Saturday, December 1, 2007
Now there's a touch of Tuscany in Aitkin
AITKIN - Now a trip to Tuscany doesn't mean leaving Aitkin's main street.
Going up in Aitkin
Work continued on the Lake Country Auto Center in Aitkin on Highway 210 across from the 40 Club.
Taste of Lakes is Kinship's most successful fundraiser
The 19th annual "Taste of the Lakes" to benefit Kinship Partners was the most successful ever with 380 people in attendance, Kinship reported.
She knows the area business climate
Through a variety of business openings and now closings, Cathy Hughes retained a passion for cooking.
BUSINESS NOTES
The Central Lakes College Business and Industry Center will host an introduction to voiceover from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 14.
Lakewood Reflections project starts
STAPLES - Remodeling is underway at the Lakewood Health System Senior Campus to not only give it an overall fresh look, but to utilize the space vacated by Lakewood Health System's Hospital and Clinic which relocated to its new facility just east of Staples in December 2006.
BUSINESS NOTES
Chris Kellett-Sawdey recently joined Sytek Marketing & Design as director of marketing.
Crow Wing court
The following recently appeared in Crow Wing District Court:
Fire destroys
recreational vehicle
The Brainerd Fire Department responded to a camper fire reported at 8:53 a.m. Saturday on Thompson Road.
Deputy Davis' return
After serving almost two years in Iraq with the Minnesota National Guard, Mike Davis traded his sergeants stripes for a Crow Wing County sheriffs deputy uniform.
All-area football team
The Dispatch announces its all-area football team as well as its offensive and defensive players of the year.
BIRTHS
Brian Hanson and Tanya Jones, Brainerd, a girl, MaKenzie Marie, 6 pounds, 11.6 ounces, Nov. 20, 2007.
BIRTHS
Brad and Rose (Johnson) Leidenfrost, Pierz, a boy, Ty Bradley, 8 pounds, 7 ounces, Nov. 25, 2007. Grandparents are Bill and Joy Leidenfrost, Pierz, and Dale and Becky Johnson, Deerwood.
Cass court
WALKER - The following appeared recently in Cass County District Court:
Brainerd City Council
Meets 7:30 p.m. Monday
Little Falls City Council
Meets 7:30 p.m. Monday
CRIMES
PROPERTY DAMAGE - Melissa Bartholomay Thursday reported the rear driver's side window was broken out on a vehicle while parked on the 1500 block of Norwood.
Cass County Board
Meets 3 p.m. Thursday
SCHOOL MENUS
Brainerd
Beneath the Tuscan sun?
Actually the sunshine falls on Aitkin where the new main street business, The Tuscany Room, is creating a stir.
Basic principles of landscape design
WASHINGTON - Good landscape design ideas can be subtle, bold or abstract. A professional designer can offer suggestions, but only homeowners know what will be interesting and comfortable for them.
BRIEFS
Diane Pogatchnik, team leader of Keller Williams Realty Brainerd Lakes, recently attended Hobbs/Herder MegaManaging training in San Diego.
BUILDING PERMITS
Residential
Log homes say something about your lifestyle
You're sitting on a comfy, leather recliner drinking a cup of coffee and reading the morning newspaper. You're relaxed and you can't help but look outside and smile. The view of the lake is spectacular through your log home's magnificent windows that take up most of the home's lakeside wall.
Volunteer opportunities
AMERICAN RED CROSS Tom Bickford 218-821-3598
SENIOR CALENDARS
LAKES AREA SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER
Lois Buchin
Hometown: Baxter
MUCH OBLIGED
Many of you may have participated and had a scary walk through the Arboretum's Haunted Trail, but what you might not be aware of is the number of youths, adults and community people who volunteer and serve to make this event happen.
WHAT'S DOING
The LWVBLA presents a second informational meeting regarding the League of Women Voters of the United States (LWVUS) Immigration Study at 11 a.m. Dec. 13 at their monthly meeting. The program will be held at the Brainerd Public Library in Brainerd. The membership meeting will be devoted to discussion and consensus of the LWVUS work on Immigration Policy in the United States. The LWVBLA will discuss three very thoughtful questions regarding immigration. The meeting is open to the public, however voting on the study consensus will be limited to members only.
