Saturday, November 17, 2007

DEED commissioner to speak at BLADC meeting
The economy may be changing faster than anyone expected, said Commissioner Dan McElroy, Minnesota Department of Economic Development and Employment.

BUSINESS NOTES
STAPLES - Robin Johnson and Jon Willgohs joined the staff at Lakewood Health System in Staples. Johnson has filled the new position of safety director.

BIZ BUZZ
Brian Kirkpatrick, Wells Fargo Community Banking president in Brainerd, announced he is retiring after 25 years with Wells Fargo.

Johnsons go nautical
NISSWA - Even for a business with 47 years of experience there can be firsts.

AGENDAS
Meets 7:30 P.M.

Brainerd Fire Department responds to fire calls
The Brainerd Fire Department was called at 12:14 p.m. Friday to a chimney fire at the Curt Johnson home at 15920 Blue Heron Drive in Baxter. The fire extended to the home after sparks ignited the back deck and siding on the back side of the home. Damage was estimated at about $20,000.

Nisswa's City of Lights scheduled Friday
NISSWA - Nisswa will celebrate the City of Lights Friday.

AGENDAS
Meets 9 a.m. Tuesday

Three injured in Garrison accident
GARRISON - Three people suffered minor injuries in a two-vehicle accident in Garrison on Friday afternoon, the State Patrol reported.

Lakewood Health System Foundation once again sponsors Season of Lights
STAPLES - The Lakewood Health System Foundation and Lakewood Health System Hospice will sponsor the 12th annual Season of Lights.

MENUS
Brainerd

NSI Home delivered meals
Home delivery meals. For more information, call 821-3001 or 546-5855.

Nisswa's Pioneer Village to host visitors
The Nisswa Area Historical Society will host members and visitors during the City of Lights celebration Nov. 23.

SENIOR CALENDARS
LAKES AREA SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER

HOMES FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Greg and Margaret Rosenberg's talents and passions can be seen in their north Brainerd home.

BUILDING PERMITS
Residential

LOCAL BRIEFS
BAXTER - Perry Hurth of Keller Williams Roers Realty in Fargo, N.D., facilitated a Business Planning Clinic for real estate professionals at the Rapid River Lodge in Baxter. The clinic was attended by more than 40 real estate professionals from throughout Minnesota and North Dakota.

Holidays on display at tour homes
Six homes will be on the Heartland Symphony Orchestra Grand House Tour on Dec. 1.

WHAT'S DOING
Encore Arts Association will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Lakes Area Senior Activity Center, 803 Kingwood, Brainerd. Lily Atwel will lead the program on Altered Books. Bring "vintage ethemera" (embellishments), glue, scissors, etc., for use in decorating your personal creation. Some books ready for designing will be available or bring your own. Virginia MacArthur is hostess. Guests are welcome. For information, call 829-8691.

Another adult would help Nick
Kinship kids come from all sorts of situations, but the vast majority of kids come from single-parent families. Every once-in-a-while we enroll a child who lives with both parents. Such is the case for this week's "Child in Need."

United Way shoots for $450,000
The Crow Wing County United Way's annual fundraising drive is in full swing and expectations are that the nonprofit will reach its goal of $450,000 in donations.

'My Favorite Book'
Brainerd Police Officer Troy Schreifels read Friday from "My Favorite Book" to first-graders in Mary Schloemer's room at Riverside Elementary School in Brainerd. Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls

This was Brainerd
NOVEMBER 18 - 40 years ago (1967) - A total bid of $9,990 for construction of a warming house in Gregory Park was accepted by the city council. The bid includes plumbing and electrical work.

CORRECTION
Because of incorrect information provided the Dispatch, the Lake Hubert Grange Community Thanksgiving potluck supper will be at 5 p.m. Sunday at the old Lake Hubert School, not 3 p.m. as previously listed in Wednesday's Neighbors.

Food for thought
For some people, it's just a bonus day of football.

Overheard
"I'm hit by the generosity of the people."

