Thursday, November 24, 2005
ENTERTAINMENT SHORTS
AITKIN - McInnis' Kitchen will perform Celtic music from the Canadian Maritimes at Butler's in downtown Aitkin after Friday's annual World Famous Fish House Parade.
ENTERTAINMENT SHORTS
Area figure skaters Brandy Lewis (left), Stephanie Eckardt, Tricia Betley and Mackenzie Ross started the Vacationland Figure Skating Club competition season.
ENTERTAINMENT SHORTS
LITTLE FALLS - Central Minnesota rock band Tomorrows Forgotten will perform at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Great River Arts Center in Little Falls as part of the Unplugged series.
Upcoming arts and entertainment events
Live music
Confessions of a drama queen
She's mean, condescending and anti-Semitic.
Best Bets
Art is all over the place in Little Falls this week. Recently opened exhibits include the Downtown Holiday Art Show at the Great River Arts Center, landscape photography by Jan Bieringer at the Morrison County Government Center and nature photography by Shirley Strom at the Family Medical Center gallery. Admission is free to all.
BOOK SHORTS
LITTLE FALLS - "But That's OK With Grandpa," the second children's book by former Little Falls schoolteacher Nancy Brekke, is now available from Raven Productions.
Nothing beats Mom's turkey and stuffing
I've tried fancy stuffing recipes for different meals I've prepared, but when it comes to Thanksgiving, my mom's dressing is a tradition I picked up years ago and have served at our Thanksgiving dinner table ever since.
BIRTHS
Samantha and David Vetsch, Perham, a boy, Jaxon David, 9 pounds, 12 ounces, Oct. 30, 2005.
BIRTHS
Robert and Jayme (Amanda) (Zornes) Downs, Hackensack, a boy, Ryan Neale, 7 pounds, 10 ounces, Nov. 3, 2005.
BIRTHS
Kari Larson and Jason Blazek, Brainerd, a girl, Emily Yvonne Blazek, 7 pounds, Nov. 14, 2005.
AREA BRIEFS
LITTLE FALLS - Musical Memories in the Mansions is the theme for this holiday season's Christmas in the Little Falls Musser and Weyerhaeuser homes.
The calm before the winter storm
Kathy Hoefs of Pine River captured this tranquil scene of a dock on the Pine River the morning of Nov. 7, before snow and ice returned to the lakes area. 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.
Muskie fishermen are Top Gun
Two area fishermen captured the Top Gun Team of the Year award on the Professional Musky Tournament Trail.
The other Susan Mezzenga
NISSWA - "You're not Susan Mezzenga."
She learned to run, and now wants to jump
One day in 1996, a young woman with an uneven gait stormed into the clubroom of the Mounted Eagles Therapeutic Horsemanship Program and stated emphatically, "I WANT TO RUN."
Unlimited Learning lists upcoming sessions
CROSBY - The third and final session in Unlimited Learning's "Ethics in Journalism" course will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Hallett Community Center in Crosby.
Nisswa to kick off holiday season Friday
NISSWA - Take a drive along Highway 371 North toward Nisswa this Friday night and you're sure to notice the warm glow of the holiday lights and cozy bonfires, the sounds of sleigh bells and strolling carolers, and the sweet scent of s'mores cooking in the outdoor air, culminating with a spectacular winter fireworks display.
CLC graduates speak at Engineering Day
Debbie Jacklitch, a 1999 Central Lakes College pre-engineering graduate, was among the guest speakers for high school students from Brainerd and Pequot Lakes Nov. 18 at Engineering Day on the Brainerd campus of CLC.
Stories of the byway to be told on interpretive panels along route
The Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Association has stories to tell.
Thanksgiving dinners, services planned
A host of Thanksgiving festivities are planned this week in the Brainerd lakes area. Several organizations are sponsoring community dinners. There also are Thanksgiving services to choose from.
County mulls remodeling courtroom
Accented with swirled marble, dark oak and stained glass, the historic courtroom on the third floor of the courthouse in Brainerd has served county justice since 1920 - but its role and perhaps its look is about to change.
