Thursday, November 27, 2008
Calling all driving enthusiasts
WASHINGTON - Mitsubishi Motors plans to abandon its failed policy of pursuing the mainstream. That means, as publicly announced in Automotive News and other industry trade journals, Mitsubishi will stop production of its mid-size Galant sedan at its assembly plant in Normal, Ill., after the 2008 model year.
Ford, with help from Volvo, tops safe car list
WASHINGTON (AP) - The insurance industry named dozens of new cars and trucks, led by Ford Motor Co. and its Volvo subsidiary, to its annual list of the safest vehicles Tuesday, helped by the increased use of anti-rollover technology.
STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Stephanie Morgan
BEST BETS
If you can get off the couch after eating all that turkey, catch a bunch of turkeys playing music. Colorado-based comedy rockers -itis will perform at 9 p.m. Thursday-Saturday at the Blue Ox Bar in downtown Brainerd. Admission is free.
Completely random slice of pop culture
This is going to sound kind of random, but I'm not surprised that Chuck Klosterman finally wrote a novel. I'm also not surprised that it's worth the wait.
Touting his own horn
Touring around the country with a trumpet may seem like an odd way to make a living, but not if you come from Brandon Ridenour's family. His dad, Rich, is a professional pianist; his mom, Stacy, is the director of the Jacksonville (Fla.) Symphony Orchestra; and his brother, Ross, dabbles in drumming.
ENTERTAINMENT SHORTS
The Just for Kix Holiday Shows will be at 1 and 4 p.m. Saturday in the Brainerd High School gymnasium.
Arts and entertainment events
Live music
Holiday memories made in the kitchen
I don't particularly love snow or cold weather, but I get excited when the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons are here.
BIRTH
Janelle and Ryan Menzel, Ironton, a girl, Chloe RuthAnn, 7 pounds, 14 ounces, Nov. 23, 2008. Grandparents are Marge and Doug Green, Brainerd, Kristine and Dan Ott, Ironton, and Dawn and Dennis Kaunzner, Prescott Valley, Ariz. Great-grandparents are Ruth Ann Menzel, Minneapolis, Lois Green, Duluth, Carol and Dennis Kaunzner, Sierra Vista, Ariz., Tressie Olson, Pagosa Springs, Colo., Kathy and Ken Ott, Elk River, and Judy Anderson, Cambridge. Great-great-grandmother is Helen Painter, Pagosa Springs, Colo.
POLICE BLOTTER
ARRESTS - Arrested a 20-year-old man for terroristic threats at 5:44 a.m. Wednesday after police were called to Crow Wing County Detox, 11810 State Ave., to help staffers place the man in the seclusion room.
POLICE BLOTTER
VANDALISM - Christopher Schwarze, 1000 block of Oak Street, Tuesday reported his garage was vandalized.
Fall colors past
George Call, Staples, submitted this fall scenic taken a year ago in Grand Rapids.
Putting Web spin on kids' program
It's a pledge we all should know. And adhere to.
SUPPORT GROUPS
Lakes Area Ecumenical Bereavement
ORGANIZATIONS
Brainerd Jaycees-6:30 p.m. social, 7 p.m. meeting, second Thursday at Holiday Inn Express. Sara, (218) 330-8366.
ALL IN THE FAMILY
Do you have a treasured photo? Send us your favorite family photographs, including a brief description of the photo and when it was taken, for possible publication in the Neighbors section. Submit your recent photos to: kathi.nagorski@ brainerddispatch. com or drop them off at the Dispatch.
How to reduce allergy symptoms involving dogs
According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, allergies to pets are actually not caused by the amount of hair the pet sheds, but from a protein found in the animal's dander, saliva or urine. This protein can set off an allergic reaction in certain people.
DNR issues ice warning for aerated state lakes
The DNR warns ice anglers, snowmobilers, skiers and other outdoor enthusiasts to use caution when going onto any lake covered or partially covered with ice, especially those that feature aeration systems.
LOCAL BRIEFS
After a 10-hour ride, Jan Kurtz found herself at Iguazo Falls in Argentina during her 2007 journey. She will share impressions of the land and its people in the Dec. 4 Cultural Thursday program at Central Lakes College.
PETS OF THE WEEK
Sweetie is a 3-year-old spayed cat. She's been declawed and was found abandoned in a vacant home. She has a benign mass on the side of her face, which veterinarians say is harmless.
CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY
Go to Any Length
Tax-forfeited land list grows
A sign of the economic times, the list of land tracts going tax-forfeited is growing in Crow Wing County.
What's open, what's closed on Thanksgiving
The Brainerd Dispatch will have a Thursday publication.
This was Brainerd
20 years ago (1988) - Ron Stolski, Brainerd High School football coach and athletic director, has been selected as a recipient of a National Federation of State High School Association's citation. The six high school athletic directors chosen will be presented with their awards in Las Vegas, Nev., on Dec. 13.
Stirring the stuffing
Linda Anderson stirred a pan of stuffing Wednesday at the Brainerd Moose Lodge in preparation for Thanksgiving dinner. Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls
WONDER
On Thanksgiving Day, the Brainerd Area Sertoma Club will once again bring its festival of lights to the Northland Arboretum.
What's open, what's closed over the Thanksgiving holiday
The Brainerd Dispatch will have a Thursday publication.
Crosslake public hearing
is planned Dec. 8
CROSSLAKE - The Crosslake City Council plans to meet at 7 p.m. Dec. 8 at city hall for a public hearing to consider an ordinance amendment naming unnamed roads within the city and adding previously named roads to the master road name index.
COMING FRIDAY IN HOUSING
Tour-goers of the Christmas at the Mansions in Little Falls will follow yellow bricks as they tour the Musser and Weyerhaeuser mansions.
What about roundabouts?
There are roundabouts now in Minnesota and you will see more and more in the next few years.
LOCAL BRIEFS
CROSSLAKE - Dale Mulfinger, author and architect, will participate in a book signing from 1-3 p.m. Friday at The Hearth Room in Crosslake Town Square.
Former Cass County attorney Milligan dies
ST. CLOUD - Former Cass County Attorney Mike Milligan died Sunday after a long battle with pancreatic cancer, according to an obituary in the St. Cloud Times.
Just-released suspect is accused of stealing sheriff's department vehicle
Minutes after being released Wednesday from the Crow Wing County jail, a 20-year-old Brainerd man is suspected of walking across the street and stealing a Crow Wing County sheriff's department vehicle used for undercover operations.
CMCC director ends stormy tenure
Michael Kafka, Central Minnesota Community Corrections director who had a tumultuous tenure, resigned by mutual consent Wednesday.
Jazzing it up
Saxophone player Shawn Kobs (left), trumpet player Sue Kavanaugh and baritone saxophone player Dillon McCann played Tuesday night in the Central Lakes College Jazz Band Fall Fun Fantasies concert in the Chalberg Theatre.
Leech Lake begins program designed to put people back to work
CASS LAKE - Leech Lake Reservation started a new day labor program this year that could serve as an example to the federal government of a way to get people back to work.
TRIPLE OPTION
Signalized traffic lights or roundabouts?
HART may get new home
Heartland Animal Rescue Team in Baxter may have a new home in 2010.
Gobble, gobble
The Brainerd Moose Lodge will have its 29th annual free Thanksgiving Day dinner from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday at the Brainerd Moose Family Center, 219 S. Ninth St., Brainerd. Reservations are requested by calling 829-4841. Meals can be delivered to those who can't come to the Moose. Anyone interested in donating a pie or to volunteer that day, call the Moose Lodge to sign up.
Ice on lakes not yet safe, reports Sheriff Todd Dahl
Crow Wing County Sheriff Todd Dahl is reminding the public that though ice is beginning to form on area lakes they are not safe for foot or vehicle traffic.
Overheard
"If you want to make a quick trip back to jail, that would be the way to do it."
COMING FRIDAY
What is it like to have someone about town with your name? Well, it might be the greatest "it wasn't me" excuse of all time.
Children tell why they're thankful this Thanksgiving
Faith, family and friends.
County weighs dog ordinance repeal
Barking up a different tree may generate public reaction, at least that was part of the discussion Tuesday as the Crow Wing County Board considered repealing its dog ordinance.
Places to go if you're free for dinner
No plans for Thanksgiving Day? Looking for a last-minute destination? If circumstances prevented you from making plans for Thursday and you're craving turkey or pumpkin pie, you'll find several doors open.
COMING SUNDAY
Retailers get a glimpse at the holiday shopping season and find out just what consumers want to put under the tree this year.
This was Brainerd
NOVEMBER 27 - 60 years ago (1948) - The grand opening of the 1948 Christmas season in Brainerd was a gala affair. Crowds surged along the sidewalk and into the stores and Santa Claus was very much in evidence to greet the youngsters.
