Friday, November 13, 2009
A sport wagon that's easy enough to love
When Italian carmaking giant Fiat announced it would be taking over bankrupted, fed-rescued Chrysler, I was skeptical. Indeed, I thought the whole plan had ingested powerful hallucinogens. And yet I continue to hope that somehow, one day, I might be able to go down to my local Fiat/Chrysler dealer and purchase an Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon. This is a gorgeous, Roman lyre of a car, a sleek transporter that - when painted gloss black and kitted with 19-inch turbine alloy wheels - will stop traffic like an overturned big rig.
From V-8 to V-6: A victory for Audi
You don't see this very often: a car company dropping a V-8 engine from a performance car and replacing it with a V-6. But German automaker Audi does it in its 2010 S4 compact sedan.
Going electric, at 25 mph
WASHINGTON - It's a tough sell.
'Donuts, dogs, snow' and life
Central Lakes College's Theatre for a Diverse Population will present five performances of "Donuts, Dogs and Snow" beginning Wednesday in the Dryden Theatre on the Brainerd campus.
Kitchen helper
Grant Wilcox directed the Brainerd High School Chamber Orchestra on Tuesday night at Tornstrom Auditorium. All donations at the door went to the Sharing Bread Soup Kitchen on Oak Street in Brainerd. Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls
UPCOMING EVENTS
Live music
FINE ARTS STUDENTS OF THE WEEK
Amanda Jay and KC Jacobs
LOCAL BRIEFS
PEQUOT LAKES - Pequot Lakes Community Theater's "Curtains," a sparkling musical comedy, will open Friday at Pequot Lakes High School Theater.
Roll in the holidays
Thanksgiving is fast approaching and I've been planning my menu.
BHS to host parent teacher conferences Thursday and Monday
Conferences for parents, teachers and students are planned from 4-8 p.m. Thursday and 4-7 p.m. Monday at Brainerd High School and BHS South Campus. Conferences are held in classrooms. Parents and students are encouraged to attend together to ask questions, address concerns and receive feedback about student progress.
Accident victims' conditions upgraded
EAST GULL LAKE - Conditions improved for two Brainerd area residents, who were injured Monday in a two-vehicle, head-on crash on Cass County Road 77, just east of Madden's Resort in East Gull Lake.
Grass fire burns 14 acres
A lowland grass fire southeast of South Long Lake burned about 14 acres early Thursday.
POLICE BLOTTER
THREATS - A Brainerd woman Tuesday reported her daughter's ex-boyfriend threatened to damage her property.
Births
Kristy Lemcke and Casey Kopilchak, Pequot Lakes, a boy, Alekzander Metro Kopilchak, 7 pounds, 14 ounces, Sept. 26, 2009. Grandparents are Ron and Sharon Lemcke, Thomas Kopilchak and Scott Vargo and the late Linda Vargo.
Police blotter
Received a report Wednesday of a male sharpening a sword on the 300 block of James Street. The male was sharpening a ceremonial sword. He was advised to go inside.
Local housing briefs
The November meeting of the Brainerd Northside Neighborhood Association originally scheduled for Tuesday has been changed to Nov. 24.
'It's extra piece of mind'
This holiday season, many travelers will be able to keep a close eye on home.
Holiday open house planned Saturday
Franklin Arts Center will conduct a holiday open house from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the center in Brainerd.
Brainerd Holli-days parade planned
The Brainerd Holli-days parade will be 4:30 p.m. Dec. 12. Downtown Brainerd will be lit up with lights and the feeling of Christmas. Applications are now being accepted for the parade. Go to www.brainerdcommunityaction.org and download an application. Fill it out and mail it to Brainerd Community Action, 213 S. Fifth St., Brainerd, MN 56401.
Overheard
"I will not risk your lives unless it is necessary to America's vital interests."
University offers help to area firms
Matt Kramer, director of the University of Minnesota's Office of Business Relations, wants to link Minnesota businesses with the expertise of the university's 70,000 students and faculty.
Economy makes kettle need greater
The Brainerd Lakes Salvation Army will have its 2009 Kettle Kickoff from 9:30-10 a.m. Nov. 20 at Walmart in Baxter.
This was Brainerd
NOVEMBER 12 - 20 years ago (1989) - Members of the American Legion, the VFW and the VFW Auxiliary observed Veterans Day at the All Veterans Memorial near the court house with a 21-gun salute. It was the first time the newly completed memorial was the focal point of the ceremony.
Health care reform topic of next Rosenmeier Forum
"Basic Healthcare Reform" is the topic of the next Rosenmeier event planned for 7 p.m. Dec. 8 in the John Chalberg Theatre at Central Lakes College in Brainerd.
Honor for woman who honors vets
Riverside Elementary School students in Brainerd honored war veterans Wednesday during the school's annual Veterans Day ceremony.