Cami Anderson
Hometown: Brainerd
Male mentors
discovered
You know how the turtle came through at the end of the race with the rabbit?
This was Brainerd
30 years ago (1977) - The Curriculum Committee of the Brainerd School Board wrestled yesterday with a knotty question: School district financial support of class field trips.
This was Brainerd
A feasibility study approved by the Brainerd City Council on proposed construction of a building for the Brainerd Water and Light Department will also consider a new city hall.
It's back to the drawing board for the other details
The information was nothing new, even before the failure of the Nov. 6 operating levy referendum, except that the figures represent a new reality for the Brainerd School District.
Car crashes into Baxter store
A Ford Taurus crashed into Cash Wise Liquor in Baxter shortly after 9 a.m. Thursday, damaging the liquor store but not injuring the driver, Baxter Police reported.
Notices going out to 57 probationary teachers in Brainerd district
Fifty-seven probationary teachers - first-, second- and third-year non-tenured teachers - in the Brainerd School District may lose their jobs at the end of this school year.
New boundaries to be drawn
The Brainerd School District intends to redraw its boundary lines for the remaining elementary schools and to eliminate the school of choice option.
Initiative Foundation awards grants
The Initiative Foundation announced that it has awarded nine community grants totaling $30,000.
First Responder team looking
for new members
The Nokasippi First Responder Team is seeking new members. These are volunteer positions providing initial emergency medical care at a First Responder Level in Nokay Lake and Oak Lawn townships. If interested, contact Val at 764-2670.
District expected to close open enrollment
Open enrollment in the Brainerd School District likely will close for the remainder of this school year and next school year, unless a family already has a child in the school district - then their younger siblings will be grandfathered into the district.
Chamber backs 371 running through PL
The Brainerd Lakes Chamber, with an office in Pequot Lakes, announced Thursday it is recommending the alignment of the four-lane expansion of Highway 371 through Pequot Lakes rather than a bypass of the city.
Overheard
Its kind of like going to a funeral. Its going to a funeral for my school.
TOUGH CHOICES MADE
Through her tears, Brainerd School Board member Ruth Gmeinder made the recommendation Thursday to close Whittier Elementary School and relocate the Minnesota Learning Center to Lincoln Elementary School, thus closing both elementary schools at the end of the school year.
Santa to arrive via fire truck Saturday
The Old Fashioned Downtown Holiday Celebration in Brainerd begins at 10:45 a.m. Saturday with the arrival of Santa on a fire truck.
Where history was made Thursday
The Brainerd School Board Finance Committee met Thursday. While only Bob Nystrom, Ruth Gmeinder and Reed Campbell are on that committee, board members Ruth Nelson, Lew Hudson and Kent Montgomery also attend the meetings as nonvoting members.
COMING TUESDAY
After serving almost two years in Iraq with the Minnesota National Guard, Mike Davis traded his sergeant's stripes for a deputy uniform.
Olson's Star Lake proposal to be topic of meeting
Sen. Mary Olson, DFL-Bemidji, is inviting area residents interested in protecting and enhancing Minnesota lakes to a meeting at the state Capitol from 2 to 5 p.m. Tuesday in room 123.
Local oratorical contest planned for Dec. 10 by Legion
The 71st National High School Oratorical Contest sponsored by the American Legion will be April 4-6 in Indianapolis.
Nisswa starts a Caring 'n Giving Tree
NISSWA - With the holidays approaching, the Nisswa Chamber of Commerce office is the site of the Caring 'n Giving Tree.
Only days remain on Kinship mentor drive
Kinship Partners needs to recruit 30 people to achieve its goal of 100 mentors in 100 days.
Expressing their concern in an artful way
Brainerd High School drawing students worked on "concern cards" Thursday during their art class with instructor Leah Anderson. Their assignment was to create cards that expressed their most serious concerns.
COMING MONDAY
Trommald's Erika Mullen-Hagberg works with beads and embroidery to create unique art.
