Friday, December 10, 2004
Maxwell kept guessers up all hours of the night
When we think of Maxwell, we think of Maxwell House coffee and the company's slogan, "Good to the Last Drop."
Entertainment shorts
The exhibit will feature 20 photographers showing eight works each. In addition, the photographers will exhibit one photograph each in April at Lakewood Bank in Brainerd.
COMING NEXT WEEK
The Dispatch's four-part entertainment year-in-review begins with a look back at the year in music.
Back to the water cooler
If you've watched any episode of any "CSI" series in recent years, you can be forgiven for wondering, "Where has all the mystery gone?" Those shows thrive on formula, with cool-as-a-cucumber forensic scientists solving their cases so quickly you barely have time to visit the restroom and gag after a gruesome shot of a bullet penetrating a soon-to-be corpse.
Entertainment shorts
Artwork by Baxter painter and potter Bill Grange will be on display through December at Brainerd Medical Center.
Upcoming arts and entertainment events
For week of Dec. 9-15; bands perform from 9 p.m. to close with no cover unless otherwise noted.
Ashley Powell's emotions reflected in her art
Whether Brainerd High School senior Ashley Powell is having a good or bad day can be seen in her drawings.
BEST BETS
If you've ever wanted to take a few days and do nothing but go to Christmas concerts, here's your chance, as the holiday spirit reigns this weekend in Crosby, Aitkin, Little Falls, Brainerd and Staples. (If you're all holidayed out, check out more entertainment options in the calendar on Page 3E.)
Warm up with cup of hot cider
A wonderful drink that is bound to warm you up on a cold night is Hot Apple Cider.
SENIOR ACTIVITIES
LAKES AREA SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER
DISSOLUTIONS
Bath, Carrie L. and Jerome E.
East Gull Lake man arrested after vehicle chase
A 32-year-old East Gull Lake man led law enforcement officers on a vehicle chase Tuesday with speeds at times close to 100 mph.
Public meeting
The Crow Wing Soil and Water Conservation District Personnel Committee will meet 1 p.m. Monday in the Ag Service Center at 512 C St. N.E. in Brainerd.
Fire
The Brainerd Fire Department was called at 7:57 a.m. Thursday on a report of flames at TCBX Inc., 1748 13th Ave. S.E. The flames were form a controlled burn and firefighters were canceled en route. Firefighters were called at 9:24 a.m. Thursday to a fire alarm at Riverside Elementary School, 220 Third St. N.W. The alarm was set off by a cleaning crew, and firefighters were canceled en route.
Court
Frederick Jon Runquist, 54, Laporte, was sentenced for gross misdemeanor DWI to time served, plus 48 hours jail and the balance of 30 days on electronic home monitoring, fined $1,000 or equivalent community service work and placed on four years supervised probation.
SCHOOL LUNCH MENUS
Brainerd
Accident
WALKER Three people were injured in a two-vehicle, head-on collision about 8:40 a.m. Thursday on Highway 200 at Onigum Road, east of Walker, the State Patrol reported.
Building projects
Residential
Home Stretch classes set in Brainerd
Home Stretch, a first-time homebuyer education workshop, will be offered 6 to 9 p.m. Jan. 3, 10 and 24 at Central Lakes College in Brainerd.
Assisting the elderly
If you are 55 or older, feel alone in your own home or want to be in a place with a more social atmosphere, an assisted living facility may be for you.
Have a spare bear?
A longtime Whittier Elementary School media secretary, remembered for her love of children and teddy bears, is being honored through a project at the school to help comfort children in crisis.
Crosslake winners of decorating contest listed
CROSSLAKE -- The Crosslake community recently participated in the annual Santa's Crosslake Kickoff.
Health-care forum highlights area partnership
Central Lakes College on Dec. 1 hosted the last of seven regional forums aimed at countering the state's health-care work force shortage.
Judd receives community award
Shirley Judd was cited for expanding Living Legacy Gardens at Central Lakes College.
Area briefs
WADENA -- Registration forms are available for the 11th annual Creative Sewing Expo at Minnesota State Community and Technical College in Wadena.
CLC's computer technology program eyes enhancement via advisers
Advice from working computer technology experts, former students and future information technology professionals is "on the table" at Central Lakes College.
Overheard
"If I can add another plate or another inch or more to the vehicle I'm riding in that gives me protection, it's better. So I think that's a prudent thing to do, if the soldier has the capability. ... In my opinion, it's not being done in mass numbers or mass quantities."