This was Brainerd
60 years ago (1949): Four hunters escaped without getting wet when the truck in which they were riding rolled off the ferry boat as it crossed the Mississippi River just north of Fort Ripley. The truck capsized in 10 feet of water, but not before the hunters escaped through a window.
Local news briefs
PEQUOT LAKES - The annual Coats for Kids drive, where winter coats are distributed through the Lakes Area Food Shelf in Pequot Lakes, is under way.
Homeowner names released on Fort Ripley home that was lost to fire
FORT RIPLEY - The Fort Ripley home that was lost to fire Tuesday was owned by Jason Wgeishofski and Amanda Adams, reported the Brainerd Fire Department Wednesday.
Wadena County H1N1 flu death reported
Minnesota health officials on Thursday reported six more H1N1 flu deaths and one more from an undetermined flu-like illness, but said overall flu activity in the state dipped again.
Nominations for child care provider of the year requested
Minnesota Licensed Family Child Care Association requests nominations for Family Child Care Provider of the Year and Child Care Advocate of the Year.
College paper editors know where they can find each other
In newspaper lore - think "The Front Page" movie - it wasn't unusual for cynical, alcohol-abusing reporters to show up at work seeing double.
Overheard
Either that's a sign of old age or I'm developing muscles for the first time in my career.
Brunch with Santa planned
The 39th annual Brunch with Santa will be 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 6 at the American Legion in Brainerd. Tickets are available at Brainerd Community Action, Riddles Jewelry at the Westgate Mall, the Brainerd Dispatch and Brainerd Community Education office. Cost for the all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast is $8 for adults and $4 for children.
Clinic planned Monday in Pine River
PINE RIVER - Cass County Public Health will host a H1N1 vaccine clinic from 2-6 p.m. Monday in the Pine River-Backus High School commons area.
Plans taking shape for Fish House Parade
AITKIN - The 19th annual World Famous Fish House Parade happens the day after Thanksgiving on Nov. 27 in Aitkin. Fish houses and floats are decorated in various themes ranging from Grumpy Old Women to the movie "Jaws," complete with a shark swimming around a wobbling fish house or anything else the creative parade entrants can dream up.
Another wild deer-hunting opener
There's the story about the hunter who got lost over the deer hunting opener, then, once found, hit a deer on the drive home.
Kathryn Welke
Kathryn Welke, a 92-year-old resident of Brainerd, Minn., passed away at her residence Nov. 2, 2009. A private family burial will take place in the spring at St. John's Lutheran Cemetery in Aitkin, Minn.
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.
Joann T. Bue
Joann Tracy Bue, age 77, of Brainerd, passed away on Nov. 9, 2009. Preceded in death by her husband, Ellsworth; parents, Arch and Ivey Renfro; sister, Juanita Kellet.
Eva C. Van Brunt
NISSWA - Eva C. Van Brunt, 74, of Nisswa, died Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd, Minn.
John F. Kedrowski
ST. PAUL - John F. Kedrowski, 79-year-old former resident of Swanville, Minn., and South St. Paul, Minn., died Wednesday, Nov. 11 at South View Acres in St. Paul.
Rosella Berthiaume
Rosella "Rose" Berthiaume, age 85, died Nov. 12, 2009, at Bethany Good Samaritan Village, Brainerd. Arrangements are with Kline Funeral Home, Pine River.
Lillian Postel
MOTLEY - Lillian Postel, 87, of Motley, died Nov. 9, 2009, at Harmony House. Services will be Nov. 14 at 2:30 p.m. at Motley United Methodist Church. Visitation is one hour prior to services. Burial will be at Motley Public Cemetery. Arrangements by Brenny Funeral Home, Staples.
Robert H. Osen
LEHIGH ACRES, Fla. - Robert H. Osen passed away Nov. 9, 2009, in Lehigh Acres, Fla., after a courageous battle with cancer.
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 half-column photograph. To place an obituary, consult the funeral home.
Ramona 'Mona' Volk
EUGENE, Ore. - Ramona June "Mona" Volk, age 76, a former Brainerd resident from 1978 to 2007, died at her home in Eugene, Ore., on Nov. 9, 2009.
Eva C. Van Brunt
NISSWA - Eva C. Van Brunt, 74, of Nisswa, died Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd, Minn. Friends are welcome to gather at the Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter, Minn., on Saturday, Nov. 14, starting at 11 a.m. A lunch will follow at the Brenny Funeral Chapel Reception Room.
Open Forum: At last, Congress acts on health care
After almost a century of false starts, the House of Representatives finally passed H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act.
Other opinion: UMD probe
Sexual harassment is not tolerated at Minnesota Duluth. University policy makes that quite clear. In a prepared statement last month, Chancellor Kathryn Martin added, "UMD regards the safety of our students as our top priority and emphasizes that inappropriate, sexually harassing behavior by faculty or staff has no place in our school."