Man shot by officers near Milaca charged with fleeing, burglary
ST. CLOUD (AP) - A Willmar man who was shot by law enforcement officers after leading them on a chase earlier this week has been charged with burglary and fleeing peace officers.
COMING MONDAY IN SPORTS
With a win Sunday against the Detroit Lions the Vikings will reach the .500 mark.
Even the governor draws blunt words from Walseth
Brainerd Superintendent Jerry Walseth spoke in measured tones but with passion to the packed audience at Thursday's school board Finance Committee meeting.
POVERTY IN BRAINERD
State politicians took a back seat to Crow Wing County's poor last week.
Auditor praises staff, notes need for more funding
Tom Koop of the Larson Allen firm reviewed with the Brainerd School District Finance Committee the 2006-07 audit report, giving the district and its staff praise for the annual audit.
Cass County partnership collects
old cell phones for emergency use
The Cass County Triad, a partnership of law enforcement, seniors and community groups, is seeking community cell phone donations in conjunction with its partnership with the 911 Cell Phone Bank.
Bus limit changed to one mile
Brainerd students who live less than one mile from school will have to walk or get a lift from their parents next year, the Brainerd School Board Finance Committee recommended for board approval Thursday.
Open house planned for road project
BREEZY POINT - A revised concept plan for improvements to Crow Wing County Highway 4 will be presented at an open house from 4-7 p.m. Dec. 17 at Breezy Point City Hall.
W-H-A going to voters for help Tuesday
In a situation that already played out in Brainerd and Crosby-Ironton and nearly 100 other Minnesota school districts in November, taxpayers in the Walker-Hackensack-Akeley School District will be asked to vote Tuesday on a school operating levy referendum.
CORRECTION
A story in Friday's edition about events for the Old Fashioned Holiday Celebration in downtown Brainerd Saturday should have said in addition to the entertainment Saturday activities also are planned from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 8 with a horse drawn trolley ride through the decorated historic downtown.
People, start your snow shovels
The first significant snow storm arrived Saturday just in time to ring in December.
AARP seeking tax aide volunteers
The Brainerd lakes area AARP Tax-Aide program needs you.
Leroy Boser
LITTLE FALLS - Leroy Boser, 80-year-old resident of Little Falls, Minn., passed away Monday, Nov. 26, 2007, at St. Gabriel's Hospital in Little Falls, Minn.
Juliene Reed
CROSSLAKE - Juliene Reed, age 55, of Crosslake, died Friday, Nov. 30, 2007, at her home.
Meretta E. Hanson
Meretta E. Hanson, 88, Brainerd, passed away on Nov. 30, 2007, at Bethany Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd.
Florentine Hartmann
PIERZ - Florentine Hartmann, of Pierz, Minn., died Thursday, Nov. 29, 2007, at her home in Pierz, Minn. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, Dec. 3, 2007, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Pierz. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Sunday and Monday from 9-10 a.m. at the Emblom-Brenny Funeral Service in Pierz.
Sophie B. Lamke
AITKIN - Sophie B. Lamke, 77, of Aitkin, died Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2007, at Aitkin Health Services. Memorial services will be at a later date.
Helen G. Vadnais
Helen Geneva Vadnais, age 95, resident of Brainerd, died Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2007, at her home. Helen was born on March 18, 1912, to Frank and Geneva (Poole) Dodsworth. She was a lifetime member of the American Legion Auxiliary, the Elks and the VFW Auxiliary. She was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church, the Rolling Rangers local chapter and Good Sam's Club. Helen was known as the "Cookie Grandma" to her grandchildren and she enjoyed baking cookies for her family and friends and great-grandchildren and making crafts.
Mavis Wiggins
PEQUOT LAKES - Mavis Wiggins, age 79, of Pequot Lakes, died Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2007, at Bethany Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd. A memorial open house will be Monday, Dec. 3, from 5-7 p.m. at Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter.
Harold Graves
NISSWA - Harold Graves, 88, of Nisswa, died Friday, Nov. 30, 2007, at St. Cloud Veterans Hospital. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Brenny Funeral Chapel of Baxter.
