Sunday, November 27, 2005

Bremer reports third quarter earnings
Bremer Financial Corp. reported net income of $18.3 million for the three months ended Sept. 30, 2005, an increase of 11.8 percent from the $16.4 million earned for the same three-month period in 2004.

National Guard adjutant general to speak in Little Falls
The second phase of the Northland Center is going up along Highway 371 in Nisswa. Phase one is full. Tenants include Subway, Rustic Retreat Handcrafted Furniture, Petals & Beans and Koep's Bait, Tackle and Guide Service. Phase two will have about 11,863 square feet of lease space.

Winter - and high heating costs - cause worldwide chills
VIENNA, Austria (AP) - Long underwear in South Korea, extra sweaters in U.S. classrooms, rising sales of wood-burning stoves in Denmark. Winter is here, and because of a spike in heating costs, people from Tokyo to Toledo are looking for alternatives to oil.

Families develop charitable giving traditions for the holidays
NEW YORK - Early on Thanksgiving mornings, Scott Jaffe bundles his kids into a rented van and heads off to pick up a couple dozen cooked turkeys and all the trimmings, from stuffing to mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce.

Free fowl for holidays workers?
Jokes about your paycheck aside, does the boss ever give you a turkey?

Brands expand beyond Web, stores to direct selling
NEW YORK - Julie Spreckels used to just shop catalogs and the mall. But lately, she's shopping in someone else's living room.

The top shopping day of the year just might come as a surprise
OK - it just seems like everyone and their sister (and all her friends) are out shopping the day after Thanksgiving because the top shopping days are actually ahead with plenty of time to rub elbows in the mall.

Hot holiday gifts that will be a hit
One of the hottest holiday gifts this season will fit in the palm of a hand, and no, it's not jewelry.

Follow tips to spend wisely this holiday season
You've resolved to do it differently this year: No more shopping mall binges or online clicking to fiscal oblivion just for holiday gifts.

Business Notes
Clinical audiologist Janis Hoglund moved her Helping You Hear clinic to the North Central Medical Supply facility on Charles Street in west Brainerd.

Are extended warranties worth the extra cost?
Q. The last time my family made a home electronics purchase, a clerk tried to sell us an extended service warranty. Are they worth the extra cost?

Inside the classroom, a dogged pursuit of reading
GAITHERSBURG, Md. (AP) - Ross, as the students call him, embodies a new breed of reading teacher in public schools. He's great with kids, patient, and likes to have his ears rubbed.

AGENDAS
Meets 2 p.m. Thursday

ACCIDENTS
HEWITT - A 21-year-old man from rural Verndale was listed in critical condition at the St. Cloud Hospital after the vehicle he was in rolled over Saturday on 141st Avenue, north of Hewitt, reported the Todd County Sheriff's Department.

COURTS
WALKER - David Joseph Staples, 26, Cass Lake, was sentenced Nov. 14 in Cass County District Court for an amended count of felony simple robbery for his part in the Jan. 23 Big Winnie Bar robbery at Bena.

When grieving coincides with holiday season
Images of extended families gathered around a holiday table surround us. For many, these generously feed into a joyous anticipation of what is to come.

CHILD IN NEED
Why should I be an adult mentor? I don't have the time or the energy. My schedule is too full with work, family and to-do lists and the things I want to do. What's in it for me?

Tips to deal with holiday grief
Cendra Lynn, a clinical psychologist, lists several suggestions for dealing with grief during the holidays:

A simple thank you
The holiday season is an appropriate time for a good-manners renewal.

COMING MONDAY
With his white beard and jolly belly, Charlie Berns sits in as Santa Claus at the Westgate Mall, spreading Christmas cheer and taking gift orders from children.

It's beginning to look a lot like Chrismas
Gathered around bonfires, people watched a fireworks display Friday sponsored by Mike and Shirley Rempe in memory of their daughter, Erika at the City of Lights Ceremony in Nisswa. It was the final event after a day of festivities.

Two LF residents face drug charges; officers able to clear area burglaries
LITTLE FALLS - A 31-year-old male and a 25-year-old female were arrested Tuesday on alleged drug and stolen property charges, the Morrison County Sheriff's Department reported.