Overheard
"The biggest thing that upsets me is that not one of you have the guts to tell Gary DeZurik why you were firing him. It's too bad all of you aren't up for re-election this time because we could have got rid of all of you."
This was Brainerd
20 years ago (1984) - The Crow Wing County Board Tuesday approved nearly $150,000 in tentative costs from the 1985 proposed department budgets.
MPCA seeks comments on ethanol plant's project
LITTLE FALLS -- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has prepared an Environmental Assessment Worksheet for a proposed construction project at the Central Minnesota Ethanol Cooperative's plant north of Little Falls.
He earned a hug
Warren Williams received a hug from his wife, Sharla, after receiving the Service to Mankind award from the Brainerd Sertoma Club on Wednesday at Bonanza in Baxter. Bonnie Cumberland presented the annual award to Williams. Brainerd Dispatch/Nels Norquist
This was Brainerd
60 years ago (1944) - Crow Wing News. Frank Wels was having some dental work done last week. Arthur Anthony is working at a garage in town.
Revised policy would limit use of school buses
If your children want to go to a slumber party or play at a friend's house after school, they won't be able to get there on a Brainerd school bus.
Opening statements made in Moon murder trial
Opening statements were conducted Thursday in the murder trial of James Moon Jr., 36, Brainerd. Moon is charged with premeditated first-degree murder in the shooting death of his brother, 35-year-old Billie Joe Moon, in February 2002.
Local briefs
Homeowners wishing to share their Christmas lights with others may call the Dispatch at 855-5850 to have their display added to this list:
Mailing deadline nears for stateside packages to area troops currently at Fort Dix, N.J.
This week presents the last opportunity to send mail to the troops at Fort Dix, N.J.
Students introduced to new school
Students from Mississippi Horizons visited Forestview Middle School in Baxter Wednesday afternoon. The students, who will move into the school after winter break, spent time finding their lockers and classrooms. Washington Middle School students spent the morning at the new school. Brainerd Dispatch/Nels Norquist
Bigfoot for kids
Even before Delores LaFollette finished her first children's book, "Bigfoot's Christmas," the Brainerd woman knew exactly where she wanted to debut her book -- Harrison Elementary School.
Local briefs
The Brainerd Fire Department, in an effort to create a safe holiday season for the Brainerd lakes area, is hanging a wreath in front of the fire hall on Laurel Street that will display the number of fires that resulted in dollar loss.
How to cut $3 million
Teachers or textbooks? Athletics or reduced classroom sizes?
Randall residents rail at firing
RANDALL -- Despite pleas from hundreds of supporters, the Randall City Council Wednesday did not reinstate former Police Chief Gary DeZurik.
Group puts legal foot in door against LF Wal-Mart Super Center proposal
A citizen group wants to express its opposition to a Wal-Mart Super Center proposal in Little Falls.
Local briefs
DEERWOOD -- The annual Christmas Concert presented by the Aitkin-Crosby-Ironton Community Band is scheduled 2 p.m. Saturday at the Deerwood Auditorium.
Alpha L. Oberg
CROSBY -- Alpha L. Oberg, 100, Crosby, died Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2004, at Cuyuna Regional Care Center, Crosby. She was born May 28, 1904, in Whalen, Minn., to Martin and Betsy (Rustad) Torgrud. She was a member of Immanual Lutheran Church, Crosby, and its Miriam Circle, C-I, Deerwood, Bay Lake Senior Citizen Club.
Alice Jones
LITTLE FALLS -- Alice Jones, 97-year-old resident of Little Falls, Minn., formerly of Randall, Minn., died Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2004, at the Lutheran Care Center in Little Falls, Minn. Funeral services will be held Friday, Dec. 10, at 1 p.m. at the Randall Presbyterian Church in Randall, Minn., with the Rev. Dwight Johnson officiating.
Lillian E. (Hanner) Marpe
AITKIN -- Lillian Ethel (Hanner) Marpe, age 99, of Aitkin, was taken by the Lord to be with Him in everlasting life on Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2004, at the Aicota Health Care Center in Aitkin.
James F. Rose
AITKIN -- James F. Rose, 76, of Aitkin, died Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2004, at Cuyuna Regional Health Care Center in Crosby. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12, 2004, in Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home, Aitkin, with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m.
Howard 'Hod' Wittmayer
TEMPE, Ariz. -- Howard "Hod" Wittmayer passed away at the age of 94 on Dec. 5, 2004, at Westchester Care Center in Tempe, Ariz. Hod was born in Scotland, S.D., on Sept. 8, 1910, to Ida Mae and Christian Wittmayer.
