallgren of Baxter tried to lift the pumpkin he had picked out Saturday at The Farm on St. Mathias. Brainerd Dispatch/Kelly Humphrey

Pequot's bobber tower getting a fresh look
PEQUOT LAKES - With the 2008 Governor's Fishing Opener at Breezy Point, along with many activities happening in Pequot Lakes, the Brainerd Lakes Chamber arranged for the historic Pequot Lakes bobber tower to get a fresh look.

Brainerd resident faces music after losing court battle
It would have been easy for Jammie Thomas to settle her lawsuit with the recording companies who claim she illegally downloaded and distributed music on the Internet.

Overheard
"Well, that for sure is somebody's idea of a joke."

This was Brainerd
OCTOBER 15 - 40 years ago (1967) - Nearly 100,000 pounds of wild rice were harvested this fall from the state-owned Mud-Good Wildlife Management area in Cass County.

Calls to begin Wednesday night in lakes area for social capital survey
Calls for the social capital survey will begin Wednesday in the early evening.

LOCAL BRIEFS
Central Lakes College in Brainerd and Staples will host Find Your Future Day from 9 a.m.-noon Thursday.

New insight on substance abuse will be shared
Adolescent substance abuse will be the focus of Red Ribbon Week starting Monday.

MAZE DAYS
The sun came out Saturday afternoon, making it a perfect day to go through a corn maze and pick out pumpkins for Halloween.

What a day to be late!
Brainerd High School Senior KoreAnn Martin was crossing her fingers, hoping she'd be named the 2007 Youth Volunteer of the Year.

James N. Parsons
AITKIN - James "Jim" N. Parsons, 65, of Aitkin, died Saturday, Oct. 13, 2007, at Riverwood Health Care Center, Aitkin.

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.

Edward T. Boelter
Edward Theodore Boelter, age 96, resident of Brainerd, died Friday, Oct. 12, 2007, at Bethany Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd.

Hazel Koons
Hazel Katherine Koons died on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2007, at the age of 90 years, 5 months and 15 days at the Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Brainerd.

Clarice E. Schmidt
Clarice E. Schmidt, age 94, resident of Nisswa, died Friday, Oct. 12, 2007, in Brainerd.

Frieda Willett
Frieda D. Willett, (nee Belisle), beloved mom, grandma, great-grandma, sister, aunt, dear friend, age 85, passed away peacefully on Oct. 15, 2007. Preceded in death by loving husband, Bud; brothers, Harold, Ervin, Harvey, Earl; one granddaughter; one great-granddaughter.

Anton 'Tony' Knosalla
STAPLES - Anton "Tony" Knosalla, age 88, of Staples, passed away at the Lakewood Health System Hospital early Sunday, Oct. 14.

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 F. Posterick
LITTLE FALLS - George F. Posterick, 82-year-old resident of Little Falls, died Oct. 13, 2007, at his home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2007, at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Little Falls. Interment will be in the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery north of Little Falls.

Albert L. Tibbetts
AITKIN - Albert L. Tibbetts, age 91, of Aitkin, died on Friday, Oct. 12, 2007, at the Aitkin Health Services (formerly Riverwood Extended Care). He was born on March 19, 1916, in Aitkin to James W. and Mary (McGillis) Tibbetts. He attended schools in Aitkin and worked on the family farm when his father passed away.

Charlotte Johnson
Charlotte (Kaase) Johnson, 77, of Lake Alexander, formerly of St. Paul, died Friday, Oct. 12, 2007, at the St. John's Hospital in Maplewood, Minn.

Vivian Kriebs
WADENA - Vivian Kriebs, age 95, formerly of Hackensack, passed away Sept. 23, 2007, at Fair Oaks Lodge Care Center in Wadena. Graveside services will be Wednesday, Oct. 17, at 1:30 p.m. at Hillcrest Cemetery in Hackensack.

Paul E. Osborn
Paul Eugene Osborn, 90, died Thursday, Oct. 11, 2007, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd.

Gladys H. Howe
CROSBY - Gladys H. Howe, 88, Crosby, died Oct. 14, 2007, at the Cuyuna Regional Care Center, Crosby. She was born June 16, 1919, in Irondale Township to Arthur and Sadie (Pietz) George. She was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Crosby.

Peter L. Kronbeck
LITTLE FALLS - Peter L. Kronbeck, age 76, of Little Falls, Minn., passed away in the loving arms of our sweet Lord Friday, Oct. 12, 2007, at St. Otto's Care Center in Little Falls.

Marilyn Ramacher
SPARKS, Nev. - Marilyn Ramacher of Sparks, Nev., and formerly of Lino Lakes and Brainerd, Minn., went home to join her mom on Oct. 10, 2007. She was 63 years old.

George F. Posterick
LITTLE FALLS - George F. Posterick, 82-year-old resident of Little Falls, Minn., passed away Saturday, Oct. 13, 2007, at his home in Little Falls.

Maynard K. Johnson
PEQUOT LAKES - Maynard K. Johnson, 73, of Pequot Lakes, died Saturday, Oct. 13, 2007, at the Heritage House in Pequot Lakes. Services will be Friday, Oct. 19, 2007 at 10 a.m. at the Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter.

Paul E. Osborn
Paul Eugene Osborn, 90, died Thursday, Oct. 11, 2007, surrounded by his wife and two daughters. He is loved by many.

Donald M. Gage
AITKIN - Donald M. Gage, 81, of Aitkin, died Friday, Oct. 12, 2007, at Aicota Health Care Center, Aitkin. Private services will be held at a later date.