Meeting planned to discuss recent violence in Cass Lake
CASS LAKE - The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe has invited officials from across the Leech Lake Reservation, area counties and the state for a community meeting to discuss the recent tragic events in the Cass Lake area, including four murders in the past three months.

Point of view
This is a place of worship in Brainerd (above). What is it? Find the answer Monday.

This was Brainerd
20 years ago (1985) - The Brainerd Moose sponsored a Thanksgiving dinner for senior citizens who, for whatever reason, would normally have to spend Thanksgiving alone.

There's no ice but the fish houses are ready in Aitkin
Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty waved Friday from the lead fish house float in the 15th annual Aitkin Fish House parade.

VIOLENCE IN CASS LAKE
CASS LAKE - George Goggleye Jr. is declaring war on violence.

Shopping gets off to a good start in the lakes area
Before the sun was even thinking of getting up, the shoppers were out in force.

COMING MONDAY
COMING MONDAY

Friday morning live
Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty hosted his weekly radio show Friday on WCCO from the Westgate Mall. As holiday shoppers swarmed the stores, the governor bantered with guests and talked about his recent trip to China.

Blind man's family continues to feel the pain
CASS LAKE - Three years ago about 100 people gathered for a candlelight vigil on a street corner in Cass Lake to condemn the violence that gripped this small city in northern Minnesota.

Birthright moves, hosts open house
Birthright International of Brainerd, a pregnancy support service, relocated to the lower level of the Brainerd Savings and Loan Building on Laurel Street in Brainerd.

Charles Rathcke
NISSWA - Charles Rathcke, age 100, passed away peacefully in his home near Nisswa, Minn., on Oct. 18, 2005. A Memorial Service and Celebration of his rich and varied life will be held at Maple Hill Lutheran Church in rural Pine River, Minn., on Saturday, Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. After the service, his ashes will be interred at the Moose Lake Cemetery, and people will be invited back to the church to share food and memories.

Leona Shepard
PINE RIVER - Leona Shepard, age 65, of rural Pine River, passed away Friday, Nov. 25, 2005, at her home. Arrangements are with Kline Funeral Home in Pine River.

Marilyn Garrison
LITTLE FALLS - Marilyn Garrison, 72-year-old resident of Little Falls, Minn., passed away Saturday, Nov. 26, 2005, at the St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, Minn. Arrangements are with the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls, Minn.

Elizabeth Soderman
Elizabeth Ann Soderman, 69, of Brainerd, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2005, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd. She was born May 6, 1936, in Allentown, Pa. to John and Dorothy (Masters) Stortz. She served in the U.S. Marines for three years. She married Gerald Soderman Aug. 17, 1963, in Brainerd. She was a member of the Bethel Lutheran Church.

Grace Wallace Tammen
ESCONDIDO, Calif. - Grace M. Wallace Tammen, 82, of Escondido, Calif., passed away Nov. 19, 2005, at Palimar Vista Health Care Center in Escondido, Calif.

Gene Hanson
CUSHING - Gene Hanson, 70-year-old resident of Scandia Valley Township, Cushing, Minn., died Friday, Nov. 25, at his home in Scandia Valley. Services will be held Monday, Nov. 28 at 2 p.m. at the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls, Minn., with the Rev. Terry Stumbo officiating. Friends may call one hour before at the funeral chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Gene Hanson family. Arrangements are with the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls, Minn.

Virginia Rath
OUTING - Virginia Gladys Rath, 68, of Outing, died Nov. 25, 2005, at the Cuyuna Regional Care Center, Crosby. She was born on Nov. 6, 1937, in Crosby to Gaylord and Anne (Waldhauser). She married Charles M. Rath on Oct. 23, 1991, in Crosby. She was a member of the Over the Hill ATV Club and the Myrin-James American Legion Post 443 Auxiliary, Ironton.

Who says gasoline should be affordable?
I don't mind all the whining about gas prices. That's what you're supposed to do at the end of an empire.

