Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Rep. Joe Opatz submits resignation letter
State Representative Joe Opatz sent his letter of resignation from the Minnesota House to the Governor today. Opatz's resignation will be effective December 15. He is leaving the State Legislature to continue his post as Interim President of Central Lakes College in Brainerd; a position he accepted in July. First elected in 1992, Opatz is currently serving his 7th term in the Minnesota House.
Body of Baxter woman found in submerged car in Lake Shore
A Baxter woman died after the vehicle she was in appeared to have been driven into the water at the Causeway on Gull boat landing, Cass County authorities reported Wednesday.
SilverSneakers gets seniors going
Donnamae Olson, 73, rural Brainerd, needed to get motivated.
What do older men really want?
WASHINGTON - In one conference room, researchers talked about depression, suicide and broken dreams. In another, they spoke of joy and making dreams come true. In the first room the subject was men. In the second, women.
When spouse retires, real work begins
WASHINGTON - A new contagious illness has been reported in Asia - not the bird flu that is creating so many headlines, but a stress disorder that graying husbands in Japan give to their long-suffering wives. It's called retired husband syndrome, or RHS.
Programs try to save money, boost life quality
WASHINGTON - About four years ago, staffers at the day care center that Magerine Cowans attended "wanted to direct us to a hospice," Cowans' daughter Jan Hall said. And no wonder: Cowans "was just totally zonked out," Hall said.
Sit-down exercise
Helen Root (left) did stretching exercises from a chair during the SilverSneakers class. Brainerd Dispatch/Nels Norquist
A preview of what U.S. will look like in 2025
LAKELAND, Fla. - The politicians and power brokers of this central Florida town don't like to acknowledge it, but underneath the manicured, tree-lined surface lies the economy of an aging America's future.
Drivers face special challenges as they get older
All older drivers know they face a tough decision sooner or later. Changes in vision, hearing, reaction time and other age-related conditions or illnesses can affect the ability to safely remain behind the wheel. But determining when to hang up the car keys is a challenging choice for the elderly and their families.
Two passengers injured
GARRISON - Two passengers were injured in a two-vehicle accident at 7:43 p.m. Sunday on Highway 169, three miles north of Garrison, the State Patrol said.
AREA BRIEFS
PILLAGER - The Motley-Pillager Area Northern Lights 4-H Club will sponsor a spaghetti dinner fund-raiser from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Pillager Community Center on the Cass County Fairgrounds in Pillager.
Foster moves to rehabilitation center
WALKER - Cass County Commissioner Virgil Foster, who was injured in a farming accident in late August, moved last week from Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis to a rehabilitation center in Duluth to begin physical therapy.
Nisswa Area Women of Today donates $6,000 to area groups
NISSWA - The Nisswa Area Women of Today's 2005 Fall Fashion Show raised more than $11,000 in October, prompting donations of $2,000 to each of the group's chosen organizations: the Crisis Line and Referral Service, the Nisswa Park and Recreation Department and the Nisswa First Responders.
Out-of-home child placement funds used up for 2005
WALKER - Cass County spent all the 2005 county money allocated for out-of- home child placements by the end of October and has two months more to go this year.
Wellness court to focus on alcohol- impaired drivers
WALKER - Cass County is moving toward implementing a wellness court, patterned after drug courts begun around the country, but focusing first on alcohol-impaired drivers.
Fee charged to refuse haulers to increase
WALKER - The Cass County Board voted Tuesday to increase the fee the county charges garbage haulers to dump loads at the county collection site north of Pine River from $53.56 per ton this year to $61.20 per ton beginning Jan. 1.
Grant approved
for Ah-Gwah-Ching hospital feasibility study
WALKER - The Minnesota Department of Health has approved a $5,000 grant to conduct an Ah-Gwah-Ching hospital feasibility study, a preliminary step to Cass County obtaining a critical access hospital on the site.
CLC to host Engineering Day on Friday
Engineering Day at Central Lakes College will be from 9-11:30 a.m. Friday in the Chalberg Theatre on the Brainerd campus. It is an opportunity for the public to learn more about careers in the engineering field from current professional engineers.
Inspired by nature - and kids
The work of a stay-at-home mom often is unappreciated. Not so with Mary Tuomi.