'Stay tuned'
BAXTER - What area priorities will see funding support from St. Paul was a luncheon topic of discussion Friday as a representative of the state government came to the lakes area to get the local perspective.

This was Brainerd
NOVEMBER 16 - 60 years ago (1947) - The Board of Directors of the Brainerd Civic Association endorsed the plan recommending that the city of Brainerd adopt a European city to which food, clothing etc. be supplied by this community.

United Way allocations for 2005
Bay Lake Area Lions Charities: $1,500.

End of a season
Pierz football fan Hannah Hoheisel watched as the Luverne Cardinals pulled ahead of the Pioneers in the Class 2A football semifinal game Friday night at the Metrodome. The Pioneers lost 29-22 in overtime, ending their season. Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls

'It's not just a Lutheran thing or a Baptist thing'
BAXTER - It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, especially in the foyer at Lakewood Evangelical Free Church in Baxter.

Man pleads not guilty in murder of Backus girl
WALKER - Matthew Michael Martin, 19, who is accused of murdering 15-year-old Molly Jean Rice at Backus Aug. 4, pleaded not guilty Nov. 13 in Cass County District Court to eight felony grand jury indictments filed against him.

Cushing man pleads guilty to killing his parents
LITTLE FALLS (AP) - A Cushing man pleaded guilty to killing his parents and faces at least 30 years behind bars, authorities said.

To the dome or bust
Students lined up to board one of the 24 Reichert buses that were used to transport players, band members and fans to the Metrodome Thursday to watch the Warriors play Cretin-Derham Hall in the Class 5A state semifinal football game. Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls

Deadliest counties for teens mapped
Many of the 176 Minnesota teenage traffic deaths during 2004-2006 occurred in relatively few pockets of the state - primarily the metro area, central counties and southeastern Minnesota, according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

Coleman to hear from timber industry in Aitkin on Tuesday
AITKIN - Sen. Norm Coleman, R-Minn., will hear from representatives of the timber industry and other residents and area officials from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday in Aitkin.

Nisswa Elementary fights to stay open
NISSWA - Community meetings are planned at 6:30 p.m. Monday and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Grand View Lodge in Nisswa to attempt to keep Nisswa Elementary School open in light of impending school budget reductions, the Nisswa Chamber of Commerce announced Friday.

LOCAL BRIEFS
The Crow Wing County Health Department will offer public walk-in influenza clinics from 10-11:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Alice Church, 30904 Old Highway 371, Pequot Lakes, and from 1-2 p.m. at Breezy Point Resort front desk area, 9252 Breezy Point Drive, Breezy Point.

Salvation Army rings in season
The Brainerd Salvation Army began its bell-ringing season Friday. The bells will continue to ring near the familiar red kettles until Dec. 24.

Lynn L. Martin
GRAND RAPIDS - Lynn L. Martin, 85, of Grand Rapids, formerly of Staples, Minn., Longville, Minn., New Mexico and California, died Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2007, at Wendigo Pines Assisted Living. A memorial service is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 24, 2007, at the Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter with the Rev. Duane Brown officiating. The interment will take place at a later date in San Diego. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

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.

Jean Henrickson
CROSBY - Jean Henrickson, age 70, of Crosby, died Nov. 14, 2007, at her son's home in Northfield.

Sister Mary Ignatia Zastrow
LITTLE FALLS - Sister Mary Ignatia Zastrow, 88, died on Thursday, November 15, 2007, at St. Francis Convent, Little Falls, Minn. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Francis Convent on Monday, November 19, at 11 a.m. Friends may call at St. Francis Convent on Sunday, November 18, from 4-8:30 p.m. and from 8:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral on Monday, November 19.

Sister Mary Zastrow
LITTLE FALLS - Sister Mary Ignatia Zastrow, age 88, died Thursday, Nov. 15, 2007, at Clare Residence, St. Francis Convent in Little Falls, Minn. Arrangements are pending with Shelley Funeral Chapels in Little Falls.