Semi catches fire
A Brainerd firefighter doused a semi-truck Tuesday on Highway 371. The semi-truck fire, reported at 6:49 p.m., occurred in the northbound lane near Mills GM, the fire department reported. Traffic was detoured to side streets while firefighters put the fire out and cleared the area by 7:26 p.m. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire, which appeared to be primarily in the engine compartment of the semi-truck, wasn't immediately known, the fire department reported. Brainerd Dispatch/Nels Norquist
Commissioners express concern over sheriff's budget deficit
With the Crow Wing County Sheriff's Department exceeding its budget as of November, the county board wanted to know where the money was going.
Board chair defends Lawrie
Ninety-seven percent of Crosby-Ironton's tenured teachers recently voted they had "no confidence" in the leadership of C-I Superintendent Linda Lawrie, results released Tuesday by Education Minnesota Crosby-Ironton show.
Taste-bud ticklers
Badia Bailla, baker at Perkins Restaurant and Bakery in west Brainerd, on Tuesday removed from the oven four of the 1,100 pies the restaurant will create for the Thanksgiving holiday. Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls
Santa to get area assist from governor
Santa Claus traditionally makes his first seasonal appearance at parades and shopping malls the day after Thanksgiving, but this year shoppers in Aitkin and Baxter may spy Gov. Tim Pawlenty as well.
Singing the praises of America
Baxter Elementary School fourth-grader Samantha Strong sang a solo during the "This is America" choir program Tuesday night at Baxter school. The patriotic program included narration and choreographed songs. Brainerd Dispatch/Nels Norquist
A song-filled service to the community
A combined choir from several area churches sang Wednesday at an ecumenical Community Thanksgiving Service at Forestview Middle School. The service featured testimonials from Brainerd Police Chief John Bolduc and Crow Wing County Sheriff Eric Klang. Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls
Overheard
"People know how dumb I am. They elected me mayor."
This was Brainerd
NOVEMBER 24 - 40 years ago (1965) - Gala Thanksgiving Dinner! Choice of appetizer, turkey'n trimmings, salad, vegetables, coffee, tea, milk. $1.50 Golden Grill, Front and Sixth Streets.
Former Brainerd attorney explores Senate run
Mary (Aakhus) Olson, a Bemidji area attorney who formerly lived in the Brainerd area, is exploring a run for the DFL endorsement for the Senate District 4 seat currently held by Sen. Carrie Ruud, R-Breezy Point.
Worth the wait
BAXTER - Best Buy employee Vince Brodal, 17, didn't get any special breaks when it came to buying the much-hyped Xbox 360, even though he works at the store.
County building dedicated and near ready for community use
"This building is at least a month ahead of schedule and under budget," said Gary Walters, Crow Wing County Board chairman, during a public dedication ceremony Tuesday for the first of the county's new buildings that will attract heavy public use.
Plan of attack
This winter, area residents will be able to take an active role is designing Crow Wing County's plan to prevent methamphetamine use.
This was Brainerd
NOVEMBER 23 - 40 years ago (1965) - The Board of Directors of the Brainerd Chamber of Commerce will be airmailing holiday greetings to all Brainerd Area servicemen stationed in Vietnam, it was announced today.
Point of view
This is an education building in Brainerd. What is it? Find the answer Friday.
Thanksgiving gift
Just in time for Thanksgiving travels, gasoline in the Brainerd lakes area, including at the Holiday Stationstore in Baxter, dipped below $2 per gallon Tuesday. Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls
Troops ready to come home
The Dispatch asked Capt. Mike Pazdernik to provide a Thanksgiving message for readers, recognizing this is the second Thanksgiving soldiers from The 152 Minnesota Army National Guard in Company A, 1st Battalion, 194th Armor, have been away from their families while serving combat missions in Iraq.
Emergency management director resigns
Kevin Mahle, Crow Wing County emergency management director, is resigning his post effective Nov. 29.