CLC-Staples campus open house slated Sunday
STAPLES - On Sunday, the Staples campus of Central Lakes College will open its doors for a 1-4 p.m. open house so the public and prospective students may witness demonstrations of career education programs and learn about changes ahead at CLC.
Fall kept hanging on
Linda Philp of Brainerd took this photo in her friend's yard last month, when fall was still hanging on. 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.
Forestview fifth-grader wins peace poster contest
Hazel Patel, a fifth-grade student at Forestview Middle School in Baxter, won a peace poster contest sponsored by the Garrison Lions.
Commissioners continue work to balance budget
WALKER - The Cass County Board received the latest budget committee recommendations Tuesday for balancing the 2006 budget. The board expects to take final action on the budget Dec. 13.
Two-year raise of 4.34 percent for teachers, administrators approved
Brainerd School District administrators will earn the following under the 2005-2006 contract:
Linden Hill negotiations to center on top three proposals
LITTLE FALLS - Negotiations for the potential sale of the Musser and Weyerhaeuser mansions in Little Falls will begin with the top three proposals.
Third-grader, mom speak up for Whittier
The world would not be the same without Whittier Elementary School, said Bodie Brooks, a Whittier third-grader, Monday to the Brainerd School Board.
Baxter close to filling its planner post
BAXTER - After more than a year of searching, the city of Baxter is close to filling its community development director position.
Board plans public hearing on possible Bear Island cartway
His attorney, Wilbert Hendricks, told the board Tuesday when the property was developed 27 years ago, people used a road on the island from a gradual slope. There are 14 platted lots on the island and another area unplatted. It is this former road over the unplatted lot Hendricks' client wants established as a public cartway.
Speaker to discuss cluster septic systems
Brett Ballavance will discuss the use of cluster septic systems, their performance and their ability to protect the environment from 3:15-4:15 p.m. Thursday at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency in Baxter.
Overheard
"I also see men, who despite danger, tragedy, loss and death have never lost their compassion. I take great pride in knowing in a few short weeks we will return to you better soldiers, sons, brothers, fathers and husbands."
Home soon
"In some ways it is hard to believe we are so very close to coming home," Capt. Mike Pazdernik wrote in a recent e-mail from Iraq. "Many of the days and weeks here have been long and difficult. Still, the months seem to have passed quickly and, looking back, everything seems to meld together."
Point of view
This is the symbol of a financial institution in Baxter. What is it? Find the answer Thursday.
State auditor discusses two laws that could save taxpayers money
State procedures include rules requiring a certain color and weight of paper used by local governments in their work.
Ready for snow? MnDOT is
With a winter storm watch in effect, lakes area residents are bracing for the first snowfall of the season.
Officer praised for helping victims of fire
BAXTER - A Baxter police officer has received praise for his work in helping a Unorganized Territory occupants' escape a house fire Nov. 2.
Winter pays call, but heavy snow holds off for now
Brainerd area residents Wednesday morning likely will be able to dust off their winter driving skills for the first time this season.
Salvation Army fund-raiser
Capt. Heidi Reed of the Salvation Army delivered a meal Tuesday to a waiting customer outside of the Culver's Restaurant in Baxter. Culver's gave 10 percent of its proceeds Tuesday to the Salvation Army. The restaurant also gave away free sundaes to those who donated blankets. Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls
Overheard
"It's completely insane, completely insane. This isn't a Romeo-and-Juliet deal. This is far worse than that."
Chaplain says troops will need help in feeling truly home again
The 152 Minnesota National Guard soldiers in Company A, 1st Battalion, 194th Armor, are expected to be home in early December and they will need support from their communities in Brainerd, Wadena and St. Cloud.
Point of view
This Baxter location may have the latest fashion you are looking for. What is it? Find the answer Wednesday.
LOCAL BRIEFS
Members of two area peace groups plan to protest against military recruitment of young people from 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday at the recruitment offices at 702 W. Washington St. in Brainerd.
Hearings on Wal-Mart set for December
LITTLE FALLS - Joint public hearings regarding a proposed Wal-Mart Supercenter are set for December.