VOX POP
A little note to the weekly sports pundits. It ain't over until the fat Viking sings.

Open Forum
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Brainerd lakes community, particularly those individuals who organized the community homecoming event. It was so enjoyable to attend the community-wide pep fest to such a large crowd of screaming Warrior fans, both past and present.

Open Forum
As I ponder the upcoming referendum, I am torn between wanting children to have a top quality education and wanting a government that will live within a budget like the rest of us. It is possible to have education without all the frosting and manage to stay on a budget. Millions of Americans do it every day.

SCOREBOARD
Area events

LOCAL SHORTS
The Brainerd Lakes Curling Association will host an open house from 6-9 p.m. Saturday at the Hallett Ice Arena in Crosby.

Cards advance to state
FARGO, N.D. - The Staples-Motley Cardinals triumphed at every position except No. 3 doubles as they captured the Section 6-1A girls' tennis team championship Monday at Courts Plus.

Warriors 3rd at true team
BEMIDJI - The Brainerd Warriors' swimming and diving team finished third at the Section 8-2A True Team swim meet Saturday with a score of 932.

Ohio State controls its BCS destiny
Love it, hate it, or love to hate it, this weekend saw the return of the BCS standings.

Little Falls' season ends in 5-1 setback
ST. CLOUD - Josiah Tonder scored the only goal for the Little Falls Flyers boys' soccer team as it fell 5-1 to St. Cloud Cathedral in the South Subsection 8-1A quarterfinals Saturday.

Landecker, Pequot boys win invite
PARK RAPIDS - Naomi Landecker continued her season-long torrid pace as she ran away from the pack to win the Park Rapids Invitational with a time of 14:37, helping lead the Staples-Motley Cardinals to a second-place finish Monday.

Ironton racer first Minnesotan to win points title
Ironton's Trent Snyder became the first short track racer from Minnesota to win an ASA Late Model Series points championship Oct. 6.

Pillager defeats Pequot Lakes Patriots
PEQUOT LAKES - Rachel Sebasky had 26 digs and seven kills for the Pillager Huskies girls' volleyball team in their defeat of Pequot Lakes Monday.

LOCAL SPORTS SHORTS
The top-seeded Brainerd Warrior girls' soccer team will host No. 5 Moorhead at 4 p.m. Tuesday at Southdale Field in Baxter in the semifinals of the Section 8-2A tournament.

Mahlen's milestone a testament to Verndale
There is someone in Verndale who knows, but I couldn't find them.

Warriors fall to Bemidji, end season
Through 90 minutes of play Saturday the Brainerd Warriors and Bemidji Lumberjacks boys' soccer teams were locked at a score of 2-2.

Huether keeps tourney hopes alive
The Brainerd Warriors girls' tennis team saw one of its most successful seasons in program history come to a close after falling to the Bemidji Lumberjacks 6-1 in the Section 8-2A team championship Monday at Gold's Gym in Sartell.

Pierz plays in tourney
APPLE VALLEY - The Pierz Pioneers' girls' volleyball team split in four matches and finished ninth at the Apple Valley Tournament Saturday.

Defense saves the day for the Raiders
A comfortable lead quickly transformed into a tense finish for the Central Lakes College football team Saturday.

Something worth hollering about
Central Lakes College Raiders first-year coach Greg Medeck reacted to a play Saturday against Fergus Falls. Brainerd Dispatch/Clint Wood

CLC volleyball reaches 20-win mark
Central Lakes College sophomore Lisa Kurtz had 21 set assists, 14 digs,seven kills and an ace to help lead the Raiders' volleyball team to its 20th victory of the season by beating Rainy River Saturday.

Lake Region sweeps
BAXTER - Levi Skog scored six goals and Ben Grotzke three to help the Lake Region Christian School Hornets win a pair of boys' soccer games from Faith of Karlstad last weekend.

Pierz, Aitkin end seasons
SARTELL - The Pierz girls' tennis team fell to Virginia 6-1 while the Aitkin girls' tennis team dropped its dual 4-3 to Foley at the 7-1A team semifinals Saturday.

Scoreboard
Area events

Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Cloudy. Patchy morning fog. A chance of rain far east. Rain likely west. High from the upper 40s to lower 50s north and west...To near 70 far southeast. Tonight... Cloudy. Periods of rain and isolated thunderstorms. Lows in the lower 40s north to the mid 50s southeast.

Storm clouds
Weather drawing by Kyle Hensel of Ms. Hemstad's third-grade class at Baxter school.

State forecast for S.D.
Today...Periods of rain central and east...With isolated afternoon thunderstorms possible far southeast. Patchy morning fog west. Highs in the upper 40s to mid 50s.

State forecast for Iowa
Today...Cloudy. Chance of showers and patchy drizzle. Highs mid

State forecast for Iowa
Today...Cloudy. Showers and a few thunderstorms likely. Highs from

State forecast for N.D.
Today...Cloudy. A chance of light rain central and east. Highs

Storm, tree down
Weather drawing by Ian Paschelke of Jan Wilcox's kindergarten class at Lowell school

State forecast for S.D.
Today...Cloudy with scattered showers decreasing central and east. Partly cloudy with some early morning fog far west. Highs mainly in the lower to mid 50s...With some upper 50s extreme southwest.

State forecast for Minnesota
.Today...Cloudy. Periods of rain spreading from the south into

State forecast for Minnesota
.Today...Showers north and central. Showers likely south this

Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Showers and isolated thunderstorms over much of the state. Highs in the lower 50s northeast to mid to upper 60s far south.

State forecast for N.D.
Today...Mostly sunny west and north. Mostly cloudy south central