OTHER OPINION: HUMAN RIGHTS
President Bush spoke up Monday for democracy in Mongolia, a poor, windswept nation of 2.4 million people that never before had been visited by a U.S. president. Wedged between communist China and authoritarian Russia, Mongolia's democrats certainly could use the boost they received from Bush. But it's striking that a president who dedicated his second term to promoting freedom did not do more of it during his weekend visit to Beijing - where advocating for human rights is more difficult and more urgent.

VOX POP
My son said he went to school and said they turned all the lights off the pop machines and the candy machines just so they could save a buck for the heating costs for the year. Maybe they shouldn't have given this 4 percent raise to the teachers. They would definitely not have a problem paying the heating costs. Where's the logic here? Who's running the school board? Who's in charge over there? It doesn't make any sense at all. Let's make sure we keep our kids warm at 69 or 70 degrees.

Open Forum: Mental health solution sought
To employ "not in my backyard" rhetoric and accuse Baxter residents of being less than caring, is an oversimpflication of a much more complex issue. There continue to be many unanswered questions about the construction and operation of a psychiatric hospital on Grand Oaks Drive in Baxter.

NORTH COUNTRY CALENDAR
26 - Muzzleloader deer hunting opener

North Country question of the week
Cross country skiers must buy and possess a pass before skiing on state and grant-in-aid ski trails. What's the purpose of these passes?

Three species of squirrels are well represented in north central Minnesota
I was delighted when a friend sent several photos of a gray squirrel cleaning out and inhabiting a pumpkin. Not everyone would appreciate the squirrel's antics, but now that Thanksgiving weekend is upon us I say let the rodents have at it. Let's recycle the pumpkins. Besides, if they're pulverizing pumpkins, maybe they'll stay away from my seed and suet feeders.

Into the wilderness and beyond for TROUT
There comes a time in the life of a fisherman when the status quo isn't enough. Don't get me wrong, plying the depths for walleyes is great. Feeling the vicious hit of a smallmouth bass all the way to your shoulders is unforgettable. And putting together a meal of tasty crappies is almost more than one can ask for.

Getting kids to enjoy the outdoors sometimes takes a little prodding
I ran into a man at Nisswa Elementary School a couple of weeks ago who has lived and worked in the area for 20 some years. He said some things that got me thinking about kids and the outdoors. I've touched on this subject before, but it's so important I'll write about it again.

OUTDOOR NOTES
The deer harvest in Crow Wing and lower Cass counties is down 18 percent this year, the DNR announced.

If in doubt, stay out'
New ducks, at long last, had arrived on the marsh. After weeks of watching educated ducks coming and going from the refuge, usually well out of shotgun range, it was heartening to note the arrival of ducks not yet familiar with the refuge line.

Clint and Mandi Yliniemi
Mandi Selisker and Clint Yliniemi were married June 4, 2005, at the Northland Arboretum in Brainerd with Elmer Yliniemi officiating.

RYAN AND AMY SMITH
Amy Erickson and Ryan Smith were married Dec. 18, 2004, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Brainerd with Pastor Mark Skinner officiating.

RYAN AND SHANNON VANBRUNT
Shannon Brown and Ryan VanBrunt were married Oct. 1, 2005, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Pequot Lakes with the Rev. David Stevens officiating.

TIM AND SARAH SHERECK
Sarah Johnson and Tim Shereck were married June 25, 2005, at the Westside Calvary Church in Aitkin with Pastor Gerald L. Boldt officiating.

80th birthday - Peter Roskop Jr.
Peter Roskop Jr. will celebrate his 80th birthday with an open house from 1-4 p.m. Dec. 3 at St. Mathias Park. The event will be hosted by his family.

Four generations
Four generations recently gathered were Anika and Jewel Aho, daughters; Amy Aho, mother; John Ward, grandfather; and Jack and Janice Ward, great-grandparents.

DAWSON AND LORI BLANCK
Lori Haggerty and Dawson Blanck were married July 30, 2005, at Lutheran Church of the Cross in Nisswa with Pastor Christian Maier and Father Robert Hamel officiating.

RYAN AND JENNIFER KARSTEN
Jennifer Gleason and Ryan Karsten were married July 2, 2005, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Kasson with Pastor Marie A.K. Anderson officiating.