Area Thanksgiving Day dinners planned
The Brainerd Moose Lodge will have its 29th annual free Thanksgiving Day dinner from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday at the Brainerd Moose Family Center, 219 S. Ninth St., Brainerd. Reservations are requested by calling 829-4841. Meals can be delivered to those who can't come to the Moose. Anyone interested in donating a pie or to volunteer that day, call the Moose Lodge to sign up.
Cass, Leech Lake Reservation plan lobbying efforts
CASS LAKE - Cass County and Leech Lake Reservation have a long history of cooperating on some government programs like law enforcement, some human services and some court functions.
Donna M. Bzdok
BAXTER - Donna Marie Bzdok, 44, of Baxter, passed away Sunday, Nov. 23, 2008, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Baxter after a long, courageous battle with cancer. She was an inspiration to so many.
Vera R. Dennehey
STAPLES - Vera R. Dennehey, 98, of Staples, passed away on Friday, Nov. 21, 2008 at the Lakewood Health System Care Center in Staples.
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.
Paulette M. Wuellner
PIERZ - Paulette M. Wuellner, 53-year-old resident of Pierz, Minn., formerly of Little Falls, Minn., died Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2008, at the Pierz Villa Nursing Home in Pierz, Minn.
Donald W. Paxton
PINE RIVER - Donald W. Paxton, 84, of Pine River, died at his home Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2008. Services for Don will be 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 28, 2008, at Park United Methodist Church in Brainerd with Pastor Rory Swenson officiating. Friends are welcome to gather one hour prior to services at the church. Interment is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8, 2008, at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near Camp Ripley.
Grace Lyonais
Grace Lyonais, age 75, resident of Brainerd, died Monday, Nov. 24, 2008, at St. Cloud Hospital.
Paulette Wuellner
PIERZ - Paulette "Polly" Wuellner, 53-year-old resident of Pierz, Minn., formerly of Little Falls, Minn., died Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2008, at the Pierz Villa Nursing Home in Pierz, Minn. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, Nov. 29, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Pierz, Minn. Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home and from 9-10 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. Parish prayers will be said at 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Martha E. Dew
NISSWA - Martha Evelyn (Cederstrand) Dew, age 89, of Nisswa, previously of Minneapolis, died Nov. 22, 2008, in Brainerd. Preceded in death by husband, Stanley. Survived by children, Mary (David Miller) and Marshall (Jody); grandchildren, Lauren and Michael; brother, Marshall (Sally); sisters, Lois (Harry) Heim, Barbara Charnstrom; and nieces and nephews.
Martha E. Dew
NISSWA - Martha Evelyn (Cederstrand) Dew, age 89, of Nisswa, previously of Minneapolis, died Nov. 22, 2008, in Brainerd. Preceded in death by husband, Stanley. Survived by children, Mary (David Miller) and Marshall (Jody); grandchildren, Lauren and Michael; brother, Marshall (Sally); sisters, Lois (Harry) Heim, Barbara Charnstrom; and nieces and nephews.
George Nelson
ASHEVILLE, N.C. - George Carl Quentin Nelson, captain, SC, USN (Ret.), 89, has passed from death to life and entered the Church Triumphant. He died peacefully early Friday morning, Nov. 21, 2008, at the John F. Keever Jr. Solace Center. His wife, Dina, was at his side.
Grace L. Lyonais
Grace Louise Lyonais, age 75, resident of Brainerd, died Monday, Nov. 24, 2008, at St. Cloud Hospital. Grace was born on Dec. 15, 1932, in Swanburg, Minn., to John and Mabel (Anderson) Stevens. Grace married Donald Raymond Lyonais on Sept. 15, 1956, at Camp Foley in Pine River.
Rose A. Miller
PIERZ - Rose A. Miller, 98-year-old resident of Harmony House of Pierz, Minn., formerly of Little Falls, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2008, at the Harmony House. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 29, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Little Falls. A visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. on Friday at the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls and from noon to 1 p.m. on Saturday at the church. Arrangements are with the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls.
Donald W. Paxton
PINE RIVER - Donald W. Paxton, 84, of Pine River, died Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2008, at his home. Arrangements are pending with the Brenny Funeral Chapel of Pequot Lakes.
Virginia Davis
BACKUS - Virginia "Ginger" Davis, age 67, of Backus, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2008, at her home after losing her battle with cancer. She was born Oct. 2, 1941, in Seattle.