Alan Milliman
BREEZY POINT - Alan Milliman, age 68, of Breezy Point, died Friday, November 16, 2007, at his home. Arrangements are pending with Brenny Funeral Chapel of Crosslake.

Tami J. Jones
Tami JoAnn Jones, 48, of Brainerd, died Thursday, Nov. 15, 2007, at her home. Funeral services will be Monday, Nov. 19, at 2 p.m. at Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter with the Rev. Rory Swenson officiating. Friends may visit at the funeral home from noon until 2 p.m. Interment will be at Baxter City Cemetery.

Shirley V. Hakes
AITKIN - Shirley V. Hakes, age 71, of Aitkin, formerly of Austin, Minn., and Plymouth, Minn., died Thursday, November 15, 2007, at her home.

Lynn L. Martin
Funeral services for Lynn L. Martin, previously scheduled for Saturday, November 24, 2007, have been postponed due to family illness. Brenny Funeral Chapel will provide an updated funeral notice when services are rescheduled.

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.

Open Forum
Well, looks like the majority won last week in the school referendum vote. Not the minorities, you know, homosexuals, anti-God people, blacks and whites who are on welfare, but the majority of the people said no to government raising of taxes.

OUR OPINION: WARRIORS
In a football game the numbers often don't tell the whole story. To the casual fan Cretin-Derham Hall's 56-14 win against the Brainerd Warriors on Thursday could be looked upon as a rout - a one-sided embarrassment.

OUR OPINION: GRANTS
Fall in central Minnesota has swept by swiftly in a flurry of football games, school referendums and leaf-raking chores and as a result, a stroke of this region's good fortune may have gone unnoticed or under-appreciated.

Open Forum
In typical Brainerd fashion an election really isn't over when the polls close. Here we are, over a week removed from the levy vote and the letters continue. Not just letters, but name-calling in the worst degree. (child haters, etc.) "Vote yes" signs are still up in peoples' yards all over town just to drive home the point of where you stand.

VOX POP
Maybe teachers should ratify their contracts like the U.A.W. just did and vote to take less pay. U.A.W. realized if they didn't they may not have a job. If teachers are really for the kids like they say they are, then do like the U.A.W. and ratify. Put a freeze on salary increases to save schools and programs for the kids.

MINNESOTA DNR CONSERVATION OFFICER TALES FOR NOV.
While CO Neil Freborg (Lake George) was checking a female duck hunter, a pair of wood ducks came directly at them. CO Freborg advised her to shoot if she had the opportunity and crouched down out of sight. She fired twice as the ducks flew overhead and saw a puff of feathers before the ducks flew out of sight.

Lamenting the ones that got away - whitetails, that is
Close, but no buck - yet.

OUTDOORS BRIEFS
The Minnesota DNR is seeking public comments on its forest classification and motor vehicle route designation proposal for Mississippi Headwaters State Forest.

FISHING REPORT
Look to lakes Ida, Miltona, and Le Homme Dieu for walleyes. Generally speaking, these fish are setting up in their winter locations deeper during the day and up shallower during low-light periods.

Deer diary: A muskie story
"Look out Mille Lacs Lake state record muskie, because you will be in my boat very soon."

80th birthday open house
Arlene Habisch will celebrate her 80th birthday with an open house from 1-4 p.m. Nov. 24 in the St. Francis Hall. No gifts please.

Brumberg-Wood
Sarah Brumberg and Ryan Wood were married Oct. 13, 2007, at Stonebrooke Golf Club in Shakopee with Ken Chia officiating.

Johnson-Ketchum
Sara Johnson and Jon Ketchum were married June 23, 2007, at Faith Lutheran in Coon Rapids with Pastor David Doppenberg officiating.

Kraemer-Schaaf
Sarah Kraemer and Andrew Schaaf announce their engagement. Parents are Bruce and Janet Kraemer, Brainerd, and Gerald and Jenan Schaaf, Fridley. A Dec. 22 wedding is planned at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at the Como Zoo in St. Paul.