Bryan and China Held
China Schmidt and Bryan Held were married Sept. 17, 2005, with Pastor David Stevens officiating.

Wedding planned - Camille VanLandschoot and Travis Jensen
Camille VanLandschoot and Travis Jensen announce their engagement. Parents are Allen and Laura VanLandschoot, Brainerd, and Arnie and Lynette Jensen, Brooklyn Park. A January 2006 wedding is planned.

NELS AND JODIE NORQUIST
Jodie Tweed and Nels Norquist were married Oct. 22, 2005, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Pequot Lakes with Pastor David Stevens officiating.

On a winning note
Besides winning games, conference titles and section championships, one goal coaches strive for upon retirement is to leave their program in better shape than when they started.

Two all-state players top all-area team
This year's Brainerd Dispatch All-Area Volleyball Team is loaded with players from four section final teams and two players named to all-state teams.

Upcoming sporting events
Mens college basketball

Second time is charm
In five years as a Pine River-Backus varsity volleyball player, Erin Cusac finishes her high school career with one regret.

Microsoft's Xbox ambition
REDMOND, Wash. - When Microsoft Corp. debuted its first Xbox in the fall of 2001, the videogame console was like a teenager - decked out in black, eager to fit in with the hip crowd and embarrassed to be seen with its parent company.

Apple's Front Row comes closer to couch-driven computing
Now that the computer industry is nearing the end of its decades-long quest to ensure that nobody's nose is farther than three feet from a monitor, some companies are moving on to a different, more difficult goal: Letting you keep using the computer from across the room.

When it comes to numbers about ID theft, beware the hype
BOSTON - If some of the numbers being cited about identity theft are to be believed, it's just a matter of time before some unseen cyberhustler steals your name, empties your bank account and wrecks your financial reputation. You can almost hear the maniacal laughter.

Online sports pages for laughs
The best thing I read on the Web recently was the most recent version of the semi-regular Uni Watch column written by Paul Lukas on www.espn.com, posted on the Web site's irreverent Page 2.

Slingbox advances on-the-go TV
Catching a favorite TV show used to require being at the right place at the right time: plopped in front of a set whenever a network decided to broadcast something of interest.

Get your vacation photos published in the Dispatch
Do you have a favorite vacation photo? Send your slides, prints or digital files to:

CLC graduates to discuss Ecuador adventure
Ecuador is the next nation to be explored in the monthly Cultural Thursday series presented at Central Lakes College in Brainerd.

Seniors find travel problems on the rise
Jackie Fierstein has had two knee replacements and a hip replacement; a metal bar and pin hold a fractured bone in her ankle. She has enough metal implants to trip any electronic screening device.

State forecast for Iowa
.Today...Mostly sunny in the morning then becoming partly cloudy.

State forecast for Minnesota
.Today...Not as cold. Partly cloudy. Highs in the mid 20s north to

State forecast for North Dakota
...Winter storm watch westcentral and southwest late tonight

Remembering Thanksgsiving
Weather drawing by Abby Kiehlbauch in the Riverside fourth grade.

Wisconsin state forecast
Today...A chance for light snow or flurries northeast and east central near lake michigan. Otherwise partly cloudy. Highs in the mid 20s north...Mid to upper 30s south.

State forecast for South Dakota
Winter storm watch southeast late sunday night and monday...

WHAT'S DOING
The Class of 1944 will meet at 11:30 a.m. Monday at Northwind Grille in downtown Brainerd.

CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY
Brainerd Alateen

MUCH OBLIGED
Monday evening, after picking my daughter up from a school function at Riverside Elementary School, I stopped at Cub Foods on the east side of Brainerd to grab just a few things. As I began to back out of my parking spot, I heard a series of loud, creaking, clunking and grinding noises. I double-checked my mirrors and saw nothing. I got out and looked to see if I had run over something.

SUPPORT
Infertility support

WITH THE MILITARY
Army National Guard Pvt. Fredrick A. Schrupp, son of Fred A. Schrupp Jr., Pine River, and Lisa R. St. Aubin, Grand Rapids, recently graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.

ORGANIZATIONS
Brainerd Jaycees