This was Brainerd
NOVEMBER 16 - 40 years ago (1965) - Employment in Brainerd during the month of October stood at 5,246, an increase of 206 over the number for the same month a year ago.
This was Brainerd
NOVEMBER 15 - 80 years ago (1925) - Brainerd presents a pretty appearance with its new lamp posts and the lights are gradually growing in number as the necessary equipment arrives.
Psychiatric hospital to become a reality
BAXTER - The way has been cleared for the construction of a state-run psychiatric hospital on Grand Oaks Drive in Baxter.
Terrific trees
Mirjana Ganley (left), 4, and her sister Clare, 5, looked at the elaborately decorated Christmas trees at the Festival of Trees event Monday at Cragun's Legacy Courses banquet room.
CLC interim president Opatz leaving Legislature
Rep. Joe Opatz, DFL-St. Cloud, the interim president of Central Lakes College, is set to resign from the Legislature effective Dec. 15. Opatz sent his letter to the governor Tuesday.
A night for Dutch and Irma
BAXTER - Down to earth, generous, loving and giving were common words people used Tuesday night to describe Dutch and Irma Cragun.
CLC on course to fill deficit gap
A multiyear budget deficit at Central Lakes College could be eliminated for the next fiscal year.
LOCAL BRIEFS
The Tree of Life lighting ceremony will be 3:30 p.m. Dec. 1 in the St. Joseph's Medical Center cafeteria.
James 'Roy' L. Gard
PINE RIVER - James "Roy" L. Gard, age 87, died Monday, Nov. 14, 2005, at Whispering Pines Good Samaritan Center in Pine River. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, 2005, at Willim-St. Onge Family Funeral Homes in Pine River with the Rev. Judith Clark-Bolling, Pine River United Methodist Church, to officiate.
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.
Rhoda R. Bohnsack
CROSBY - Rhoda R. Bohnsack, age 86, of Crosby, died Oct. 31, 2005, at the Cuyuna Regional Care Center in Crosby. She was born on March 15, 1919, in Minneapolis to Fred and Lillian (Collin) Specht.
Lyman W. Gage
AITKIN - Lyman W. Gage, age 66, died Sunday, Nov. 13, 2005, at the Riverwood Healthcare Center in Aitkin.
Daryl L. Harmdierks
BREEZY POINT - Daryl Lee Harmdierks, age 47, of Breezy Point, passed away Saturday, Nov. 12, 2005, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd. He was born March 30, 1958, in Madison, S.D., to Elmer and Ruth Harmdierks.
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.
Donald Narveson
Donald Narveson, age 77, formerly of Crosslake, passed away Saturday, Nov. 12, 2005, at Bethany Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd. Memorial services will be Saturday, Nov. 19, at 1 p.m. at Crosslake Lutheran Church with the Rev. Mark Anderson officiating.
Alta Olson Ritchie
Le CENTER - Alta Olson Ritchie, formerly of Pequot Lakes, died Oct. 21, 2005, at her residence in Le Center.
Lloyd M. Gordon
PEQUOT LAKES - Lloyd M. Gordon, age 82, died Monday, Nov. 14, 2005, at Whispering Pines Good Samaritan Center in Pine River. Arrangements are pending with Willim-St. Onge Family Funeral Homes in Pequot Lakes.
Lyman W. Gage
AITKIN - Lyman Warren Gage, age 66, died Sunday, Nov. 13, 2005, at the Riverwood Healthcare Center in Aitkin. He was the son of Joe and Ruby Gage and was born in McGregor, Minn., on Nov. 17, 1938. He moved with his family from McGregor to Aitkin in 1945. Music was a big part of his life.
Verna (Sally) Mitchell
Verna (Sally) Mitchell, 95, "Grandma Mitchell," died Monday, Nov. 14, 2005, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd.
David Evangelist
David Evangelist, age 70, of Nisswa, passed away Sunday morning, Nov. 13, 2005, at his home in Nisswa. A memorial service is planned for Wednesday, Nov. 16, at 11 a.m. at the Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter with Father Walsh officiating. There will be a visitation one hour before the service.
Charlene K. Prindle
CROSBY - Charlene K. Prindle, 87, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2005, at the Cuyuna Regional Care Center in Crosby. She was born Jan. 4, 1918, in Kelliher, Minn., to Charles Homer Whiting and Margaret Isabell (Hubbard) Whiting.