A family miracle
PILLAGER - Nothing reminds families more of how grateful they are for one another than when they come close to losing one of their own.
Little Falls school superintendent finalists are named
LITTLE FALLS - The names of the five finalists for Little Falls School District superintendent were released Monday.
Attempted abduction in Aitkin reported
Aitkin County Sheriff Scott Turner on Tuesday reported the attempted abduction of a 9-year-old Aitkin girl after school Monday near Aitkin.
Into the swamp
Rescue personnel worked Tuesday to remove a driver from a car that careened off Wise Road and came to rest in a swampy area near the road. The cause of the accident, which happened about 10:45 a.m., wasn't immediately known. The Crow Wing County Sheriff's Department is investigating. Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls
LOCAL BRIEFS
Bobbie Austin, daughter of Tom and Terri Getty, Nisswa, and Megan Colleen Duffney, daughter of Tim and Colleen Duffney, Aitkin, will compete at the Miss Minnesota Teen USA pageant on Sunday in Bloomington.
The other Susan Mezzenga
NISSWA - "You're not Susan Mezzenga."
Developers frustrated by cluster development hurdles
Cluster developments that conserve green space are encouraged in theory but developers told Crow Wing County commissioners they were frustrated by an inability to put the idea into action.
Special dinners planned
Following is a roundup of Brainerd lakes area Thanksgiving services and dinners that were submitted to the Dispatch:
Board authorizes steps toward developing plans for courthouse additions
WALKER - Cass County Board voted in a special meeting Tuesday to authorize Administrator Robert Yochum to have Construction Analysis and Management of Brainerd develop potential use plans for additions to the courthouse in Walker.
LOCAL BRIEFS
Kemps has launched a search for "Extraordinary Volunteers" from schools.
Woman's death in submerged car appears accidental
The death of a Baxter woman whose car was found submerged Nov. 15 in Gull Lake appears to be accidental.
Point of view
This was once popular but now is a rare find in today's world . What is it? Find the answer Thursday.
Overheard
"It's going to be better, because now the money I was going to be spending on gas, I can spend on gifts."
Crosslake City Council plans two special meetings next week
CROSSLAKE - The Crosslake City Council will meet in two special sessions at 3 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday at city hall.
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.
Kay V. Carlstrom
McGREGOR - Kay V. Carlstrom, age 80, of McGregor, died Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2005, at the Riverwood Healthcare Center in Aitkin.
Betty Roberts Donat
Betty Roberts Donat, age 87, of Brainerd, died Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2005, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd. Arrangements are pending with Brenny Funeral Chapel of Baxter.
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.
Linda A. Olson
PINE RIVER - Linda A. Olson, age 58, died Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2005, at her home on Whitefish Lake after a courageous battle with ALS. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 26, 2005, at St. Alice Catholic Church, Pequot Lakes. Friends may call one hour prior to services at the church. Memorials preferred to the ALS Association, 333 North Washington Avenue, Suite 105, Minneapolis, MN 55401.
Dennis M. Richmond
PILLAGER - Dennis Michael Richmond, age 54, resident of Cedar Home in Pillager, died Monday, Nov. 21, 2005, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd.
Paul W. Fletcher
BURNSVILLE - Paul Wesley Fletcher was born on March 30, 1918, to Otto and Pheobe (Lingwall) Fletcher in Emily, Minn. Paul attended Little Pine School through eighth grade. While attending school he helped his family raise potatoes which were sold in Crosby to restaurants. Paul's occupation as a young man was cutting pulp wood. In 1936, he met Beava Dorotha Bennett and they were married on Oct. 26, 1940.
William H. Dosh Jr.
COON RAPIDS - William H. Dosh Jr., 70, Coon Rapids, formerly of Brainerd, passed away Friday, Nov. 18, 2005, in Coon Rapids.
Jerry W. Smrt
IRONTON - Jerry W. Smrt, 59, of Ironton, died Nov. 18, 2005, at his home. He was born on Jan. 23, 1946, in Boone, Iowa, to John and Ruth (Button) Smrt. He was a Vietnam Army veteran.