Helen G. Vadnais
Helen Geneva Vadnais, age 95, resident of Brainerd, died Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2007, at her home. Helen was born on March 18, 1912, to Frank and Geneva (Poole) Dodsworth. She was a lifetime member of the American Legion Auxiliary, the Elks and the VFW Auxiliary. She was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church, the Rolling Rangers local chapter and Good Sam's Club. Helen was known as the "Cookie Grandma" to her grandchildren and she enjoyed baking cookies for her family and friends and great-grandchildren and making crafts.
Terry L. Rosenberger
Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, Dec. 3, 2007, at 10 a.m. at St. Peter's Catholic Church in St. Cloud for Terry L. Rosenberger, age 66, of St. Cloud, who passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2007, at his home. The Rev. Alan Wielinski will officiate. Burial will be at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls with military honors.
Jerry Kurtz
Jerry Kurtz, of Brainerd, died Saturday, Nov. 17, 2007, at his home. A graveside service will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2007, at the Wildwood Cemetery in Pillager, Minn. The public is welcome. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Brenny Funeral Chapel of Baxter.
Dorothy O. Bandel
Dorothy O. Bandel, age 87, of Brainerd, passed away Thursday, Nov. 29, 2007, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd.
Hazel M. Hoffdahl
STILLWATER - Hazel M. Hoffdahl, 99-year-old resident of Stillwater, Minn., formerly of Randall, passed away Monday, Nov. 26, 2007, at the Linden Health Care Center in Stillwater.
VOX POP
School administrators and teachers keep voicing their concern for the kids. Then why does it appear that the kids are the ones losing? What are the administration and teachers going to lose or give up for the kids? Maybe retirement health insurance or lesser retirement?
We lose only when we stop trying
I have read like so many of us with great interest, most if not all, the Open Forum letters regarding the Brainerd school levy. A common theme in many of the letters has been about who has won and who has lost. There are no winners or losers as this journey has just started. Yes, this no vote on local education funding is a set back, but for heavens sake it is not a permanent set back. Does anyone believe the Warrior football team was losers after their first game with St Cloud Tech? Winning and losing is a temporary state of mind and often more times than not, we learn more from losing than winning. It is certainly evident that our Warrior football did.
Open Forum: Now is the time for you to be a mentor
You have heard about it. Kinship - mentors. You have thought about it. You have decided it is worthwhile and that someday you will do it.
Open Forum: The game of politics will never change
Politics is a never ending game of intrigue, power struggles, deceit, lies, rumors and the temptation to undermine your opponent.
Obstacle or opportunity?
The District 181 referendum vote is counted and the people have spoken. Clearly, a mandate has been given to hold the line on taxes and economize even more on school expenditures. The administration has already identified the means, as painful as it will be. Our legislators may yet bail us out, but in the end the solution to quality education with a reduced budget rests with us, the citizens of this "village" raising its children.
OTHER OPINION: MARK RITCHIE
When Mark Ritchie campaigned for Minnesota secretary of state last year, he pushed hard that the office, as the states No. 1 watchdog over fair and impartial elections, should be nonpartisan. He alleged that under then-incumbent Mary Kiffmeyer, it hadnt.
OUR OPINION: KINSHIP
Time may be running out on one of the Brainerd lakes area's most successful recruitment campaigns but it's not too late to be a part of the excitement.
REPORTS FROM AREA CONSERVATION OFFICERS
CO Nikki Shoutz (Pine River) reports many hunters are hunting with the All-Season license, using either muzzleloader or archery. Trappers are also out for only one week this year with the fisher and bobcat season through Dece. 2. Trappers are also required to wear blaze orange while checking traps in an area open for the taking of deer by muzzleloader. With the cold weather came a thin layer of ice and anglers were already out on some of the smaller lakes.
STATE FISHING REPORT
The small lakes are ice-covered and there's a good chance you'll be able to fish them by this weekend or early next week. Lakes such as Reno and Mary would be likely first-ice options. The big lakes were still open earlier this week, and it may take a couple extra days for them to completely cap with ice.
Some things don't change in ice fishing
Ice fishing season is here. Are we going to have a normal winter? You ask, what is normal? I am talking lots of ice (thickness), lots of snow and lots of fish.