Robert Borgstrom
LITTLE FALLS - Robert "Bob" Borgstrom, 80-year-old resident of Little Falls, Minn., passed away Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2008, at his residence. Funeral services for Bob Borgstrom will be held Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church in Little Falls with the Rev. Blaine McNeil officiating.
Ronald Kristofferson
NISSWA - Ronald "Ron" Kristofferson, 63, of Nisswa, passed away Monday, Nov. 24, 2008, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd, Minn., following a courageous battle with cancer. Services for Ron will be 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 1, 2008, at Lakewood Evangelical Free Church in Baxter with Pastor Randy Ahlberg officiating. Friends are welcome to visit starting at 10 a.m. at the church. Interment will follow services at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near Camp Ripley, Minn.
VOX POP
Having now attended parent-teacher conferences at Nisswa and Forestview Middle School, I can't believe the incredible job the schoolteachers are doing with the situation they've been dealt. I could not believe the number of little desks and chairs in each room.
Open Forum: The making of a welfare cheat'
I've decided that working for a living isn't for me so I'm going to become a welfare cheat.
The traits of a good reporter
Good reporters are the heart of news gathering. If it's news, they have to know it. Without them, the public wouldn't have the news and information essential to running a democracy - or our lives.
One way or another, Bush is doing time
If you thought exiting your last job was painful, because you had to stand around eating sheet cake and acting excited about your impending "freelance projects," imagine being an outgoing president. Not only do you have to give up your career, move out of your house and bid farewell to your jumbo jet all on the same day, you're expected to embark on one of the most onerous tasks known to humans: writing a book.
A peculiar Black Friday
We'll have to curb the urge to splurge, but we can afford a break.
OTHER OPINION: Security
Some ardent supporters of Barack Obama are aggrieved because the president-elect's emergent national security team includes supporters of the Iraq war, which Obama famously opposed. Making opposition to the war a litmus test for service in the new administration would be both unfair and impractical.
OTHER OPINION: Environment
Acknowledging "the historical tendency of administrations to increase regulatory activity in their final months," White House Chief of Staff Joshua Bolten issued a directive to federal agencies in May to release any final regulations before Nov. 1.
Erickson scores hat trick in loss
BENSON - Emily Erickson notched the season's first hat trick for the Pequot Lakes Patriots girls' hockey team in a 7-4 Section 6-1A loss to the Morris/Benson Area Storm Tuesday.
Ring one of 10 finalists for Mr. Football
Brainerd Warriors running back and linebacker Colby Ring is one of 10 finalists for the Minnesota Mr. Football Award.
LOCAL SPORTS SHORTS
Traveling team tryouts for fourth and fifth grade boys and girls will be held after the Brainerd Youth Athletic Association basketball games Dec. 13 at the Forestview Middle School gymnasium in Baxter.
Area events
GIRLS HOCKEY
Warriors return only one starter
Last year the Brainerd Warriors girls' basketball team returned four starters and finished as the Section 8-4A runner-up.
SCOREBOARD
Area events
Warriors are loaded
With good health, and a little luck, the Brainerd Warriors will make a run at the Section 8-2A gymnastics title this season.
A capsule look at area teams
Aitkin Gobblers
State forecast for South Dakota
Today...Mostly sunny and mild. Highs in the 40s northeast to the 50s southwest.
State forecast for Minnesota
.Today...Sunny. Highs in the lower 30s northeast to mid 40s
Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Mostly sunny. Highs in the 30s north to the low to mid 40s south.
State forecast for N.D.
Today...Sunny central and west. Decreasing clouds east. A slight
State forecast for Iowa
.Today...Sunny. Highs in the upper 30s north to upper 40s south.
Happy Thanksgiving
Weather drawing by Alexa Bluth of Mrs. Meyer's
third-grade class at Harrison school.
State forecast for North Dakota
.Today...Mostly sunny in the morning then becoming partly cloudy.
State forecast for Minnesota
Today...Mostly cloudy north... Partly sunny south. Snow likely
Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Increasing clouds. Light snow developing far north. A chance of light snow remainder of the northern half. Mostly cloudy south. Highs in the lower 30s north to the lower 40s south.
Colorful turkey
Weather drawing by Catherine McGuire of the Olson-Morgan second-grade class at Garfield school.
State forecast for Iowa
.Today...Mostly sunny. Highs from around 40 north to around 50
State forecast for S.D.
Today...Mostly sunny...Windy and cooler. Highs in the mid 30s northeast to 40 to 45 south and west.