Viola Scofield
NORTHFIELD - Viola Scofield, age 85, formerly of Backus, died Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2005, at the Northfield Hospital. Arrangements are pending with Brenny Funeral Chapel of Baxter.
What do you think?
Write us a letter or send us an e-mail
Open Forum
I wonder how World War II would have ended if Americans had acted the way the anti-war demonstrators act today, maybe we would be saying "Heil Hitler" instead of singing "God Bless America."
VOX POP
Once again, some of our "educators" are subjecting us with their sour grapes with regard to our superintendent, Linda Lawrie. They continue to take pot shots at a superintendent that accomplished what she was charged with in a highly efficient and effective manner. I applaud our school board for their vote of support and contract renewal. Maybe at some point these "educators" will be more careful of the lessons they are teaching our children.
Open Forum
I view myself as a progressive and as a Christian - maybe not in that order. I study my Bible and try to not be judgmental in my view of others. As I read Ezekiel 34 I find it hard to not worry about some of our so-called conservative leaders who also call themselves Christian.
Let your state legislators know your opinion
Rep. Paul Gazelka.
Flyers falter at Sartell
SARTELL - The Little Falls Flyers fell for the fourth straight time losing to the Sartell/Sauk Rapids 10-1 in Central Lakes Conference girls' hockey Tuesday.
SCOREBOARD
Football
LOCAL SPORTS SHORTS
Five Brainerd Warrior girls' soccer players have been named to the All-Central Lakes Conference team.
Upcoming sporting events in the Brainerd lakes area:
Friday
Upcoming sporting events in the Brainerd lakes area:
Friday
Geppert, Reese leave their mark for Brainerd
In just one year German foreign exchange student Kristin Geppert has left her imprint on the Brainerd Warriors swimming and diving team.
Semi-pro football team moving to Brainerd
Steve Foy, owner of Little Farm Market in Brainerd, has become managing partner and owner of the Central Minnesota Thunderbirds semi-pro team of the Mid-American Football League.
CLC suffers first loss
Although the men's college basketball season is only a few weeks old there has been one poll in Division III of the NJCAA.
Raiders learn from mistakes to win home opener
A basketball team can't score if it doesn't possess the ball and when the Central Lakes College Raiders women's basketball team figured that out Wednesday the game was over.
SCOREBOARD
Football
Something to swim about
MINNEAPOLIS - The second day of the Class 2A state swimming and diving meet at the University of Minnesota Aquatics Center Tuesday was turning into a disappointing day for the Brainerd Warriors. Through the Warriors' first three events no swimmers had advanced to the consolation or championship heats.
State forecast for Minnesota
Today...Mostly cloudy and becoming windy. A chance of light snow
Wisconsin state forecast
Winter storm warning for the lake superior snow belt in far northwest wisconsin tonight through thursday night...
State forecast for S.D.
Today...Mostly sunny southwest. Partly sunny to mostly cloudy elsewhere. Highs from the lower 40s northeast to 60 to 65 southwest. Temperatures falling in the northeast in the afternoon.
Turkey day
Weather drawing by Becca Wig of Mrs. Smith's third grade class at Garfield school.
Happy Thanksgiving
Weather drawing by Jacob Vukelich of Mrs. Larson's second grade class at Lowell school.
State forecast for Minnesota
Tonight...Mostly cloudy in the evening...Then becoming partly
State forecast for N.D.
Today...Partly to mostly cloudy and windy. A slight chance of light
State forecast for Iowa
Tonight...Mostly cloudy in the evening then becoming partly cloudy.
State forecast for Iowa
Today...Partly cloudy. Highs in the mid 40s northeast to lower 60s
State forecast for N.D.
Tonight...Mostly cloudy west and south. Partly cloudy northeast.
State forecast for S.D.
Corrected expiration time
Wisconsin state forecast
Winter storm warning for the lake superior snow belt in far northwest wisconsin tonight through thursday night...