Arthur E. Wetzel
SARASOTA, Fla. -- Arthur Edward Wetzel, age 83, of Sarasota, Fla., formerly of Brainerd and Pekin, Ill., passed away Monday, Nov. 29, 2004, at his home in Sarasota. He was born Sept. 20, 1921, in Pekin, Ill., to Edward and Lillie (Pfeiffer) Wetzel. He married Romona Hannig on May 20, 1942.
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.
George E. Medley
LITTLE FALLS -- George E. Medley, age 77, a resident of Little Falls, Minn., passed away Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2004, at St. Cloud VA Hospital in St. Cloud, Minn.
Stanley (Staush) I. Copa
HARDING -- Stanley (Staush) I. Copa, age 97, a resident of Harding, Minn., passed away Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2004, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd, Minn.
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.
Lorraine M. Martin
Lorraine M. Martin, age 81, resident of Brainerd, died Monday, Dec. 6, 2004, in Naperville, Ill. She was born Nov. 29, 1923, in Brainerd to Martin and Elizabeth (Ekstrom) Tollefson. She married Henry Martin on July 22, 1943, in Manitou, Colo. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church.
Barbara L. Ahlgrim
Barbara L. Ahlgrim, age 79, resident of Bethany Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd, passed away on Nov. 4, 2004. She was born on Nov. 22, 1924, in Brainerd, Minn., and was a lifelong resident of Brainerd.
Gerald 'Jerry' K. Baier
EMILY -- Gerald 'Jerry' K. Baier, of Emily, Minn., formerly of Crystal, Minn., passed away at home at the age of 75, on Dec. 8, 2004.
Lavern J. Wise
Lavern J. Wise, age 79, died Dec. 8, 2004. He was born in Rollingstone, Minn., on Feb. 1, 1925, the third child of Julius and Margaret Wise. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the Merchant Marines out of Sausalito, Calif., and in the Pacific campaign in Okinawa, Philippines and Japan.
Joseph A. Klimek
NORTH PRAIRIE -- Joseph A. Klimek, age 94, formerly of North Prairie, Minn., passed away Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2004, at St. Otto's Care Center in Little Falls, Minn.
Lavern J. Wise
Lavern J. Wise, age 79, died Dec. 8, 2004, at Ah-Gwah-Ching Health Care Facility.
What do you think?
Write us a letter or send us an e-mail
Busy governor looks at 2005 session
If the burdens of state budget shortfalls and a partisan Legislature are wearing down Tim Pawlenty, there's no sign of it in his demeanor. Minnesota's energetic governor exudes Minnesota Nice even when he's lampooning special interest groups that annually issue reports and request "truckloads of money."
Open Forum
Lately, as some of you may be aware, the United Church of Christ (UCC), the denomination with which Brainerd's First Congregational Church is affiliated, has been in the news.
Open Forum
I am at a loss for words, our city government has finally done something outstanding by appointing Fred Underhill as the new fire chief! A very wise decision. We finally have a chief who is for the fire department. He will do an excellent job. I commend him for the job he has already done as the interim chief.
OUR OPINION: FIRE CHIEF
There's no hard and fast rule regarding the recruitment of leaders. Sometimes a person from outside the system, someone with a fresh perspective, is the best solution. Other times an organization grows its own leaders.
What do you think?
Write us a letter or send us an e-mail
CHURCHES
The children of the First Congregational United Church of Christ, Brainerd, directed by Heidi Hahn, will present a Christmas program titled "Star of Wonder" during the 10 a.m. church service Sunday. A turkey potluck dinner will follow the service.
The best kept secret
One day I stopped at a small cafe for lunch and was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food and the price.
Controversial commercial
With all the sex, profanity and graphic scenes on television today, some viewers think TV networks are becoming more lenient with what they air.
Brainerd ties Eagles
ST. CLOUD -- Goals by Ryan Peltoma and Zach Lundbohm brought the Brainerd Warriors boys' hockey team back from a 2-0 third period deficit to earn a tie against the St. Cloud Apollo Eagles in a Central Lakes Conference game Thursday.
Snow or not, Alpine season begins
The Brainerd Warriors Alpine ski team is in the midst of a seemingly endless tradition -- preparing to open its season without having skied on snow.
Cardinals in a race for the Challenge Cup
With the fall sports season officially over, the Staples-Motley Cardinals find themselves in seventh place in the 2004-05 Minnesota State High School League's Challenge Cup.
Baker contributes in a variety of ways
When Mike Baker's on the ice something's cooking for the Brainerd Warriors.