Bye-McCutcheon
Brandi Bye and Shawn McCutcheon were married Oct. 6, 2007, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Pine River with the Rev. Mike Koecheler officiating.

Reckinger-Borden
Amy Reckinger and Jerome Borden were married June 23, 2007, at Bethel Christian Fellowship in St. Paul with Pastor James Olsen officiating.

25th anniversary
Jeff and Brenda Malloy, Brainerd, will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary with their family. They were married Nov. 20, 1982, in Brainerd.

Four generations
Four generations recently gathered were Madyson Ann Burgstaler, daughter, Aitkin; David Burgstaler, father, Aitkin; Cindy (Burgstaler) Collin, grandmother, Brooklyn Park; and Helen Burgstaler, great-grandmother, Aitkin.

Five generations
Five generations recently gathered were Jackson Kretzman, son, Brainerd; Nora Kretzman, mother, Brainerd; Dawn Sharp, grandmother, Brainerd; Dale Anderson, great-grandfather, Brainerd; and Lorretta Anderson, great-great-grandmother, Macomb, Ill.

Schaitberger-Grover
Melissa Catherine Schaitberger and James Anthony Grover were married Sept. 15, 2007, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Brainerd with the Rev. Andy Smith officiating.

30th anniversary
Patricia and Gary Kechely, Brainerd, recently celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary with family. They were married Nov. 4, 1977, in Brainerd.

Four generations
Four generations recently gathered were Autumn Virginia Whaley, daughter, Santee, Calif.; Jenny (Burgstaler) Whaley, mother, Santee, Calif.; Edwin A. Burgstaler Jr., grandfather, Byron; and Helen Burgstaler, great-grandmother, Aitkin.

Five generations
Five generations recently gathered were Emma Cullett, daughter, Brainerd; Andrea Sharp, mother, Brainerd; Dawn Sharp, grandmother, Brainerd; Dale Anderson, great-grandfather, Brainerd; and Lorretta Anderson, great-great-grandmother, Macomb, Ill.

Merriweather-Rogers
Lia D. Merriweather and SFC. Michael E. Rogers were married Sept. 8, 2007, at the Ramada Lake Shore Chicago in Chicago with Assistant Pastor Insoo Kim from Hyde Park Vineyard Church officiating.

Berg-Pendill
Trisha Berg and Chad Pendill were married July 7, 2007, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Willmar with Pastor Dave DeMars officiating.

Bjornson-Doney
Kate Michelle Bjornson and Christopher Paul Doney announce their engagement. Parents are Michael and Diane Bjornson, Brainerd, and James and Paulette Anderson, Milan, and Bruce Doney, Buffalo. An Aug. 9, 2008, wedding is planned at The Legacy at Craguns Resort.

The beginning of real thanks
It hardly seems possible that we are already in November, and we are facing Thanksgiving once again. Didn't it just happen last month? Has it really been a full year? I am sure you have heard statements such as that, or even been making them as the days race by.

CHURCH NEWS
CROSBY - Father Zoran Savic, St. George's Serbian Orthodox Church of Duluth, will lead a Thanksgiving service at 11 a.m. Nov. 24 in Crosby. It will be held in the activities room at the Cuyuna Range Care Center. The service will be hosted by the Serbian Sisters.

Pioneer rally sets up overtime finale
MINNEAPOLIS - It prolonged the Pierz season one extra frame, but Friday's final drive of the Class 2A state semifinal game exhibited everything that made the Pioneers' season one to remember.

Crossing this line is no fun
Fun is a three-letter word that Brainerd Warriors offensive linemen know nothing about four out of the five school days in a week.

Raiders advance to national semifinals
ROCHESTER - The day ended better than it started for Central Lakes on the opening day of the National Junior College Division III Volleyball Tournament Friday at Rochester Community and Technical College.

Pierz falls short of title shot
MINNEAPOLIS - Scott Janson helped get his team in position to win, then took responsibility when it didn't.

Bus loads of fans travel to game
The last time a Brainerd Warriors athletic team generated such excitement in the community may have been 1954 and 1958 when the Warriors played in the state boys' basketball finals.