Mitchell and Lisa Thompson
Lisa Halverson and Mitchell Thompson were married Oct. 29, 2007, on a beach front in Riviera Maya, Mexico.
80th birthday - Butch (Alex) Smude Sr
Butch (Alex) Smude Sr., Pine Center, will celebrate his 80th birthday with an open house from 1-4 p.m. Dec. 9 at JR's Junction Pine Center. No gifts please. The event is hosted by his children and grandchildren. He was born Dec. 12, 1927, in Morrison County.
RYAN AND CHRISTEN HERMAN
Christen Johnson and Ryan Herman were married July 21, 2007, at Peace Church in Eagan with Pastor Al Pruis officiating.
Engagement announced - Andrea Marie Brown and Michael Jon Veith
Andrea Marie Brown and Michael Jon Veith announce their engagement. Parents are Robert and Deanna Brown, Brainerd, and Dan and Teri Veith, Baxter. A June 14, 2008, wedding is planned at St. Mathias Park.
Dallas and Amy Fraser
Amy Kay Faust and Dallas John Fraser were married Aug. 6, 2007, in Maui, Hawaii, with Rick Jackson officiating.
Travis and Kelsey Steffensen
Kelsey Pederson and Travis Steffensen were married July 21, 2007, outside at the groom's grandparents' home in New London with Scott Pederson officiating.
Four generations - Bock
Four generations recently gathered were Ezra Bock, son; Mike Bock, father; Mike Bock, grandfather; and Mary Bock, great-grandmother.
Four generations - Bock
Four generations recently gathered were Ezra Bock, son; Mike Bock, father; Mike Bock, grandfather; and Patrick Bock, great-grandfather.
Wedding planned - Jessica Berg and Phil Sampson
Jessica Berg and Phil Sampson announce their engagement. Parents are John and Jenifer Berg, Baxter, and Tom and Deb Sampson, Garrison. A Feb. 5, 2008, wedding is planned in Roatan, Honduras.
96th birthday - Ethel James
Ethel James, Brainerd, will celebrate her 96th birthday on Dec. 7 with lunch at the Red Roof Inn.
Four generations
Four generations recently gathered were Kenya Haugen-Springs, daughter, Brainerd; Chantel Haugen, mother, Brainerd; Cindy Jesinski, grandmother, West Bend, Wis.; and Bonnie LeDoux, great-grandmother, Brainerd.
50th anniversary
Ron and Barbara Martin, East Gull Lake, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a family dinner hosted by their daughters in September in Maple Grove. They were married Nov. 28, 1957, in Minneapolis.
Judge says highway crosses not illegal
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Twelve-foot-high crosses along state highways honoring deceased Utah troopers are not an illegal public endorsement of religion, a judge has ruled.
It's time to hear His voice
As we travel to different places in this fine country, we see many works and wonders of God's creation. Whether it is the great red woods of the West Coast, the waves of the Pacific Ocean lapping the shore or the view of Mt. St. Helen as viewed from Johnston Ridge, we behold the beauty of God's work.
CHURCH NEWS
PINE RIVER - Maple Hill Lutheran Church in rural Pine River will have a spaghetti dinner and bake sale from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 9. This event will benefit the installation of a three-stop vertical lift and handicapped entrance at the church. A free-will offering will be accepted. The church is at 3986 44th St. SW, in rural Pine River. For directions on the day of the dinner, call 587-2093.
GIRLS' BASKETBALL
STAPLES - Cassie Pearson tallied 21 points to help the Staples-Motley Cardinals to a 67-53 non-conference girls' basketball victory over Sauk Centre Thursday.
BHS opens season with win
The Brainerd Warriors' gymnastics team took all four events en route to a 139.65 to 130 season-opening victory over the visiting Willmar Cardinals Thursday.
Warriors' JV wins
The Brainerd Warriors' junior varsity gymnastics team defeated the Willmar Cardinals 120.30 to 70.20 Thursday.
Brainerd defeats Fergus Falls
FERGUS FALLS - Jess Bye tallied two goals and an assist in the second period to lead the Brainerd Warriors girls' hockey team to a 5-2 Central Lakes Conference victory over the Fergus Falls Otters Thursday.