Evelyn Wiltse Keith
Evelyn Wiltse Keith was born in West Bend, Wis., Dec. 15, 1916, to Bert and Carrie Gaskin. She grew up in the Milwaukee area and graduated from high school there with the class of 1933 as the class salutatorian. Shortly after that she met her future husband, Tracy Wiltse, while they were both working at Allis-Chambers.
Kay Albert Roberts
ALBERT LEA - Kay Albert Roberts, age 87, passed away Nov. 9, 2005, at the Albert Lea Medical Center in Albert Lea, Minn. She has resided in Florida for the past several years.
Open Forum
I get sick of all the Open Forums blaming George Bush for going to Iraq on false pretenses.
What do you think?
Write us a letter or send us an e-mail
GUEST COLUMN: CLC fees fund anti-war protests
I am a student at Central Lakes College (CLC) and a member of the Minnesota Air National Guard. I recently had a discussion with a CLC student who is associated with People Uniting for Peace (PUP) about the demonstration they were part of on Oct. 26, 2005, which consisted of a candlelight vigil and a banner marking the 2,000th U.S. service member death, near downtown Brainerd.
Open Forum
This year School District 181, like most Minnesota districts, faces unimaginable budget cuts. Considering the question of how to serve seven thousand students and still meet the budget is painful. Fuel cost increases just make things more difficult.
VOX POP
I have something to say about the St. James controversy in Aitkin. We have outgrown this building much like a child outgrows an old shoe - it no longer fits our space needs. Normally when a young family outgrows their home, the old house is sold and the equity used to build a larger one.
Lumberjacks cut down Warriors in season opener
BEMIDJI - The Brainerd Warriors girls' hockey team got off to a rough start, losing to the perennial power Bemidji Lumberjacks 10-4 in the season opener Tuesday.
SCOREBOARD
Transactions
Rangers' Twigg decides it's time to end high school gig
A reporter approached Roger Twigg after his final state cross country meet and asked if he could get a few words from the Crosby-Ironton coach.
Pride of the maroon and white will be missed
After 35 years of coaching cross country at Crosby-Ironton, Roger Twigg still has a smile and a joke to tell.
Upcoming sporting events in the Brainerd lakes area:
THURSDAY Nov 17
The voice of C-I
Certain people are born with physical or mental gifts they later use to make the world better.
Upcoming sporting events in the Brainerd lakes area:
Tuesday
Class act
When quality people get cancer we cry, "Why?"
Just that good
Pierz Pioneers halfback Warren Gall smiled after Friday's 56-6 state Class 2A quarterfinal victory over Waterville-Elysian-Morristown. Gall scored four times despite Pierz's struggles. Brainerd Dispatch/File photo
LOCAL SPORTS SHORTS
A "Thanksgiving Spectacular" pro wrestling card has been scheduled 8 p.m. Nov. 26 at the Brainerd American post.
SCOREBOARD
Football
LOCAL SPORTS BRIEFS
Brainerd High School softball player Abby Rehberger has been named to the Class 3A all-state team.
State forecast for Minnesota
High wind warning for parts of southwest this afternoon and
State forecast for S.D.
Today...Mostly clear to partly cloudy. Cold. Highs from near 20 northeast to the lower 40s southwest.
State forecast for S.D.
High wind warning northwest to west central through late afternoon...
Wisconsin state forecast
Winter storm warnings far north central through midday and in the lake superior snow belt of northwest wisconsin through this afternoon...
Wisconsin state forecast
Winter storm warning parts of northwest this afternoon through wednesday...
State forecast for Iowa
Blowing snow advisory until 9 am for central iowa...
State forecast for Iowa
Winter storm warning today and tonight northwest...
State forecast for N.D.
Winter weather advisory until 6 am cst this morning east...
It's snowing
Weather drawing by Levi Trombley of Ms. Hemstad's third grade class at Baxter school.
State forecast for Minnesota
Winter weather advisory northeast today and east central through
State forecast for N.D.
...Winter weather advisory today far north and east...
It's really coming down
Weather drawing by Damyan Gortes of Mrs. Holbrook's second grade class at Lowell school.