Reese heads to finals
MINNEAPOLIS Senior Jessica Reese has made three trips to the state swimming and diving championships before.

MATC defeats Raiders
Sophomore Kody Braddix scored a team high 19 points for the Central Lakes College Raiders men's basketball team Thursday in their 69-58 loss to the Madison Area Technical College Wolfpack.

LOCAL SHORTS
Jesse Hillyer of Pierz has been named to the Class 2A All-State Academic Football Team.

Another great run for the boys in blue
A football team shouldn't be judged on its last game.

Scoreboard
Area events

Pierz returns to dome
Jeremy Hoff might be the best athlete the Pierz Pioneers have seen all season.

Warriors' dream season ends
MINNEAPOLIS - Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders quarterback John Nance stole teammate Michael Floyd's thunder.

CLC loses to MATC
BRAINERD - Despite a 14-point performance from freshman Stacey Butler, the Central Lakes College Raiders women's basketball team was defeated by the Madison Area Technical College Wolfpack 74-58 Thursday.

Colorful but dejected
These Brainerd High School football fans mirrored the Warriors' misfortune on the field Thursday night as BHS suffered a 56-14 defeat to Cretin-Derham Hall in the Section 8, Class 5A semifinals at the Metrodome. Brainerd Dispatch/Clint Wood

Stephen-Argyle storms past Verndale 35-14
MINNEAPOLIS - The Verndale Pirates are used to rushing over opponents. On Thursday, the roles were suddenly reversed.

Dejected quarterback
Brainerd Warriors quarterback Nate Schaefbauer had a glum look after the Warriors started losing to Cretin-Derham Halll in the first half of Thursday's Section 8, Class 5A semifinals at the Metrodome. Brainerd Dispatch/Clint Wood

Smith advances to finals
Junior diver Samantha Smith has already made Brainerd diving history one day into the Class 2A state diving championship.

Crookston outscores Warriors
CROOKSTON - Trailing just 3-2 in the third period, the Brainerd Warrior girls' hockey team gave up two goals and lost 5-2 to the Crookston Pirates Friday night.

Katie Kimman signs
St. Cloud - St. Cloud State University volleyball coach Patricia Mickow has announced the signing of Katie Kimman, a resident of Pierz, to a national letter of intent to attend St. Cloud State University beginning in the fall of 2008.

Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Mostly cloudy. A chance of light snow and flurries in the morning. Some lake effect snow showers possible near lake superior...And some rain or light snow showers possible near lake michigan. Highs from the mid 30s north to the mid 40s south.

Around the corner
Weather drawing by Sam Larson of Mrs. Meyer's third-grade class at Riverside.

State forecast for N.D.
Snow advisory for northwest and north central north dakota until

State forecast for N.D.
Tonight...Mostly cloudy. Lows in the 20s.

Wisconsin state forecast
Tonight...Partly cloudy early...Then increasing clouds. Cold with lows in the 20s. Friday...Mostly cloudy with isolated snow showers and scattered flurries far north. Partly or mostly cloudy elsewhere. Highs in the mid 30s north to upper 40s southwest.

State forecast for Minnesota
Tonight...Mostly cloudy. A slight chance of snow showers

State forecast for Iowa
Today...Partly to mostly cloudy. Slight chance of rain

State forecast for Iowa
Tonight...Partly cloudy. Lows in the 20 to lower 30s.

State forecast for S.D.
Today...Scattered light snow showers northeast through mid morning...Otherwise partly to mostly cloudy statewide. Highs from the mid and upper 30s northeast to the low 60s southwest.

State forecast for S.D.
Tonight...Partly to mostly cloudy. Lows in the 20s to lower 30s... Except mid to upper 30s south central.

State forecast for Minnesota
Today...Mostly cloudy this morning. A chance of light snow south.

Settling in for a long winter
Weather drawing by Ben Froemming in the Whittier fourth garde of Mrs. Bieganek.