Tech beats Little Falls
ST. CLOUD - Nhi Dinh recorded 15 saves and Melinda Anderson added 12 for the Little Falls Flyers girls' hockey team in its 12-0 defeat at the hands of the St. Cloud Tech Tigers in Central Lakes Conference action Thursday.
Area defensive player of year: Mike Valesano
If an opponent was spread-eagle on his back, No. 80 for the Brainerd Warriors was likely in the vicinity.
Flyers defeat Bemidji
BEMIDJI - Teri Stein won the all-around competition and Kaisha Gomez won the floor exercise for the Little Falls Flyers as they defeated the Bemidji Lumberjacks 120.25 to 119.30 in non-conference gymnastics Friday.
Area offensive player of year: Nate Schaefbauer
When the Brainerd Warriors were running the wishbone offense in the early 1990s, they attempted as few as 30 passes in a season.
State teams head all-area team
Candidates for the Brainerd Dispatch All-Area football team are nominated by their coaches and selected by the sports staff.
Correction/clarification
Two paragraphs of quotes in Thursday's Dispatch were inadvertently attributed to Central Lakes College president Larry Lundblad.
JV girls win twice
Nikker Graumann had 11 points and Kylie Stanfield nine as the Brainerd Warriors beat Sauk Rapids 44-18 in junior varsity girls' basketball Friday.
Zillmer shines in Ranger victory
CROSBY - In her first attempt at guarding one of the area's top centers, Megan Zillmer did pretty well.
Eastman new CLC coach
Dennis Eastman was named the new head coach of the Central Lakes College Raiders women's basketball team Thursday.
Making the leap
Brainerd Warrior Olivia Elsenpeter performed her routine on the beam against the Willmar Cardinals Thursday night in Brainerd.
Confident Warriors storm past SR-R
It's only two games into the season but it's obvious the Brainerd Warrior girls' basketball team is playing with an abundance of confidence.
Scoreboard
Area events
Aitkin edges Onamia in OT
ONAMIA - Emily Mehr torched the net for 29 points and Sara Hoge added 25 for the Aitkin Gobblers as they defeated the Onamia Panthers 68-63 in overtime in non-conference girls' basketball Friday.
W-DC defeats Eveleth-Gilbert
EVELETH - Colter Pettit had a goal and assisted on two others in a 3-2 non-conference victory for Wadena-Deer Creek over Eveleth Gilbert on Friday.
Fergus Falls defeats Flyers
LITTLE FALLS - Nhi Dinh stopped 29 shots for Little Falls in the Flyers' 8-1 loss to Fergus Falls in Central Lakes Conference play Friday night.
Wisconsin state forecast
Winter storm watch saturday and saturday night entire state...
Wisconsin state forecast
Winter storm warning today through sunday morning north...
State forecast for Iowa
...Ice storm warning central and south today...
State forecast for Iowa
...Winter storm watch saturday and saturday night statewide...
Major winter storm brewing
Winter storm warning for much of Minnesota through Sunday morning. Snow advisory for northwest from noon through midnight...
State forecast for Minnesota
...Wind chill advisory northern minnesota until 9 am this morning...
State forecast for Minnesota
...Winter storm warning for much of minnesota through sunday
Area in winter storm watch
The lakes area's first significant snowfall of the season could land Saturday.
State forecast for South Dakota
Winter storm warning along and east of james river today and this evening....
State forecast for South Dakota
Winter storm watch east and south central for saturday and saturday night...
State forecast for North Dakota
...Snow advisory today and tonight south central and parts of
State forecast for North Dakota
...Wind chill advisory this morning north and west...
How much snow will we get?
Weather drawing by Nicholas Schneider in the Lowell kindergarten of Jan Wilcox.
Ice isn't safe yet
Weather drawing by Reilly Miller in the Lowell fourth grade of Mr. Meyer.
The Nation's Weather
Forecasters predicted heavy snow in parts of the Southwest and cooler temperatures in the Northeast on Friday, while the West Coast was expected to be unseasonably cold.