Other opinion: Is the 'Minnesota model' worth it?
Gov. Tim Pawlenty's proposed hard cap on state spending is destined to fail. The governor knows it, too. That means the proposal is a waste of time. That's a shame, because Minnesota's model of government needs fixing, and Pawlenty could have been just the right mechanic.
Write to Washington D.C.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar
VOX POP
Why is Oak Lawn Township even considering laying off their maintenance employee? We're told it's to save money. The only way this is going to save money will be by reducing maintenance standards and road upkeep/improvements. The residents of this township have learned what a good gravel road is like and will not settle for less. The supervisors who are in favor of this all live on tar roads. Are the supervisors going to take care of it when a tree blows onto the road? Come to the next town meeting Tuesday at 7 p.m. to learn more.
Open Forum
Most Republican Senate and House members believe fixing Afghanistan's problems are more important than fixing our health care system.
Church news
NISSWA - Lutheran Church of the Cross, Nisswa, will kick off the holidays with a business fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Small or home-based businesses will be represented at the fair. In addition, there will be lefse-making demonstrations and Christmas cookies made for people to take home for the holidays. Refreshments of the season will be served throughout the day. There will be an opportunity to bid on silent auction items and take part in the door prize raffles of the day. For more information call 828-1333 or 963-7660. All proceeds will go to the Lakes Area Food Shelf.
Clergy view: Mary perpetual virgin
Our modern culture traps us into thinking that there are only temporary virgins.
Brainerd lakes area churches
Addresses and phone numbers. Call for service times.
Centennial knows Brainerd will be ready
At least on paper, this appears to be another classic matchup between a metro and an outstate team.
Nine-man: A battle of opposing strengths
The Verndale Pirates have rushed for 3,509 yards.
Late-blooming Raiders are off to nationals in Rochester
In previous trips to the NJCAA Division III national tournament, Central Lakes College Raiders coach Jane Peterson had an idea early in the season that her team had the potential to qualify.
SCOREBOARD
Area events
Scoreboard
Area events
LOCAL SHORTS
The annual Brainerd Lakes Area Ski Swap is scheduled Nov. 21 in the Brainerd High School cafeteria.
Blanck, St. Bernard's in state tournament
Brainerd High School graduate Dawson Blanck is the offensive coordinator for St. Bernard's High School in St. Paul, which will play Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City in the quarterfinals of the Class 1A state football tournament at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter.
On to state
State quarterfinal matchup
Pequot hopes to keep running toward the dome
Mora Mustangs head coach Randy Qual knows all of the Pequot Lakes Patriots' numbers:
Medeck, Raiders honored
Head coach Greg Medeck of Central Lakes College and 15 Raider players were honored by the Minnesota College Athletic Conference Wednesday.
Marshall blanks Wadena-Deer Creek
ST. PAUL - Top-seeded and second-ranked Marshall justified both distinctions with a 3-0 sweep of the Wadena-Deer Creek Wolverines in the quarterfinals of the Class 2A state tournament Thursday night at the Xcel Energy Center.
Pierz eyes overdue revenge
2005 is a year not forgotten in Pierz.
Two-way standout helps Warriors to state
In two postseason games, Aaron Pavek has rarely left the field.
Pillager athletes recognized
Pillager High School held its fall sports awards night Monday.
State forecast for Iowa
Today...Partly cloudy. Highs 55 to 65.
State forecast for Iowa
Today...Cloudy west. Partly cloudy in the morning then becoming
State forecast for Minnesota
Today...Windy. Mostly cloudy. Chance of light rain far north.
State forecast for Minnesota
National Weather Service twin cities/Chanhassen mn 305 am cst fri nov 13 2009
State forecast for Wisconsin
Today...Partly to mostly cloudy northwest half. Partly to mostly sunny elsewhere. Highs from around 50 north...To the upper 50s far west.
State forecast for Wisconsin
Today...Cloudy northwest half...Partly sunny elsewhere. Chance of light rain northwest in the afternoon. Highs from the upper 40s northwest...To the upper 50s south.
State forecast for S.D.
Today...Mostly cloudy. Windy east. Slight chance of showers far northwest in the afternoon. Highs from 50 to 55 northwest to the upper 60s southcentral.
Where have all the leaves gone?
Weather drawing by Lexi Roby in the Lowell fourth grader of Mr. Meyer.
A tree with personality
Weather drawing by Libby Borash in the Baxter third garde of Ms. Marks.
State forecast for S.D.
Today...Mostly cloudy and cooler. Chance of light snow west in the morning. Rain likely central and east. Highs from the lower 40s west to the lower 50s southeast.
State forecast for N.D.
Dense fog advisory south central this morning...
State forecast for N.D.
Today...Partly to mostly sunny west with patchy morning fog. A chance