Pirates win third straight
VERNDALE -- Chelsa Beaver recorded a double-double, scoring a career high 10 points and grabbing 15 rebounds to help the Verndale Pirates girls' basketball team to its third straight win in a 46-38 victory over the Sebeka Trojans Thursday.
Scoreboard
Area events
Abrahamson, Ebert post wins
HILL CITY -- Kylie Abrahamson of Brainerd and Dan Ebert of Lakeshore raced to victories at the WSA MN North Snocross Series opener last weekend at Park X.
Gobblers pin Hibbing
HIBBING -- Andrew Shavinsky, Justin Chounard, Brett Mlynar and B.J. Wasserzieher had pins for the Aitkin Gobblers in Tuesday's 45-15 victory over the Hibbing Bluejackets in non-conference wrestling.
Repeat quest begins
In the last year the words "state championship" and "Pierz Pioneers" have been synonymous.
Mehr leads Warriors in season-opening win
COLD SPRING -- The Brainerd Warriors men's swimming and diving team picked up a 104-74 win in its season opening Central Lakes Conference matchup Thursday over the Rocori Spartans.
Sheley shoots Pats to victory
PEQUOT LAKES -- Tucker Sheley scored 18 points to lead the Pequot Lakes Patriots boys' basketball team to a 63-57 win over the Walker-Hackensack-Akeley Wolves Thursday.
Detroit Lakes tames Tigers
DETROIT LAKES -- The Pine River-Backus Tigers were limited to two points in the third quarter of Tuesday's 60-23 Mid-State Conference boys' basketball loss to the Detroit Lakes Lakers.
Flyers roar past Prairie Center
LONG PRAIRIE -- Joey Cotton scored two goals and assisted on three others as the Little Falls Flyers boys' hockey team downed Prairie Center 11-1 Thursday.
Rockets blast Pioneers
ROCKFORD -- Pierz's Kristin Sczublewski scored 13 points and had seven steals but the Rockford Rockets, ranked No. 7 in Class 2A, came away with a 75-46 Central Minnesota Conference victory Tuesday.
B-H/V runs over Road Crew
BERTHA -- Ethan Kern, Aaron and Sam Moenkedick, Jasper Oyster and Colin Cotros all picked up pins as the Bertha-Hewitt/Verndale Raiders wrestling team beat the Pequot Lakes/Pine River-Backus Road Crew 53-25 Thursday.
Sports shorts
Brainerd Warriors boys' hockey coach Ty Eigner will be the speaker at the Brainerd Sports Boosters Club meeting, which begins noon Thursday at the Moose Lodge.
Sports shorts
Koumei Dojo of Brainerd took home 12 first-place medals, six seconds and one third at the Greater Midwestern Jiu-Jitsu Tournament Dec. 4.
Wasland resurrects Flyers
KIMBALL -- Little Falls' Tim Wasland was the individual winner at the St. Cloud Tech Invitational Thursday, finishing with a winning time of 6:09. The Little Falls boys placed third while the girls finished ninth.
Brainerd edges Sauk Rapids
SAUK RAPIDS -- Maggie Freiday took second place in the all-around and teammate Lauren Deyo took third to help the Brainerd Warriors gymnastics team past the Sauk Rapids Storm 134.775 to 133.4 in a Central Lakes Conference meet Thursday.
Scoreboard
Area events
Wisconsin state forecast
Dense fog advisory in effect until 8 am far southeast...
State forecast for Iowa
Today...Cloudy. Areas of drizzle in the morning. Scattered light
State forecast for Minnesota
Today...Occasional light rain and snow mixed east central to south
State forecast for N.D.
A winter weather advisory north and east today...
Let's celebrate the season
Weather drawing by Kaitlyn Bible of Mrs. Larson's fifth grade class at Harrison school.
Winter clothing
Weather drawing by Allie Morris of Mrs. Meyer's third grade class at Riverside school.
State forecast for N.D.
Today...Partly to mostly cloudy. Highs in the lower 20s northeast
State forecast for Minnesota
Winter weather advisory extreme northwest minnesota until 4 pm...
State forecast for S.D.
Today...Partly cloudy west. Cloudy and windy in the east this morning with a chance of light snow or flurries. Decreasing clouds late in the east. Highs from near 30 northeast to around 50 southwest.
State forecast for Iowa
Dense fog advisory until 1000 am for northwest iowa...
State forecast for S.D.
Dense fog advisory through 10 am cst southern i-29 corridor...
Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Cloudy or mostly cloudy. Some light snow or freezing rain possible northwest...A chance for rain elsewhere. Highs from the mid 30s north to the mid 40s south.